Patents Issued in April 19, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180105071
    Abstract: A method for pre-adjusting a vehicle seat (1) for a passenger (2) using the vehicle seat (1) includes providing the vehicle seat (1) in a first vehicle seat configuration. A communication device (4) is integrated into a vehicle (6) and is activated. After activation, information relating to the passenger (2) is input into the communication device (4). The input information is then transmitted to a control unit (5). A second vehicle seat configuration is ascertained on the basis of the transmitted information. The vehicle seat (1) is then automatically converted from the first vehicle seat configuration to the second vehicle seat configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Wei LANGE-MAO
  • Publication number: 20180105072
    Abstract: This actuator comprises a frame, a motor, an output shaft, and a drive train for driving the output shaft via the motor. The drive train comprises an upstream element, a downstream element, and a device for coupling the upstream element to the downstream element. Said coupling device has a first configuration for transmitting all of the torque exerted by one of the upstream and downstream elements on the coupling device to the other of the upstream and downstream elements when said torque is below a threshold torque, and a second configuration for diverting at least part of said torque exerted by one of the upstream and downstream elements on the coupling device to the frame when said torque is at least equal to the threshold torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Sylvain Pons
  • Publication number: 20180105073
    Abstract: An adjusting device (3), for a vehicle seat (1), includes at least one first adjusting element (5), at least one second adjusting element (7) that moves relative to the first adjusting element (5), a spindle (11) associated with the first adjusting element (5) and having an outer thread (13) for cooperating with an inner thread (64) of a spindle nut (60) associated with the second adjusting element (7). A base body (62) of the spindle nut (60) is made of metal, in particular steel, and at least sections of the inner thread (64) of the spindle nut (60) is made of a plastic or is covered with a plastic layer. A vehicle seat (1) is also provided having an adjusting device (3) of this type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Andreas HOFFMANN, David BALZAR
  • Publication number: 20180105074
    Abstract: A seat slide device that can change sliding resistance when a seat is made to slide in accordance with a situation is provided. A seat slide device includes a lower rail fixed to a floor of a vehicle and an upper rail fixed to a seat of the vehicle and supported to be movable with respect to the lower rail. On the upper rail, a sliding member in contact with the slid surface of the lower rail from above is provided and configured such that the sliding resistance borne by the sliding member when the upper rail is moved is changed by a load in a vertical direction borne by the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Toyota Body Seiko Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Shin Shiraki
  • Publication number: 20180105075
    Abstract: A power return mechanism for restoring a seat track assembly for a vehicle from a first position, such as a full forward position used for easy-entry, to a second position, such as a passenger use position. The power return mechanism includes a return cable assembly with a return cable adapted to be fixedly secured to one of the upper or lower rails of the seat track assembly, and a selectively actuated cable draw assembly. The cable draw assembly is adapted to be connected to the other of the upper or lower rails of the seat track assembly. The cable draw assembly permits free movement of the return cable when the cable draw assembly is inactive. When actuated, the cable draw assembly draws in the return cable, thereby moving the upper rail of the seat track assembly from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: David M. Runde
  • Publication number: 20180105076
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a lower leg support, a seat, and a seatback. A seat rotational member rotatably couples the lower leg support to the seat. A seatback rotational member rotatably couples the seat to the seatback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Alan George Dry
  • Publication number: 20180105077
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seatback pivot rotationally operable relative to a slidable base, a first cam in communication with the seatback pivot to activate a track-overslide actuator of the base when the seatback pivot is in a rear-entry position and a second cam in communication with the seatback pivot. When the track-overslide actuator is activated, forward operation of the base locks the seatback pivot in the rear-entry position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Macit Aktas
  • Publication number: 20180105078
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle is disclosed herein. The seat is configurable in a normal seating position in which a seat base is substantially horizontally arranged and a seatback is arranged in an upright position and a bulkhead configuration in which the seat base and the seatback are both substantially vertically arranged. In the bulkhead configurations, the seat base and the seatback extend upwards from a position close to a floor of the vehicle to a position close to a roof of the vehicle. When in the bulkhead position, the multi-functional seat forms a barrier between a rear cargo space and a front row of seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: James Nicholas Murray, James Neugebauer, Richard Craven, Sharon Groves
  • Publication number: 20180105079
    Abstract: A seating system for a vehicle includes a seat cushion and a seat back pivotably attached to the seat cushion. A latch arrangement has a locked position for inhibiting pivoting of the seat back relative to the seat cushion and an open position for facilitating pivoting of the seat back relative to the seat cushion. A rotatable actuator defines a first radius and a second radius. A first flexible member is attached to the rotatable actuator at the first radius such that tensioning the first flexible member rotates the rotatable actuator in a first direction. A second flexible member is attached to the latch arrangement and the rotatable actuator at the second radius such that rotation of the rotatable actuator in the first direction tensions the second flexible member and moves the latch arrangement from the locked position to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas MATZKA, Josef WIDHOPF, Uwe HOYER, Markus MANTERNACH
  • Publication number: 20180105080
    Abstract: An inflatable member includes a fluid delivery assembly positioned at intervals between an upper and a lower sheet. A plurality of fluid cells is defined by a series of ridges formed by a lower sheet of the inflatable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Alan George Dry
  • Publication number: 20180105081
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for adjusting an armrest assembly, the assembly comprising an armrest that includes an armrest pad, a rising platform having a nut aperture, a nut positioned within the nut aperture. The assembly further includes a rod assembly coupled with the armrest, an adjustment mechanism for raising or lowering the armrest, and may include one or more rotation stops coupled with a stationary plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: CURTIS DONALD RICHARDS, DANIEL PHILIP ADELMANN
  • Publication number: 20180105082
    Abstract: An active vibration isolation system for a motor vehicle seat that is adapted to be occupied by a user, includes an active suspension system that supports the seat above a floor of the motor vehicle, where the suspension system comprises at least one actuator that can be controlled to move the seat up and down in the direction of a vertical axis, a first sensor system mounted to the vehicle and that is adapted to sense vehicle height position changes along or parallel to the vertical axis, a second sensor system that is adapted to determine the seat translational position along or parallel to the vertical axis, and a controller that, in response to the first and second sensor systems, is adapted to provide control signals to the active suspension system that cause motions of the seat that are designed to control the height of the user's head or torso as the vehicle undergoes translations along the vertical axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Lawrence D. Knox
  • Publication number: 20180105083
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat comprises a seat body, a fan, a duct, a mounting bracket, and a holder. The fan blows air out or draws air in. The duct couples between the seat body and the fan, and is flexible. The mounting bracket is to be mounted to a panel provided in the seat body and supports the duct. The holder is provided in at least a first one of the duct and the mounting bracket. The holder is configured to be abutted against a second one of the duct and the mounting bracket in a state where the mounting bracket is not mounted to the panel, thereby holding a mounting surface of the mounting bracket and a mounting surface of the panel such that the mounting surface of the mounting bracket and the mounting surface of the panel are approximately parallel to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi TSUZAKI, Hiroshi MURAHATA
  • Publication number: 20180105084
    Abstract: A hooking structure (10) of a seat for supporting a trim cover (7) by hooking the trim cover (7) onto a seat member (3) constituting the seat, the hooking structure (10) comprising: a linear hook member (14) used for hooking, the linear hook member (14) being arranged on a front surface side of the trim cover (7); and an anchoring member (18) which anchors the linear hook member (14) onto the seat member (3), with the linear hook member (14) being inserted in a hooking groove (11) formed in the seat member (3). An insert member (16) to be engaged with the anchoring member (18) is preferably provided inside the seat member (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Tobata, Takahiko Nagasawa, Tsutomu Fujikake
  • Publication number: 20180105085
    Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat back and a bolster subassembly. The bolster subassembly may have a bolster frame and a bolster trim subassembly. The bolster frame may be mounted to a back panel of the seat back. The bolster trim subassembly may be received between the bolster frame and the back panel when the bolster subassembly is mounted to the seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Bradley C. Duncan, Richard A. Sams, Ronald L. Miotto
  • Publication number: 20180105086
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat frame assembly supporting a cushion carrier. A suspension system is suspended from the cushion carrier and includes one or more deflectable spring members that are fixedly coupled to a front portion of the cushion carrier at a first end and moveably coupled to a rear portion of the cushion carrier at a second end. The second end of the one or more deflectable spring members rotates on the rear portion of the cushion carrier as the suspension system moves between at-rest and flexed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, S. M. Akbar Berry, Carol Casey, Daniel Ferretti
  • Publication number: 20180105087
    Abstract: An adjustable headrest 300 includes a guide 360 configured to be coupled to a seat, a head support 302 coupled to the guide and configured to be movable along an adjustment path relative to the seat, and a slider 370 having a surface defining a recess 373 receiving the guide such that the surface of the slider contacts a surface of the guide. The adjustment headrest further includes a retainer 390 positioned to urge the surface of the slider against the surface of the guide, thereby maintaining friction between the surface of the slider and the surface of the guide and resisting unintended movement of the slider with respect to the guide along the adjustment path. Also, a friction module and a friction hinge are provided, which can be incorporated into an adjustable headrest or other assemblies in which sliding and/or hinged components are desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Southco, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene NOVIN
  • Publication number: 20180105088
    Abstract: A vehicular article-accommodating structure, comprising a lid front part provided with an opening of such size as to be larger than the cross-sectional diameter of a cup but also capable of preventing tipping and falling of the cup, a link mechanism for causing the lid front part to perform a translational movement between a first position and a second position, and a lower part of a bottom part and an upper part of a bottom part for receiving the bottom surface of the cup at the first position and the second position. The second position is a high position having a height greater than that of the first position, and is a position rearward from the first position. The height of the lid front part can be changed by a prescribed distance, and furthermore the distance from the lid front part to a passenger can be reduced by a prescribed distance. It is possible for the structure to be suitably easy to use by individual passengers having different physical builds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Takashi YOKOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20180105089
    Abstract: Provided is a container holder that allows a beverage container to be inserted into a recess thereof with ease. The container holder (10, 90) includes a main body (20) formed with a recess (21) having an open top defined therein for receiving a container, a swing member (40) rotatably supported by the main body so as to be swung into and out of the recess, a roller (50) supported by the swing member so as to be rotated around a prescribed rotational center line (B) by a container engaging the roller as the container is pushed into and pulled out of the recess, and a biasing member (60) urging the swing member into projecting into the recess, wherein the swing member is provided with an inclined surface (47) extending from a part thereof located outward of an outer periphery (53) of the roller, above the roller and outward of the recess to a part thereof located directly above or inward of the rotational center line of the roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Kei INOUE, Kozo KOBAYASHI, Koji KONDO
  • Publication number: 20180105090
    Abstract: A portable cigar holder for holding both a lit cigar and an extinguished stub at the same time, configured to be mounted on a support in moving vehicle. The cigar holder comprises a vertical heat-resistant rubber tube with a resilient tubular sidewall and an open upper end, a metal cup connected to or inserted in a lower end of the tube, and a pair of splits formed in opposing sides of the resilient sidewall. The splits define horizontally spaced vertical cigar-clamping slots with resiliently serrated side edges, the slots terminating at their lower ends above the rim of the metal cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Cigar Riders IP Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Allen
  • Publication number: 20180105091
    Abstract: A vehicle access ramp system is provided. In various embodiments, methods, devices and systems are provided to facilitate the ingress and egress of various objects and beings to and from a vehicle. In some embodiments, a ramp system is provided that is arranged to integrate with an existing compartment of a vehicle and which maintains the utility of the existing compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Errol Keith Stevens, Rebette Stevens
  • Publication number: 20180105092
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to improve delivery vehicles with storage compartments for items and product containers. In some embodiments, the storage compartments have a plurality of horizontally-mounted support rails mounted on opposite sides of the storage compartment to receive the product containers and retractable retaining elements disposed adjacent ends of the support rails proximate storage compartment openings to help retain the product containers. In another configuration, the horizontally-mounted support rails are movable, such that the product containers supported by the support rails permit are movable. By one approach, the delivery vehicle includes a conveyor mechanism to move the horizontally-mounted support rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Sai Phaneendra Sri Harsha Viswanath Putcha, Luke M. Reynolds, Christian James Munoz
  • Publication number: 20180105093
    Abstract: A cargo strap system for inhibiting a cargo strap from flying freely on a vehicle includes a vehicle. The vehicle selectively supports an object thereby facilitating the object to be transported. At least one cargo strap is removably coupled to the vehicle. The at least one cargo strap is selectively extended over the object thereby securing the object to the vehicle. The at least one cargo strap has a free end when the at least one cargo strap is extended over the object. A retention unit is removably coupled to the at least one cargo strap. The retention unit engages the free end of the cargo strap. Thus, the retention unit inhibits the free end from flying freely when the vehicle is driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Clint Wood, Jerret R. Wood
  • Publication number: 20180105094
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus that securely creates an anchoring point along the side rails of the pickup bed to efficiently fasten a securing strap or rope includes a pickup bed rail clamp, a T-head tie down, and a strap receiving bracket. An upper jaw and a lower jaw of the pickup bed rail clamp secure the clamping apparatus to the pickup bed through a fastener of the pickup bed rail clamp. The strap receiving bracket is terminally connected to the upper jaw and designed to receive a hook of the securing strap or a knot of the securing rope. The T-head tie down is connected to the upper jaw and the strap receiving bracket. a first V-shaped notch, a second V-shaped notch, and a U-shaped notch of the T-head tie down provide multiple placements for the securing strap or rope to loop around thus secure a load within the pickup bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel Marcus Cain, Tanna Kay Cain
  • Publication number: 20180105095
    Abstract: A lighting device for a vehicle headlight, the lighting device having a first light module (105), a second light module (106) and a third light module (107), wherein the first light module (105) generates, when installed in a vehicle, a first specified overall light distribution (A) in a region in front of the motor vehicle, and the second light module (106) generates, when installed in a vehicle, a first specified partial light distribution (F) in a region in front of the motor vehicle, and the third light module (107) generates, when installed in a vehicle, a second specified partial light distribution (Z) in a region in front of the motor vehicle, and wherein when the first and second light modules (105, 106) are illuminated at the same time, the first overall light distribution (A) at least partially overlaps the first partial light distribution (F), with the result that a second overall light distribution (AF) is formed, wherein the second partial light distribution (Z) lies underneath the hh line (hh) a
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Lukas TAUDT, Stefan TOMASETIG, Heimo FRANK
  • Publication number: 20180105096
    Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled rechargeable brake light control circuit is a compact package with connectors that includes a rechargeable power source, a power supply sensor, and a non-volatile memory connected to a microprocessor. When power is abruptly disconnected, as when the brake is disengaged, there still is enough power to the device from the rechargeable power source for a period of time that allows a microprocessor to store an indication, such as a time stamp, of approximately where in time the pulse sequence terminated. When the brake is again depressed and power is restored to the circuit, that time stamp may be used as a reference point to restart the pulse sequence. Pulsing of the brake light is through a MOSFET switch pulse circuit that receives vehicle power when the brake pedal is depressed and imprints a pulse pattern on that vehicle power responsive to pulse sequence command from the microprocessor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Greg Paterno
  • Publication number: 20180105097
    Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle comprises a mechanism for sensing a braking of the vehicle and a control device for sending a signal to a headlight activation circuit to modulate the vehicle's headlights based upon the braking of the vehicle. In particular, a headlight of the vehicle is able to be modulated based upon an application of one or both of a front brake and a rear brake. The headlight activation circuit is able to modulate the headlight between an on position and an off position or modulate the headlight between a high beam position and a low beam position. Consequently, the vehicle is better seen as it approaches likely congestion areas such as intersections and slowing or stopped traffic and attempts to enter traffic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Fritz Braunberger
  • Publication number: 20180105098
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a body, wherein the body has body openings, in which auxiliary devices such as lamps, turn indicators, or the like are arranged. A body wall surrounds the body opening and has a body flange formed at the particular body opening, to which body wall a cup-shaped insert is fastened, wherein the particular auxiliary device is fastened to the cup-shaped insert. The cup-shaped insert has a peripheral or partially peripheral, bent flange segment having a fastening segment, which extends parallel to an inner surface of the body wall surrounding the body opening. A glue or an adhesive layer is applied between the outer surface of the fastening segment of the flange segment of the cup-shaped insert and the inner surface of the body wall. A seal is arranged in an intermediate space between a flange segment of the cup-shaped insert and the body wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Andre KOCH, Stefan MIESLINGER, Martin KERSCHER, Frank GEIGER
  • Publication number: 20180105099
    Abstract: The invention relates to a LED light module (M) for a lighting device for vehicles, which LED light module has at least one LED branch having at least one LED (LED1 . . . LEDn), wherein at least one component (RR) for identifying a bin class is arranged on the module, and the module is designed for operation with a total current (IG), and an analog controller (3, T2) for branching off a partial current (IB) is connected in parallel with the LED branch (Z) carrying a partial current (ID) of the total current (IG), wherein a signal (US) corresponding to the total current (IG) is fed to the analog controller as a reference variable and a signal (UR) proportional to one of the partial currents (IB, ID) and provided by the component (RR) for identifying the bin class is fed to the analog controller as a control variable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Emanuel WEBER, Roland WACHTER
  • Publication number: 20180105100
    Abstract: An end plate for a rear spoiler of a vehicle, having a basic body with a fastening portion for fastening to an air directing wing of the rear spoiler. A first electric conducting body and, insulated electrically therefrom, a second electric conducting body are arranged at least in sections within the basic body. An electric light element which is electrically conductively connected to the two conducting bodies is furthermore arranged on the basic body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thiemo Erb, Markus Brunner, Erik Samel
  • Publication number: 20180105101
    Abstract: The present invention is provided with: an outer housing configured from a housing having an opening, and a translucent cover closing the opening; a substrate disposed inside of the outer hosing; a camera module, which has an image pickup element, and is disposed on the substrate; and a light emitting element, which is provided as a light source, and is disposed on the substrate. Consequently, since the camera module and the light emitting element are disposed on the substrate that is disposed inside of the outer housing, the number of configuration components is small, thereby achieving reduction of the number of components, and size reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki TATARA, Toshihiro OKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20180105102
    Abstract: An in-vehicle production lighting system includes: an acceleration sensor configured to detect an acceleration of a vehicle; light emitters arranged at a prescribed position in a cabin of the vehicle and capable of changing light intensity and light color in a prescribed lighting pattern; and a controller configured to generate or select the prescribed lighting pattern depending on a detection result obtained by the acceleration sensor and control the light emitters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Tomonori OHASHI
  • Publication number: 20180105103
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system for communication between the interior and exterior of the vehicle, comprising: an approach sensor part; a wind ejection part; a light emitting part; a memory part; and a control part. The approach sensor part is installed on a part of a front side or a rear side or both lateral surfaces of the vehicle to detect the pedestrian or a target object located within a predetermined distance. The wind ejection part ejects the wind in the direction of the pedestrian or the target object in accordance with a detection result of the approach sensor part. The light emitting part emits a light in the direction of the pedestrian or the target object in accordance with the detection result of the approach sensor part. The memory part stores pattern information on the wind or the light by the wind ejection part or the light emitting part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Jae Du O
  • Publication number: 20180105104
    Abstract: A vehicle temperature control system for children and pets provides a plurality of pressure switches beneath the seats, as well as motion sensors, to detect the presence of a child or pet in a vehicle that has been shut off and parked with the doors locked. If the presence of a child or pet is detected, the system engages the climate control system, and maintains a comfortable temperature within the vehicle interior. The system provides a key fob wherein an alert light is provided, and transmits a signal to the key fob which activates the flashing alert light The system also transmits an SMS text message to the user's cellular telephone, indicating that a child or pet may have been left in the vehicle. The system also locks the transmission in park, to prevent a child from shifting the vehicle into gear after the engine has been started.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Vola Gean Smith
  • Publication number: 20180105105
    Abstract: A navigation terminal includes a communicator, an alerter, and a processor. The processor obtains destination information indicating a user's destination, obtains first location information indicating the location of the navigation terminal, starts navigation according to a route calculated based on the destination information and the first location information, obtains second location information indicating the location of the navigation terminal after starting the navigation, starts the alerter when the distance from the location indicated by the second location information to a predetermined spot on the route becomes smaller than or equal to the first distance, and causes the communicator to transmit a control signal to a wearable terminal of the user to vibrate a vibrator in the wearable terminal when the distance from the location indicated by the second location information to the predetermined spot becomes smaller than or equal to a second distance smaller than the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: HIDESHI AOKI, TETSUJI FUCHIKAMI, KAZUKI FUNASE, AKINORI OZEKI
  • Publication number: 20180105106
    Abstract: A vehicle warning device for detecting an object in front includes a distance detector, a first warning component and a second warning component. The distance detector is installed in a front bumper of a vehicle for detecting a distance between the object in front and the vehicle to output a detecting signal. The first warning component is electrically connected to the distance detector to receive the detecting signal and outputs a first warning signal when the first warning component receives the detecting signal. The first warning component is installed within a visible range of a driver. The second warning component is electrically connected to the distance detector to receive the detecting signal and outputs a second warning signal when the second warning component receives the detecting signal. The second warning component is installed within the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Cheng-Hsin TSAI
  • Publication number: 20180105107
    Abstract: A collision warning system for vehicles includes: a detection, tracking, and localization (DTL) laser module receiving laser data from a first laser range scanner, and generating laser data output, wherein the first laser range scanner covers a first laser area; a detection, tracking, and localization (DTL) thermal module receiving thermal data from a first thermal video sensor, and generating thermal data output, wherein the first thermal video sensor covers a first thermal area; a fusion module receiving the laser data output and the thermal data output, fusing the laser data output and the thermal data output, and generating a situational awareness map; and a collision prediction module receiving the situational awareness map, predicting a collision between a detected object and a vehicle, and warning an operator regarding the predicted collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Khurram Hassan-Shafique, Zeeshan Rasheed
  • Publication number: 20180105108
    Abstract: A system and method for vehicle collision mitigation with vulnerable road user context sensing. The system and method include determining one or more biosignal parameters and one or more physical movement parameters associated with a vulnerable road user (VRU). The system and method also include determining a context of the VRU based on the one or more biosignal parameters and one or more physical movement parameters associated with the VRU. Additionally, the system and method include determining one or more physical movement parameters associated with a vehicle. The system and method further include estimating a probability of collision between the VRU and the vehicle. The system and method also include providing a human machine interface output response based on the estimation of probability of collision between the VRU and the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Yoichi Sugimoto
  • Publication number: 20180105109
    Abstract: A vehicular visual recognition control device includes an in-out motor, an in-out sensor, an ECU, and a power control section. The in-out motor is configured to change a position of a mirror surface in order to visually recognize the vehicle surroundings. The in-out sensor is configured to detect a position of the mirror surface using changes in the in-out motor based on a resistance value of a sliding resistance having a resistance value that changes according to the position of the mirror surface. The ECU is configured to control the in-out motor based on a detection result of the in-out sensor so as to change the position of the mirror surface to a predetermined target position in cases in which a predetermined condition for changing the position of the mirror surface section is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Shinichi MIYAZAKI, Takashi NAGAO, Fumikazu KOBAYASHI, Juntaro KONDO
  • Publication number: 20180105110
    Abstract: According to the invention, there are provided a vehicle minor with an image display function including: an image display device; and a half mirror, in which the half minor includes a reflection layer, and the reflection layer is inclined with respect to a surface of an image display portion of the image display device, and a method of manufacturing a vehicle mirror with an image display function including: positioning a half minor including a reflection layer on a surface of an image display portion of an image display device such that the half mirror is inclined with respect to the surface of the image display portion. In a vehicle minor with an image display function according to the invention, image visibility is hardly reduced by outside light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro ANZAI, Kazuhiro OKI, Mitsuyoshi ICHIHASHI, Takao TAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20180105111
    Abstract: A rear-view mirror wiper system for wiping moisture from a rear-view mirror includes a vehicle. The vehicle has a pair of rear-view mirrors. A pair of wiping units is provided. Each of the wiping units is coupled to an associated one of the rear-view mirrors. Thus, each of the wiping wipes moisture from the mirror of the associated rear-view mirrors thereby enhancing visibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Frank Hill
  • Publication number: 20180105112
    Abstract: Solving a problem in strength that occurs as a result of forming a shaft outside-fitting gear for an electric retractable view device for a vehicle, using a material including a resin as a base material. A shaft outside-fitting gear is formed of a material including a resin as a base material. The gear includes a clutch surface in one end face in an axis direction thereof. The clutch surface is disposed on an inner circumferential side and an outer circumferential side of a radial position of a tooth bottom of each gear tooth of the gear relative to the radial position of the tooth bottom, in a radial direction of the gear. One end face in the axis direction of the gear has a structure in which a valley of each gear tooth of the gear is occluded at a radial region at which the clutch surface is disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: MURAKAMI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro MOTOMIYA, Kenji ICHIKAWA, Takayuki MIYAZAKI, Mizuki TOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20180105113
    Abstract: This invention intends to prevent generation of abnormal sound. A motor shaft is inserted in a center hole of a worm and fitted in the center hole in a direction around an axis of the worm. A distal end of the worm is received in a bearing recess. A worm wheel engages with the worm. A radial gap and rotational play are formed between the motor shaft and the center hole of the worm. A radial gap is formed between the distal end of the worm and the bearing recess. The gap between the distal end of the worm and the bearing recess is formed so as to have a size that prevents an outer circumferential surface of the distal end of the worm and an inner circumferential surface of the bearing recess from coming into contact with each other when the worm is rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: MURAKAMI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiro MOTOMIYA, Kenji ICHIKAWA, Takayuki MIYAZAKI, Mizuki TOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20180105114
    Abstract: A vehicle display mirror system is disclosed. The system comprises an electro-optic device configured to switch between a mirror state and a display state. The electro-optic device comprises a first substrate and a second substrate forming a cavity. The cavity is configured to retain an electro-optic medium that is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic device is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. The system further comprises a substantially transparent display disposed adjacent to the electro-optic device. The substantially transparent display comprises a switchable output grating configured to selectively diffract light outward from the waveguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Kurtis L. Geerlings, William L. Tonar
  • Publication number: 20180105115
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting or dismounting a vehicle comprising a step that is structured to slide on an axis longitudinally along the vehicle on a rail. The step has a pivot assembly enabling rotation from a stowed position to open position and back. The slidable step can be stowed in place by engaging a latch mounted to the vehicle. A handrail assembly can be inserted into a handrail-receiving member to facilitate grasping a handrail upon mounting or dismounting the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Silverio ALEMAN
  • Publication number: 20180105116
    Abstract: A material transfer vehicle includes a frame and an operator's platform that is mounted on the frame. A conveyor is mounted on the frame, adjacent to and below the operator's platform. The conveyor is adapted to be moved between a working position and a travel position. An access stairway to the operator's station includes a side stair portion and a conveyor step that is mounted on the upper side of the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Roadtec, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Neisen
  • Publication number: 20180105117
    Abstract: Security devices configured to secure areas of a vehicle include a top panel and a seat panel movably coupled together. At least one extension structure may be movably coupled to a bottom surface of the top panel to adjust laterally inward and outward relative to the top panel. A locking mechanism may be positioned to lock the at least one extension structure from being adjusted laterally inward when in the secured position. The top panel is positioned at least substantially transverse to the seat panel with the at least one extension structure extending laterally outward from the top panel when in a secured position, and at least substantially parallel to the seat panel with the at least one extension structure positioned laterally inward when in a storage position. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventor: Brian Goldwitz
  • Publication number: 20180105118
    Abstract: A motor vehicle trunk lid stowage system comprising a shelf member and first and second flexible side walls attached to respective ends of the shelf member. The first and second side walls are configured to be attached to an underside of a motor vehicle trunk lid. The shelf member is movable between a stowed position, in which the side walls are collapsed and the shelf member is against the underside of the trunk lid, and a deployed position in which the shelf member is suspended by the side walls and the shelf member is spaced apart from the underside of the trunk lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Kyle Loughlin, Susan Cook
  • Publication number: 20180105119
    Abstract: A transport rack mounts to a hitch mount of a vehicle and carries an elongated item such as a canoe or ladder. The transport rack includes a support structure where the elongated item may be loaded. The support structure is coupled to rotation plates while the rotation plates are rotationally coupled to a support post that is coupled to a hitch mount post that attaches to the vehicle. The rotation plates and support structure rotate together relative to the support post to provide an adjustable angle of the elongated item being carried by the support structure. This allows an end of the elongated item to rise above an obstruction such as the rear of the vehicle to which the transport rack is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Rhett Butler Spivia, Frederik Penz
  • Publication number: 20180105120
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a box, a plate and a compartment. The box is attached to a cab at a headboard and includes two sidewalls extending perpendicularly from the headboard and a bed. The plate is secured to either of the sidewalls and defines a groove keyed to receive a cleat configured to lock within the groove. The compartment is locked to the sidewall via the cleat and has an insert configured to slide out of the compartment, parallel to the sidewall on a track and roller. The insert includes a lock to maintain a position of the insert within the compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Joshua R. HEMPHILL, Dragan B. STOJKOVIC