Patents Issued in March 27, 2018
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Patent number: 9925851Abstract: The present invention relates to a bend of a sheet, preferably in a visually relevant exterior region of a vehicle. In order to provide a bend which enables the separating point between moving and fixed parts to have a visually narrower effect and impart a higher-quality appearance of the entire vehicle, it is provided that the bend is designed in the form of a smooth, harmonic, assembled mathematical curve of the third degree.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Burkhard Fischer
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Patent number: 9925852Abstract: A wire harness winding device includes a fixing member and a tubular winding member. The surrounding wall of the winding member is provided with wire harness insertion portions at an interval in a circumferential direction. The wire harnesses are individually inserted with excess lengths in the wire harness insertion portions, and other ends are led out to an outside of the winding member. When the wire harnesses are at a first position of a winding position at which the wire harnesses are wound by the winding member and a leading position at which the wire harnesses are led from the winding member, a portion of the excess length is wound by the fixing member. When the wire harnesses are at a second position of the winding position and the leading position, the portion of the excess length is slacked between the fixing member and the winding member.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Naoto Kogure, Masataka Nishijima
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Patent number: 9925853Abstract: A system and method for providing a folding load bearing hard tonneau cover which includes a hinge/connection element using a novel friction stir welding method to weatherproof the bed contents, wherein each folding section is constructed using friction stir welds for strength, stiffness and visual appeal, wherein the system does not rely on attached bed rails to support and lock the cover because loads are reacted on the bed caps, wherein a spring loaded latching system has the strength to react the moments generated by heavy loads on top of the cover, wherein installation does not require modification to the bed, and wherein the tonneau cover may carry heavy loads on top that are easy to secure, while still allowing a cover that folds open.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Inventors: Jennifer Aubrey, David Rosal, Russell Kingston, John Hall, Patrick Sessions, Kent Kingston, Scott M. Packer
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Patent number: 9925854Abstract: The present invention relates to a door member (1) for mounting to a vehicle door (43). The door member (1) is moulded from a plastics material. The door member (1) includes a door seal mounting channel (3) for receiving a mounting portion (19) of a door seal (13). The door seal mounting channel (3) has first and second sidewalls (5, 7). A first projection (11) is optionally provided on the first sidewall (5) for engaging the mounting portion (19) of the door seal (13). The invention also relates to a door member (101) having an inner finisher (165) and an outer finisher (147). The invention further relates to a vehicle door (43) including a door member (1; 101) of the type described herein.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITEDInventors: Paul Moreton-Smith, Martin Halliwell, Martin Boonham
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Patent number: 9925855Abstract: An apparatus, including a sheet for placement over a vehicle window and portion of the roof adjacent the window when deployed. The sheet includes a main portion having a first, second, third, and fourth, side, wherein the first and second sides are positioned opposite one another, the third and fourth sides are positioned opposite one another, the first side extends a first length, the second side a second length, the third side a third length, and the fourth side a fourth length, and each of the first and second lengths are longer than the third and fourth lengths; at least two end portions configured to be closed within a door of the vehicle; and a top portion extending from and along the first side portion. The top portion contains a cavity or passageway extending along a portion of the first side configured to receive a portion of a shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Inventor: Raymond Anthony Joao
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Patent number: 9925856Abstract: An arrangement in a motor vehicle includes a subframe. An energy source is arranged in a region of the subframe and components are assigned to the energy source. The energy source and the components are positioned in front of the subframe in a crash direction. The subframe has a window which exceeds the external dimensions of at least one of the energy source or the components and is configured to allow the at least one of the energy source or the components to dip into the window.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Eduard Ewert, Ralf Keller
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Patent number: 9925857Abstract: A case structure of a power equipment unit includes: a case body having an upper portion opened to accommodate a power equipment; a lid member which covers the upper portion of the case body; and a cover member which is attached to the lid member and covers at least a first opening part formed in the lid member. The cover member has an intake port, the lid member has a second opening part which is provided with a maintenance/inspection plug of the power equipment so as to be adjacent to the first opening part, a space part is formed between the cover member and the lid member, the space part has a drain passage for discharging liquid to the outside, and the second opening part and the drain passage are located opposite to each other with the first opening part interposed therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuta Tsumura, Jun Ogawa
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Patent number: 9925858Abstract: The hybrid drive device of the present invention includes a selectable one-way clutch 12 that includes a rotational plate that is capable of receiving the reaction torque of an internal combustion engine and that is provided to a power split mechanism, and that can be changed over between: a locked mode in which, in the state of receiving the reaction torque, positive rotation of the rotational plate is prevented while negative rotation of the rotational plate in the direction opposite to the positive rotation is permitted; and a free mode in which, in the state of receiving the reaction torque, the positive rotation and the negative rotation of the rotational plate are both permitted. And, when misfiring of the internal combustion engine occurs, the selectable one-way clutch is kept in the free mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kenji Itagaki, Naofumi Magarida
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Patent number: 9925859Abstract: A control apparatus of a hybrid vehicle having an electric oil pump includes an engine clutch selectively engaging an engine and a drive motor; an automatic transmission changing a power generated from the engine by engagement and releasing of a friction element into a required torque depending on a speed; a hydraulic pressure sensor sensing an oil pressure supplied to the engine clutch; a temperature sensor sensing an oil temperature discharged from the electric oil pump; a hybrid control unit (HCU) controlling the electric oil pump to selectively engage the engine clutch depending on a driving state; and a transmission control unit (TCU) controlling the electric oil pump to supply transmission control pressure to the friction element. The electric oil pump includes an oil motor and a pump to supply the operating hydraulic pressure to the engine clutch and the friction element.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Sanglok Song, Haksung Lee, Yeonho Kim, Jaeshin Yi, June Ho Lee, Gyeongcheol Kim
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Patent number: 9925860Abstract: A system for cooling an engine of a mild hybrid vehicle includes an engine that includes a plurality of combustion chambers generating driving torque by combustion of a fuel, an integrated starter-generator, a clutch that selectively transmits the driving torque to a transmission, a driving information detector that detects driving information of the vehicle, a cooling line through which a coolant for cooling the combustion chamber flows, a heat storage tank disposed at the cooling line, and that temporarily stores the coolant, and a controller that controls an inflow coolant amount flowing in the heat storage tank and an exhaust coolant amount exhausting from the heat storage tank depending on the driving information of the vehicle detected by the driving information detector.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventor: Hwayong Jang
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Patent number: 9925861Abstract: Provided is a radiator system (1) for a vehicle comprising a radiator device (2) for cooling at least one vehicle component of the vehicle, and at least one regulation device (10) for regulating an airflow (4) to the radiator device (2) wherein the regulation device (10) comprises at least one support element (20) for the acceptance of at least one cover element (15), and wherein the airflow (4) is guidable to the radiator device (2) through at least one opening (5) of the regulation device (10). It is provided that the regulation device (10) is directly assembled at the radiator device (2) in a way that the airflow (4) is guidable to the radiator device (2) directly through the regulation device (10).Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: HBPO GmbHInventor: Reinhold Brückner
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Patent number: 9925862Abstract: A compressor wheel for a turbocharger has an improved geometry that provides improved performance as compared with a comparably sized conventional compressor wheel by having the radially inward portion of the primary blades sweep upwardly into the upper region of the hub portion. The through bore and integral nut of conventional compressor wheels is eliminated and replaced with a blade extension that has an angled upper edge which extends downwardly and radially outwardly from the hub portion, effectively increasing the size of the blade, the amount of air movement and the amount of power generated, without increasing the overall cost, size or mass of the compressor wheel.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Bullseye Power LLCInventor: David M. Hall
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Patent number: 9925863Abstract: A self-sealing liquid bladder having a plurality of layers including a liquid impermeable material layer that is compatible with a liquid held in the bladder and at least one sealing layer that is conformally arranged to span a surface area of the liquid impermeable material layer and that is separated from a liquid held in the bladder by the liquid impermeable layer, the sealing layer including a sealing means that, in response to a penetration of both the liquid impermeable material layer and the sealing layer, substantially seals the penetration.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Michael P. Kozar, Mark S. Wilenski, Amy E. Bahe
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Patent number: 9925864Abstract: A valve including: a chamber configured to extend at least partly into a tank and to be connected via an upper venting aperture to a venting circuit; and a shut-off point defining a single maximum filling level within the tank, located away from the chamber, the shut-off point being in fluid communication with the chamber via a conduit, wherein the conduit includes a venting tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Plastic Omnium Advanced Innovation and ResearchInventors: Sebastien Jouie, Pierre Lacome
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Patent number: 9925865Abstract: A fuel fill pocket mounting system includes a mounting bracket having an inboard surface and an outboard surface. The outboard surface is bonded to an interior surface of a sheet molded composite body panel. A filler housing is attached to the inboard surface of the mounting bracket. The filler housing includes a wall defining an interior space. A snap in bezel is attached to the filler housing within the interior space. The bezel includes an outer lip disposed against the wall of the filler housing. The bezel includes a rubber material in sealing engagement with a fuel inlet pipe to limit fuel leakage between the bezel and the fuel inlet pipe.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthew M. Stack, James J. Uppleger, Gordan N. Noll, Stanley P. Ciemerych
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Patent number: 9925866Abstract: A tractor is provided. The tractor includes step brackets that are attached to a transmission case forming a vehicle body and that supports a step, a heat shield plate that is projected upward from a front section of the transmission case, fuel tank stays that extend downward from a lower section of the heat shield plate and that are attached to the fuel tank. The tractor also includes fenders serving as mud guards; and mud guard covers attached to the step brackets. The fuel tank stays are attached to the step brackets. The mud guard covers are attached to the fenders and the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Iseki & Co., LTD.Inventor: Kazuhisa Tamura
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Patent number: 9925867Abstract: A fuel control regulator system for a vehicle is disclosed in which a restraint control module registers an acceleration/deceleration that falls outside of predetermined limits. In one embodiment, the fuel control regulator system includes a vehicle including steering, an accelerator, brakes, one or more audio devices in proximity to one or more front crash sensors recording sensor data, a processor, and memory. The restraint control module is coupled to the processor and configured to dynamically adjust a threshold to lie outside of an amplitude of the sensor data of the one or more front crash sensors compromised by sound from the one or more audio devices. In another embodiment, the fuel control regulator system adjusts the sensor data of an affected front crash sensor to lie within an existing threshold. In yet another embodiment, the fuel control regulator system ignores the sensor data of an affected front crash sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John W. Jensen, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, David James Bauch, Howard Churchwell
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Patent number: 9925868Abstract: A transfer case (16) for translating torque from an engine (12) to first and second differentials (20, 22), including: a housing (42), a primary shaft (44) supported in the housing (42) with an input end (52) in communication with the engine (12) and an output end (54) in communication with the first differential (20), a secondary shaft (46) spaced from the primary shaft (44) and in communication with the second differential (22), a clutch assembly (48) in communication with the shafts (44, 46) for selectively translating torque therebetween, and a sleeve (50) operatively attached to the primary shaft (44) between ends (52, 54). The sleeve (50) has an outer surface (68) with a plurality of radially spaced flutes (70) defined therein for directing lubricant from a predetermined location (72) of the housing (42) toward the clutch assembly (48) during rotation of the primary shaft (44).Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Palazzolo, Jesse Jongebloed
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Patent number: 9925869Abstract: A transfer case for a four-wheel drive motor vehicle includes a two-speed range clutch unit, a mode clutch unit, a power-operated actuation mechanism and a control system. The actuation mechanism includes an electric motor, a geartrain driven by the motor for controlling rotation of an actuator shaft, a range actuator assembly and a mode actuator assembly. The range actuator assembly functions to move a shift collar associated with the range unit in response to rotation of the actuator shaft. The mode actuator assembly includes a mode cam and a ballramp unit. The mode cam is rotatively driven by the actuator shaft for controlling the clutch engagement force exerted on the friction clutch by the ballramp unit. The control system controls movement of the shift collar during motive operation of the motor vehicle to permit on-the-move range shifting.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Anupam Sharma, Yu-Feng Hung, Adam Naish
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Patent number: 9925870Abstract: A four-wheel-drive vehicle includes a driving source, main driving wheels, auxiliary driving wheels, a power transmitting member, a first mesh clutch, and a second mesh clutch. Meshing teeth on the driving source side of the first mesh clutch each have, along an entire tooth width thereof, an inclined surface in which a length in a rotational axis direction increases in a direction in which the meshing teeth on the driving source side rotate when the four-wheel-drive vehicle is traveling forward. The meshing teeth on the power transmitting member side of the first mesh clutch each have, along an entire tooth width thereof, an inclined surface in which a length in a rotational axis direction decreases in a direction in which the meshing teeth on the driving source side rotate when the four-wheel-drive vehicle is traveling forward.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ryota Horie, Takahiro Yoshimura
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Patent number: 9925871Abstract: A control device for a vehicle four-wheel drive device includes a drive source, front wheels, rear wheels, a rear-wheel differential gear, a friction clutch, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to correct a calculated clutch torque to decrease in a case where a four-wheel drive running is performed and it is determined that the turning direction is a direction in which the vehicle turns such that an outer wheel is a rear wheel on a side where the friction clutch is provided. The electronic control unit is configured to correct the calculated clutch torque to increase in a case where the four-wheel drive running is performed and it is determined that the turning direction is a direction in which the vehicle turns such that an inner wheel is the rear wheel on the side where the friction clutch is provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroshi Tamura
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Patent number: 9925872Abstract: A driver alertness detection system. The system is configured to activate an autonomous drive module of the vehicle to autonomously drive the vehicle when the measured alertness level of the driver is less than a predetermined threshold, and deactivate the autonomous drive module of the vehicle to permit manual driving when the measured alertness level of the driver is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignees: DENSO International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Bilal Alasry, Doua Vang
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Patent number: 9925873Abstract: When a driving support electronic control unit (DSECU) determines that a driver of a vehicle is in an abnormal state where the driver loses an ability to drive the vehicle, the DSECU starts driving control under the abnormal state to decelerate the vehicle until the vehicle stops and to sound a horn. In this case, the DSECU measures an elapsed time since the horn starts sounding with a horn timer th, and sets a sounding pattern corresponding to the elapsed time measured. This sounding pattern is set in such a manner that a ratio of a sounding time of the horn per unit time decreases as the elapsed time since the horn starts sounding become longer. Thereby, it becomes possible to properly notify that the driver is in the abnormal state using the horn.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masaki Takano
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Patent number: 9925874Abstract: An in-vehicle information display device has a first display and a second display disposed in a vehicle interior, a display content determination unit configured to determine whether a first content displayed on the first display and a second content displayed on the second display are identical to each other, and a display content change unit. When the display content determination unit determines that the first and second contents are identical to each other, the display content change unit changes the first content displayed on the first display or the second content displayed on the second display to a third content associated beforehand with one of the first and second contents that have been determined to be identical.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignees: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD., DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoyuki Oku, Naoki Satou
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Patent number: 9925875Abstract: In order to provide a technology enabling efficient visual recognition of notification information by a user, provided is an information presentation device, including: a display adjustment unit configured to display, using processing information for displaying information based on a start condition, the information on a plurality of display areas; and a storage unit configured to store condition information associating a predetermined start condition with notification information being the information to be displayed when the predetermined start condition occurs, in which the display adjustment unit is configured to, when satisfaction of the predetermined start condition is detected: identify the display area for displaying the notification information that is associated with the predetermined start condition in the storage unit; cause display of the notification information on the display area; and restrict display on other display areas other than the display area.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akira Sasaki, Naokazu Uchida, Takashi Matsubara
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Patent number: 9925876Abstract: An airflow testing system for an aerospace component uses a flow master with a first sealing surface, a hollow body, and a metering plate. A desired back pressure across a flow path through the aerospace component is determined, and used to form a metering outlet through the metering plate. The plate is attached to the hollow body in a fluid seal, the flow master is secured to a testing position in a fluid seal, and back pressure across the flow master is sensed while flowing air through the flow master. The difference between desired and sensed back pressure is used to evaluate the airflow testing system.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Mary Lynn Tall, Peggy Sansevero
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Patent number: 9925877Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning apparatus is provided that can extend the mileage of a vehicle by reducing the power consumed by the operation of a compressor and a heater. When a required quantity of heating Q_req is acquired, the minimum power sharing ratio between quantity of heat release Q_hpof a water-refrigerant heat exchanger 22 and quantity of heat release Q_htrof a water heater 32 is calculated, which allows the power consumption W_total to be minimized, and a compressor 21 and the water heater 32 is operated based on the result of the calculation.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: SANDEN HOLDINGS CORPORATIONInventors: Ryo Miyakoshi, Kenichi Suzuki, Hidenori Takei
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Patent number: 9925878Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a traction battery and an electrical impedance connected by a contactor. A pre-charge circuit is disclosed that controls current flow from the traction battery through the pre-charge circuit to the electrical impedance to increase voltage at the electrical impedance such that as the voltage approaches a voltage of the traction battery, a duty cycle of the pre-charge circuit approaches a maximum value and a current through the pre-charge circuit approaches a minimum value. In response to current falling below a predetermined value, the contactor is closed. A current sensor is disclosed that is located in the pre-charge circuit. A method of operating the pre-charge circuit is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Hasdi R. Hashim, Bruce Carvell Blakemore, Arnold Kweku Mensah-Brown
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Patent number: 9925879Abstract: A switching power supply device includes a first switch, a second switch, a current sensing portion configured to sense current flowing in the second switch, and a controller configured to control the first and second switches. The controller controls the first switch and the second switch in accordance with current sensed by the current sensing portion if a ratio of the output voltage to the input voltage is a predetermined value or lower, and controls the first switch and the second switch independently of the current sensed by the current sensing portion if the ratio of the output voltage to the input voltage is higher than the predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuhei Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 9925880Abstract: A vehicle includes a power electronics unit for converting energy between a DC circuit and a polyphase machine, wherein the power electronics unit has a power module, a driver board, and a control board. The power electronics unit has two DC current rails, wherein the DC circuit can be connected to the same, and the power electronics unit has phase current rails, wherein the polyphase machine can be connected to the same. The number of the phase current rails corresponds to the number of the phases of the polyphase machine. The arrangement of the power module, the driver board, and the control board corresponds to a stacked or sandwiched construction, the phase current rails are electrically connected to the power module, and the control board has a passage for each of the phase current rails, wherein one phase current rail is fed through each passage.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Jose Lopez de Arroyabe
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Patent number: 9925881Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a bi-directional inverter of a vehicle. The bi-directional inverter may include an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) inverter configured to receive AC power from a power grid and generate DC power on a DC bus operatively coupled to a vehicle battery. The bi-directional inverter may also include a DC to AC inverter configured to receive DC power from the DC bus and generate AC power delivered to the power grid. The bi-directional inverter may also include an energy management system operatively coupled to the AC to DC inverter and the DC to AC inverter and configured to selectively operate the bi-directional inverter in a charging mode or a generation mode. Additionally, the bi-directional inverter may include a power line communications (PLC) coupler configured to transfer electronic data between the energy management system and a power plant network through the power grid.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North AmericaInventor: Jesus Manotas, Jr.
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Patent number: 9925882Abstract: An electric vehicle including an electric motor is provided. The electric vehicle having a receptacle slot integrated in the electric vehicle, and the receptacle slot providing a connection for providing power to the electric motor. A battery is configured for sliding into the receptacle slot to enable electrical engagement of the battery with the connection when in the receptacle slot. The battery is further configured for sliding out of the receptacle slot to remove the battery from electrical engagement with the connection. The battery is configured to store and supply charge to power the electric motor of the electric vehicle. The battery is replaceable by sliding the battery out of the receptacle slot and sliding in another battery into the receptacle slot to further supply charge to power the electric motor of the electric vehicle with said another battery.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Emerging Automotive, LLCInventors: Angel A. Penilla, Albert S. Penilla
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Patent number: 9925883Abstract: Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles include a rechargeable traction battery. An automated vehicle charging system is configured to charge the traction battery with minimal operator intervention. The vehicle charging system includes at least one tire pad including a plurality of pressure-sensitive sensors arranged at known locations of the tire pad and outputting signals having a magnitude indicative of a pressure applied by a tire at the known locations. The vehicle charging system also includes at least one controller programmed to receive the signals and control movement of a transmit coil according to a position of the tire on the tire pad that is derived from the signals. The known locations may be generally equally spaced or unevenly spaced across the tire pad. The tire pad may include a tire stop to limit motion of the tire in one direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher W. Bell, Brittany Connolly, James A. Lathrop, John Paul Gibeau
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Patent number: 9925884Abstract: Methods and systems are described to control the use of electrical power when charging a traction battery. A vehicle module can drive the contactor coils with two set-points for controlling the power into the contactor coils, namely, a travel or vehicle “on” set point and a charging, vehicle “off” set point. In use, full power is initially applied to the coils to guarantee immediate closure of the contactor. During charging and after closing the contactor, the power is set at the charging, vehicle “off” set point. The travel or vehicle “on” set point is higher than the charging, vehicle “off” set point. Using the charging, vehicle “off” set point reduces electricity consumption. The vehicle “on” set point is at a higher electrical level as it must maintain closure under worst-case vibration and shock conditions considering mounting location, contactor orientation, as well as other characteristics of the vehicle and contactor.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Edward Loftus, Benjamin A. Tabatowski-Bush
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Patent number: 9925885Abstract: A control system for a vehicle including an engine, an electrical storage unit and a generator driven by the engine, the control system includes a socket and a controller. The socket is configured to supply electric power from the generator or the electrical storage unit to a device outside the vehicle in a travel stop state. The controller stops the engine when a preset condition is satisfied. The controller sets a first range and a second range in which the condition is satisfied. The first range is the range in a case where electric power is supplied to the device outside the vehicle and the second range is the range in another case. The first range is narrower than the second range.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Ryuta Teraya
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Patent number: 9925886Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for communicating with a charging system comprising a plurality of charging stations configured to charge an electric vehicle. At least one first signal is transmitted to the charging system via a first communication link while the electric vehicle is a first distance from at least one charging station of the plurality of charging stations. The at least one first signal is indicative of a vehicle identifier of the electric vehicle. At least one second signal is received from the at least one charging station of the plurality of charging stations via a second communication link while the electric vehicle is a second distance from the at least one charging station, the second distance less than the first distance. The at least one second signal is indicative of a charging station identifier of the at least one charging station.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Ravi Halker, Manish Tripathi, Bernward Dimke
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Patent number: 9925887Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for enabling fast charging of an electric vehicle at a charging station. In one embodiment, an electric vehicle in positioned in a given location for charging and/or discharging. A charging arm comprising a plurality of charging brushes is then positioned relative to the position of the electric vehicle. The plurality of charging brushes on the charging arm is positioned to contact a charging interface of the electric vehicle. The charging brushes are moved relative to the charging interface such that a portion of the charging brushes is removed as a result of the movement.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Proterra Inc.Inventors: Seamus McGrath, Reuben Sarkar, Keyur Shah
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Patent number: 9925888Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery and a controller. The controller is programmed to detect a voltage measurement error associated with a battery cell. The controller is also programmed to, in response to detecting a voltage measurement error for a battery cell, initialize a state of charge of the battery cell according to an average change in stored capacity between power cycles.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Xiaoguang Chang, Xu Wang, Chuan He
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Patent number: 9925889Abstract: An electric machine is provided for a dual voltage power system having a first energy storage system (HV-ESS) with a first nominal voltage and second energy storage system (LV-ESS with a second nominal voltage). The electric machine includes a rotor assembly having a rotor core configured to support permanent magnets spaced around the rotor core to define a number of rotor poles. The rotor core has multiple rotor slots arranged as at least one barrier layer at each of the rotor poles. Permanent magnets are disposed in the at least one barrier layer. A stator assembly surrounds the rotor assembly. The electric machine is configured to be operatively connected with the HV-ESS. The electric machines has at least one of a predetermined efficiency at rated power, a predetermined power density, a predetermined torque density, a predetermined peak power range, or a predetermined maximum speed of the electric machine.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Lei Hao, Chandra S. Namuduri, Thomas W. Nehl
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Patent number: 9925890Abstract: A vehicle having electrical storage devices with at least one of several electrical energy storage cells for supplying electrical energy to at least one vehicle-side consumer of electrical energy. At least one receiving device that is or can be arranged in the subfloor of the vehicle for accommodation of electrical energy storage cells, which include at least two separate receiving parts for accommodation of electrical energy storage cells. At least two receiving parts are connected to at least one connecting bar extended between them, wherein in and/or on the at least one connecting bar at least one line connection is formed for electrical connection of the energy storage cells accommodated in the respective receiving parts and/or at least one line connection for guiding a temperature-control fluid to control temperature in the energy storage cells accommodated in the respective receiving parts.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Norbert Enning, Ralf-Gerhard Willner
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Patent number: 9925891Abstract: A method for reducing vibration of a drive shaft of an eco-friendly vehicle includes calculating a model velocity of the drive shaft, obtaining a vibration component based on a deviation between an actual velocity of the drive shaft and the calculated model velocity, and generating a vibration reduction compensation torque for reduction in vibration of the drive shaft from the vibration component.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Young Kwan Ko, Tae Young Chung
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Patent number: 9925892Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back coupled to the seat bottom to extend upwardly away from the seat bottom. The vehicle seat further includes a seat-bottom foundation arranged to interconnect the seat bottom and seat back to translate back and forth relative to a vehicle floor.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLCInventors: Dale J Frye, Jeffery T Bonk, Christopher L Hogg, Adam M Deck
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Patent number: 9925893Abstract: An infant seat assembly that greatly reduces the incidences of contact sores, balding and/or cranial deformations on an infant's head. The assembly includes a seating unit. A backrest is connected to the seating unit. The backrest defines a relief having an area of at least seven square inches so that it can cradle the back of an infant's head without concentrating the point of contact. The relief is positioned at a height above the seating surface that is manually adjustable. In this manner, an infant can be seated and the infant's head supported without concentrating contact forces at the center of the infant's head. The seat assembly can also be made to be a bouncer seat by interconnecting the backrest to the seating unit using torsion springs. A unique angle of inclination adjustment mechanism is provided that enables the backrest to be reclined relative the seating surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2012Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Inventor: Sonja Burmeister
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Patent number: 9925894Abstract: A method for customizing a vehicular massage function includes providing massage element indicia, creating massage subroutines using the massage element indicia, selecting a vehicle that includes a seat having a massage element configuration, placing the massage subroutines in communication with the vehicle, adapting the massage subroutines to be compatible with the massage element configuration and activating the seat to perform at least one massage subroutine.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeroen Lem, Brian Boland, Amber LaVerne Hall
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Patent number: 9925895Abstract: Described are close-out shrouds (10) formed of a flame retardant material with at least one living hinge (16). The flame retardant material is configured to substantially enclose an articulating opening to a cavity, and the at least one living hinge is configured to articulate through greater than 50,000 cycles before failure.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Zodiac Seats US LLCInventors: Clifton S. Ellis, David A. Acuna
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Patent number: 9925896Abstract: An interior system has a support and movable member mounted to be movable relative to the support for adjusting the height of the movable member, with a locking mechanism configured to allow unidirectional movement of the movable member relative to the support from a lowest adjustment position to a highest adjustment position. The interior system includes a deactivation mechanism for deactivating the locking mechanism and allowing the return of the movable member to the lowest adjustment position. The deactivation mechanism includes a track and a sliding member sliding along the track, with the sliding member and the track interacting to allow the locking mechanism to engage upon movement of the movable member from the lowest adjustment position to the highest adjustment position, and to disengage when the movable member exceeds the highest adjustment position and until it returns to the lowest adjustment position.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignees: Faurecia Interieur Industrie, Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbHInventors: Bruno Dinant, Joep Biljholt
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Patent number: 9925897Abstract: A vehicle armrest including a fabric member tensioned across a gap defined between inner and outer armrest substrates that are formed around a portion of the fabric member. At least one buckling member extends across the gap between the inner and outer armrest substrates and a cover member extends over and vertically supported by the fabric member.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Linh Doan, Kenneth S. Laird, Yudong Zhou, Karen Judge
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Patent number: 9925898Abstract: A console armrest for a vehicle may include a cover device configured to selectively cover a console box and coupled to the console box to be rotatable, an upper support device connected to the cover device to be rotatable in an up and down direction of the vehicle, and a lower support device configured to be drawn out from the cover device to a rear side, in which when the lower support device is drawn out from the cover device, a support space may be formed between the lower support device and the cover device.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Hoon Sup Shin
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Patent number: 9925899Abstract: There is provided a seat pad 10 including a pad body 12 formed of a foam resin molding and a breathable cushion body 14 formed of a three-dimensional net structure made of linear bodies and provided in a pad surface side of the pad body 12. In the pad body 12, pulling-in grooves 22, 24 for pulling in a skin material 20 are provided on a pad surface, wires 26 are embedded along the pulling-in grooves, and locking holes 28 exposing part of the wires 26 are provided. The locking holes 28 are provided so as to pierce the pad to a pad reverse side and the breathable cushion body 14 is provided in a state where side surfaces thereof abut on the pulling-in grooves 22, 24 so as to communicate thereto.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignees: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD., TACHI-S CO., LTD.Inventors: Manabu Mogi, Shogo Suzuki, Junpei Yoshikawa, Jun Takano
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Patent number: 9925900Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat pad. The seat pad includes a foam cushion and a cushion cover arranged to extend around and cover the foam cushion.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Faurecia Autmotive Seating, LLCInventors: Lola Lafferty, Raghvendra T Joshi, John M Perraut