Patents Issued in December 13, 2018
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Publication number: 20180354364Abstract: A user interface display system and use on an agricultural vehicle. The user interface system is provided with an array of display fields which can be used to display data tiles showing information relating to an associated system of the vehicle. A user can select which data tile is displayed in each field of the array. If a user selects the same data tile for adjacent fields of the array, a composite data tile based on the selected data tile, is generated where the composite data tile is adapted to fit the selected adjacent display fields.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Adrian Hackfort, Jan Weigand, Thomas Zurl, Gerhard Mariner, Daniel Muff, Alfred Kornes, Martin Lichtenstern
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Publication number: 20180354365Abstract: A vehicular display control device includes: a display control unit for controlling a display device to superimpose an image on a surrounding view of the vehicle; and a sensor operation detecting unit for detecting whether an obstacle sensor detecting an obstacle around the vehicle is in operation. When the obstacle sensor is in operation, the display control unit: transforms a detection target area, which falls in a detection range of the obstacle sensor and expands from the vehicle to a periphery along a road surface, into a detection target image represented from a viewpoint of a driver of the vehicle; and displays a transformed image to be superimposed on the surrounding view of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Makiko TAUCHI, Kimiaki TANAKA, Akira KAMIYA
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Publication number: 20180354366Abstract: An interior structure for a vehicle includes: an instrument panel disposed below a front window; an instrument panel reinforcement extending in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle at a position below the instrument panel; a head-up display device having a housing structure including a front surface and a lower surface, and configured to project information onto the front window; and a support member mounted in the instrument panel, and configured to fixedly support the head-up display device. The support member includes a front wall facing the front surface of the head-up display device and a lower wall facing the lower surface, a first fixing portion serving as a fixing portion to the instrument panel, and a second fixing portion serving as a fixing portion to the instrument panel reinforcement.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2016Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicants: DaikyoNishikawa Corporation, MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Toshiteru YOSHIMURA, Masato SADANO
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Publication number: 20180354367Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle having a detection device for detecting a property of a vehicle occupant and an operator control and display device which is coupled to the detection device, has a display region and is configured to display information in the display region and by means of which a symbol can be displayed in the display region as a function of the sensed property. It is provided here that the property which is detected by means of the detection device is a position of the vehicle occupant, and the operator control and display device is configured to display the symbol in a partial region of the display region which is determined as a function of the detected position, and to assign the symbol to the vehicle occupant in such a way that when there is a change in position of the vehicle occupant that the symbol follows the vehicle occupant. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a vehicle. The invention makes particularly flexible use of the vehicle possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: AUDI AGInventors: Joris MERTENS, Georg HASLINGER, Edwin OLLEFERS, Markus KLUG
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Publication number: 20180354368Abstract: A control device of a vehicle includes an electronic control unit configured to selectively execute a first operation control for traveling based on a driving operation of a driver and a second operation control for traveling by setting a target traveling state independently of the driving operation of the driver and automatically performing acceleration or deceleration based on the target traveling state, and set an input voltage of an inverter set in the second operation control to be lower than the input voltage of the inverter set in the first operation control when an operating state of a rotating device represented by an output torque and a rotational speed of the rotating device is not changed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Jun GOTOH, Kenta KUMAZAKI
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Publication number: 20180354369Abstract: A vehicle may include an internal combustion engine configured to drive a plurality of wheels of the vehicle via a drive train. A waste heat utilization device may drive an electric generator by converting the waste heat generated by the internal combustion engine. The generator may be electrically connected to an on-board electrical system comprising an electric energy store and at least one electric consumer. An electric motor may be coupled to the drive train to provide an additional drive. The generator may convert kinetic energy generated by the waste heat utilization device into electrical energy and to provide the electrical energy to the on-board electrical system and/or to the electric motor. The electric motor may convert electrical energy provided by the electric energy store of the on-board electrical system and/or by the generator into kinetic energy and may couple the same into the drive train.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2016Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Boris Lerch, Rolf Mueller, Thomas Riemay
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Publication number: 20180354370Abstract: When a charging rate of a high-voltage battery (32) becomes equal to or lower than a preset lower limit value, a control device (80) is configured to execute control of obtaining a power consumption of a DC/DC converter (33) and causing a motor generator (31) to start power generation operation by an engine (10) by which power equal to or greater than the power consumption is generated to charge the high-voltage battery (32).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2016Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: Yuusuke HORII
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Publication number: 20180354371Abstract: A power conversion system includes a power converter having output terminals that are electrically isolated from input terminals. The power conversion system further includes a circuit configured to couple a voltage input from a power source to the input terminals, and provide an output voltage to a load that is a series combination of the voltage input and a voltage across the output terminals.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Hadi MALEK, Shuitao YANG, Yan ZHOU
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Publication number: 20180354372Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle may include a variable voltage converter (VVC), and a controller. The VVC may include an inductor, a bus capacitor and a flying capacitor. The controller may be configured to, in response to a power demand signal exceeding a threshold, modulate switches of the VVC such that an inductor current created by a collapsing field of the inductor is directed into the flying capacitor or the bus capacitor such that a bus capacitor voltage exceeds a flying capacitor voltage, and in response to the power demand signal dropping below the threshold, modulate switches such that the flying capacitor and the bus capacitor are coupled in parallel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Shuitao Yang, Yan Zhou, Lihua Chen, Baoming Ge, Fan Xu, Mohammed Khorshed Alam
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Publication number: 20180354373Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a controller configured to receive sensor feedback from a high voltage storage device and from a low voltage storage device, compare the sensor feedback to operating limits of the respective high and low voltage storage device, determine, based on the comparison a total charging current to the high voltage storage device and to the low voltage storage device and a power split factor of the total charging current to the high voltage device and to the low voltage device, and regulate the total power to the low voltage storage device and the high voltage storage device based on the determination.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: General ElectricInventors: Ruediger Soeren Kusch, Robert Dean King, Robert Louis Steigerwald
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Publication number: 20180354374Abstract: A system and a method of controlling charge of a vehicle battery are provided. In particular, when a voltage of the vehicle battery is different from an output voltage of a commercially available quick charger, a compatibility problem is solved through a converter, thereby allowing an inverter, an electric motor, and a connector to have increased efficiency and to maximize a reduction in size, weight, and material cost thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Woo Young Lee, Jin Hwan Jung, Young Jin Kim, Dong Sup Ahn, Byeong Seob Song, Gyu Yeong Choe
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Publication number: 20180354375Abstract: An automatic rechargeable battery control module for a vehicle, such as a golf cart incorporates an automatic battery control system that automatically switches from charge to discharge modes with a single relay, thereby preventing the need to manually reset a relay switch due to an over or under voltage situation. An automatic battery control circuit is coupled with a battery management system and a relay contactor is opened and closed by a signal from the battery management system. The battery management system monitors a state of charge of the battery unit as well as current flow to and from a battery unit. The automatic rechargeable battery control module may have a state of charge output that is connected with a state of charge indicator to inform a driver of an approximate driving range or time remaining.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Yuan Dao, William Jeffrey Schlanger, Jennifer Dao
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Publication number: 20180354376Abstract: A plug-in vehicle capable of wired-charging a battery through a charging connector using an external charger and a method for controlling the same are provided. The method for controlling charging of a vehicle configured to perform a charging operation using external power includes determining whether a refrigerant circulation device operates normally and the amount of refrigerant is normal when a temperature sensor of a charger malfunctions. When the refrigerant circulation device operates normally and the amount of refrigerant is normal, a temperature of the charger is estimated using a temperature of a heat dissipation device through which the refrigerant passes and the output of the charger is adjusted based on the estimated temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Jae Hwa Jeon, Sang Kyu Lee, Kil Young Youn, Seung Hyeon Bin, Gu Bae Kang
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Publication number: 20180354377Abstract: A charging device for a motor vehicle with a high-voltage battery, wherein the charging device includes a supply unit that is designed to supply a transmission voltage (UT), and a connecting apparatus that is designed to connect the supply unit to the motor vehicle to charge the high-voltage battery, wherein the transmission voltage is a contact-safe transmission voltage (UT). The motor vehicle includes a converter unit that converts a contact-safe transmission voltage (UT) to a high-voltage charging voltage (UHV) for charging the high-voltage battery. When a charging arrangement formed from the charging device and the motor vehicle is operated, the connecting apparatus is automatically connected to the connector device and the contact-safe transmission voltage (UT) is converted to the high-voltage charging voltage (UHV) in order to charge the high-voltage battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: AUDI AGInventor: Martin DEHM
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Publication number: 20180354378Abstract: A method for changing at least one energy store of a vehicle and an energy store changing apparatus. The method includes steps for ascertaining the vehicle type and the provision of vehicle data relating to the ascertained vehicle type. The vehicle data includes data about the arrangement of the energy store in the vehicle. The position of the vehicle is ascertained on the basis of at least one physical reference point, and at least one energy store of the vehicle is changed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2015Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Reinhold Neider, Stefan Mayr
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Publication number: 20180354379Abstract: A portable and mobile power supply for an electric car. The power supply includes: a power generation unit (3); a system control and management module (15) configured to adjust an output power of the power generation unit, to output a direct current and a direct voltage capable of directly charging a power battery, to determine different charging control modes, to control the power generation output power of the power generation unit, and to control a charging voltage; a control panel (4) connected to the system control and management module; and a remote communication and GPS module (5) connected to the system control and management module, having a function of wireless remote communication and management and a function of supporting wireless positioning and switching by remote control, and being capable of remotely controlling the power generation unit to generate power and output the same to charge an in-vehicle power battery pack of an electric car.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2016Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: SUZHOU DSM GREEN POWER LTD.Inventor: Walter WU
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Publication number: 20180354380Abstract: A charging device for inductively charging an electrical energy store of a motor vehicle provided with a primary coil, which is designed to induce a voltage in a secondary coil of the motor vehicle for charging the electrical energy store, and with a lifting mechanism, which is designed to move the primary coil between a stored position and a charging position. The charging device is provided with a control device, which is adapted for operating the lifting mechanism in a deicing mode in which the lifting mechanism is moved according to a predeterminable movement cycle between the stored position and the charging position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2016Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: AUDI AGInventors: Björn ELIAS, Reinhard PEER
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Publication number: 20180354381Abstract: A method for preparing a vehicle for at least one future drive. The vehicle has at least one electric energy storage unit, with which at least one electric machine is supplied with electric energy. The vehicle is assigned to a system, which has at least one electric charging station and at least one station for provided services. The vehicle is further assigned to the at least one station for provided services, with which at least one provided service is made available. The at least one electric energy storage unit is connected to the at least one electric charging station when the at least one provided service is made available, and, through the at least one electric charging station, is supplied with electric energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: AUDI AGInventors: Achim ENTHALER, Michael MÜRKEN, Andreas THANHEISER
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Publication number: 20180354382Abstract: A method for controlling a charging operation of an energy storage device of a motor vehicle. A control device carries out the following: establishment of a prioritization of a motor vehicle for user-specific recharging of the energy storage device on the basis of the established prioritization; determination of a charging capacity predetermined by the prioritization for a recharging operation, depending on the determined charging capacity; creation of a digital certificate, which describes the determined charging capacity; and transmission of the created certificate to a charging management device of the motor vehicle. Depending on the charging capacity described by the certificate transmitted to the charging management device of the motor vehicle: generation of a control signal, which describes a course of the charging operation with the described charging capacity; and transmission of the created control signal to an energy delivery device of a charging station apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: AUDI AGInventor: Andreas SCHLAUDRAFF
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Publication number: 20180354383Abstract: Disclosed are control algorithms and system architectures for arbitrating vehicle charging, e.g., for electric vehicles with rechargeable battery packs, wired and wireless charging capabilities, and control logic for governing such charging. A method is disclosed for managing charging of electrical storage units of motor vehicles at vehicle charging stations. The method includes determining if a wireless charging interface of the motor vehicle is available for wireless power transfer, and determining whether or not the vehicle charging station has an electrical connector coupled to a wired charging interface of the motor vehicle. Responsive to the charging station having an electrical connector coupled to the wired charging interface, the method initiates a wired (conductive) charge power mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Andrew J. Namou, Brandon R. Jones, Douglas S. Cesiel
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Publication number: 20180354384Abstract: The methods and systems for correcting for an inductive load when testing high voltages devices are described. A high voltages device is a device under test (DUT) in a double-pulse test, which may require the inductive load. The method can include in a low current, high voltage time period, estimating an inductor current contribution range after a turn on of the device-under-test connected to an inductive load with an air core inductor. The method subtracts the estimated inductor current contribution from a device-under-test collector current to output a corrected collector current. This allows the double pulse test to be conducted with an air-core inductor. Vehicles can use the DUT in traction power applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Xi LU, Chingchi CHEN, Zhuxian XU, Krishna Prasad BHAT, Lan YU, Michael W. DEGNER
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Publication number: 20180354385Abstract: A method for charging the starter battery of a motor vehicle at a voltage source includes charging the starter battery after a traction battery of the vehicle has been charged up to a defined value. The starter battery is charged if a charge state of the starter battery is established that is below a defined threshold value. If the charge state of the starter battery is of such a low level, the starter battery is charged until one or more defined termination conditions are fulfilled. The termination conditions may include the total charging period since the low charge state of the starter battery has been established exceeds a defined threshold value and/or the total time period charging the traction battery and the starter battery at the voltage source exceeds a defined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Mark EIFERT, Eckhard KARDEN
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Publication number: 20180354386Abstract: A method and system for controlling a vehicular direct current converter are provided. In particular, zero-current control is performed during control for maintaining an SOC of an auxiliary battery. Accordingly, energy loss due to charging and discharging of the auxiliary battery is minimized and the fuel efficiency of a vehicle is improved.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Ho Joong Lee, Dong Jun Shin, Won Kyoung Choi, Jun Yeon Park, Na Lae Kwon, Hyun Wook Seong, Jee Heon Kim, Chang Ryeol Yoo, Dong Jun Lee
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Publication number: 20180354387Abstract: A battery system includes a traction battery, a traction battery controller, and a backup controller. The traction battery powers a high-voltage domain. The traction battery controller may be powered by a low-voltage domain that is separated from the high-voltage domain. The traction battery may be configured to disable cell balancing of the traction battery after expiration of a main timer. The backup controller may be powered by and within the high-voltage domain. The backup controller implements a backup timer, that includes a non-processor logic circuit, and is configured to disable cell balancing after expiration of the backup timer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: Thomas Joseph Wand
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Publication number: 20180354388Abstract: An operation control device for a fuel cell vehicle includes: a stack current determination unit monitoring a stack current of the fuel cell stack and determining whether an operation state of a fuel cell stack is in an upper-limit voltage limiting section; a battery state determination unit monitoring a state of charge (SOC) of a high voltage battery and determining whether the SOC of the high voltage battery is in a set reference SOC range; and an air flow rate control unit determining a compensation for an air flow rate of an air supply system according to the SOC of the high voltage battery, and outputting a control signal to an air compressor and an air pressure control valve according to the compensated air flow rate, when the operation state of the fuel cell stack is in the upper-limit voltage limiting section.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Dae Jong Kim, Gun Hyung Park, Seung Yoon Lee
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Publication number: 20180354389Abstract: An expandable seat for a vehicle comprising a support structure movable between an expanded state and a contracted state, the support structure forming a seating region that is greater in size when the support structure is in the expanded state than when the support structure is in the contracted state, and a flexible covering movably coupled to the support structure. The support structure and the flexible covering cooperate to ensure that the flexible covering covers the seating region of the support structure when the support structure is in the expanded state and when the support structure is in the contracted state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ian Guy, Marcus Hoggarth, Ben Carroll, Natasha DeLange, Matthew Graeme Leck
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Publication number: 20180354390Abstract: A snow groomer or other tracked vehicle, such as tracked carrier to carry and enable use of work equipment on various terrains, is provided. The snow groomer may comprise a chassis, an operator cabin mounted to the chassis from which operation of the snow groomer is controlled, track assemblies for causing the snow groomer to advance, a power plant in a driving relationship with the track assemblies, and a tiller assembly attached at the rear of the chassis. The operator cabin comprises a seating system that includes an operator seat, a base, and a seat carriage mounted to the base, which allows the operator seat both to move in a direction transverse to the direction of motion of the snow groomer, and to pivot about an axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Jonathan Thibault, Martin Kirchmair, Michel Pelletier, Patrick Hebert, Francis Gendron, Ariane Authier, Stephane Bergeron, Francois Paquet
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Publication number: 20180354391Abstract: A motor vehicle seating system is provided. The seating system comprises two or more seats and a guide track extending between three or more spaced apart seating positions within an interior of the motor vehicle, wherein each of the seats is movably coupled to the guide track, such that the seats are movable between the seating positions. A seat, suitable for use in the motor vehicle seating system is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ian Guy, Marcus Hoggarth, Ben Carroll, Matthew Graeme Leck, Kyle Loughlin
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Publication number: 20180354392Abstract: An adjusting device for longitudinal adjustment of a vehicle seat comprises a lower rail 2 and a second rail 1 movably guided relative to the first rail. A first end stop 4 is supported on the second rail 1 or on the first rail 2 at a central position so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction, for defining the front end position and/or rear end position of the second rail 1 by cooperation with the first rail 2 or the second rail 1 and edges of a retainer cage 6 used for accommodating bearing members. According to the invention the total travel range of the adjusting device can be extended, because the central end stop can be displaced in longitudinal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Leo IOPPOLO, Paul HERR
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Publication number: 20180354393Abstract: A vehicle seat including: a cushion frame; a back frame; a recliner; and a clamping plate, wherein the clamping plate is provided with: a burring portion to which a projection portion of the recliner is fitted from an inner side thereof and an outer side thereof is fitted to a loosely fitted through hole of the back frame; and an abutting wall portion which is abutted on a standing wall portion of the back frame from an inner side in a radial direction, and wherein the clamping plate is fixed to the recliner in a state where the clamping plate and the recliner clamp the back frame by fitting the outer side of the burring portion to the loosely fitted through hole, fitting the inner side of the burring portion to the projection portion, and causing the abutting wall portion to be abutted on the standing wall portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroshi MIZOBATA
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Publication number: 20180354394Abstract: An in-vehicle carriage with the capability of carrying and supporting a child in a child seat of a vehicle across the length of a plurality of transverse rods while supported securely by the same and further supported by side posts on the rear seat of a vehicle. Said carriage can be slid within the vehicle to the safe side of the vehicle, that being the sidewalk side of the vehicle regardless of which side of the street the vehicle is parked. In a lateral motion the carriage can be pulled by side straps, by rope or by remote control.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Israel Travieso, Ralph Horowitz
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Publication number: 20180354395Abstract: A vehicle seat, wherein in order to ensure that air reliably flows through the entire sir channel formed on the seat obverse surface side when a blower on the seat reverse surface side is operated while an occupant is seated on the seat, a hole part passing from the surface on the side for seating the occupant through to the surface on the opposite side from the surface on the side for seating the occupant is formed through each urethane pad in a seat back and a seat cushion of the vehicle seat, the interiors of the hole parts formed in the urethane pads are filled with a material that is more breathable than the urethane pads, a plurality of grooves extending from the hole parts are formed on the surface of each of the urethane pads on the side for seating the occupant, and a blower for discharging or intaking air from the surface of each of the urethane pads on the side for seating the occupant through the hole parts filled with the breathable material is provided on the surface of each of the urethane padsType: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2016Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Kazuyoshi ARATA, Jun TAKANO
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Publication number: 20180354396Abstract: A multi-headrest assembly for a vehicle includes first and second headrests for first and second seats of the vehicle, respectively, and a multi-headrest mount having a crossbar and first and second brackets coupled to and spaced along the crossbar for supporting the first and second headrests, respectively. The crossbar has a length for defining a space between the first and second headrests for aligning the first and second headrests with the first and second seats, respectively, when mounted in the vehicle. The multi-headrest assembly further includes first and second seatback portions configured to be coupled to and supported by the first and second brackets, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: Lear CorporationInventors: Erdal KUSCU, Guenther GABSA, Roland TRAUB
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Publication number: 20180354397Abstract: A movable table for a motor vehicle is provided. The motor vehicle comprises a guide track extending at least partially around an interior space of the vehicle between a plurality of seating positions for seats within the vehicle. The movable table comprises a table top, a pillar, the table top being coupled to a first end of the pillar, and a follower element provided at a second end of the pillar, wherein the follower element is configured to movably couple the table to the guide track, such that the table is movable between seats positioned at the seating positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Matthew Graeme Leck, Kyle Loughlin
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Publication number: 20180354398Abstract: Disclosed is a Personal Electronic Device (PED) positioning apparatus that stows within a tray table. An articulated holder includes a crossbar arm that slides on at least one support shaft to a position where a crossbar can be rotate to provide an angled surface relative to the tray table to support a PED. When stowed, the crossbar presents a minimal profile with respect to the tray table. The exposed surface of the crossbar can be made to match the color and appearance of the tray table so that the apparatus has minimal visual impact.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp.Inventors: John S. Lamb, Dennis P. Markert
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Publication number: 20180354399Abstract: The present invention is a tilt truck and related method of transporting a vertical tank utilizing the tilt truck. The tilt truck includes a tractor truck with a tilt platform rotatably connected to a chassis of the tilt truck which can be raised to an angle of more than 90 degrees with respect to the tilt truck. The tilt platform includes a sliding arm assembly with at least one grappler hook sized to receive and secure a tank lifting bar of a vertical tank. The tilt truck, utilizing the tilt platform and sliding arm assembly is capable of lowering a vertical tank from a vertical position to a horizontal position ready for transport by a single operator located within a cab section of the tilt truck. Similarly, the tilt truck can also raise a vertical tank from a horizontal position to a vertical position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: Travis Ellis
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Publication number: 20180354400Abstract: A caddy for a pickup truck having a truck bed. The caddy including a body member and at least two elongate members securing the body member with respect to an interior of the truck. The body member having a bottom wall positionable on a floor of the truck bed, a forward wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall across the truck bed, and a pair of sidewalls positionable along lateral sides of the truck and each connected to the bottom and forward walls. The at least two elongate members are of a plurality of elongate members with an elastic length. Each of the at least two elongate members extends upwardly from a lower position at the interior of the truck toward a higher position at the corresponding one of the sidewalls. The elastic length of each of the at least two elongate members is stretched between the lower and upper positions, thus pulling the body member toward the floor of the truck bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: Floyd Davis
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Publication number: 20180354401Abstract: In one aspect there is provided a trailer having a front end, a rear end and a loading deck for carrying a skidsteer having an implement connector frame. The trailer further comprising a carrier operable to receive the skidsteer's implement connector frame. In a system aspect, there is provided trailer and skidsteer system. The trailer has a front end, a rear end and a loading deck for carrying a skidsteer thereon. The skidsteer has an implement connector frame. The system comprises a carrier operable to receive the skidsteer's implement connector frame and securing means to secure the implement connector to the carrier member. When the implement connector is secured to the carrier member, using the securing means, the skidsteer is placed in a secured transport position on the loading deck.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: Robert JOHNSON
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Publication number: 20180354402Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag positioning system includes a tag holder having a first region with a slot extending from an edge of the first region, and a second region extending from the first region. When an RFID tag having an antenna is disposed in the slot of the tag holder and when the tag holder is adapted to be retained adjacent a filling fixture of a gas tank with the second region adapted to be in contact with the gas tank so that the slot is approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the gas tank, the RFID tag's antenna is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gas tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Tahsin Durak, Michael R. Sayre
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Publication number: 20180354403Abstract: A tool can aid in articulating a water heater onto, and off of, an elevated pedestal. The tool can consist of at least a frame that is pivotally attached to a stationary base via a fulcrum feature. The frame may be sized to support a water heater with at least a pair of rails. The stationary base can have at least one rigid pivot stop cantilevered from a base body and shaped to maintain the stationary base at a non-normal tilted orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: John W. Strader
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Publication number: 20180354404Abstract: A cargo load restraint strip may have a base layer that comprises a stitchbond fabric. A separate reinforcement layer may comprise reinforcing strands or other type of material to increase tensile strength. An adhesive layer may be configured for attachment to a container wall and may include a release paper liner that may be peeled away prior to such attachment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: Matthew Bullock
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Publication number: 20180354405Abstract: A method of illumination includes energizing a light source of a lighting apparatus to emit a plurality of light rays. The method also includes directing a first light ray of the plurality of light rays into a first upper passageway. The method also includes directing a second light ray of the plurality of light rays into a first lower passageway. The method also includes redirecting the first light ray from the first upper passageway into a second upper passageway. The method also includes redirecting the second light ray from the second upper passageway into a second lower passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Robert T. Harrington, JR., Jeyachandrabose Chinniah
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Publication number: 20180354406Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: Seongho PARK
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Publication number: 20180354407Abstract: A monitoring device includes a comparison unit and a clock control unit. The comparison unit is configured to compare a signal level of a transmission signal and a signal level of a monitoring signal that has received the transmission signal with each other at a timing synchronized with a clock signal. The clock control unit is configured to detect the signal level of the monitoring signal and synchronize the clock signal with a timing when the signal level of the monitoring signal changes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshihisa HAYAMI, Kazuhiro SUZUKI, Yusuke FUNAMI
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Publication number: 20180354408Abstract: A vehicle headlamp system providing a glare-free high beam. A forward image-capturing device captures a forward image ahead of a vehicle on which the headlamp system is disposed. A blind spot sensor detects blind spots to side and rear of the vehicle. A headlamp lights ahead of the vehicle based on a set illumination area. An electronic control unit (ECU) generates a control command for controlling an illumination area of the headlamp, based on the forward image captured using the forward image-capturing device and information regarding the blind spots detected by the blind spot sensor. A driving unit drives the headlamp based on the control command from the ECU.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: Jun Young SUNG
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Publication number: 20180354409Abstract: A tank trailer includes a tank having an outer surface face and an inner surface and a central longitudinal vertical plane extending between the first end and the second end. The outer surface faces away from the central longitudinal vertical plane and the inner surface faces towards the central longitudinal vertical plane. The outer surface and the inner surface define an interior volume adapted to be filled with material. The tank trailer may further include a set of ground-engaging wheels supporting the tank trailer from below, a bar positioned proximate the outer surface of the tank and a light source provided on the bar. The tank may further include a frame member operatively engaged with the bar and a sheet material extending between the bar and the frame member. The frame member is movable between a first position and a second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: James A. Maiorana
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Publication number: 20180354410Abstract: A vehicle jack locator system for a vehicle that incorporates a light source such as an LED to direct the operator to the recommended position for the load engaging saddle of a jack is disclosed. The vehicle jack locator system allows the operator to see, even in dark or poorly illuminated environments, the recommended place to position the jack saddle. The system incorporates a vehicle rocker panel having an outer surface and an underside positioned below the outer surface, a rocker panel jack attachment point on the underside of the panel for receiving the jack saddle, a jack placement indicator light positioned on the outer surface of the rocker panel at a point above the jack attachment point and near a tire, and a power system for selectively energizing the light. The power system is a tire pressure sensor system that includes tire pressure sensors and an electronic control module.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Michelle Carolina Herrera Gutierrez, Nicole Pamela Herrera Gutierrez
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Publication number: 20180354411Abstract: Methods are provided for managing a passenger's interaction with an autonomous vehicle. The method identifies a passenger approaching an autonomous vehicle and activates a recognition signal that indicates pairing the passenger with the vehicle. As the passenger approaches, and entry point for the vehicle is identified. A recognition signal for the entry point is activated and the passenger is notified. As the exit point for the bride approaches, it is identified by the vehicle and in exit indicator is activated for the passenger. Any exit obstacles are identified by the vehicle and the passenger is notified. And exit indicator is activated for the passenger to provide notification of a safe to exit status from the autonomous vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: YAEL SHMUELI FRIEDLAND, ASAF DEGANI, GILA KAMHI, ORI SUCCARY, JAKIE SHEMESH
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Publication number: 20180354412Abstract: A work machine management system includes: an operation range setting unit that sets an operation range in which a direction indicator of a work machine is operated; a traveling condition data generation unit that generates traveling condition data of the work machine; a blinker data setting unit that generates blinker data for controlling the direction indicator on the basis of the operation range and the traveling condition data; and an output device that outputs the blinker data to the work machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2016Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Masanori Ogihara, Koji Takeda, Tomonori Ozaki, Akiharu Nishijima, Ryuuen Kou
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Publication number: 20180354413Abstract: A deployable safety zone system includes at least a first arm mounted on a support member and being movable between stored and operating positions relative to the support member. The support member and first arm define a safety zone between then when the first arm is in the operating position. The safety system may include reflective mechanisms, light sources, and an alarming system. The alarming system may include a transmitter positioned on one part of the safety system, a receiver positioned on another part of the safety system and an alarm mechanism. A signal may be sent between the transmitter and receiver and if that signal is interrupted, a visual or audible alarm may be generated. Alternatively, the deployable safety zone system may comprise a sensor assembly disposed adjacent the support member The alarmed safety zone is defined between the support member and the sensor assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2017Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventor: James A. Maiorana