Patents Issued in November 6, 2018
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Patent number: 10118481Abstract: A fuel housing assembly for a vehicle includes a fuel housing having a sidewall and an interior wall defining a fuel nozzle receiving cavity for receiving a fuel nozzle having a fuel nozzle boot. A fuel door locking assembly having a locking pin moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. A deflector assembly having a base portion and a deflector. The base portion is connected to the sidewall. The deflector extends outwardly from the base portion to extend beyond the locking pin to deflect the fuel nozzle boot from contacting the locking pin with the locking pin in the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Brandon W. Burnett, Corey B. Sargent
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Patent number: 10118482Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a first middle floor unit for a gasoline vehicle and a second middle floor unit for a hybrid vehicle, and the first and second middle floor units are made interchangeable with each other. A front floor unit and a rear floor unit are made shareable by the gasoline vehicle and the hybrid vehicle. That is, the front floor unit and the rear floor unit can be regarded as a platform. Additionally, the second middle floor unit includes a housing, and an IPU is stored in an interior of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuki Muramatsu, Hiroyuki Hattori, Taichi Nezasa, Akifumi Katsuno
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Patent number: 10118483Abstract: A compressed natural gas fueling system includes a frame arrangement with at least one tank disposed therein and an inlet that can receive a compressed natural gas fueling nozzle to fill the at least one tank. The fueling system can be attached with and supported by frame rails behind a cabin of a vehicle such that the inlet is positioned above the frame rails.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Worthington Industries, Inc.Inventors: Trevor Milton, Morgan Mackelprang, Ralph Hilton, Isaac Sloan
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Patent number: 10118484Abstract: A transfer includes a main body, a subassembly and a connecting-disconnecting mechanism. The main body includes a ring gear, a case and a third bearing. The subassembly includes an input shaft, a sleeve, a moving mechanism, a first bearing and a second bearing. The connecting-disconnecting mechanism selectively connects/disconnects the ring gear to/from the input shaft. The input shaft is arranged concentric with the ring gear and inside the ring gear. The input shaft includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The input shaft is supported at the first end portion and the second end portion by the case in a manner rotatable around the rotational axis via the first bearing and the second bearing.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takahiro Yoshimura, Ryota Horie
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Patent number: 10118485Abstract: An all-wheel drive vehicle driveline can include an input member, differential, pump, first clutch, valve, and second clutch. The differential can include a case member, differential gearset, first output, and second output. The differential gearset can receive input torque from the case member and output differential torque to the first and second outputs. The pump can pump a fluid to a first conduit. The first clutch can transmit torque between the input and case members when a pressure in the first conduit exceeds a first predetermined pressure. The valve can couple the first conduit to a second conduit. The second clutch can couple the case member to the first output for common rotation when a pressure in the second conduit exceeds a second predetermined pressure. The valve can selectively permit fluid communication from the first conduit to the second conduit.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Robert C. Gorski
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Patent number: 10118486Abstract: In at least some implementations, a disconnect assembly for a driveline component, such as a power transfer unit, may include an input shaft, a disconnect shaft selectively rotated by the input shaft and an output shaft coupled to the disconnect shaft. A first gear is coupled to the disconnect shaft and a second gear is coupled to the output shaft and to the first gear so that the output shaft rotates when the disconnect shaft rotates. A connection feature is movable between an engaged position in which the input shaft and disconnect shaft are coupled and a disengaged position in which the input shaft rotates relative to the disconnect shaft. The connection feature includes a first part carried by the gear for rotation therewith and a second part movable relative to the first part and carried by the input shaft for rotation with the input shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.Inventors: Samuel J. Oram, Richard E. Bastien, Lei Yang, Mark A. Heinze
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Patent number: 10118487Abstract: The method, system, and computer-readable medium facilitates monitoring a vehicle operator during the course of vehicle operation to determine whether the vehicle operator is impaired (e.g., distracted, drowsy, intoxicated) and alerting the vehicle operator using a haptic alert delivered by a wearable computing device worn by the vehicle operator when impairment is detected. The method, system, and computer-readable medium may monitor the vehicle operator, the environment surrounding the vehicle, and/or forces acting on the vehicle using a variety of sensors, including optical sensors or accelerometers. In particular, optical sensors may monitor the vehicle operator to detect eye blinks, head nods, head rotations, and/or gaze fixation. Optical sensors may also monitor the road ahead of the vehicle to detect lane deviation, lane centering, and time to collision. Accelerometers may detect acceleration in the direction of vehicle travel and/or lateral acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Matthew Eric Riley, Sr., Gregory Dwayne Carter, James M. Freeman, Vaidya Balasubramanian Pillai, Jason Chang, David W. Thurber
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Patent number: 10118488Abstract: The method, system, and computer-readable medium facilitates monitoring a vehicle operator during the course of vehicle operation to determine whether the vehicle operator is impaired (e.g., distracted, drowsy, intoxicated) and alerting the vehicle operator using a haptic alert delivered by a wearable computing device worn by the vehicle operator when impairment is detected. The method, system, and computer-readable medium may monitor the vehicle operator, the environment surrounding the vehicle, and/or forces acting on the vehicle using a variety of sensors, including optical sensors or accelerometers. In particular, optical sensors may monitor the vehicle operator to detect eye blinks, head nods, head rotations, and/or gaze fixation. Optical sensors may also monitor the road ahead of the vehicle to detect lane deviation, lane centering, and time to collision. Accelerometers may detect acceleration in the direction of vehicle travel and/or lateral acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Inventors: Matthew Eric Riley, Sr., Gregory Dwayne Carter, James M. Freeman, Vaidya Balasubramanian Pillai, Jason Chang, David W. Thurber
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Patent number: 10118489Abstract: This head-up display device according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted on an instrument panel of a vehicle. A display means that emits display light is contained in a chassis having a light transmissive cover having a curved surface, and the display light emitted by the display means is output from the light transmissive cover. The curved surface of the light transmissive cover is curved so that the side on the front side of the vehicle is lower than the side on the back side of the vehicle, and that the curved surface is inclined toward the left-right direction of the vehicle so that a corner of the curved surface is lowest.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Genichiro Sato, Takanori Shigeno, Hiroyuki Furusawa
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Patent number: 10118490Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a steering wheel and a touchpad integrated into the steering wheel, situated in a channel, and adapted to input commands.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AGInventor: William Brian Lathrop
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Patent number: 10118491Abstract: A control method for a fuel cell vehicle includes a failure determining step of determining whether or not a failure exists in a fuel cell system. A safe driving step stops an operation of the fuel cell system and drives the vehicle using only a high voltage battery system when the failure exists in the fuel cell system. A temporary stopping step determines a driving state of the vehicle and temporarily stops an operation of the high voltage battery system when it is determined that the driving state is a stop state. A re-driving step re-operates the high voltage battery system to restart the vehicle when the driving state is converted into a start state.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2014Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventor: Min Hyun Roh
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Patent number: 10118492Abstract: A vehicular fuel cell system includes a collision detector configured to detect collision on the front and rear sides of a vehicle, a high voltage unit arranged on one side of the front and rear sides of the vehicle, a high voltage controller arranged on the one side and configured to control the high voltage unit, a hydrogen supply unit arranged on the other side of the front and rear sides of the vehicle and configured to supply hydrogen to a fuel cell stack, and a supply valve controller arranged on the other side and configured to control a hydrogen supply valve, the hydrogen supply valve being configured to shut off a supply path of hydrogen from the hydrogen supply unit to the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tokuro Tsutsui
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Patent number: 10118493Abstract: A vehicle includes: a fuel cell that receives supply of fuel gas and generates electric power; a motor that is driven by the generated electric power of the fuel cell; an electric power consuming auxiliary machine; a mechanical brake; a secondary cell, and a deceleration control unit. The deceleration control unit limits the regenerative braking force to be obtained by the regenerative control, to an upper limit regenerative braking force corresponding to the maximum consumed electric power that the electric power consuming auxiliary machine is capable of consuming such that regenerative electric power associated with regenerative braking is consumed by the electric power consuming auxiliary machine, and when the electric power consuming auxiliary machine is incapable of consuming the regenerative electric power to the maximum consumed electric power, the residual regenerative electric power is consumed by charge of the secondary cell.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mitsuhiro Nada, Kenji Umayahara, Takuya Nakagami
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Patent number: 10118494Abstract: A vehicle control method is provided for controlling a vehicle having a friction clutch configured to switch between engagement and disengagement between a motor/generator and a drive wheel. The vehicle control method includes maintaining a friction clutch disengaged with slack eliminated in a stroke while the vehicle is stopped, reducing a motor rotational speed using a predetermined rotational speed as a target motor rotational speed in response a request to stop a motor/generator upon determining the motor rotational speed of the motor/generator is greater than the predetermined rotational speed, and when the motor rotational speed has reached the predetermined rotational speed, reducing the motor rotational speed toward zero while limiting the torque of the motor/generator.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuuki Ozawa, Youko Yoshioka, Takao Andou
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Patent number: 10118495Abstract: A vehicle power distribution system includes a battery having a nominal voltage, a vehicle electrical load having a supply voltage different than the nominal voltage, and a monolithic solid state relay including integrated circuitry to convert the nominal voltage to the rated voltage and an output configured to selectively energize the vehicle electrical load with the rated voltage in response to a control signal from a vehicle controller applied to an input of the relay. The relay may include a PWM controller to provide a switching signal to a transistor connected to an output filter to step down the nominal voltage of the battery to the rated voltage of the vehicle electrical load. Relay output voltage and current monitoring circuitry may be connected to the PWM controller to provide over current and over voltage protection.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Amin Emrani
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Patent number: 10118496Abstract: Upon completion of the manufacturing of constituent elements of the charging coupler, waterproof members each with a predetermined shape and width are integrally formed, made from an appropriate material, and disposed at a predetermined portion and/or segment of the constituent elements. In consequence, a hermetic seal is effectuated between each of the constituent elements of the waterproof members and a corresponding one of adjacent related elements of the charging coupler to therefore prevent any gap from forming in the charging coupler after long use, thereby preventing intrusion of ambient moisture.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Dragon Bite Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Li-Jen Chuang
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Patent number: 10118497Abstract: A receiving device for receiving a magnetic field and for producing electric energy by magnetic induction, wherein the receiving device includes at least one coil of at least one electric line and wherein the magnetic field induces an electric voltage in the at least one coil during operation. The receiving device and the at least one coil are adapted to receive the magnetic field from a receiving side of the receiving device. The receiving device includes a first field shaping arrangement having magnetizable material adapted to shape magnetic field lines of the magnetic field. The receiving device includes a capacitor arrangement electrically connected to the at least one coil. The receiving device includes a first cooling structure having conduits for guiding a flow of a cooling fluid to cool the receiving device and is placed in between the first field shaping arrangement and the capacitor arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Bombardier Primove GmbHInventors: Federico Garcia, Nestor Martinez Pelaez
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Patent number: 10118498Abstract: A power supply system for an electric vehicle includes a battery module, a first DC/DC converter, a second DC/DC converter, a first switch, a second switch and a third switch. The battery module has a negative electrode, a first positive electrode and a second positive electrode. The first DC/DC converter has an input terminal connected with the second positive electrode. The second DC/DC converter has an input terminal connected with the second positive electrode. The first switch is connected between the second positive electrode and the first DC/DC converter. The second switch is connected between the second positive electrode and the second DC/DC converter. The third switch is connected between the first positive electrode and an output terminal of the second DC/DC converter.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Longfei Li, Shulin Liang, Xiaohua Tang
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Patent number: 10118499Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery and a controller programmed to, in response to a first ignition cycle after a charging of the traction battery, output a distance until charge prediction based on one or more selected distance estimates from filtered sets of historical data that are derived by filtering historical data based on a time and a day of the first ignition cycle. The selected distance estimates may be from filtered sets having more than a predetermined number of members. The selected distance estimates may be from filtered sets having a variance that is less than an overall historic variance. The filtered sets may include members of an unfiltered set based on a time of day and day of week.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Payam Naghshtabrizi, Johannes Geir Kristinsson
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Patent number: 10118500Abstract: A vehicle power system may include a controller programmed to output an electric only range indicator based on a change in capacity of a traction battery derived from open-loop and closed-loop estimates of change in state of charge of the traction battery. The change in capacity may be proportional to a ratio of the open-loop estimate to the closed-loop estimate. The closed-loop estimate may contain information indicative of the change in capacity. The open-loop estimate may contain information indicative of an initial capacity of the traction battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Tae-Kyung Lee
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Patent number: 10118501Abstract: a control method for charging a high voltage battery of a vehicle includes charging, by a vehicle controller, the high voltage battery using a low voltage DC-DC converter The state information. of the low voltage DC-DC converter, which includes the current and the temperature of the low voltage DC-DC converter, is sensed by the vehicle controller while charging the high voltage battery. The charging current of the high voltage battery is derated by the vehicle controller when the sensed state information of the low voltage DC-DC converter satisfies a converter derating condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Jee Heon Kim, Ho Joong Lee, Won Kyoung Choi, Jun Yeon Park
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Patent number: 10118502Abstract: Temperature conditioning unit according to the present invention includes: impeller, electric motor, fan case, and housing. Impeller includes impeller disk and a plurality of rotor blades. The plurality of rotor blades extends in a direction along rotary shaft. Each of the plurality of rotor blades has a cross-sectional circular-arc shape, in a direction intersecting rotary shaft, which is a convex form curving outward toward a direction of rotation of impeller disk. Each of the plurality of rotor blades includes an inner-periphery-side edge located on the rotary shaft side, and an outer-periphery-side edge located on the opposite rotary-shaft side. Housing includes external surface on which fan case is mounted. In the inside of housing, a member to be temperature conditioned is accommodated.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shizuka Yokote, Michihiro Kurokawa, Masahito Hidaka, Koji Kuyama
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Patent number: 10118503Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to providing temporary, additional cooling to one or more elements of the vehicle on an as needed basis, e.g., under extreme conditions, when additional cooling is required or predicted to be needed, etc. According to one embodiment, the RC can be “overclocked” or “supercharged” to provide short-term, high output cooling performance under such conditions. For example, if the cooling system is a 10 kW system, it is increased to 15 kW for a short time period by increasing the electrical current and/or frequency to increase the torque and/or speed of the motor driving the RC. According to one embodiment, the cooling system can also be adapted to more effectively utilize the available cooling capacity, either the standard capacity to temporarily increased capacity, by directing the air or liquid coolant to one or more components in need of extra cooling.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.Inventors: Austin L. Newman, Alexander J. Smith, Adam H. Ing, Rick Rajaie
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Patent number: 10118504Abstract: A battery pack for an electric vehicle is disclosed. The battery pack includes an upper tray, a first busbar attached to the upper tray, a lower tray, and a second busbar attached to the lower tray. The battery pack also includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in the upper and lower trays, and a threaded fastener mechanically connecting the lower tray to the upper tray.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Thunder Power New Energy Vehicle Development Company LimitedInventors: Francesco Mastrandrea, Peter Tutzer
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Patent number: 10118505Abstract: A power control system may include at least one of batteries, a motor, and a data logic analyzer that can interpret certain variable conditions of a transport, such as a tractor trailer, moving along a road or highway. The data can be used to determine when to apply supplemental power to the wheels of a trailer to reduce fuel usage. One example device may include at least one of: a power creation module that generates electrical power, a battery which store the electrical power, a motor affixed to a trailer axle of a trailer which provides a turning force to the trailer axle when enabled to operate from the stored electrical power of the battery, and a motor controller configured to initiate the motor to operate according to a predefined sensor condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Hyliion Inc.Inventor: Thomas Joseph Healy
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Patent number: 10118506Abstract: A slide rail includes a fixed-side rail, a movable-side rail, and a reinforcing structure that prevents detachment of the movable-side rail from the fixed-side rail. The reinforcing structure includes a fixed-side engaging portion attached to the fixed-side rail, and a movable-side engaging portion attached to the movable-side rail. The fixed-side and the movable-side engaging portions are configured, while allowing sliding of the movable-side rail, to come in contact with each other due to an action by a large load in a detaching direction input between the fixed-side rail and the movable-side rail, and to be engaged with each other to restrict movement of the movable-side rail in the detaching direction. A contact surface, that comes in contact with the movable-side engaging portion, of the fixed-side engaging portion includes surface regions that have mutually different positions in the detaching direction and are provided side by side in a sliding direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignees: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuki Hattori, Tomokazu Fukuda, Eiji Mizutani, Taro Fukuta, Akira Kaneko
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Patent number: 10118507Abstract: Disclosed is a seat pumping device for a vehicle. The seat pumping device includes: a housing; a return spring guide which is fixedly coupled to the housing and has an embedded return spring; a clutch cam which is rotatably accommodated in the housing; and a lever bracket which is partially accommodated in the return spring guide and coupled to the clutch cam so as to be rotated integrally with the clutch cam, in which the lever bracket is maintained spaced apart from the return spring guide by a separation support means, thereby improving operating characteristics of a lever handle.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: HYUNDAI DYMOS INCORPORATEDInventors: Soo Young Chae, Young Sun Lee
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Patent number: 10118508Abstract: Described is recline mechanism for a comfort seating assembly such as a theater seat which can be mounted on a sloped surface. In a fully recline position, the seating assembly is compact with a layout that falls generally within its profile. The recline mechanism includes a pair of each of: seat rail brackets, front pivot links, rear pivot upper lift link to control the motion of the rear end of the assembly, rear pivot links each attached to one rear pivot upper lift link, carrier links, each carrier link attached to one front pivot link and to a rear pivot link and a pair of rear pivot upper lift control links, attached to a pivot upper lift link and to a carrier link. A linear actuator attached by motor drive tubes at two ends of the linkage system transitions the recline mechanism between the closed and recline positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: VIP CINEMA, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Bowen, Terry Dale Johnson, Stephen Simons
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Patent number: 10118509Abstract: When a first memory member rotates relative to a second rotating member to a predetermined relative rotation position at which a second memory member sliding on a sliding surface is capable of entering an engagement slot, the slide-trailing end of the second memory member, which leaves the sliding surface last, is a corner having no round shape. Further, the boundary between the sliding surface and the engagement slot is also a corner having no round shape.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yasuhiro Kojima, Mikihito Nagura, Shinya Isobe
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Patent number: 10118510Abstract: A side impact protection device for a child car seat comprised of an energy absorbing element and an energy dispersing element.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Evenflo Company, Inc.Inventors: Jason McRoberts, Andrew R. Davis
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Patent number: 10118511Abstract: A seat device for a vehicle includes: a seat cushion and a seat base of a rear row seat, the seat base mounted on a floor of a vehicle standing upward from the floor and forming a support structure of the seat cushion; a movable cushion portion forming a sitting surface for a passenger; a seat-cushion-moving mechanism to rotate and translate the movable cushion portion so that the movable cushion portion moves between a seating position, an extended position, and a tray position. In particular, a passenger sits on the movable cushion portion in the seating position, the movable cushion portion rotates away from the seat base in the forward direction to expose a lower side of the movable cushion portion in the extended position, and the tray position is obtained when the movable cushion portion translates rearwardly from the extended position with the lower side remaining exposed.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignees: HYUNDAI AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER, INC., HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Scott Ziolek, Amanda Christiana, Isaac Yeo, Thomas Moco, Lang Sui, Yeonhwa Choi
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Patent number: 10118512Abstract: A head restraint may include a support structure with an opening, adjustable flexible elongated members, and an adjustment mechanism. The elongated members may be attached to the support structure, may span the opening in the support structure, and may be configured to support a user's head. The adjustment mechanism may be configured to at least one of automatically and/or manually adjust tension of at least portions of the elongated members spanning the opening.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: ADIENT LUXEMBOURG HOLDING S.A.R.L.Inventors: Dalibor Dimovski, Kenneth Clark, Steve Clark, Emery Jay Zadina, Alan Boyko, David Hayes
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Patent number: 10118513Abstract: A seat structure. A reinforcing structure in a substantially rectangular frame shape is set in an area where cushion-part side frames and back-part side frames are coupled to each other via reclining mechanism parts, from vicinities of rear portions of the cushion-part side frames up to vicinities of lower portions of the back-part side frames. The reinforcing structure increases unity of a cushion frame and a back frame, and when a load is applied to the back frame due to an impact at the time of a rear-end collision or the like, the load acts as a force deforming mainly the cushion frame via the reinforcing structure, and when the body of a seated person thereafter moves rearward, the load acts as a force deforming mainly the back frame, making it possible to use not only strength of the back frame but also strength of the cushion frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.Inventors: Etsunori Fujita, Yumi Ogura, Masahiro Kuromoto
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Patent number: 10118514Abstract: Described are seat units with a seat pan (2) coupled to a seat back (3), inflatable cushions (5) positioned proximate the seat pan and/or the seat back, inflatable airbags (6) positioned proximate the inflatable cushions (5), and a pressure sensor (9) positioned over at least one of the seat pan (2) and the seat back (3) so that the inflatable cushions (5) and the inflatable airbags (6) are substantially covered by the pressure sensor (9). The pressure sensor (9) is configured to generate a pressure map, and a control unit (11) is configured to analyze the pressure map for at least one pressure irregularity within a pressure distribution, and adjust a pressure inside at least one of the inflatable cushions (5) and/or the inflatable airbags (6) to minimize the pressure irregularity within the pressure distribution.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2014Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Zodiac Seats FranceInventors: Jean-Marc Obadia, Laurent Stritter
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Patent number: 10118515Abstract: The present invention proposes an adjuster device (1) having a fixed element (20), an adjustable element (10) and a first locking device, wherein the adjustable element is mounted rotatably around a central axis (2) relative to the fixed element and the adjustable element can be locked relative to the fixed element by the first locking device, wherein the adjuster device comprises a second locking device as a security device, wherein the second locking device comprises an adapter plate (11) and a locking element (21), wherein the locking element is non-rotatably arranged on the fixed element and the adapter plate is arranged rotatably around the central axis, wherein in the locking position a disengaging movement of the non-rotatable locking element along an axis running parallel to the central axis is prevented by the adapter plate, wherein the adjustable element can be driven by the adapter plate and wherein the adapter plate and the adjustable element are configured in such a manner that, during the transiType: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBHInventors: Jürgen Stemmer, Dmitrij Gerdt
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Patent number: 10118516Abstract: A vehicle seat operation feedback and control system with a seat and an electronic display screen and a processor configured to receive a signal from the seat corresponding to an inoperable, almost inoperable, or undesired condition and provide feedback on the display screen of the inoperable, almost inoperable, or undesired condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: AGCO CorporationInventor: Timothy Allen Murray
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Patent number: 10118517Abstract: The present invention concerns a heater fan for a body support arrangement, and specifically the heater fan has at least one air delivery arrangement and at least one heating appliance.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: GENTHERM GMBHInventor: Winfried Helmenstein
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Patent number: 10118518Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seating frame. A plurality of cellular supports include multiple base cells and multiple support cells. The multiple support cells are disposed directly above and include a different air pressure than the base cells. A diaphragm is proximate the base cells and the support cells. An air passage is defined through the diaphragm between adjacent cellular supports. An open air distribution layer extends over the cellular supports. A breathable coverstock extends over the distribution layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alan George Dry, Joseph S. Talamonti
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Patent number: 10118519Abstract: A cooling structure of a seat and an electronic module is provided. The cooling structure includes a cooling fan module that is mounted at a lower portion of the seat and generates air flow. An electronic module operating as a heating element is disposed at a lower portion of the cooling fan module. A flow path control valve is disposed at an upper portion of the cooling fan module to selectively convert a flow direction of air flowing in towards an upper end of the cooling fan module. The electronic module is thus continuously cooled and the seat is selectively cooled while the cooling fan module operates.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jongwan Han, Yeon Man Jeong
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Patent number: 10118520Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat bottom having a bottom cushion, a seat back coupled to the seat bottom with the seat back having a back cushion, and at least one of the bottom cushion and the back cushion having a passage. The assembly further includes a flow control layer coupled to the cushion having the passage with the flow control layer defining a first support area having a first plurality of slits and a second support area, adjacent to the first support area, having a second plurality of slits. Each slit defines a width that is moveable between a restricted position and a free-flowing position. The width of the first slits can move to the free-flowing position while the width of the second slits remains in the restricted position when the first support area receives a first load for flowing air through the first slits and the passage.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Craig, Zachary Abbott, Robert Case, Douglas Wheeler
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Patent number: 10118521Abstract: A thermoelectric device has a foam substrate, thermoelectric elements and metallic foil strip assemblies. The foam substrate has apertures therein. The thermoelectric elements are inserted into the apertures. The metallic foil strip assemblies include upper and lower foil strips. A first end of a first upper foil strip is inserted into a first aperture contacting an upper heat transferring surface of the first thermoelectric element. A second end is inserted into a second aperture contacting an upper heat transferring surface of a second thermoelectric element with an elongated portion of the metallic foil strip assembly extending between the first aperture and the second aperture along the upper surface. A first end of a second upper foil strip is inserted into the second aperture contacting the upper heat transferring surface of the second thermoelectric element and a second end is similarly inserted into a third aperture.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventor: James Konrad
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Patent number: 10118522Abstract: A combined heating and capacitive seat occupant sensing system comprises a common mode choke configured so as to satisfy at least one of a plurality of conditions, which is taken into account by a decision unit of the system in such a way that an influence of the common mode choke on the decision is compensated.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2012Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A.Inventors: Michael Virnich, David Hoyer, Martin Thinnes, Micheal Puetz, Thomas Meyers, Laurent Lamesch
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Patent number: 10118523Abstract: A seatback frame includes: a body frame comprising a long fiber reinforced thermoplastic (LFT) composite material; and an inner frame comprising a continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFT) composite material buried in the body frame by insert injection-molding. A method for manufacturing the same, and a seatback for vehicles including the same are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: LG HAUSYS, LTD.Inventors: Kang-Hyun Song, Yong-Kil Kil, Tae-Hwa Lee, Kyung-Hoon Lee, Hee-June Kim
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Patent number: 10118525Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided, in at least one embodiment, comprising a cushion and a leather trim cover assembly disposed over the cushion. In at least this embodiment, the trim cover assembly has a central trim panel assembly secured to at least one peripheral trim panel assembly, and the central trim panel assembly has a leather upper layer and a sub-layer assembly having at least one protruding design secured to the leather upper layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Dorothy Kromm, Lisa Townley, Thomas Welch, Jr., Sara Russo
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Patent number: 10118526Abstract: A HANS (head-and-neck support) device includes: a fixing frame for installing on a head support of a vehicle seat; a rotary arm connected pivotally to the fixing frame and having a curved extension portion such that the rotary arm is rotatable limitedly to a predetermine angle with respect to the fixing frame, where the rotary arm extends perpendicularly from the fixing frame: and a soft pillow including a flexible cushion sheath sleeved over a curved extension portion of the rotary arm and an externally enclosing sheath sleeved around the cushion sheath; wherein, when the rotary arm is rotated to a position to abut against the fixing frame, the soft pillow is used for supporting the neck of a user and when the rotary arm is rotated to the predetermined angle, the soft pillow is used for supporting a lateral side of the user's head.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Inventor: Eagle Fan
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Patent number: 10118527Abstract: An apparatus for use with a seating region having a seat portion and a back portion includes at least one cushioned body which is securable to components of the seating region of a vehicle, bed, couch or sofa for the purpose of securing the at least one body in a stationary relationship with respect to the seating region or for providing a comfortable surface against which an occupant of the seating region may rest. The apparatus is well-suited for use as a partition between the areas of two adjacent seating regions of a vehicle or between a seating region within which an occupant is seated and an adjacent door of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Inventors: Roderick Lavon Ott, Reginald Lamar Todd
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Patent number: 10118528Abstract: A bottom dump trailer that includes a spreading device mounted on the bottom dump trailer to spread material that is dumped by the bottom dump trailer. The spreading device spreads the material shortly after being dumped, eliminating the need for a separate machine to follow the bottom dump trailer to spread the material.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Inventor: Glenn L. Gordon
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Patent number: 10118529Abstract: An intermodal container for transporting frac proppant, such as frac sand, and/or other types of granular material is disclosed. The intermodal container is designed to receive frac sand from a quarry or other frac sand supply source. Once the container is filled with material, the container is loaded onto a transportation device and transported to a well site. Once received at the well site, the containers can be stacked and the frac sand stored until needed. Once the frac sand is needed, the containers are placed on a base unit and the container discharges its contents onto a conveying system formed as part of the base unit. The conveying system directs the frac sand to a blending location. The empty intermodal containers can be removed from the base unit and loaded onto a transportation device to be refilled at a mine site.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Proppant Express Solutions, LLCInventors: Kenneth W. Eiden, III, Brian Andrew Hunter, Mathew Carley, Timothy Stefan, Mark D'Agostino, Scott D'Agostino
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Patent number: 10118530Abstract: A lift system for lifting and transporting harvested game includes an all terrain vehicle that may be driven. The all terrain vehicle has a back end and a lift unit is coupled to the back end of the all terrain vehicle. The lift unit is selectively positioned in a lowered position. Harvested game is positioned on the lift unit when the lift unit is in the lowered position. The lift unit is selectively positioned in a lifted position to lift the harvested fame. In this way the all terrain vehicle is facilitated to transport the harvested game.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Inventor: Charles Laupp
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Patent number: 10118531Abstract: 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: June 22, 2018Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Frictionless World LLCInventors: Daniel Banjo, Benjamin Zywicki