Patents Issued in August 2, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180215260
    Abstract: Operating a drive train of a vehicle with a clutch unit for distributing torque on a primary axis and a secondary axis of the vehicle comprises: a) determining an available drive torque; b) determining excess torque on the primary axis; c) determining an actual maximum torque on the secondary axis; d) determining the excess torque on the secondary axis insofar as the maximum torque is not exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Frank Discher, Kai Sorge
  • Publication number: 20180215261
    Abstract: A utility vehicle throttle pedal includes a one piece molded plastic body pivotably mounted to a bracket, and having a face, an underside and first and second sidewalls between the face and underside. A throttle connect rod is positioned on the underside of the plastic body and has first and second ends entering first and second openings in the first and second sidewalls. A throttle cable is adjustably attached to the throttle connect rod. The throttle connect rod may be manually connected and disconnected from the throttle pedal without use of tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Brian D. Seegert
  • Publication number: 20180215262
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a prediction device for use in combination with a human being where the human being issues data. The prediction device comprises a means to acquire the data from inside or outside the human being for one or more time periods located in a time interval from a moment in the past to the present moment to obtain an acquired data set, a means to model the acquired data set as a geometric Brownian motion random process model to obtain a fitted random process model, and a means to predict a state of the human being using the fitted random process model to obtain a predicted state of the human being.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Université de Liège
    Inventors: Jacques VERLY, Pouyan EBRAHIMBABAIE
  • Publication number: 20180215263
    Abstract: A vehicle display device includes an image display device disposed in front of a driver aboard a vehicle, and configured to display thereon at least information on traveling conditions of the vehicle, the image display device including an image display region. When an operation input turning on a power supply of the vehicle is provided, the image display device starts an opening presentation thereon in conjunction with the start of an opening presentation on another display device disposed in front of the driver. The image display device displays thereon a predetermined image in a part of the image display region until starting the opening presentation after the operation input is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumasa SHOJI, Ryoko SONE, Eiji KIBE
  • Publication number: 20180215264
    Abstract: A vehicle display device includes an image display device and a frame member. The image display device is disposed in front of a driver in a vehicle and displays an image. The frame member is disposed on a driver side of the image display device and surrounds a part of an image display region in the image display device. When displaying a new image in a surrounding of the frame member, the image display device displays the new image from an edge of the frame member in a slide-in manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumasa SHOJI, Ryoko SONE, Masayuki ICHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20180215265
    Abstract: The panel includes a claw having (i) a base end that protrudes from a back surface of the panel in a different direction from an installation direction of the panel to the base, and (ii) an insertion member that protrudes from the base end in the installation direction. The installation direction is a direction in which the panel is moved when the panel is installed to the base. The base includes an insertion hole into which the insertion member of the panel is inserted, and a protrusion located adjacent to the insertion hole. When the insertion member and the base end of the claw are inserted into the insertion hole to install the panel to the base, the protrusion of the base is sandwiched and positioned between the insertion member and the back surface of the panel, and the base end of the claw is locked in the insertion hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: DENSO TEN Limited
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Takeno, Yuta Yamagami
  • Publication number: 20180215266
    Abstract: A display device is configured to, when displaying an indicator needle as rotating with a relatively small rotation amount per unit time, display an indicator needle image while rotating the indicator needle image, and, when displaying the indicator needle as rotating with a relatively large rotation amount per unit time, display an indicator-needle motion-blurred image that corresponds to a rotation range per unit time of the indicator needle. An indicator-needle inner end angle formed by two sides of the indicator needle image that form an end thereof that faces a center of the rotation is equal to a minimum motion-blurred inner end angle formed by two sides of the indicator-needle motion-blurred image that has the smallest rotation amount per unit time while the indicator needle is displayed as rotating, the two sides forming an end of the indicator-needle motion-blurred image that faces the center of the rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kazumasa SHOJI, Ryoko SONE, Yousuke SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20180215267
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a meter cluster. The meter cluster includes a first luminous panel and a second luminous panel. The first luminous panel indicates first information. The second luminous panel is arranged in front of the first luminous panel. The second luminous panel indicates second information. Each of the first luminous panel and the second luminous panel has transparency. The first information of the first luminous panel is visible through the second luminous panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Charles JABER, Kazushige HARA, Gareth WEBB
  • Publication number: 20180215268
    Abstract: A vehicle-side circuit for supplying power in an electrically driven vehicle is provided. The power circuit includes an external AC voltage terminal; at least one DC/AC converter having an AC voltage side; and an electrical machine having a plurality of windings, each of which has a first tapping. The electrical machine is connected to the AC voltage side of the DC/AC converter. A switching device is connected to the plurality of windings and to a signal shaping filter having a plurality of first capacitors. The signal shaping filter is connected between the DC/AC converter and an external AC terminal. The switching device may interconnect the windings within the electrical machine or may connect the first tappings of the plurality of windings within the signal shaping filter to the plurality of first capacitors to form an at least third-order low-pass filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Franz Pfeilschifter, Martin Brüll, Wilhelm Hackmann, Klaus Mühlbauer, Martin Spornraft, Matthias Töns
  • Publication number: 20180215269
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a variable voltage converter, a bypass diode and a controller. The bypass diode may be coupled in parallel with the converter and configured to clamp an output of the converter to a battery voltage. The controller may be configured to, while in a boost mode and in response to a rate of change of a converter inductor current exceeding a boost threshold, open switches of the converter to divert propulsive energy through the bypass diode. The controller may also be configured to, while in buck mode and in response to a magnitude of a converter inductor current exceeding a buck threshold, open switches of the converter to divert regenerative energy through the bypass diode, while reversed biased, to the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Mohammed Khorshed Alam, Yan Zhou, Shuitao Yang, Fan Xu, Lihua Chen
  • Publication number: 20180215270
    Abstract: A train control device includes a train position detector, a storage, and an in-vehicle controller. The train position detector detects a traveling position of a train. The storage stores therein a traveling position of the train when a loss of contact of the current collector occurs, as a loss-of-contact position. When the train travels in a predetermined section including the loss-of-contact position with reference to the traveling position of the train and the storage, the in-vehicle controller causes the train to perform coasting traveling in the predetermined section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Junko YAMAMOTO, Hirotoshi KAWAI, Satoshi IBA, Yohei HATTORI, Yasuyuki MIYAJIMA
  • Publication number: 20180215271
    Abstract: An arrangement structure of a wheel drive system comprising a tire wheel and a drive unit for driving the tire wheel, wherein the tire wheel includes a brake part arranged to a hollow space of the tire wheel, the drive unit includes a motor and an inverter for driving the motor, the inverter includes a power module for supplying power to the motor and a bus bar for supplying power supplied from outside the tire wheel to the power module, and the bus bar is arranged to the brake part side than the power module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki NAKAYAMA, Yukio MIZUKOSHI
  • Publication number: 20180215272
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and methods for operation having a powertrain that includes an engine, an electric machine and storage battery, and a transmission coupled via a drive shaft to wheels having regenerative-friction brakes. The HEV and transmission incorporate regenerative and adaptive braking and a capability to detect nearby obstacles and other vehicles. Such controllers monitor and report the nearby-vehicle distance and a brake pedal tip-lift time and position. In response, the controller(s) cause the electric machine to generate electric power with negative torque, which decelerates the transmission and wheels at a constant or variable rate, adjusted so the nearby-vehicle distance during deceleration equals or exceeds a predetermined, lead-lag distance to nearby vehicles or obstacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Charles VITULLO, Brian Thomas SOO, Kimberly TRICE
  • Publication number: 20180215273
    Abstract: An electricity converter for controlling an output of the fuel cell, a battery for storing electricity of the fuel cell, and a load device that operates by electricity of at least one of the fuel cell or the battery are included. Further provided is a controller that calculates current chargeable electricity of the battery, load device electricity currently consumed by the load device and current generable electricity of the fuel cell, and decreases the output of the fuel cell by the electricity converter when the generable electricity is equal-to or more-than a combined value of the chargeable electricity and the load device electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Daiki TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20180215274
    Abstract: A handheld device for jump starting a vehicle engine includes a rechargeable lithium ion battery pack, a microcontroller, and a jumper cable device. The lithium ion battery is coupled to a power output port of the device through a FET smart switch actuated by the microcontroller. A vehicle battery isolation sensor connected in circuit with positive and negative polarity outputs connectable to the jumper cable device detects the presence of a vehicle battery connected between the positive and negative polarity outputs. A reverse polarity sensor connected to the circuit with the positive and negative polarity outputs detects the polarity of a vehicle battery connected between the positive and negative polarity outputs, such that the microcontroller will enable power to be delivered from the lithium ion power pack to the output port only when a good battery is connected to the output port and jumper cable device, and only when the battery is connected with proper polarity of positive and negative terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: THE NOCO COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan Lewis NOOK, William Knight NOOK, James Richard STANFIELD, Derek Michael UNDERHILL
  • Publication number: 20180215275
    Abstract: A vehicle charging system includes an on-board charger for receiving electrical power from an EVSE. The system includes a memory for storing routine charging location data and a plurality of timer functions. The system includes a sensor for detecting data. The system further includes an ECU for determining whether the on-board charger is located at a routine charging location. The ECU controls the on-board charger to receive the electrical power when the on-board charger is located at a routine charging location and a current time of day is within the time of day defined by the timer function and controls the on-board charger to receive the electrical power when the on-board charger is located at a non-routine charging location regardless of the current time of day. The system includes an output device designed to output data indicating that the on-board charger is receiving the electrical power from the EVSE.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Tapan V. Patel
  • Publication number: 20180215276
    Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station that is installed in a residence is coupled with a main circuit breaker in an electrical service panel. The charging station includes a charging point connection that couples an electric vehicle to a set of service drop power lines that provide electricity from a power grid to the residence; a current control device coupled to control the amount of electric current that can be drawn from the set of service drop power lines by an the electric vehicle through the charging point connection; a receiver to receive energy readings from one or more current monitors that indicate an amount of current is being drawn from the set of service drop power lines; and a set of control modules to cause the current control device to control the amount of current that can be drawn by the electric vehicle through the charging point connection based on the received energy readings to avoid tripping the main circuit breaker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Richard Lowenthal, David Baxter, Harjinder Bhade
  • Publication number: 20180215277
    Abstract: A power transmission device is configured to transmit power underwater to an underwater vehicle having a power reception coil. The power transmission device includes a power transmission coil configured to transmit power to the power reception coil through a magnetic field, a power transmission unit configured to transmit an alternating current voltage having a frequency a 10 kHz or lower to the power transmission coil, and a first capacitor connected to the power transmission coil and configured to form a resonance circuit resonating at the frequency with the power transmission coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Futoshi DEGUCHI, Yoshio KOYANAGI, Kazuhiro EGUCHI, Katsuya OKAMOTO, Ryosuke HASABA
  • Publication number: 20180215278
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted charging system is provided that can charge a battery regardless of the charging method and prevent an abnormal current from occurring between a vehicle and a charging station. A first charging controller, controls charging in accordance with a first charging method, communicates with a first charging apparatus via a charging cable connected to a first inlet, and charges a battery by turning on a DC cutoff relay, provided on a power supply path from the first inlet to the battery. If it is determined that charging is to be performed in accordance with a second charging method, a charging control unit relays communication between a second charging apparatus and the first charging controller. The charging control unit performs control to delay the timing of actually turning on the DC cutoff relay relative to the timing at which the first charging controller turns on the DC cutoff relay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Yabuuchi
  • Publication number: 20180215279
    Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station is provided. The electric vehicle charging station includes an interface, by way of which the charging station receives energy from an electrical energy supply grid, an energy intermediate storage device for intermediate storage of energy received or transmitted by way of the interface from the electrical energy supply grid, a plurality of output connections for charging electric vehicles and a control unit for controlling the energy intermediate storage in the energy intermediate storage device and for controlling the delivery of energy by way of the plurality of output connections. The control unit is configured to pass energy from the energy intermediate storage device to the plurality of output connections when the energy drawn at the output connections cannot be made available completely using the interface to the electrical energy supply grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Alfred BEEKMANN
  • Publication number: 20180215280
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a charging control apparatus and a control method therefor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Sanghyun LEE
  • Publication number: 20180215281
    Abstract: A method for controlling a power output of an electrical battery device of an electrically driven vehicle includes determining a route profile of a circular route for the vehicle; ascertaining at least one reduction section of the route profile with a reduced power demand; and reducing the power output of the electrical battery device when passing through the at least one reduction section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Alexander Basler, Simone Faerber
  • Publication number: 20180215282
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a battery holder for the receiving of a plurality of battery modules in an electrically driven vehicle. The battery holder may include a plurality of juxtaposed module receptacles, wherein each module receptacle is configured to receive the battery module, and a profile wall that defines the plurality of module receptacles, wherein a heat exchanger is configured to temper the battery modules is formed in the side wall, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a plurality of hollow channels that extend along the module receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Martin Pohl, Christian Handing, Frank Rabe, Tobias Duepmeier, Konstantin Tatarinov, Edvin List Clausen
  • Publication number: 20180215283
    Abstract: An output prediction device for a fuel cell includes: a first acquisition circuitry configured to acquire a first required output of the fuel cell, the first required output being calculated based on a predicted vehicle speed or a predicted acceleration of a vehicle on a scheduled traveling route for the vehicle, the vehicle traveling by using the fuel cell as a dynamic power source; a second acquisition circuitry configured to acquire a second required output of the fuel cell, the second required output being required by an air-conditioning device of the vehicle; and a calculation circuitry configured to calculate a parameter correlated with a predicted output value of the fuel cell, based on the first required output and the second required output, the predicted output value being predicted as an output on the scheduled traveling route.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaaki MATSUSUE, Yasushi ARAKI, Masayuki ITO
  • Publication number: 20180215284
    Abstract: An electric car control device according to the embodiments includes a housing, a converter, an inverter, a converter cooling unit, and an inverter cooling unit. The housing is provided under a floor of a car body. The converter is housed in the housing, is connected to an alternating current power source, and converts supplied alternating current power into direct current power. The inverter is housed in the housing, and converts the direct current power into alternating current power for driving a motor. The converter cooling unit is disposed on a bottom surface side of the housing and cools the converter. The inverter cooling unit is disposed on a bottom surface side of the housing and cools the inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicants: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki OTANI, Tomoyuki MAKINO
  • Publication number: 20180215285
    Abstract: This application discusses various ways to adjust the performance of a variable input control in accordance with previous use data. In some embodiments, the previous use data can be associated with particular users of the variable input control. In this way, a response provided by the user input control can be adjusted to accommodate particular patterns of use on a user by user basis. In some embodiments, the variable input control can take the form of an accelerator pedal of a vehicle. Performance of the accelerator pedal can be adjusted by changing an amount of engine power provided for a particular accelerator pedal position. The adjustment can arrange commonly utilized power settings in the middle of the accelerator pedal range of motion to make manipulation of the accelerator pedal more comfortable and convenient for each user of the accelerator pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Thunder Power New Energy Vehicle Development Company Limited
    Inventor: Sheng-Fu Lai
  • Publication number: 20180215286
    Abstract: A vehicle control system includes an information acquisition unit configured to acquire time change information of which a value changes with time, a seat driving unit configured to drive at least a part of a seat on which an occupant of a vehicle is seated, and a seat control unit configured to control the seat driving unit on the basis of a change in the value of the time change information acquired by the information acquisition unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Naotoshi Fujimoto
  • Publication number: 20180215287
    Abstract: An adjusting device for adjusting a vehicle seat along a sliding axis, having a first and a second lower rail, both of which are fixedly connected with the vehicle, a first upper rail, which is slidably supported in the first lower rail in parallel to the sliding axis and a second upper rail, which is slidably supported in the second lower rail in parallel to the sliding axis. The first lower rail and the first upper rail can enclose a first cavity and the second lower rail and the second upper rail enclose a second cavity. A first spindle can be arranged in the first cavity and non-rotatably connected to the first lower rail and a second spindle can be arranged in the second cavity and non-rotatably connected to the second lower rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: IMS Gear SE & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Matthias Koop, Wilfried Synovzik, Manuel Hengstler, Jens Fechler, Christian Geiges
  • Publication number: 20180215288
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat base, a backrest and a track arrangement with a fixed track part and a moveable track part and with a lockable range to lock the seat and the moveable track part relative to the a fixed track part. A lockout mechanism locks the backrest in a forward position with the seat base in a non-lockable track range. The lockout mechanism includes a lockout catch member connected to the backrest and a lockout hook connected to the seat base, which is pivotable between a locked position, with the lockout hook engaging the lockout catch member, and an unlocked position. A blocker member is connected to the seat base and is pivotable between a blocking position, with the blocker engaging the lockout hook to maintain the lockout hook in the locked position and an open position, with the blocker not engaging the lockout hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Adient Luxembourg Holding S.à. r. l.
    Inventors: Bruce HIEMSTRA, Yue LANG
  • Publication number: 20180215289
    Abstract: A vehicle seat sliding apparatus includes an upper rail that supports a seat at an upper side, a lower rail that supports the upper rail to be relatively movable manner in a longitudinal direction of the upper rail, and a lock mechanism configured to restrain the upper rail from moving relative to the lower rail. The upper rail includes two side walls that are opposed in a width direction of the upper rail and an upper wall that connects the two side walls. The upper wall has a plurality of seat fasteners. The upper rail has at least one hole between a longitudinal end of the upper rail and one of the seat fasteners closest to the longitudinal end. The hole is a cutout formed in each of the two side walls and the upper wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takanori SATO, Yasuhiro KOJIMA
  • Publication number: 20180215290
    Abstract: The invention relates to a seat carrier for a vehicle seat having a position displacement device for the vehicle seat, which is secured to at least one transverse seat carrier which is arranged on the base of the vehicle, and having a deformation device which is arranged between the position displacement device and the transverse seat carrier and which absorbs by means of deformation catapult movements of vehicle occupants which occur in the event of a collision. It is proposed that at least one crashbox be provided between the position displacement device and the transverse seat carrier as a deformation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Johannes A. Varcus
  • Publication number: 20180215291
    Abstract: A head restraint assembly is presented herein. The assembly includes a head restraint pad, post, nonconductive collar, and electronic male component. The post is connected to and configured for supporting the head restraint pad. The nonconductive collar is configured to connect to the post, the collar including at least one region of conductive material. The electronic male component is configured to be wired to the region of conductive material of the collar via the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Rami Sayed, Ricco Bates
  • Publication number: 20180215292
    Abstract: The present invention is generally related to isolation systems for various seating configurations. The isolation system may comprise a first set of isolators positioned perpendicular to a second set of isolators. The positioning of the first and second sets of isolators may enable the isolation system to exhibit a radial stiffness of at least 350 lbf/inch. The improved radial stiffness of the isolation system may dampen and attenuate the transfer of energy (e.g., vibrations) to the seat, which may facilitate a smoother ride for an operator sitting in the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Austin Ochs
  • Publication number: 20180215293
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle is provided includes a padding member and at least one phase change material element supported in a passage formed within the padding member. The at least one phase change material element is supported in the passage so as to be movable between a first location in which the at least one phase change material element is spaced apart from an occupant support side of the padding member when the seat is unoccupied, and a second location in which at least a portion of the at least one phase change material element is at least level with the occupant support side of the at least one padding member when the seat is unoccupied. The at least one phase change material element is structured to absorb heat from a vehicle occupant, thereby cooling the occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Umesh N. Gandhi, Brian J. Pinkelman
  • Publication number: 20180215294
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback having a seatback frame. A bolster insert is positioned on a left side bolster and a right side bolster of the seatback frame. A foam layer is positioned between the seatback frame and a trim cover. The foam layer and the trim cover are contoured to expose the bolster inserts when the vehicle seating assembly is fully assembled. A slip cover has a front-central portion that includes an abrasion resistant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Christian J. Hosbach, Kevin Mozurkewich, Spencer Hoernke, Corbin Johnston, Johnathan Andrew Line
  • Publication number: 20180215295
    Abstract: It is intended to expand a space at a back portion of a lower portion of a seat. A seat frame includes a lower frame configured to couple lower portions of side frames arranged on right and left sides. The lower frame includes a back wall portion provided on a back side, a front wall portion provided in front of the back wall portion, and a coupling portion that couples lower ends of the back wall portion and the front wall portion. The back wall portion includes a pair of side portions forming ends in a seat width direction and each formed along the outer shapes of the side frames, and an inclined portion provided between the side portions and inclined such that a lower end is positioned in front of an upper end. The inclined portion is provided in front of the side portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Koji Onuma, Hiroshi Baba, Taiji Misono, Toshimitsu Mizukoshi, Masaki Shimazu
  • Publication number: 20180215296
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback frame. A bolster insert is positioned on a side bolster of the seatback frame. A foam layer is positioned over the seatback frame. A trim cover is positioned over the foam layer. The foam layer and the trim cover are contoured to expose the bolster insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Christian J. Hosbach, Johnathan Andrew Line, Kevin Mozurkewich, Rodney Charles Brinker
  • Publication number: 20180215297
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat frame; a seat pad; and a planar body configured to support, from a backside, the seat pad, and including a high-elongation part more easily extensible than other planar-body part. The planar body includes a low-density region, a high-density region, and a medium-density region in which constituent yarns are placed more thickly than the low-density region, but more thinly than the high-density region, the medium-density region being provided between the low-density region and the high-density region adjacent to each other. The low-density region is placed in the high-elongation part so that the high-elongation part is easily extensible. The high-density region and the medium-density region are placed in the other planar-body part so that the other planar-body part is less easily extensible. The medium-density region in the other planar-body part is adjacent to the high-elongation part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicants: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Miki IMAI, Kazushi NISHIYAMA, Yuji NISHIYAMA, Junichi MUNECHIKA
  • Publication number: 20180215298
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly having a seat including a support frame. A seatback is pivotally coupled with the seat and is adjustable between a passenger support position configured to support the weight of a passenger and a cargo position. The seatback is folded forward to a substantially horizontal position. A seat cushion includes a dynamic forward portion and a generally static rearward portion. An articulation feature is disposed below the forward portion of the seat cushion. The articulation feature is operable between a deployed and a non-deployed position. Movement to the deployed position results in the dynamic forward portion of the seat cushion being adjusted to a raised position. Movement to the non-deployed position results in the dynamic forward portion of the seat cushion being adjusted to a lowered position that allows the seatback to fold forward to the cargo position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti
  • Publication number: 20180215299
    Abstract: A non-slip floor mat for carpeted surface, typically of automobiles, comprising of bottom surface covered with embedded tiny prongs in random directional orientations, in the shape of uneven v, which are designed to be caught in the pile loop of the carpeted surface of the automobile and remain stuck and resist lateral movement when pressure from the top is exerted or simply by gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Yong B. Jung
  • Publication number: 20180215300
    Abstract: An adjustable footrest for an occupant of a vehicle is presented herein. An embodiment of the system includes the features of an arcuate base, motor, and footrest. The arcuate base is configured to be installed within a vehicle foot well and includes a groove. The motor is configured to be positioned within the arcuate base and includes a rotatable gear. The footrest itself includes a body, pedal gear and tongue. The body is configured for frontside engagement by a foot. The pedal gear is located on the body backside. The tongue is on the body backside and is configured to operatively interlock into the groove to provide footrest stability. Moreover, the interaction between the rotatable gear and pedal gear move the footrest along the arcuate base during motor operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Denis Y. Tanaka, Tania A. Damico
  • Publication number: 20180215301
    Abstract: A cup holder including a case for receiving a cup, having an opening and a bottom opposite to the opening; a rotational arm including a first arm member rotatably connected to the case, and a second arm member rotatably connected to the first arm member and having a retaining member for holding the cup; and a platform slidably arranged in the case to move between a first position in which the platform is positioned at the opening of the case, and a second position in which the platform is positioned at the bottom of the case, the platform an abutting portion extending downwardly therefrom to abut against the first arm member. When the platform moves from the first position to the second position, the abutting portion abuts against the first arm member to rotate the rotational arm toward the case and the retaining member is disposed inside the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Randy SMITHSON, Akihiko HIROSE
  • Publication number: 20180215302
    Abstract: Improved trailers are disclosed having a lowering system comprising lift arms and swing arms that are operable via a plurality of cables and which allow the improved trailers to be oriented in a raised or lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Glen REID
  • Publication number: 20180215303
    Abstract: A self-unloading pipe trailer carries a rack of pipe and automatically unloads segments as it moves along a pipeline location. A single operator can maneuver the trailer and operate the unload controls. In unload mode, the operator drives along the pipeline and the trailer unloads the segments automatically. The trailer employs a power pipe rolling assembly that engages with weight-bearing tires in order to translate the distance traveled across the ground to directly power a pipe unloading system such that each foot of ground travel equates to a foot of pipe unloading. If the operator needs to change speed and/or stop, it can be done without modifying the unload mode as the dispensing process automatically responds to the change in speed. There is no complex externally powered unloading system to break-down, lose timing, or otherwise complicate matters. Pipe is simply unloaded automatically as the trailer moves down the pipeline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Philip L. Hoy
  • Publication number: 20180215304
    Abstract: A loading apparatus is provided that includes a set of stairs, a platform, and a handle. The stairs are attached to the platform and the platform has a locking mechanism. The handle has a first end that is pivotally attached to the set of stairs and the locking mechanism is capable of engaging the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Fred Jevaney, Adam Giemza
  • Publication number: 20180215305
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has an internal compartment for housing a rolling appliance (such an and unmanned ground vehicle) that is operable separately from the motor vehicle. A lift mechanism is secured to or within the vehicle adjacent to the compartment and is movable between a lowered condition wherein it alternatively receives/engages the rolling appliance when the rolling appliance is located beneath the compartment, and a raised condition wherein it has lifted the rolling appliance into the compartment, thereby moving the rolling appliance between the ground and the compartment. The compartment is immediately below a traditional cargo area of the vehicle and has a pass-through via which objects can be moved between the vehicle cargo area and a loading area of the rolling appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Benjamin MAUS
  • Publication number: 20180215306
    Abstract: According to embodiments, a vehicle wire harness includes one end to be electrically connected to a control unit mounted on a vehicle and the other end to be electrically connected to one or more light sources. The vehicle wire harness further includes a driver operation portion configured to receive a control signal designating a lighting form for the one or more light sources from the control unit and to output a drive pattern for driving the one or more light sources. The driver operation portion is subordinate to the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Terumitsu SUGIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180215307
    Abstract: A method and headlight system is disclosed for operating a headlamp arrangement of a motor vehicle. At least one sensor monitors an area in the traveling direction in front of the motor vehicle. The system acquires an object and calculates object data relative to the motor vehicle, which include a distance of the object, a horizontal location angle of the object as well as an angular velocity of the object. Latency between the object acquisition and change in light distribution for the headlight system is known. A light distribution of the headlamp arrangement is modified as a function of the object data and latency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Carsten Neitzke
  • Publication number: 20180215308
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle front lamp for use in a vehicle, including: a first white light source that emits first white light; a second white light source that emits second white light having a feeling of contrast index different from that of the first white light by at least 10; and a controller that controls light intensity of the first white light and light intensity of the second white light, in which chromaticity of the first white light and chromaticity of the second white light are each within a 5-step MacAdam ellipse, the first white light source and the second white light source are disposed in the vehicle front lamp so that the first white light and the second white light overlap each other on a certain illuminated surface, and the controller temporally changes a light intensity ratio between the first white light and the second white light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2018
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tohru HIMENO, Naoko TAKEI
  • Publication number: 20180215309
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting system for a lighting apparatus for vehicles, which lighting apparatus (1) is configured to emit light for forming at least one, preferably dynamic, light distribution (3) described by a parameter set (2) into an area in front of the lighting apparatus (1), wherein the adjusting system is configured to modify the at least one light distribution (3) described by the parameter set (2), and wherein the adjusting system comprises a light control unit (4), in which light control unit (4) the parameter set (2) describing the light distribution (3) is stored, and which light control unit (4) is assigned to the lighting apparatus (1) and is configured to control the lighting apparatus (1) in such a way that the lighting apparatus (1) emits light into an area in front of the lighting apparatus (1) for forming the at least one light distribution (3) in accordance with the parameter set (2), wherein an operator control unit (5) formed separately from the lighting apparatus (1) and f
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventor: Markus REINPRECHT