Patents Issued in January 25, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180022355
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is able to select series-parallel mode by engaging a clutch (C1) or a brake (B1) and releasing a clutch (CS), and is able to select series mode by releasing both the clutch (C1) and the brake (B1) and engaging the clutch (CS). The hybrid vehicle includes a simultaneous supply prevention valve (550) that prevents simultaneous engagement of the clutch (CS) and at least one of the clutch (CI) or the brake (B1). When a signal pressure of at least one of hydraulic pressure for engaging the clutch (C1) or hydraulic pressure for engaging the brake (B1) is input to the simultaneous supply prevention valve (550), the simultaneous supply prevention valve (550) is switched to a state where supply of hydraulic pressure to the clutch (CS) is cut off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidehiko BANSHOYA, Kiyonori TAKAGI, Atsushi KAWAMOTO, Haruhisa SUZUKI, Tatsuya IMAMURA, Toshiki KANADA, Atsushi TABATA
  • Publication number: 20180022356
    Abstract: A LIDAR sensor is mountable to a vehicle exterior with a field of view including a vehicle interior view first portion and a vehicle exterior view first portion. Data can be received from the LIDAR sensor. A state of a vehicle occupant can be determined based at least in part on data from the LIDAR sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: James Robert McBride
  • Publication number: 20180022357
    Abstract: A safety level indication arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a first camera capturing first images of an environment surrounding the motor vehicle. A second camera captures second images of a driver of the motor vehicle. A microphone is associated with the passenger compartment and produces a microphone signal dependent upon sounds within the passenger compartment. At least one vehicle sensor detects an operational parameter of the motor vehicle. A display device is associated with the passenger compartment. A loudspeaker is associated with the passenger compartment. An electronic processor ascertains a safety level based on the first images and the operational parameter of the motor vehicle. The electronic processor determines how to present the ascertained safety level to the driver by use of the display device and/or the loudspeaker. The determining is dependent upon the second images and the microphone signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: TOSHIHIKO MORI, YASUHIRO TSUCHIDA
  • Publication number: 20180022358
    Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle systems includes receiving monitoring information from one or more monitoring systems and determining a plurality of driver states based on the monitoring information from the one or more monitoring systems. The method includes determining a combined driver state based on the plurality of driver states and modifying control of one or more vehicle systems based on the combined driver state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Kin C. Fung, Timothy J. Dick
  • Publication number: 20180022359
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling at least one predefined function of an electronic multi-function apparatus usable during travel by a vehicle driver is provided. The electronic multi-function apparatus is connected to a control unit of the vehicle by a communication link. Data of the vehicle driver and/or data on the journey is acquired, and on the basis of the acquired data at least one characteristic value which is characteristic of the degree of loading of the vehicle driver by his current vehicle control process is formed. The at least one predefined function of the electronic multi-function apparatus is controlled based on the at least one characteristic value in such a way that a degree of loading of the vehicle driver when using the function is matched to the degree of loading of the vehicle driver corresponding to the current vehicle control process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Dominik GUSENBAUER, Olga KARSUNKE, Anastasia PETROU, Christian SPIES, Markus STRASSBERGER
  • Publication number: 20180022360
    Abstract: A method for processing at least one parameter of a trip or an event of a vehicle for a vehicle. The method includes at least one step of reading in, one step of mapping and one step of providing. In the step of reading in, a driving parameter signal is read in, which represents at least the parameter of the trip or of the event of the vehicle. In the step of mapping, the driving parameter signal is mapped by using a linear representation in order to obtain mapped driving parameter coefficients. In the step of providing, the mapped driving parameter coefficients are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Matthias Kammerer
  • Publication number: 20180022361
    Abstract: A system and method for performing self-learning for adaptively achieving passenger comfort enhancement in an autonomous vehicle. The system comprises a plurality of sensor inputs. Each sensor input provides data representative of voice responses and image responses from a passenger in the vehicle. A controller is coupled to the plurality of sensor inputs. The controller generates and updates a reward function that includes a plurality of driving state transitions. The reward function is updated based on destination information and the data representative of the voice and image responses. The controller further generates a goal function that determines an optimized driving state transition updates the goal function based on the updated reward function and a previous goal function. The controller also generates a vehicle speed control signal, based on the updated goal function, to control the speed of the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Lei Rao, Jian Li, Ron-Chung Hu
  • Publication number: 20180022362
    Abstract: A sanding system for a rail vehicle includes a housing of a cellular wheel sluice having an inlet located at the top and an outlet located at the bottom, a pivotably mounted cellular wheel having a plurality of cells, and a motor that is coupled with the cellular wheel. The sanding system further includes a container connected to the inlet of the cellular wheel sluice for receiving brake sand, or a feed line connected to the inlet of the cellular wheel sluice for transporting brake sand, and a discharge line connected to the outlet of the cellular wheel sluice for transporting brake sand. The motor for driving the cellular wheel is thereby arranged above the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Georg KRISMANIC, Andreas LANG, Albert SCHNEIDER
  • Publication number: 20180022363
    Abstract: A bogie assembly for a rail vehicle comprises a bogie frame, two wheel axles supporting the bogie frame, a primary of a linear induction motor and two motor mounts. The two motor mounts are located proximate a different extremity of the primary and support the linear induction motor underneath the bogie frame. Each one of the two motor mounts has a bogie interface, a motor interface, a first spring, a conical spring, a core pin and a nut. The first spring is connected to the bogie interface on the bogie side while the conical spring is connected to the same bogie interface on the motor side. The core pin extends sequentially from the motor interface through the conical spring, then through the bogie interface and finally through the first spring where it is held in place by the nut on the other side of the first spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Peter Timan
  • Publication number: 20180022364
    Abstract: A railcar system that includes a first railcar comprising a first plurality of decks and a first plurality of end doors adjacent to a respective deck of the first plurality of decks. The railcar system further comprises a second railcar comprising a second plurality of decks and a second plurality of end doors adjacent to a respective deck of the second plurality of decks. Each of the first plurality of end doors and the second plurality of end doors is configurable between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. The railcar system is further configured such that when a first end door of the first plurality of end doors of the first railcar is in its horizontal orientation it aligns with a second end door of the second plurality of end doors of the second railcar when the second end door is in its horizontal orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Huck
  • Publication number: 20180022365
    Abstract: A wall configuration for a vehicle includes a sandwich panel having a core layer provided on either side with a respective metallic cover layer. Edge portions of the cover layers on at least one side of the sandwich panel project from an end face of the core layer. A metal connecting profile has an edge portion inserted into an interspace between the two projecting edge portions of the cover layers. Inner sides of the projecting edge portions of the cover layers are each structurally connected to an associated outer surface of the inserted edge portion of the connecting profile by a respective structural adhesive or bonding layer. At least one of the projecting edge portions of the cover layers is electrically conductively connected to the abutting the edge portion of the connecting profile by a weld seam at a distance from the adhesive-bonding layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: STEPHAN BISSELS, STEFAN WANCZURA
  • Publication number: 20180022366
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises a railcar door for accessing an interior of the railcar, and a storage box comprising an access opening. The storage box is disposed such that when the railcar door is in a closed position, the railcar door prevents access to the storage box access opening, and when the railcar door is in an open position, the storage box access opening is accessible. In some embodiments the railcar door comprises a double door, and the storage box comprises a first portion coupled to a first door and a second portion coupled to a second door and adjacent to the first portion of the storage box. The first portion of the storage box prevents access to the second portion when the double doors are in a closed position. In some embodiments, the storage box is recessed into the railcar floor beneath the railcar door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Huck, Jerry W. Vande Sande
  • Publication number: 20180022367
    Abstract: An axle-counting method for railbound vehicles includes the following method steps: coupling light into at least one sensor fiber, wherein the sensor fiber includes at least one fiber Bragg grating mounted on a rail, wherein each fiber Bragg grating has a reflection spectrum having a reflection peak which is at a Bragg wavelength and has a full width at half maximum; generating a difference signal from two shear stress signals through detection and filtering the temporal intensity course of the light power reflected by two Fiber Bragg gratings which are arranged at a separation from one another; and generating a wheel signal if the difference signal exceeds a predetermined shear stress difference limiting value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Kassen Oldewurtel, Rainer Klemm, Mathias Mueller
  • Publication number: 20180022368
    Abstract: In the train data transmission system for a train including a plurality of cars, a front car of the train includes: a front car control device that is a central control device configured to send and receive data to and from a control device of a train information management device installed in a following car; an on-board instrument configured to send state information to the front car control device, and receive a control command from the front car control device; and a display device configured to request data from the front car control device using a transmission data format, and receive the data from the front car control device in accordance with the transmission data format. An address is assigned only to data of the front car in the transmission data format, and the display device allocates data of the following car in sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shogo TATSUMI, Ryoichi WATANABE, Tokiko SHIBASAKI, Hiromi GODA
  • Publication number: 20180022369
    Abstract: A system includes a locator device and one or more processors operably connected to the locator device. The locator device determines a trailing distance between a trailing vehicle system that travels along a route and a leading vehicle system that travels along the route ahead of the trailing vehicle system in a same direction of travel. The one or more processors compare the trailing distance to a first proximity distance relative to the leading vehicle system. In response to the trailing distance being less than the first proximity distance, the one or more processors set a permitted power output limit for the trailing vehicle system to be less than a maximum achievable power output for the trailing vehicle system, the permitted power output limit being set based on a power-to-weight ratio of the leading vehicle system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: James D. BROOKS, Hullas SEHGAL
  • Publication number: 20180022370
    Abstract: A luggage cart assembly including multiple luggage containers which are vertically arranged, and one or more of the containers are pivotable such that the container can be accessed without having to move the other containers, where the container includes first and second attachment members to attach the container to the luggage cart. When the first attachment member is detached from the luggage cart and the second attachment member remains attached to the luggage cart, the container is pivotable relative to luggage cart and the container is supported by the second attachment member. The first and second containers may be vertically separated from one another in some embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Allen Bowen, Sheryl Handler
  • Publication number: 20180022371
    Abstract: A pet stroller with a removable divider for elevated seating within a canopy enclosed seating area is provided. The pet stroller has a frame assembly and a cloth platform enclosure connected to a platform enclosure member to define a base and a sidewall of a pet seating area. Upper and lower canopy bars are pivotably connected to the handle and are pivotable to extend or retract a canopy over the pet seating area. A cloth canopy assembly is connected to the handle and a canopy bar. The canopy is connectable to the platform enclosure member to form an enclosed pet seating area. The divider is removably located in the pet seating area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Vermont Juvenile Furniture Mfg., Inc. a/k/a Pet Gear Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Jakubowski, Todd Jakubowski, Kristen Jakubowski
  • Publication number: 20180022372
    Abstract: A foldable stroller frame comprising a lower frame. The lower frame has a front frame section and a rear frame section which are pivotal relative to one another. The lower frame also has a hinge device linking the front frame section to the rear frame section. The hinge device has at least two parts pivotally coupled together and rotatable about a movable axis of rotation between a deployed state and a collapsed state. The hinge device also has a handle arranged along the axis of rotation for grasping by a user to enable the hinge device to be operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Michael John Oakes
  • Publication number: 20180022373
    Abstract: A frame structure of a perambulator, a child seat, an infant carrier or the like, includes a profiled frame element which along a profile direction of the frame element has a substantially constant cross-section, wherein the profiled frame element includes an at least predominantly closed cross-section, and wherein the profiled fame element has an inwardly projecting first protrusion which is configured to be brought into engagement with a fastening arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Brendon VERMILLION, Joakim EDVARDSSON, Martin JONASSON, Christian PERSSON
  • Publication number: 20180022374
    Abstract: A steering wheel grip detection device includes a series circuit including an inductance element, a thermostat incorporated into a steering wheel, and a heater incorporated into the steering wheel; an electrostatic sensor circuit that detects a grip of the steering wheel by means of an electric or electromagnetic field; and a voltage detecting circuit that detects an open/closed state of the thermostat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: SHINJI FUJIKAWA, YUTA OKAZAKI, HIROSHI NAITOU, TSUYOSHI NISHIO, NOBUHARU KATSUKI
  • Publication number: 20180022375
    Abstract: A pair of clamp parts (38 and 38) are provided on both sides of a front end portion of an outer column (11a) in a width direction and enclosed in three directions by slit portions. The clamp parts bent when an interval of inside surfaces of a pair of support plate units constituting an upper bracket is reduced so as to elastically sandwich an outer peripheral surface of an inner column (10a). First and second surfaces (49a and 49b) are provided on both sides of the outer column (11a) in the width direction and are spaced apart in a vertical direction such that each of the pair of clamp parts (38 and 38) is arranged therebetween, and such that torque acting on the outer column (11a) via the first and second surfaces is transmitted to inner surfaces of the support plate units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Suguru SUGISHITA
  • Publication number: 20180022376
    Abstract: A tilt spring (72) is provided in a state being bridged between an upper bracket (17a) and an adjusting rod (24a). An upward biasing force is exerted on the adjusting rod (24a). A pair of rollers (63) are rotatably supported by the adjusting rod (24a). The force from the tilt spring (72) is transmitted to an outer column (11a) via the pair of rollers (63).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Suguru SUGISHITA
  • Publication number: 20180022377
    Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus that achieves a desired steering characteristic in minutely steering at on-center, suppresses frictional feeling, and improves linear steering feeling at on-center, and a control apparatus that determines a parameter. The apparatus calculates a current command value by using an assist map related to a steering torque and a vehicle speed, drives a motor based on the current command value, and assists and controls a steering system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro TSUBAKI
  • Publication number: 20180022378
    Abstract: A control device for an AC rotary machine includes an AC rotary machine having m sets of n-phase windings, a current detector, a power converter, and a control unit that calculates voltage commands on the basis of respective differences between a current command for the AC rotary machine and current detection values obtained by the current detector, and outputs ON/OFF signals to high potential side switching elements and low potential side switching elements of the power converter by comparing applied voltages calculated on the basis of the voltage commands with a carrier wave signal, wherein the current detector, when detecting currents flowing through the n-phase windings on the basis of currents flowing through current detection resistance elements that are inserted in series into the low potential side switching elements, obtains current detection values at two or more fixed timings over a single period of the carrier wave signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Akira FURUKAWA
  • Publication number: 20180022379
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power steering device 1 having a control unit 33 equipped with an abnormality detection circuit 50. The abnormality detection circuit 50 is configured to judge the occurrence of an abnormality in the power steering device when a peak level Trp of a frequency component of a steering torque Tr etc. that periodically changes in a frequency range of 20 to 25 Hz becomes higher than a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuo SASAKI, Makoto GOTO
  • Publication number: 20180022380
    Abstract: A hydraulic drive arrangement (1) for the pressure supply of a hydraulic steering system (20), particularly for construction or agricultural machines, including a hydraulic pump (2) and an electric drive. It is essential that the electric drive is designed in a redundant fashion and has two separately controlled electric drive engines (3a, 3b), which are mechanically coupled via the hydraulic pump (2) in a rigid fashion, and that the separate control circuits (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b) are provided by which a variable load distribution can be specified for the electric drive engines (3a, 3b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Weber-Hydraulik GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Naumann, Torsten Winkler
  • Publication number: 20180022381
    Abstract: Provided is a power steering device capable of causing control that uses a pump device and control that uses an electric motor on an input shaft to cooperate with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuo MATSUMURA, Masaki WATANABE
  • Publication number: 20180022382
    Abstract: A target steering angle calculator calculates, based on a target curvature, a target steering angle representing a steering angle of the vehicle at a target position. A current steering-angle obtainer obtains a current steering angle representing a steering angle of the vehicle at a current position. A steering controller controls the steering of the vehicle to cause the current steering angle to follow the target steering angle. A distance estimator estimates, based on at least one of the environmental information around the vehicle and control information about the vehicle, a visible distance representing a distance visibly recognizable by the driver of the vehicle to a front of the vehicle. The target curvature obtainer uses the visible distance as the target distance to obtain the target curvature at the predetermined target position that has the visible distance away from the current position along the road in the travelling direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Hisaya AKATSUKA, Hiroshi INOU
  • Publication number: 20180022383
    Abstract: A driving support apparatus for a vehicle comprising a steering device that steers steerable wheels, and a control unit configured to execute a running control in which a steered angle of the steerable wheels is changed by controlling the steering device, the control unit being configured to calculate a deviation between an index value of a target running state of the vehicle and an index value of an actual running state, to calculate a target change amount of the steered angle based on the index value deviation, to control the steering device so that a change amount of the steered angle conforms to the target change amount, and to limit a magnitude of a time change rate of the steered angle changed by the running control when one of a magnitude of the index value deviation and a magnitude of the target change amount exceeds a reference value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoji KUNIHIRO, Yoshio KUDO, Takahiro KOJO, Yoshiaki SUZUKI, Masao UEYAMA, Takeshi GOTO, Yukihide KIMURA, Masateru AMANO
  • Publication number: 20180022384
    Abstract: A steering control apparatus controls an assistance torque outputted by a motor connected to a steering system mechanism that generates a steering torque. In the steering control apparatus, a load calculating unit estimates or detects a load acting on a steering shaft of the steering system mechanism. A target steering torque calculating unit calculates a target steering torque that is a target value of the steering torque, based on the estimated or detected load. A servo controller calculates a command value of the assistance torque such that a torque deviation that is a difference between the steering torque and the target steering torque is zero. A band correcting unit includes a band correction filter that extracts a component of a specific frequency band during a process of calculation from the load to the target steering torque, and corrects a gain of a predetermined transfer function at the extracted band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Motoaki KATAOKA, Yosuke HIRATE
  • Publication number: 20180022385
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a steering action of a driver of a vehicle. The method includes exerting an automated steering torque on a steering system of the vehicle, reducing the automated steering torque and detecting a movement of the steering system and/or a force of the steering system and/or a lateral movement of the vehicle in response to the reduction of the automated steering torque, to monitor the steering action of the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Chengxuan Fu
  • Publication number: 20180022386
    Abstract: An angle sensor includes a detection signal generation unit for generating detection signals, an angle detection unit for generating a detected angle value on the basis of the detection signals, and a condition determination apparatus. The condition determination apparatus includes a determination value generation unit for generating a determination value to be used for determining the condition of the angle sensor, and a determination unit for determining the condition of the angle sensor. The angle detection unit includes a common correction processing unit for performing common correction processing for converting uncorrected signals, which have correspondence with the detection signals, into common corrected signals to be used for the generation of the detected angle value and the generation of the determination value. The common correction processing reduces an angular error occurring in the detected angle value, and narrows the variation range of the determination value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuya WATANABE, Hiraku HIRABAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20180022387
    Abstract: Suitable for frame vehicles, the kit provides a frame to be mounted on the chassis with attachment devices at a head section and at a middle section of the frame that supports an electric motor, a transmission and at least one battery system. Replacement of the conventional engine and transmission by the frame-mounted unit can be fast. The frame can be attached at the middle section using shear bolts to avoid impeding a crumple of the chassis during a front impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Duy-An TA, Noël GIGUÈRE, François-Nicolas LANCIAULT
  • Publication number: 20180022388
    Abstract: A vehicle frame includes: a pair of right and left side frames; plural cross members connecting the pair of right and left side frames; and a pair of right and left push members obliquely extending forward and also toward the outside in the vehicle width direction, from right and left ends of one of the cross members in front of a cabin. The frame further includes: a pair of right and left first diagonal members obliquely extending backward from positions opposing the push members across one cross member to connect the one cross member with an intermediate portion of another cross member behind the one cross member; and a second diagonal member obliquely extending backward in V shape from a position opposing the first diagonal members across the other cross member to connect the other cross member with inner surfaces of the right and left side frames behind it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR LIGHT TRUCK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takemi Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20180022389
    Abstract: An auxiliary device is provided in a space below a portion of a floor panel which is positioned between a floor frame and a tunnel side member which extend in a longitudinal direction, members which extend in a vehicle width direction and straddle the floor frame which is positioned on the side of the auxiliary device and a tunnel side member which is positioned on the opposite side to the auxiliary device, and a yield strength of the vehicle width direction of tunnel corresponding portions, in a width direction, of the members which correspond to a tunnel portion is set to be lower than that of auxiliary-device corresponding portions, in the width direction, of the members which correspond to the auxiliary device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro KAGEYAMA, Junichi TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20180022390
    Abstract: A child drift car comprises a car frame, a wheel assembly, a seat, a driving mechanism and a direction control mechanism; the wheel assembly comprises a driving wheel assembly, and the driving wheel assembly comprises driving wheels, and an axle fixedly connected to the driving wheels; the driving mechanism comprises a driver and a transmission device; the direction control mechanism comprises a steering column, a steering wheel fixedly connected to the steering column, and a steering device separately connected to the steering column and the driving wheel assembly; the driving mechanism further comprises a main shaft rotatably disposed on the car frame along its own axis and driven by the transmission device to rotate, and the main shaft is connected to the axle through a universal joint. When the driving wheels turn, the speed of the driving wheels is not affected, and a higher drifting speed can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Hui CAI, Guobao TONG
  • Publication number: 20180022391
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes an operator area having a front seating section and a rear seating section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Lutz, Richard D. Ripley, Brent A. Erspamer, Brian J. Seidel
  • Publication number: 20180022392
    Abstract: A rocker (2) of a vehicle, the vehicle and the rocker (2) comprising a main elongation axis, a width axis (Y) and a height axis (Z), a lower portion and an upper portion, the rocker (2) further comprising a central core (3) comprising a length along the main elongation axis and a height along the height axis (Z); two hollow units (4, 5) extending along the length and on one side and the other of the central core (3), such that one of the units (4) is closer to the outside of the vehicle (1) than the other unit (5), and a cross-section of the units in the main elongation axis, forms a closed polygon on the length of the central core (3); and two flanges (6) projecting from the lower and upper portions of the rocker (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: AUTOTECH ENGINEERING A.I.E.
    Inventors: Emmanuel LEROY, Vincent BARELLI
  • Publication number: 20180022393
    Abstract: A mud flap system for a tractor is described. The mud flap system includes brackets that clamp or secure to a frame of the tractor. Lateral extensions engage to the brackets to support covers over a top surface of rear wheels of the tractor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Dean West
  • Publication number: 20180022394
    Abstract: A composite structure includes a metallic plate and a cured-plastic sheet. The metallic plate has and an external boundary and a centrally located offset protruding towards a first side. The metallic plate defines at least one aperture extending through a thickness of the metallic plate. The cured-plastic sheet is secured to the first side of the metallic plate. The cured-plastic sheet extends beyond the boundary and into the at least one aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: Ari Garo CALISKAN
  • Publication number: 20180022395
    Abstract: A composite material structure is provided a metal member and a resin member. The metal member is formed in a planar shape that has a main surface. The resin member is bonded to the main surface of the metal member. The metal member has a thermal expansion coefficient in a first direction along the main surface is larger than a thermal expansion coefficient in a second direction along the main surface. The second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. The resin member is formed of a fiber-reinforced resin having a fiber quantity in the second direction that is larger than a fiber quantity in the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Yukihiro HAMADA, Hiroshi OOKUBO
  • Publication number: 20180022396
    Abstract: There are provided a floor panel, a tunnel portion which is provided to protrude at the floor panel, a pair of right-and-left tunnel side frames, a pair of right-and-left floor frames, and a band plate which is made from carbon fiber reinforced plastic, an inward end portion which being connected to the tunnel side frame and an outward end portion of which being connected to the floor frame, wherein the band plate portion includes a first displacement following portion which is configured to be displaced, following displacement of the tunnel side frame and a second displacement following portion which is configured to be displaced, following displacement of the floor frame, and the first displacement following portion and the second displacement following portion are configured to be asymmetrical relatively to a longitudinal-directional axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji NISHIDA, Kohya NAKAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20180022397
    Abstract: A structural reinforcement comprising a base reinforcing structure including a plurality of ribs and having a first surface and a second surface, an expandable adhesive material located onto a first portion of the first surface, and a sealant material located around an edge of the second surface, the second surface being substantially free of any of the plurality of ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Henry E. Richardson, Alexander G. Mangiapane
  • Publication number: 20180022398
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a floor cooperating with the first and second sidewalls to at least partially define a cargo area. A cargo system is provided on an upper surface of at least one of the first and second sidewalls of the storage compartment. The cargo system includes at least one rail disposed on and extending longitudinally along an upper surface of one or more of the first and second sidewalls, the at least one rail having an elongate rail body including one or more slots provided therein. At least one support mechanism including at least one member is adjustably positioned on the rail body between a stored position wherein an inner surface of the at least one member at least partially covers the rail body and a deployed position wherein the inner surface is positioned to receive and support one or more items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Eric E. Schlaupitz, Kyle Zidek, Peter C. Baron, Scott Parish, Keith C. Berry, William J. Majewski
  • Publication number: 20180022399
    Abstract: A trailer may include a tailgate stabilizing mechanism to reduce movement of the tailgate during transport in order to reduce wear and tear. A knob is mounted at or near an edge of the tailgate. A cup which may be mounted at or formed in a mating gusset, bracket, or flange, is sized and shaped fittingly to receive the knob. The mating gusset, bracket, or flange is mounted to the container and positioned to receive the knob in the cup when the tailgate is closed. A locking mechanism may be configured to press on the tailgate when closed so as to compress the knob in the cup to reduce further movement of the tailgate. The knob may be removable and replaceable, and thus may be replaced following wear and tear of the knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew Joseph MAERTENS, Michael KLOEPFER
  • Publication number: 20180022400
    Abstract: The invention relates to a goods storage trailer including connection means to allow the trailer to be connected to a tractor unit and a plurality of wheels which allow the trailer to be moved along a surface. The trailer is formed by a base, opposing sidewalls, opposing end walls, a roof and a deck located intermediate the roof and base so as to define two storage areas within the cavity of the trailer. At one of the ends, there is provided a door assembly which is movable between open and closed positions to allow access to the cavity and the base is formed by a plurality of portions at different heights with respect to said support surface and the floor of the base and the upper deck are used to locate goods thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventor: William Mark Adams
  • Publication number: 20180022401
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cab suspension for a tiltable cab of a commercial vehicle, preferably a front cab-suspension. The cab suspension includes two brackets for mounting on a frame construction of the commercial vehicle in a manner fixed to the frame, a vibration construction for damping movements of the cab whilst the commercial vehicle is travelling, wherein the vibration construction has two lateral bearing portions and a cross-element connecting the bearing portions, and a torsion-bar construction for tilting the cab. The cab suspension is particularly notable in that the brackets have a ramp structure along which the vibration construction may be guided backwards and upwards in the event of a frontal collision and/or the vibration construction and the torsion-bar construction are functionally separate from one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Klemens Täuber, Martin Moser, Rudolf Bramberger
  • Publication number: 20180022402
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprising dampening movement of a cab supported by a chassis according to at least one dampening component; receiving plural inputs from at least one sensor and a seat suspension system; and based on the received plural inputs, causing an adjustment to the dampening movement of the cab according to the at least one dampening component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin J. Hamilton, Daniel Soldan
  • Publication number: 20180022403
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling downforce for vehicles. In accordance with one embodiment, a vehicle includes one or more downforce elements, one or more sensors, and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to measure one or more parameter values for the vehicle during operation of the vehicle. The processor is coupled to the downforce elements and to the one or more sensors. The processor is configured to at least facilitate adjusting a downforce for the vehicle, during operation of the vehicle, based on the one or more parameter values, by providing instructions for controlling the one or more downforce elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: JASON D. FAHLAND, JOSHUA R. AUDEN, EDWARD T. HEIL, DAVID DOMINGUEZ
  • Publication number: 20180022404
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for mitigating turbulent air for vehicles. In accordance with one embodiment, a vehicle includes one or more downforce elements, one or more sensors, and a processor. The one or more sensors are configured to obtain one or more parameter values for the vehicle during operation of the vehicle. The processor is processor coupled to the one or more sensors, and is configured to at least facilitate determining whether turbulent air for the vehicle is likely using the parameters, and adjusting a downforce for the vehicle, during operation of the vehicle, by providing instructions for controlling the one or more downforce elements when it is determined that turbulent air for the vehicle is likely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: JASON D. FAHLAND, JOSHUA R. AUDEN, DAVID DOMINGUEZ, SAMANTHA J. BRAY