Patents Issued in July 17, 2018
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Patent number: 10023058Abstract: A charging station includes a plurality of electric power transmission portions and a power supply ECU. When a second vehicle is parked at a position where it can receive electric power from a first electric power transmission portion and when the second vehicle receives weak electric power from the first electric power transmission portion, the second vehicle transmits to the power supply ECU, an occupation signal which allows determination that the parking position corresponds to the first electric power transmission portion. When the power supply ECU receives the occupation signal of the first electric power transmission portion from the second vehicle, the power supply ECU stops transmission of weak electric power from the first electric power transmission portion and guides a first vehicle to a second electric power transmission portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shinji Ichikawa, Satoshi Taniguchi
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Patent number: 10023059Abstract: The present disclosure relates to automobiles and, more specifically, teaches methods and systems that may be used for wirelessly charging batteries used in vehicles. In one embodiment, a method for detecting a relative position between a vehicle-side receiving charging coil and a fixed transmission charging coil, may include: generating an alternating magnetic orientation field using one of the coils; detecting the orientation field using at least one coil provided for inductive excitation, wherein the orientation field is detected in a frequency-selective manner by the at least one coil; and ascertaining the relative position using an orientation receiving signal induced by the orientation field in the at least one coil.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2014Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventors: Thomas Roehrl, Martin Boeld, Joris Fokkelman, Karsten Hofmann, Mael Thevenet, Christoph Weigand, Stephan Bartz
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Patent number: 10023060Abstract: Provided is an automatic power supply device which enables to perform an automatic power supply with a simple configuration, with respect to a moving body. The automatic power supply device that includes a terminal for a power supply, and supplies power to a rechargeable battery which is placed in the moving body through a power receiver which is disposed in the moving body, the automatic power supply device includes a mechanism that drives a power supplier including the power supply terminal, and a mechanism that automatically charges the moving body. The automatic power supply device includes a cavity in a portion of a housing shape of the automatic power supply device, in a measurement area of an environment recognition sensor which is included in the moving body.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Ryosuke Murai, Shintaro Kinoshita, Hiroyuki Uematsu, Tatsuo Sakai
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Patent number: 10023061Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, charging a battery pack of an electrified vehicle using an amount of harvested energy from an energy harvesting device and an amount of energy from a grid. The amount of harvested energy is predicted based on at least a weather forecast.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Aed M. Dudar, Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth James Miller
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Patent number: 10023062Abstract: A device includes a processor configured to execute one or more instructions stored in a memory to receive an electrical vehicle (EV) location profile having information regarding movement of an EV between a first and a second charging location of an electrical network. The processor is also configured to apply an EV mobility model to the EV location profile to determine an optimized schedule for the EV to charge or discharge a storage cell of the EV at the first or second charging locations during a scheduling period. The EV mobility model comprises constraints that describe interactions of the EV with the electrical network.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Taehyen Kang
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Patent number: 10023063Abstract: The present invention relates to a location-based charging/discharging power mediation system of an electric vehicle, and more particularly to a module, an electric vehicle, and an intermediate server for location-based charging/discharging power mediation. The present invention also relates to a user authentication socket or connector used in the power mediation system. A module for location-based power mediation comprises: a location and time identification unit that identifies a location and a time of an electric vehicle from one or more of information from a global navigation satellite system, Local Positioning System (LPS) information, and earth magnetic field information; a power measurement unit that monitors input/output power to/from the electric vehicle in real time; and a wireless communication unit that transmits location and time information of the electric vehicle and information on the input/output power to the outside.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: GEO-LINE CO., LTD.Inventor: Sung Gyoo Geo
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Patent number: 10023064Abstract: A controller of a vehicle may be programmed to charge and discharge a battery according to a state of charge derived from model parameters defining one of a series of RC circuits that characterize frequency response of the battery to input current and that each has a time constant proportional to another of the time constants, and a proportionality parameter indicative of proportional relationship between the time constants. The proportionality parameter may be such that a ratio of the resistances of the RC circuits is equal to a ratio of the capacitances of the RC circuits.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Tae-Kyung Lee
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Patent number: 10023065Abstract: An electrical system enhancer for an electrical system; the electrical system including a chemical storage battery; the, enhancer including an array of ultra capacitors arid an intelligent trickle charge circuit; the array of ultra capacitors controllably, switchably, electrically connectable to the chemical, storage battery under the control of the trickle charge circuit. Also disclosed is a method of enhancing performance of a vehicle electrical system by interconnecting a storage battery of the vehicle with an array of ultra capacitors; the array of ultra capacitors controllably, switchably electrically connected to the vehicle electric chemical storage battery by means of an intelligent trickle charge circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: SMART START TECHNOLOGY PTY LTDInventors: Ricky Zhong Huang, Jing K. Tan
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Patent number: 10023066Abstract: A method for determining a status of a vehicle battery includes determining an initial temperature and an initial state of charge of the battery, determining a current threshold value based on the initial temperature and the initial state of charge of the battery, starting the vehicle engine, charging the battery for a predetermined charging period t1, measuring two charging currents, I1 and I2, to the battery at two predetermined points in time during the charging period t1, determining an expected current value at a time t3=t1+t2 based on the measured charging currents, comparing the expected current value with the current threshold value, and determining the battery is faulty if the expected current value is lower than the current threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventors: Torbjorn Larsson, Alexander Engstrom, Linus Franzen, Mats Thorngren, Fabian Fogelberg, Pelle Thorson, Petter Almhagen, Emil Wall, Daniel Midholm
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Patent number: 10023067Abstract: A method for charging a motor vehicle battery includes determining the electrolyte resistance frequency of the cell, determining the battery charge transfer resistance frequency, and charging the battery with a current at a charging current frequency greater than the electrolyte resistance frequency of the battery and less than the battery charge transfer resistance frequency.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2018Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: RENAULT s.a.sInventors: Bruno Delobel, Julien Marie, Anais Ricaud, Juan-Pablo Soulier, Laureline Marchal
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Patent number: 10023068Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus of managing the lifespan of a battery are disclosed herein. A method comprises interpreting age data indicative of a current age of a battery, interpreting usage data indicative of a current usage of the battery, comparing the age data to the usage data, and allocating a propelling power from the battery in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) responsive to the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Cummins, Inc.Inventors: Lining Zhou, Martin T. Books
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Patent number: 10023069Abstract: A battery pack for an electric motor comprises a base plate, a plurality of rectangular battery modules positioned laterally one next to another, a securing strap provided for each battery module and including an upper portion extending along an upper surface of the corresponding battery module in a fore and aft direction, a front portion extending downward from a front end of the upper portion along a front surface of the corresponding battery module, a rear portion extending downward from a rear end of the upper portion along a rear surface of the corresponding battery module, a front mounting portion formed in a lower end of the front portion and secured to the base plate, a rear mounting portion formed in a lower end of the rear portion and secured to the base plate. A connecting plate extends laterally and is fixedly connected to the securing straps.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Kobayashi, Kota Ejiri, Kazumi Shibata
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Patent number: 10023070Abstract: A battery operating apparatus, an auxiliary battery unit, and a battery control method are provided. The battery operating apparatus includes a master battery manager (BM), a fixed battery unit configured to supply a fixed power to a load, the fixed power remaining unchanged over time, and a removable auxiliary battery unit configured to supply a variable power to the load, the variable power varying over time, wherein the master BM is configured to control the fixed battery unit to supply the fixed power among a power needed by the load, and to control the auxiliary battery unit to supply the variable power among the power needed by the load.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ji-young Jeong, YoungJae Kim, Hyosun Hwang
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Patent number: 10023071Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a train control method for maximizing utilization of regenerative energy. The method mainly comprises: working out a matching error ?T of a current matched pair of trains Mx (i, j) of a station in the current running situation; and comparing the matching error ?T with a preset maximum adjustable error ?Tx of the current matched pair of trains Mx (i, j) of the station and determining a strategy for adjusting train running of the current matched pair of trains Mx (i, j) according to comparison results.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Beijing Jioatong UniversityInventors: Jing Xun, Bin Ning, Tao Tang, Tong Liu, Tianzhi Wang
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Patent number: 10023072Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting dc power from one voltage to another, in a mHEV includes an input filter, a converter circuit, and an output filter. the circuit is implemented with wide band gap devices, and may be a full bridge, half bridge, or push pull circuit. The size is preferably 120 cc, and the output power is preferably at least 500 W, 1 KW or up to 3 KW. The efficiency is preferably at least 80% or 90%, and the converter operates at a frequency of at least between 20 KHz and 2 MHz.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventor: Anuradha G. Ogale
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Patent number: 10023073Abstract: A driving system for electric vehicles. The driving system may have two or more electric motors, each with voltage inputs, which are connected to the axles and tires of the vehicle. A variable input control may provide a signal that indicates its current operation position to a vehicle control unit. The vehicle control unit takes the information from the variable input control and determines how much power to send to each of the electric motors' voltage inputs.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: THUNDER POWER NEW ENERGY VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITEDInventor: Sheng-Fu Lai
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Patent number: 10023074Abstract: A transportation system with a non-rail-bound, electrically or diesel-electrically driven vehicle, has a two-pole overhead conductor system with contact wires forming supply and return conductors. The vehicle has a current collector for the supply of electrical energy through sliding contact with the contact wires. A video detector on the vehicle determines a position of the contact wires relative to the vehicle. Marking elements mark the position of the contact wires. The video detector is oriented for taking video images of the marking elements, and an evaluation unit recognizes from a recorded video image whether contact wires are present above the vehicle and, when they are present, determines their position relative to the vehicle. Through the improved recognition of the position of the vehicle relative to the overhead conductor the operational safety of the transportation system is improved.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Florian Buehs, Juergen Francke, Frank Gerstenberg, Oliver Graebner, Goeran Saenger
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Patent number: 10023075Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle seat comprising a seat base structure and a seat back structure pivotally connected to the seat base structure. The seat back structure includes a central adjustable region, an inboard side adjustable region adjacent the central adjustable region and a outboard side adjustable region located adjacent the central adjustable region. The seat back structure includes a central proximity sensor located at the central adjustable region, an inboard side proximity sensor located at the inboard side adjustable region and an outboard side proximity sensor located at the outboard side adjustable region. A seat back structure adjustment apparatus includes a central region adjustable member that adjusts a configuration of the central adjustable region, an inboard side adjustable member that adjusts a configuration of the inboard side adjustable region and an outboard side adjustable member that adjusts a configuration of the outboard adjustable region.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, IncInventor: Sergei I. Gage
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Patent number: 10023076Abstract: A vehicle seat and a backrest adjuster (1) for a vehicle seat are provided in order to adjust the inclination of a backrest (2.1) of a vehicle seat (2). The backrest adjuster includes a transmission element (5) that is coupled to a fitting (4) and to a pivot bearing (3). A clamping element (11) is mounted in the region of the pivot bearing (3) and in the region of the fitting (4) lying opposite the pivot bearing. In the region between the pivot bearing (3) and the fitting (4), the clamping element (11) is arranged at least in part in the transmission element (5).Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Hilmar Wahlen, Thorsten Klein-Hitpass, Ulli Genutt, Ludger Mühlenbrock
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Patent number: 10023077Abstract: A track assembly includes a first pair of tracks, a first lockset that may be configured to selectively restrict movement of the first pair of tracks, a second pair of tracks, a second lockset that may be configured to selectively restrict movement of the second pair of tracks, and a cross member that may be connected between the first pair of tracks and the second pair of tracks. The cross member may be configured to actuate the first lockset and the second lockset. The cross member may include a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section may be configured to rotate relative to each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Peter Stutika, Peter Necej, Peter Palascak, Miroslav Dedina, Michael Wojatzki, Marian Podhorsky, Norbert Hertling
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Patent number: 10023078Abstract: The invention provides a seatbelt threader device with a sheath receiving at least one or both of the lap and shoulder straps of a seatbelt therein, and a male component of a seatbelt buckle at a distal end thereof, so that the male component can be inserted through the slot of the child safety seat.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Inventor: Matthew A. Kitt
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Patent number: 10023079Abstract: A child safety seat includes a seat portion and a backrest connected with each other, and a belt restraint and a latch respectively connected with the backrest, the belt restraint and the latch respectively having a first and a second outer major surface. The backrest has a front surface on which is provided a recess, and the belt restraint is movable relative to the backrest between a clamping state for pressing an anchoring belt in the recess and a release state for facilitating installation or removal of the anchoring belt. The latch can engage with the belt restraint for locking the belt restraint in the clamping state, and disengage from the belt restraint for its movement between the clamping state and the release state. The first and second outer major surfaces are substantially flush with the front surface of the backrest when the latch is engaged with the belt restraint.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Wonderland Switzerland AGInventor: Guang-Hui Zhao
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Patent number: 10023080Abstract: An electrical foldable car seat includes a base frame having a driver securely mounted thereon, a sliding frame operably connected to the driver and slidably attached to the base frame and having an adapter securely attached to a free end of the sliding frame so that the base frame is able to move relative to the sliding frame due to power from the driver and a back frame foldably connected to the base frame and consisting of a pair of lower support frames foldably connected to free ends of the base frame through a first folding device and a pair of upper support frames foldably connected to free ends of the pair of lower support frames through a second folding device. The pair of lower support frames are able to be folded 90 degrees relative to the base frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Shanghai Woyoo Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hao Lin
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Patent number: 10023081Abstract: A vehicle seat capable of housing a seat main body includes a seat pivot shaft to which the seat main body is connected to be pivotable, and a detachable leg whose upper end is mounted to the seat main body and whose lower end is detachably held onto a leg holding member on a vehicle body floor. When the seat main body moves from a housed state side to a usage state side, a leg guide portion causes a cushion abutting portion to abut a base abutting portion in advance, thereby guiding the detachable leg moving together with the seat main body to pass above a leg movement inhibiting portion which is a portion of a support base.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Akutsu, Taro Murayama
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Patent number: 10023082Abstract: Provided is a vehicle seat in which the transmission direction of deformation of a seat when an impact load is applied thereto is diffused so that impact absorbability is improved. This vehicle seat includes a seat back having a seat back frame that serves as a framework. The seat back frame has side frames positioned on the left and right sides, and a lower frame connecting lower parts of the side frames. The lower frame has a weakened part that is deformed when an impact load is applied, and a deformation guiding part for guiding the deformation direction of the weakened part. The weakened part and the deformation guiding part are arranged in the centers of areas obtained by extending the center portion of the lower frame toward the right and left sides with the same vertical-direction width, are provided on the same horizontal plane.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Teppei Ito
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Patent number: 10023083Abstract: A seat mounting structure for mounting a seat to a work vehicle includes a seat base fixed to a vehicle body, a seat swing element fixed to the seat and attached to the seat base to be vertically swingable, a suspension unit arranged between the seat base and the seat swing element, and a lock lever attached to the seat swing element to be movable between a seat locking position to prevent the seat swing element from flipping over and a seat unlocking position to allow the seat swinging element to swing upward. The lock lever engages the suspension unit in the seat locking position and disengages from the suspension unit in the seat unlocking position.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATIONInventor: Hiroyuki Tada
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Patent number: 10023084Abstract: A conditioned air delivery system for a vehicle seat includes a conditioned air supply source and a static support structure. A seat is mounted to the static support structure. The seat includes an exterior surface and an air distribution plenum that is in fluid communication with the exterior surface. A seat adjuster is operatively connected between the seat and the static support structure. The seat adjuster is configured to move the seat between multiple positions. An adjustable duct has a fixed duct portion and a movable duct portion that is configured to slide relative to the fixed duct portion as the seat moves between the multiple positions. The adjustable duct is configured to supply air from the conditioned air supply source to the air distribution plenum.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Gentherm Inc.Inventor: Scott Richard Wolas
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Patent number: 10023085Abstract: A seat heater includes a seating heater, a protection device of a non-resettable type, a base material, and a protecting heater. The protection device has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The base material is a sheet having a first covering portion covering the first surface and a second covering portion covering the second surface, and is folded so that the first covering portion and the second covering portion face each other. The protecting heater heats the protection device. The protecting heater includes a pair of first heating portions and a second heating portion. The pair of first heating portions are formed as a meandered shape only on a surface, which faces the second covering portion, of the first covering portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Koji Yoshimoto, Takaaki Hyoudou
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Patent number: 10023086Abstract: An element of connection between a trim element of a motor vehicle seat element and a cover part, wherein the connection element has a profiled shape having, in cross-section a first jaw and a second jaw intended to pinch together an edge of the trim element and an edge of the cover part, the connection element being one piece.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: FAURECIA SIEGES D'AUTOMOBILEInventors: Fabrice Etienne, Julie Thomas
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Patent number: 10023087Abstract: A vehicle seat (10) comprising a seat cushion frame (72) that configures a seat cushion (70); a seat back frame (14) that configures a seat back (12), the seat back frame (14) being formed in a panel shape and having, on a lower portion thereof on both sides in a seat width direction, coupling portions (46) that are coupled to the seat cushion frame (72); fixing portions (20) that are formed in an upper portion of the seat back frame (14) and fix a headrest (60); and load transmitting portions (40) that are disposed in the seat back frame (14), are each formed in a substantially L-shape opening toward the seat rear side and outward in the seat width direction, and couple together the fixing portions (20) and the coupling portions (46).Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2014Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroshi Tamura, Akira Kaneko, Takuya Ishikawa
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Patent number: 10023088Abstract: A console for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The console comprises an armrest assembly and a storage compartment. The armrest assembly for the console is configured to facilitate comfort for vehicle occupants. The armrest assembly is adjustable between a lowered position and a raised position. The armrest assembly is also configured to facilitate access to the storage compartment. The armrest assembly may be configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The armrest assembly may provide a tambour door configured to facilitate access of the storage compartment. The storage compartment is accessible when the armrest or tambour door is at the open position; the storage compartment is covered when the armrest or tambour door is at the closed position. The console may also provide a cover (e.g. a shroud) configured to cover the storage compartment when the armrest is between the lowered position and the raised position.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.Inventors: Rick Alan Anderson, Randy William Nurenberg, Kenneth Daniel Sherburn
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Patent number: 10023089Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a headrest that can have increased comfort and safety. This headrest is provided with: an affixed-side member provided to a headrest pillar; a mobile-side member that is joined to the affixed-side member with a mobile mechanism therebetween and that can move in the front-back direction with respect to the affixed-side member; and a front-back locking mechanism that has an engaged section and a lock member that engages the engaged section, and that locks and unlocks the movement of the mobile-side member in the front-back direction. Also, the mobile-side member has a front-side cover for supporting a head. Furthermore, the engaged section is attached to the back surface of the front-side cover.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazunori Ishihara
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Patent number: 10023090Abstract: An apparatus is for providing seating in a vehicle passenger compartment. A vehicle seat includes a headrest for forming at least a portion of a seating surface of the vehicle seat in a stowed position and a panel for forming the portion of the seating surface in a deployed position of the headrest. The stowed headrest may be positioned in a cavity formed in the seat. The panel may be connected to the headrest, and at least partially sandwiched between an inner surface of the cavity and the headrest in the stowed position.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Phillip Kerry Muldowney
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Patent number: 10023091Abstract: A vehicle, including a driver assistance device with the aid of which an autonomous driving mode without driver intervention may be carried out in an autopilot mode, and including at least one storage element for storing objects, such as a cup holder and/or a storage table, which is adjustable between a position of non-use and at least one position of use. The driver assistance device is assigned a control unit, which enables an adjustment of the storage element into the position of use when the autopilot mode is activated and disables an adjustment of the storage element into the position of use when the autopilot mode is deactivated.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Volkswagen AktiengesellschaftInventors: Lennart Bendewald, Linn Hackenberg, Bjoern Strasdat, Valentin Rex
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Patent number: 10023092Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a child restraint includes a juvenile seat having a seat bottom and a seat back extending upwardly from the seat bottom. The juvenile seat further includes a cupholder coupled to the seat bottom.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.Inventors: Sean R. Denbo, Mei-Hui Lin, Kyle M. Franke
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Patent number: 10023093Abstract: Utilities (e.g., apparatuses, systems, methods, etc.) for use in loading power equipment such as log splitting apparatuses onto cargo trailers or the like in manners that increase the number of assembled log splitting apparatuses that can be loaded onto the cargo trailers (or otherwise result in more efficient loading of assembled log splitting apparatuses onto the cargo trailers) while facilitating assembled presentation of the log splitting apparatuses after unloading from the cargo trailer.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Frictionless World LLCInventors: Daniel Banjo, Benjamin Zywicki
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Patent number: 10023094Abstract: Disclosed herein is a debris shield adaptable for use with a boat and a trailer. The debris shield includes a frame assembly, and a canvas. The frame assembly includes a frame and at least one adjustable arm with one end suitable to be connected to either the side portion of the boat that sits above the trailer or the base of the trailer, and another end suitable to be connected to the frame. The adjustable arm is adjustable in length to adapt the frame to at least one of the height of the boat and the width of the trailer base. The canvas includes a substantially rectangular part. The rectangular part has a trailer side, a stern side, a boat side and a bow side. The trailer side is fastenable to the frame. The debris shield is adjustable to at least one of the height of the boat and the width of the trailer.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Inventor: Neil Gagnon
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Patent number: 10023095Abstract: A vehicle moving device for moving vehicles includes a frame that is angled. A front of the frame is taller than a back of the frame. A ramp is coupled to a top of the frame and extends from proximate to the front to proximate to the back. A first motor and a second motor are coupled to the frame. An actuator, which is operationally coupled to the first motor, is slidably coupled to the ramp. A coupler is coupled to the actuator and is configured to couple to a vehicle. A plurality of rollers is rotationally coupled to the frame and is operationally coupled to the second motor. The first motor is positioned to compel the actuator longitudinally along the ramp such that the vehicle coupled to the coupler is lifted from the ground. The second motor is positioned to compel the rollers to rotate to move the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Inventor: Darrell Temple
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Patent number: 10023096Abstract: A vehicle roof structure including a plurality of roof support pillars that include a plurality of receptacles on an outer surface of the pillars. The receptacles are adapted to receive a connector for securing an article to a vehicle either directly or by means of a tie down strap. A spider roof structure or conventional roof structure are disclosed that may include either X-shaped receptacle openings or a T-track slot. Articles may be directly secured to the receptacles or slots on the outer surface of the pillars or may be connected to the roof or side outer walls of the pillar by tie down straps.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Colleen Marie Hoffman, Stephen Thomas Kozak
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Patent number: 10023097Abstract: A tie down assembly for a vehicle cargo bed. The tie down assembly is structured to be coupled to a sidewall of a vehicle cargo bed. The assembly includes a mounting bracket structured to be positionable and securable along the sidewall. The assembly also includes a tie down member rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket and including an indexing member. The mounting bracket has a first indexing cavity structured for receiving the indexing member therein, and a second indexing cavity angularly spaced apart from the first indexing cavity and structured for receiving the indexing member therein. The tie down assembly is structured such that the tie down member is secured in a first angular orientation when the indexing member resides within the first indexing cavity, and in a second angular orientation different from the first angular orientation when the indexing member resides within the second indexing cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Ryan C. Harris, Scott L. Frederick
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Patent number: 10023098Abstract: A vehicle includes a truck bed, first docking plate, second docking plate, first bracket, and second bracket. The truck bed has first and second side panels extending upward from a floor panel. The first and second docking plates are secured to opposing internal surfaces of the first and second side panels, respectively. The first and second brackets have upright members secured to the first and second docking plates, respectively, and horizontal members extending from the upright members inward relative to the truck bed.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jack Marchlewski, Joshua Robert Hemphill, Robert Reiners, Dragan B. Stojkovic
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Patent number: 10023099Abstract: A shipping apparatus utilizes logistic bars attached laterally across a carrier shipping enclosure such as truck trailer or shipping container. The logistic bars can engage tracks attached to lateral sidewalls of the carrier shipping enclosure. One or more equipment racks are positioned behind one of the lateral logistic bars. Another logistic bar is placed behind the one or more equipment racks. Each of the equipment racks are secured in place by clamping devices positioned along a respective lateral logistic bar to be proximate to a respective corner of the equipment rack. Longitudinal logistic bars are engaged to a pair of the clamping devices that are on opposing lateral sides of the equipment rack. The shipping apparatus provides a rigid structure that is appropriately positioned without damaging components within the equipment rack and preventing swaying during transport of the equipment rack.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.Inventors: Steven Embleton, James D. Curlee, Rene J. Salas, Joseph A. Bartole, Bruce E. Lykins, Eric M. Tunks, Joshua S. Keup
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Patent number: 10023100Abstract: A vehicle trim assembly is disclosed herein. The vehicle trim assembly includes a member having a transmissive member portion therein. A light source is configured to emit light through the light transmissive portion. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed within the member. A second photoluminescent structure is separated from the member and operably coupled with the light source. The first and second photoluminescent structures are configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, James J. Surman, Pietro Buttolo, Dragos Maciuca
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Patent number: 10023101Abstract: A clutching adjuster having a housing with a nose, the nose including a plurality of discrete helically-shaped thread segments, a ball stud journaled by a ball stud bore for axial movement therethrough and passing through the nose of the housing, the ball stud having a threaded portion, an unthreaded portion, a ball, and a drive spline portion, an outbound annular travel barrier and an inbound annular travel barrier, wherein, in length of travel clutching operation and end of travel clutching operation where the ball stud is axially rotated through the ball stud bore, the receipt of an undue axial force of resistance on the ball stud results in outward deflection of engaged thread segments, thereby allowing the threaded engagement between the threaded portion of the ball stud and the thread segments to clutch.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Burton Technologies, LLCInventor: John E. Burton
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Patent number: 10023102Abstract: A vehicular headlamp includes: a first light distribution portion including a first light source; a second light distribution portion including a second light source and an micro electro mechanical system mirror; a holding member configured to hold the first light source, the second light source, and the micro electro mechanical system mirror; a single lens including a first lens portion and a second lens portion; and a separating wall formed in the holding member so as to protrude toward the vehicle front side relative to the holding member, the separating wall being configured to separate a region between the first lens portion and the holding member from a region between the second lens portion and the holding member.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Fumihiko Mouri, Yusuke Nakada, Yoshiyuki Nakanishi
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Patent number: 10023103Abstract: A bank angle of a vehicle can be accurately calculated using yaw axis data and roll axis data, and based on the calculated bank angle, vehicle illumination optics can be controlled to maintain a pattern of distributed light from the illumination optics to be generally horizontal. The calculated bank angle may be zeroed when the yaw axis data equals zero. The improved pattern of distributed light from the illumination optics illuminates a more natural field of view for the vehicle driver during a bank. In some embodiments, the vehicle illumination optics can include a primary illumination group and a plurality of side illumination groups.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2014Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: J.W. SPEAKER, CORPORATIONInventors: Kevin Jay McWithey, Bradley William Kay, Dragolsav Popovic
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Patent number: 10023104Abstract: A vehicle lighting device includes a projector lens, a lens holder, a main body barrel, a bottom cover, a first to a fourth excitation light sources, an upper and a lower light deflector, a correction mirror, and a fluorescent unit. The first and the second excitation light source emit laser beams toward the rotational center of a light-deflecting mirror of the upper light deflector, and the third and the fourth excitation light source emit laser beams toward that of the lower light deflector. The correction mirror corrects the distortion of the laser beams scanned by the upper and lower light deflectors and reflects the corrected laser beams. A two-dimensional image corresponding to a predetermined light distribution pattern is drawn as a white image on the fluorescent unit by the corrected light beams, and the two-dimensional image is projected on a virtual vertical screen through the projector lens.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: STANLEY ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Hirasawa, Yasushi Yatsuda
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Patent number: 10023105Abstract: Provided is an illumination device which has a coherent light source that emits a first coherent light beam and a second coherent light beam, an optical device that diffuses the first coherent light beam to illuminate a first illumination zone and diffuses a wave of the second coherent light beam to illuminate a second illumination zone, and a timing control unit that individually controls incidence timing of the first coherent light beam and the second coherent light beam on the optical device or illumination timing of the first illumination zone and the second illumination zone, wherein the optical device includes a first diffusion region on which the first coherent light beam is incident, and a second diffusion region on which the second coherent light beam is incident, the first diffusion region is capable of illuminating the first illumination zone by diffusion of the incident first coherent light beam.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Makio Kurashige
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Patent number: 10023106Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, an arrangement for controlling a lighting device of a working vehicle where the lighting device is directed toward an adjustable operating element of the working vehicle. A control device is connected to the lighting device. The control device is operated to switch the lighting device on according to a detected adjustment of the operating element.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Valentin Gresch
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Patent number: 10023107Abstract: An electric light has a light bulb within a housing. The housing has generally horizontal exterior and interior surfaces and a periphery. The exterior surface has a translucent plate. A gripper, constructed of a pair of similarly configured arms, supports the housing. Each arm has a downwardly extending finger and an upwardly extending handle. Each arm has a laterally extending projection with a pivot pin pivotably coupling arms. A spring encompasses the pivot pin and contacts the handles. A coupling assembly couples the housing to the gripper which is removably supported on a recipient surface of a trailing vehicle. The electric light is adjustably positioned with respect to the recipient surface of the trailing vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Inventor: John W. Massingill