Patents Issued in December 6, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180345732
    Abstract: A tire includes knob sets having leading edge bevels connected by a ramp. The leading edge bevels may be offset in their positions or angles. Each knob set includes a first knob attached to a second knob. The knobs in each set may differ in lengths or in the angles of the leading edge bevels. Each knob set shares a common base and includes a pair of elongate outermost surfaces divided by an optional axial channel. Each knob set includes a lateral edge, medial edge and a trailing edge. Transverse rows of two or more knob sets may vary in lateral spacing between knob sets to provide narrow and wide rows in an alternating pattern. Knob sets may also be included on sidewalls of the tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Shinji MARUI
  • Publication number: 20180345733
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a tread having adjacent rib-shaped land portions (4) with circumferential grooves (3) therebetween. Annular elongate projection portions (5, 5) project toward each other from adjacent rib-shaped land portions (4). The elongate projection portions (5, 5) confronting each other are disposed with a spacing therebetween such that their mutually confronting tip surfaces (5s, 5s) make contact with each other due to elastic deformation of the rib-shaped land portions (4, 4) at the time of grounding of the tire. An inside groove space (6) is formed on a radially inner side of the confronting elongate projection portions (5, 5) and an outside groove space (7) is formed on a radially outer side of the elongate projection portions (5, 5). The tip surfaces (5s) of the elongate projection portions (5) are formed with a plurality of communication recesses (9) providing communication between the inside and outside groove spaces (6, 7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi OOBA
  • Publication number: 20180345734
    Abstract: The tire has a tread portion 2 comprising a plurality of main grooves and a first land portion 11 divided by the main grooves. The first land portion 11 comprises a plurality of first blocks 15 divided by first lateral grooves 14. The first lateral groove 14 is provided with a first tie bar 19 raising from a part of the groove bottom excluding its end portions in the tire axial direction. The first block 15 is provided with a first sipe 20 inclined with respect to the tire axial direction to the same orientation over its entire length from a first longitudinal edge 26 to a second longitudinal edges 27 of the block. The first sipe 20 is composed of a first portion 21 extending from the first longitudinal edge 26, a second portion 22 extending from the second longitudinal edge 27, and a third portion 23 between the first portion 21 and the second portion 22.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuma MORI
  • Publication number: 20180345735
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire stud, which enables a snow tire to be used in every season and is a ceramic tread structure, which: can be used in all weathers on dry roads, wet roads, and even on icy roads, reduces braking, handling, road frictional noise, and a tire inner heat generated during driving on a road; and has an integrated groove portion and pin, which are more advanced than a conventional metallic tread pin and groove portion, wherein the ceramic thread structure is an integrated ceramic stud, which is applied to various stud patterns such as an existing rib type, rug type, rib and rug type, block type, and asymmetrical type, is particularly suitable even for an airless tire, being a next-generation tire, and is made of ceramic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Dae-yong MUN
  • Publication number: 20180345736
    Abstract: A tire (1) comprising a tread (8), this tread comprising at least one channel (2), at least one wear indicator (3) disposed on the bottom of the channel (2), the wear indicator comprising a contact face (7) intended to come into contact with a road surface when the tire reaches a wear limit, the channel (2) comprising a texture (4) surrounding the wear indicator (3) and contrasting with the contact face (7) of the wear indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Stéphanie CAMBON, Olivier MUHLHOFF
  • Publication number: 20180345737
    Abstract: Provided is a tire on which cracks on sidewall portion outer surfaces are unlikely to progress. The tire comprises a depthwise part I from a point on a sidewall portion outer surface to 0.5 mm on at least a part of a sidewall portion, wherein: the depthwise part I satisfies the following requirement: the depthwise part I: comprising a natural rubber, a butadiene rubber, and a thermoplastic elastomer; a peak temperature T1 (° C.) of tan ? is ?20° C. or more and ?5° C. or less; and when tan ? at the peak temperature T1 (° C.) is ?1 and a storage modulus at the peak temperature T1 (° C.) is E?1 (MPa), ?1?0.90 and E?1?MPa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seiichi TAHARA, Shinichi MUSHA, Tomohiro URATA, Tatsuya NOMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180345738
    Abstract: Adapter for a tire having two beads (B) and a rim (J) placed between one of the beads and the rim, the rim having two rim seats (7). The adapter has an axially inner end (10) mounted on rim seat (7) and comprises inner reinforcer element (16). Axially outer end (9) is mounted on rim seat (7), and comprises outer reinforcer element (15), body (11) that connects outer end (9) to inner end (10) so as to form a single piece. A substantially cylindrical adapter seat receives one of the beads (B). Adapter bearing face (21) is substantially contained in a plane perpendicular to the axis. Outer reinforcer element (15) is wholly positioned axially on the outside of bearing face (21). Body (11) comprises at least one isotropic material (23, 24) selected from polyurethane, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutadiene terephthalate, silicones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel WALSER, Antonio DELFINO
  • Publication number: 20180345739
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic tire that provides improved durability while maintaining or improving good handling stability. The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire including an outer apex formed from a rubber composition, the rubber composition having a thermal conductivity of 0.45 W/m·K or higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinichiro HONDA
  • Publication number: 20180345740
    Abstract: An on-board centralized system for regulating pressure of tyres of a vehicle includes a pressurized air source, two pneumatic rotary joints each associated to a driving wheel of the vehicle, and a circuit that sets in communication the pressurized air source with each rotary joint. An output member of a constant-velocity joint and a wheel spindle have an internal duct for air passage, connected to the respective rotary joint and to a plenum of the respective driving wheel. Each non-driving wheel has its wheel spindle traversed by an axial bore for air passage, connected to the circuit via a pneumatic rotary joint and a plenum of the non-driving wheel, which is connected to the inner chamber of the tyre. Each driving or non-driving wheel has its plenum connected to the inner chamber via two parallel lines, for deflating and inflating, respectively, the tyre interposed in which are respective one-way valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Roberto VITOLO, Stefano D'Ambrosio, Nicolo SALAMONE, Giuseppe MARTORANA, Michele IELUZZI, Giovanni Luigi GABIATI, Dario SCANTAMBURLO
  • Publication number: 20180345741
    Abstract: An on-board centralized system for regulating pressure of tyres of a vehicle includes a pressurized air source, a circuit communicating the source with a plenum of each wheel, and an arrangement for connecting the plenum of each wheel to the inner chamber of the respective tyre that includes first and second connection lines for deflation and inflation, respectively, of the tyre, and first and second one-way valves interposed, respectively, in the first and second connection lines to allow only a flow of air respectively from and to the inner chamber. The first valve includes a spring having a pre-set load so as to isolate the inner chamber from a part of the circuit upstream of the first valve when said upstream part is at atmospheric pressure, and to guarantee a pre-set minimum value of pressure in the inner chamber when the upstream part is at a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Roberto VITOLO, Stefano D'Ambrosio, Nicolo SALAMONE, Giuseppe MARTORANA, Michele IELUZZI, Giovanni Luigi GABIATI, Dario SCANTAMBURLO
  • Publication number: 20180345742
    Abstract: A magnetically controlled tire pressure monitoring apparatus includes a tire pressure detector, a power supply and a wake-up device. The power supply supplies electrical power to the tire pressure detector. The tire pressure detector includes a pressure sensor used to detect a tire pressure, a microcontroller connected to the pressure sensor and used to convert the tire pressure to a tire pressure value, a register connected to the microcontroller and used to store the tire pressure value or an ID code of the magnetically controlled tire pressure monitoring apparatus for data processing by the microcontroller, and a wireless signal transmitter connected to the microcontroller and used to convert the tire pressure value or the ID code to an electromagnetic signal. The wake-up device includes a reed switch connected to the microcontroller to control whether the wireless signal transmitter transmits the electromagnetic signal or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Tien-Tsai HUANG, Teng-Wen HUANG
  • Publication number: 20180345743
    Abstract: A fifth wheel hitch is adapted to affix to a vehicle having a vehicle-mounted ball that protrudes from towing vehicle surface. The hitch has a frame with a sleeve portion that is fixed with respect to the frame and a receiver is telescopingly received inside the sleeve portion. The receiver is selectively affixed to the frame with a pin that extends through the receiver and sleeve portion. A ball cage affixes to the vehicle-mounted ball using pins that extend through vertical walls in the cage. The cage includes a threaded fastener that extends outwardly. The frame has an elongate aperture that receives the threaded fastener to secure the ball cage with a nut into a cage pocket. An optional lock overlays the nut with a nut locking aperture that prevents the nut from rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Randall A. Pulliam, Kurt E. McKesson, James M. Karasch
  • Publication number: 20180345744
    Abstract: System, including apparatus and methods, for transporting cargo using a swing-away hitch adapter that mounts to a hitch of a vehicle and provides a movable hitch receiver for a cargo carrier, such as a rack for carrying bicycles. In some embodiments, the hitch adapter may comprise a fixed beam and a movable beam. The movable beam may be pivotally connected to the fixed beam at a first end and associated with a movable hitch receiver at a second end. A latch mechanism of the adapter may be configured to automatically lock the movable beam in an open position orthogonal to the fixed beam, to provide access to a rear of the vehicle, when the movable beam is pivoted about a pivot axis to the open position from a closed position parallel to the fixed beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Yakima Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Marcos Henry Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20180345745
    Abstract: A collapsible mechanism for stabilizing a stationary free standing towed wheeled vehicle containing a towing coupler such as a king pin, or towing ball is disclosed. The mechanism comprises of a mounting plate that affixes to the towing coupler of a stationary free standing towed wheeled vehicle. A pair of pivoting collapsible adjustable height support legs attaches to the mounting plate and extend to the ground. A tensioning device is attached between the support legs. As the tensioning device is tightened, the support legs are drawn towards each other, creating a rigid body. The rigid body reacts with the towing coupler, adding rigidity to the towed wheeled vehicle, eliminating unwanted motion of the stationary free standing towed wheeled vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: David Allen Bowar
  • Publication number: 20180345746
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension support includes a housing including an opening to receive an upper end of a damper and a top mount bushing fixed to an upper surface of the housing, the top mount bushing having an aperture aligned with the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Brett Anderson, Jeffrey Lipa
  • Publication number: 20180345747
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system may include hydraulic actuators, first and second conduits, and first and second switch valves. Each actuator includes a cylinder and a piston that divides an interior of the cylinder into compression and rebound chambers. First and third ports of each cylinder are openings to the rebound chamber. Second and fourth ports of each cylinder are openings to the compression chamber. The first conduit connects the third port of a first actuator with the fourth port of a second actuator. The second conduit fluidly connects the third port of the second actuator with the fourth port of the first actuator. The first switch valve is connected to the first and second ports of the first one of the hydraulic actuators. The second switch valve is connected to the first and second ports of the second one of the hydraulic actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Peter Boon, Bert Vandersmissen, Frank Gommans
  • Publication number: 20180345748
    Abstract: Systems and method are provided for adjusting a sensor of a vehicle having a suspension. In one example, a method for adjusting a sensor of a vehicle having a suspension system includes obtaining sensor data pertaining to a sensor of the vehicle; determining, via a processor, when the sensor is out of alignment, using the sensor data; and adjusting the suspension system, resulting in an adjustment of the alignment of the sensor, when the sensor is determined to be out of alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Kyle Vogt
  • Publication number: 20180345749
    Abstract: An electrically adjustable hydraulic shock absorber includes a piston positioned within a tube that divides a fluid chamber into a first working chamber and a second working chamber. A piston rod is attached to the piston and projects. An electronically-controlled valve is positioned within a rod guide. A circuit board is in communication with the electronically-controlled valve. A carrier includes an inner wall and an outer wall interconnected by a bottom wall thereby defining a pocket. A circuit board is positioned within the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Scott S. DUNAWAY, Matthew L. ROESSLE, Robert C. HARRIS, Michael J. LEPKOWSKI, Corey L. STEWART, Michael S. WEAVER, Gary BUTZKE
  • Publication number: 20180345750
    Abstract: A suspension apparatus includes a first extension-side damping valve provided in the first flow path; a first contraction-side damping valve provided in the first flow path in parallel with the first extension-side damping valve; a second extension-side damping valve provided in the second flow path; a second contraction-side damping valve provided in the second flow path in parallel with the second extension-side damping valve; a first damping valve configured to impart resistance to the flow of fluid from the first flow path to the first accumulator; a first check valve disposed in parallel with the first damping valve; a second damping valve configured to impart resistance to the flow of fluid from the second flow path to the second accumulator; and a second check valve disposed in parallel with the second damping valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: KYB Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi CHIKAMATSU, Hideki KAWAKAMI
  • Publication number: 20180345751
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system including front and rear blowers. The front blower blows air through a front evaporator to a front area of a passenger cabin. The rear blower blows air through the front evaporator in an integrated HVAC system or through a rear evaporator, and to a rear area of the passenger cabin. The rear blower is always active when the front blower and air conditioning is active.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Prakash THAWANI, Stephen SINADINOS
  • Publication number: 20180345752
    Abstract: An air-handling system includes a housing having a passageway formed therethrough. A diverter is rotatably coupled to the housing, and includes a door disposed in the passageway for selectively opening and closing the passageway. A shaft of the door extends through a first opening of the housing, and extends outwardly therefrom, defining a first axis. A lever is coupled to the shaft of the diverter. A flexible tab is disposed axially outwardly of the lever and is positionable in a first position and a second position. In the first position, a distal end of the tab is positioned radially inwardly of an outer circumferential surface of the lever, and in the second position the distal end of the tab is positioned radially outwardly of the outer circumferential surface of the lever. The distal end is moveable about a second axis, parallel to the first axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: James Nolta, Yafei Zhou
  • Publication number: 20180345753
    Abstract: A system (10) comprising: •means for determining the heat flux (12) from or to an occupant (14) of a seat (16); and •means for controlling heating means (18) and/or cooling means (20) in dependence upon determined heat flux (12) from or to the occupant of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Neil BELOE
  • Publication number: 20180345754
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for heating a vehicle interior may include a heat exchanger block including a plurality of air ducts and a plurality of coolant ducts arranged according to a cross flow principle. The heat exchanger block may have a first heat exchanger stage including an air inlet side and a second heat exchanger stage including an air outlet side. The plurality of air ducts and the plurality of coolant ducts may extend through the heat exchanger block and may be coupled to one another in a heat-transferring and media-separated manner in both the first heat exchanger stage and the second heat exchanger stage. The heat exchanger may further include a plurality of thermoelectric modules, configured to operate as a heat pump to transfer heat from the coolant flow to the air flow, arranged between the plurality of air ducts and the plurality of coolant ducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Gruenwald, Christian Heneka
  • Publication number: 20180345755
    Abstract: An air handling system for a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system comprises a housing including a sealing surface, a door wall disposed in the housing having a perimeter, and a sealing element disposed about the perimeter of the door wall. The sealing element includes a base, a stem, and a tip. The base is coupled to the perimeter of the door wall, the stem is formed between the base and the tip, and the tip is configured to selectively engage the sealing surface of the housing. A plurality of dentil features project from the stem of the sealing element and is arranged in a linear array extending parallel to the perimeter of the door wall. The array of the dentil features is configured to reduce an incidence of whistling when a flow of air passes by the tip of the sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: James Nolta
  • Publication number: 20180345756
    Abstract: A vehicle having a heating and cooling system includes a cold source through which a first flow of coolant flows, a heat source through which a second flow of coolant flows, and first and second parallel connected air-to-coolant heat exchangers. The first and second coolant flows are directed through one or both of the air-to-coolant heat exchangers dependent upon a mode of operation. A control module controls the first and second flows of coolant dependent upon the mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Jing He, Loren John Lohmeyer, III, Angelo Patti, Manfred Koberstein
  • Publication number: 20180345757
    Abstract: A Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system for a vehicle, may include a first coolant line passing through a radiator; a second coolant line passing through an indoor air conditioning core and a high voltage battery core; a first coolant exchange line passing through a first heat exchanger; a second coolant exchange line passing through a second heat exchanger; a refrigerant line including the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and a compressor, in which coolant circulates; and a controller configured to control the first valve and the second valve to selectively connect the first coolant line or the second coolant line to the first coolant exchange line or the second coolant exchange line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Man Ju Oh, Sang Shin Lee, Jae Woo Park, So Yoon Park, Jae Woong Kim, So La Chung
  • Publication number: 20180345758
    Abstract: A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle may include a battery cooling line to circulate a first coolant through a first radiator, a high voltage battery core, and a first valve; an electronic component cooling line to circulate a second coolant through a second radiator, an electronic component core, and a second valve; a branch line having a first end portion branched from the first valve and a second end portion connected to an upstream point of the high voltage battery core; an auxiliary line having a first end portion branched from the second valve and a second end portion connected to an upstream point of the electronic component core; and a controller performing heat transfer in the main heat exchanger by controlling the first valve and the second valve when a temperature of the high voltage battery core is required to be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Man Ju OH, Sang Shin Lee, Jae Woo Park, So Yoon Park, Jae Woong Kim, So La Chung
  • Publication number: 20180345759
    Abstract: A vehicle V includes: a floor panel 16 that forms a floor of a passenger compartment 11; a carpet 20 that is laid on the floor panel 16; a rear seat 10 that is disposed at a rear part of the passenger compartment 11; a high-voltage device accommodating body P that is disposed below the rear seat 10 and accommodates a high-voltage device D; and an exhaust flow path F that exhausts cooling air used to cool down the high-voltage device D from the high-voltage device accommodating body P. In the vehicle, a vehicle-width-direction space S1, S2 is formed between the high-voltage device accommodating body P and the carpet 20 along a vehicle width direction, and the exhaust flow path F communicates with the vehicle-width-direction space S1, S2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jin OKUMURA
  • Publication number: 20180345760
    Abstract: Mice are provided that comprise a reduction or deletion of ADAM6 activity from an endogenous ADAM6 locus, or that lack an endogenous locus encoding a mouse ADAM6 protein, wherein the mice comprise a sequence encoding an ADAM6 or ortholog or homolog or fragment thereof that is functional in a male mouse. In one embodiment, the sequence is an ectopic ADAM6 sequence or a sequence that confers upon a male mouse the ability to generate offspring by mating. Mice and cells with genetically modified immunoglobulin heavy chain loci that comprise an ectopic nucleotide sequence encoding a mouse ADAM6 or functional fragment or homolog or ortholog thereof are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Macdonald, Sean Stevens, Andrew J. Murphy, Margaret Karow
  • Publication number: 20180345761
    Abstract: A register includes: an air outlet; a front movable louver disposed inward of the air outlet, the front movable louver turning vertically; and a bulging curved ledge portion disposed below an area in front of the air outlet. The ledge portion includes a curved surface that curves downward ahead, and a groove or a ridge for disturbing a flow of air along the curved surface is provided in parallel with a longitudinal direction of the front movable louver, in the curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kentaro KANEDA, Ippei KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20180345762
    Abstract: A smart multi-modal vehicular air filtration management system including a first filter element and a second filter element disposed in a fresh air housing, wherein the fresh air housing has an inlet and an outlet. Additionally, a third filter element is provided which is disposed in a cabin housing, the cabin housing having one or more inlet. A fluid channel arranged between the fresh air and cabin housing. Finally, a diverter is included which is disposed near an outlet of the fresh air housing, wherein the diverter is configured to cause air to flow through the fresh air housing selectively through one or both of the first filter element and the second filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Bernd Bauer, Thomas Heininger, Dominik Haider, Tobias Schwimmbeck, Mathias Hoesl, Matthias Heinzmann, Andreas Weber, Mirco Schoen, Mario Schoen, Martin Klein, Pascal Thau
  • Publication number: 20180345763
    Abstract: A roof attachment for a passenger car includes at least one roof shell and at least two lateral-wall shells. The lateral-wall roof shells are arranged on opposite sides of the passenger car relative to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the roof and are pivotable between a storage position folded against an inner side of the roof shell and an unfolded usage position. The roof attachment has a cross section shaped like an upside-down U and can be attached onto interfaces of the passenger car via lower edges of the lateral-wall shells facing away from the roof shell. The roof shell and the lateral-wall shells can be brought into contact with a hard-top section and lateral pillars of the passenger car with their frontal edges when in the usage position. Rearward edges of the roof shell and the lateral-wall shells form a continuous edge of the vehicle rear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventor: Magnus Sviberg
  • Publication number: 20180345764
    Abstract: A vehicle screen molding that includes: a fin, where the fin is adapted to insert into a window opening; a skirt attached to on top of the fin; and a crown on top of the skirt, where the crown is adapted to receive a screen. The crown preferably includes a slot, where the crown is oval shaped. The crown may include a first half on a first side of the crown and a second half on a second side of the crown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Leslie Derheim, Toni Malsey
  • Publication number: 20180345765
    Abstract: A vehicle panel assembly for a motor vehicle and carrier module therefor are provided. The vehicle body panel assembly includes a structural panel body defining an internal cavity with the carrier module secured to the structural panel body at least partially in the internal cavity. The carrier module has a carrier with an actuator attachment region integrally formed thereon and providing a first attachment feature. A latch assembly is secured to the carrier module and an actuator is configured in operable communication with the latch assembly to selectively cinch the latch assembly. The actuator has a housing providing a second attachment feature, wherein the first and second attachment features are configured for attachment to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Mario MAGAZZINI, Francesco CUMBO
  • Publication number: 20180345766
    Abstract: Provided is an opening/closing apparatus for a vehicle capable of protecting a cable configured to open and close an opening/closing body even when a large external force is applied to the opening/closing body. A cross-sectional shape of a cable holding groove in a direction crossing a longitudinal direction of a cable guide is an arc shape configured to be in surface contact with a closing-side cable and an opening-side cable. Accordingly, a pressing force applied to the closing-side cable and the opening-side cable can be dispersed in a wide range of the closing-side cable and the opening-side cable rather than only in one part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: MITSUBA Corporation
    Inventors: YOSHITAKA URANO, YOSHITAKA SEKINE, TAKASHI ONO
  • Publication number: 20180345767
    Abstract: An exterior body panel assembly having a Class A painted surface, mold-in color or non-Class A surface, and process of infrared welding components of the assembly. Panels of the assembly are placed on a nesting structure and the inside half of the structures are brought together with the other for a fit check. Panels are separated and an infrared heating fixture then heats the various areas to be heated on the panels. The areas on the panels are heated depending on the thicknesses of the parts at each area and surface geometries to be welded. The parts are immediately clamped back together under pressure for joining and cooling of the joined surfaces in the clamped arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Riad Chaaya, Mark P. Birka, William J.J. Harney, Heiner Salzmann, Christopher J. Kuntze, Keijo J. Huotari
  • Publication number: 20180345768
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a tonneau cover for a bed of a truck. In one embodiment, the tonneau cover includes a set of panels that span a width of the bed between at least two mounting rails that are attached to sidewalls of the bed. The set of panels detachably connect to the mounting rails at attachment points within the mounting rails and are at least partially supported by the attachment points. Individual panels within the set of panels connect with adjacent ones of the set of panels through a detachable hinge within opposing sides. The individual panels connect to the mounting rails through retractable pins that extend from opposing ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Scott L. Frederick, Scott P. Robison, Mark Minelli
  • Publication number: 20180345769
    Abstract: A pickup truck having a tonneau cover is provided. The tonneau cover includes a first panel section pivotable with respect to the opposing first and second upward-extending side walls. A first latching assembly is attached to the first panel section and is configured to selectively secure and release the first panel section with respect to the first and second side walls of the pickup truck. The first latching assembly includes first and second pinch latch assemblies. The first pinch latch assembly is located adjacent the first upward-extending side wall of the pickup truck and the second pinch latch assembly is located adjacent the second upward-extending side wall of the pickup truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Truck Accessories Group, LLC
    Inventors: Eugene A. Dylewski, II, Adrian Cook, Justin J. McGraw, Christopher David Mattison, Ernest M. McDonald, II
  • Publication number: 20180345770
    Abstract: A separating device for a storage space (36) of a convertible vehicle having a top is proposed, which can be displaced between a closed position spanning a vehicle interior and a storage position opening the vehicle interior upward, comprising a separating wall, which divides the storage space into a cargo space and a top receiving space and which can be pivoted around a pivotal axis (A), which extends in the transverse direction of the vehicle, between a horizontal cargo space enlarging position and a vertical receiving space enlarging position. The separating wall is connected to a coupling device, which transmits a displacement movement of a top element to a pivotal movement of the separating wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas PODOLSKI, Klaus OBENDIEK
  • Publication number: 20180345771
    Abstract: A wind guiding device of an openable roof of a motor vehicle includes at least one inherently rigid profile which air flows around in at least one position and when the motor vehicle is moving forwards and which has at least one front edge via which the air flows around the profile. A substance surface is arranged in at least one edge region of the profile that is connected to the front edge in the back in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Nicolai MELCHGER, Alexander MOESSNER, Joachim WENZLER
  • Publication number: 20180345772
    Abstract: A profiled reinforcement element and a method for manufacturing such an element to be embedded in an elastomer strip, in particular a sealing strip or edge protection strip, the profiled reinforcement element being formed by a metal strip which is extended by expanding incisions located at a regular distance from each other and is shaped by creating profiled sections and introducing beads. Openings that have a closed rim and are formed by expanding the incisions are completely enclosed by beads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Bernard TESSIER, David PETRY
  • Publication number: 20180345773
    Abstract: A glazing includes a laminated glazed element including an exterior glass sheet, an interior glass sheet, and at least one plastic interlayer sheet situated between the glass sheets, and, along at least part of at least one edge, a profile section including a functional part provided with a groove and a fixing part for fixing it to the glazed element. The fixing part includes an interlayer flange which, viewed in cross section, is situated between the interlayer face of the exterior glass sheet and the interlayer face of the interior glass sheet; of the interior face and the exterior face of the interlayer flange at least one face being in contact with the plastic interlayer sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Hans-Werner KUSTER, Volkmar OFFERMANN
  • Publication number: 20180345774
    Abstract: A method for fitting sealing profiles on vehicle bodies or the parts thereof includes withdrawing the sealing profile from an unwinding unit and, by way of an adhesive layer arranged on the sealing profile, rolling of the application device the sealing profile on the vehicle body or the part of the vehicle body, along an application line provided for fitting purposes, by a pressure-exerting roller of an application head. Defects and discontinuities in the sealing profile are detected immediately by the arrangement of an automatic optical inspection system within the application device, on the user side, i.e., in particular without there being any need for markings on the wound-up sealing profile or for data handling between the manufacturer of the sealing profile and the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Klaus GROHMANN, Lothar THOMMES
  • Publication number: 20180345775
    Abstract: A sunroof device includes a sunroof unit, a looped first seal, and a second seal. The sunroof unit supports a panel capable of closing an opening of a roof of a vehicle. The sunroof unit includes a frame provided with two guide rails placed on two edges of the opening in a vehicle widthwise direction and two housings placed on two edges of the opening in a vehicle front-to-rear direction to connect front ends of the two guide rails to each other and rear ends of the two guide rails to each other in the vehicle widthwise direction. The first seal is arranged between an entire periphery of the opening and the frame. The second seal is arranged between opposing surfaces of the guide rails and the housings at portions where the guide rails are coupled to the housings. The second seal is butt against the first seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHISIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinichi HIRAMATSU, Shinji SAKAI
  • Publication number: 20180345776
    Abstract: An engine assembly arrangement for a motor vehicle, with a drive assembly, which is mounted directly at a support element via at least one first fixed bearing. A support structure engages at the drive assembly, on the one hand, via a second fixed bearing and via a third fixed bearing that is spaced apart from the second fixed bearing, and, on the other hand, is articulated at the support element via a fourth fixed bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Friedemann VOGEL
  • Publication number: 20180345777
    Abstract: Vehicles may be composed of a relatively few number of “modules” that are assembled together during a final assembly process. An example vehicle may include a body module, a first drive module coupled to a first end of the body module, and a second drive module coupled to a second end of the body module. One or both of the drive modules may include a pair of wheels, a battery, an electric drive motor, and/or a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. One or both of the drive modules may also include a crash structure to absorb impacts. If a component of a drive module fails or is damaged, the drive module can be quickly and easily replaced with a new drive module, minimizing vehicle down time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Timo Birnschein, Adriano Di Pietro, Kyle Matthew Foley, Timothy David Kentley-Klay, Andrew Piper
  • Publication number: 20180345778
    Abstract: A battery mounting structure for a vehicle, the battery mounting structure includes: a plurality of vehicle body frame members that is arrayed in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle and is part of a lower frame of a vehicle body; and a plurality of cell stacks that each include a plurality of single cells. Each of the cell stacks is configured to be restrained onto the vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Atsushi YAMANAKA
  • Publication number: 20180345779
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle includes first and second input interfaces, an output interface, first and second speed ratio transmission sections, first and second planetary transmission sections, and a coupling section. The first input interface is arranged for coupling to an internal combustion engine. The second input interface is arranged for coupling to an electric motor. The first planetary transmission section has an internal gear connected to the first input interface, a planet carrier connected to the second input interface, and a sun gear connected to an input of the first speed ratio transmission section. The second planetary transmission has an internal gear connected to the first input interface, a planet carrier connected to the second input interface, and a sun gear connected to an input of the second speed ratio transmission section. The coupling section supports the respective planet carriers against one another in at least one operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Holger Witt, Martin Vornehm
  • Publication number: 20180345780
    Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism includes an input member to receive an input torque from a propulsion source and an output member coupled to the input member to transfer the input torque to a driveline component. The torque transfer mechanism also includes a damping mechanism disposed between the input member and the output member having at least one clockspring coiled about a center axis of rotation to couple the input member to the output member. The at least one clockspring is arranged to damp vibration associated with the input torque and is coiled in multiple planes such that the clockspring does not contact itself under torsional deflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Derek F. LAHR, Farzad SAMIE
  • Publication number: 20180345781
    Abstract: A drive device for a motor vehicle, with a first drive assembly, a second drive assembly, and a planetary gearing, via which the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly, which has a drivable axle of the motor vehicle, can be operatively connected. In this case, it is provided that the first drive assembly can be operatively connected to the planetary gearing via a first clutch coupling, and the drivable axle can be operatively connected to the planetary gearing via a second clutch coupling, and the second drive assembly and an auxiliary assembly are permanently operatively connected to the planetary gearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Markus STÖRMER, Christian MEIXNER, Thomas HOFFMANN, Frank VOLLMER, Tassilo SCHOLLE, Josef WINKLER, Alfred OTTOWITZ