Patents Issued in January 3, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190001801
    Abstract: In embodiments herein, a vehicle cover device is provided. The device includes a vehicle cover member and a housing for receiving the vehicle cover member, including a first housing member and a second housing member hingeably associated with one another. The housing includes a roller rotatably disposed there within for receiving the vehicle cover member, the roller having a first and a second end, and being rotatable to roll the vehicle cover member into a retracted position, and to extend the vehicle cover member. The housing includes a first end member and a second end member for abutting the first and second ends, respectively, of the roller, and a biasing member associated with at least one of the first end member or the second end member to bias the roller in the first rotatable direction, wherein vehicle cover member is movable between an extended and a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventor: Joseph GIAMBRONE
  • Publication number: 20190001802
    Abstract: A device for driving a vehicle including an engine that serves as a power source of the vehicle, and a transmission that is connected to the engine, the engine and the transmission being arranged longitudinally such that an axial direction of an output shaft of the engine accords with a front-rear direction of the vehicle includes a motor generator (MG) that serves as a power source of the vehicle, and a speed reducer that is connected to the MG. The MG and the speed reducer are arranged outside of an engine compartment that accommodates the engine. An output shaft of the speed reducer is connected to a power transmission system, which transmits power of an output shaft of the transmission to a drive shaft of a vehicle wheel, to be capable of transmitting its power to the power transmission system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki SHINKAI, Takashi SATO, Takurou NAKAOKA, Takeo MAEKAWA, Keiji KONDOU
  • Publication number: 20190001803
    Abstract: A battery mounting structure to enhance rigidity of a vehicle body without increasing a vehicle weight is provided. The battery mounting structure comprises a pair of frame members extending longitudinally and a battery pack an all-solid battery having a cell stack. The battery pack is disposed between the frame members. The battery pack is connected to the frame member through a connection member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Yasuhiro HARA, Seigo FUJISHIMA, Masayoshi ISHIKAWA, Masayuki KITAURA
  • Publication number: 20190001804
    Abstract: A hybrid energy storage module (HESM) configured to be used on an aircraft to provide electrical energy may include a battery and an ultracapacitor each configured to receive the electrical energy, store the electrical energy, and discharge the electrical energy, a power bus in electronic communication with the battery and the ultracapacitor, and a controller coupled to the battery and the ultracapacitor and configured to control charging and discharging of the battery and of the ultracapacitor such that a measured voltage of the power bus is adjusted based upon at least one of a battery state of charge (SOC) or an ultracapacitor SOC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew L. Wilhide
  • Publication number: 20190001805
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for hybrid electric internal combustion engine applications in which a motor-generator, a narrow switchable coupling and a torque transfer unit therebetween are arranged and positioned in the constrained environment at the front of an engine in applications such as commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles and stationary engine installations. The motor-generator is preferably positioned laterally offset from the switchable coupling, which is co-axially-arranged with the front end of the engine crankshaft. The switchable coupling is an integrated unit in which a crankshaft vibration damper, an engine accessory drive pulley and a disengageable clutch overlap such that the axial depth of the clutch-pulley-damper unit is nearly the same as a conventional belt drive pulley and engine damper. The front end motor-generator system includes an electrical energy store that receives electrical energy generated by the motor-generator when the coupling is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: David COLAVINCENZO, Fernando VENEGAS DIAZ
  • Publication number: 20190001806
    Abstract: In an industrial hybrid engine, an endless rotary band wound around a drive pulley of a crankshaft and a motor pulley of an electric motor for power is provided. The electric motor is attached to an engine body by using a support bracket. A tension mechanism is supported by the support bracket, the tension mechanism tensioning the endless rotary band in a direction in which the endless rotary band is stretched. A second support bracket that supports the electric motor separately from the support bracket is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Masayasu TAKAMI, Tamotsu KUNO
  • Publication number: 20190001807
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling module for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a cooling module for a vehicle including a condenser, a first radiator through which coolant for an engine flow, a second radiator through which coolant for electrical components flows, and an intercooler, and capable of evenly distributing air resistance of the front surface of the first radiator to secure an overall balance of an air volume distribution by disposing the condenser, the second radiator, and the first radiator in a flow direction of air or disposing the second radiator, the condenser, and the first radiator in this order, and disposing the intercooler on lower sides of the condenser and the second radiator, and capable of minimizing a gap of each heat exchange period by disposing the condenser C and the first radiator R to be in closely contact with the second radiator L.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Ji Hun HAN, Gwang Ok KO, Hyun Keun SHIN, Seok Jong YOO
  • Publication number: 20190001808
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a first end configured to face oncoming airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface and an opposing second end and an under-hood compartment provided in the first end of the vehicle body. An underbody extends between the first and second ends of the vehicle body and defines a space between the vehicle body and the road surface. At least one aerodynamic member is disposed adjacent a forward portion of the underbody and proximate to the under-hood compartment. The at least one aerodynamic member includes a housing and an airflow management device provided in an opening in the housing. The airflow management device is selectively positioned to direct the airflow from the front end of the vehicle into the under-hood compartment to improve vehicle performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Del Gaizo, William Fang
  • Publication number: 20190001809
    Abstract: A grille shutter unit which is provided with plural shutters extending in a vehicle width direction is attached to a frame-shaped shroud, a center stay is provided to extend in a vertical direction and connect a central portion, in a width direction, of a shroud upper and a central portion, in the width direction, of a shroud lower, the grille shutter unit is attached to a back-face side of the shroud, and an actuator (driving actuator) for opening/closing the shutters is arranged at a back-face side of the center stay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunsuke FUJITANI, Daisuke SAKAGAMI, Haruo ETCHU, Nobuyuki NAKAYAMA, Yuhki TAKANAGA, Takeshi YAMADA, Masahide KANEMORI
  • Publication number: 20190001810
    Abstract: A grille shutter unit which is provided with shutters and a frame which pivotally supports shutter shafts provided at the shutters is attached to a frame-shaped shroud which supports heat exchangers. The grille shutter unit is configured to be attached to the shroud from a back-face side of the shroud at a position located in front of the heat exchangers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunsuke FUJITANI, Daisuke SAKAGAMI, Haruo ETCHU, Nobuyuki NAKAYAMA, Yuhki TAKANAGA, Takeshi YAMADA, Masahide KANEMORI
  • Publication number: 20190001811
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling depressurization in a fuel tank of a motor vehicle, including: the initial controlled opening of the isolation valve in order to lower the pressure inside the tank; determination of a blockage condition in the roll over valve on the basis of at least one item of information relating to the pressure gradient in the tank following the initial opening of the isolation valve; and, if the roll over valve blockage condition is met, the controlled closing of the isolation valve, followed by its controlled re-opening in order to continue lowering the pressure in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Thierry COLLET, Oliver GRUNWALD, Aurélien GROUSSARD
  • Publication number: 20190001812
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a fuel monitoring system for vehicles. More specifically, an embodiment of the system includes a hollow tube insertable into a filler tube of a fuel reservoir. The hollow tube has a first end defining an opening for receiving a fuel nozzle and a cap connectable to the first end. The system also includes a sensor that produces a signal representative of an amount of fuel flowing through the hollow tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventor: Buddy Moore
  • Publication number: 20190001813
    Abstract: A closure system for a pressurized container system for a motor vehicle includes a fuel filler flap and at least one refueling connection. The refueling connection has a non-return valve and a protective cap. The protective cap is designed to be pluggable onto an end of the refueling connection. The fuel filler flap covers a refueling compartment which is set back from the vehicle body. On the side facing the refueling compartment, the fuel filler flap has such a contour that the fuel filler flap can be closed only if the protective cap is fitted on the refueling connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventor: Hans-Ulrich STAHL
  • Publication number: 20190001814
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a rear floor panel, a first rear cross member, a fuel tank and a VSF valve. The rear floor panel includes a first wall and a second wall. The first rear cross member includes a pair of first vertical walls extending in an upward/downward direction, and a first horizontal wall configured to connect lower ends of the pair of first vertical walls. The fuel tank includes a second connecting surface extending along the first horizontal wall. The first horizontal wall includes a pair of horizontal sections and an inclined section. The VSF valve is installed at a position overlapping the inclined section in a forward/rearward direction of a vehicle body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Yuki Muramatsu, Masahito Murota
  • Publication number: 20190001815
    Abstract: The following invention relates to smart material couplings, particularly to shape memory alloy drivetrain systems to mitigate against shock or blast. There is provided an armoured land vehicle comprising:—an armoured v shaped hull; a powerplant located within said chassis, at least one wheel set with a hub, and, at least one drive shaft comprising a shape memory alloy, wherein said drivetrain is located between and operably connected via drive couplings to said powerplant and the hub of the at least one wheel set, to provide drive to said at least one wheel set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS plc
    Inventors: MARCUS JASON POTTER, KATE CHARLIE ROGERS
  • Publication number: 20190001816
    Abstract: A differential assembly includes a side gear configured to receive torque and a wedge clutch. The wedge clutch includes a hub configured to connect with a shaft and a wedge element radially disposed between the hub and the side gear. The wedge element has an inner surface seated on the hub and an outer surface engageable with the side gear. The wedge element is radially expandable and has a rested state in which the side gear and the hub are rotatable relative to each other and an expanded state in which the side gear and hub are rotationally locked to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventor: Brian LEE
  • Publication number: 20190001817
    Abstract: An acceleration device includes: a support portion that has a communication passage, which communicates between a receiving space and an outside; a shaft that is rotatably supported by the support portion; a pedal boss portion that is located on a radially outer side of the shaft and is rotatable integrally with the shaft in the communication passage; a rotational angle sensor that is operable to sense a rotational angle of the shaft relative to the support portion; a pedal spring that urges rotation of the shaft in an accelerator closing direction; and a projection that is formed in a communication passage inner wall, which is an inner wall of the communication passage and is opposed to a boss portion outer wall of the pedal boss portion. The projection projects from the communication passage inner wall in a radially inward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Noriyasu KIHARA, Haruhiko SUZUKI, Takehiro SAITO
  • Publication number: 20190001818
    Abstract: A vehicle state determining unit (1) for determining a state of a vehicle and a display data selecting unit (5) for selecting display data corresponding to the state of the vehicle determined by the vehicle state determining unit (1) out of a plurality of display data for displaying information presented to the outside of the vehicle are provided, and an information displaying unit (8) is configured to display the information to the outside of the vehicle in accordance with the display data selected by the display data selecting unit (5). As a result, it is possible to select and display information contributing to driving safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Reiko SAKATA, Akiko IMAISHI
  • Publication number: 20190001819
    Abstract: A conveying car comprises at least one support frame in which at least one driven conveying element is arranged, and a current collector for energizing drive means for driving the at least one conveying element and driving the conveying car; said conveying car is characterized in that same has its own power supply that is independent of the central power supply used for normal operation of the conveying car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventor: Roland STEHR
  • Publication number: 20190001820
    Abstract: An energy supply device for a vehicle having an electric drive, comprising a high-voltage battery having two high-voltage connection contacts and at least one battery string, which is arranged between the high-voltage connection contacts, and at least two string contacts between which the at least one battery string is arranged, and a DC/DC converter, the output side of which provides a low voltage for a low-voltage system of the vehicle and the input side of which is electrically conductively connected to the at least one battery string by way of the two string contacts, wherein the energy supply device is embodied to supply electrical energy to the low-voltage system of the vehicle by way of the at least one battery string in the event of a fault. The invention relates furthermore to a vehicle having an above energy supply device and to a corresponding method for supplying energy for a vehicle having an electric drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Mittnacht, Marcus Zacher
  • Publication number: 20190001821
    Abstract: A method for monitoring electrical insulation resistance in an electric system includes: supplying electric power from an external power supply via a first conductor and a second conductor; feeding the electric power to the electric system via a first current collector and a second current collector, each of which are configured to be electrically connected to the electric system via a first main contactor and a second main contactor, respectively; and monitoring the insulation resistance by means of an insulation resistance monitoring unit associated with a control unit and connected to each of the main contactors. The method further includes: maintaining the main contactors in a closed state when the current collectors are disconnected from the conductors, thereby allowing monitoring of the insulation resistance; opening the main contactors and subsequently connecting the current collectors to the conductors; and closing the main contactors thereby allowing monitoring of the insulation resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomas GUSTAFSSON
  • Publication number: 20190001822
    Abstract: The method comprises the steps of generating speed signals indicative of the angular speed of the wheels of said axle; generating an error signal indicative of the error or difference between a set point speed for the wheels, determined by means of a reference model, and the speed indicated by said speed signals; and generating a driving signal for torque-controlling apparatuses applied to the wheels of said axle, by adaptive filtering of an input signal which is a function of said set point speed, modifying parameters of the adaptive filtering as a function of said error signal, such as to make such speed error or difference tend to zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventor: Roberto TIONE
  • Publication number: 20190001823
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe (10) on an electrical power supply track for an electric railway vehicle, the shoe (10) comprising: a power supply flange (12) movable between a retracted position and a deployed position; an actuator (11) able to move the flange between the retracted and deployed positions; and a mechanical system (13) connecting the flange to the actuator; characterized in that the actuator (11): has a movement speed such that it is able to move the flange (12) between its retracted and deployed positions in a time period shorter than or equal to 1 second, and preferably shorter than or equal to 0.5 seconds; and has a number of operating cycles before failure greater than or equal to 2,500,000.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Patrick DUPRAT, Leonardo FORMENTI
  • Publication number: 20190001824
    Abstract: A solar support mounted on a vehicle roof includes a module bracket and a photovoltaic module disposed on the module bracket. The module bracket fits the vehicle roof. The module bracket is provided with at least two fixing units. Each of the at least two fixing units detachably fits an upper edge of a vehicle door frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Penghui LU, Dapeng ZHANG, Jian WANG
  • Publication number: 20190001825
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a photovoltaic vehicle roof. The photovoltaic vehicle roof comprises a structural layer including a flat-plate or single-curve surface shaped power generation zone and a transition zone disposed around the power generation zone, and a photovoltaic module layer including a flexible photovoltaic thin-film module secured to an upper surface of the power generation zone. The present disclosure adopts a single-curve surface or flat-plate shaped power generation zone, and only needs to lay the flexible photovoltaic thin-film module on the power generation zone. The process is simple and convenient, and can effectively prolong the service life of the photovoltaic vehicle roof since no complex stress will be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Penghui LU, Dapeng ZHANG, Baoyi HU
  • Publication number: 20190001826
    Abstract: An electric motor includes a housing, a stator, and a rotor. The stator is composed of a stator core and a stator coil. The stator coil is composed of a plurality of individual coils provided to teeth of the stator core. The housing has lubricating oil supply portion, through which the lubricating oil is supplied onto coil ends of upper individual coils. A temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the stator coil is disposed at a position lower than an axis of a rotor and higher than an oil level of the lubricating oil accumulated in the bottom portion of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenichi SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20190001827
    Abstract: A wireless coupling for simultaneously communicating with a vehicle and feeding from said vehicle an electronic device disposed in a vehicle interior part disposed inside the vehicle, by means of an NFC technology. The coupling includes a first-end powering transceiver located in a fixed position within the vehicle, having: a connection component electrically connectable to a wiring system of the vehicle, a first end ECU, first-end RF transceiving component, a first-end EMC filter, and a first-end antenna showing certain first-end impedance Zx. It also includes a second-end powered transceiver configured to be disposed in a vehicle part in which the electronic device is disposed. The second-end powered transceiver includes second-end RF transceiving component and a second-end antenna showing certain second-end impedance Zy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Álvaro PÉREZ VALLEJO, Óscar GARCÍA PÉREZ
  • Publication number: 20190001828
    Abstract: A battery temperature control system includes: a memory storing a maximum charging current map according to temperature of a battery for an electric vehicle, and an allowable current map according to a control pilot (CP) duty; and a temperature controller comparing a maximum charging current corresponding to a current temperature of the battery with an allowable current corresponding to a current CP duty to determine whether to increase the temperature of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Kyu Beom KO, Seung Myun CHUNG, Tae Woo LEE, Jae Seok YOU, Deok Keun SHIN, Jin Cheol SHIN
  • Publication number: 20190001829
    Abstract: An inductive charging system for a vehicle having an electrical storage unit, in particular, an electric vehicle and a method of using the inductive charging system are provided. The inductive charging system preferably has a first coil device for a charging station and a second coil device for mounting on a vehicle, wherein the second coil device is preferably designed to magnetically interact with the first coil device. Furthermore, the inductive charging system preferably has a first positioning device, which movably supports the first coil device, wherein the system is preferably designed to produce an attractive magnetic force between the first coil device and the second coil device, which magnetic force causes a defined orientation of the first coil device in relation to the second coil device by the positioning unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Fredrik HOCKE, Helmut WAGATHA
  • Publication number: 20190001830
    Abstract: An auto-charging system is disclosed. The system may comprise a base and a set of lower arms. The set of lower arms may comprise a first lower arm and a second lower arm each having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first lower arm may be attached to the base, and the second ends of the first and second lower arms may be attached to a hinge joint. The system may further comprise an upper arm having a first end attached to the hinge joint and a second end, a charger arm having a first end attached to second end of the upper arm and a second end, the set of lower arms, the upper arm, and the charger arm being foldable into the base, and a charger attached to the second end of the charger arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Chi Hung Cao, Richard S. Kim, Mike de Jung, Jason Huang
  • Publication number: 20190001831
    Abstract: A method for supplying power from at least one power supply unit to transportation vehicles requiring a power supply, in which a position of a transportation vehicle-side power supply interface of a transportation vehicle requiring power is determined for each vehicle and the transportation vehicle-side power supply interface is automatically coupled to a power supply interface of the power supply unit by the power supply interface of the power supply unit being moved by a robot to the transportation vehicle-side power supply interface and coupled thereto. A robot is responsible for coupling transportation vehicles to a suitable power supply interface of the power supply unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel SCHÜTZ, Michael GROTE, Jürgen STIEG, Lutz JUNGE, Sven HORSTMANN, Thorsten BAGDONAT, Sebastian GRYSCZYK, Andreas WEISER, Norbert SETTELE
  • Publication number: 20190001832
    Abstract: A method for supplying power from at least one power supply unit to transportation vehicles requiring a power supply, in which a position of a transportation vehicle-side power supply interface of a transportation vehicle requiring power is determined for each transportation vehicle and the transportation vehicle-side power supply interface is automatically coupled to a power supply interface of the power supply unit by the power supply interface of the power supply unit being moved by a robot to the transportation vehicle-side power supply interface and coupled thereto. A robot is responsible for coupling transportation vehicles to a suitable power supply interface of the power supply unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel SCHÜTZ, Michael GROTE, Jürgen STIEG, Lutz JUNGE, Sven HORSTMANN, Thorsten BAGDONAT, Sebastian GRYSCZYK, Andreas WEISER, Norbert SETTELE
  • Publication number: 20190001833
    Abstract: A vehicle that is capable of vehicle-to-vehicle charging is disclosed. The vehicle may include a processing unit configured to receive a request to charge a first battery of a first vehicle, respond to the request to offer the charge, and authorize the charge. The vehicle may further include a battery configured to charge the first battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Matthew Joseph Coburn, Skyler Reed Lund
  • Publication number: 20190001834
    Abstract: A charge/discharge apparatus 200 includes a power conversion unit, which converts alternating-current power into direct-current power and supplies the direct-current power to a power supply source in an electric vehicle, and a control unit, which controls the power conversion unit, and performs transmission of information between the electric vehicle and the control unit. The control unit determines chargeability to the power supply source in the electric vehicle connected to the charge/discharge apparatus using compatibility information indicating that the charge/discharge apparatus is compatible with a charging method in accordance with characteristics of the power supply source, and non-compatibility information indicating that the charge/discharge apparatus 200 is not compatible with the charging method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takuto SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20190001835
    Abstract: A drivable distance calculation device calculates a drivable distance that the vehicle equipped with the device can travel. The drivable distance calculation device includes a remaining battery capacity sensor which calculates a remaining capacity of a battery installed in the vehicle; and a arithmetic unit which calculates multiple power consumption ratios for different units of driving in accordance with variations in the remaining battery capacity calculated by the remaining battery capacity sensor and calculates the drivable distance based on the remaining battery capacity calculated by the remaining battery capacity sensor and a power consumption ratio selected from among the calculated multiple power consumption ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Satomi Ota, Naoki Yamamoto, Kenichi Gotou
  • Publication number: 20190001836
    Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to preemptively controlling one or more vehicle systems of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to (i) detecting that a present traffic level along a route of the vehicle satisfies a congestion threshold and (ii) detecting that a type of roadway on which the vehicle is traveling is a highway, determining whether the vehicle is traveling in a high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane by identifying whether a number of passengers in the vehicle satisfies an HOV threshold. The method includes adjusting the one or more vehicle systems within the vehicle according to whether the number of passengers satisfies the HOV threshold to cause the vehicle to operate efficiently while traveling along the route with the present traffic level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Joshua D. Payne, Shannon Alicia Wrobel, Heraldo F. Stefanon, Takanori Aoki
  • Publication number: 20190001837
    Abstract: A hybrid energy storage module (HESM) configured to be used on an aircraft to provide electrical energy includes a first energy storage component and a second energy storage component each configured to receive the electrical energy, store the electrical energy, and discharge the electrical energy. The HESM also includes a controller coupled to the first energy storage component and the second energy storage component. The controller is configured to control charging and discharging of the first energy storage component and of the second energy storage component such that the first energy storage component is charged to a desired first energy storage component state of charge (SOC) before the second energy storage component is charged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: MATTHEW L. WILHIDE
  • Publication number: 20190001838
    Abstract: Disclosed is a battery module, which includes a plurality of battery cells stacked one another and respectively having electrode leads protruding in the front and rear directions of the battery module, and a bus bar unit configured to integrally connect the electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Mi-Geum CHOI, Jeong-O MUN, Yoon-Koo LEE, Dal-Mo KANG
  • Publication number: 20190001839
    Abstract: The motor drive device includes: an electric motor (6); a controller (1) that controls a torque of the electric motor (6) or a quantity of state corresponding to the torque; and a torque transmitter that transmits the torque of the electric motor (6) to a wheel of a vehicle. The controller (1) includes a torque fluctuation inhibiting section (15) that inhibits torque fluctuation in the electric motor (6). The torque fluctuation inhibiting section (15) includes an execution determination section (15b) that determines whether or not to inhibit the torque fluctuation in the electric motor (6), based on a result of comparison between an estimated value of a torque fluctuation frequency in the electric motor (6), and one or both of transmission characteristics of the torque transmitter and vibration characteristics in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yui MASUDA
  • Publication number: 20190001840
    Abstract: When a stepping amount of an accelerator pedal is 0%, torque Ta is generated with the rotating speed being zero. When retreat is occurred in the slope start, the rotating speed is reduced. When the rotating speed is reduced, the torque is increased. Thus, the retreating force finally matches the propulsion force. As a result, the retreat becomes uniform motion. The decision of torque in such a manner does not require a value of a vehicle weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KAUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Nada
  • Publication number: 20190001841
    Abstract: A vehicle passenger compartment that defines a vehicle interior delimited in part by a floor, the interior having at least one front row of seats that includes at least two front seats, and at least one rear row of seats that includes at least two rear seats. The front and rear rows of seats are arranged behind one another in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle passenger compartment, each front seat being rotatable around a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the floor. Each rear seat is translatable in a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the rotation axis such that the rear seats can be moved away from or closer to one another in the transverse direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Eric VANEL, Fabrice AYCOBERRY, Thierry DEVOULON
  • Publication number: 20190001842
    Abstract: A bearing cage (6), for a seat rail pair (2) of a vehicle seat (1), has two interconnected cage elements (6.1, 6.2) which are axially symmetrical and accommodate a number of rolling bodies (5). A connecting element (6.3) is arranged between the cage elements (6.1, 6.2) at longitudinal sides of said cage elements, which face toward one another. The connecting element runs parallel to an axis of symmetry (S) and is of mechanically flexible. The connecting element (6.3) is in the form of a spring. The cage elements (6.1, 6.2) form spring limbs which are pivotable about the axis of symmetry (S). A seat rail pair (2) for a vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, is also provided and includes at least one such bearing cage (6). A vehicle seat (1) is also provided that includes at least one such seat rail pair (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Ingo QUAST, Erik SPRENGER
  • Publication number: 20190001843
    Abstract: A vehicle seat sliding device includes a lower rail, an upper rail, a lock lever, a spring, and an operation handle. A first through hole and a second through hole which are separated from each other in a longitudinal direction of the upper rail are formed in the upper rail. The lock lever further has a first engaging part which abuts on an inner wall surface of the first through hole and a second engaging part which abuts on an inner wall surface of the second through hole. At least while the lock lever is rotated by the operation handle, the first engaging part is engaged by the first through hole, and the second engaging part is engaged by the second through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventor: Naoki HAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20190001844
    Abstract: Various examples for controlling sway of a furniture that is suspended in a vehicle are disclosed herein. In addition to the suspended furniture, the vehicle can include sway control devices operatively connected to the suspended furniture. The sway control devices can be connected to the suspended furniture via sway lines. The sway control devices can be controlled to adjust the rates that the sway lines are let out or retracted. As a result, the vehicle can control how much the suspended furniture sways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Paxton S. Williams, Danil V. Prokhorov, Richard M. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20190001845
    Abstract: A vehicle slouch seat having a carriage that includes a front side and a rear side. A link element is located on a rear side of the carriage and a slideable element is located on the front side of the carriage. A cushion is movable in an upward direction with the carriage connected to a base structure at one of a plurality of latch points. The cushion is prevented being rotated in the upward direction via a cushion rotational prevention structure with the carriage connected to the base structure at another one of the plurality of latch points.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventor: Kurt SEIBOLD
  • Publication number: 20190001846
    Abstract: A motor vehicle multi-function mounting apparatus is disclosed comprising a support pedestal and a two part quick release mounting assembly for selectively attaching one of a selection of differing objects to an upper end of the support pedestal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Jackson, Ken Dell
  • Publication number: 20190001847
    Abstract: A seat adjuster having a fixed part (12), a drive element (26), an output element (22, 24), a clamping body coupling arrangement (16) by means of which a back and forth movement of the drive element (22, 24) out of a neutral position and back into the neutral position is converted into a continued movement of the output element (22, 24) in a uniform direction of rotation, and a releasable locking device for locking the output element (22) in a form-fitting manner on the fixed part (12), characterized in that the locking device is formed by a locking ring (74) which is axially displaceable between a locking position, in which it is non-rotatably coupled to the output element (22), and a release position, and cam surfaces (82, 84) are formed on the locking ring (74) and the drive element (26), which cam surfaces are complementary to one another and translate a rotation of the drive element (26) away from the neutral position into an axial movement of the locking ring (74) into the released position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Kuhlmann, Jörg Franke
  • Publication number: 20190001848
    Abstract: A control system for an inflatable support mechanism having a fluid inlet includes at least one inflate valve including an inlet, and a purge valve including an inlet portion and an outlet portion. The inlet portion is fluidically connected to the inlet. No more than one absolute pressure sensor is fluidically connected between the fluid inlet and the inlet of the at least one inflate valve and the inlet portion of the purge valve the no more than one absolute pressure sensor selectively sensing pressure within the inflatable support mechanism and atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventor: John Paul Wright
  • Publication number: 20190001849
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat back that is mounted on a base for relative movement between a first seat position and a second seat position. An armrest is mounted on the seat back for relative movement between a stowed position and a use position. An armrest restrictor prevents movement of the armrest relative to the seat back when the seat back is moved from the first seat position toward the second seat position and allows movement of the armrest relative to the seat back when the seat back is in the first seat position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Chris Edwards
  • Publication number: 20190001850
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a back portion that is mounted for rotational movement about a seat back axis between a first seat position and a second seat position. The seat assembly also includes an armrest mounted for rotational movement about an armrest axis relative to the back portion between a stowed position and a use position. The seat back axis is coaxial with the armrest axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Young Johnson, Mark Bell, Christophe Barrillet