Patents Issued in October 25, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180304772
    Abstract: A seat drive device for a seat in which a seat frame is arranged along an outer shape of the seat and positions of a plurality of seat moving parts are adjustable, the seat drive device including: a motor fixed to an outer portion of the seat frame and having a single output shaft; driving shafts arranged in parallel and receiving output of the motor via a gear; wherein the output shaft of the motor and the driving shafts are arranged in parallel to each other such that an axis of the output shaft of the motor and axes of the driving shafts extend along the outer portion of the seat frame, and each distance between each of the driving shafts and the outer portion of the seat frame is smaller than a distance between the output shaft of the motor and the outer portion of the seat frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuji ARAKAWA, Yoichi TAKADA
  • Publication number: 20180304773
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control device for comfort equipment for a seat module in a passenger transport vehicle. The control device includes a control unit capable of transmitting adjustment commands to a piece of comfort equipment, and one imager capable of acquiring one image representing a part of the body of a passenger resting on a seat. The control unit communicates with the imager to receive the one acquired image. The control unit is capable of detecting an object in the image representing a part of the passenger's body and generating one adjustment command to be sent to the comfort equipment as a function of the detected part of the passenger's body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Tom LEROUGE, Pascal GORDIET
  • Publication number: 20180304774
    Abstract: A condition correction unit includes a plan storage unit configured to store correction plans showing contents of correction of the body condition of a seated person, a presentation unit configured to read a correction plan based on a current value measured by a measurement unit from the plan storage unit and present the correction plan to the seated person, and a processing execution unit configured to execute processing to correct posture by controlling an operating unit. The plan storage unit stores the correction plan presented by the presentation unit in association with information identifying the seated person when the correction plan is presented. The processing execution unit reads the correction plan associated with the information identifying the seated person from the plan storage unit, and executes the processing to correct the posture according to correction contents shown by the correction plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Kensuke Mizoi
  • Publication number: 20180304775
    Abstract: A method for adapting a seating position of an occupant of a vehicle in a collision of the vehicle 100 with a foreign object. The method includes a step of providing an adjustment signal, which causes a change in the seating position from an upright position to a lying position, to an interface to a seat device of the vehicle using a collision signal that indicates an imminent underride situation of the vehicle, and using a position signal that indicates a seating position of the occupant, and the provision takes place if the position signal indicates the upright position, and the provision does not take place if the position signal 108 indicates the lying position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Johannes Ludwig Foltin
  • Publication number: 20180304776
    Abstract: A vehicle seat depth adjuster (1) includes a base plate (2) connectable to a seat structure (17); a detent unit (8); a carrier plate (3) moveably arranged above the base plate; a locking unit (4) detachably engaging the detent unit; and a drive unit (11) moving the carrier plate. The carrier plate is fixed in relation to the base plate in an engaged position of the locking unit and is moveable, between a retracted position and an extended position in a released position of the locking unit by the drive unit. The detent unit is arranged on the upper side (2.5) of the base plate, which faces the carrier plate, and includes receiving elements (8.1) staggered in the direction (L) of movement. The locking unit includes an unlocking lever (5) with at least one locking tooth (5.1) that engages in one of the detent receiving elements in the engaged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Markus GUMBRICH, Christian KLOSTERMANN, Joerg MADSEN, René GRAHL, Ralph BRUNNER, André OSTERHUES
  • Publication number: 20180304777
    Abstract: A sliding device for supporting a seat in a slidable manner includes: a fixed rail; a movable rail; a screw rod extending along a central axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the movable rail; a nut portion attached to the fixed rail such that the nut portion is limited in displacement along the longitudinal axis relative to the fixed rail; a first support portion supporting one end of an extension axis of the screw rod in a rotatable manner such that the first support portion limits the one end from moving along the longitudinal axis; and a second support portion supporting the other end of the extension axis of the screw rod in a rotatable manner such that the second support portion limits the other end from moving beyond a predetermined length along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Sadao ITO
  • Publication number: 20180304778
    Abstract: A seat slide device for vehicles includes a lower rail, an upper rail, a lock mechanism, a spring member, and an unlocking handle. The upper rail is supported in a slidable manner by the lower rail. The lock mechanism is provided within the upper rail and restricts the movement of the upper rail relative to the lower rail. The spring member is provided within the upper rail. The unlocking handle is operated against the pressing force of the spring member to remove restrictions on the movement of the upper rail imposed by the lock mechanism. The upper rail has inner walls and outer walls. The inner walls have engagement holes formed through the inner walls in the width direction. The spring member has engagement sections inserted through and engaged with the engagement holes. The engagement sections face the outer walls in the width direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomio MATSUFUJI, Takashi HATTORI, Kosuke TANIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20180304779
    Abstract: A vehicle seat with a seat bottom and backrest is configured for movement between a forward-facing position and an inwardly-rotated position in a reconfigurable vehicle passenger cabin. The movement includes rotation about a vertical axis located along an inboard side of the seat and a rear side of the seat bottom. The vertical axis can be located within an inboard quarter of the seat, rearward of an occupant seating surface of the seat bottom, forward or rearward of a rear side of a bottom end of the backrest, and various combinations of these locations. In addition to providing a seat occupant with additional freedom of movement within the passenger cabin, the inwardly-rotated position of the seat can also provide a safer condition for the seat occupant with respect to structural portions of the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Robert Fitzpatrick, Matthew Benson, Desmond O'Regan, Markus Uhlig, Fabrice Aycoberry
  • Publication number: 20180304780
    Abstract: A vehicle seating system having a seat back includes a back panel with a first side having a first surface and a second side having a second surface. A plurality of stanchions are disposed on the first surface and extend outwardly therefrom. The stanchions form airflow channels between them. A trim cover is disposed over at least a portion of the second side and extends to the first side. The trim cover is disposed over the stanchions such that it covers a portion of the airflow channels and the stanchions maintain at least a portion of the trim cover away from the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald WLASSUK
  • Publication number: 20180304781
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat cushion; a lower frame which supports the seat cushion to be lifted and lowered and to be advanced and retreated along a floor in conjunction with the lifting and lowering, a finisher which covers a lower side frame; and a flexible cover which is hung from the side portion of the seat cushion such that a lower edge part is engaged in the finisher, and is expanded and folded in accordance with the lifting and lowering of the seat cushion, wherein: the finisher includes a guiding part which guides the lower edge part of the cover to be movable in an advancing and retreating direction of the seat cushion; and the lower edge part of the cover includes a guided part which is engaged with the guiding part to be movable in the advancing and retreating direction of the seat cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoko YOKOYAMA, Takashi INOUE
  • Publication number: 20180304782
    Abstract: A clip for attaching a seat cover to a seat cushion includes a locking part configured to be secured to the seat cover and a hook connected to the locking part and configured to be secured to a wire of the seat cushion. The hook defines a wire holding cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Tetsuya Yoshino, Shinsuke Saiga
  • Publication number: 20180304783
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cover (2) for an interior component of a vehicle comprising: —an exterior cover element (2.1) and —a back coating (B) formed at least as a back barrier (2.2) bonded to the exterior cover element (2.1), wherein —the back barrier (2.2) is formed by a plastic fibres material. The present invention further provides a process for the production of a pour-in-place formed cover (2) and an armrest (3) comprising such a cover (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Davi DI GRAZIA
  • Publication number: 20180304784
    Abstract: A temporary seat cover has a first portion configured as a pocket portion, having an opening on a lower side, sized to enclose a headrest of a vehicle bucket seat, and a second portion of a width and length sufficient to cover the bucket seat below the headrest, the second portion constructed in two layers, a first, upper layer, comprising a wicking, water-absorbent material, and a second, lower layer, beneath the first layer, of a waterproof material. A user acquires the temporary seat cover storage, places the pocket portion over the headrest of the bucket seat, and forms the second portion over the backrest and seat of the bucket seat, such that, as the user sits on the seat, water is absorbed by the wicking, water-absorbent material of the first layer, and the second layer, of a waterproof material, prevents water from affecting the permanent covering of the bucket seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Devon C Ricks
  • Publication number: 20180304785
    Abstract: The present invention realizes a vehicle seat that allows for smooth movements of the shoulders of a sitter while maintaining a good fit for the sitter. The vehicle seat comprises a back seat having a lower part that supports a lower back area of a sitter, a central part that supports a ribs area, and an upper part that supports a shoulder blades area. The central part has a front surface formed so as to be wider than the lower part and the upper part as viewed from the front side, the front surface being curved with right and left ends thereof being projected forward. The seat back has a notched shape extending from the central part to the upper part such that shoulders of the sitter are exposed as viewed from the rear side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideo Tobata, Atsushi Koike, Shumpei Toyomi, Atsushi Ishii, Kotaro Kumagai
  • Publication number: 20180304786
    Abstract: A vehicle seat provided with a seat cushion and a seat back, wherein the seat back is provided with: a urethane pad in which the surface is covered by a trim cover; and a pressure means in which a laterally extending shaft and a pair of pressing parts in the vertical direction relative to the shaft are formed on the reverse side of the urethane pad toward the side covered by the trim cover, and a configuration is adopted such that the shaft extending in the lateral direction of the pressure means rotates or swings, thereby causing the upper-side pressing part among the upper and lower pair of pressing parts to press the upper side of the urethane pad forward and the lower-side pressing part to press the lower side of the urethane pad forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Takashi YOKOYAMA, Takumi YAMAKAWA, Takayuki NOSAKA
  • Publication number: 20180304787
    Abstract: A vehicle seat having a backrest, a seat extending in a transverse direction from a first side edge to a second side edge, and a seat module. The armrest module includes a body and an armrest supported by this body, and is able to move relative to the seat between a home position where the armrest laterally extends the seat or is lower than the seat so as to be able to receive an occupant, and a rest position where the armrest is higher than the seat so as to be able to receive the arm of the occupant sitting on the seat. The armrest module has a substantially flat shape in a vertical plane, and has a thickness extending in the transverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Christophe CAZES, Claude DUBOULET, Jacques ROBERT
  • Publication number: 20180304788
    Abstract: In the present invention, an armrest (100) having a controlled movement pivoted to the console utility box (110) of a vehicle is comprised. The armrest (100) comprises an armrest assembly (130), a hinge (140) an elongated shaft (300), a damper plate assembly (302) and a spring assembly (306). Also, the present invention covers unique pivot arrangement in the armrest assembly (130), wherein said pivot arrangement facilitates a controlled movement of the armrest (100) and wherein the controlled movement is characterized by a damped movement within at least one specific angular range and a non-damped movement within at least one different angular range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: MOTHERSON AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES & ENGINEERING (A DIVISION OF MOTHERSON SUMI SYSTEMS LTD.)
    Inventor: In Muk PARK
  • Publication number: 20180304789
    Abstract: An armrest module for an automobile seat intended for attachment to the automobile seat. The armrest module includes an armrest arm intended for supporting the arm of the occupant of the automobile seat, and a device for adjusting the height and attitude of the armrest arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Jacques ROBERT
  • Publication number: 20180304790
    Abstract: A vehicle console includes a console body defining a storage compartment accessible through an upper opening and an adjustable armrest held displaceably on a basic body mounted pivotably on the console body and between first and pivoting positions. A guide in the form of a one-sided guide rail provided in the upper part of the console body extending in a longitudinal direction of the opening. A locking element guided on one side of the rail is displaceable together with the armrest along the basic body, protrudes out of the armrest, and is retractable into the armrest by an actuating mechanism. The guide is arranged on an inner side of the storage compartment in the console body, and, in the first pivoting position, the at least one locking element, in its position protruding from the armrest, is guided in a sliding manner on the inner side of the storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Babugouda Patil, Thomas Beyer, Stefan Reger
  • Publication number: 20180304791
    Abstract: Provided is a leg-rest for a vehicle which is switchable at the front lower end of a seat between a receiving position in which the leg-rest is folded on the seat and a deploying position in which the leg-rest is drawn out to support the calves of a passenger, the leg-rest including: a support panel of which the front end is rotatably connected to an extending slider which is folded at the receiving position and unfolded at the deploying position; a tilt link which is spaced apart from a connection point between the support panel and the extending slider so that one end thereof is rotatably connected to the support panel; a slider which is rotatably connected with the other end of the tilt link and tilts up or down the support panel when sliding; and a tilt motor which slides the slider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Sun-Ho HUR, Young-Cheol JANG, Tae-Hyung KIM
  • Publication number: 20180304792
    Abstract: A portable multi-purpose motor vehicle surface system (Car Table Clipboard Combo) includes a surface assembly including a rigid platform having a first-surface and a second-surface, an elongated aperture, a writing implement holder, a clamping-member, and a securer. The portable multi-purpose motor vehicle surface system provides a flat surface that is attachable to a circular steering wheel of a motor vehicle with an integrated clipboard and writing implement holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Theodore Syrianos
  • Publication number: 20180304793
    Abstract: Kit and methods for collecting material in a vehicle are provided. A kit includes a collapsible receptacle fabricated from a hard material, a driver side fastener sized and configured to attach to the back of a driver side car seat, a front passenger side fastener sized and configured to attach to the back of a front passenger side car seat, an adjustable strap, and a floor mat. In use, the collapsible receptacle is releasably coupled to the floor mat and the strap is connected to the driver side fastener and the front passenger side fastener and secures the collapsible receptacle in place. After use, the collapsible receptacle can be detached from the floor mat and the material from the receptacle can be removed. When not in use, the receptacle can be collapsed to assume a stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey Johnson
  • Publication number: 20180304794
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Sean R. DENBO, Mei-Hui LIN, Kyle M. FRANKE
  • Publication number: 20180304795
    Abstract: A mobile cart includes a frame; a front pair of wheels and a rear pair of wheels. At least one carrier is movably attached to the frame and configured to receive a drum thereon. The carrier is movable between a transport position, wherein the carrier is supported upon the frame, and a loading position, wherein the carrier is oriented generally upright. A corresponding at least one motorized drive member is attached to the frame and to the carrier, the motorized drive member being configured, when actuated, to move the corresponding carrier between the transport position and the loading position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Richard I. MOORE
  • Publication number: 20180304796
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade has a disassembled condition defined by separated blade sections. Each blade section has a residual leading edge remaining from an original leading edge of the blade, a residual trailing edge remaining from an original trailing edge of the blade, and a residual length delimited by a severed edge of the blade. Blade support fixtures are configured for mounting on a transportation platform at spaced-apart locations. Each fixture has a plurality of blade-receiving seats, and each seat is configured with reference to a residual edge portion of a respective one of the separated blade sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: LOGISTICUS PROJECTS GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Vikash Patel, Mihir Patel, William Stephan, Phillip Mitchum
  • Publication number: 20180304797
    Abstract: A winch apparatus for mounting to a load bed comprises a mounting bracket adapted to be mounted to a side edge of the load bed, and a pivot bracket pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket about a substantially vertical winch swivel axis. A winch is attached to the pivot bracket and configured such that, when the mounting bracket is mounted to the side edge of the load bed, a winch shaft of the winch is oriented substantially horizontally and a bottom of the winch is at a vertical location that is above a top surface of the load bed such that the winch can pivot over the top surface of the load bed. The winch can be configured to be conveniently driven by a conventional and commonly available ratchet wrench of a size appropriate to the particular winch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Brian R. OLSON
  • Publication number: 20180304798
    Abstract: There is disclosed an attachment for facilitating positioning of a pliable or flexible line such that said line extends over at least one object, the attachment being removably attachable to a free end of said line and being able, when so attached, to be thrown so as to carry the end over the object(s) whereby said positioning is effected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Ian HAMILTON
  • Publication number: 20180304799
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makio KURASHIGE
  • Publication number: 20180304800
    Abstract: A garment for cycling, having indicating lights associated with sleeves of the garment; first and second accelerometers provided on respective sleeves; and a controller configured to receive data from the accelerometers and determine from the date whether a wearer of the garment has raised an arm to indicate a maneuver. The controller is further configured to illuminate the appropriate indicating light depending on which arm has been raised, and to compare the data from the first and second accelerometers to filter out movements common to both the first and second accelerometers and determine when the sleeves are being moved independently of one another in a manner to indicate a turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Robert George THOMPSON
  • Publication number: 20180304801
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes a vehicle body and an illuminated stripe assembly mounted to the vehicle body. The illuminated stripe assembly is adapted to emit a plurality of stripe patterns that are visually distinctive from one another for indicating different operating states of the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Stuart C. SALTER, Paul Kenneth DELLOCK, Pietro BUTTOLO, Annette Lynn HUEBNER
  • Publication number: 20180304802
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for the traveling safety of a vehicle. The apparatus includes: an emergency button configured to receive information about an emergency situation from a driver; a turn signal control lever configured to receive information about a vehicle traveling direction from the driver; and a vehicle control unit configured to, when both the emergency button and the turn signal control lever are pressed, perform mixed flickering control such that flickering of a taillight indicating a direction is performed in a manner different from a manner in which emergency flickering configured to enable both left and right taillights of the vehicle to flicker on and off is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Soonil CHOI
  • Publication number: 20180304803
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bicycle equipped with a hydraulic brake system and a braking signalling system. The braking signalling system includes detection equipment (2; 3; 4), which include the first radio communication equipment (19) based on Bluetooth Low Energy and a pressure sensor (21) coupled to the hydraulic braking system to detect any pressure changes in the hydraulic braking system. In addition, this brake signalling system also includes a beacon (6) designed to emit a light signal in response to any pressure change detected by the pressure sensor (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Francesco PAVONI
  • Publication number: 20180304804
    Abstract: This illumination device is configured so as to display, outside a vehicle capable of traveling in an automatic driving mode, information indicating the driving mode of the vehicle, and is provided with: an illumination unit configured so as to shine light outside the vehicle; and an illumination control unit configured so as to set the illumination state of the illumination unit in a prescribed illumination state in accordance with the driving mode of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki TATARA, Toshihiro OKAMURA, Takeshi MASUDA, Naoki TAKII
  • Publication number: 20180304805
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a liftgate, a trim panel located on an interior side of the liftgate, and a rotary lamp assembly assembled on the trim panel. The rotary lamp assembly includes a rotary bezel and a lamp supported on the bezel, wherein the lamp assembly is rotatable about at least one axis to redirect light output from the lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Diego Fabricio Villacres Mesias, Guillermo Cesar Cervantes Guarneros, Mahesh Bhattacharyya
  • Publication number: 20180304806
    Abstract: Disclosed are a driver state sensing system, a driver state sensing method, and a vehicle including the same. The driver state sensing system includes an image photographing unit composed of a single channel to photograph images, a controller that extracts at least one shape point from a driver image sensed in the images and compares a motion vector calculated based on the amount of change of the shape point with at least one drowsiness vector stored in advance to determine whether a driver is in a drowsiness state, and a warning unit to warn when it is determined that the driver is in a drowsiness state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Shinwook KIM
  • Publication number: 20180304807
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for camera assisted vehicle lamp diagnosis via vehicle-to-vehicle communication. An example vehicle includes a forward-facing camera and a processor. The processor classifies a target vehicle based on images captured by the camera. Based on the classification, the processor determines locations of lamps on the target vehicle and determines when one of the lamps is not functioning properly. Additionally, when one of the lamps is not functioning properly, the processor sends, via a first communication module, a message to the target vehicle indicating of one of the lamps not functioning properly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Mathew A. Boesch, Daniel A. Makled, Michael McQuillen
  • Publication number: 20180304808
    Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring apparatus for monitoring the operating state of a laser vehicle headlamp (4), wherein the laser vehicle headlamp (4) comprises at least one laser light source (5) and a light conversion element (6) that can be illuminated by the laser light source (5) and therefore can be excited to emit visible light, wherein the monitoring apparatus has at least one photosensitive device (3) and one comparison device (1), wherein the photosensitive device (3) comprises at least one LED (D1) that is set up to convert light received from the laser light source (5) into an electrical signal (UD) that is supplied to the comparison device (1), wherein the comparison device (1) is set up to compare the electrical signal (UD) with a preselectable value and to output a fault signal (U0) on the basis of the result of the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Georg HEBENSTREIT
  • Publication number: 20180304809
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a camera system (2) of a motor vehicle (1), in which a first camera (3, 5, 6) captures a first environmental region (14, 16, 17) of the motor vehicle (1), and a second camera (4) captures a second environmental region (15) extending behind the motor vehicle (1), wherein the cameras (3, 4, 5, 6) are electrically connected to a control unit (7) and are controlled by the control unit (7), and the control unit (7) is connected to a communication bus (28) of the motor vehicle (1), wherein upon an interruption of a communication connection (27) between the communication bus (28) and the control unit (7), a rearview image at least partially including the second environmental region (15) is displayed on a display device (18) of the motor vehicle (1) by the control unit (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: Connaught Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin Oliver Coleman, Arthur Asodisen, Paul Burke
  • Publication number: 20180304810
    Abstract: There is provided a digital display system for use with a first vehicle. The first vehicle includes a vehicle body, a vehicle front end and a vehicle rear end. The system includes a front-facing camera affixed with the vehicle body configured to capture digital images from in front of the vehicle front end. The system further includes a wireless receiver affixed with the vehicle body configured to receive an activation request signal from a wireless transmitter of a second vehicle. The system further includes a digital display affixed with the vehicle body disposed at the vehicle rear end. The digital display is configured to display captured digital images from the front-facing camera in response to receipt of an activation request signal by the wireless receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Curtis M. Brubaker
  • Publication number: 20180304811
    Abstract: An information-presenting device includes an imaging unit, a display unit, an object-recognition unit, an exit location indicator unit and an entry location indicator unit. The imaging unit captures an image of a side view from a host vehicle. The display unit displays an image captured by the imaging unit or a image generated based on the captured image. The object-recognition unit recognizes an object lateral to the host vehicle moving relative to the host vehicle. The exit location indicator unit displays an exit location indicator at or near a location where the object is last displayed in the display unit when the object departs from a display range of the display unit. The entry location indicator unit displays an entry location indicator in a window through which an occupant views outside of the vehicle or in a peripheral region of the window. The entry location indicator indicates a location where the object is predicted to appear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Junya SEKI, Eisuke KONISHI, Koichi MIZUTANI, Masayuki MURAKOSHI
  • Publication number: 20180304812
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a camera, a controller having a processor that processes captured image data, and an exterior temperature sensor. Responsive, at least in part, to a temperature input from the temperature sensor, the controller switches processing of captured image data between (a) a normal processing mode and (b) a cold weather processing mode. Responsive to the temperature input being indicative of the exterior temperature being below a first threshold temperature, the controller processes captured image data in the cold weather processing mode to enhance blockage detection of frost or snow or ice at the camera. When the controller is operating in the cold weather processing mode, the controller switches processing of captured image data to the normal processing mode responsive to the temperature input being indicative of the exterior temperature being above a second threshold temperature that is greater than the first threshold temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
  • Publication number: 20180304813
    Abstract: An image display device includes an image capturing unit configured to capture an image of a rearview and a sideview from a host vehicle, and a display unit configured to display, as a display image, a captured image captured by the image capturing unit or a generated image generated based on the captured image. The display unit includes a first area for displaying the display image that includes an area to the rearview of the host vehicle and a second area, being arranged adjacent to the first area, for displaying the display image that includes an area to the sideview of the host vehicle, and the displayed image displayed in the second area is image-processed in such a manner that an aspect ratio changes with respect to an aspect ratio of the display image displayed in the first area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Junya SEKI, Eisuke KONISHI, Koichi MIZUTANI, Masayuki MURAKOSHI
  • Publication number: 20180304814
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has an internal camera capturing first images including at least one eye of a driver of the motor vehicle. An external camera captures second images. The second images are of a scene behind the motor vehicle. An electronic processor is communicatively coupled to both the internal camera and the external camera. The electronic processor determines, based on the first images, a location of the at least one eye of a driver. The electronic processor transmits a video signal representing a selected portion of mirror images of the second images. The portion of the mirror images of the second images that is selected for inclusion in the video signal is dependent upon the determined location of the at least one eye of the driver. A display screen is communicatively coupled to the electronic processor and displays the video signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: MICHAEL DEAN TSCHIRHART
  • Publication number: 20180304815
    Abstract: The invention discloses an intelligent light reflection adjusting device including: a light sensing module, a processing module, a power supply module and a light reflection module. The light sensing module converts a light signal sensed in a first direction into a first electrical signal, converts a light signal sensed in a second direction into a second electrical signal, and outputs the first and second electrical signals to the processing module. The processing module matches an absolute value of the difference between the first and second electric signals with a plurality of preset sections and outputs a control signal corresponding to the matched preset section to the power supply module. The power supply module converts the control signal into a power supply signal and outputs the power supply signal to the light reflection module. The light reflection module reduces a transmittance of a reflected light signal by the power supply signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Lin ZHU
  • Publication number: 20180304816
    Abstract: A vanity mirror assembly for a vehicle sun visor includes a cover assembly configured to be slideably supported within a frame and to cover a reflective element while in a closed position and to at least partially expose the reflective element to a vehicle interior while in an open position. The cover assembly includes a substantially rigid body portion, one or more flexible arms extending from the substantially rigid body, and a biasing member configured to drive the one or more flexible arms away from the substantially rigid body and into a corresponding groove of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Patrick Welter, Frederic Selvini, Guillaume Duthoit
  • Publication number: 20180304817
    Abstract: A cross-view mirror for a vehicle includes a mirror assembly having a convex mirror lens providing a field of view for a driver of the vehicle and a support affixed to said mirror lens. The mirror lens includes a reflective portion reflecting light from outside of the mirror lens and a transparent portion configured to allow light to pass through the mirror lens to an area outside of the mirror lens. A light source is mounted to the mirror assembly to emit light through the transparent portion of the mirror lens. The light source is configured to illuminate the field of view provided by said mirror lens. In some embodiments, a sensor or camera detects/captures movement/images in front of the vehicle or to a side/rear of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: Rosco, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Englander
  • Publication number: 20180304818
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a load carrier includes a slip mechanism connected to a drive shaft and a retaining member configured to retain the slip mechanism. The slip mechanism includes a first member having a slot formed in a perimeter of the first member. The slot is configured to provide for easier relative rotation of the first member relative to the retaining member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph FLAHERTY
  • Publication number: 20180304819
    Abstract: A mount is disclosed for attaching a fixture to a tubular structure. The mount includes an extended mounting member having an inner surface shaped to conform to the tubular structure, and a flat outer surface having a plurality of attachment locations for facilitating attachment of the fixture to the extended mounting member. The mount also includes a plurality of securing members having an inner surface shaped to conform to the tubular structure, each securing member removably attachable to the extended mounting member so as to removably secure the extended mounting member to the tubular structure. The flat outer surface of the extended mounting member includes a plurality of mounting holes to accept bolts to attach the fixture thereto, or the flat outer surface can have an L-track tie-down rail formed therein to secure easily removable L-track fasteners attached to the fixture to attach the fixture to the extended mounting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Thomas Burton
  • Publication number: 20180304820
    Abstract: A vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a liftgate rotatable between a closed position and an open position, and a video projector mounted to the liftgate. Further, the video projector is configured to project video in a direction away from the vehicle when the liftgate is in the open position. This disclosure also relates to a video projector operable in a video projection mode and a secondary mode, and further relates to a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Aaron Bradley Johnson, Stephen Kenneth Helwig, Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Publication number: 20180304821
    Abstract: Device holders for vehicles comprises a housing, a claw comprised of a first claw half and second claw half, and a latch for releasably securing the claw within the housing. The holders are secured to a vehicle's A-pillar so as to be just outside of a driver or operator's line of sight, and when secured within the housing are configured so that a visible surface of the claw substantially matches the surrounding trim of the A-pillar in appearance, such as texture and color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Aurelien Pierre Christian Delaruelle, Thi Anh Thu Vu