Patents Issued in November 29, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180339605
    Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, conditioning a battery of an electrified vehicle while off charge in response to an operator request for improved performance as a tradeoff for decreased range. An electrified vehicle system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a battery, an electric machine configured to receive electric power from the battery to drive vehicle wheels, and a system control that generates a control signal to condition the battery while off charge in response to an operator request for improved performance as a tradeoff for decreased range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher Adam Ochocinski, Jaswant S. Dhillon, Angel Fernando Porras, Timothy Noah Blatchley
  • Publication number: 20180339606
    Abstract: A sitting, reclining and/or leaning device is provided for arrangement in a vehicle. The device includes a seat frame and several wing elements. The wing elements are arranged on the seat frame in a shared plane when in a basic position. The wing elements may be swiveled out of the basic position into at least one swivel position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Augustin Barbot
  • Publication number: 20180339607
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a back frame, a side frame, and a slider. The side frame includes a first frame member configured to couple the back frame and the slider, a second frame member disposed on one side of the first frame member in a seat width direction and configured to couple the back frame and the first frame member, and a third frame member disposed on the other side of the first frame member in the seat width direction and configured to couple the slider and the first frame member. The side frame is provided such that the first frame member, the second frame member and the third frame member are arranged in the seat width direction at least in a portion between the back frame and the slider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koji KIMURA
  • Publication number: 20180339608
    Abstract: Roller guide comprising at least one guide rail, which has at least one first and one second planar region, and comprising a first and a second roller, which are each in contact with the guide rail and roll thereon, wherein the first and the second roller are mounted so that they are rotatable about a common axis of rotation and are formed rotationally-symmetrically about the axis of rotation and a radius of the first roller is smaller than a radius of the second roller, the first roller has a first circular-segment-shaped surface rolling region and the second roller has a second circular-segment-shaped surface rolling region and a centre point of the first surface rolling region and a centre point of the second surface rolling region are arranged on the axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Konstantin LOREY, Gerhard DELLING
  • Publication number: 20180339609
    Abstract: Provided is a sliding device that allows two release levers to operate in a synchronous manner. The sliding device includes a lock portion that is displaceable between a locking position and a non-locking position; a release lever configured to be displaced by an operating force; an operation portion provided at a first end of the release lever in an extending direction thereof to receive the operating force; an action portion provided at a second end of the release lever in the extending direction thereof to transmit the operating force to the lock portion via the release lever; and an operating lever provided to the movable rail and displaceable between an operating position to apply the operating force to the operation portion and a non-operating position to apply no operating force to the operation portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kosuke TANIGUCHI, Masatoshi HAYAKAWA
  • Publication number: 20180339610
    Abstract: A lifter device, wherein a pawl operating member is configured to be rotatable with respect to a rotation shaft so as to rotate in accordance with an operation of an operation handle and includes a first projection protrudingly formed on its outer peripheral side for rotational alignment, wherein a support member includes a second projection which is protrudingly formed so as to face the first projection and which serves as a reference position of a pawl operating member in a rotational direction, and wherein, in a state where the operation handle is not operated, a second spring is configured to bias the first projection so as to overlap with the second projection in the rotational direction of the pawl operating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuaki SUZUKI, Yusuke KAJINO
  • Publication number: 20180339611
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat includes a cushion frame, a coupling bracket including a coupling portion and a flange portion, a lifter link, and a fixing member. The coupling portion includes a plate panel which, is substantially orthogonal to a fixing face of the fixing member, and substantially parallel to a seat front-rear direction. An end face of the plate material is welded to the fixing face. The flange portion protrudes in a seat width direction from one end in the seat front-rear direction of the coupling portion, includes a plate panel substantially orthogonal to the fixing face, and is integrally molded with the coupling portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hayato MATSUI
  • Publication number: 20180339612
    Abstract: A chair includes a seat and a back rest, both of which pivot about respective axes between first and second positions thereof about parallel axes of rotation. The seat's second position is inclined relative to a first seat plane defined by the seat's first position. The backrest's second position is essentially parallel to the first seat plane such that the chair switches between seating and support configurations. In the seating configuration, the seat and backrest are their respective first positions such that the chair accommodates a seated person. In the support configuration, the seat and backrest are in their respective second positions such that the chair accommodates a person's chest on the backrest's rear face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Flore Lacrouts-Cazenave, Ivan Lacrouts-Cazenave, Laurence Lacrouts-Cazenave
  • Publication number: 20180339613
    Abstract: A back frame attachment structure, wherein a hack frame includes a pair of side frames, wherein a lower end portion side of the side frame is attached to an upper portion of a lower arm member whose lower portion is fixed to a vehicle body side member, wherein the lower arm member includes two plate-like members superimposed with each other in a seat width direction, the upper portion and the lower portion being connected to each other by a front connection portion and a rear connection portion which are separated by a through hole, and wherein, when a large load is applied to the back frame, the two plate-like members are configured to absorb energy by being deformed to be separated from each other in the seat width direction by a compressive load in an upper and lower direction generated in the front connection portion or the rear connection portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi MIZOBATA
  • Publication number: 20180339614
    Abstract: A door armrest assembly for a vehicle, may include a trim panel covering an internal side of a vehicle door and having a pushing member; and a door armrest mounted on the trim panel and having a protrusion disposed adjacent to the pushing member, wherein at least a portion of the door armrest is separable from the trim panel in a side impact as the pushing member of the trim panel pushes the protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Je Sun HAN
  • Publication number: 20180339615
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle includes a seatback support structure including a main portion having a first side and a second side disposed opposite the first side, and a flange that projects from the main portion in a direction away from the first side, and that defines a thru-hole extending through the flange for receiving a headrest post. The seat further includes a trim cover disposed over at least a portion of the seatback support structure and a trim fastener attached to the trim cover for securing the trim cover to the flange of the seatback support structure. The trim fastener has two opposing side portions and a cavity therebetween for receiving the flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: James B. CLAUSER, Ashley L. BAISCH, William J. PARUSZKIEWICZ, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180339616
    Abstract: A vehicle seat including: a seat pad made of foamed resin; and a seat cover being integral with the seat pad, wherein a seating surface of the seat pad includes a seating part and a bank part, wherein a portion of the seat cover covering a seat inner side portion of the bank part includes a seat cover main part and a planar reinforcing member arranged on a back side of the seat cover main part, wherein the reinforcing member is configured by a material bendable and deformable towards a seat pad side and includes a general section and a flexible section which can be more easily bent towards the seat pad side than the general section, and wherein a portion of the reinforcing member covering a peak side of the bank part is configured by the flexible section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoki NII
  • Publication number: 20180339617
    Abstract: A mechanism for adjusting a contour of a seat, and a seat with a contour-adjusting mechanism, may include a selectively fillable air cushion and a support arrangement including a support element on which the air cushion is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: Alfmeier Präzision SE
    Inventors: Erich Dörfler, Ronny Gehlmann
  • Publication number: 20180339618
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a pair of side frames arranged at a distance from each other in a width direction and each including a front frame portion and a rear frame portion, and a cushion panel arranged between the pair of side frames. A rear portion of the front frame portion is provided with a rear upper fitting portion extending in the width direction and a rear lower fitting portion extending in the width direction. A front portion of the rear frame portion is provided with a front upper fitting portion extending in the width direction and fitted to the rear upper fitting portion, and a front lower fitting portion extending in the width direction and fitted to the rear lower fitting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuya INOUE, Kazunobu NUNO
  • Publication number: 20180339619
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a pair of side frames arranged at a distance from each other in a width direction, and a cushion panel arranged between the pair of side frames, the cushion panel being provided with a reinforcing rib extending in the width direction, the pair of side frames being provided with a fitting portion extending in the width direction and configured to connect the cushion panel and the pair of side frames by being fitted to the reinforcing rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuya INOUE, Kazunobu NUNO
  • Publication number: 20180339620
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a side frame, a cushion panel, and an insertion member. One of the side frame and the cushion panel is provided with an elastically deformed portion including an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface being configured to be expanded outward by insertion of the insertion member on the inner side of the inner circumferential surface. The other of the side frame and the cushion panel is provided with a recess forming portion facing the outer circumferential surface of the elastically deformed portion, the recess forming portion having an inner surface configured to be brought into pressure contact with the outer circumferential surface expanded by insertion of the insertion member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuya INOUE, Kazunobu NUNO
  • Publication number: 20180339621
    Abstract: A seat frame including: a cushion frame including: a pair of side frames having a cross section that is a closed section; a front frame; a rear frame; and a plate-shaped panel member disposed between the front frame and the rear frame; and a back frame; wherein the panel member is formed of a material having at least one of a higher specific strength and a higher specific modulus than those of the pair of side frames, the front frame, and the rear frame, a rear end side of the panel member is attached to a lower side of the rear frame and lower sides of the pair of side frames, and a front end side of the panel member is attached to an upper side of the front frame and upper sides of the pair of side frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki SUZUKI, Hiroshi MIZOBATA
  • Publication number: 20180339622
    Abstract: A system for controlling a fiber orientation and/or a density of fibers in a mold comprises at least one nozzle configured to define a location at which gas is withdrawn from the mold. A displacement mechanism is configured to effect a relative displacement between the at least one nozzle and the mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Darko KRISTO, Heinrich EISMAYER, Peter KITZBERGER, Zoran VUJANOVIC, Oliver GOLD, Niels MOSSBECK, Jan PETZEL, Georg KÖNCZÖL
  • Publication number: 20180339623
    Abstract: The backrest brings about the stimulation of underlying movements in the back muscles. The backrest consists of at least one moveable element (1) formed of two flexible column strips (2, 3) running over one another and connected via struts (4), and which track the spinal column of the person using the chair with a gap. This element (1) extends upwards from the centre of the rear end of the seating surface. The front column strip carries a number of moveable elements (6) laterally protruding on both sides like ribs (6) from the central moveable element (1), each having two transverse strips (7, 8) for supporting the back region of the seated person exclusively on both sides of their spinal column. Each time the backrest constructed in this way is leant upon, a movement of its contact surface is brought about in different directions, and thereby a massaging of the back muscles of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: iii solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas REINHARD
  • Publication number: 20180339624
    Abstract: A deployable headrest assembly for a seat is provided. The headrest assembly includes a headrest slidably coupleable to the seat such that the headrest is movable from a stowed position, in which the headrest is stowed within a seat back of the seat, to a deployable position, in which the headrest extends from the seat back. The headrest is expandable from a collapsed state to an expanded state such that the headrest has a thickness that is larger in the expanded state than in the collapsed state, the headrest being retractable into the stowed position in the seat back when in the collapsed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Graeme Leck
  • Publication number: 20180339625
    Abstract: Provided is an example of a vehicle seat that allows easy use of external pneumatic equipment such as an external air pillow. The vehicle seat includes an output portion configured to output an air having a pressure equal to or higher than an atmospheric pressure to an outside of the vehicle seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yosuke UNO
  • Publication number: 20180339626
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes an air bag, and a controller. The air bag is for holding a posture of an occupant and configured to inflate as air flows in or deflate as air flows out of the air bag. The controller is configured to receive an input of a signal based on a steering angle of the vehicle and to control inflation or deflation of the air bag based on the signal. The controller is configured to enable an active-support mode to cause air to flow inside the air bag in response to the steering angle becoming greater than or equal to a predefined given angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Teruhiko KOJIMA, Hirotaka TORIKAI, Takuya FUJIMURA, Kenji IIDA
  • Publication number: 20180339627
    Abstract: The invention relates primarily to an armrest with an arm support (11) pivotable about an axis (a) between an upper end position and a lower end position, with a locking mechanism (13) movable between a locked position and a released position, comprising first detent (14) on the arm support (11) and second detent (15) on a structure (12) with fixed position, wherein the first detent (14) and the second detent (15) are engaged when the locking mechanism (13) is in a locked position and are disengaged when the locking mechanism is in a released position. The special feature thereof consists in that at least a partial range of the movement of the locking mechanism (13) in at least one direction between the released position and the locked position takes place in damped manner by a damping element (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Hubert KELLER, Erwin Himmelhuber
  • Publication number: 20180339628
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion on which an occupant sits and an ottoman provided on the seat cushion. The seat cushion includes side frames provided at a distance from each other in a direction of width of a seat and an ottoman support portion provided in the side frames. The ottoman support portion includes an upper member, a lower member arranged below the upper member, and a mount connected to the lower member. The upper member is connected to the side frames. The lower member is connected to the side frames. The lower member includes side plates located in the direction of width of the seat. At least one of the side plates is connected to the upper member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koji KIMURA
  • Publication number: 20180339629
    Abstract: The seat cushion includes side frames and an ottoman support portion provided at front end portions of the side frames. The ottoman support portion is arranged between the side frames. The ottoman support portion includes an upper member, a lower member, and a mount connected to the lower member and provided with the ottoman. The upper member includes a first side portion connected to the side frame, a second side portion connected to the side frame, and a connection portion provided between the first side portion and the second side portion. The lower member includes a third side portion connected to the side frame, a fourth side portion connected to the side frame, and a connection portion provided between the third side portion and the fourth side portion. The connection portion of the upper member and the connection portion of the lower member are connected to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koji KIMURA
  • Publication number: 20180339630
    Abstract: A table apparatus for a vehicle including: a table having a substantially horizontal upper surface in a region directly above a seating surface of a vehicle seat; a heat source provided to the table and configured to perform heat radiation from a lower surface side of the table; and a table moving mechanism configured to move the table so as to change a position of the table with respect to the vehicle seat, wherein a position of the heat source with respect to the vehicle seat is changed by moving the table by the table moving mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Fumitoshi AKAIKE, Hiroshi TSUJI, Yasuhiro KATO
  • Publication number: 20180339631
    Abstract: A floor mat assembly includes an extended floor mat and a connecting floor mat. The extended floor mat includes a floor portion and an extension portion. The extension portion includes a plurality of apertures and a plurality of tabs. The connecting floor mat includes a floor portion, an extension portion, and an adaptor member. The extension portion of the connecting floor mat extends from the floor portion. The adaptor member extends from the extension portion and includes a plurality of apertures and protrusions. The extended floor mat and the connecting floor mat interlock when the plurality of tabs of the extended floor mat extend through the plurality of apertures of the adaptor member and the protrusions of the adaptor member extend through the plurality of apertures of the extended floor mat to restrict vertical and lateral movement of the extended floor mat and connecting floor mat relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Barbara J. Willobee, Michael S. Sullivan, Thomas Haberkamp
  • Publication number: 20180339632
    Abstract: A vehicle footrest device including: a footrest; and a footrest moving mechanism including: a rail fixed on a vehicle floor and extending in a front and rear direction; a slider configured to be guided so as to be slidable in the front and rear direction along the rail; and a variable-length arm bridged in a height direction between the slider and a vehicle seat and configured to change a bridging length between the slider and the vehicle seat by a sliding displacement of the variable-length arm in response to a forward and rearward movement of the slider, wherein the footrest is connected to the variable-length arm, and a position in the front and rear direction and an inclination angle of the footrest to the vehicle floor are configured to be changed according to a movement of the variable-length arm caused by the forward and rearward movement of the slider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Fumitoshi AKAIKE, Hiroshi TSUJI, Yasuhiro KATO
  • Publication number: 20180339633
    Abstract: A portable cup holder system for transporting one or more beverage containers. Portable cup holder systems may include a receiver body and a carrying member. The receiver body may accept at least one beverage-style container and may be removably inserted in a vehicle-cup-holder by anyone who has a requirement to transport one or more beverages simultaneously. The portable cup holder system may be inserted and removed from a vehicle-cup-holder by engaging with a hingeably-attached carrying member adjacent to the receiver body. A plurality of portable cup holder systems may be removably coupled in a manner to allow a user to carry additional beverage-style containers in a practical manner. To enable convenience and efficiency in storing portable cup systems, portable cup holder system is structured and arranged to be collapsible for efficient stackable storage purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventor: Derek Wade Corse
  • Publication number: 20180339634
    Abstract: A conveyer mechanism for a vehicle cargo area load floor includes a power seat assembly and a folding conveyer assembly carried by the power seat assembly and comprising a conveyer gearbox. A power seat motor is adapted to engage the conveyer gearbox when the power seat assembly is translated to a folded configuration. The power seat motor drives a conveyer drive gear when the power seat assembly is translated to the folded configuration, and drives a seat sector gear when the power seat assembly is translated to a deployed configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Kyle Ness, Pattrick Loew
  • Publication number: 20180339635
    Abstract: A vehicle access ramp system is provided. In various embodiments, methods, devices and systems are provided to facilitate the ingress and egress of various objects and beings to and from a vehicle. In some embodiments, a ramp system is provided that is arranged to integrate with an existing compartment of a vehicle and which maintains the utility of the existing compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Errol Keith Stevens, Rebette Stevens
  • Publication number: 20180339636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container, and more particularly, to a container having an anti-vibration property so that the container does not shake in vibration. The container comprises a bottom part, a ceiling part facing the bottom part, a sidewall part connecting the bottom part to the ceiling part, and a rack installed to be fixed in an inner space that is surrounded by the bottom part, the ceiling part, and the sidewall part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Min Lee, Ji Young Choi, Tae Yeop Kim, Suk Chul Kim, Ji Won Lee
  • Publication number: 20180339637
    Abstract: Provided is a ratchet tie down including a main body portion, a reel assembly rotatable relative to the main body portion, a first sprocket surrounding the reel assembly, a second sprocket surrounding the reel assembly, at least one first noise reduction disk, at least one second noise reduction disk, and a release pawl biased in a locked position to land on the noise reduction disks to dampen the sound as the release pawl engages teeth of the sprockets
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventor: Troy Hatcher
  • Publication number: 20180339638
    Abstract: A truck cargo securing device includes a mounting post configured to mount to a truck bed anchor. The mounting post includes a body that includes one or more holes configured to receive a fastener. The mounting post also includes a flange adjacent to the body. The truck cargo securing device also includes a securing plate configured to mount to the flange of the mounting post. The securing plate includes a plurality of apertures, where each of the plurality of apertures is configured to receive at least a portion of a tie-down mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventor: Shawn D. Frazier
  • Publication number: 20180339639
    Abstract: A securement hook is disclosed herein having five sides and allowing for multiple interior voids therein insertion and connection with hooks or loops, and combinations therein, for use in securement of a load during transit or any other use requiring a high strength compact securement device attachable to cables, ropes or straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventor: Chris Begyn
  • Publication number: 20180339640
    Abstract: One embodiment of a trailer of the present invention includes a longitudinal member with a coupling assembly secured to the longitudinal member at one end and wheels secured to the longitudinal member at another end. The coupling assembly includes a first portion connectable to a vehicle so that when connected, the first portion is rotatable relative to the vehicle about a first axis that is approximately perpendicular to a ground surface below the vehicle. The coupling assembly further includes a second portion connected to the first portion and the longitudinal member. The second portion is rotatable relative to the first portion about a second axis. The second portion is further configured so that the longitudinal member is rotatable relative to the second portion of the coupling assembly about a third axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Ed Shuttleworth, Douglas Hawk
  • Publication number: 20180339641
    Abstract: A light source includes a first light emitting unit, which performs light emission of a first function, and a second light emitting unit, which performs light emission of a second function and has the maximum lighting voltage lower than the forward voltage of the first light emitting unit, the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit being connected in parallel to each other. A lighting circuit includes a current supply unit, which supplies driving current to the light source, a controller, which performs stabilization control of the driving current from the current supply unit, a switch element, which is provided to disconnect a current path portion, which is the current path of the second light emitting unit and is parallel to the current path of the first light emitting unit, and a selector, which connects the current path of the second light emitting unit by the switch element when light emission of the second function is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Kotaro Matsui, Takao Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20180339642
    Abstract: A lighting circuit is configured to drive a light source including a plurality of light emitting elements connected in series. The lighting circuit includes a plurality of bypass switches respectively connected in parallel to the light emitting elements, a switching converter, and a converter controller configured to (i) stabilize a lamp current generated by the switching converter to a first target amount in a lighting-on state where at least one of the plurality of light emitting elements is turned on, and to (ii) stabilize the lamp current to a second target amount smaller than the first target amount in a complete lighting-off state where all of the plurality of light emitting elements are turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Kikuchi, Tomoyuki Ichikawa
  • Publication number: 20180339643
    Abstract: A lamp for a vehicle includes: a light generation unit having an array module with a plurality of micro Light Emitting Diode (micro-LED) elements; at least one processor; and a computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to perform: controlling the light generation unit to form a first light distribution pattern that, when projected on a vertical plane at a first distance from the light generation unit, includes a plurality of zones having different luminous intensities. Controlling the light generation unit to form the first light distribution pattern includes: controlling at least one first micro-LED element to generate a first luminous intensity at a first zone of the first light distribution pattern; and controlling at least one second micro-LED element to generate a second luminous intensity at a second zone of the first light distribution pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventor: Geunhyeong KIM
  • Publication number: 20180339644
    Abstract: A lamp for a vehicle includes a light generation unit with an array module having a plurality of micro Light Emitting Diode (micro-LED) elements. The lamp also includes at least one processor and a computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed, cause the at least one processor to: control the light generation unit to form a light distribution pattern that, when projected on a vertical plane at a first distance, has a luminous intensity that is progressively smaller from a central point closer to a center towards a peripheral point further from the center. Controlling the light generation unit to form the light distribution pattern includes: controlling at least one first micro-LED element to generate a first luminous intensity at the central point, and controlling at least one second micro-LED element to generate a second luminous intensity at the peripheral point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventor: Geunhyeong KIM
  • Publication number: 20180339645
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic adaptive headlight control in a vehicle are disclosed. The systems and methods can detect one or more conditions, such as presence of a nearby object and/or poor visibility. The headlight can account for the one or more conditions by dynamically and automatically adjusting the total intensity of light output from the headlight, creating one or more different patterns of intensity of light, emitting different colors of light, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the headlight can include a plurality of independently controlled light emitters or a liquid crystal element. In some examples, one or more currents and/or duty cycle values can be adjusted. In some examples, the headlight can be divided into a plurality of sections, such that each section can emit different wavelengths (e.g., colors) of light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Luke Michael Ekkizogloy, Sethu Hareesh Kolluru, Michael Lambertus Hubertus Brouwer, Yunwei Liu
  • Publication number: 20180339646
    Abstract: Provided is an in-vehicle light emitting apparatus that is able to use light to make a driver aware of the position of an operating part for opening a fuel lid. The in-vehicle light emitting apparatus is provided with a light emitting body provided in the interior of a vehicle that runs on fuel and a drive unit 6 that drives the light emitting body. The light emitting body is arranged in the operating part for opening the fuel lid of a refueling port provided in the vehicle or at a location from which the operating part can be illuminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicants: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Atsushi Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20180339647
    Abstract: An information display portion indicates vehicular information relevant to a vehicle. A display plate being translucent is located on a viewing side relative to the information display portion. A reflective portion formed in the display plate is configured to be illuminated in a predetermined shape by light emitted from a light source unit. The reflective portion being illuminated is overlapped on the vehicular information indicated by the information display portion and viewable on the viewing side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Katsumi FUJITA, Satoru TAMURA, Seigo TANE
  • Publication number: 20180339648
    Abstract: A vehicle sill illumination assembly adapted for use with a vehicle, including an energy source, a vehicle door sensor having a magnet and a Hall effect switch, a light source controller, a light source current driver, and a light source. The vehicle sill illumination assembly does not require an external energy source and/or be connected to the vehicle's electrical system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventor: Steven G. Hoek
  • Publication number: 20180339649
    Abstract: The skin material includes a woven fabric woven by using synthetic resin fibers 1b and 1a, side emission type optical fibers, and heat fusible fibers as warps or wefts. A ratio (dS/df) of fineness (dS) of the synthetic resin fibers to fineness (df) of the side emission type optical fibers is from 1.5 to 7.0. The synthetic resin fibers and the side emission type optical fibers adjacent to the synthetic resin fibers are bonded in respective longitudinal directions thereof by the heat fusible fibers. When a plurality of the side emission type optical fibers are woven between the adjacent synthetic resin fibers, the adjacent side emission type optical fibers are bonded to each other in the longitudinal direction by the heat fusible fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicants: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, DAIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takamasa YAMADA, Hirohiko SAKAI, Takayoshi YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180339650
    Abstract: An interior part combined structure includes a first interior part with a second interior part. The first interior part includes a first base and a design material attached to the first base so as to cover at least a part of a surface of the first base. The second interior part includes a second base provided so as to cover an end part of the first base. The design material is a woven fabric woven by using synthetic resin fibers and side emission type optical fibers as warps or wefts. The side emission type optical fibers each include one end part to which a light source is connected. The one end part includes an end surface facing a light emitting part of the light source. The second base includes a bent end part. The bent end part includes an end surface brought into contact with or facing the design material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takamasa YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20180339651
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a positioning apparatus configured to provide multi axis motion and a light source configured to output an emission in connection with the apparatus. The apparatus further comprises a light controller in communication with the positioning apparatus and the light source. The light controller is configured to control the positioning apparatus to orient the light source directing the emission to a location in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo, Jeffrey Singer, James J. Surman
  • Publication number: 20180339652
    Abstract: A method of generating warnings associated with a vehicle is provided. The method broadly includes the steps of: (a) receiving an indication that a warning relating to operation of an electric motor is appropriate; (b) generating a drive current for the electric motor; (c) superimposing a warning signal onto the drive current; and (d) driving the electric motor with the drive current and the superimposed warning signal such that the electric motor produces the warnings. The warning signal may produce an audio warning, a tactile warning, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Jennifer Ann Prescott, Jason Meyer Quint, Andrew Mcmullen, Alexander Petniunas, Spencer Monroe Dinkins, III, Rafic Jergess
  • Publication number: 20180339653
    Abstract: A system and method configured to monitor use conditions of a vehicle and provide feedback to a user of the vehicle to maintain use within certain parameters is described. The description includes a plurality of sensors located proximate to the vehicle, each sensor configured to monitor at least one vehicle parameter, the plurality of sensors selected from an accelerometer, speed, temperature, mileage, oil level, oil pressure, run-time and location sensors, each sensor generating a signal encapsulating the monitored vehicle parameter and transmitting the generated signal to a control unit. The description includes a control unit that receives the generated signal from each of a plurality of sensors, the control unit including a memory that stores the received signal and selectively combines the received signal with other signals received from others of the plurality of sensors. The description includes a first transmitter coupled to the control unit capable of transmitting the combined signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: HARTFORD FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Isaac D. Adams, Steven J. Fernandes, Marc J. Natrillo, Paul Brendan Olson, Pankaj Prakash
  • Publication number: 20180339654
    Abstract: A user interface apparatus for a vehicle includes a display unit; an interface unit that receives information; at least one processor; and a computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform operations that include: receiving, through the interface unit, first information regarding a planned autonomous parking operation of the vehicle, and second information regarding a progress of an autonomous parking maneuver performed by the vehicle based on the planned autonomous parking operation; displaying, through the display unit, a graphic object corresponding to the first information regarding the planned autonomous parking operation of the vehicle; and controlling the display unit to apply an animation effect to the graphic object being displayed, the animation effect corresponding to the second information regarding the progress of the autonomous parking maneuver performed by the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: Daebum KIM, Ilho KIM, Jinkyo LEE