Patents Issued in June 12, 2018
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Patent number: 9994108Abstract: A vehicle system includes a voltage converter configured to electrically isolate and convert power transferred between high voltage (HV) and low voltage (LV) busses, and a controller configured to, responsive to regenerative power exceeding a charge power limit of a traction battery receiving charge via the HV bus, increase an output voltage of the converter to initiate transfer of some of the regenerative power to an auxiliary battery connected with the LV bus.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Anthony Symanow, Daniel Benjamin Kok, Derek Hartl, Jeffrey Raymond Mohr, William David Treharne
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Patent number: 9994109Abstract: A boost converter is configured of a boost chopper having a diode of an upper arm and a switching element of a lower arm. Output power from a battery to a load is limited such that a current flowing through boost converter does not exceed a current upper limit value for thermal protection of boost converter. The current upper limit value is set based not only on a cooling water temperature of boost converter but also on an output voltage VH of boost converter, in consideration of characteristics that, as output voltage VH rises, an amount of heat generated in diode decreases, diode being regarded as a main target of thermal protection since it receives a power running current to load. Thereby, the boost converter can be protected from overheating without excessively deteriorating vehicle traveling performance.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Etsushi Taguchi, Akihiro Takahashi
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Patent number: 9994110Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine that provides propulsive force to the vehicle, and a power inverter that supplies power from a traction battery to the electric machine using a first and second switch configured as a half-bridge. The first switch has a first gate, a first gate lead coupled with the first gate and having a first inductance, and a second gate lead coupled with the first gate and having a second inductance greater than the first inductance.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Zhuxian Xu, Chingchi Chen, Michael W. Degner
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Patent number: 9994111Abstract: A method for performing a jump starting operation or a remote charging operation of a recipient vehicle. A current path from an inverter to an electric drive of the donor vehicle is disconnected. For the jump starting operation, the inverter of the donor vehicle is connected on the output side to the electric drive of the recipient vehicle and the inverter of the donor vehicle is operated in the virtual driving operation mode and the electric drive of the recipient vehicle is started. During the remote charging operation, the inverter of the donor vehicle is connected on the output side to the inverter of the recipient vehicle and is operated in the virtual driving operation mode, while the inverter of the recipient vehicle is operated in the virtual recuperation operation mode and charges the discharged battery of the recipient vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Holger Stegmueller, Roger Flattich
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Patent number: 9994112Abstract: A shield apparatus is used during wireless power supply from a power-transmitting coil to a power-receiving coil of a vehicle, and includes a multilayer magnetic shield member installed around the power-transmitting coil and arranged so as to surround a space between the power-transmitting coil and the power-receiving coil during supply of electric power.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: IHI CorporationInventors: Susumu Tokura, Yuji Maekawa, Kentaro Furiya
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Patent number: 9994113Abstract: A device (1) for contactless charging of an electrical energy storage (2) of a motor vehicle that has a height adjustable chassis. A primary coil (3) is arranged in a bottom housing (4) on a surface on which the motor vehicle will be parked. The primary coil (3) is connected to an electrical power supply and will induce an alternating electrical voltage in a secondary coil (6) on the vehicle for charging the electrical energy storage (2). The primary coil (3) is connected to the bottom housing (4) by a spring (8, 9) that will compress under the effect of an external compressive force that may occur if the chassis is adjusted too low, thereby avoiding damage to either of the coils (3, 6).Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thomas Kristof, Dirk Herke, Marina Ueffing
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Patent number: 9994114Abstract: One aspect provides a wireless power transmitter. The wireless power transmitter includes a transmit antenna configured to generate a field for wireless transmit power in both a first and second configuration. The wireless power transmitter further includes a first capacitor. The wireless power transmitter further includes at least one switch configured to selectively connect the first capacitor in one of the first and second configuration, the first capacitor being in parallel with the transmit antenna in the first configuration and in series with the transmit antenna in the second configuration. The wireless power transmitter further includes a second capacitor in parallel with the transmit antenna and a transformer configured to operate at a first turns-ratio in the first configuration and a second turns-ratio in the second configuration, the first turns-ratio being lower than the second turns-ratio.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Chang-Yu Huang, Jonathan Beaver, Nicholas Athol Keeling, Mickel Bipin Budhia, Michael Le Gallais Kissin
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Patent number: 9994115Abstract: Disclosed herein are a battery pack replacement system for an electric vehicle with an Energy Storage System (ESS) and a method of managing and replacing a battery pack using the same. A system equipped with a replacement system for replacing a battery pack of an electric vehicle and an ESS includes a determination unit for determining the type of battery pack of the vehicle, a replacement unit for detaching a discharged battery pack from the vehicle or mounting a battery pack on the vehicle, a charging/discharging unit for charging/discharging and storing the discharged battery pack, and a transfer unit for conveying the discharged battery pack, detached from the replacement unit, to the charging/discharging unit or conveying the battery pack, fully charged by the charging/discharging unit, to the replacement unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Inventor: Byung Hyouk Kang
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Patent number: 9994116Abstract: A battery-powered vehicle is provided having dual charging capabilities. The vehicle has a body, a plurality of wheels supporting the body, a motor connected to at least one of the plurality of wheels, a battery port having a battery dock and battery dock terminals, a remote charging dock on an exterior of the vehicle body, the remote charging dock having remote charging terminals, a charger having a charger plug and associated charger terminals, and a removable and rechargeable battery having battery terminals. The battery is configured to be positioned in the battery port for charging in the battery port and to have the battery terminals electrically and mechanically mate with the battery dock terminals. The battery is also configured to be removed from the battery port and to have the battery terminals electrically and mechanically mate with the charger terminals for charging outside the battery port.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.Inventors: Thomas K. Schlegel, Matthew E. Young, Cameron Eckert, Todd Herlitz
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Patent number: 9994117Abstract: A system for employing gravity to provide electrical power for mining operations in a mine includes a battery configured to power an electric vehicle. The vehicle includes a kinetic energy capture system that can charge the battery as the vehicle conveys a loaded vehicle down a ramp from an ore face to a chamber. Traveling down the ramp produces a surplus charge in the battery due to a weight differential between a loaded vehicle traveling down a ramp producing more energy via the kinetic energy capture system than energy used by the vehicle to convey the empty vehicle up the ramp to the ore face. A discharging device disposed in the chamber is configured to discharge the surplus energy out of the battery and into the mine's power grid. One or multiple trips between the ore face and the chamber may fully charge the battery.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Artisan Vehicle Systems Inc.Inventors: Brian R. Huff, Michael E. Kasaba
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Optimizing vehicle recharging to maximize use of energy generated from particular identified sources
Patent number: 9994118Abstract: Implementations of the present invention contemplate utilizing a communicative infrastructure represented by a telematics unit of an electric vehicle and a telematics service provider (TSP) communicatively coupled to the telematics unit to control an amount of power reserved for a charging event of the vehicle. Specifically, the TSP utilizes information provided by the telematics unit, electrical power utilities, and electrical power metering devices to determine the characteristics of electrical energy available for charging the vehicle. The TSP can utilize the characteristics of the available energy along with additional information, such as charging preferences established by a subscriber of the TSP and vehicle use schedules, to determine an amount of power to reserve for the charging event. The amount of power reserved for the charging event may be determined based on cost, greenhouse gas emissions, a combination thereof, and on other factors.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: General Motors LLCInventors: Nate Williams, Venkatesh Donthy, Paul H. Pebbles, Justin Roebuck -
Patent number: 9994119Abstract: Described embodiments include a battery manager system and a method. The battery manager system includes an asset database that includes records related to at least two rechargeable traction battery pack systems and a management criteria respectively assigned to each rechargeable traction battery pack system. The system includes a compliance module configured to evaluate a fraction battery pack status report pertaining to an identified rechargeable traction battery pack system of the at least two rechargeable traction battery pack systems (hereafter “the identified rechargeable fraction battery pack system”), the evaluation with respect to the management criteria assigned to the identified rechargeable fraction battery pack system. The system includes a manager module configured to generate a management instruction responsive to the evaluation of the battery status report. The system includes a communication system configured to communicate with the identified rechargeable traction battery pack system.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Inventors: William D. Duncan, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare
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Patent number: 9994120Abstract: An exemplary electrified vehicle charging method includes waking a portion of an electrified vehicle, reading a state of charge for a battery of the electrified vehicle during the waking, charging the battery using an internal combustion engine in response to the reading if the electrified vehicle is in an open space, and disabling the charging if the electrified vehicle is in an enclosed space.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Hai Yu, Yonghua Li
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Patent number: 9994121Abstract: An energy storage device, including a housing part, in which at least one electrical storage cell as well as a connecting element are arranged. The electrical energy storage cell is electrically connected to an electrical connection arranged or formed on at least one freestanding outer wall section of the housing part. The at least one electrical connecting element is surrounded at least in sections by at least one electromagnetic damping element for attenuation of electromagnetic emissions.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Tobias Enzinger, Hao Feng, Thomas Haschberger, Bastian Arndt
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Patent number: 9994122Abstract: An electric propulsion machine includes an electric motor, an electric motor control circuit, a propulsion device to generate thrust from an output of the electric motor, and a battery unit to supply electric power to the electric motor. The battery unit includes a mode selector to accept a designation of an operating mode. The electric motor control circuit outputs a control signal that controls the electric motor based on an operating mode which is designated from among a plurality of operating modes.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroyuki Nakayama
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Patent number: 9994123Abstract: A controlling apparatus is provided for a vehicle including a motor, an inverter, and a battery. The controlling apparatus includes a determiner, an estimator, and a controller. The determiner judges whether a first condition is satisfied or not. The first condition is satisfied if the vehicle is in a coasting state in a regeneration prohibited mode in which a regenerative brake is disabled. The estimator estimates whether a second condition is satisfied or not. The second condition is satisfied if the motor is not to generate a regenerative torque upon a shutdown of the inverter. The controller shuts down the inverter if the determiner judges that the first condition is satisfied and the estimator estimates that the second condition is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hidetaka Mitsuoka, Toshikatsu Suzuki, Masahiro Murase
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Patent number: 9994124Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a pair of left and right slide rails each having a lower rail extending in a front and rear direction of a vehicle and an upper rail slidably mounted to the lower rail. The lower rail is fixed to a floor F via brackets and so as to be spaced apart from the floor F. A reinforcing member extending in a left and right direction is disposed so as to span between rear end portions of the lower rails, and the reinforcing member is formed such that a bending strength about an axis in an up and down direction of a seat main body is lower than a bending strength about an axis in a front and rear direction of the seat main body.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroki Nagata, Tetsuya Tanaka, Shogo Ishii, Kazuhisa Isshiki, Yuichi Okazaki, Keiichi Saito
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Patent number: 9994125Abstract: Embodiments include a vehicle comprising a seat, a first sensor coupled to the seat for detecting a seat angle, and a processor communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the seat, and configured to output a control signal for correcting the seat angle if the seat angle is not within a predetermined range of values. Embodiments also include a method of correcting a position of a vehicle seat having an occupant seated therein. The method comprises receiving, at a processor, an output detected by a sensor unit coupled to the seat; comparing, using the processor, the output to a predetermined threshold to determine whether an alarm condition exists; if it does, outputting a control signal for correcting the seat position, wherein the sensor unit includes an angular position sensor.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mauricio Magaña, Paul Fernando Cepeda Rode, Juan Palencia, Alfredo Gutiérrez Torres, Leonardo D. Reyes Chacalco
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Patent number: 9994126Abstract: A system and a control method can prevent interference between front and rear seats for a vehicle, and allow reclining control and slide control for the front and rear seats to be performed, to control a seat back rearward movement angle of a front seat based on a seat back angle of the front seat, a position of the rear seat, and an interval between the front and rear seats at the time of rearward reclining control for the front seat, control a rearward slide movement distance based on the seat back angle of the front seat at the time of rearward slide control for the front seat, and calculate in advance a likelihood that interference will occur between the front and rear seats so as to stop the control operation at the time of performing a rearward reclining control operation and a rearward slide control operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Mi-Sun Kwon, Dong-Woo Jeong, Tae-Hoon Lee, Ji-Hee Han, Deok-Ki Kim, Ho-Cheoul Lee
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Patent number: 9994127Abstract: A seating arrangement with improved seating comfort. In one embodiment, the seating arrangement is for a transportation vehicle. The arrangement includes seats at least having two levels adjacent to single-level seats. The multi-level seats include at least a bottom row of seats and a top row of seats. In one embodiment, the bottom row seats are on a floor; and there is an imaginary horizontal plane that is parallel to the floor, and that at least a part of the top row seats and at least a part of the bottom row seats intersect. The single-level seats include at least two rows, with at least one seat in each row being adjacent to the aisle, to allow passengers to access the single-level seats. In another embodiment, a seating arrangement includes only multi-level seats. In yet another embodiment, a computer-implemented method is applicable to the seats, such as allowing the display of a visual representation of a top-row seat and a bottom-row seat.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: IpVenture, Inc.Inventors: Kwok Wai Cheung, Peter P. Tong, C. Douglass Thomas
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Patent number: 9994128Abstract: A seat sliding apparatus for a vehicle includes a lower rail, an upper rail supported to be movable relative to the lower rail, and a pressing member attached to one of the lower rail and the upper rail via a biasing member. The pressing member constantly presses the other of the lower rail and the upper rail by a biasing force of the biasing member. The lower rail and the upper rail extend in a first direction. The pressing member obliquely presses the other of the lower rail and the upper rail so that force components are generated in both the first direction and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Sho Kume, Naoaki Hoshihara, Hideki Fujisawa
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Patent number: 9994129Abstract: A seatback latch mechanism includes a cover. A lever member is rotatably supported by the cover for rotation about a lever axis, and presents a blocking surface. A hook member is rotatably supported by the cover for rotation about a hook axis, and includes a pin. An auxiliary hook member is rotatably supported by the cover for rotation about the hook axis. The auxiliary hook member defines a slot, with the pin extending through the slot. The slot limits movement of the pin to limit relative movement between the hook member and the auxiliary hook member. The auxiliary hook member includes a blocking portion, which is operable to engage the blocking surface on the lever member. The blocking portion engages the blocking surface to limit rotation of the auxiliary hook member about the hook axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Toyo Seat USA CorpInventor: Hideki Shirokane
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Patent number: 9994130Abstract: A transfer seat base for a vehicle, including a rail frame having rails; a carriage frame positioned to ride along the rails and configured for receipt of a seat mounted thereto; a powered motive mechanism for, upon actuation, longitudinally moving the carriage frame along the rails between a forward driving position and a rearward occupant transfer position; a locking mechanism operable upon cessation of actuation of the motive mechanism to automatically lock the carriage frame against longitudinal movement at various positions between the forward driving position and rearward occupant transfer position.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Inventors: Larry Dean Michels, Jonathan D. Decker, John A. Evans
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Patent number: 9994131Abstract: An apparatus or front row vehicle seat having portions A, B, C and D. The apparatus is adjustable by an occupant in its normal motionless position. When a vehicle electronic control unit senses a hazardous traffic situation, it causes activation of a seat actuator. In response, each of seat portions A, B, C, and D is simultaneously altered, without an occupants' action, to a new deployed position. The new deployed positions of the seat portions A, B, C, and D inhibit occupant ejection from a vehicle. The portions A, B and D of the apparatus are supported by front and rear stationary pillars and a middle movable pillar. The pillars project from a related unit seat height adjuster. The interaction of the rear stationary pillars with the portion D helps keep various seat components in the same orientation and position with respect to each other before and after deployment.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Inventor: Richard Swierczewski
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Patent number: 9994132Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjusting drive (1), in particular a height-adjusting drive, for a vehicle seat and having a drive part (2) that is connected to a lever and having an output part (11) that is connected to an adjuster, for example the height adjuster, for the vehicle seat, an actuator (3) being arranged between the drive part and the output part. The actuator is rotatably driven by the drive part (2) and, in turn, rotatably drives the output part (11).Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBHInventors: Jürgen Stemmer, Dmitrij Gerdt
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Patent number: 9994133Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing for a support rod (13a, 13b) of a headrest (11) for vehicle seats, having at least one frame (16) forming an opening (17) through which the support rod (13a, 13b) can pass, wherein the frame (16) at least partially engages around the opening (17), wherein the bearing (10) has at least one contact region (18) for contacting the outer surface (27) of the support rod (13a, 13b) that is connected by a connector to a support region (28) that is part of the frame (16).Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: GRAMMER AGInventor: Manuel Boesl
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Patent number: 9994134Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly having a seat back including a polymeric body portion defining a support frame having a plurality of forwardly extending connection pins disposed about a periphery of a forward surface of the support frame. A flexible comfort carrier is disposed over a front surface of the polymeric body portion and includes a multitude of openings defining a support matrix configured to support the weight of a passenger. The body portion includes a plurality of slots configured to receive and engage the plurality of forwardly extending connection pins. A cushion layer extends over the flexible comfort carrier. A head restraint extends upwardly from the forward support frame.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel J. Osterhoff, Raghavan Setlur, Robert Damerow, Majid Arefi, Mandeep Singh Sidhu, Brandon Guinn
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Patent number: 9994135Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a base seat defining a seating surface configured to position an H-point of an occupant at a predetermined location. The base seat includes first and second sides. First and second seat bolsters are disposed at the first and second sides, respectively, of the base seat. First and second thigh supports are disposed forward of the base seat. The first and second thigh supports define a cushion split. A transverse seam extends across a forward edge of the base seat. The transverse seam is forward of the H-point a predetermined distance. The first and second thigh supports are pivotable about an axis disposed at the predetermined distance forward of the H-point.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Daniel Ferretti, John Wayne Jaranson, Michael Kolich
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Patent number: 9994136Abstract: [Problem] To provide a cushion pad that improves the holding property and reduces the wobbling feeling. [Solution] A force S25 during compression to 25% in a first portion and a first side portion, which are positioned on a seating surface side, is set to a value smaller than the value of S25 in a second portion and a second side portion, which are positioned on a bottom surface side. The first portion and the first side portion are positioned on the seating surface side of a thickness center. This allows ensuring a close contact property with the buttocks. The second portion and the second side portion are positioned on the bottom surface side of the thickness center. This allows improving the holding property of the buttocks and reducing the wobbling feeling.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.Inventor: Toru Nakada
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Patent number: 9994137Abstract: An automotive armrest includes an elastic core defining a patterned array of channels extending therethrough such that the elastic core exhibits a predetermined target vertical stiffness and a predetermined target lateral stiffness different than the predetermined target vertical stiffness. The automotive armrest also includes a skin arranged with the elastic core.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohammed Omar Faruque, James Chih Cheng, Yijung Chen
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Patent number: 9994138Abstract: A beam module for a vehicle seat is mounted at a front of a seat, on top of a seat pan and underneath a seat cushion. The module includes a molded plastic beam. The module has a first shape substantially flush with the seat pan and a second shape projecting above the seat pan. The molded plastic beam has a mounting flange with a forward portion and a second portion. The molded plastic beam is inflatable. When inflated, the molded plastic beam assumes its second shape with the seat cushion being correspondingly displaced and deformed to raise the seat cushion when a frontal impact is detected.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Mike James Whitens, Iskander Farooq, Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammed Omar Faruque
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Patent number: 9994139Abstract: The present disclosure provides a leg rest device for a vehicle. The leg rest device includes: a leg rest coupled to the front side of a seat cushion of a vehicle; a driving unit to fold and unfold the leg rest upward and downward; and a tilting unit that has a side coupled to the leg rest and the other side coupled to the seat cushion. In particular, the tilting unit tilts the leg rest forward at a predetermined angle when the leg rest is unfolded.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: HYUNDAI DYMOS INCORPORATEDInventors: Sung Chol An, Jin Ho Seo, Jun Kyu Kim, Chan Uk Park, Myeong Sub Kim, Yun Ho Kim, Dong Hwan Kim
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Patent number: 9994140Abstract: A floor mat is provided for a motor vehicle. The floor mat includes a debris pan and a debris retaining wall encompassing the debris pan. In addition, the floor mat includes an integral heel blocker within the debris retaining wall that is adapted to protect the feet, heels and lower legs of an operator of a motor vehicle in the event of a frontal collision.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Matthew B. Makowski, Echung Su, Edward Joseph Abramoski, Djamal Eddine Midoun
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Patent number: 9994141Abstract: A frame mounted on the underside of the RV comprising two parallel tracks. A platform is mounted to the frame for movement about the frame between a retracted position underneath the RV and an extended position extending from the RV. The platform comprises of two parallel rails each of which is mounted to one of the two parallel tracks. A deck extends between the two parallel rails. A prime mover is mounted on one end to the platform and the other end is mounted to the frame to move the platform with respect to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: MWH CorporationInventors: Paul Hanser, Vincent Buls
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Patent number: 9994142Abstract: An apparatus for an amusement park includes a mounting device for use in a transportation vehicle in the amusement park, wherein the mounting device is configured to retain a personal electric vehicle (PEV). The apparatus for the amusement park also includes a base assembly of the mounting device configured to secure the mounting device to a floor of the transportation vehicle. The apparatus for the amusement park further includes an arm of the mounting device including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the arm is pivotally coupled to the base assembly via a hinge assembly and the second portion of the arm is coupled to a retaining assembly of the mounting device configured to retain the PEV, and wherein the first portion and the second portion are coupled to one another at a joint.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: UNIVERSAL CITY STUDIOS LLCInventor: John Rugg
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Patent number: 9994143Abstract: An automotive light including: a rear casing, which is substantially basin-shaped and is structured in such a way as to be fixed on the vehicle body; a front half-shell, which is arranged to close the mouth of the rear casing and is provided with at least a transparent or semitransparent portion; and at least one lighting assembly, in turn including a platelike light-guide body, which extends within the rear casing in such a way as to place a front sidewall thereof so that it faces the transparent or semitransparent portion of the front half-shell and a rear sidewall thereof so that it faces the bottom of the rear casing; and a light-emitting device, which is located within a transverse slot that extends within the platelike light-guide body, from the rear sidewall to the front sidewall, remaining substantially perpendicular to the midplane of the platelike light-guide body and substantially parallel to the optical axis of the automotive light.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Automotive Lighting Italia S.p.A.Inventors: Domenico Ferigo, Sara Paroni
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Patent number: 9994144Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a glazing that has a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate. A polymeric interlayer is positioned between the first and second glass substrates and a phosphorescent layer is positioned on the polymeric interlayer. A light source is optically coupled with polymeric interlayer.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Tom Boettger, Jim Pizzimenti
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Patent number: 9994145Abstract: A software application product executable on a mobile device (110) for traffic signalling using a screen (111) of the device (110), in combination with remote activation means (120,130) providing a user interface. The invention further relates to a pocket for accommodating the a device (110) during such signalling. The invention further relates to a kit comprising such a soft-ware application product and optionally such a pocket, as well as to a method for traffic signalling.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: POC SWEDEN ABInventor: Stefan Ytterborn
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Patent number: 9994146Abstract: A beam is projected on the roadway by a vehicle that is visible to vehicles that are in its proximity, the beam on the roadway indicating to adjacent vehicles when they are in a blind spot of the beam generating vehicle. This makes it possible for the vehicle to slow down, speed up or move into another lane to avoid being in a blind spot of the vehicle in its proximity. An optical beam generator is mounted or integrated on a vehicle such as within side view mirror(s). The beam(s) may be generated using any suitable optical beam generator(s) including a laser, LED's or any other suitable source of illumination for projecting a line or other optical illuminated indicia to demarcate blind spot region(s) to operators of adjoining vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Inventor: Itai Achiaz
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Patent number: 9994147Abstract: A collision avoidance system including a proximity sensor for a lead vehicle configured to determine an actual distance between the lead vehicle and a following vehicle. A projector for the lead vehicle is configured to project, above ground level, an image from the lead vehicle towards the following vehicle to notify the following vehicle of the lead vehicle. A control module for the lead vehicle is configured to instruct the projector to project the image when the actual distance is less than a threshold safety distance.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.Inventor: Yu Yan
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Patent number: 9994148Abstract: A pedestrian warning device of a vehicle is disclosed. The pedestrian warning device includes a pedestrian detector configured to detect a position of a pedestrian walking around a vehicle, an in-vehicle warning sound outputter configured to output warning sounds through a plurality of internal speakers arranged at different positions in the vehicle, and a controller configured to generate pedestrian movement information including a movement direction of the pedestrian based on the detected position of the pedestrian, determine a moved position of the pedestrian based on the generated pedestrian movement information, control an operation of the in-vehicle warning sound outputter according to the determined moved position to operate an internal speaker corresponding to the moved position of the pedestrian among the plurality of internal speakers as the pedestrian moves, and notify a driver of the moved position of the pedestrian by change of a direction of the output warning sound.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: MANDO HELLA ELECTRONICS CORPORATIONInventor: Ki-Man Kim
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Patent number: 9994149Abstract: A sound transmitting system for a motor vehicle has a sound generator (2) and a sound-conducting first sound duct (6). The first sound duct (6) has a proximal end (7) connected to the sound generator (2) to transmit sound and a distal end (21) facing away from the proximal end (7) and via which a sound from the generated sound enters a passenger compartment (19) or external region (20) of a bodywork (26) of the motor vehicle (12). To bring about a specific sound characteristic of the resulting sound, a first length (L1) of the first sound duct (6) and/or a first diameter (D1) of the first sound duct (6) and/or a first cross-sectional area (Q1) of the first sound duct (6) are/is adapted as a function of the generated sound.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Tobias Hillers
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Patent number: 9994150Abstract: Embodiments include a vehicle comprising a user interface, a first sensor coupled to a child seat for detecting a child seat belt status; a gear selector for selecting a vehicle gear, and a processor communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the gear selector, and configured to cause the user interface to present a first notification if a first alarm condition is detected based on the child seat belt status and a selected gear. Embodiments also include a method of providing child seat monitoring in a vehicle, the method comprising receiving a gear position from a vehicle gear selector, receiving a child seat belt status from a first sensor coupled to a vehicle child seat, and presenting a first notification using a vehicle user interface if the gear position is a non-park position and the child seat belt status is unbuckled.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jayagopal Appukutty, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Dana Conner, Clara Bennie
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Patent number: 9994151Abstract: A system and method are provided and include a blind spot monitoring system with a blind spot sensor that monitors a blind spot alert area of a subject vehicle and generates an alert when a secondary vehicle is detected within the blind spot alert area of the subject vehicle. A controller receives at least one of traffic sign data and GPS data, determines whether a current lane of the subject vehicle is merging or is going to merge with a second lane, and expands the blind spot alert area in response to determining that the current lane of the subject vehicle is merging or is going to merge with the second lane.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignees: DENSO International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Ting-Yu Lai, Miki Sato, Bo Sun
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Patent number: 9994152Abstract: An active scanning collision avoidance system for vehicles and the like. In one embodiment, an active scanning radar module is affixed to a vehicle's roof. A microwave transmitter sends out a signal to a directional antenna or array directed outwards radially away from the radar assembly. When this transmitted signal is reflected off another vehicle or object, it is received by a second directional antenna or array. This return signal is mixed internally with the transmitted signal, and the resulting signal is amplified and processed so that distance, velocity and object size can be determined. These object attributes are transmitted to an in-vehicle display in real time for quick and informed decision-making for the driver.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Inventor: Ryan Hess
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Patent number: 9994153Abstract: The invention relates to a camera (2) for a motor vehicle (1), which includes a printed circuit board (16), on which a current connector (29) and a communication bus connector (30) and a video interface connector (31) each for connecting to the motor vehicle (1) are disposed, wherein the video interface connector (31) is connected to a capacitor (25) and a parallel-to-serial converter (26), wherein the video interface connector (31) and/or the capacitor (25) and/or the parallel-to-serial converter (26) are surrounded by a device (32) shielding electromagnetic radiation.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Connaught Electronics Ltd.Inventor: Martin Oliver Coleman
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Patent number: 9994154Abstract: A cloaking device includes cloaking region boundary planes oriented non-planar to each other, each of the cloaking region boundary planes having an outward facing mirror surface and an inward facing opaque surface. The cloaking device includes a cloaking region bounded at least partially by the inward facing opaque surfaces of the cloaking region boundary planes. Light from an object positioned on the object-side of the cloaking device and obscured by the CR has a first optical path through the cloaking device and light from the object not obscured by the CR has a second optical path through the cloaking device. A first matching medium is positioned between the object-side and the image-side in the second optical path and increases the second optical path length such that an optical path difference between the first optical path length and the second optical path length is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mayu Takagi, Debasish Banerjee
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Patent number: 9994155Abstract: A sleeve 15 is formed on a mirror base 10. An opening 28a is formed in a mirror head 20. The sleeve 15 has an outer peripheral surface including a first outer peripheral surface 15a and a second outer peripheral surface 15b. The second outer peripheral surface 15b is located further in an inward radial direction of the sleeve 15 than the first outer peripheral surface 15a. The second outer peripheral surface 15b is formed so as to extend smoothly in a circumferential direction of the sleeve. A passage 40, which guides wind entering the mirror head 20, is formed between the second outer peripheral surface 15b and an inner peripheral surface of the opening 28a.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignees: ISHIZAKI HONTEN CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Teiji Nishimoto, Hiroaki Ohtagaki, Tomoya Morimura, Kazuaki Hiwatashi, Takafumi Usui
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Patent number: 9994156Abstract: A rearview device includes a housing that includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. An electro-optic element is operably coupled with the first side of the housing. A rear trim bezel is disposed on the second side of the housing. A rear trim plate is operably coupled with the second side of the housing. A peripheral gap is defined between the rear trim plate and the second side of the housing. A spacing truss is disposed in the peripheral gap. The spacing truss includes first and second lateral walls extending to the rear trim bezel.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: Danny L. Minikey, Jr., Mark R. Roth, Nigel T. Lock, Michael F. Lisowski
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Patent number: 9994157Abstract: A periphery monitoring apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire first image data that is captured by a first imaging unit provided on a left side of a vehicle body, and second image data that is captured by a second imaging unit provided on a right side of the vehicle body; and an output unit configured to combine third image data which is generated by rotating, and magnifying or minifying the first image data in such a way that a plurality of left reference points included in the first image data are respectively displayed at pre-set positions, and fourth image data which is generated by rotating, and magnifying or minifying the second image data in such a way that a plurality of right reference points included in the second image data are respectively displayed at pre-set positions, and to output the combined image data.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazuya Watanabe, Tetsuya Maruoka, Itsuko Ohashi