Patents Issued in February 8, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180037047
    Abstract: A binding apparatus including a plurality of generally coaxially arranged binding coils. Each binding coil includes a pair of generally parallel wires terminating in a tip. Each binding coil is coupled to an adjacent binding coil by a connection portion extending generally parallel to an axis of the binding apparatus. At least one binding coil is directly circumferentially attached to itself, or to a connection portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Richied
  • Publication number: 20180037048
    Abstract: This invention is a bottle-mounted greeting card upon which graphics and/or text may be displayed for viewing. The card is comprised of integrated bottle flaps that enable adhesion and/or attachment by means to a cylindrical form and 2) the creation of an central window within the confines of the greeting card through which the label of the bottle becomes viewable when the greeting card is attached to the bottle, when otherwise the label on the bottle would be hidden or rendered out of view without said central window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Kight, Stephanie Reed
  • Publication number: 20180037049
    Abstract: An optically variable see-through security element for securing value objects with a flat, optically variable area pattern that in transmission shows a colored appearance with a viewing-angle-dependent, polychrome color change. The optically variable area pattern includes a multiplicity of facets acting in a substantially ray-optical manner, and the orientation is distinguished in each case by an inclination angle ? relative to the plane of the area pattern, which inclination angle is between 0° and 45°, and by an azimuth angle ? in the plane of the area pattern. The facets are supplied with an interference layer with a viewing-angle-dependent color change in transmitted light. The optically variable area pattern includes at least two subregions having a multiplicity of identically oriented facets. The facets of the at least two subregions differ from each other with respect to the inclination angle relative to the plane and/or the azimuth angle in the plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Christian FUHSE
  • Publication number: 20180037050
    Abstract: A writing instrument attachment includes first and second band portions and a coupling mechanism. The first band portion include a first inner surface defining a passageway along a longitudinal axis and a first outer surface having a first outer radius that encompasses the first inner surface. The second band portion is integrally affixed to an end of the first band portion. The second band portion includes a second inner surface defining a chamber along the longitudinal axis having an inner radius that is greater than the first outer radius. The coupling mechanism includes a groove located at a first position on the second inner surface and a tab located at a second position on the outer surface. The first position and the second position are collinear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Annette Michelle Marshall, Mellissa Dianne Craig
  • Publication number: 20180037051
    Abstract: Non-porous thermofoil decorative objects and a method for thermoforming such objects are disclosed herein. A preferred embodiment of the decorative object comprises a non-porous substrate and a thermofoil thermoformed to the substrate. The substrate of this embodiment has a top surface, a flat bottom surface, and an exhaust port extending from the top surface to and bottom surface. The thermofoil of this embodiment is thermoformed onto the top surface and the edges of the substrate and covers the exhaust port from the top. An exemplary exhaust port can be located at any location of the substrate, but if the top surface of the embodiment additionally has a steeply raised level, the exhaust port is preferably located at an edge of the raised level. A preferred diameter of the exhaust port is 1/32?-5/32? and most preferably 3/32?.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Cordovana, Thomas Cashman
  • Publication number: 20180037052
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic clay composition which does not harden and thus can be repeatedly shaped without water while maintaining the shape for a long time and, particularly, to a novel synthetic clay composition and a method for preparing the same. The synthetic clay composition is soluble in water, and thus can be easily washed and is highly safe for the human body. Further, the synthetic clay composition is light and can be repeatedly newly shaped as desired. In addition, the synthetic clay composition has an excellent ability to maintain a shape, and thus can maintain the same shape in an agglomerated form for a long time, and can be used for play such as throwing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Hyun Cho
  • Publication number: 20180037053
    Abstract: A painting rack assembly, including a frame portion having a first pair of spaced, parallel elongated members, a second pair of spaced, parallel semi-elongated members connected to the first pair of spaced, parallel elongated members to define a parallelogram further defining a working plane, a respective centered pivotable connector operationally connected to each respective semi-elongated member, and a plurality of fabric connection assemblies operationally connected to and distributed around the parallelogram, and a support assembly operationally connected to the frame portion having a pair of elongated support members, each respective elongated support member connected to a respective pivotable connector at one end and having a connection socket at the other, oppositely disposed end, and a pair of spaced elongated stabilizing members extending orthogonally from each respective elongated support member and oriented parallel to the working plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: David Murrow
  • Publication number: 20180037054
    Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire having a hub and a compliant outer band connected by multiple rows of connecting members, the connecting members of a given row of connecting members angled in a like direction and the predominant curvature of each connecting member resulting in the majority of the connecting member positioned toward a preferred intended direction of rotation of the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventors: Steven M. CRON, Timothy Brett RHYNE
  • Publication number: 20180037055
    Abstract: A wheel for vehicle 1 is provided with a disc 10 and a rim 20 and has a braking device 30 housed therein. An annular flange portion 41 protruded inward from a bead seat portion 22 in a radial direction of the wheel 1 is disposed at an end of the rim 20 on a side opposite to the disc 10. The flange portion 41 has an inclined surface 41a on a side opposite to the disc 10. The flange portion 41 is inclined toward the disc 10 in a direction toward a central axis L of the wheel 1. The inclined surface 41a acts to reduce air resistance at the wheel 1 while the vehicle is running and guides a portion of an underfloor airflow to an inner space of the wheel 1 to secure an amount of air for cooling the braking device 30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Masaki Kawai, Jiro Yazawa
  • Publication number: 20180037056
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel system for motor vehicles includes a central wheel disc having an attachment flange for arrangement on a chassis component, and having a brake rotor which is provided coaxially with respect to a central rotational axis Ax and whose external circumference is secured to the wheel disc but is otherwise freely oriented in the radially inward direction. An aspect is a vehicle wheel system which is of lightweight construction and easy to maintain. The aspect is based on the brake rotor being secured in an exchangeable fashion by a plurality of support sections at its outer circumference with a detachable attachment and, for the purpose of conducting away heat, is secured in a thermally conductive fashion to a plurality of abutment sections on the circumference of the wheel disc, with the result that overall a modular design (MAB) is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Johann Jungbecker, Paul Linhoff, Uwe Bach, Jens Hoffmann, Hans-Peter Metzen, Martin Semsch
  • Publication number: 20180037057
    Abstract: A safety device for a truck, tractor, or trailer wheel assembly is an integral member with mounting holes for receiving axle studs of the wheel assembly to fix the integral member to the axle. The integral member has a radially extending portion which, when the integral member is fixed to the axle, overlaps the wheel studs of the wheel assembly but is free of any connection to the wheel studs. The integral member has tapered holes radially outbound of its mounting holes. In another embodiment, the integral member of the safety device has a cylindrical, interiorly threaded, sleeve portion and a radial portion extending radially outwardly from the sleeve portion with the radial portion having tapered holes radially outbound of the sleeve portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: PETER J. NORDINE
  • Publication number: 20180037058
    Abstract: A caster mounting portion has a mounting member housing portion which houses the mounting member, the mounting member has a rotary shaft portion which is pivotally supported in a bearing recessed portion in the mounting member housing portion, an abutment body in which the rotary shaft portion is provided at an eccentric position and which is displaced by rotation to be widened to close the inside of the mounting member housing portion, an upper locking piece which engages with a locking receiving portion of an opposed wall, a lower locking piece which abuts against the bottom face of the aforementioned latching portion, and a locking stepped portion which is urged by a leading end of an elastic arm, climbing over the aforementioned latching portion, and engages with the lathing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: NANSIN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akinori Saito, Minoru Onagi, Hayato Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20180037059
    Abstract: A polymer blend consisting of (a) 60-96 percent by weight of a high molecular weight elastomeric polymer, (b) 4-35 percent by weight of a low molecular weight aromatic hydrocarbon polymer, and optionally (c) 0-13 percent by weight of an extender oil, wherein the amounts of the components (a), (b) and (c) are based on the total weight of the polymer blend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Trinseo Europe GMBH
    Inventors: Evemarie Hamann, Katja Osswald
  • Publication number: 20180037060
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tire improved in the run flat durability, having at least one member selected from the group consisting of a side reinforcing rubber layer and a bead filler using a rubber composition comprising a rubber component containing 20% by mass or more of a modified conjugated diene based polymer, satisfying Expression (1) in terms of the elongation X under a stress of 6.5 MPa at 180° C. and the elongation Y under a stress of 6.5 MPa at 25° C. after vulcanization. 1.00?X/Y?1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi TSUBOTA, Yuji OYAMA
  • Publication number: 20180037061
    Abstract: Rolling assembly comprising tire P, rim J, adapter connecting a bead and the rim. The adapter has axially outer (9) and inner (10) ends mounted on rim seat (7) having respective outer (16) and inner (20) reinforcers. Body (11) connects the outer (9) and inner (10) ends forming a single piece, an adapter seat (18) receives a bead and is situated at end (9), an adapter bearing face (21) in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis, and situated on the axially inner face of outer end (9). Reinforcer (20) of end (9) is axially outside bearing face (21). The body comprises, opposite adapter seat (14), annular seat reinforcer (19) and the adapter comprises conductive strip (22) positioned over all or part of the circumferential perimeter of said adapter and along a complete path extending from adapter seat (14) to rim flange (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventor: José MERINO LOPEZ
  • Publication number: 20180037062
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire 1 comprises a carcass 6 comprising at least one carcass ply 6A extending between bead portions 4 via sidewall portions 3 and a tread portion 2. The carcass ply 6A comprises strip-shaped ply pieces 11 longer in a tire radial direction than in a tire circumferential direction arranged circumferentially. Each of the ply pieces 11 comprises a plurality of carcass cords 12 arranged in parallel in the tire radial direction and at least partly overlapping each other with the ply pieces 11 circumferentially adjacent. At least one of the carcass cords 12 arranged in at least one of side edge portions 11e in the tire circumferential direction of each of the ply pieces 11 having a diameter (Ce) smaller than a diameter (Cc) of at least one of the carcass cords 12 arranged in a center portion 11c of each of the ply pieces 11.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Kei KOHARA
  • Publication number: 20180037063
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a carcass layer, a belt layer disposed on an outer side of the carcass layer in a tire radial direction, and a tread rubber disposed on the outer side of the belt layer in the tire radial direction. The belt layer formed by laminating an angle belt having a belt angle ?45° and ?70° in absolute values, a pair of cross belts, having belt angles of ?10° and ?45° in absolute values and having belt angles of mutually opposite signs, and a circumferential reinforcing layer having a belt angle within a range of ±5° with respect to a tire circumferential direction. A tread width TW and a cross-sectional width Wca of the carcass layer have a relationship such that 0.82?TW/Wca?0.92. A width Ws of the circumferential reinforcing layer and a cross-sectional width Wca of the carcass layer such that 0.60?Ws/Wca?0.70.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Hideki Hamanaka
  • Publication number: 20180037064
    Abstract: A belt portion of a heavy duty pneumatic tire includes a cross-laminated body in which extension directions of the cords in the belt layers next to each other in a tire radial direction intersect each other, and a parallel-laminated body in which extension directions of the cords in the belt layers next to each other in the tire radial direction are substantially parallel to each other. The parallel-laminated body is provided in the belt portion in a way that satisfies a relationship expressed with i?n/2 where n denotes a total number of belt layers included in the belt portion, and i denotes the number of a belt layer, which is located on the inner side in the tire radial direction among the belt layers of the parallel-laminated body, when the belt layers included in the belt portion are counted from an inner side in the tire radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eiji ICHIHARA
  • Publication number: 20180037065
    Abstract: A tread portion of a pneumatic tire is divided into a center region at a center portion in a tire width direction and shoulder regions disposed on both sides of the center region. Each of the center region includes ribs which are formed by a plurality of main grooves extending in a tire circumferential direction. The shoulder region includes: a plurality of inclined grooves which are inclined toward the outside in a tire width direction and toward a direction opposite to a tire rotational direction at the time of advancing a vehicle; and a shoulder block surrounded by the inclined grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshikazu Yasunaga
  • Publication number: 20180037066
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes, in a tread portion, a main groove extending in a tire circumferential direction, a lateral groove extending in a tire width direction, and a land portion formed by the main groove and the lateral groove. The land portion is formed with a sipe extending in a tire width direction. The sipe has a wave-shaped portion of two cycles or less having a larger depth than both end portions on portion thereof excluding the both end portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Toshikazu Yasunaga
  • Publication number: 20180037067
    Abstract: A vehicle tire comprising: at least a first protrusion extending outwards from an outer surface of at least the first sidewall portion by a predetermined distance and arranged for increasing the tire width at the location of the first protrusion to an extended tire width. The first protrusion comprises a first intermediate region extending towards the tire shoulder portion and arranged for deflecting penetrating objects in a radial direction so as to prevent damage of at least the first sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Artic Investments S.A.
    Inventor: Dirk Impens
  • Publication number: 20180037068
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tire having improved bead endurance in which cords of a steel chafer are waved and the advancing direction of the waves of the steel chafer is perpendicular to the advancing direction of carcass cords, thereby minimizing cracks at an edge of the carcass. The tire having a chafer structure for enhancing bead endurance includes: a carcass having carcass cords; and a steel chafer covering the carcass and having a plurality of waved chafer cords.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Jong Guk Kim
  • Publication number: 20180037069
    Abstract: A run-flat tire having a tread, an inner liner disposed beneath the tread, a body ply, and a pair of sidewalls axially spaced apart from one another is disclosed. The run-flat tire further includes a pair of sidewall-reinforcing portions each disposed in respective sidewall regions and each having a fabric barrier; a first sidewall-reinforcing insert between the fabric barrier and the inner liner; and a second sidewall-reinforcing insert disposed between the fabric barrier and the body ply. The fabric barrier extends not more than an entire length of the sidewall-reinforcing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: James M. Kirby
  • Publication number: 20180037070
    Abstract: A pressure sensing circuit for use with a wireless sensor that includes an antenna and a pressure sensing element. The antenna includes a first pole and a second pole and is operable to transceive radio frequency signals between the wireless sensor and a wireless data collecting device. The pressure sensing element includes an electrical circuit and a diaphragm. When pressure is applied to the diaphragm, a characteristic of the electrical circuit changes. The changing of the characteristic of the electrical circuit causes one or more RF characteristics of the wireless sensor to change, which is interpretable to determine a pressure being applied to the pressure sensing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: RFMicron, Inc.
    Inventors: Shahriar Rokhsaz, Brian David Young
  • Publication number: 20180037071
    Abstract: A steer axle spindle may have one or more channels formed therein. A rotary union may be mounted to a steer axle wheel end assembly. The rotary union may be sealingly connected to a pressurized fluid source through the channel, and sealingly connected to a vehicle tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Tim Musgrave, Mark Kevin Hennig
  • Publication number: 20180037072
    Abstract: There is provided a tire-mounting/removing robot capable of automatically grasping a spent or used tire in which a tire wheel is mounted, a tire-mounting/removing system in which the tire wheel can be automatically removed from and mounted in the spent or used tire in which the tire wheel is mounted by using this tire-mounting/removing robot, and a tire-gripping head used in the tire-mounting/removing robot and the tire-mounting/removing system. Hand portions that grasp a tire or a tire wheel, and mechanisms that open and close the hand portions are provided. The hand portion includes a claw portion in an end portion of the hand portion, and this claw portion includes a first claw portion to be locked onto an edge portion of a rim of the tire wheel to grasp the tire wheel or a tire wheel-mounted tire in which this tire wheel is mounted, and a second claw portion to be locked onto a bead portion of a tire wheel-non-mounted tire to grasp the tire wheel-non-mounted tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Nichio YOSHIKAWA, Kenji TANAKA, Kohei KOMURA
  • Publication number: 20180037073
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve for a compartmentalized tube or tyre, including a number of ducts for passing and increased sealing. It therefore has one end for coupling to an inflation/deflation system; another end in contact with the rim; a flow channel between both, with opening by means of a cover solidly joined to a mobile rod. The valve has at least two cavities with connection means to the airtight compartments of the tube or tyre. One cavity is displaced solidly joined to the rod, allowing gas or liquid flow through the communication channel between the cavities when in the open position. The existence of friction surfaces are thereby eliminated, increasing the sealing, the maximum operating pressure and the useful life. Additionally, the number of items in contact with one another are reduced, allowing for a simpler manufacturing process by reducing the level of accuracy required for the components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Ignacio REQUENA REQDRIGUEZ
  • Publication number: 20180037074
    Abstract: A hitch mounted carrying assembly for transporting a door of a vehicle is presented. The assembly includes an adjustable mount configured to releasably communicate with a hitch of the vehicle. The mount is adjustable between an extended position and a retracted position. The assembly includes a modular frame assembly configured to translate along the adjustable mount and to selectively couple to a first location along the mount. The frame is configured to hold a door of the vehicle on a set of hinges and secured about a latch bar. The distance between the frame assembly and the vehicle is configured to change when the mount is adjusted between the extended position and the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: ROBERT SCHOCKE, DWAYNE GATES, RON SEGELQUIST, CORBETT JENNINGS
  • Publication number: 20180037075
    Abstract: The disclosed inventive concept provides a robust tow hook mounting structure for use with vehicles having curved frames in which the tow hook remains fixed to the vehicle during a front end impact event. The structure includes weld nuts aligned in a vehicle longitudinal direction. A frame reinforcement to which the tow hook is attached is welded to the front tip of the curved frame. Mounting bolts are aligned in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to secure the tow hook and the tow hook reinforcement to the frame weld nuts. The shear capacity of the mounting bolts is higher than the towing capacity and the crash load during an impact event. The structure generates high bending moments that trigger favorable bending deformations in the kick down area of the frame in which the structure functions as a backup arrangement in an impact event and reduces high crash pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jungmao Michael Chang, Daniel J. McCarthy, Marwan Ahmad Elbkaily, John Martin Knittel, Viktor Kostrominov
  • Publication number: 20180037076
    Abstract: A trailer guide system adapted for mounting or otherwise fixating to a trailer is provided. The trailer guide system can include a guide member, an indicator portion, and a mounting portion. The mounting portion can include a pivoting mechanism to facilitate pivoting movement of the guide member from an active vertical to a non-active horizontal position. The pivoting mechanism can include various techniques, devices, and mechanisms, including a magnet and hinge construct, a spring-based construct, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Luke Jarrett
  • Publication number: 20180037077
    Abstract: A maneuverable platform capable of operating on both fluid bodies (e.g., lakes, rivers, oceans, etc. in either liquid or frozen form) and land is provided. The platform has an above water portion formed of one or more sections onto discrete sections of which are positioned a number of buoyant propulsion members configured to support the above water portion and engage a fluid body or the ground to collectively provide support, propulsion and steering for the platform. The buoyant propulsion members are configured such that they provide buoyancy to the platform when the platform is at rest and lift when the platform reaches a specified hydrodynamic speed such that the platform planes atop the fluid of the fluid body during operation. The maneuverable platform, including the above water portion and the buoyant propulsion members, may be modular such that the platform may be split into sections of predetermined configuration to operate independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Theodore J. Klouzal
  • Publication number: 20180037078
    Abstract: A damper assembly for a vehicle having a chassis and a control arm moveably coupled to the chassis includes a first spring seat configured to be fixed to the chassis, a second spring seat configured to be supported by the control arm, a coil spring extending between the first spring seat and the second spring seat, and a sensor module supported by the first spring seat or the second spring seat. The sensor module is operable to determine a state of compression of the coil spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: David Shinozaki
  • Publication number: 20180037079
    Abstract: A vehicle structure for a two-track vehicle provided with an auxiliary frame for a vehicle axle, in particular a rear axle, which is provided with a wheel suspension on the articulation points for wheel link on the superstructure side, which are connected to articulation points on the wheel carrier side, connected to a wheel carrier carrying a vehicle wheel, and which is equipped with a spring and/or damper unit, which is supported between a vehicle superstructure and the wheel suspension, wherein the wheel frame is connected to at least one auxiliary frame bearing in a manner that is decoupled from oscillations at the vehicle superstructure, and wherein the wheel and/or damping unit is equipped with a rotational damper. According to the invention, the auxiliary frame bearing is provided with a connection point at which is connected the rotational damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen LANGHOFF, Dominik STIEGLER
  • Publication number: 20180037080
    Abstract: A method of operating a motor vehicle with a chassis system comprising at least two, preferably four vibration damper includes carrying out a body control and a wheel control with the chassis system, and controlling the energy supply for the chassis system via an energy control arrangement. A motor vehicle performing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Norbert ACKERMANN, Helmut BAALMANN, Michael TRIEBEL, Christian MAURISCHAT, Achim THOMAE, Andreas FÖRSTER, Steffen HEYN, Thomas MANGER, Stefen RAPPELT, Sven GREGER, Sven Philip KRÜGER, Jens SEILER, Holger KIRCHNER, Hendrick MARQUAR, Alexander SCHWARZ
  • Publication number: 20180037081
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for compensating for vertically oriented movements of a superstructure of a vehicle. The vehicle is provided with the superstructure and with an active undercarriage having a plurality of wheel which are in contact with the carriageway, wherein each wheel is connected via an actuator adjustable over its length at a wheel assigned to a suspension point with the superstructure. Vertically oriented movements of the superstructure are caused by an inclination of the carriageway and by unevennesses of the carriageway, a first change of the length of at least one actuator is carried out for frequencies in a first, lower frequency range, and a second change of the length of the at least one actuator is carried out for frequencies in a second, higher frequency range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Andreas UNGER, Christoph GÖHRLE
  • Publication number: 20180037082
    Abstract: A method for compensating for an inclination of a vehicle in at least one spatial direction. The vehicle has a vehicle body and an active chassis with a plurality of wheels, which are in contact with the roadway. Each wheel is joined to the vehicle body by way of an actuator, which can be adjusted in terms of its length, at a suspension point associated with the wheel. An inclination of the vehicle body in the at least one spatial direction is determined. For at least two wheels, respectively, a vertical distance to the suspension point of the vehicle body that is associated with the particular wheel is detected. Via the at least two determined distances, an inclination of the chassis in the at least one spatial direction is calculated by transformation of the vertical distance of the at least two wheels to the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Andreas UNGER, Christoph GÖHRLE
  • Publication number: 20180037083
    Abstract: The suspension comprises a mechanical spring interposed between an unsprung mass (UM) and a sprung mass (SM) of the vehicle, a shock-absorber interposed between the unsprung mass (UM) and the sprung mass (SM), in parallel with the mechanical spring, a hydraulic linear actuator, an accumulator, a tank (T) containing an incompressible working fluid and a hydraulic circuit for hydraulically connecting, the hydraulic linear actuator, the accumulator and the tank (T) with each other. A single reversible pump (P) is arranged along the third hydraulic line. A reversible electric motor (M) drives the pump (P) in either direction, and a plurality of valves (V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, VS) control the flow of the working fluid between the accumulator, the tank (T) and the hydraulic linear actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Massimo SEMINARA
  • Publication number: 20180037084
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning device including a duct for supplying conditioned air from an air conditioner to occupants, in which the air conditioner executes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in a vehicle compartment; and the duct is extended in a vehicle rear direction and is fixed to a floor carpet is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Ayana SHIBAYAMA, Ryuichi FUKUYAMA, Motohiro MORITA
  • Publication number: 20180037085
    Abstract: The present invention is provided with: an evaporator (6) in which a compressed refrigerant is vaporized; an expansion valve expanding the refrigerant before the refrigerant flows into the evaporator (6); refrigerant pipes (26, 27) that connect the evaporator (6) and the expansion valve to each other; and a unit case (3) housing the evaporator (6), the expansion valve, and the refrigerant pipes (26, 27), and including an air flow channel (4) for passing air through the evaporator (6). A refrigerant pipe housing chamber (31) is disposed in the unit case (3), and housing the refrigerant pipes (26, 27). The refrigerant pipe housing chamber (31) is partitioned while being isolated from the housing section for the evaporator (6) and the air flow channel (4). The outer circumferential surfaces of the refrigerant pipes (26, 27) are separated from the inner wall surface of the refrigerant pipe housing chamber (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE THERMAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji NAKADO, Nobuya NAKAGAWA, Tomohiko SHIBATA, Hirotsugu KOHIGASHI
  • Publication number: 20180037086
    Abstract: A vehicle apparatus (10a; 10b; 10c) having at least one thermal management unit (12a; 12b; 12c) which has at least one first throughflow region (14a; 14b; 14c) and at least one second throughflow region (16a; 16b; 16c), which are connectable in accordance with demand in each case to a first heat circuit (18a) and/or to a second heat circuit (20a), and has a heat-exchange unit (22a; 22b; 22c) which, in at least one operating state, exchanges heat in accordance with demand between the first throughflow region (14a; 14b; 14c) and the second throughflow region (16a; 16b; 16c).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Dana Nicgorski, Karsten Mischker, Oliver Tschismar, Thomas Helming, Thomas Holzer
  • Publication number: 20180037087
    Abstract: A method for operating an air-conditioning apparatus of a vehicle wherein the air-conditioning apparatus has at least three display modes including a status mode, a transition mode, and a setting mode. A current value of a setting parameter of the air-conditioning apparatus and whether an operating intention of a user exists are detected. If no operating intention is detected, the status mode is activated. If an operating intention is detected, the transition mode or the setting mode is activated. Depending on the activated display mode, graphical data of a graphical representation of an interior of the vehicle is generated and displayed so the status mode is activated. The representation of the interior includes a display element for outputting the currently set value of the setting parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Sükrü CENGIL, Anna BRAUN, Jan Peter HERDEY
  • Publication number: 20180037088
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a fuel-operated vehicle heater (10) during a start phase of combustion operation. The heater includes a combustion air feed device (26) feeding air and a fuel feed device (22) feeding fuel (B) to a burner area (12) with a combustion chamber (16). An electrically energizable ignition element (32) ignites a fuel/air mixture formed. The method includes energizing the ignition element (32) in a preheating phase prior to the fuel feed, at a time of entry into an ignition phase, detecting electrical resistance of the ignition element (32) and determining a desired resistance based on the electrical resistance of the ignition element (32) detected and operating the ignition element (32) in a resistance-regulating operating mode during the ignition phase such that an actual resistance of the ignition element (32) is in the range of the determined desired resistance of the ignition element (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Wolfgang PFISTER, Walter BLASCHKE
  • Publication number: 20180037089
    Abstract: A heating module includes: an insulating case; at least one heat emitting element that is supported by the insulating case; at least one terminal plate that is arranged in the insulating case to contact the heat emitting element; and a ceramic insulator that is arranged on an outer surface of the terminal plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jaehyun BAEK, Jaehun SHIM, Hyunwoo KIM, Hyounjeong SHIN
  • Publication number: 20180037090
    Abstract: An air-outlet adjusting assembly for a motor vehicle includes a drive unit configured to be driven by an electric drive and configured to act on at least one pivotable valve flap and at least one pivotable guide slat. The drive unit includes a rotatably arranged sliding-block carrier having a sliding block arranged eccentrically thereon, wherein, in a first rotary motion segment of the sliding-block carrier, the sliding block is configured to engage in a valve-flap slotted link connected for conjoint rotation to the at least one valve flap and, in a second rotary motion segment of the sliding-block carrier, the sliding block is configured to engage in a guide-slat slotted link connected for conjoint rotation to the at least one guide slat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Sergej Mikolajewski, Bernd Gayer, Norman Lange, Johannes Schneider
  • Publication number: 20180037091
    Abstract: A refrigeration system for a selected space includes a regeneration heat exchanger containing a volume of heat transfer fluid and a cargo heat exchanger located at the selected space. The cargo heat exchanger is fluidly connected to the regeneration heat exchanger to circulate the volume of heat transfer fluid therethrough. The selected space is conditioned to a selected cargo temperature via thermal energy exchange between the heat transfer fluid and a flow of air at the selected space. A fuel line extends through the regeneration heat exchanger and toward an engine and directs a flow of fuel to the engine to power the engine. The flow of fuel is regenerated via thermal energy exchange with the heat transfer fluid at the regeneration heat exchanger. The heat transfer fluid reaches a selected heat transfer fluid temperature via thermal exchange with the flow of fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Michael SWAB
  • Publication number: 20180037092
    Abstract: An air outlet assembly comprises an air housing for air flowing through; a retainer connected to the air housing; a plurality of vanes disposed on the retainer, spaced apart each other and rotatably connected to the retainer; and a sliding link. The sliding link is disposed on an inner surface of the air housing, adjacent to the retainer, coupled with each of the vanes and configured to be slidable on the inner surface so as to orient each of the vanes relative to the air housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Ryan Lin, Denis Gerard O'Shannessy, Vincent Yin
  • Publication number: 20180037093
    Abstract: A vehicle cabin air filtration system has an electronic air filter which removes unwanted air particles from air prior to or after entry into a vehicle cabin. The vehicle cabin air filtration system also has a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a parameter and a controller operatively connected to the electronic air filter and the sensor. The controller receives the signal indicative of the parameter from the sensor, compares the parameter to a stored condition, and selectively activates or deactivates the electronic air filter based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: NextEV USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Austin Newman
  • Publication number: 20180037094
    Abstract: The invention relates to laminated glass comprising first (11) and second (12) sheets of glass laminated using at least one thermoplastic interlayer (20). According to the invention, such glass comprises at least one thermoplastic interlayer (20) including a zone that is opaque at visible wavelengths (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: AGC GLASS EUROPE
    Inventor: Denis LEGRAND
  • Publication number: 20180037095
    Abstract: A zipper less removable window system having removable windows for use with a foldable, stowable roof for a vehicle. A plurality of attachment devices of the zipper less removable window system connect the windows to the foldable, stowable roof and to the vehicle without the use of zippers. The operator zipper effort caused by traditional windows is thereby eliminated and misalignment issues present with traditional zippered windows is eliminated or reduced. The stress placed on the portions of the windows connectable to the foldable roof during installation and removal, including around curved portions of the removable window, is eliminated or reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Eric John Hanson
  • Publication number: 20180037096
    Abstract: In order to improve comfort when loading a motor vehicle which has a pivotable tailgate with a first tailgate element and a second tailgate element arranged thereon, the first tailgate element has a first region which can be mounted so as to be pivotable about a first pivoting axis arranged in the upper region of the vehicle body. The first tailgate element has a second region which lies opposite its first region and on which a second pivoting axis is arranged. The second tailgate element has a first region which is mounted so as to be pivotable about the second pivoting axis. The second tailgate element has a second region which lies opposite its first region and can be locked to a lower region of the vehicle body. At the second pivoting axis there is a pivoting angle between the first tailgate element and the second tailgate element with a positive rotational direction from the second tailgate element in the direction of the first tailgate element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Achim DOCKWEILER, Nicholas ALDERSLEY