Patents Issued in April 3, 2018
-
Patent number: 9931924Abstract: A system, method, and device for operations of an electrically motorized vehicle. The vehicle can utilize an electrically motorized wheel to convert a non-motorized wheeled vehicle to an electrically motorized wheeled vehicle. A control system for the device of the electrically motorized wheel can include an application module operable to execute a control algorithm that manages operation of the device and a boot loader module in communication with the application module, the boot loader module operable to update the application module in response to a validity of the application module.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Superpedestrian, Inc.Inventors: Assaf Biderman, Jon Stevens, John David Heinzmann, Ruben Cagnie, Tai Chan
-
Patent number: 9931925Abstract: A system for controlling an air flap of a vehicle such as a commercial bus is intended to control an opening degree amount of an air flap installed for cooling an engine mounted in the vehicle. The system controls an open amount of the air flap when the vehicle enters a specified stop section such as a bus stop of a bus service route, so that the transmission of hot air and noise of the engine to pedestrians is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Seung Ho Choi
-
Patent number: 9931926Abstract: An active grille shutter arrangement having a modular frame. The active grille shutter arrangement includes a primary frame piece defining a width and height of an aperture of the modular frame, wherein in the primary frame piece has a motor housing, and upper frame portion having a first end and a second end, a lower frame portion having a first end and a second end and the motor housing extends between the upper frame portion and the lower frame portion. There is a plurality of secondary frame pieces that are adjustably connected to the primary frame pieces, thereby allowing the width of the modular frame to be adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2017Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: MAGNA EXTERIORS INC.Inventors: Kathy Cosmo, Jeffrey B. Manhire, Anthony J. Povinelli, Stefan Kleinfeld, Bernd Knauer, Paul Cipkar
-
Patent number: 9931927Abstract: Containment systems are provided. In one example embodiment, a containment system is provided, the containment system comprising: a container; and a skeletal reinforcement comprised of flexible fibers.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Material Engineering and Technical Support Services CorporationInventors: Kenneth J. Heater, Donald M. Bigg, Jonathan L. Macarus, Daniel E. Badowski
-
Patent number: 9931928Abstract: A filler pipe is attached to a retainer that holds a fuel nozzle holder. The retainer includes: a first attaching portion attached to an inlet portion of the filler pipe; a holding portion having an engaging hole; and an opening positioned at a first end of the retainer, which is closer to a longitudinal center of the filler pipe than a second end is. The fuel nozzle holder includes: a second attaching portion and including an engaging piece that engages the engaging hole; and a main body extending from the second attaching portion toward the longitudinal center of the filler pipe. The engaging piece is surrounded at three sides by a groove having a U-shape. The engaging piece is connected to the second attaching portion on the main body-side. The holding portion extends toward the longitudinal center of the filler pipe to cover the groove.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2017Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Motoyasu Kito, Akihito Hirunagi, Shinji Shimokawa, Atsushi Sekihara, Yoshinari Hiramatsu
-
Patent number: 9931929Abstract: A system and attendant assembly for incorporating at least one alternate fuel supply, such as of the type used in combination with a conventional distillate fuel, to power a heavy duty industrial vehicle, such as a mine haul dump truck. The system and attendant assembly includes a mounting assembly structured for containment and support of a primary fuel tank and an auxiliary fuel tank. The mounting assembly is disposed on a mounting area laterally adjacent between the two tires on a side of the truck, wherein the mounting assembly and mounting area are cooperatively disposed and structured to facilitate storage of the alternate fuel and operative communication and distribution thereof with the powering operations of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Inventor: Jason Green
-
Patent number: 9931930Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus includes: a pinion gear shaft having a pinion teeth portion, a first shaft portion extending from one side of the pinion teeth portion, and a second shaft portion extending from the other side of the pinion teeth portion; a ring gear meshing with the pinion teeth portion; a clutch housing capable of rotating relative to the pinion gear shaft on a rotation axis in coincidence with a rotation axis of the pinion gear shaft; a clutch mechanism located between the clutch housing and the first shaft portion of the pinion gear shaft; and a differential carrier accommodating the ring gear. The first shaft portion and the second shaft portion of the pinion gear shaft are supported by a first bearing and a second bearing, respectively. The clutch housing is supported by the pinion gear shaft through a third bearing fitted on the first shaft portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Isao Ito, Hiroshi Takuno, Noriyuki Fujii, Ryouichi Kubo
-
Patent number: 9931931Abstract: A driving force distribution apparatus includes a basic distribution ratio calculator, a servo controller, and an adjuster. The basic distribution ratio calculator is configured to calculate a basic distribution ratio between a front driving force for front wheels and a rear driving force for rear wheels based on loads exerted on the front and rear wheels of a vehicle. The servo controller is configured to correct the basic distribution ratio so as to increase or decrease the basic distribution ratio based on a deviation between a target value of a rotation difference between the front and rear wheels and a measured value of the rotation difference between the front and rear wheels. The adjuster is configured to perform adjustment so that the rear driving force calculated based on the basic distribution ratio corrected by the servo controller does not exceed a total driving force.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Takayuki Seki, Norihisa Nihanda, Shoichi Ohyagi
-
Patent number: 9931932Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless power-supply control assembly 100 for wirelessly controlling a boat's main power supply. The assembly 100 comprises an enclosure assembly 110, wherein a latching relay 600 and a wireless-receiver relay 300 are mounted. The wireless receiver relay 300 is controlled by commands from a wireless transmitter and causes the latching relay 600 to connect or disconnect the boat's main power. In other embodiments, an ignition-sense relay 400 is also mounted within the enclosure and disconnects power to the wireless-receiver relay 300 when the boats ignition is on. In yet another embodiment, a manual override switch 200 is provided within the enclosure for bypassing the latching relay 600 and manually connecting the boat's power.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Inventor: James Howard
-
Patent number: 9931933Abstract: The input device includes a press switch configured to be pressed in a direction of a predetermined axis, a first operation member configured to be moved along the predetermined axis to press the press switch, a second operation member disposed circularly around the first operation member and configured to be tilted relative to the predetermined axis to press the press switch, a first touch sensor disposed on the first operation member and configured to detect contact of a finger of a right hand with the first operation member, and a second touch sensor disposed on the second operation member and configured to detect contact of the finger of the right hand with the second operation member.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Ryo Shimada, Hideaki Eto
-
Patent number: 9931934Abstract: A vehicular pointer-type residual quantity meter comprises: a display panel that has a scale part which allows a driver to recognize a residual quantity, and a non-scale part that differs from the scale part; a pointer unit that is disposed behind the display panel; a pointer driver body unit that carries out a movement of the pointer unit in a real space; and a control unit that controls the pointer driver body unit in so that the pointer unit indicates one of metering regions in the scale part in replay to a current residual quantity. The control part controls the pointer driver body unit so that when the residual quantity decreases to zero, the pointer unit moves from a metering region corresponding to a zero residual quantity in a direction opposite to a metering region corresponding to a residual quantity value greater than zero to the non-scale part of the display panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignees: NIPPON SEIKI CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Takumi Satoh, Koji Tohyama, Saiichiro Kosuge, Munehiro Yasuda, Kotaro Takashima
-
Patent number: 9931935Abstract: A control device for a vehicle steering wheel (10) has a closed, touch-sensitive, preferably three-dimensionally shaped sensor surface (20), at least two mechanical switching elements (22) which are arranged below the sensor surface (20) and can be actuated by deforming the sensor surface (20), the touch-sensitive sensor surface (20) being designed to be so flexible that the mechanical switching elements (22) can be actuated separately, and a change-over switch (24) which can activate and/or deactivate the mechanical switching elements (22) and/or the touch-sensitive sensor surface (20).Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbHInventors: Frank Koch, Joachim Korherr
-
Patent number: 9931936Abstract: An energy management system is provided for a hybrid electric or electric vehicle including an electrical power collector for intermittently collecting electrical power from an external power supply track during driving of the vehicle. The energy management system is arranged to distribute electrical power from the electrical power collector to at least one electrical auxiliary load of the vehicle when collecting electrical power from the external power supply track. The enemy management system includes a control unit configured to control operating characteristics of the at least one auxiliary load depending on if the vehicle operates in a power collecting mode or in a non-power collecting mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Volvo Truck CorporationInventor: Maria Bruce
-
Patent number: 9931937Abstract: A vehicle installation structure includes a vehicle frame and an electrical unit. The electrical unit includes at least one first high-voltage electrical apparatus, a cooling structure, and a bracket. The cooling structure is to cool the at least one first high-voltage electrical apparatus. The cooling structure has a duct member made of a non-metal material. The bracket is attached to the vehicle frame. The at least one first high-voltage electrical apparatus is connected to the bracket via the duct member with a connecting member.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Hiroyuki Murase
-
Patent number: 9931938Abstract: In a vehicle battery relay assembly for disconnecting or isolating a vehicle battery from a connection line, a housing is provided having a solenoid and a switch activated by the solenoid. The switch electrically connects and disconnects a first contact terminal for connection to the vehicle battery and a second contact terminal for connection to the connection line. The solenoid has a solenoid coil. A rotatable ratchet gear rotates by engagement with a pawl, the pawl being connected to a plunger of the solenoid. The switch comprises a contact element coupled to the ratchet gear, the contact element having at least first and second projecting contact points. The contact element is positioned relative to a contact surface of the first and second contact terminals such that given a first rotation of the contact element the first and second contact terminals are electrically connected and given a subsequent second rotation the first and second contact terminals are electrically disconnected.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Precision Circuits Inc.Inventors: George L. Cepynsky, Paul G. Cepynsky, Thomas J. Danowski
-
Patent number: 9931939Abstract: An electrical apparatus is provided including an electrical drive system and an electrical machine. The electrical machine includes a rotor, a first separate multi-phase stator winding and a second separate multi-phase stator winding. The drive system includes a first multi phase bridge inverter connected to the first multi-phase stator winding and which is adapted to be connected to a line voltage supply by a connection means when charging a battery. The apparatus further includes a second multi-phase bridge inverter connected to the second multi-phase stator winding and to the battery. A battery can be charged without the need of a specific charger and charging with galvanic isolation is provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar ABInventors: Mats Alakula, Erik Hoevenaars
-
Patent number: 9931940Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety apparatus (20) for monitoring charging of an electrical energy store in a motor vehicle (100), having at least one first sensor device (21a) and at least one second sensor device (21b), the two of which are each designed to capture motion data for the motor vehicle (100) and to provide said motion data as a sensor signal; and a control device (25) that is coupled to the at least one first sensor device (21a) and to the at least one second sensor device (21b) and that is designed to deactivate the at least one second sensor device (21b) while the electrical energy store is being charged and, if the control device (25) detects motion of the motor vehicle (100) on the basis of one of the provided sensor signals, to actuate at least one actuator device (30) of the motor vehicle (100) in order to brake the motor vehicle (100).Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2013Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Jose-Luis Parga-Cacheiro
-
Patent number: 9931941Abstract: The invention relates to a current transmission device for stationary charging of electrical energy stores of devices and/or for mobile supplying of electrical drive units of devices having a current transmitter which is embodied as an articulated arm system, and which can swivel between a current-transmitting extended position and a current flow interrupting retracted position, an adjusting drive interacting with the current transmitter as well as a spring system interacting with the current transmitter, wherein the adjusting drive is self-locking-free and has a switchable electromagnetic brake device.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2013Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: SCHUNK BAHN-UND INDUSTRIETECHNIK GMBHInventor: Alexander Pachler
-
Patent number: 9931942Abstract: A method is provided for controlling braking force in regenerative brake cooperative control of an environmentally friendly vehicle that executes regenerative braking at front wheels and/or rear wheels. A brake system that independently adjusts the braking forces of the front and rear wheels is employed to distribute braking force to assure vehicle stability, to improve fuel efficiency and to have improved braking performance.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Gab Bae Jeon, Sang Hyun Shim
-
Patent number: 9931943Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes an electric drive system, a drive system control unit, and a friction brake system. The electric drive system is associated with a first set of wheels of the vehicle. The drive system control unit is configured to control the electric drive system to selectively provide electric motive power to the first set of wheels to propel the vehicle and electric retarding to slow the vehicle. The friction brake system includes first and second friction brake units associated with the first and second sets of wheels, respectively. The drive system control unit is further configured to determine a functionality of the second friction brake unit, for a friction brake application to the second set of wheels, independent of operation of the first friction brake unit, and to control at least one vehicle system based on the determined functionality of the second friction brake unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Henry Todd Young, Timothy Warren Brown, Jeffrey John Wolff
-
Patent number: 9931944Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a bypass diode and a controller. The bypass diode is configured to clamp an inverter DC terminal voltage to a battery voltage. The controller is configured to, while the terminal voltage is within a predetermined range of the battery voltage, maintain off a lower IGBT of a DC-DC converter while in a propulsion mode, and modulate the lower IGBT to increase the terminal voltage to maintain the bypass diode reverse biased while in a regenerative mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohammed Khorshed Alam, Lihua Chen, Yan Zhou, Fan Xu
-
Patent number: 9931945Abstract: A control circuit 6 determines whether a difference between an input/output potential difference V11 and an input/output potential difference V13 when bypass switches SW1 and SW2 are again turned on is equal to or smaller than a threshold value Vth2 in a case where the control circuit 6 determines, at normal times other than an engine restart after being idle-stopped, that a difference between the input/output potential difference V11 of a bypass circuit when the bypass switches SW1 and SW2 are turned on and an input/output potential difference V12 when the bypass switch SW1 is turned on and the bypass switch SW2 is turned off is equal to or larger than a threshold value Vth1 and that the bypass switch SW1 has an open fault, and validates the determination of the open fault of the bypass switch SW1 in a case where the control circuit 6 determines that the difference between the input/output potential differences V11 and V13 is equal to or smaller than a the threshold value Vth2.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKIInventor: Norihisa Sakakibara
-
Patent number: 9931946Abstract: A method is provided for controlling charging of an energy storage system in a vehicle including an electric machine which is arranged for propulsion of the vehicle. The method includes initiating the charging upon connection of the energy storage system to an external power supply via connector elements; and transmitting, between the vehicle and the external power supply, a control signal including data related to the charging by a wireless transmission link. The method furthermore includes evaluating whether the control signal is received; and terminating the charging in the event that the control signal is not received. An arrangement for controlling charging of an energy storage system is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Volvo Truck CorporationInventor: Jonas Storm
-
Patent number: 9931947Abstract: In one example, a method comprises alternately switching on a first switch connected in series with a capacitor and connected in parallel with a first capacitive element, and a second switch connected in series with the capacitor and connected in parallel with a second capacitive element. Aeries circuit with the first switch, the capacitor and the second switch may be coupled to supply nodes for receiving a supply voltage.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Werner Roessler
-
Patent number: 9931948Abstract: An electrical pulse generator for ohmic-inductive loads with a capacitive module in which a primary capacitor is charged by a first generator for generating voltage pulses, with high capacity and high voltage, on an ohmic-inductive load. In the capacitive module there is also a secondary capacitor or supercapacitor with a very high capacity, charged by a second generator designed to continuously supply voltage to the load. An electronic splitter, or Chopper is interposed between the capacitive module and the load which splits the voltage supplied by the capacitive module according to modulated high frequency pulses, in such a way that the value of the voltage supplied to the load is constant.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2017Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: ENERGY TECHNOLOGY S.R.L.Inventors: Sandro Maria Tenconi, Giuseppe Taddia
-
Patent number: 9931949Abstract: A vehicle bus system includes a controller programmed to, after issuing a command to close first and second contactors, wherein the first and second contactors are arranged to share a first terminal of a battery, the first contactor is configured to power a first load when closed, and the second contactor is configured to power a second load when closed, initiate pre-charge of a second terminal of the battery in response to respective first and second voltages across the first and second contactors exceeding corresponding first and second closed-state voltage thresholds, and generate a notification and preclude initiation of the pre-charge in response to one of the first and second voltages being less than the corresponding first and second closed-state voltage thresholds.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Edward Loftus, Benjamin A. Tabatowski-Bush, Michael Schamber, Jianwei Li
-
Patent number: 9931950Abstract: During a method for recovering electrical energy, for example during a deceleration phase of a motor vehicle including at least one electric accumulator battery, a low alternator voltage is applied during a first type of vehicle driving phase, and a high alternator voltage higher than the low alternator voltage is applied for a second type of vehicle driving phase. The transition from the low alternator voltage to the high alternator voltage is carried out by applying a first voltage step of a predefined amplitude, followed by a knee in the voltage curve, the voltage curve then continuing into at least a second voltage ramp phase of which the average slope is strictly lower than the voltage ramp of the first step.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2013Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.Inventors: Sophie Demure, Gerard Saint-Leger
-
Patent number: 9931951Abstract: An integrated and isolated onboard charger for plug-in electric vehicles, includes an ac-dc converter and a dual-output dc-dc resonant converter, for both HV traction batteries and LV loads. In addition, the integrated and isolated onboard charger may be configured as unidirectional or bidirectional, and is capable of delivering power from HV traction batteries to the grid for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications. To increase the power density of the converter, the dual-output DC-DC resonant converter may combine magnetic components of resonant networks into a single three-winding electromagnetically integrated transformer (EMIT). The resonant converter may be configured as a half-bridge topology with split capacitors as the resonant network components to further reduce the size of converter. The integrated charger may be configured for various operating modes, including grid to vehicle (G2V), vehicle to grid (V2G) and high voltage to low voltage, HV-to-LV (H2L) charging.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: University of MarylandInventors: Alireza Khaligh, Yichao Tang
-
Patent number: 9931952Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for electric vehicle wireless charging. In one aspect, a method of transferring wireless power to an electric vehicle is provided, including initiating a charging cycle comprising at least one initialization state during which a wireless power link sufficient for charging is established between the wireless power transfer system and the electric vehicle and at least one charging state during which wireless power transfer from the wireless power transfer system to the electric vehicle is performed. The method further includes generating a first timestamp indicating a start time of the wireless power transfer in response to entering the at least one charging state and generating a second timestamp indicating an end time of the wireless power transfer.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Manish Tripathi, Rao S. Yenamandra
-
Patent number: 9931953Abstract: It is intended to provide a safe non-contact charging environment that enables finding an electronic appliance that remains left in a vehicle before start of charging and preventing trouble that an electronic appliance breaks down by electromagnetic waves generated during charging by means of electromagnetic coupling. A process of checking to see that an electronic appliance remains left inside a vehicle, based on wireless communication information emitted by the electronic appliance left inside the vehicle is performed in advance. When it has been detected that an electronic appliance remains left, a charging current value is controlled according to an allowable current of the detected electronic appliance or an alert is generated to notify that the electronic appliance remains left.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Daisuke Oshida, Shigeru Furuta
-
Patent number: 9931954Abstract: A park assist system may, in response to receiving a signal indicating that a remote inductive charge source is within a vicinity of a vehicle, transition from a park assist mode to a wireless charging mode. During the wireless charging mode, the park assist system generates instructions to assist a driver in positioning the vehicle relative to the inductive charge source.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Venkateswa Anand Sankaran, John Paul Gibeau, James A. Lathrop, Christopher W. Bell
-
Patent number: 9931955Abstract: A management system and a management method of a battery and a battery charger, and a battery charger are provided that can obtain information on the state of a battery and information on the usage state of a battery charger even during charging so as to monitor/control the battery and the battery charger even during the charging.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKIInventors: Mamoru Kuraishi, Shinji Hirose, Kenji Nishigaki, Junichi Hatano
-
Patent number: 9931956Abstract: Vehicle battery management systems (BMS) and methods are described, in which the output of a vehicle battery is reduced by activating a shutdown mode. A BMS may be configured to start a timer when the vehicle is turned off, e.g. based on when the main power between the vehicle and the battery is interrupted or based on a signal from the vehicle control system. The BMS may further be configured to store BMS data (e.g. variable data related to operation and/or status of the battery) to an electronic storage device, and to switch the battery to a shutdown mode, when the timer reaches a predetermined value. The BMS may be further configured to load the BMS data from the electronic storage device and/or to deactivate the shutdown mode when the vehicle is turned back on.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: THUNDER POWER NEW ENERGY VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITEDInventor: Ming-Chieh Cheng
-
Patent number: 9931957Abstract: The invention relates to a battery system (100) with a battery (20), which is designed to supply a high voltage network (70) with electric energy, and a measuring device (130) for measuring at least one insulation resistance provided between the battery (20) and a housing of the battery (20). The measuring device (130) is equipped with two measuring paths (140, 150), each of which is paired with one of two high-voltage connections (21, 22) of the battery (20), each of which comprises a series circuit that comprises a first resistor (142, 152) and a relay (145, 155), and each of which is connected between the paired high-voltage connection (21, 22) and a point (25) that has a housing potential. Furthermore, each series circuit has a semiconductor switch (147, 157). The measuring device (130) also has two functional modes in which the relays (145, 155) of the measuring paths (140, 150) are closed.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Chrysanthos Tzivanopoulos, Thomas Schaedlich
-
Patent number: 9931958Abstract: An auxiliary battery recharging control method and apparatus are provided. The method includes determining whether a recharging prohibition condition is established, based on first state information of a vehicle and second state information of a first battery, at regular recharging intervals, when a periodic recharging mode is executed, based on a first ignition (IG) voltage. Recharging is executed based on whether a critical recharging condition is established using third state information of a second battery, when an automatic recharging mode is executed, based on a second IG voltage. Additionally, a voltage variation is calculated of the second battery selected from the third state information, and at least one of a recharging time and a recharging voltage is adjusted, based on the calculated voltage variation, or the recharging interval is adjusted, based on the calculated voltage variation.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Dong Pil Yoon, Dong Ho Yang, Seung Ho Lee, Jun Yeon Park, Seung Jae Yoo
-
Patent number: 9931959Abstract: A battery control system connected to a battery, which controls charge/discharge at the battery, includes: a current detection unit that measures a current value by detecting a charge/discharge current flowing through the battery; a voltage detection unit that detects a voltage at the battery; a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature at the battery; an effective current value calculation unit that calculates, based upon the current value measured by the current detection unit, an effective current value in a predetermined time window; and a charge/discharge restriction unit that imposes a first charge/discharge restriction so as to restrict the charge/discharge current based upon the effective current value calculated by the effective current value calculation unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignees: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd., Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori Aoshima, Hiroshi Morikawa, Masayuki Takada, Kenichiro Tsuru, Shigeyuki Kiyota, Yoshiyuki Tanaka, Toyoki Iguchi, Hiroaki Hashimoto, Yasuyuki Takahashi
-
Patent number: 9931960Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring voltage of a battery pack for an electrified vehicle, such as an electric or hybrid vehicle, include a battery having internal circuits that measure pack voltage and individual cell voltages, an electric machine powered by the battery to propel the vehicle via an external circuit that measures the pack voltage, and a processor programmed to publish the pack voltage to a vehicle network based on a first internal circuit voltage in response to a voltage differential among the internal circuits being less than a threshold and based on the individual cell voltages otherwise. The published pack voltage may be used by one or more battery or vehicle controllers to control various battery and vehicle functions including engine starting in a hybrid vehicle and battery charging and discharging, for example.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Benjamin A. Tabatowski-Bush, Michael Edward Loftus, Xu Wang
-
Patent number: 9931961Abstract: A battery enclosure for the battery of an electric vehicle is disclosed that is provided with cylindrical impact absorbing tubular members. The tubular members are arrayed about the battery enclosure between an inner wall and an outer wall in a spaced relationship. The tubular members are spaced from each other and include internal reinforcing walls that stiffen the battery enclosure and absorb impact loads. The reinforcing walls may be in an X-shaped, Y-shaped or parallel and may be oriented to absorb impact loads to a greater or lesser extent.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Saied Nusier, William L. Stanko, Saeed David Barbat, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche
-
Patent number: 9931962Abstract: Provided are a control device for an electric vehicle and a control method for an electric vehicle capable of appropriately suppressing a vibration. In the control device for an electric vehicle according to the present invention, when a torque is controlled that is generated by a motor configured to generate a torque for braking or driving a drive wheel via a speed reduction mechanism and a drive shaft coupled to the speed reduction mechanism, the torque generated by the motor is controlled based on a rotational torque command value based on an accelerator operation or a brake operation by a driver, and a vibration suppression control torque command value for suppressing a vibration component caused by a resonance of the vehicle. Then, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the torque generated by the motor is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Keisuke Suzuki, Hitoshi Kobayashi, Tatsuyuki Yamamoto
-
Patent number: 9931963Abstract: An electric motor control system for a vehicle includes a vehicle speed module that determines a vehicle speed. A target speed module selectively transitions a target vehicle speed to zero over a period in response a driver actuating an input device. The input device is not an accelerator pedal or a brake pedal. A switching control module, based on a difference between a target vehicle speed and the vehicle speed, controls switching of an inverter to control application of power to an electric motor of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Adam J. Heisel, Trista K. Schieffer
-
Patent number: 9931964Abstract: A vehicle classification system includes a processor programmed to determine a seated height and seated weight associated with a vehicle occupant. The processor is further programmed to assign a classification to the vehicle occupant based at least in part on a ratio of the seated weight to the seated height.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jialiang Le, Manoharprasad K. Rao
-
Patent number: 9931966Abstract: A device for rapid removal/reinstallation of a back of a seat of a vehicle, the back being attached, by at least one first strap, to a ceiling. The device includes a hanging intermediary structure and a fixed structure integral with the ceiling and retaining the structure in the use position of the seat, in which it has been brought with an upward movement, and locking the structure in the use position or unlocking it such that it is moved away from the ceiling to release the tension exerted by the first strap and allow the structure to be disengaged from the retaining unit. The back can thus be removed or reinstalled without any action on the tension setting of the strap.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: NEXTER SYSTEMSInventors: Jacky Jacquemont, Xavier Poirmeur
-
Patent number: 9931967Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a first member; a second member; an insertion fastening structure configured to apply an axial tension to an opposed surface portion of the first member and an opposed surface portions of the second member so as to be pressed against each other; and an adjustment member. The opposed surface portion of the second member includes different surface shape portions facing respective surfaces toward directions different from an application direction of the axial tension, and the adjustment member plastically deforms the opposed surface portion of the second member such that the opposed surface portion of the second member, including the different surface shape portions, is pressed and sandwiched between the adjustment member and the opposed surface portion of the first member by the application of the axial tension.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2017Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Fumitoshi Akaike, Hiroshi Mizobata
-
Patent number: 9931968Abstract: A mat structure for a vehicle, in which an edging member capable of preventing impurities such as soil from falling down to an indoor floor of the vehicle is sewed on an upper surface of an edge of a mat, and a sewing device capable of easily sewing the edging member and a magic tape on the mat. The mat prevents impurities remaining on the upper mat from falling down to the indoor floor of the vehicle and contaminating inside the vehicle by using the protrusion portion, and passengers may scrape the impurities off bottoms of the passenger's shoes on the protrusion portion so that the impurities remain on the upper mat. Also, the protrusion portion protects a sewing line of the female magic tape against frictions with the bottoms of the shoes, and prevents the sewing line from being torn off.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: GLOBAL THE ONE KOREA CO., LTD.Inventor: Sang Yeon Lee
-
Patent number: 9931969Abstract: An adjustable vehicle cupholder is provided. The adjustable cupholder may include a console including a recessed portion defining a cupholder and a track extending along a length of the console. The track preferably terminates at the cupholder. The vehicle cupholder may also include a spiraling fitting that has an elongated shape and extends from the track. The spiraling fitting may be configured to spiral from a first diameter to a second smaller diameter as the spiraling fitting moves along the track and within an inner periphery of the cupholder.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2017Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Phillip Kerry Muldowney
-
Patent number: 9931970Abstract: A dump cart comprises a bed, a bed adapter, a frame, and a lift adapter. The bed is configured to carry a load. The bed adapter is configured to receive a bottom wall of the bed and includes a left adapter rail and a right adapter rail. The frame includes a left frame rail pivotally coupled to the left adapter rail and a right frame rail pivotally coupled to the right adapter rail. These connections allow the bed to dump the load to the rear of the dump cart. The lift adapter assists in lifting an object and includes left and right cradle arms that are configured to couple to one or more features of the object and a stabilizer leg that is configured to contact the ground so as to support a portion of the weight of the object.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: OxCart Products LLCInventor: Todd Francis Dechant
-
Patent number: 9931971Abstract: A spreader assembly may include a hopper configured for receiving a spreadable material, a removable cartridge configured for sliding engagement with the hopper and having a material transportation mechanism configured for receiving the spreadable material from the hopper, and a spreader configured for receiving the spreadable material from the material transportation mechanism and spreading the spreadable material onto a target surface. One of the hopper and the cartridge may include a roller having a roller surface, and the other of the hopper and the cartridge may include a bearing surface configured for rolling engagement with the roller surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Alamo Group Inc.Inventors: Spencer J. Null, Vladimir Feldman, Douglas E. Metcalf, Robert W. Wood, Randal M. Wolf
-
Patent number: 9931972Abstract: A carrier for reverse maneuvering a flat-towed dinghy attached to a towing vehicle. The carrier includes a platform, two caster wheels, and a friction slide plate. The friction slide plate is configured to present greater resistance to horizontal movement than the two caster wheels. When the front tires of a flat-towed dinghy are loaded onto a pair of carriers, the dinghy is maneuvered in reverse without the dinghy front wheels reverting to the maximum turn that is normally caused by the dinghy front wheel steering caster angle. The dinghy rolls onto the carrier when the flat-towed dinghy is moved in the backward direction. A chock or stop device prevents the front tire from rolling off the platform when the flat-towed dinghy is moving in the backward direction. The dinghy rolls off the carrier when the dinghy is moved in the forward direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Inventor: Richard R. Larsen
-
Patent number: 9931973Abstract: A hay bale transport device facilitates loading and securement of hay bales for transport. The device includes a trailer configured for being coupled to and moved by a vehicle. The trailer has a front end, a back end, and a pair of lateral sides extending between the front end and the back end. Each of a pair of side harnesses extends along an associated one of the lateral sides of the trailer. Each of the side harnesses includes a pair of end bars and a plurality of wires coupled to and extending between the end bars wherein the side harnesses are configured to secure hay bales on the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Inventors: Brad VanBochove, Henry VanBochove, Justin VanBochove
-
Patent number: 9931974Abstract: In a motor vehicle having motor vehicle exterior lighting devices and an operator control device, the following lighting modes of the motor vehicle exterior lighting devices can be set: deactivated, parking light, daytime running light, forwarding lighting, and automatic mode in which the motor vehicle exterior lighting devices are operated by an automatic forward light controller. The operator control device further has a single monostable operator control element by which the lighting modes can be set; or the operator control device has a monostable operator control element by which the deactivated, parking light, daytime running light and forward lighting lighting modes can be set. The operator control device has a pushbutton key or a toggle lever by which the automatic mode can be set.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Guenther Seitz, Arndt Boehme, Charlotte Helene Franz, Katrin Lohmueller