Patents Issued in April 24, 2018
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Patent number: 9950658Abstract: A privacy window system of a vehicle is provided herein. A light-producing assembly is operable to illuminate a window such that visibility there through becomes obscured. A proximity sensor is configured for object detection. A controller is in communication with the light-producing assembly and the proximity sensor. When the proximity sensor detects an object proximate the window, the controller activates the light-producing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Terry Lobsinger, Pietro Buttolo
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Patent number: 9950659Abstract: In a method of controlling an interior lighting (25) in a vehicle (18), having a plurality of separately drivable lamps (26a-26g), provision is made that a motion light pattern, in particular a wave light pattern, is generated as a function of vehicle operating data by separately driving the individual lamps (26a-26g), all of the lamps (26a-28g) being driven with an identical or similar light pattern, and the lamps (26a-26g) being driven with the light pattern offset in time. The time offset with which the lamps (26a-26g) are driven is dependent on the driving speed of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2013Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: TRW Automotive Electronics & Components GmbHInventor: Ulrich Backes
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Patent number: 9950660Abstract: A lighting device for use in vehicles includes a light generating part having a substrate and a light source disposed on the substrate; a base including a light emitting part having a light emitting surface for emitting light from the light source, and a reverse surface on a backside of the light emitting surface, and a connector housing part disposed on the reverse surface and housing a connector electrically connected to the light source; and a case assembled with the base and housing the light generating part and the connector housing part. The base including the light emitting part and the connector housing part is an integral molding and constituted by a light transmitting member containing a light diffusing material.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Takayuki Kamiya, Tadaoki Ichikawa
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Patent number: 9950661Abstract: A light source unit including a light source that emits light into a vehicle interior through a lens of a room light, a substrate on which the light source is mounted, the substrate being mounted on a base member of the room light, an engagement portion that engages with, among a plurality of mounting seats that are provided on the base member and that have different protrusion heights, an upper side mounting seat, the engagement portion being provided on the substrate and on a circumference of an imaginary circle formed about the light source, and a clearance portion that is capable of avoiding interference with, among the plurality of mounting seats, a lower side mounting seat, the clearance portion being provided in the substrate and on the circumference of the imaginary circle formed about the light source.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Takeshi Udo, Kenichi Takizawa, Yoshiaki Hirato, Naoki Nakanishi
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Patent number: 9950662Abstract: A multifunctional lamp for a vehicle interior includes a housing having a light source installed therein. An indirect illumination diffusing lens is disposed in front of the housing to diffuse and emit light of the light source. A concentrated illumination light emitting unit moves back and forth while passing through the light diffusing lens. The concentrated illumination light emitting unit emits the light of the light source toward a front side of the housing through an internal passage of the light emitting unit in the form of concentrated illumination and shields the light diffusing lens from the light when concentrated illumination light emitting unit moves to surround a periphery of the light source.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Seung Ho Moon
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Patent number: 9950663Abstract: An electronic vehicle horn outputs a warning sound by exciting a diaphragm using a piezoelectric device that is driven with a composite signal generated, in part, by modulating a first fundamental square wave with a first modulating square wave and setting a frequency deviation at the time of the modulation in a predetermined range, modulating a second fundamental square wave with a second modulating square wave and setting a frequency deviation at the time of the modulation in a predetermined range, and generating the composite signal by mixing the modulated first fundamental square wave and the modulated second fundamental square wave.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: IMASEN ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Koichi Toyama, Toshihiko Kawamura, Takashi Yamada
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Patent number: 9950664Abstract: An environmentally-friendly vehicle sound generator apparatus. The apparatus includes a vehicle state sensing unit, a sound source storage unit, a sound source playback unit, a sound source amplification unit, a sound output unit, and a control unit. The control unit receives a sensing signal from the vehicle state sensing unit and controlling the operation of the sound source playback unit so as to play back the operating sound in different playback methods to control and change the operating sound according to the received sensing signal. The vehicle state sensing unit senses a vehicle speed, and if it is determined according to a vehicle speed signal that the vehicle speed reaches a preset speed range, the control unit fades out the output of the sound output unit at a preset ratio of the vehicle speed to a time elapsed after the vehicle speed reaches the preset speed range.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: LS AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventor: Dae Woo Kwon
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Patent number: 9950665Abstract: A method and device, for a vehicle that at times is automatically guided by an autonomous guidance in which an intervention by the driver is not required, includes a continual checking of whether the automatic vehicle guidance is able to be maintained in the future or whether it must be terminated. In the event that the automatic vehicle guidance must be terminated, the vehicle is transitioned into a stopping procedure. A standstill position of the vehicle in the stopping process is pre-calculated and a warning triangle mounted on the vehicle is launched, so that the warning triangle is positioned at a predefined minimum distance from the standstill position.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Florian Hauler
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Patent number: 9950666Abstract: A car seat with a warning function includes a seat body having a seat cushion, plural adjusting posts, a wireless transmission module, a control unit and a warning element. The wireless transmission module is in wireless communication with an electronic device. When the adjusting posts are pushed by the seat cushion, the lengths of the adjusting posts are changed. If the control unit receives a body curve data from the electronic device and judges that the body curve data complies with a predetermined body data, the control unit changes the lengths of the adjusting posts according to the body curve information. Consequently, the shape of the seat cushion fits the body shape of the user. If the control unit judges that the body curve data does not comply with the predetermined body data, the control unit controls the warning element to output a warning signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: PRIMAX ELECTRONICS LTD.Inventors: Ying-Che Tseng, Cheng-Yi Tsai
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Patent number: 9950667Abstract: A vehicle system for detecting an object, including: an image input unit installed at the front or the rear of a vehicle to capture images in the vicinity of the vehicle; an image processing unit converting the image input from the image input unit; an object detecting unit analyzing the images converted by the image processing unit and extracting key points for a background of the images to detect a moving object approaching the vehicle; an interface unit including an input means for the vehicle and an output means outputting information; and a control unit controlling a warning for the moving object to be detected from the object detecting unit and output through the interface.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignees: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD., SOGANG UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventors: Sung Joo Lee, Gyeong Hwan Kim, Hyug Jae Lee
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Patent number: 9950668Abstract: A support processor performs driving support processing of outputting a warning when it is judged that there is a possibility of collision between a subject vehicle and another vehicle based on subject vehicle information acquired by a subject vehicle information acquirer and another vehicle information acquired by an another vehicle information acquirer. A subject vehicle information predictor predicts an arrival time required until a subject vehicle arrives at an intersection based on subject vehicle information. A preceding vehicle information predictor predicts the position of a preceding vehicle at the time when a predicted arrival time elapses, based on preceding vehicle information acquired by a preceding vehicle information acquirer. A support execution determiner determines whether to permit or forbid the support processor to perform driving support processing according to a predicted position of a preceding vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuuki Nakagawa, Yohei Fujii
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Patent number: 9950669Abstract: Systems and methods are described for creating a unified output image based on image data from multiple cameras with overlapping fields of view by converting a raw image from each camera into a rectified output image using a look-up table. Camera misalignments are mitigated by generating an updated look-up table based on feature point detection and matching in the overlapping fields of view.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Greg Sypitkowski, Michael Huebner, Mark Gehrke
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Patent number: 9950670Abstract: A rear-view mirror assembly comprises a fixed base member, a mirror housing that can be rotated relative to the base member, a shaft, an elastic element for applying a force on the base member and the mirror housing through the shaft, shaft axially retaining means, and safety means for preventing the shaft from being released comprising a first and second stop portions formed in the mirror housing and the shaft respectively and arranged such that in different shaft angular positions the first and the second stop portions do not interfere with one another such that the shaft can be inserted in the shaft housing, or the first and second stop portions interfere with one another preventing the shaft from being released from the shaft housing by the action of the elastic element in case of failure of the shaft retaining means.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: FICO MIRRORS, S.A.U.Inventor: Jose Mendoza Viciosa
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Patent number: 9950671Abstract: A vehicle running board includes opposing vertical walls extending along a length of a tubular structure and including a carbon-fiber component. Opposing horizontal walls extend between the opposing vertical walls and include a glass component. The opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls form the tubular structure having a generally rectilinear cross section. A polymer outer covering extends over the opposing vertical and opposing horizontal walls.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Michael Musleh, Talat Karmo, David Brian Glickman, Harry Lobo, Joseph Myszka
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Patent number: 9950672Abstract: A vehicle having a cargo area accessible through a liftgate opening frame and partially defined by a floor, side quarter trims, and pillar covers is provided. The vehicle includes an articulated fence movable between a stowed position and an elevated position, and a guide formed in at least one of the pillar covers for guiding the articulated fence between the stowed position and the elevated position. A motor is positioned behind one of the side quarter trims for moving a belt attached to the articulated fence. The articulated fence is transparent and positioned within a recess beneath the floor in the stowed position. A cover may be attached to the articulated fence and is substantially flush with the floor when the articulated fence is in the stowed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Edgar Salazar Fabian, Alexia Sarabanda Ontiveros Briones
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Patent number: 9950673Abstract: Drawer arrangements are provided which include a drawer connected to a support structure having three guides for the path of the drawer between open and closed positions, at least two of which are operational at any given position of the drawer, as it moves both horizontally and vertically between different locations. In a closed position, the drawer is supported near its horizontal extremities and rests in a position that resists horizontal motion. In fully extended open positions, the drawer is supported in a cantilevered manner from the support structure. Intermediate the fully closed and fully extended positions, the drawer is supported in inclined positions which provide access to contents therein. The present invention also includes mounting structure which facilitates connection at a variety of locations under the floor of a motor home, with exterior accessibility.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: MORryde International, Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Granzotto, Adam Timmins
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Patent number: 9950674Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback and a seat base including a first section and a second section where the first and second sections independently pivot between a raised position and a lowered position. An internal storage compartment is defined between the first and second sections of the seat base. An interior bin is coupled to the second section of the internal storage compartment where the interior bin independently pivots between the raised and lowered positions. A partition is coupled to a first section of the internal storage compartment.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Peter Nicholas Kalergis, Frank Victor Bonello
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Patent number: 9950675Abstract: A roof rack system has a clamping system comprised of handles, a ratcheting mechanism, and a pair of jaws. The jaws provide a universal clamping system that will attach to most roof rack cross bars with an easy-on/easy-off, quick-release actuator, such as a ratcheting mechanism or lever system, that will integrate with a wide variety of accessories. The ratcheting mechanism provides compression of the attached accessory, securing it to a roof rack cross bar. This system is easier to use, more versatile, and less expensive than conventional roof rack accessory systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Grip Racks LLCInventors: Eric Darren Schactman, Brandon Trostrud, Brandon Hefer
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Patent number: 9950676Abstract: A utility rack system which may be secured to a vehicle to allow a wide range of attachment functions. The utility rack system generally includes a base frame, a mounting member, an adjustment member, and one or more adjustable legs. The mounting member may be utilized to secure the base frame a vehicle, such as through use of a towing hitch. The base frame is pivotally secured to the mounting member such that it may pivot with respect thereto. The adjustment member is utilized to adjust and lock the base frame into various positions with respect to the mounting member. The adjustable legs may be secured beneath the frame. The present invention also includes a wide range of attachments which may be removably secured to the base frame for supporting various items.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2013Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Inventor: Tony John Cergnul
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Patent number: 9950677Abstract: There is described a camera system for imaging a passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising: a support body having an adjustable length for accommodating the passenger compartment and being removably securable within the passenger compartment of the vehicle; and a camera movably secured to the support body and being movable along at least a portion of the support body, the camera for imaging at least a portion of the passenger compartment.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: POLYCOM DESIGN INC.Inventor: Yves Poliquin
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Patent number: 9950678Abstract: Two outer skin parts of a vehicle body border one another at a joint. The first outer skin part includes an apron which engages in the interior of the vehicle body and overlaps with the second outer skin part. A screen engages with a guiding contour of the apron running in the direction of the joint from an end of the joint between the apron and the second outer skin part.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Friedrich Hein
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Patent number: 9950679Abstract: A fabrication method for fabricating an equipment part for an automotive vehicle. The method includes the following steps. Supplying a sheet comprising ceramic fibers and thermofusible polymer fibers, the melting temperature of the thermofusible polymer being higher than 200° C. Heating the sheet, at a temperature higher than 200° C., so as to melt the thermofusible polymer. Applying a fabric on the sheet, the fabric comprising filament yarns having a core made of polymer presenting a softening point temperature that is higher than or equal to 200° C. And then thermoforming of the fabric and the sheet in a conforming mold.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Faurecia Automotive IndustrieInventors: Steve Jeunesse, Xavier Bathelier
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Patent number: 9950680Abstract: A wire harness assembling method includes a step (a) of attaching an interference suppressing member to at least a part of an elongated reinforcement, the reinforcement being arranged on a back side of an instrument panel of a vehicle and extending in a width direction of the vehicle; and a step (b) of arranging a wire harness so that the wire harness faces the reinforcement with the interference suppressing member interposed between the wire harness and the reinforcement, the step (b) being performed after the step (a).Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Hosei Mizuno, Hiroki Hirai, Masaaki Tabata
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Patent number: 9950681Abstract: The method for setting an internal usage scenario of a vehicle is presented, which includes obtaining, by a vehicle-mounted device, identity information of a user and feature information, where the user is a user who is using a vehicle in which the vehicle-mounted device is located, and the feature information is used to represent an internal first usage scenario of the vehicle; sending, by the vehicle-mounted device, the identity information of the user and the feature information to a network device; receiving, by the vehicle-mounted device, an internal usage scenario model of the vehicle sent by the network device, where the model is obtained by the network device based on the identity information of the user and the feature information; and adjusting, by the vehicle-mounted device, a parameter of the vehicle according to the model.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventor: Li Qian
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Patent number: 9950682Abstract: A motor vehicle occupant restraint system is provided. The system may include an occupant seat, a vehicle electronic control unit, a seat electrical circuit, and an electrical coupling between the vehicle electronic control unit and the seat electrical circuit. The occupant seat may have a mounting mechanism for enabling the seat to be removably mounted to a structural component of the motor vehicle, the occupant seat may further include at least one occupant restraint mechanism. The vehicle electronic control unit may be affixed to the motor vehicle for controlling the occupant restraint mechanism. The electronic coupling may utilize electrical conductors that are attached to and extend along the webbing of the seatbelt.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2017Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.Inventors: James Gramenos, George Evans, Jackie Wang, Kevin Joseph Dewey, David Funnell, Christmann Xavier
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Patent number: 9950683Abstract: A vehicle safety system including a detection system and a related method. The detection system is arranged to detect objects and includes at least two detectors. At least one control unit is arranged to determine that an object that is detected by an initial detector is classified as a confirmed object for the initial detector in its initial coverage area. The control unit is also arranged to determine whether at least one detection of another detector is from the same object. If so, a first preliminary detection of the other detector is classified as an intermediate low quality confirmed object for the other detector. A confirmed object is considered as a more reliable detection than a low quality confirmed object, which in turn is considered as a more reliable detection than a preliminary detection.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT ABInventors: Tinlian Abt, Peter Loffler
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Patent number: 9950684Abstract: A method for checking a sensor signal suitable for actuating a passenger protection arrangement of a vehicle. The method includes a step of carrying out a comparison between the sensor signal and at least one reference signal, repeatedly within a predetermined time interval, in order to obtain a plurality of comparison results, and a step of evaluating the sensor signal based on the plurality of comparison results, in order to detect a fault in the sensor signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Steffen Berndt, Martin Schweizer, Stefan Lottholz, Werner Nitschke, Monika Nitschke
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Patent number: 9950685Abstract: Embodiments for use of an apparatus and method for alerting an occupant within a vehicle are provided. An apparatus may include a lidar unit configured to detect an oncoming intruder approaching a stationary vehicle. The lidar unit is mounted to an external surface of the stationary vehicle or coupled to an emergency vehicle warning device. An alarm is sounded or warning lights are triggered when the oncoming intruder approaches within a zone surrounding the vehicle. A method may include providing a controller unit and a lidar unit configured to detect the motion of any oncoming person, animal, or object approaching a stationary vehicle. The lidar unit rotates to scan the region surrounding the stationary vehicle and provides detection data. Upon detecting an oncoming intruder, the detection data is transmitted to the controller unit within the vehicle, and an alarm may be sounded to warn an occupant located within the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2017Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Feniex Industries, Inc.Inventors: Hamza Deyaf, Nicholas Mazzanti, Kyle Hale
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Patent number: 9950686Abstract: An occupant protection apparatus is provided with a first airbag device having a window airbag that protects an occupant in a vehicle and a second airbag device having an adjacent airbag that completes inflation to contact the window airbag for which inflation is completed, thereby protecting the occupant. Where the internal pressure of an inflation chamber at the contact site during contact with the adjacent airbag by the window airbag is P1 and the internal pressure of the adjacent airbag is P2, P1<P2 is satisfied. The wrap amount of the inflation chamber with the adjacent airbag is set as a proportion of a calculated value or less of a predetermined numeric expression.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Takuya Hiraiwa, Koji Kawamura, Yuji Sato, Masaaki Okuhara
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Patent number: 9950687Abstract: An airbag of an occupant protection device as fully deployed includes a front panel section deployable in front of the head of an occupant for catching the head when the head moves forward, a left panel section deployable on a left side of the head for catching the head when the head moves towards the left, and a right panel section deployable on a right side of the head for catching the head when the head moves towards the right. The front panel section includes a main panel region that is deployable in such a manner as to be opposed to a front face of the head and an extended panel region that extends downwardly from the main panel region so as to catch at least an upper part of a thorax of the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Kato, Shigeyuki Suzuki, Yasushi Masuda
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Patent number: 9950688Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator in which an effect of decreasing the temperature of a combustion gas and an effect of capturing mist of the combustion gas are adjusted. A cup member disposed in a cylindrical housing has one gas passage hole selected from a first gas passage hole, which is formed in part of a circumferential wall on the side of an opening, a second gas passage hole, which is formed in part of a circumferential wall on the side of a bottom portion, and a third gas passage hole, which is formed between the first gas passage hole and the second gas passage hole. By selecting one of the above gas passage holes, the effect of decreasing the temperature of the combustion gas and the effect of capturing mist of the combustion gas are adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATIONInventors: Haruhiko Yamashita, Yusuke Komine
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Patent number: 9950689Abstract: An airbag device for installing in a bonnet of a vehicle to manage energy transferred during an impact with a pedestrian. In one aspect, the airbag device comprises a housing containing an airbag and a deployable cover panel, wherein the cover panel includes an outer member coupled to a carrier member, wherein the carrier member is coupled to the airbag housing and configured to separate from the airbag housing upon inflation of the airbag. In another aspect, the airbag device comprises an airbag housing and a cover panel, the cover panel being separable from and tethered to the housing so as to limit displacement of the cover from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventor: Roy Farrington
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Patent number: 9950690Abstract: To provide a seat belt retractor and a seat belt device capable of shortening time taken to restrict rotation of a spool. A seat belt retractor according to the present invention includes a spool 2, a base frame 3, a spring unit 4, a vehicle sensor 5, a locking mechanism 6, and a pretensioner 7. The locking mechanism 6 includes a lock gear 61 and a retainer 62. The lock gear 61 includes an outer circumferential wall 61a that is disposed at an end portion of the spool 2 and engageable with the vehicle sensor 5. The retainer 62 includes an inner circumferential wall 62a disposed on the inner side of the outer circumferential wall 61a and a side wall 62e that defines a space accommodating the lock gear 61. The lock gear 61 becomes engaged with the inner circumferential wall 62a or the side wall 62e of the retainer 62 when the lock gear 61 becomes eccentric relative to the retainer 62.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: TAKATA CORPORATIONInventors: Yuichiro Hodatsu, Miguel Pruneda
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Patent number: 9950691Abstract: A vehicle control system includes an in-vehicle device and a portable device. The in-vehicle device includes an in-vehicle communication portion. The in-vehicle communication portion transmits a regular collation signal searching the portable device, and receives a regular response signal, and receives reservation information reserving opening of an arbitrary door. The in-vehicle device includes a collation portion that collates an ID code with a master code. The in-vehicle communication portion transmits an event collation signal, and receives an event response signal. The collation portion collates the ID code with the master code. The in-vehicle device includes an output portion and an intention determination portion. The portable device includes a portable device communication portion and an operation portion and a storage portion and a notification portion. The portable device communication portion transmits the regular response signal, and transmitting the reservation information.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuuto Kameyama, Yuya Goto
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Patent number: 9950692Abstract: In an on-board communication system, an on-board device transmits detection signals from a plurality of antennas disposed in a vehicle, and a plurality of portable devices each receive the detection signals and transmit response signals corresponding to the received detection signals. Each portable device measures an elapsed time from when the processing start signal is received, and (i) transmits a first response signal that includes information corresponding to the received detection signals, and (ii) when a specified time has elapsed from receipt of the processing start signal, transmits a second response signal including the same information as the information included in the first response signal. Position detection of the portable devices is performed based on the response signals.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Akiyo Watanabe, Atsushi Ogawa
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Patent number: 9950693Abstract: A wireless communication system includes an in-vehicle device mounted on a vehicle; and a portable device that can be carried by a user. The in-vehicle device includes a first sending unit configured to intermittently and wirelessly send an identification code of the vehicle or the in-vehicle device; and a detection unit configured to detect a presence of the portable device by receiving a response signal wirelessly sent from the portable device. The portable device includes a receiving antenna configured to receive the identification code; a first verification unit configured to verify the identification code, received by the receiving antenna, with a code registered in the portable device; and a sending control unit configured to wirelessly send the response signal if the verification by the first verification unit is successful and not to send the response signal if the verification by the first verification unit is not successful.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shigeki Nishiyama, Tomoyuki Funayama
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Patent number: 9950694Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which includes at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove at least one longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, the wiper blade and the longitudinal strip are mutually fixated by mutually cooperating protrusion/recess means of the longitudinal strip and the connecting device at the location of the interconnection of the connecting device and the wiper blade, and wherein the wiper blade is allowed to move in longitudinal direction relative to the longitudinal strip outside the location of the interconnection of the connecting device and the wiper blade.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Federal-Mogul S.A.Inventor: Xavier Boland
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Patent number: 9950695Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for controlling rear wiper units and rear washer units for a rear windshield of a vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment, the vehicle includes, in addition to the rear windshield, the rear washer unit, and the rear windshield, a control system. The control system includes a detection unit and a processor. The detection unit is coupled to a single input device onboard the vehicle. The detection unit is configured to detect a user's engagement of the single input device. The processor is coupled to the detection unit. The processor is configured to at least facilitate automatically controlling the rear wiper unit and the rear washer unit based on the detecting of the user's engagement of the single input device.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Daniel P. Carlesimo, Marcelo V. Lazarini
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Patent number: 9950696Abstract: A parking brake (1) comprises a disc (2) coaxially fixable to the wheel of a vehicle; locking means (4) associated with the disc (2), the disc (2) has at least a seat (3) formed on an edge (2a); locking means (4) comprising a pin (5) associated with the disc (2) and switchable between a locking configuration, in which the pin (5) interferes with the seat (3), and an unlocking configuration in which the pin (5) is removed from the seat (3).Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: QUADRO VEHICLES S.A.Inventors: Marco Moroni, Riccardo Marabese
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Patent number: 9950697Abstract: A braking-driving force control system is provided in which erroneous vehicle speed detection may be avoided even when a frictional braking power is generated during rotation of an output shaft coupled to an electric driving motor as driving source. When only regenerative braking force is being generated as braking force while the vehicle is traveling, the braking force and the driving force are controlled based on an output shaft side vehicle speed calculated from the rotational state of an output shaft of a driving source, and when the frictional braking power is being generated while the vehicle is traveling, the braking force and the driving force will be controlled based on a wheel side vehicle speed representing the vehicle speed calculated from the rotational state of the vehicle wheel.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsunori Ohta, Yuuki Shiozawa, Tastuya Suzuki, Satoshi Ota
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Patent number: 9950698Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a collision state determination section and a second brake controller. The collision state determination section determines a collision state of a vehicle. The second brake controller performs control of braking on the vehicle irrespective of braking operation by a driver in cases where it has been determined by the collision state determination section that the vehicle has collided. When it has been determined by the collision state determination section that the vehicle has been involved in a multiple collision, the second brake controller increases the braking control amount in such situations compared to a braking control amount during a single collision.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Shotaro Odate
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Patent number: 9950699Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for brake load alleviation amongst at least one first brake and at least one second brake is disclosed. The method involves sensing an amount of brake pedal application in response to engagement of at least brake pedal. The method further involves determining whether the amount of brake pedal application is greater than a brake pedal application threshold value. Also, the method involves generating a brake application profile, when it is determined that the amount of brake pedal application is greater than the brake pedal application threshold value. The brake application profile indicates that actuation of at least one first brake is delayed by a first time delay, and that actuation of at least one second brake is delayed by a second time delay. Further, the method involves actuating at least one first brake and at least one second brake according to the brake application profile.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Scott Brandon Kanemori, Bruce Lam, David T. Yamamoto, Thomas Todd Griffith
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Patent number: 9950700Abstract: A method of determining a surface condition of a path of travel. A plurality of images is captured of a surface of the path of travel by an image capture device. The image capture device captures images at varying scales. A feature extraction technique is applied by a feature extraction module to each of the scaled images. A fusion technique is applied, by the processor, to the extracted features for identifying the surface condition of the path of travel. A road surface condition signal provide to a control device. The control device applies the road surface condition signal to mitigate the wet road surface condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2016Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Wei Tong, Qingrong Zhao, Bakhtiar B. Litkouhi, Shuqing Zeng
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Patent number: 9950701Abstract: What is described is a tire pressure sensor for use in a wheel of aircraft landing gear. The tire pressure sensor includes a position sensor configured to detect a movement of the wheel and generate a wheel movement signal based on the movement. The tire pressure sensor also includes a processor coupled to the position sensor. The processor is configured to receive the wheel movement signal, determine a wheel rotational speed of the wheel based on the wheel movement signal and generate a wheel rotational speed signal based on the wheel rotational speed.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATIONInventors: Steven Keller, Paul L. Summers, Lane B. Robbins, Scott Streng
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Patent number: 9950702Abstract: In a method for stabilizing the driving behavior of a tractor-trailer combination, a tilting inclination variable is obtained and a tilting limit is determined on the basis of the tilting inclination variable and is prescribed to a vehicle movement dynamics control system. A vehicle movement dynamics control device carries out the method. In order to improve the stabilization of the driving behavior of tractor-trailer combinations with different loads of the individual vehicles, the respective tilting inclination variable is determined at a plurality of vehicles of the tractor-trailer combination, and the value of the tilting inclination variable for the determination of the tilting limit which is decisive for the determination of the tilting limit is obtained from the tilting inclination variables.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: WABCO GmbHInventors: Arne Michaelsen, Tobias Munko
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Patent number: 9950703Abstract: A vehicle with independently driven multiple axles and a controller which independently drives the multiple axles are disclosed. The controller includes a first controller which determines a target control value including at least one of a mechanical steering angle of each of a plurality of wheels of a vehicle, a target yaw moment of the vehicle, a target longitudinal force of the vehicle, and a target wheel speed of each of the plurality of wheels; and a second controller which determines wheel torques of the plurality of wheels, which drive the plurality of wheels independently, based on the target control value, wherein the wheel torques of the plurality of wheels are different from one another.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2014Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: HANWHA LAND SYSTEMS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jong-seok Lee, Kyoung-su Yi, Won-gun Kim, Soung-yong Joung
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Patent number: 9950704Abstract: Provided is a charging control device that allows the actual state of charge of a secondary battery to converge quickly to an upper limit value given as a control center value when the actual state of charge is higher than the upper limit value so that charging may be performed in an efficient manner and fuel economy may be improved. The charging control device (10) includes a charge/discharge integration unit (23) for computing an integrated charge/discharge value (IW) of the secondary battery, a charge control unit (26) for controlling the charging of the secondary battery such that the recognized state of charge is maintained at a prescribed upper limit value (80%) lower than a fully charged state (100%) by switching a generation voltage of a generator.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Ryuko Komatsu, Yuji Sasaki
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Patent number: 9950705Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission, a clutch, and a controller. The clutch is configured to couple the engine and transmission during engine starts. The controller is programmed to alter an engine start torque apply schedule for the clutch such that the actual engine start time is less than the upper threshold time for a next engine start event. The controller may be further programmed to, in response to the actual engine start time being less than a lower threshold time for the engine start event, alter the engine start torque apply schedule for the clutch such the actual engine start time is greater than the lower threshold time for a next engine start event.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Xiaoyong Wang, Walter Joseph Ortmann
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Patent number: 9950706Abstract: A driveline system includes a drive axle coupled to a load, an electric machine, and a control system. The electric machine is responsive to a commanded torque, has a rotor shaft coupled to the axle, and produces an output torque that rotates the axle and load to produce driveline oscillation at a high resonant frequency. The control system generates the commanded torque using a nested control loop architecture in which an outer control loop operates at a sampling rate that is below a critical rate necessary for controlling the resonant frequency, and an inner control loop operates at a sampling rate that is above the critical rate. The inner loop determines a modified torque command and acceleration value in response to a commanded torque from the outer loop. The electric machine is thereafter controlled via the commanded torque.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2017Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jie Yang, Robert L. Morris, Chia-Shang Liu, Yo Chan Son
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Patent number: 9950707Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle includes providing a plurality of sensors at an equipped vehicle, capturing, via the plurality of sensors, data, and determining, via processing by a data processor of data captured by at least some of the plurality of sensors, information pertaining to distance to other vehicles present exterior the equipped vehicle. Information is determined pertaining to lane geometry of a lane of a road along which the equipped vehicle is traveling. Information is provided pertaining to at least one of (i) acceleration of the equipped vehicle, (ii) braking of the equipped vehicle and (iii) steering of the equipped vehicle. Information is provided identifying a driver operating the equipped vehicle. Responsive to identification of the driver operating the equipped vehicle, the equipped vehicle is controlled in accordance with a personalized parameter set for the identified driver and in accordance with data processing by the data processor.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2017Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Honghao Tan, Brian J. Tedesco