Patents Issued in April 17, 2018
  • Patent number: 9944147
    Abstract: An improved shock absorber which is capable of absorbing higher pressures created by larger deflections in the roadway and absorbing lower pressures created by smaller deflections in the roadway. The second mechanism involves the use of a first and second chamber which may expand to absorb the force of roadway defections. Additional components such as a valve, pump, tilt control unit and CPU may be used to regulate the operation of the chambers. The mechanism for absorbing lower pressures and smaller deflections may be turned on or off depending on the desires of the user. In particular, where low profile tires are used, the user may desire a stiffer suspension, and a stiffer shock absorber in a curve. In such case, it may be desirable to turn off the portion designed to absorb smaller deflections so that the car will not “roll” when going around a curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: S. Gregory Smith
  • Patent number: 9944148
    Abstract: Anti-roll systems and related methods are disclosed. An example anti-roll system includes a first stabilizer bar having a first end to operatively couple to a first wheel assembly of a vehicle and a second stabilizer bar having a first end to operatively couple to a second wheel assembly of the vehicle. A rotary damper is to couple a second end of the first stabilizer bar and a second end of the second stabilizer bar. A damping characteristic of the rotary damper is to vary based on a driving condition of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Roberto Villegas Muriel, Jordi Vidauri, Adrian Rueda
  • Patent number: 9944149
    Abstract: A hood article and a method of use for a seat conditioning assembly. The hood article including an air-impermeable housing with an internal hollow chamber and at least a first aperture adapted and a second aperture to connect an air mover to a collar device of an air distribution system assembly. The hood article used for fluidly connecting the air mover to the air distribution system assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: GENTHERM GMBH
    Inventors: Peter P. Efthymiou, Paul Stichhaller, Marinko Lazanja, Matthew Zuzga
  • Patent number: 9944150
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system for an electrically-powered vehicle (EV) having an electric motor powered by at least one battery is described. The HVAC system may comprise a blower, a conduit configured to carry air from the blower to vents leading to a passenger cabin of the EV, and an electric heater positioned in the conduit and configured to heat the air. The HVAC system may further comprise a thermal reservoir heater positioned in the conduit and including a thermal storage component configured to heat the air without using power from the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Sutherland, Steven M. Myers
  • Patent number: 9944151
    Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle air conditioner capable of preventing or inhibiting deterioration of a vehicle interior heating capability which is caused by frost formation to an outdoor heat exchanger. The vehicle air conditioner includes a compressor 2, an air flow passage 3, a radiator 4, a heat absorber 9, and an outdoor heat exchanger 7, and executes a heating mode in which a refrigerant discharged from the compressor radiates heat in the radiator, is decompressed and then absorbs heat in the outdoor heat exchanger. The vehicle air conditioner includes an accumulator 12 disposed on a suction side of the compressor, and a bypass circuit 24B disposed from a refrigerant outlet side of the radiator to an inlet side of the accumulator. A controller has a mode in which the refrigerant flowing out from the radiator is passed through the bypass circuit, does not flow through the outdoor heat exchanger, but flows into the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Sanden Holdings Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9944152
    Abstract: A battery cooling system for a vehicle, to warm up or cool down a battery installed in the vehicle by selectively using a refrigerant and a coolant according to a mode of the vehicle may include a heat exchanger, connected with a refrigerant line of a heat pump system through first and second connection lines, connected with a cooling line of a cooling system for an electric device through a battery cooling line, and configured to selectively eat-exchange between the coolant and refrigerant introduced into the heat exchanger, two first valves disposed in the battery cooling line with the heat exchanger disposed therebetween, and selectively connecting the cooling line and the battery cooling line, a first branch line connected with the refrigerant line through a second valve, and a second branch line selectively connecting the refrigerant line and the second connection line through a third valve and a fourth valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Hanon Systems
    Inventors: Jae Yeon Kim, Hae Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 9944153
    Abstract: A motor vehicle door and a method for producing the motor vehicle door is disclosed having a frame plate coupled to reinforcement components and at least half of all of the reinforcement components are produced as extruded profiles which are subsequently press-formed three-dimensionally. The extruded profiles have different wall thicknesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: BENTELER AUTOMOBILTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Edwin List Clausen, Jochem Grewe, Joern Toelle, Dariusz Straznikiewicz, Martin Schroeter, Gero Muellers
  • Patent number: 9944154
    Abstract: A cover for a truck bed that can be horizontally traversed between expanded and collapsed positions is shown. Since the cover is horizontally traversed, the person manipulating the cover need not lift the cover vertically in order to reconfigure the cover between the expanded and collapsed positions. Women and elderly people who are generally not as strong as men can manipulate the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 9944155
    Abstract: A frame and soft top assembly which includes lift assist and improved fabric management. The assembly includes a pair of front arms pivotally attached to rear side rails and are attached to the vehicle roll bar. A plurality of fabric control bows connected with pivot links provide fabric control to the top material during pivoting of the front side rails. A pair of bow pivot links are pivotally connected to the rear side rail. A rear gas strut and a front gas strut are attached longitudinally to either side of the pair of bow pivot links, one providing lift assistance at the start of the pivotal opening of the sunroof while the other of the struts gets loaded as the top is deployed and buffers the closing of the roof which also loads the strut to provide assistance in the closing direction when it is time to close the sunroof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Duane C. Junkin
  • Patent number: 9944156
    Abstract: A convertible top of a cabriolet vehicle includes a convertible top rod assembly movable between a closed position spanning a vehicle interior and a storage position. The top rod assembly includes a link arrangement on opposing sides of the assembly. The link arrangement includes a main link and a main column pivotably mounted on a main bearing, and a front-side first link element and a second link element. The second link element is rearward of the first link element in the closed position and connected to the first link element by a joint arrangement, wherein the first link element being pivotable relative to the second link element by an actuating link extending along the second link element. A knee lever arrangement connected to the first link element, the second link element, and the actuating link includes a closing bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: WEBASTO-EDSCHA CABRIO GMBH
    Inventors: Georg Kopp, Franz Haberl
  • Patent number: 9944157
    Abstract: A window molding includes a main body and a lip part. The body includes an upper surface configured to be affixed to an inner surface of a window and the body is configured to be arranged between the inner surface and a bottom surface part of a frame. The lip part is provided on a portion of the body located on the peripheral wall part side of the frame. In an assembled state, at least a portion of the lip part extends to be closer to the bottom surface part as approaching from the body side to the peripheral wall part side, and a distance from the upper surface to the bottom surface part is defined as L. When the molding is in an unloaded state, the lip part has a portion in which the distance from the upper surface is longer than L.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventor: Akira Moriyama
  • Patent number: 9944158
    Abstract: A below belt bracket assembly includes a weatherstrip or glassrun having first and second sidewalls interconnected along a base member that form a cavity configured to receive an associated window edge. A support member has a cavity configured to at least partially receive the weatherstrip. A first end of the support member includes first and second retention members that each operatively engage an end region of the weatherstrip. A recess/opening formed between the first and second retention members is dimensioned to receive the end region of the base member such that the end region of the weatherstrip base member ramps downwardly from the support member base wall through the recess/opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC.
    Inventor: Daniel S. Beach
  • Patent number: 9944159
    Abstract: A holding structure of a glass run for an automobile is capable of holding the glass run with a lower channel with excellent insertion workability to hold a door glass securely. In the holding structure of the glass run with the lower channel, the glass run has a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall and a fourth side wall, and has a generally rectangular cross section. One part of the side walls is composed of a material with rigidity higher than those of remaining parts of the side walls. A glass slider is attached to an end edge of the door glass below the belt line, and a tip end part of the glass slider, which is continuous with a main part of the glass slider via an opening part of the glass run, is held with the glass run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Dosaki, Yoshinobu Yamada
  • Patent number: 9944160
    Abstract: A vehicle floor structure comprises a floor panel made from fiber reinforced resin; a pair of framework members made of metal, the pair of framework members extend in a vehicle front-rear direction with the floor panel interposed at vehicle width direction inner sides of the pair of framework members, and both end portions in a vehicle width direction of the floor panel are joined to the pair of framework members; and a cross member made of metal, and the cross member extends in the vehicle width direction, both end portions in the vehicle width direction of the cross member are joined to the pair of framework members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kentaro Nakamura, Toshihiro Goto
  • Patent number: 9944161
    Abstract: A vehicle rear portion structure includes: a vehicle rear floor having a low floor portion, a high floor portion that is placed on a vehicle rear side and a vehicle upper side of the low floor portion, and a step wall portion that interconnects a rear end portion at the vehicle rear side of the low floor portion and a front end portion at a vehicle front side of the high floor portion; a battery tray that is placed on the low floor portion, is joined to the low floor portion, and is configured to support a battery; and a reinforcement member that extends from the battery tray to the high floor portion and is joined to the high floor portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Osamu Shimasaki, Hiroshi Amano
  • Patent number: 9944162
    Abstract: An automobile battery protection structure includes a middle channel; two protection components symmetrically disposed on the left and right of the middle channel. Each of the protection components includes a vehicle door sill, a seat beam assembly, a floor panel, and a longitudinal beam. One end of the seat beam assembly is attached to the upper part of the vehicle door sill, and the other end of the seat beam assembly attached to the upper side of the middle channel. One end of the floor panel is attached to the lower part of the vehicle door sill, and the other end of the floor panel is attached to the bottom side of the middle channel. The longitudinal beam is located under the floor panel, and longitudinally extending through the vehicle body. A car battery pack disposed under the middle channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: CHERY AUTOMOBILE CO., LTD, WUHU POWER-TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhiming Li
  • Patent number: 9944163
    Abstract: A power train and related vehicle are described for multi-mode power transmission. A first continuously variable power source (“CVP”) may convert rotational power received by the engine for transmission to a second CVP. A variator assembly may receive rotational power from the second CVP at a first input and directly from the engine at a second input. A control assembly may include one or more output components and a plurality of clutch devices arranged between the one or more output components and the variator assembly and engine. In a first state of the control assembly, the plurality of clutch devices may collectively provide direct power transmission between the engine and the one or more output components. In a second state of the control assembly, the plurality of clutches may collectively provide power transmission between the variator and the one or more output components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Kyle K. McKinzie
  • Patent number: 9944164
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus includes a transmission gear mechanism and a power split mechanism including a first rotation element connected to a first input member, a second rotation element connected to a rotary machine, and a third rotation element connected to the drive shaft via a first output member. The transmission gear mechanism is configured to transmit a torque to the first input member and the first rotation element via a second output member. The transmission gear mechanism and the power split mechanism are arranged on the same rotation axis as an output shaft of an engine. The transmission gear mechanism and the power split mechanism are arranged in the order of the transmission gear mechanism and the power split mechanism from the side closer to the engine. The second output member and the first input member are connected to each other by a spline or a serration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiki Kanada, Ryuji Ibaraki, Yuji Yasuda, Atsushi Tabata, Tatsuya Imamura
  • Patent number: 9944165
    Abstract: A power transmission system for a vehicle and a vehicle including the same are provided. The power transmission system includes an engine unit to generate power, input shafts to receive power from the engine unit, an output shaft to transfer the power from the input shafts, linked gears rotatable differentially relative to the output shaft to mesh with driving gears on the input shafts, an output unit coupled on the output shaft to transmit the power to the front wheels of the vehicle, a synchronizer disposed on the output shaft to selectively engage with the linked gears, a first motor generator to perform power transmission with at least one of the input shafts and the output shaft, one or more second motor generators to drive two front wheels of the vehicle, and one or more third motor generators to drive two rear wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Dongsheng Yang, Yubo Lian, Jintao Zhang, Hongbin Luo
  • Patent number: 9944166
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle axle includes two separate pinion gears meshing with a single beveled ring gear. One pinion gear conveys power from the internal combustion powertrain while the other pinion conveys power from an electric motor. Power from the electric motor is conditioned by a two-speed gearbox between the electric motor and the second pinion gear. The gearbox may utilize layshaft gearing or planetary gearing such as a Ravgneaux gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Allen Janson, Gregory Daniel Goleski, Christopher Joseph Guarracino
  • Patent number: 9944167
    Abstract: 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. The electrically motorized wheeled vehicle includes a plurality of electrically motorized wheels, each of the plurality of electrically motorized wheels in communication with at least one other of the plurality of electrically motorized wheels to coordinate operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Superpedestrian, Inc.
    Inventors: Assaf Biderman, Jon Stevens, John David Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 9944168
    Abstract: Regarding an industrial vehicle 101 configured to include an engine 1 mounted on a front portion of a travelling machine body 102 and an exhaust gas purification device 2 for purifying exhaust gas of the engine 1, the industrial vehicle 101 is such that the exhaust gas purification device 2 is mounted on an upper portion side of the engine 1, and the engine 1 and the exhaust gas purification device 2 are covered with a hood 114, and a maneuvering seat 117 is arranged on a rear side of the hood 114, and it is an object to suppress heat damage on the exhaust gas purification device 2 itself and the hood 114. Opening holes 160 are formed on right and left bilateral sides of the hood 114, and an introduction fin 166 that tilts in a posture for taking in outside air from an advancing direction is arranged in each opening hole 160.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 9944169
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a vehicle is formed of a tank main body in which an upper tank and a lower tank are mutually joined to form a closed space in which fuel is housed, and a sub-tank fixed to a bottom surface part of the lower tank by spot welding, in which a plurality of rows of the spot welding are set along a longitudinal direction of the lower tank with an interval therebetween in a width direction of the sub-tank, at least one bead positioned between the rows of the spot welding and extending continuously along the longitudinal direction of the lower tank is formed on the bottom surface part of the lower tank, and a lower surface of the sub-tank has no portion that is not brought into contact with the bottom surface part of the lower tank except for the bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL & SUMITOMO METAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuuichi Yosida, Shuji Yamamoto, Atsushi Seto
  • Patent number: 9944170
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an operating fluid container (10) made of thermoplastic material for a motor vehicle and a method for equipping an operating fluid container with a stiffening element (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Gebert, Ulrich Karsch, Burkhard Marxen
  • Patent number: 9944171
    Abstract: A fuel inlet assembly for an automotive vehicle having an elongated tubular and cylindrical housing open at each end and defining a port in between the ends of the housing. A flapper valve is associated with the fluid port and is movable between an open and a closed position. At least two latches are pivotally mounted to the housing adjacent the fluid port and movable between a latch position and a release position. The latches engage the flapper valve to prevent the flapper valve from moving to its open position. A flexible bump is attached to each latch so that the bump pivots with its associated latch and each bump protrudes radially inwardly from its associated latch. Each bump has a cam surface which, when engaged by a fuel nozzle, pivots the bump and its associated latch to the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Martinrea Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Kerin, Jr., Sorin Stancu, Jerry Walter Fearn
  • Patent number: 9944172
    Abstract: With the present invention, actuators known from the prior art are supposed to be developed further. For this purpose, an actuator comprises, in particular, an electric motor and a locking bar that can be moved by means of the electric motor. Moreover, the actuator comprises a lever with which the locking bar can be moved back mechanically out of its locking position. The invention moreover relates to a charging socket for an electrically driven motor vehicle. As is already known from a motor vehicle driven by an electric motor and an outlet provided in a private household, the electrical contacts of the charging socket are located protected in one or more recess(es). Into these recess(es), contacts of a charging plug which correspond therewith and are, for example, pin or rod-shaped, can be pushed for contacting. An adjacent, in particular peripherally extending, housing is provided around the one or more recess(es).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventors: Madhu S. Basavarajappa, Nicolas Cavalie, Bernardo Erices, Frank Kunst
  • Patent number: 9944173
    Abstract: A vehicle floor lower structure includes: a floor panel configuring a floor of a vehicle and formed with a floor tunnel, that projects out toward a vehicle body upper side and extends along a vehicle body front-rear direction, the floor tunnel is disposed at a vehicle width direction center of the floor panel; a fuel tank that is disposed at a vehicle body lower side of the floor panel and that includes a main tank section disposed inside the floor tunnel and an extension tank section that is disposed inside the floor tunnel and that projects out from the main tank section toward a vehicle body front side or a vehicle body rear side; and an exhaust pipe that is routed so as to pass by inside the floor tunnel at a vehicle width direction outer side of the main tank section and the extension tank section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoshi Ajisaka
  • Patent number: 9944174
    Abstract: A self-propelled construction machine, comprises a machine frame, on which a working unit is arranged, and comprises a drive unit for driving the working unit. An additive, in particular a urea solution for operating an exhaust gas treatment system, is provided in an operating material tank which is integrated in the fuel tank or water tank of the construction machine. The integration of the operating material tank in the fuel tank or water tank does not necessitate any modifications to the machine frame. The dimensions of the construction machine can also remain unchanged, since the fuel tank does not take up any extra space on the machine frame if the dimensions of the fuel tank or water tank are maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Busley, Olaf Gaertner, Cyrus Barimani
  • Patent number: 9944175
    Abstract: A fuel tank system has a fuel tank and a storage element. In monitoring the fuel tank system, to check the sealing action of the fuel tank system at regular intervals during driving of the motor vehicle, a first valve is arranged in the first line upstream of the storage element as viewed in the direction of the fresh-air flow, an air pump is arranged between the first valve and the storage element, and a second valve is arranged in the second line between the storage element and the intake line. A mass flow sensor is arranged in the first line between the first valve and the storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Weigl, Philippe Grass
  • Patent number: 9944176
    Abstract: An electric vehicle including: a plurality of transmission shafts, wherein each transmission shaft is arranged along a lateral direction of the electric vehicle, the plurality of transmission shafts are spaced along the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle, and each transmission shaft is used for driving wheels which are coaxially arranged and are located at opposite sides of the vehicle; at least two drive motors each of which is in transmission connection with at least one transmission shaft and is used for driving the at least one transmission shaft; wherein, at least one of the at least two drive motors is a single-shaft drive motor which is in transmission connection with only one transmission shaft to drive the only one transmission shaft. The drive motors and the transmission shafts are modular so that the installation and control of the transmission shafts of the electric vehicle can be simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Geely Automobile Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shufu Li
  • Patent number: 9944177
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (“ATV”) a frame extending along a longitudinal centerline of the ATV. Additionally, the ATV includes a plurality of ground engaging members operably coupled to the frame which includes a first ground-engaging member and a second ground-engaging member positioned on a first side of the longitudinal centerline and a third ground-ground engaging member and a fourth ground-engaging member positioned on a second side of the longitudinal centerline. The ATV further includes a straddle seat supported by the frame and configured to support an operator, an engine supported by the frame, and an engine air inlet fluidly coupled to the engine and positioned forward of the straddle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Burton D. Fischer, William B. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9944178
    Abstract: A power takeoff unit is comprised of: a casing dividable into a first part and a second part; an inner shaft receiving torque from an engine; an outer shaft independently rotatable and coaxial with the inner shaft; a clutch for connecting the inner shaft with the outer shaft; an actuator configured to connect the clutch; an output shaft for outputting torque; and a gear set drivingly coupling the outer shaft with the output shaft, wherein the outer shaft and the output shaft are rotatably supported by the first part, the clutch is rotatably supported by the second part, and the actuator is fixed to the second part, whereby the clutch and the actuator along with the second part are separable from the first part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Japan Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Uchida, Masaki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9944179
    Abstract: To secure and improve the support rigidity of an electric AT device without any structural difficulty. A center console includes a console body which has a pair of side wall parts, and an AT finisher which is provided between upper ends of the pair of side wall parts. An electric AT device is mounted on a lower surface side of the AT finisher directly or through a mounting bracket. A rigid member is mounted in at least one inner surface of the pair of side wall parts. A device holding part which is supported by an upper portion of the rigid member is provided in the mounting bracket or the electric AT device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiro Toriumi
  • Patent number: 9944180
    Abstract: A control device for an engine, which controls an engine torque based on operation of an organ-type accelerator pedal is provided. The control device includes an accelerator opening detector for detecting an accelerator opening based on an angle of an accelerator pedal, a target acceleration setter for setting a target acceleration based on the accelerator opening, and an engine controller for adjusting an engine torque to achieve the target acceleration. The accelerator pedal is arranged to have a pedal angle at a predetermined initial pedal angle when the accelerator pedal is not pressed. The target acceleration setter sets the target acceleration to zero when the accelerator pedal is pressed and the accelerator opening is within a range where a difference between the pressed pedal angle and the initial pedal angle is between 2 and 4 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Yagi, Kenji Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9944181
    Abstract: Provided herein is a display unit for a vehicle which is designed for representing information and for arrangement in an interior space of the vehicle with respect to a viewing direction of the driver of the vehicle. The display unit may include: a display device which can be connected to a device for operating the display device, in particular for operating as a function of a measured value for a state of the vehicle; an OLED display having three-dimensional geometry, in particular for a flat emission of light, where the OLED display, seen in the viewing direction, seen in particular in the forward direction, is arranged so that it overlaps with the display device and, in the overlap area, it includes a passage through which the display device can be connected to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Lutz Diederichs, Matthias Wunderlich
  • Patent number: 9944182
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to vehicle notifications. In aspects, while a vehicle is in motion, certain types of notifications are not presented to the driver. After the vehicle has stopped and a point appropriate for notification is occurring, a notification may be presented. The notification may assist a driver in, for example, learning features of the vehicle, improving efficiency, or in many other ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Cheryl N. Platz, John P. Hendricks, Mark O'Hanlon
  • Patent number: 9944183
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an HUD integrated cluster system for a vehicle camera. The HUD integrated cluster system displays captured images of the rear view of the vehicle on a cluster and an HUD in front of the driver's seat. Thereby, the gaze shift distance and time may be reduced in watching the environment behind the vehicle and a traffic accident resulting from distraction from the front view may be prevented. The HUD integrated cluster system also displays, on the cluster and the HUD in front of the driver's seat, an image of at least one of the views of the rear center, rear left side and rear right side of the vehicle according to the speed of the vehicle, gear shift, blinking of a turn signal, and a steering direction of the steering wheel. Thereby, the driver may easily observe the rear view according to respective situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Denso Korea Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yagyu, Won Joong Kang, Oh Su Kwon, Dong Hun Kwak
  • Patent number: 9944184
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle capable of transmitting power of a rotating electrical machine to a driving wheel by a shift of a transmission, includes: an electronic control unit configured to (i) select, as an operation mode of the rotating electrical machine, a normal mode and a power mode in which the rotating electrical machine is operated such that a vehicle drive force is increased more than the normal mode, (ii) execute insulation protection control of the rotating electrical machine when the electronic control unit determines that dielectric breakdown of the rotating electrical machine occurs, and (iii) set a priority of the insulation protection control in an order of a change in a transmission gear ratio of the transmission, a decrease in an application voltage to the rotating electrical machine, and torque limitation of the rotating electrical machine in a state where the power mode is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazutaka Aoki
  • Patent number: 9944185
    Abstract: Appropriate collision avoidance support control is enabled in a vehicle configured to carry out regeneration enhancement control. A predictive deceleration support control unit is configured to set a position at which the vehicle is predicted to finish deceleration as a target deceleration end position, and guide a driver to release an accelerator pedal so that the deceleration of the vehicle is finished at the target deceleration end position, to thereby carry out regeneration enhancement control under a state in which the accelerator pedal is released so as to generate a larger deceleration than in a normal state. The predictive deceleration support control unit is configured to read a collision avoidance support control flag from a collision avoidance support ECU, and stop the regeneration enhancement control when the collision avoidance support control is being carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Haruki Oguri
  • Patent number: 9944186
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo bed, first open electrical circuit, and tonneau cover. The cargo bed has first and second sides extending upward. The first open electrical circuit has a battery and extends from a first electrical receptacle defined by the first side to a second electrical receptacle defined by the second side. The tonneau cover has a photovoltaic panel. The tonneau cover also has first and second electrical connectors that engage the first and second receptacles, respectively, to connect the photovoltaic panel to and close the first open circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: James Rehberger
  • Patent number: 9944187
    Abstract: The invention relates to electrically operated vehicle with power supply system having wind based charging unit with load isolation. The power supply nit has one or more energy storage device with an inverter for supplying AC loads. Two such power supply units are used in an electric vehicle application for supplying the drive load. The power supply units when operated through an intermediate section and an output combiner, supplies to the load with complete isolation from the recharging unit of the system. Due to which, the energy storage devices serves for large distance range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: KANNAPPAN CHETTIAR
    Inventor: Kannappan Chettiar
  • Patent number: 9944188
    Abstract: An on-board electrical system for a vehicle comprising: a first energy store; a second energy store; a DC/DC converter bidirectionally transferring energy between the first energy store and the second energy store; and two switching devices for coupling a first terminal of the second energy store to a first terminal of the first energy store via a first node, a second node, and a third node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Dirk Reichow, Peter Voelkl, Michael Scheurer
  • Patent number: 9944189
    Abstract: A system for using a solar cell includes a solar cell module configured to convert sunlight into electric energy, an engine operating circuit configured to convert mechanical energy generated by an engine operation of a vehicle into electric energy and provide the electric energy, a solar cell circuit configured to provide the electric energy generated through the solar cell module, a battery configured to be charged by electric energy provided by the solar cell circuit or the engine operating circuit, a load, and a controller of a vehicle. The controller is configured to control a connection of the circuits to the battery or to the load depending on a measured state of charge of the battery, driving of the vehicle, and acceleration of the vehicle. A method for using a solar cell is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Hae Yoon Jung, Won Jung Kim, Moon Jung Eo, Sung Geun Park, Sang Hak Kim, Mi Yeon Song
  • Patent number: 9944190
    Abstract: A method includes: receiving vehicle information from a wireless charging-capable vehicle via a wireless communication means; calculating an air gap between a primary coil of a wireless charging system that is operable to wirelessly charge the vehicle and a secondary coil of the vehicle based on the received vehicle information; and causing electric current to flow only through a portion of the primary coil having a size that is less than or equal to a size of the entire primary coil. The size of the portion of the primary coil through which the electric current flows is determined based on the calculated air gap between the primary coil and the secondary coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan Lewis
  • Patent number: 9944191
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle is provided. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes: a battery; a battery residual quantity detector configured to detect a residual quantity of the battery; a communicator configured to perform communication with a rechargeable unmanned aerial vehicle used in charging or replacement of the battery; and a processor configured to control the communicator to transmit its operation information to the rechargeable unmanned aerial vehicle detected within a predetermined distance when the detected residual quantity of the battery is less than the predetermined reference quantity and control to wirelessly charge the battery by the power supplied from the rechargeable unmanned aerial vehicle to maintain an operable state of the unmanned aerial vehicle or replace the battery to a new battery provided from the rechargeable unmanned aerial vehicle when being close to the rechargeable unmanned aerial vehicle receiving the operation information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: INDUSTRY-ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUNDATION GYEONGSANG NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ki-il Kim, Chung-jae Lee, Kyong-hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 9944192
    Abstract: Techniques for electric vehicle systems, and in particular to an electric vehicle charging system and method of use. In one embodiment, a system for charging an electric vehicle is provided, the system comprising: an electrical storage unit disposed on the electric vehicle; a charging panel in electrical communication with the electrical storage unit; a robotic unit comprising an external power source, a charging plate and a robotic arm, the charging plate interconnected to the robotic arm and configured to provide a charge to the charging panel; and a vehicle controller configured to communicate with the robotic unit and position the charging plate with respect to the charging panel; wherein the charging panel receives the charge from the external power source and charges the electrical storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. Ricci
  • Patent number: 9944193
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric power reception unit, a motive power generation apparatus generating on an output shaft a drive force for moving the vehicle, and a vehicle ECU controlling the motive power generation apparatus. The motive power generation apparatus includes a parking gear provided on the output shaft, a parking pole having a protrusion to be fit in a groove of the parking gear, and a drive unit outputting the drive force. The vehicle ECU controls the drive unit so that in a case where the electric power reception unit is located within an area in which electric power can be received from the electric power transmission apparatus and where the motive power generation apparatus has been set to a parking range, the vehicle is moved in a direction that causes the electric power reception unit to approach the electric power transmission apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Taiyo Uejima, Shinji Ichikawa, Toru Nakamura, Satoshi Taniguchi, Shinpei Takita
  • Patent number: 9944194
    Abstract: A system is described to enable charging of electric vehicles. A scheduler determines charging profiles for electric vehicles based on a time period within a day that is beneficial to an electric grid while still meeting the needs of drivers of the electric vehicles. A service provider charges the electric vehicles according to the charging profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventor: Alexander N. Brooks
  • Patent number: 9944195
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a vehicle architecture for controlling and regulating an electric drive of an electric or hybrid vehicle, having a power electronics system which is connected firstly to the electric drive and secondly to a battery or to a battery system. A battery management system is associated with the battery or the battery system. The vehicle architecture comprises a master controller or a controller which is equipped with a master functionality into which functionalities at least of the battery management system and of the power electronics system of the electric drive are exported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Frank Stimm, Michael Steil, Alfons Doerr, Andreas Bosch
  • Patent number: 9944197
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an inverter, a motor, a transmission, and a modulator. The inverter performs pulse width modulation processing at a predetermined carrier frequency. The motor is supplied with electric power from the inverter. The transmission changes the number of revolutions of the motor, and transmits rotary power of the motor to one or more driving wheels. The modulator controls the pulse width modulation processing performed by the inverter, and changes the carrier frequency of the pulse width modulation processing, to offset a change in a frequency of a sideband component out of frequencies of a carrier sound. The carrier sound is generated in the motor or the inverter, or both, accompanying a stepwise change in the number of revolutions of the motor on a condition that the stepwise change is made by the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Suzuki, Yukihiro Osaku, Yukihito Inaba