Patents Issued in March 1, 2018
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Publication number: 20180056848Abstract: A system for moving loads, in particular within an aircraft, comprising: a cargo hold floor, at least one row of rollers including a plurality of rollers integrated into the floor one behind another, at least one guide rail in the floor extending substantially parallel to the row of rollers, and at least one transport vehicle removably received in and movable along the guide rail. At least one coupling arrangement selectively couples the vehicle with a load arranged on the row of rollers, the load being movable with the vehicle. At least one locking arrangement, in an active state, locking the load relative to the floor and, in a non-active state, allowing a relative movement between the load and the floor. The vehicle operates the locking arrangement according to at least one of the following: so that it assumes the active state; and, so that it assumes the non-active state.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: Andre Koehler
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Publication number: 20180056849Abstract: A headlight for vehicles, in particular trucks, comprising a lighting unit which is pivotably mounted about a pivot axis; a linear drive unit which contains a linearly movable actuator; and a pivoting lever which is coupled to a lighting unit at a first end and to the actuator at a second end, wherein the lighting unit is pivotable by means of the actuator. The pivoting lever is designed in multiple parts, comprising a lower pivoting lever element having a support part for supporting on the actuator and an upper pivoting lever element on which a horizontal axis is arranged, the pivoting lever being pivotably mounted about said axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: HELLA AUTOTECHNIK NOVA s.r.o.Inventors: Roman Kobecky, Jan Formanek, Jaroslaw Schimon, Domingo Guerrero, Thomas Hilsenbeck
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Publication number: 20180056850Abstract: A lighting system includes a first luminous component, with the emittable light of which a first illumination region is formable, and including a second luminous component, with the emittable light of which a second illumination region is formable. The first luminous component is configured in such a way that its light is dimmable and/or switchable on and off in a partial region of the first illumination region. The second luminous component is configured in such a way that its light is at least one of dimmable or switchable on and off in a partial region of the second illumination region, said partial region being formed such that it is at least larger than the minimum size, or the second luminous component is configured in such a way that its light is at least one of dimmable only in its entirety or is switchable on and off only in its entirety.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: Stephan Schwaiger
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Publication number: 20180056851Abstract: A lamp of an autonomous vehicle may include at least one light emitting unit. The lamp may further include at least one processor configured to: in a first state in which the autonomous vehicle is operating in a manual driving state, control the at least one light emitting unit to emit a light into a space outside the autonomous vehicle; and in a second state in which the autonomous vehicle is transitioned from the manual driving state to an autonomous driving state, control the at least one light emitting unit to not emit a light into the space outside the autonomous vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Cheolmun KIM, Sanghyuk LEE, Kihoon HAN
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Publication number: 20180056852Abstract: A method for capturing objects in the environment of a vehicle includes generating a first light pattern in the environment of the vehicle using a light-emitting apparatus of the vehicle; generating a second light pattern in the environment of the vehicle using an alter light-emitting apparatus of an alter vehicle; transmitting generation parameters of the second light pattern from the alter vehicle to the vehicle; optically capturing the first light pattern and the second light pattern using a capturing module of the vehicle; and generating a depth image of at least part of the environment of the vehicle on the basis of the captured light patterns and the transmitted generation parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Sebastian Soehner, Christian Schneider
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Publication number: 20180056853Abstract: A lighting circuit drives a light source including plural light emitting elements and includes a bypass switch circuit which includes plural bypass switches connected in parallel with the plural light emitting elements, a boost converter which boosts a power supply voltage to generate a direct current voltage stabilized at a variable target voltage, a buck converter which receives the direct current voltage to supply a driving current stabilized at a target current to the light source and which includes a hysteresis controller configured to stabilize the driving current between a peak value and a bottom value and to change a difference between the peak value and the bottom value such a switching frequency of the buck converter approaches a constant value, and a voltage adjusting circuit which is configured to dynamically change the target voltage of the boost converter according to an output voltage of the buck converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Takao Muramatsu, Satoshi Kikuchi
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Publication number: 20180056854Abstract: An image projection apparatus that can be attached to a vehicle and can be effectively utilized for acquisition of road surface condition information, detection of a hidden vehicle, and the like is provided. The image projection apparatus that projects an image includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information related to a vehicle; an image projection unit that projects an image based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit; and imaging means that acquires an image outside the vehicle, the image projection unit projects light in a wavelength band centered on a wavelength of 1.4 ?m, and the imaging means provides the information related to the vehicle by imaging an image projected based on the light in the wavelength band centered on the wavelength of 1.4 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: MAXELL, LTD.Inventors: Yasuhiko KUNII, Toshinori SUGIYAMA, Takuya SHIMIZU
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Publication number: 20180056855Abstract: A first lamp assembly has a first attachment surface, a first transparent surface, a first side surface extending from the first transparent surface to the first attachment surface, and a first lighting member positioned to emit light through a portion of the first side surface. A second lamp assembly has a second attachment surface, a second transparent surface opposite the second attachment surface and a second side surface extending from the second transparent surface to the second attachment surface. The second side surface has a first projection extending therefrom that defines a first light deflecting surface such that when the second side surface and the first side surface are adjacent to one another with the light deflecting surface and first lighting member being aligned, the first light deflecting surface reflects and disperses light in a first area between the first lamp assembly and the second lamp assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Kyle HAPPY, Thomas CHO
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Publication number: 20180056856Abstract: A method of indicating vehicle deceleration rates is used to help drivers discern how fast a vehicle is decelerating. The method of the present invention is performed by a system that includes a vehicle with a braking system. The braking system includes a pedal sensor and a braking control unit. The pedal sensor is used to measure the force applied to the brake pedal of the vehicle, while the braking control unit is used to categorize the measurements taken by the pedal sensor. The system also includes an indicator light system for the vehicle system. A plurality of braking tiers is managed by the braking control unit and is used to activate the indicator light system to varying extents. The braking control unit compares the brake application force with each of the braking tiers to determine how the indicator light system is activated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: Gerda Shupe
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Publication number: 20180056857Abstract: A vehicle warning light system includes a flasher module configured to selective operate a plurality of vehicle lights with a flashing pattern. An adapter is connected to the flasher unit having a first end configured to connect to a vehicle computer and a second end configured to receive a vehicle lighting connector. The adapter electrically connecting pre-selected vehicle lights to the flasher module. When installed in a vehicle and activated, the flasher unit augments the normal vehicle lighting function with a warning light function.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: ATOMIC LED, LLCInventors: Mark Natale, Kyle Wandyes
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Publication number: 20180056858Abstract: A system is operated within a vehicle to indicate an intention of a driver of the vehicle to perform a particular vehicle maneuver. The system includes a user input device configured to receive an input indicating the intention to perform the particular vehicle maneuver, computerized hardware configured to operate programming to determine a visible pattern to be projected external to the vehicle to indicate the intention, and a laser emitter configured to display the visible pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Frazier Cunningham, III, Cindita D. Cunningham
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Publication number: 20180056859Abstract: A lighting element for a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle includes a diffuser; an elongated light guide, wherein the light guide is at least partially accommodated in the diffuser; and a reflector arranged on an inner side of the diffuser and having a reflective surface facing the light guide. The reflector is configured to reflect light from the light guide to an outer side of the light guide. The reflector has a rough surface in order to reflect light from the light guide diffusely.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Robert Jaeger, Dirk Brinkmann, Heinz Czemmel
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Publication number: 20180056860Abstract: A sound control apparatus includes a sound selector that selects a base sound corresponding to condition information of a vehicle, a filter generator that analyzes a sound of an object, generates one or more partial formant filters, and synthesizes the generated one or more partial formant filters to generate an integrated formant filter, and a sound controller that uses the generated integrated formant filter and the selected base sound to generate a driving sound.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: Kyoung Jin CHANG
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Publication number: 20180056861Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a vehicle-mounted augmented reality system, method, and device. The system comprises a spectacles device and a vehicle body device. The spectacles device comprises: a receiving module and a projection display module. The receiving module is configured to receive information from the vehicle body device; and the projection display module is configured to perform projection or display based on the received information.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: Bing chuan Shi
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Publication number: 20180056862Abstract: Techniques are provided for alerting drivers of hazardous driving conditions using the sensing capabilities of wearable mobile technology. In one aspect, a method for alerting drivers of hazardous driving conditions includes the steps of: collecting real-time data from a driver of a vehicle, wherein the data is collected via a mobile device worn by the driver; determining whether the real-time data indicates that a hazardous driving condition exists; providing feedback to the driver if the real-time data indicates that a hazardous driving condition exists, and continuing to collect data from the driver in real-time if the real-time data indicates that a hazardous driving condition does not exist. The real-time data may also be collected and used to learn characteristics of the driver. These characteristics can be compared with the data being collected to help determine, in real-time, whether the driving behavior is normal and whether a hazardous driving condition exists.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Benjamin D. Briggs, Lawrence A. Clevenger, Leigh Anne H. Clevenger, Jonathan H. Connell, II, Nalini K. Ratha, Michael Rizzolo
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Publication number: 20180056863Abstract: A driver's physical condition detection device for detecting a physical condition of a driver driving a vehicle includes a vehicle detector configured to detect a change in motion of the vehicle during driving, a driver detector configured to detect a change in motion of a head of the driver, and a physical condition determination portion configured to perform a determination process of determining whether or not the physical condition of the driver is deteriorated, based on the change in motion of the head of the driver with respect to the change in motion of the vehicle during driving.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Youichiro NAKAHATA, Yohei IWASHITA, Junichiro KUWAHARA, Ryohei HISAMITSU
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Publication number: 20180056864Abstract: The invention is related to a method and vehicle comprising a driver seat and at least one passenger seat for providing a co-driver and/or fellow passenger with information on a currently experienced driving situation. In an estimating unit at least one driver parameter is estimated. The driver parameter describes at least one aspect of current driving action performed by the driver of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the estimating unit at least one traffic situation parameter is estimated describing at least an aspect of the traffic situation encountered by the vehicle. From the at least one driver parameter and/or from the at least one traffic situation parameter then information that is related to the currently experienced driving situation is generated. This information is then output to a co-driver and/or fellow passenger via a dedicated interface unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: Thomas WEISSWANGE
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Publication number: 20180056865Abstract: A safety system for an automobile is provided. The safety system (102) comprises a first camera (202), a second camera (204) and a processing module (302). The module (302) is configured to detect, whether the driver is attentive and the presence of an object on the road by processing video input from the first camera (202) and the second camera (204), respectively. Further, the module (302) determines the time required for the automobile to reach the detected object. The module (302) generates an alert if the driver is inattentive. Alerting is initiated when the encounter time is ? to a second preconfigured time, if the driver lacks at least a peripheral view of the road ahead. Alternatively, alerting is initiated when the encounter time is ? to a first preconfigured time, if the driver only has a peripheral view of the road ahead.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: SANTHOSH MURALIDHARAN
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Publication number: 20180056866Abstract: A display device for a vehicle includes a collision predictor, a display member, and a display controller. The collision predictor detects a moving body sideward of a course of the vehicle and predicts collision of the vehicle with the moving body detected. The display member provides display of an image or display of a mark, for view of a driver seated on a driver's seat of the vehicle. The image or the mark corresponds to the moving body. The display controller performs a control of the display member. The display controller changes the display of the image or the display of the mark more significantly than a motion of the moving body as actually seen from the driver's seat, on a condition that the collision predictor predicts the collision.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Isamu NAGASAWA, Toshiya FURUKAWA, Tsukasa MIKUNI, Takahiro SAKAGUCHI, Shun ICHIKAWA
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Publication number: 20180056867Abstract: A system for generating haptic effects in a vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises a seat and a seat belt, is provided. The system comprises one or more haptic output devices positioned at or attached to the seat belt. The system further comprises a processor configured to receive a sensor signal from a sensor that is configured to sense information associated with the vehicle's environment or the vehicle's condition. The system is further configured to determine whether to generate a haptic effect based on the sensor signal, and to output a haptic control signal and communicate the haptic control signal to the one or more haptic output devices in response to a determination to generate the haptic effect. The one or more haptic output devices are configured to generate the haptic effect based on the haptic control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Ali MODARRES, Juan Manuel CRUZ-HERNANDEZ, Danny A. GRANT, Neil OLIEN
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Publication number: 20180056868Abstract: A system and method to determine trailer pose includes imaging first and second telltales affixed to a trailer to provide trailer image data. A controller is operable to determine trailer pose from the trailer image data. The trailer pose information may be provided to one or more controllers of a vehicle towing the trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: MOHAMMAD NASERIAN, SHUQING ZENG, JAY H. SIM
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Publication number: 20180056869Abstract: An imaging lens includes a first lens group having a negative refractive power, an aperture stop, and a second lens group having a positive refractive power. The first lens group, the aperture stop, and the second lens group are sequentially disposed in a direction from an object side to an image side. The first lens group includes a negative first lens and a negative second lens. The second lens group includes a positive third lens, a positive fourth lens, a negative fifth lens, and a positive sixth lens. Conditional formula (1) below is satisfied: 0.16<DL3/TL<0.32??(1) where DL3 is a center thickness of the third lens, and TL is distance between an object-side surface of the first lens and an image-side surface of the sixth lens along the optical axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: Takuya NAGANO
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Publication number: 20180056870Abstract: There is provided a viewing device for a vehicle, including: an imaging portion that captures an image of a rear of a vehicle from a vehicle exterior; and a display portion that carries out image processing that combines a first captured image that has been captured by the imaging portion and a second captured image that shows a vehicle cabin interior in which a vehicle rear including the vehicle cabin interior is captured from the vehicle cabin interior, such that a region of a rear side window glass becomes longer than an apparent width of the rear side window glass that is actually seen from a position of capturing the second captured image, and displays the images.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Masanori KOSUGI, Tetsuya EGAWA, Takuya HAYASHI, Takashi NAGAO, Naofumi KATO
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Publication number: 20180056871Abstract: A multi-camera vision system for a vehicle includes a plurality of cameras viewing exterior the equipped vehicle and at least one non-visual sensor sensing exterior of the equipped vehicle. Captured image data and sensor data are provided to a central data processor. At the central data processor, image data is fused with sensor data and processed in order to detect vehicles that are present external the equipped vehicle. The central data processor includes a digital signal processor operable to process data at a data processioning speed of at least 30 MIPS. Via processing at the central data processor of image data and sensor data, a potential hazard present exterior the equipped vehicle is determined to exist. The potential hazard arises from presence of rear-approaching traffic in at least one of (i) a side lane to the equipped vehicle and (ii) a rear lane to the equipped vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Lee Karner, Kenneth Schofield, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20180056872Abstract: A park-aid system for a vehicle includes a forward-viewing color video camera and at least three other color video cameras, with a first one of the three other color video cameras having a field of view at the driver-side of the vehicle and a second one of the three other color video cameras having a field of view at the passenger-side of the vehicle. A video display screen is viewable by a driver of the vehicle. During a parking maneuver of the vehicle, images derived, at least in part, from image data captured by at least the forward-viewing camera are displayed by the video display screen to assist the driver in operating the vehicle. At least one indication may be provided to the driver of the vehicle during the parking maneuver.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: David W. Taylor, Kevin C. McCarthy, Niall R. Lynam, Kenneth Schofield
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Publication number: 20180056873Abstract: Provided is a method of generating a top-view image. The method includes: obtaining an input image by photographing a peripheral road surface of the vehicle by using a camera when a vehicle is driving, detecting at least two lanes from the input image, detecting a vanishing point at which the at least two lanes intersect, calculating a first rotation angle of the camera by using the vanishing point, calculating a second rotation angle of the camera for converting the input image into a top-view image represented in a top-view image coordinate system, based on the first rotation angle, and rotation-converting the input image by using the second rotation angle to generate the top-view image.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: Seong Soo LEE
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Publication number: 20180056874Abstract: An imaging system for a vehicle includes a rear backup camera and a video display screen for displaying video images derived from image data captured by the rear backup camera. The imaging system generates a backup overlay and an alignment overlay that are electronically superimposed on the displayed video images to assist a driver of the vehicle when executing a backup maneuver. The backup overlay includes a pair of side overlays superimposed on the displayed video images and the alignment overlay is superimposed on the displayed video images between the side overlays. The video display screen displays the video images and the backup overlay is generated responsive to the vehicle being shifted into reverse gear. The alignment overlay is generated responsive to a user input.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Joel S. Gibson, Michael J. Higgins-Luthman, Steven V. Byrne, Richard D. Shriner
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Publication number: 20180056875Abstract: Methods and systems to control a position of a reflective surface of a mirror of a vehicle are disclosed. The method includes providing the vehicle with at least one sensor configured to measure at least one vehicle characteristic and a controller in electronic communication with the at least one sensor; receiving, by the controller, vehicle data corresponding to the at least one vehicle characteristic from the at least one vehicle sensor; calculating, by the controller, a reflective surface adjustment based on the vehicle data; and automatically controlling, by the controller, the actuator to change the position of the reflective surface of the mirror from a first position to a second position based on the reflective surface adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Luis M. Goncalves, Brunno L. Moretti
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Publication number: 20180056876Abstract: An electronic mirror apparatus includes a display unit to display the image taken by an imaging unit mounted on a vehicle, a light control filter disposed at a side of the display unit nearer to a driver's seat, and a controller. The light control filter shifts between the light reflection state to reflect light and the light transmission state to transmit light in response to a state of voltage applied to the light control filter. The controller causes the display unit to display an image when the light control filter is in the light transmission state or in the period of transition from the light reflection state to the light transmission state. The controller performs control such that at least part of the image displayed on the display unit is brighter when the light control filter is in the period of transition than is in the light transmission state.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: TAKASHI OKOHIRA
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Publication number: 20180056877Abstract: An adjustable rearview mirror that is designed to quickly transition between transparent and reflective states. The apparatus is configured to resemble traditional rearview mirrors used in vehicles. The apparatus includes a window mount, a pivoting connection arm, and a user controlled mirror panel. The window mount connects the rearview mirror to the windshield of a vehicle. The pivoting connection arm enables a user to reposition the rearview mirror at will. The user controlled panel can be placed into a reflective or a transparent state based on user input. A user is able to gain a relatively unhindered view of traffic through a vehicle windshield.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: Peteris Alberts Cers
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Publication number: 20180056878Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a forward-viewing camera located behind and viewing through the vehicle windshield, a rear backup camera located at the rear of the vehicle, and a common image processor operable for processing captured image data. A video display screen is located within the interior cabin of the vehicle viewable by a driver of the vehicle. Responsive to the vehicle being shifted into a reverse gear and while the driver is executing a reversing maneuver, video images derived from image data captured by at least the rear backup camera are displayed on the video display screen. When the vehicle is travelling forward, the common image processor processes image data captured by the forward-viewing camera for a lane departure warning system of the vehicle and for a headlamp control system of the vehicle and/or a traffic sign recognition system of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Andrew D. Weller, Mark L. Larson, Ian A. McCabe, Niall R. Lynam, Rodney K. Blank, Joseph P. McCaw, John T. Uken
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Publication number: 20180056879Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a step system for attaching to a recreational vehicle, which includes an automatic step system. The step system includes a step frame that is configured to be removably coupled to the recreational vehicle. The step frame includes a plurality of steps and a magnet. The step system further includes a magnetic proximity switch that is configured to disable the automatic step system when the step frame is in an installed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Jamie Sorenson, Bryan Aitchison, Troy Webber, Mark Fure
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Publication number: 20180056880Abstract: A vehicle includes a rear door assembly having an open configuration that allows access to a rear storage volume and a closed configuration that inhibits access to the rear storage volume. A multi-level rear storage system is located in the rear storage volume. The multi-level storage system has a retracted configuration where a shelf member is relatively near a rear floor of the rear storage volume and an extended configuration with the shelf member spaced-apart from the rear floor thereby defining an upper rear storage volume above the shelf member and a lower rear storage volume below the shelf member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Sergei I. Gage, Arata Sato
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Publication number: 20180056881Abstract: A cargo floor system includes a floor pan and a retractable floor assembly. The floor pan includes a recessed storage compartment and an access opening in communication with the recessed storage compartment. The retractable floor assembly includes a retractable floor spanning the access opening and a drive mechanism displacing the retractable floor between a deployed position closing the access opening and a stowed position opening the access opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Sergio Irving Castro Mercado, Emmanuel Garcia Ruiz
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Publication number: 20180056882Abstract: A seating assembly includes a seatback frame having first and second pivot apertures defined on an inside surface of first and second side members, respectively, of the seatback frame. A seat includes a cushion assembly supported on a polymeric seat storage lid having a rear vertical wall and a forward lateral body. The forward lateral body is defined by a plurality of upwardly-opening support cells. First and second metal pivot pins extend from first and second sides of the rear vertical wall of the seat storage lid and engage such that a seat is operable between open and closed positions. A forward rounded hump is detachably coupled with a top surface of the seat storage lid. The forward rounded hump is configured to lessen the potential of an occupant to slide forward in the seat. A lock is operably coupled with the seat storage lid.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniel Jay Osterhoff, Raghavan Setlur, Derek Williams, Arthur Beneventi, Murtatha Zalzala
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Publication number: 20180056883Abstract: A ramp bracket assembly for selectively storing a ramp in a rear of the vehicle is disclosed. The ramp bracket includes a mounting plate, a support plate, and a retaining channel. The mounting plate is spaced away from and fixedly connected to the support plate. The mounting plate further includes a key member that engages with a mounting bracket connectable to the vehicle sidewall. The retaining channel, which selectively receives a ramp, is fixedly connected to the support plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Timothy GEORGE, Kurt John JAECKEL, Mark HIGGINS, Matthew NAUMANN
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Publication number: 20180056884Abstract: A roof rack assembly includes a cross bar and a tail that is securable to the cross bar. Optionally, the tail has a hardness that is less than a hardness of the cross bar. Optionally, an engagement member is secured to one of the cross bar and the tail and is engageable with the other of the cross bar and the tail to secure the tail to the cross bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: Nicholas P. Ziraldo
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Publication number: 20180056885Abstract: Disclosed are rack-and-pinion mounting devices, methods for making and methods for using such devices, and motor vehicles with storage containers secured by rack-and-pinion mounting devices. A mounting device is disclosed for attaching an accessory to a surface. The mounting device includes a latch housing that mounts to the accessory (or surface). A bolt latch, which is slidably coupled to the housing, includes a linear gear bar and locking pins. These locking pins engage tie-down loops attached to the surface (or accessory). A pinion gear is rotatably coupled to the housing and intermeshed with the gear bar. Spinning the pinion gear in one direction slides the bolt latch to disengage the locking pins from the loops and detach the accessory from the surface. Spinning the pinion gear in the opposite direction slides the bolt latch to engage the locking pins with the loops and attach the accessory to the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Mark A. Pulleyblank
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Publication number: 20180056886Abstract: An accessory assembly operatively connected to vehicle seat includes a housing having a front surface and an opposing rear surface. A screen is disposed on the rear surface of the housing. A hanger cooperates with the housing and at least one shoulder portion extending from the central portion configured to receive an object. The hanger is positioned proximate to the front surface of the housing between the screen and the vehicle seat such that the hanger does not obstruct the screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: Victor Harris
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Publication number: 20180056887Abstract: An illuminated center console has an outer bin, an inner bin positioned within the outer bin, a light source positioned within the outer bin and configured to emit light into the inner bin, a first and a second support member positioned above the inner and outer bins, and at least one wireless charger positioned proximate the inner bin.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Scott Holmes Dunham, Anthony Dwayne Cooprider
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Publication number: 20180056888Abstract: A multi-positional dashboard mounting apparatus for magnetically mounting an electronic device to in a multitude of positions or locations on a dashboard of a vehicle. The apparatus utilizes a pair of magnetic plates at the termini to enable detachable attachment to a metal region of the dashboard and a metal region of the electronic device. A first magnetic plate magnetically engages a metal region of the dashboard. A second magnetic plate magnetically engages a metal region of the electronic device. The apparatus utilizes a unique ball joint mechanism that enables pivotal articulation of the electronic device in multiple directions, up to 180°, and from both ends of apparatus. Because both the first and second ball socket joints pivotally articulate up to 360°, the portable electronic device that is attached to the second magnetic panel pivotally articulates up to 360° relative to the first magnetic panel fixedly attached to the dashboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: Hong Wang
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Publication number: 20180056889Abstract: An accessory assembly operatively connected to vehicle seat includes a housing having a front surface and an opposing rear surface. A screen is disposed on the rear surface of the housing. A hanger cooperates with and is removably connected to the housing. The hanger includes a central portion having a cavity and first and second shoulder portions extending from opposing ends of the central portion. A support is mounted to the rear surface of the housing and disposed below the screen configured to receive a portable electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventor: Victor Harris
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Publication number: 20180056890Abstract: An apparatus includes an engine assembly and an engine cover. The engine cover includes at least one through hole extending from a top surface to a bottom surface. An appliqué is mounted on the engine cover. The appliqué includes at least one mounting post extending through the at least one through hole. A backing plate is disposed on a bottom surface of the engine cover receiving the at least one mounting post to secure the appliqué to the engine cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: GARY NOLA, CHRISTOPHER W. NEWMAN
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Publication number: 20180056891Abstract: In a dimmable trim component for a vehicle interior, a trim article includes a reflective member having a photoreactive or an electro-optic coating disposed over the reflective member. The reflective member is configured to reflect ambient light. The coating is a bistable coating and is operable between a first light transmissive state and a second light transmissive state. When in the first light transmissive state, ambient light is transmitted to the reflective member for reflection by the reflective member through the coating. When in the second light transmissive state, a portion of the ambient light is absorbed by the coating and therefore, not reflected by the reflective member, such that the coating provides a dimming effect to the trim article in high ambient conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Donald Paul Bilger, Megan May Lovejoy, Mahendra Somasara Dassanayake
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Publication number: 20180056892Abstract: A vehicle trim panel retainer is provided. A vehicle door inner includes a bracket for extending into the interior passage, the bracket including an opening. A trim panel includes a house having an interior passage. The house further includes at least one projection for cooperating with the opening in a deployed position to assist in preventing the trim panel from releasing from the door inner. A second projection may also be provided for engaging the bracket in a deployed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Deepak Patel, Satyanarayana Raju Vemulapati, Zhibing Deng
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Publication number: 20180056893Abstract: A fastening element includes a gripping portion having a gripping face and a back face opposite the gripping face, an anchoring portion comprising an anchor proximal end affixed to the gripping portion and an anchor distal end, the anchoring portion comprising at least one resilient clip configured to anchor the fastening element in a substrate with a retention force greater than an insertion force necessary for inserting the anchoring portion into a mounted position on a substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: John BUMGARNER, Marc WOODLING, Scott Jhun
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Publication number: 20180056894Abstract: A case structure of a power equipment unit which contains an power equipment mounted in a vehicle includes: a case body which contains the power equipment and an upper portion of which is open; a lid member which covers the upper portion of the ease body; and a cover member which is attached to the lid member and which covers at least an opening part formed in the lid member, wherein: an intake port for taking in air from outside is formed in the cover member; a space part is formed between the cover member and the lid member; the opening part of the lid member is surrounded by a circumferential wall having a cylindrical shape; and a drain passage communicating with a drain port is connected with an outer circumference of the circumferential wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuta TSUMURA, Jun OGAWA
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Publication number: 20180056895Abstract: Electronic circuitry for mounting on articles, such as vehicles, is concealed by embedding the circuitry using at least an overlying polymeric material within a concealed embedded circuitry structure. The concealed embedded circuitry is capable of ready and effective application to an article and is capable of being retrofitted to articles after their fabrication.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Applicant: AERO Advanced Paint Technology, Inc.Inventors: James E. McGuire, JR., Andrew C. Strange
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Publication number: 20180056896Abstract: It is aimed to provide an exterior wiring harness which can be routed in a flat space formed between a plurality of electrical members. An exterior wiring harness (10) includes a plurality of wires (11) and an exterior body (12) formed by surrounding outer peripheries of the plurality of wires (11) by a sheet (13) made of fibrous synthetic resin. The exterior body (12) includes a flat portion (15) having a flat cross-sectional shape and other parts (14) connected to the flat portion (15) and different from the flat portion. A length (L1) of the flat portion (15) in a minor axis direction is set to be smaller than a width of a clearance formed between a plurality of electrical members. A maximum value (L3) of the other parts (14) in the minor axis direction of the flat portion is set to be larger than the width of the clearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Ryouya Okamoto, Hiroki Hirai, Tetsuji Tanaka, Hiroomi Hiramitsu, Hiroshi Shimizu, Hitoshi Takeda
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Publication number: 20180056897Abstract: A vehicular high-voltage wire that can suppress short-circuiting between a positive wire and a negative wire that are connected to an in-vehicle high-voltage battery. A wire harness includes a positive high-voltage wire and a negative high-voltage wire that are connected to an in-vehicle high-voltage battery. The positive high-voltage wire includes a core wire that is made of a conductor and is for electrical connection to the high-voltage battery, and a protection member that is constituted by woven reinforced fibers that have an insulation property, and is shaped as a tube that surrounds the outer circumference of the core wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Takeshi SHIMIZU, Yasushi ATSUMI, Masahiro HAGI, Satoshi SASAKI, Satoshi MURAO, Masaharu SUETANI, Hirotaka BABA