Patents Issued in May 29, 2018
  • Patent number: 9981545
    Abstract: A zero turning radius mower radiator mounting structure having inclined deflectors extending upwardly from the radiator. The inclined deflectors slide on a cross member extending horizontally across the roll over protection system if the mower is in a rollover position. The inclined deflectors push the radiator rearwardly from the roll over protection system and disengage the radiator from first and second pairs of isolators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Umakanta Padhan, Michael T. Schmidt, Jennifer L. Jaramillo, Curtis D. Ayers, Michael J. Austin
  • Patent number: 9981546
    Abstract: A fuel tank valve device includes a housing in which a partition wall defines a lower valve chamber and an upper ventilation chamber, and a first opening and a second opening are provided to establish a communication between the lower valve chamber and the upper ventilation chamber, a first float valve that is accommodated in a first valve chamber of the lower valve chamber so as to rise and fall and that closes the first opening when a fuel level in a fuel tank nearly reaches a set full fuel level, and a second float valve that is accommodated in a second valve chamber of the lower valve chamber so as to rise and fall and that closes the second opening when the fuel level in the fuel tank rises abnormally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignees: PIOLAX, INC., YACHIYO INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenta Mihara, Kazunari Nakaya, Masato Shinozaki, Masaru Sawano
  • Patent number: 9981547
    Abstract: A fuel tank of thermoplastic material for motor vehicles comprising at least one line of thermoplastic material, which extends between at least two fixed connection points on the tank wall inside the tank, the fuel tank being distinguished by the fact that the line is supported at at least one location or over at least one portion between its connection points against the force of the weight acting in the fitted position to prevent sagging and that the line is formed and/or routed and/or suspended such that an increase in the length of the line brings about a compensating movement of the line transversely to the direction of the force of the weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Harald Lorenz, Fabio Tensi, Hilmar Schichlein, Marcel Krueger
  • Patent number: 9981548
    Abstract: A filler neck housing or charging housing for insertion into a body opening in a motor vehicle, comprising a housing section with a first sealing section and a second sealing section, the first sealing section being provided on an outer edge, which can be inserted into the body opening, of the housing section and being designed to bear in a sealing manner on the body opening, and the second sealing section being provided on a passage opening in the housing section, into which a tank filler pipe or a plug-in charging connector can be inserted, the second sealing section being designed to bear in a sealing manner against the tank filler pipe or the plug-in charging connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Juergen Herzig
  • Patent number: 9981549
    Abstract: A fill tube for an oil tank may have at least one baffle coupled to an inner wall of the fill tube. A first baffle may have an aperture. A release tube may be coupled to the baffle at the aperture. An object may be inserted through the aperture. The object may force open a flapper valve coupled to the fill tube. Pressure in the oil tank may be released through the flapper valve. The baffles may prevent hot oil from spraying out of the fill tube. After the pressure has been equalized, oil may be poured into the fill tube to fill the oil tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jinquan Xu
  • Patent number: 9981550
    Abstract: To provide a vehicle body mounting structure for a fuel tank tank, which can suppress deformation of the fuel tank due to a band member while suppressing increase in weight of the fuel tank, the vehicle body mounting structure for a fuel tank includes: a band member (21) disposed along a lower surface (14) of the fuel tank (1) made of resin and having both ends secured to the vehicle body; an upper groove (31) formed in a side surface (12) of the fuel tank (1) to extend downward from an upper surface (13) of the fuel tank (1) over at least a part of the side surface (12) of the fuel tank (1); and a cushion member (26) interposed between the fuel tank (1) and the vehicle body and straddling the upper groove (31).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Shoji, Yuta Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 9981551
    Abstract: A refuse vehicle has a tailgate. The tailgate has a framework to secure CNG tanks. A cover overlays the frame work to provide an aesthetic appearance to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: The Heil Co.
    Inventor: Bobby Ray McKinney
  • Patent number: 9981552
    Abstract: A clutch control device is provided for a four-wheel drive vehicle for transmitting drive force to the rear wheels. The clutch control device includes a dog clutch and a friction clutch, and a 4WD control unit that controls the engagement and disengagement of the dog clutch and the friction clutch. The 4WD control unit is switchable between a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode. The 4WD control unit is programmed to control engagement of the dog clutch so that the dog clutch is engaged after the friction clutch is engaged and the dog clutch is synchronized. During engagement of the dog clutch, the 4WD control unit is programmed to reduce a transmission torque of the friction clutch when the dog clutch engagement standby state is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Ogawa, Atsuhiro Mori, Shunichi Mitsuishi, Makoto Morita, Tetsu Takaishi
  • Patent number: 9981553
    Abstract: A wheel powered alternator charging system captures rotational energy of a vehicle wheel, transferring the rotational energy to an alternator to generate electricity. An alternator, a mounting bracket, and a transfer shaft are mounted to a support frame. An input wheel is connected to an existing wheel on the vehicle. The input wheel is connected to the transfer shaft by a first pulley assembly. A second pulley assembly is connected between the transfer shaft and an alternator wheel. As the vehicle wheel rotates, mechanical energy is transferred through the first pulley assembly, the transfer shaft, and the second pulley assembly to the alternator. The mounting bracket is affixed to the vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventors: Ronald L. Schafer, Gary T. Hotchkiss
  • Patent number: 9981554
    Abstract: A method for controlling a brake of an electric vehicle provided with a smart cruise control system may include detecting, by a driving information detector, a brake demand of a driver when braking control due to a smart cruise controller is performed, stopping, by a vehicle controller, the braking control due to the smart cruise controller and maintaining a braking amount caused by the smart cruise controller when the brake demand of the driver is detected, determining, by the vehicle controller, a demand braking amount according to the brake demand of the driver, and performing, by the vehicle controller, braking control by using the maintained braking amount caused by the smart cruise controller and the demand braking amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jee Wook Huh, Teh Hwan Cho
  • Patent number: 9981555
    Abstract: A state of charge indicator includes a first indication unit that provides an indication of a state of charge of a battery of a hybrid vehicle. The first indication unit includes a movable index and a fixed index. The movable index is movable in accordance with an increase and a decrease in the state of charge. The fixed index is disposed along a movement range of the movable index. The movable index is movable between positions corresponding to a maximum and a minimum of a state of charge range directed to an EV traveling mode and an HV traveling mode. The fixed index includes: a first sign that indicates switching from the EV traveling mode to the HV traveling mode; and a second sign that indicates switching from the HV traveling mode to the EV traveling mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Taichi Kishida
  • Patent number: 9981556
    Abstract: A display assembly for displaying vehicle operating information to an operator of a vehicle is provided. The display assembly includes at least two housing parts selected from the following: a mask, a light housing, and a back cover. The display assembly also includes at least one living hinge connecting the housing parts together. The housing parts and the living hinge(s) are unitarily formed as one piece. A method of forming a display assembly for displaying information to an operator of a vehicle is also provided, which includes unitarily forming the housing parts and hinges as one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Tollis, Michael E. Carrel
  • Patent number: 9981557
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a fuel cell system for a vehicle. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack disposed in a front room of a vehicle; and a converter assembly. The converter assembly disposed above or below the fuel cell stack includes: a converter; a first connector section; and a second connector section. The second connector section connects the converter assembly and a second electrical instrument which uses a high voltage. The second connector section is disposed behind the first connector section in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, and when the first connector section and the second connector section are seen from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the first connector section and at least a portion of the second connector section are overlapped each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Katano, Hiroyuki Sekine, Tsutomu Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 9981558
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a motor control unit. The motor control unit is configured to repeatedly execute a communication disruption determination for determining whether communication with a main control unit is disrupted; output a communication disruption signal when the motor control unit determines that the communication is disrupted; change a determination procedure of the communication disruption determination such that the communication disruption determination is completed in a shorter time when a crash possibility signal is received prior to the communication disruption determination, than when the crash possibility signal is not received prior to the communication disruption determination; and control a discharge circuit to discharge the electric charge of the smoothing capacitor, when the crash possibility signal is received prior to the communication disruption determination and the communication disruption signal is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhito Imai
  • Patent number: 9981559
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a battery control system which can immediately notify an abnormality to a battery system controller when a battery abnormality occurs. The battery control system according to the invention includes a first communication unit which transmits battery data using a first radio frequency and a second communication unit which transmits abnormality data using a second radio frequency. The first communication unit transmits the battery data at a predetermined period. The second communication unit transmits the abnormality data when the battery abnormality is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsutoshi Honda, Takanori Yamazoe
  • Patent number: 9981560
    Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a vehicle with a recuperation unit may include determining at least one first parameter denoting possible imminent actuation of the recuperation unit, evaluating whether actuation of the recuperation unit is imminent, and if yes, calculating a probable profile for a speed of the vehicle during the actuation on the basis of a prescribable level of a recuperation intensity of the recuperation unit. The method may also include generating at least one second parameter denoting the ascertained probable profile of the speed of the vehicle during the ascertained imminent actuation of the recuperation unit and displaying the at least one second parameter with an output apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventor: Helge Zinner
  • Patent number: 9981561
    Abstract: A motor vehicle electrical system which includes an electric machine, an active bridge rectifier, and at least one control device, the at least one control device being configured for converting an alternating voltage which is output by the electric machine at a number of phase connections into a direct voltage by controlling active switching elements of the bridge rectifier. An arrangement is provided configured for initiating a short circuit of at least two of the phase connections as soon as a signal characterizing the direct voltage exceeds an upper threshold value, and for deactivating the short circuit as soon as the signal characterizing the direct voltage subsequently falls below a lower threshold value. An evaluation device is provided configured for detecting a value of the direct voltage, for filtering the detected value, and for providing the filtered value as the signal characterizing the direct voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: SEG Automotive Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Christopher Otte, Paul Mehringer, Wolfgang Feiler
  • Patent number: 9981562
    Abstract: A power supply system includes: a first battery; a second battery; a voltage converter including a plurality of switching elements; and a controller configured to turn on or off the plurality of switching elements in accordance with pulse width modulation control. The controller is configured to control phases of the pulse width modulation control signals such that the first high-level period of the first pulse width modulation control signal and the second high-level period of the second pulse width modulation control signal do not overlap with each other at a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akihiko Ide, Hidetsugu Hamada, Masatoshi Shinohara, Shohei Sunahara
  • Patent number: 9981563
    Abstract: In electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), interruption of charging due to overheating is prevented by adjusting the pulse duty cycle on the control pilot conductor communicating the maximum allowed current level to the electric vehicle, the adjustment being performed whenever the EVSE temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature below the maximum operating temperature as a function of the approach of the temperature to the maximum operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: AeroVironment, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert Joseph Flack
  • Patent number: 9981564
    Abstract: A foreign object detector includes a plurality of first coils and a plurality of second coils. The plurality of first coils are arranged along an upper surface of a power transmission coil. The plurality of second coils are provided to correspond to the plurality of first coils, with the second coils each being arranged to face a corresponding one of the first coils. An outer shape of each of the plurality of first coils and each of the plurality of second coils is smaller than an outer shape of the power transmission coil when the power transmission coil is viewed two-dimensionally from above the power transmission coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KOJIMA INDUSTRIES CORPORATION, YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru Nakamura, Hideaki Yamada, Makoto Kawaide, Satoru Horiuchi, Hiroaki Saito
  • Patent number: 9981565
    Abstract: An impedance control device includes a diode bridge rectifier circuit and a controller. The controller is configured to control, based on impedance of a battery that is coupled to output terminals of the diode bridge rectifier circuit, the capacitance of a first capacitance variable unit and capacitance of a second capacitance variable unit of the diode bridge rectifier circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuichi Muramatsu, Satoru Horiuchi, Noritaka Taguchi
  • Patent number: 9981566
    Abstract: An electric vehicle receives electric power, in a non-contact manner, from an electric power transmitting coil provided externally to the vehicle. The electric vehicle includes an electric power receiving unit that is disposed at a bottom of the vehicle and receives electric power from the electric power transmitting unit via electromagnetic field resonance; a camera that captures an image of the outside; and a display unit that displays an outside view from the vehicle that is captured by the camera. The electric power receiving unit is disposed at a position that is offset toward a peripheral face, on which the camera is disposed, with respect to the center of the bottom in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinji Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 9981567
    Abstract: A battery controller that controls a battery for supplying power to a load apparatus, includes a current detection unit that detects a discharge current and a charge current of the battery, a malfunction detection unit that detects malfunction of a voltage detector for detecting a voltage of the battery, and a contactor control unit that is provided on a power supply line through which the discharge current and the charge current flow to open/close a contactor. The contactor control unit integrates the charge and discharge current when the malfunction of the voltage detector is detected, calculates an actual charge current amount obtained by subtracting an integrated value of the discharge current from an integrated value of the charge current, and prohibits charging/discharging of the battery by controlling the contactor when the actual charge current amount is equal to or more than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shohei Kawano, Toshifumi Mizui, Yoshifumi Nobori, Atsushi Kodama, Naoto Tagaya, Katsuyoshi Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 9981568
    Abstract: An ECU of an electric vehicle supplies a target rotation speed RT having a value corresponding to the temperature TB of a main battery to a cooler, controls a main DC/DC converter such that the SOC of an auxiliary battery is in a predetermined range SOCL to SOCH less than 100% when a cooling fan in the cooler is driven at the target rotation speed (RT), and controls the main DC/DC converter such that the SOC of the auxiliary battery is 100% when the cooling fan is not driven at the target rotation speed (RT).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keiichi Minamiura, Takuro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9981569
    Abstract: Example embodiments presented herein concern a reclinable seat comprising a base, a seat back and a seat pan. The seat pan comprises a seat bottom and a seat front, wherein the seat bottom is pivotably connected to the seat back by a first hinge member, and the seat bottom is further pivotably connected to the seat front by a second hinge member. The seat further comprises a seat bottom link arm attachable between the seat bottom and the base, and a seat front link arm attachable between the seat front and the base. The seat bottom link arm and the seat front link arm individually control a pivoting of the seat bottom and seat front, respectively, in response to a pivot of the seat back. Example embodiments presented herein further relate to a vehicle provided with a reclinable seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Douglas Hall Frasher
  • Patent number: 9981570
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base and a seat back rotationally connected at a pivot. The seat base is rotatable about the pivot between a plurality of rotational positions relative to the seat base. A recliner disk is positioned at the pivot. The recliner disk includes a guide plate coupled to the seat base and a tooth plate coupled to the seat back. A plurality of bearings is positioned between the guide and tooth plates. The plurality of bearings and the guide and tooth plates are free of an internal braking mechanism. The engagement of the guide and tooth plates with the bearings provide for substantially free rotational movement between the plurality of rotational positions. The bearings also fix the relative axial position of the guide plate relative to the tooth plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Macit Aktas
  • Patent number: 9981571
    Abstract: A cable release mechanism for a seat of the type having a seat bottom and a seat back adapted to be moved by a lockable gas spring between upright and reclined positions relative to the seat bottom. An electric motor is operatively attached to the gas spring by a cable movable by the motor to move the seat back between the upright and reclined positions, and a switch is electrically connected to the motor for initiating operation of the motor to move the cable. A related method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventor: Francis Xavier L. Garing
  • Patent number: 9981572
    Abstract: The present utility model discloses a multi-functional backseat for a golf cart. The multi-functional backseat for the golf cart comprises a seat bracket, a seat plate provided with double seats, a carrier plate and a pedal, wherein the seat bracket is fixed on the pedal, the carrier plate is fixed on the seat bracket, the seat plate is movably connected onto the carrier plate and is rotatable around the carrier plate, the carrier plate is provided with armrests, backrests and back cushions, and the pedal is provided with a safety guard rail. The multi-functional backseat for the golf cart of the present utility model can be used for carrying people and goods with high safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: CHONGQING RICHLAND MOLD CORP.
    Inventor: Lin Ye
  • Patent number: 9981573
    Abstract: An auxiliary tractor seat for providing additional seating in a tractor cabin is provided herein. The auxiliary tractor seat includes a mounting plate defining one or more mounting holes, configured to receive an auxiliary tractor seat bolt, so as to couple the auxiliary tractor seat to tractor seat. A base plate is coupled to the mounting plate so as to provide a substantially flat seating surface. A lower seat back coupled to at least one of the mounting plate and the base plate, an upper seat back at least partially disposed above the lower seat back, and a hinge coupled to the lower seat back and the upper seat back so as to permit the upper seat back to transition from an upright position to a horizontal position. The auxiliary tractor seat is coupled to the tractor seat such that suspension supports the auxiliary seat and provides shock absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Hy-Capacity Inc.
    Inventors: Chad Vaudt, Aric Lange
  • Patent number: 9981574
    Abstract: A system includes a shear member and an energy absorber. The shear member is configured to couple a seat portion to a base structure of a vehicle. The shear member is configured to sustain a first load without fracture and configured to inelastically deform under a second load. The second load is greater than the first load. The energy absorber is coupled to the seat portion and coupled to the base structure. The energy absorber is configured to absorb the energy following deformation of the shear member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Wichita State University
    Inventor: Gerardo Olivares
  • Patent number: 9981575
    Abstract: A collapsible vehicle armrest includes an armrest substrate extending between a door frame and a door trim and defining an opening therebetween. The opening has a longitudinal axis substantially parallel with the door frame. A plurality of support bands extends co-planar across the opening and parallel with the longitudinal axis. A plurality of stubs extends across each gap defined between adjacent support bands. Each stub is free of alignment with each other of the plurality of stubs in a direction perpendicular to the plurality of support bands. A cover member extends over the armrest substrate and the plurality of support bands, wherein the cover member is vertically supported proximate the opening by the plurality of parallel support bands and the plurality of stubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Muhsin M. Hamdoon, Marwan Ahmad Elbkaily, Bakhtyar Baig, Linh Doan, Bhaskara Rao Pamarthi
  • Patent number: 9981576
    Abstract: An end stop assembly includes a pivot bracket, an end stop bracket, a strap, and a pin assembly. The pivot bracket defines a first adjustment slot and a first pivot hole. The end stop bracket defines a second adjustment slot and a second pivot hole. The end stop bracket has a first stop tab positioned about the second pivot hole. The second pivot hole is held concentrically to the first pivot hole. The strap defines an attachment hole. The pin assembly holds the strap and end stop bracket to the pivot bracket. The pin assembly is positioned through the first adjustment slot, the second adjustment slot and the attachment hole such that the pin assembly is movable by along the first adjustment slot and the second adjustment slot from a first position to a second position by pulling the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kishore Tarade, Rafal Pater
  • Patent number: 9981577
    Abstract: A seat air bladder assembly is provided with at least one central air bladder region having a support surface. At least one pair of lateral air bladder regions extend from opposed sides of the at least one central bladder region. The at least one pair of lateral air bladder regions are oriented at a non-zero angle to incline laterally and support a thoracic region of a seat occupant. A seat assembly is provided with a seat back with a contact surface with a thoracic region. An air bladder assembly is oriented within the thoracic region of the seat back with a support surface that is reclined relative to the contact surface to provide support, and wedge-shaped so that during inflation the air bladder assembly inflates in an upward and forward direction relative to the seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Winsen C. Zouzal, Gerald Patrick, Ashford Allen Galbreath, Michelle A. Pereny
  • Patent number: 9981578
    Abstract: A vehicle assembly and method for allocating power in the same is disclosed. A plurality of vehicle seats each have heating zones disposed in cushion and back seating surfaces of the vehicle seats. A controller controls power to the heating zones. At least two of the heating zones are activated such that the heating zones emit heat. Heat demand information associated with the activated healing zones is generated. The generated heat demand information is provided to the controller. The controller is utilized to determine an amount of power available for consumption by all of the activated heating zones using the heat demand information. The controller actively allocates power between the activated heating zones according to the determined amount of power available such that an actual amount of power consumed by all of the activated heating zones does not exceed the determined amount of power available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: KONGSBERG AUTOMOTIVE AB
    Inventors: Daniel Josefsson, Lars Planelid, Karl-Johan Krantz
  • Patent number: 9981579
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seatback configured to be tiltable in a front-rear direction; and a flexible covering configured to extend from the seatback to a deck board positioned behind the seatback. The covering includes a shaped portion that is provided in an intermediate location in a length direction of the extending covering, and is shaped so as to facilitate bending of the covering toward a region below the deck board, and a reinforcing portion that increases rigidity of a region away from the shaped portion so as to facilitate transmission of elastic force to the shaped portion, the elastic force being generated at a time when the covering bends due to a change in a separation distance between both end portions of the extending covering in the length direction in response to tilting of the seatback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toyotaka Watanabe, Ayumi Hirata, Shuhei Kaseda, Tomoyuki Takase
  • Patent number: 9981580
    Abstract: A seat for vehicle includes a skin, a substrate to which the skin is applied, and a connection structure for connecting the substrate and the skin. The skin includes a first skin part, and a second skin part made of a soft material for connecting the first skin part and the connection structure. The connection structure includes a first fold-back portion integrally formed with the second skin part, and a second fold-back portion disposed on the substrate. The first fold-back portion is fitted with the second fold-back portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kotaro Kumagai, Atsushi Ishii, Masayuki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 9981581
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a cover member that covers an ISOFIX anchor for fixing a child seat; an intermediate portion that is exposed at a position between the cover member and the ISOFIX anchor in a state where the cover member is opened; and a stopper that retains the cover member in a state where the cover member is opened, wherein the stopper has an engagement part and an abutting part, wherein the engagement part of the stopper is detachably engaged with at least one of the rear surface and the intermediate portion in a state where the cover member is opened, and wherein the abutting part of the stopper abuts on the other of the rear surface and the intermediate portion so as to prevent the cover member from being moved in a closing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshikatsu Okuhara, Shinya Ito, Hirotaka Kato, Taku Imajo
  • Patent number: 9981582
    Abstract: A thigh-extension for a vehicle seat includes a metallic thigh-extension plate, an extension track defined by a low-friction resin overmolded onto the thigh-extension plate and a thigh-extension slider having an integral groove slidably engaged with the extension track to define a plurality of thigh-extension positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Carol Casey, Rodney Charles Brinker
  • Patent number: 9981583
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle seat that includes a seat cushion and a seat back between which an arm provided at a rear side of a child seat is insertable to thereby allow the child seat to be attached to the vehicle seat. The seat cushion includes a seat cushion pad and an outer covering with which the seat cushion pad is covered, wherein the seat cushion pad has a recess for the arm to be inserted therein, the recess being provided at a rear region of an upper surface thereof. The outer covering is configured to extend along a surface of the recess such that the recess is entirely coated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: So Iwakata, Yasuhiro Tsuji, Kenro Azuma
  • Patent number: 9981584
    Abstract: A method of reinforcing a seatback frame of a seat assembly in which the seatback frame includes a pair of first frame members. The method includes the steps of providing a reinforcement member having an insertion end and an arm at an opposite end of the reinforcement member. The arm extends generally normal to the remainder of the reinforcement member to define a generally L-shape. An aperture is formed in one of the pair of first frame members. The insertion end of the reinforcement member is inserted into the aperture. The attachment end is aligned with the other of the pair of first frame members. The reinforcement member is welded to the seatback frame to reinforce the seatback frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle E. Rosander, Leon Toma, Christopher H. DeRose, Robert Joseph Hazlewood
  • Patent number: 9981585
    Abstract: A vehicle armrest includes a top member having a cushion and defining an upper surface. A bottom member is rotationally coupled to a bottom portion of the top member. The bottom member is operable between a stowed position where a top surface of the bottom member engages a bottom surface of the top member, and a deployed position where the bottom member rotates downward and shifts forward to define a lower accessory surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Michael Attala
  • Patent number: 9981586
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back, and a headrest that is provided above the seat back. The headrest includes a pair of stays that form a part of a skeleton of the headrest, a pair of panel members that sandwich parts of the pair of stays from front and rear or above and below so as to connect the stays with each other, and are joined to each other through outer peripheries so as to form a space inside and form a part of the skeleton of the headrest, a cushion material that covers the pair of panel members and the parts of the pair of stays, and a dynamic damper arranged inside the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mizobata, Shuuhei Miyake, Fumitoshi Akaike
  • Patent number: 9981587
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a skeleton member, panel members that are attached to the skeleton member and has a space inside, and a dynamic damper that is provided with a weight and an elastic body and arranged inside the space. The weight is fixed by being fitted into a fitting part, the fitting part being provided in the elastic body and formed so as to encircle and be able to be fitted to a part of an outer periphery part of the weight. A part other than the fitting part in the elastic body is fixed to the panel members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mizobata, Shuuhei Miyake
  • Patent number: 9981588
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a sealed inflation system having first and second inflation bladders interconnected by first and second supply lines for exchanging an inflation medium therebetween. Each inflation bladder includes one or more outwardly extending pilot stems. A first valve assembly is operably coupled to the pilot stems and first the supply line. Compression of the second inflation bladder opens the first valve assembly, and compression of the first inflation bladder closes the first valve assembly. A second valve assembly is disposed on the second supply and is configured to open and close as a seatback of the vehicle seat moves from a folded position to an upright position. The first and second valve assemblies are external components to the sealed inflation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alan George Dry, Joseph S. Talamonti
  • Patent number: 9981589
    Abstract: A vehicular console box includes a console body that is open on an upper side and that is attached to a floor panel of a vehicle. The console body includes a bottom portion that is positioned on an upper surface of the floor panel and sidewall portions that each stand from a corresponding one of two ends in a vehicle width direction of the bottom portion. The sidewall portions include rails that extend in a front-rear direction, the rails supporting a drink holder so that the drink holder is slidable in the front-rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryusaku Senda
  • Patent number: 9981590
    Abstract: A load-bearing palette includes two side frames; crosspieces; two end support areas for supporting car wheels; and a free central space. The first area includes a wheel support acting as an abutment for the first set of wheels; a transverse element connecting both side frames and having two oblique arms joined at a central portion directed towards an end of the palette; a recess between the wheel support and the transverse element having a width continually decreasing from the side frames to the central portion, into which a first set of wheels sinks down, regardless of the wheelbase type and the track width of the car. The second area includes decking, the dimensions of which are sufficient to support a second set of wheels, regardless of the wheelbase type and the track width of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: LOHR ELECTROMECANIQUE
    Inventor: Daniel Scheer
  • Patent number: 9981591
    Abstract: A device for launching and lifting a boat has a frame that includes at least a first frame part having a first end and a second end, at least a first cross-structure coupled with the first frame part essentially perpendicular to it and at a distance B1 from the first end of the first frame part, at least a first boat guide arranged on the first frame part at a distance C1 from the first end of the first frame part; and at least a first actuator arranged to be coupled with the first frame part at a distance D from the first end of the first frame part, at least one counterpart, and means for attaching the frame to the counterpart, wherein the first actuator is arranged to be coupled with the counterpart for enabling movement of the frame between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Almas Solutions Oy
    Inventor: Johan Lindholm
  • Patent number: 9981592
    Abstract: A lighting structure includes a light source; a first lens; and a second lens. The second lens is located between the light source and the first lens. An angle between an optical axis of the first lens and an optical axis of the second lens is not more than 90 degrees. The light emitted from the light source which is not taken and refracted by the first lens is taken and refracted by the second lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ScienBiziP Consulting(Shenzhen)Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Po-Chin Chiu
  • Patent number: 9981593
    Abstract: A process for producing an adaptive light pattern that is produced by at least one vehicle headlight (SW1, SW2) in a vehicle (2) that can be steered by a vehicle driver (3), the at least one vehicle headlight (SW1, SW2) having at least one adaptive means of illumination (BM1, BM2), wherein at least one camera (5) detects the direction (BR) in which the vehicle driver is looking, at least one computing unit (6) evaluates the information obtained in this way and produces, on the basis of this information, control signals and transmits the control signals to the at least one vehicle headlight (SW1, SW2) with the at least one adaptive means of illumination (BM1, BM2), and wherein the at least one adaptive means of illumination (BM1, BM2) is controlled, on the basis of the control signals for targeted illumination of an area (BR1) lying in the direction (BR) in which the vehicle driver (3) is looking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: ZKW GROUP GMBH
    Inventor: Peter Mayer
  • Patent number: 9981594
    Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting system comprises an imager configured to capture image data in a plurality of image frames in a rearward field of view. The system further comprises at least one headlamp configured to output an emission of light at a plurality of elevations and a controller. The controller is in communication with the imager and the headlamp. The controller is operable to process the image data to identify features in a first frame and a second frame. The controller is further operable to identify a movement of the features from the first frame to the second frame and adjust the elevation of the output emission in response to the movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tom B. Sherman, Jim L. Schneider