Patents Issued in February 8, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180037097
    Abstract: A detachable roof system for a convertible vehicle (10) having an open state in which a vehicle cabin is open and a closed state in which the vehicle cabin is closed includes a front frame (30) which is removably mountable to the vehicle at the front of the vehicle cabin and a rear frame (60), separate from the front frame (30), which is removably mountable to the vehicle at the rear of the vehicle cabin. The rear frame includes an integral panel (76) which forms a rear window of the vehicle when the rear frame is mounted on the vehicle. The roof system includes a hood (34) for covering the cabin in the closed state; wherein the rear frame (60) provides a support for the hood (34) which spans the rear frame (60) when the hood (34) covers the cabin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Dan HAYNES, Stephen ELLIS
  • Publication number: 20180037098
    Abstract: A soft panel top assembly for a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof. The soft panel top assembly has a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a lightweight pivotal portion that folds back to provide the occupant a quick and easy open air effect. Two door rails of the soft panel top assembly are connected to the vehicle. Two side rail linkage assemblies are attached to header, which is secured to a windshield frame when in a closed position, and are connected at pivot points created with a bracket attached to the door rails to allow the pivotal portion to pivot to an open position. The soft panel top assembly includes a rear header that is lightweight and engages with the existing seal of the hard top roof portion to provide a weatherproof seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, George C. Stickles, Duane C. Junkin
  • Publication number: 20180037099
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a body, a roof which is adjustable between a closed position and an opened position and has at least one front roof part and a rear roof part, two opposite side pillars, and two opposite rear pillars. The front roof part is connected rotatably to the two side pillars and the rear roof part is connected rotatably to the two rear pillars. The two side pillars and the two rear pillars are movably connected to the body. In the opened position of the roof, the rear roof part forms a folding top compartment lid, below which the front roof part, the two side pillars, and the two rear pillars are stowed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventor: MARIO ROSSETTI
  • Publication number: 20180037100
    Abstract: A glass run couples to an outer-cabin side of a frame and includes a body and an installation member. The body includes an outer-cabin side wall, an inner-cabin side wall and a glass run side wall. The installation member is assembled on a flange having a plurality of elevated parts formed at regular intervals, has a substantially U-shaped cross-section including the glass run side wall, a body side wall and a connecting wall and has an anchoring part formed on an inner side for receiving the plurality of elevated parts on the flange. A thin part is formed by providing a concave part on an inner side of a connecting part between the body side wall and the connecting wall of the installation member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: NISHIKAWA RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kousuke MORI
  • Publication number: 20180037101
    Abstract: An improved unique and distinguishable removable protection apparatus for steel exterior vehicle surfaces comprised of an integral single unit multi panelized nonabrasive lightweight and flexible impact absorbing sheet material that is easily applied, quickly foldable, stow able and is configured to be releasably applied to a vehicle's surfaces by means of a plurality of magnets such that the apparatus is substantially disposed in a plurality of positions thereby protecting a parked vehicle's finish, it's surface condition and even its windows from dings, scratches and blemishes caused by impact of foreign objects. The apparatus includes an advantageous unique inbuilt hinge system that urges the multi panelized apparatus to easily extend or fold accordion like due to the flexible spring back nature of the impact absorbing sheet material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Douglas Dick
  • Publication number: 20180037102
    Abstract: A protective covering device is a line of insulated sheathes specially designed to be placed over the wiper blades of a vehicle while it is parked. An elongated, cylindrical tube, each protective covering device is internally fabricated of a durable foam rubber material to ensure optimal insulation potential, with a waterproof, Teflon-coated, or similar water resistant non-stick substance exterior to further prevent corrosion, sticking, and other damage. An alternate embodiment may provide an internal heating element, to keep ice and snow from forming on the elongated sheath, and at least one LED light attached thereon for use in low light level situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey Douglas Wade, Deanna Dolores Wade, Thomas Vincent Sweeney, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180037103
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided which includes a vehicle support structure having a casing of a rocket motor that is arranged to sustain an inertial load generated, at least in part, by the vehicle when the rocket motor is inactive. In some examples, the vehicle is a land-based vehicle and the vehicle support structure includes a roll cage. In other examples, the vehicle is a helicopter and the vehicle support structure is a skid structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Roger Mark SLOMAN
  • Publication number: 20180037104
    Abstract: A multi-mode electro-mechanical variable speed transmission capable of providing two power split operation modes and at least one fixed output-to-input speed ratio operation mode. The transmission includes an input shaft, an output system, at least one planetary gear set having at least a first, second and third co-axial rotatable components, two electric machines, and at least one torque transfer device. The first co-axial rotatable component couples to the first electric machine with a constant speed ratio; the second co-axial rotatable component couples to the output system with a constant speed ratio; and the third co-axial rotatable component couples to the input shaft with a constant speed ratio; the second electric machine selectively couples to two different co-axial rotatable components of the planetary gear set with two different speed ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Xiaolin AI, Xiaozhi AI, Alan JIANG AI
  • Publication number: 20180037105
    Abstract: A fuel tank is provided. The fuel tank includes a housing enclosing a fuel, the housing including a reinforcement region having two opposing interior surfaces in face sharing contact with one another and a mechanical fastener extending through the reinforcement region, the mechanical fastener including a first head positioned within an external depression of the reinforcement region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Russell Randall Pearce, Daniel Frank Cragel
  • Publication number: 20180037106
    Abstract: Systems and methods for installing and sealing a fuel pump in a fuel tank are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system for installing and sealing a fuel pump in a fuel tank may include (1) a fuel tank with an opening in a surface thereof; and (2) a fuel pump hanger assembly, the fuel pump hanger assembly comprising; (a) a plurality of assembly screws; (b) a plurality of clamping lugs configured to thread onto the plurality of assembly screws and engage an inside surface of the fuel tank; (c) a top plate further comprising; (i) a bearing surface configured to engage an external fuel tank surface; (ii) a plurality of through holes proximate the perimeter of the top plate and perpendicular to the bearing surface; (iii) a plurality of bosses, each of the plurality of bosses adjacent to each through hole, configured to guide and position the each clamping lug; and (d) a gasket positioned between the top plate and the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Larry J. Tipton
  • Publication number: 20180037107
    Abstract: A vehicle fuel system is provided that includes a fuel tank and a manual vent system. The manual vent system includes an emergency valve and an actuator. The manual vent system is configured to cause the emergency valve to open after the actuator has been actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Seung W. Baik, Todd F. Sloan, Jason Laycock, Chris Forsberg
  • Publication number: 20180037108
    Abstract: An apparatus (e.g., for a vehicle) includes a housing, an oscillation bearing, and a hollow rotor shaft. The housing has a first end and a second end, and includes a first end cap at the first end thereof and a second end cap at the second end thereof. The oscillation bearing is housed within the second end cap. The hollow rotor shaft extends through the housing from the first end to the second end, and has a first shaft end having an interior spline surface, and a second shaft end. The interior spline surface of the hollow rotor shaft is configured to receive a splined end of an internal rear drive shaft and a splined end of a front drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Timothy RICHTER, Patrick JANSEN
  • Publication number: 20180037109
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a pinion shaft assembly of a power transfer unit for transferring torque from an output gear of a transmission to a driveline structure of a vehicle. The embodiments include a hollow shaft that includes an internal splined portion, a pinion gear connected to a first end of the hollow shaft, and a coupling member that includes a flange and a coupling extension extending from the flange. The coupling extension includes an external splined portion at a first end such that the coupling extension mounts coaxially within the hollow shaft. The internal splined portion of the hollow shaft meshes with the external spline portion of the coupling extension in a spline connection for coupled rotation of the hollow shaft and the coupling extension, and the flange is disposed external to the hollow shaft and configured to be connected to the driveline structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Yasushi ONUMA, Shintaro YOKOTA, Matthew R. SCOTT, William J. CLARK, Christa S. BANKS, Takahiro NOZAKI
  • Publication number: 20180037110
    Abstract: A device is provided which performs highly-accurate control in low-torque regions while taking advantage of hydraulic pressure sealed-type hydraulic control devices. The device includes: a first characteristic (sealed pressurization) obtained by closing the on/off valve and driving an oil pump: a second characteristic (sealed depressurization) obtained by disabling drive of the oil pump and opening the on/off valve; and a third characteristic (flow-rate control) obtained by opening the on/off valve and driving the oil pump. In the process of supplying hydraulic pressure to a piston chamber in a low torque region, the device performs control according to the third characteristic. In the process of pressurizing the piston chamber in a torque region higher than the low torque region, the device performs control according to the first characteristic. In the subsequent process of depressurizing the piston chamber, the device performs control according to the second characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuma Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20180037111
    Abstract: A motorized golfboard with bi-axle four wheel steering controlled by the horizontal force applied to a stability bar extending vertically from golfboard's frame. Steering this way is accomplished using three design features. First, a vertically angled pivot point behind the front wheel assembly and one in front of the rear wheel assembly. Second, structurally, the front and rear axles axles lie beyond the front and rear of the golfboard deck and frame. Third, the pivot points are centered on spring plates extending angularly upward from the horizontal, bottom face of the frame of the golfboard, so as to be disposed at an acute angle with respect to the deck of the golfboard. In combination, these three features work to allow the inboard wheels to move closer together and the outboard wheels to move further apart when the stability bar is forced to the side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Jay Radenbaugh, Robert Anthony Wilk, Starling T. Faraon, Dean F. Fuschetti, Joseph Israel Wolf
  • Publication number: 20180037112
    Abstract: A vehicle traveling control apparatus comprises abnormality monitoring means for determining whether or not a driver of a vehicle is in an abnormal state where the driver loses an ability to drive the vehicle, and decelerating means for decelerating the vehicle to automatically stop the vehicle after a conclusive abnormality determination time point which is a time point when the abnormality monitoring means finalizes the determination that the driver is in the abnormal state. The decelerating means is configured to prohibit the deceleration of the vehicle when the vehicle is in the deceleration prohibition situation after the conclusive abnormality determination time point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hirotada OTAKE
  • Publication number: 20180037113
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle safe starting device which controls the starting of a vehicle according to a driver's state. One embodiment analyzes blood alcohol concentration by projecting infrared rays into the driver's skin and receiving a reflected signal, and thereafter controls so that the vehicle is not stared if the blood alcohol concentration is larger than a reference value. Since a general breathalyzer using a driver's exhalation is not used, but infrared rays and a method of skin contact touch using a finger, etc. are used, it is possible to accurately measure the blood alcohol level without giving a driver inconvenience, and it is possible to preempt vehicle accidents by blocking driving in an inappropriate state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Dae Hwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20180037114
    Abstract: A smart key device for use with a vehicle is disclosed. The smart key comprises: an interface configured to communicatively couple with a controller of the vehicle; and a non-volatile storage module configured to store a deactivation message configured to cause the controller of the vehicle to deactivate and/or limit the functionality of the vehicle. The deactivation message may include an indication of a time period or distance driven after which the vehicle will be deactivated. A vehicle controller; a smart key write device and associated methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Arunmurthy Gurunathan
  • Publication number: 20180037115
    Abstract: The display device displays information by the display member. In the display state, an opening formed on one surface of the housing is opened, and the display member is positioned outside the opening. On the other hand, in the non-display state, the display member is received in the housing, and the opening is closed by the plurality of covers. The plurality of covers are movable to vary an opened area of the opening, and each of the covers is smaller in area than the opening. The drive device switches between the display state and the non-display state by moving the plurality of covers. One cover of the plurality of covers is moved by the drive device, and another cover of the plurality of covers is moved by the one cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Ryosuke CHONAN, Hiroaki WATANABE, Nobuyuki SATOU
  • Publication number: 20180037116
    Abstract: An optical arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a head up display light field emitter that emits a light field. At least one mirror is positioned to reflect the light field such that the light field is again reflected by a windshield of the vehicle, and such that the light field is visible to a driver of the vehicle as a virtual image. A driver monitoring camera is positioned to capture an image of a face of the driver that is reflected off of the windshield and the at least one mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: JOHN AVERY
  • Publication number: 20180037117
    Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for managing the power consumption of an automotive vehicle, and thereby for optimizing the power consumption of the vehicle. The devices and systems for managing the power consumption of the vehicle typically include power management logic that can calculate an applied power for the vehicle engine based on information provided from the external environment of the vehicle, the operational status of the vehicle, one or more command inputs from a driver, and one or more operational parameters of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Martin Koebler, Nicole G. Goldstein, Stephen J. Brown, Jason H. Harper
  • Publication number: 20180037118
    Abstract: A vehicular projection system includes plural information collectors, a time-division multiplexing device and a projection mechanism. The plural information collectors are used for outputting driving information. The time-division multiplexing device includes plural wireless transmission modules. The time-division multiplexing device determines the transmitting sequence of plural information collectors according to the receiving sequence of wireless transmission requests from the plural information collectors. Moreover, the time-division multiplexing device determines the suitable wireless transmission modules according to the file properties of the driving information and the wireless transmission capabilities of the plural information collectors. Since the plural information collectors can simultaneously transmit driving information to the time-division multiplexing device through different wireless transmission modules, the wireless transmission efficiency is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Chien-Chang Huang, Ying-Che Tseng
  • Publication number: 20180037119
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical device for melting snow and ice that has accumulated on the surface of a. vehicle. During inclement weather, snow, sleet, rain or hail accumulate on all exposed surfaces of the automobile, in particular on the flat surfaces, such as on the roof the hood, the trunk, or a truck bed of a vehicle. These areas of snow coverage are relatively large and significantly high off the ground, presenting a challenge to clean in terms of time and effort. Frequently, the owners of the vehicles need to use their automobiles early in the morning, when snow or ice that has accumulated over night is at its hardest. Since it is unsafe, and sometimes unlawful, to operate a vehicle that has not been properly snow dusted and deiced, cleaning must be effectuated before a vehicle can be driven on the roads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: John Thompson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180037120
    Abstract: A brake control device of a railcar includes: a brake switching portion configured to perform switching from an operation of an electric brake device to an operation of a mechanical brake device when a switching monitoring speed obtained from a wheelset speed becomes less than a switching threshold; and an adhesion control portion configured to, when the brake switching portion performs the switching, control at least one of the electric brake device and the brake switching portion to cause a wheel to adhere to a rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takafumi OKAMOTO, Yuta YOSHIMATSU, Takeshi MORIMOTO, Katsuya IHARA, Hiroaki KAGAYA
  • Publication number: 20180037121
    Abstract: An inverter includes a battery pack connection for supplying energy to or receiving energy from a photovoltaic string, a battery pack, an AC grid connection for supplying power to or receiving power from an AC grid, a connection for supplying power to a home back-up load, an electric vehicle connection for supplying to and receiving power from an electric vehicle (EV) battery, and a control input configured to receive one or more control signals for controlling the flow of power within the inverter. The inverter, under the control of the one or more control signals, converts power received from one of different power sources and provides the converted power to charge a battery of the EV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventor: Sandeep Narla
  • Publication number: 20180037122
    Abstract: The field of the present invention is that of so-called “green” vehicles and more particularly that of electric vehicles. It relates in particular although not exclusively to the field of self-powered electrical transport means and to the Systems for powering same. More specifically, the present invention relates to the device for charging the energy storage means used in parallel with a source of electrical energy by using energy storage devices as buffer devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Alain Croset
  • Publication number: 20180037123
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle on which a motor for traveling, a battery configured to supply electric power to the motor, and a charging system configured to charge the battery, are installed. The automotive vehicle includes an abnormality informing unit configured to immediately inform occurrence of an abnormality regarding the charging system when the abnormality is detected, on a condition that the abnormality is a first abnormality that affects traveling, and inform occurrence of an abnormality when a next trip is started, on a condition that the abnormality is a second abnormality that does not affect traveling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, FUJITSU TEN LIMITED
    Inventors: Yusuke FURUHASHI, Fumiyoshi KURIBARA, Daisuke OKAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20180037124
    Abstract: An electric vehicle (EV) parallel charging method may comprise determining whether a parallel charging input is detected or not, the parallel charging input being an input that both a conductive charging input and an inductive charging input are sensed; in response to determining that the parallel charging input is detected, comparing a power of the conductive charging input with a power of the inductive charging input; selecting an input applied to a high-voltage battery and an input applied to at least one of an auxiliary battery and a load based on a result of the comparison; and performing a parallel charging operation for the high-voltage battery and at least one of the auxiliary battery and the load by using powers supplied from the selected inputs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jin Su JANG, Taek Hyun JUNG, Zeung Il KIM, Jae Yong SEONG
  • Publication number: 20180037125
    Abstract: Systems and methods for charging an electric battery of a vehicle are provided. The vehicle includes a battery for powering an electric motor of the vehicle. A controller of the vehicle is provided to interface with a battery and to enable control of charging of the battery. The vehicle includes a communications interface for enabling wireless communication with a server, and the server is configured to manage a plurality of user accounts for users. The server is one of a plurality of servers, and the servers providing access to cloud services regarding vehicle use and metrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Angel A. Penilla, Albert S. Penilla
  • Publication number: 20180037126
    Abstract: A wireless charging control apparatus may include at least one horizontal detector configured for detecting an inclination of an electric vehicle (EV); a suspension control device controlling a plurality of suspensions disposed near wheels of the EV to adjust a height or inclination of the EV; and a controller measuring the inclination of the EV based on data collected from the at least one horizontal sensor, estimating an inclination of a reception pad based on the measured inclination of the EV, and controlling the suspension control device to adjust the inclination of the EV when the inclination of the reception pad is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Su JANG, Taek Hyun Jung, Zeung Il Kim, Jae Yong Seong
  • Publication number: 20180037127
    Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, charging a battery pack of an electrified vehicle using an amount of harvested energy from an energy harvesting device and an amount of energy from a grid. The amount of harvested energy is predicted based on at least a weather forecast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth James Miller
  • Publication number: 20180037128
    Abstract: A method of charging an electric vehicle at a charging station includes electrically connecting the charging station to the vehicle. The charging station may be configured to charge the vehicle using a charging station charge protocol and the vehicle may be configured to receive the charge using a vehicle charge protocol. The vehicle receives a signal indicative of the charging station charge protocol and selects the vehicle charge protocol based on this signal. The vehicle is then charged using the selected vehicle charge protocol. While selecting, the vehicle may select one charge protocol from multiple charge protocols supported by the vehicle to match the charging station charge protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Proterra Inc.
    Inventors: John A. GERBER, Seamus T. McGRATH, Roger A. INNES, Timothy J. McCARTNEY, Keyur M. SHAH
  • Publication number: 20180037129
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a location-based charging/discharging power mediation system of an electric vehicle, and more particularly to a module, an electric vehicle, and an intermediate server for location-based charging/discharging power mediation. The present invention also relates to a user authentication socket or connector used in the power mediation system. A module for location-based power mediation comprises: a location and time identification unit that identifies a location and a time of an electric vehicle from one or more of information from a global navigation satellite system, Local Positioning System (LPS) information, and earth magnetic field information; a power measurement unit that monitors input/output power to/from the electric vehicle in real time; and a wireless communication unit that transmits location and time information of the electric vehicle and information on the input/output power to the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Sung Gyoo Geo
  • Publication number: 20180037130
    Abstract: A battery controller capable of increasing the number of chances of being able to acquire information on a secondary battery storage capacity and a vehicle system having the battery controller mounted thereon are provided. A battery controller 120 mounted on a vehicle system 200 includes a time point setting unit 153 that sets a first time point at which a first voltage difference dVa (=CCVa?OCVa) which is a difference obtained by subtracting a first open-circuit voltage OCVa from a first closed-circuit voltage CCVa is obtained and a second time point at which a second voltage difference dVb (=CCVb?OCVb) which is a difference obtained by subtracting a second open-circuit voltage OCVb from a second closed-circuit voltage CCVb is obtained and an absolute value of the difference from the first voltage difference dVa is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Keiichiro OHKAWA, Ryohhei NAKAO
  • Publication number: 20180037131
    Abstract: Provided is a control device for controlling a home energy management system (HEMS). The control device for controlling the HEMS includes a communication unit configured to receive energy management information comprising a photovoltaic (PV) power generation amount, a power consumption amount of a home appliance, a remaining power amount of a battery of an electric vehicle (EV), and a minimum charging amount of the EV from a gateway of the HEMS, and a control unit configured to control power of the battery provided in the EV so that the EV operates in one of a charging mode and a discharging mode on the basis of the energy management information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dongmin Son, Jiyoung Lee
  • Publication number: 20180037132
    Abstract: A secondary lithium battery for vehicle use, wherein the secondary lithium battery for vehicle use is a starter battery, and is composed of a storage battery unit, a charge/discharge relay, a microprocessor, a control module, and an electrode terminal module. The control module is respectively electrically connected to the storage battery unit and the microprocessor, and the control module is further electrically connected to the electrode terminal module. The microprocessor controls opening and closing the control module, thereby enabling the control module to control the storage battery unit to discharge electricity to the electric equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: FU-CHIEH CHEN
  • Publication number: 20180037133
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining a lower voltage set-point, an upper voltage set-point, a temperature-dependent upper current set-point, a time limit value, and a lower current hysteresis threshold set-point based on a measured temperature of a battery. A charge current from a battery charging circuit is provided. If a charge voltage is above the lower voltage set-point and below the upper voltage set-point and the charge current exceeds the temperature-dependent upper current set-point, timer is started. If the timer reaches a time limit value while the charge current exceeds the temperature-dependent upper current set-point and the charge voltage is between the lower voltage set-point and the upper voltage set-point, the charge current is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cathleen Tistle, Mark Eifert, Christopher Semanson
  • Publication number: 20180037134
    Abstract: Battery module communication system with improved enclosure sealing is disclosed. When applied to an electric vehicle, a battery data communication system disclosed herein includes module enclosures having partial transformers, such as coils, contained inside the enclosures having inter-module interfaces. The inter-module interfaces can engage with one another to form transformers without the module enclosures having wire holes to connect data communication circuits contained in the respective module enclosures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Phillip John Weicker
  • Publication number: 20180037135
    Abstract: A method is provided to control speed of an electric vehicle. On operating the electric vehicle, temperature of a controller of the electric vehicle is monitored. The temperature of the controller monitored is compared with a preset temperature to find whether the temperature is too high. When the temperature of the controller is found to be too high, the current provided to the controller is reduced. Thus, the speed of the electric vehicle is lowered down while the temperature of the controller is further lowered down. Hence, good safety is achieved on operating the electric vehicle and use-life of the electric vehicle is prolonged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Chun-Yi Lee
  • Publication number: 20180037136
    Abstract: Embodiments include apparatus and methods for implementing lane charging for a roadway. A road segment in a geographic region is identified from a geographic database. The road segment may be identified based on the geographic position of a vehicle. A lane charging management device receives real time data related to the vehicle, the environment, or the electricity associated with the charging station. A lane charging command for a charging device associated with the road segment is generated in response to the real time data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Scott David Nelson
  • Publication number: 20180037137
    Abstract: A vehicle seat occupancy detection system includes at least one capacitive sensor member having at least one sensing electrode, an impedance measurement circuit for determining a complex impedance or a complex admittance of the at least one sensing electrode, an evaluation unit for generating an output signal based on a determined complex admittance of the at least one sensing electrode and comparison of the determined complex admittance to at least one predetermined value, and at least one electrically conductive ground connecting member that is intentionally electrically connected to the reference electrode and that is arranged in close proximity to the at least one sensing electrode. The at least one ground connecting member and the at least one sensing electrode are galvanically separated such that, when the seat gets wet, the sensing electrode is directly electrically connected to the reference electrode by the at least one ground connecting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Guenter GOEDERT, Oleg ZEILER, Edmund MARX, Ingrid SCHECKENBACH
  • Publication number: 20180037138
    Abstract: A conveyance seat is provided. The conveyance seat comprises a first side frame portion disposed in a first side of a seat width direction extending substantially in an up-down direction, a second side frame portion disposed in a second side of the seat width direction extending substantially in the up-down direction, a drive mechanism configured to generate driving force so as to pivot the first side frame portion and the second side frame portion in the front-rear direction of the seat, a walk-in mechanism disposed in an opposite side of the drive mechanism in the seat width direction across the first side frame portion, a motor fixing portion disposed on the first side frame portion and provided with a fixing surface on which the drive mechanism is secured and a bracket configured to secure the drive mechanism to the fixing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryusuke TANAKA, Tomokazu FUKUTA
  • Publication number: 20180037139
    Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom, a seat back, and a plurality of sensors operably connected to at least one of the seat bottom and the seat back to detect a seating condition of a seated occupant. A controller is in electrical communication with the plurality of sensors and the at least one actuator. The controller is programmed to receive input from the plurality of sensors indicative of a seating condition of the seated occupant. The seating condition of the seated occupant is compared to stored seating conditions of prior seat occupants to determine that the seated occupant is a prior occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Gerald PATRICK, Samuel HANLON, Michelle A. PERENY, David HAYNER
  • Publication number: 20180037140
    Abstract: It is provided a vehicle seat having a seat portion, a backrest, a catch fitting which connects the backrest to the seat portion so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis and which retains the backrest in an upright seat position in a locked state and which allows the backrest to be pivoted and folded forward relative to the seat portion in an unlocked state, a longitudinal adjustment device for longitudinally adjusting the vehicle seat with a securing unit which retains the vehicle seat in a longitudinal position in a locked state and which allows a longitudinal adjustment of the vehicle seat in an unlocked state and an easy-entry control unit which is connected to an operating element which triggers an easy-entry function for unlocking the catch fitting and the securing unit. An electromechanical actuator unlocks the securing unit in a state controlled by the easy-entry control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Markus GOLLHARDT, Jawid RAHIMI
  • Publication number: 20180037141
    Abstract: There is disclosed an energy absorption device comprising a plurality of pillars mountable to a ceiling of a hull, each pillar having a fixed portion and a movable portion, the movable portion slidable relative to the fixed portion; a deformable material disposed between the fixed portion and movable portion such that the deformable material resist the sliding movement of the movable portion in one direction; the deformable material further adapted to permanently deform when a blast energy is directed towards the ceiling; and a seat assembly attached to the movable portion, the seat assembly adapted for an occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: SINGAPORE TECHNOLOGIES KINETICS LTD
    Inventors: Junlin HUANG, Chen Nam SIM
  • Publication number: 20180037142
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is thinned in a seat front to back direction. In the vehicle seat, a center seat has a seat back frame, a headrest which is provided above the seat back frame, a pillar which supports the headrest, and brackets which mount the pillar to the seat back frame. The pillar is arranged between the brackets and the seat back frame, the brackets have a weld bead which holds the pillar and a portion where a welding trace to be mounted to the seat back frame is formed, and the weld bead and the portion where the welding trace is formed are arranged at different positions in a direction which intersects a front to back direction of the center seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Kei OKUMA, Naoya NISHIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180037143
    Abstract: A motor vehicle a motor vehicle seating assembly for a motor vehicle has a lower seat assembly and an upwardly extending seat back assembly. The upwardly extending seat back assembly comprises a head restraint having a head restraint pad and a head restraint mounting post depending therefrom, a seat back frame having a vertically oriented frame opening in an upper portion thereof, a seat back and suspension module having an upper portion and a vertically oriented module opening in the upper portion, the frame opening and the module opening being in vertical alignment one with the other, and a head restraint guide sleeve vertically received and retained within the frame opening and the module opening, wherein the head restraint mounting post is received and retained within the head restraint guide sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: JOHNATHAN ANDREW LINE, Christian J. Hosbach, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Rodney Charles Brinker, Nicholas Alphonse Billardello
  • Publication number: 20180037144
    Abstract: A surface skin-fastening structure for a vehicle seat for fastening a surface skin to a framework of a vehicle seat, includes a base member which is integral with the framework, a surface skin-pressing member fitted into the base member, an interlocking member provided to an end of the surface skin, and slits provided to the base member. The base member has an extension section, which is an end edge that makes contact with a reverse surface of the surface skin. The slits extend in linear fashion along the end edge of the base member. With the surface skin covering the end edge of the base member, the interlocking member and the end of the surface skin are inserted into one opening of the slits and pass through the slits to appear from the other opening, and are stopped in a state of surface contact at the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Naoyuki MAKITA
  • Publication number: 20180037145
    Abstract: A trim cover for covering a pad, includes a hook and a skin, wherein: the hook includes: a base portion to which a first end portion of the skin is fixed; and a lock portion that is connected to the base portion and into which a second end portion of the skin is inserted; the first end portion includes: a fixed portion that is fixed to the base portion to be overlapped with a front surface of the base portion; and a folded portion that is folded toward a rear surface of the base portion along an edge of the base portion on a side opposite to the lock portion; and both side portions of the folded portion are arranged to protrude toward the lock portion and arranged to be overlapped with the lock portion and protrude to the outside in the width direction from the lock portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventor: Koichi MOROI
  • Publication number: 20180037146
    Abstract: A motor vehicle seating assembly for a motor vehicle having a lower seat assembly and an upwardly extending seat back assembly is disclosed. The upwardly extending seat back assembly comprises a seat back frame and a head rest hood module attached to an upper portion of the seat back frame, the head rest hood module comprising a mount disposed proximate a lower rear edge of the head rest hood module. A decorative seat back rear panel module comprising a first seat back rear perimeter panel and a second seat back rear central panel is operably coupled with the first seat back rear perimeter panel to define a rear exterior surface area of the decorative seat back rear panel module, wherein an upper laterally transverse member of the first seat back rear perimeter panel is attached to the mount disposed on the head rest hood module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Alan George Dry, David Frederick Lyons, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Daniel Ferretti