Patents Issued in January 15, 2019
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Patent number: 10179483Abstract: This pneumatic tire (1) is provided with a plurality of circumferential main grooves (21, 22) extending in a tire circumferential direction, a plurality of land portions (31 to 33) defined by these circumferential main grooves (21, 22), and a plurality of lug grooves (41 to 43) disposed in these land portions (31 to 33). Additionally, at least one column of land portion (32) in a tread portion center region is provided with a plurality of blocks divided in the tire circumferential direction by the plurality of lug grooves (42) and a three-dimensional sipe (52) that extends over an entire circumference of the tire and divides the land portion (42) in a tire width direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.Inventor: Ryohei Takemori
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Patent number: 10179484Abstract: A high temperature warning system for a vehicle steer axle an air pressure supply, a normally-closed valve in fluid communication with pressure supply, a heat sensitive control capable of opening the normally-closed valve upon a predetermined temperature, the heat sensitive control mounted adjacent to the wheel end assembly in a heat exchange relationship therewith, and a warning system connected to the air pressure supply for actuation upon opening of the normally-closed valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Equalaire Systems, Inc.Inventor: Mark Kevin Hennig
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Patent number: 10179485Abstract: A tire module and cover for attachment to a pneumatic tire for vehicles is disclosed. The tire module has a device for measuring and/or monitoring the air pressure in the tire, a transmitter, a mechanical-electrical transducer, and an accumulator for electrical energy storage. The cover includes a flange which extends outwardly away from the tire module and has an underside for attachment to the inner side of the tire, said flange forming the edge of the interior space of the cover. The inner height of the cover may be less than or equal to the height of the tire module measured from the underside to the top side thereof. The flange has an inwardly directed projection which engages beneath the tire module. The underside of the tire module is higher up in the region of the flange projection as compared to a central underside region.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Benjamin Mueller, Ingemar Wolf, Andre Seifert
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Patent number: 10179486Abstract: A traction aid for a motor vehicle, comprising an elongated main body having a top and a bottom surfaces, the elongated main body having thereon a series of teeth and a sliding mechanism, a first securing member located at an end of the main body and projecting downwardly and a second securing member located at the bottom surface of the main body and attached to the sliding mechanism. The sliding mechanism allows movement of the second securing member towards or away from the first securing member along the bottom surface of the main body. The traction aid further comprises a securing mechanism configured to move the sliding mechanism and the second securing member towards the first securing member in order to squeeze a tire of the motor vehicle between the first and second securing members.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Inventor: Daniel Théroux
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Patent number: 10179487Abstract: A procedure for evaluating tire tread depth measurement data points acquired from a tread region on the surface of a tire in order to generate a representation of the tire tread region having an appearance of having been worn over time, so as to convey to a recipient a visual indication of potential tire tread wear at a point in time subsequent to the acquisition of the tire tread depth measurements.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: Timothy A. Larson, Theresa M. Houska, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
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Patent number: 10179488Abstract: A drawbar assembly for coupling a drawbar to a tongue of a towed implement includes a drawbar pin and a drawbar clevis having a bore configured to receive the drawbar pin. A locking plate is coupled to the drawbar clevis and movable between a pin-locked position in which the locking plate is configured to obstruct at least a portion of the bore, and a pin-unlock condition. An ejector mechanism is configured to dislodge the drawbar pin from the bore.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: AGCO CorporationInventors: Derek Hruska, Matthew Benjamin Shaw
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Patent number: 10179489Abstract: A tow-hook assembly may include a vehicle frame and a bumper arranged thereon, and a tow-hook assembly configured to attach to the vehicle bumper and provide a tow-hook. The assembly may include a bracket defining an opening configured to receive the tow-hook, and a brace attached to a backside of the bracket and including a projection extending through the opening to the opposite side of the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: S. M. Iskander Farooq, Srinivasan Sundararajan, Nirmal Muralidharan, Marwan Ahmad Elbkaily
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Patent number: 10179490Abstract: An A-arm suspension system may include a frame that defines respective left and right rear body mounting locations at about a rear end of the frame and respective left and right front body mounting locations at about a front end of the frame. Left and right side control arms are pivotally mounted to left and right sides of said frame so that at least portions of the left and right side control arms are generally aligned with the respective left and right front body mounting locations on the frame. Left and right side A-arms are pivotally mounted to the left and right sides of the frame assembly in generally spaced-apart relation to the respective left and right side control arms so that the control arms and the A-arms define respective left and right side ball joint axes. Left and right side wheel spindle assemblies are mounted to the respective left and right side control and A-arms.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2018Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Vantage Mobility International, LLCInventor: Michael J. Schmidt
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Patent number: 10179491Abstract: The invention relates to a strut rod made of composite material for a suspension of a front axle of a vehicle, including: an upper part coupled to a rod and piston assembly connected to a vehicle body; and a U-shaped lower part including two brackets for fixing a knuckle arm of the vehicle. This strut rod includes means for detecting a crack. This detection means includes at least one additional edge positioned so as to project from an outer surface of the U-shaped lower part of the strut rod in a region where a crack possibly occurs in the case of an accidental shock on a wheel of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: KYB CorporationInventors: Jean Marc Allegre, Vincent Hernette
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Patent number: 10179492Abstract: A method for operating a rotation damper for a motor vehicle which has an electric generator with a stator and a rotor includes detecting with a direction of rotation detection module a change of a direction of rotation of the rotor relative to the stator between a first direction of rotation and a second direction of rotation which is opposite to the first direction of rotation; generating with the direction of rotation detection module a signal indicative of an actual direction of rotation of the rotor relative to the stator; and as a function of the signal conducting an electrical current converted by the electric generator to a first electrical load having a first resistance value when the rotor rotates in the first direction of rotation, or to a second load having a second resistance value when the rotor rotates in the second direction of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: Wolfgang Brandstätter, Marco Willems, Vladimir Idelevitch, Wolfgang Merkes, Hans-Jürgen Langhoff, Johannes Wittmann
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Patent number: 10179493Abstract: A system and method for operating a motor vehicle having an active roll control system and an air suspension system including operating the air suspension system in a normal mode, according to a normal air spring setting. Upon determining a fault or malfunction of the active roll control system operating the air suspension in a fallback mode, according to a fallback air spring setting, wherein the fallback mode is different from the normal mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Martin Saeger, Simon Baales, Michael Seemann
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Patent number: 10179494Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention discloses a device (100) for connecting a wheel to a vehicle (620) comprising: an input shaft (620) able to be kinematically connected to an engine of a vehicle and having a rotation axis (C); an oscillating support (120) able to be hinged to a vehicle frame (T) along a predetermined horizontal hinge axis (B) parallel to and distanced from the rotation axis (C) of the input shaft (620); an auxiliary shaft (125) rotatably associated to the oscillating support (120) according to a rotation axis (A) parallel to and distanced from the hinge axis (B); a wheel-bearing hub (110) rotatably associated to the oscillating support (120) according to a rotation axis (A) parallel to and distanced from the hinge axis (B); first transmission means (625) able to transmit the motion from the input shaft (620) to the auxiliary shaft (125); second transmission means (130) able to transmit the motion of the auxiliary shaft (125) to the wheel-bearing hub (110).Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: COMCOR ENGINEERING—SRLInventor: Giuliano Montanari
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Patent number: 10179495Abstract: An adjustment system and method for adjusting a chassis property of a motor vehicle wherein an understeering sensitivity of the motor vehicle is increased upon detecting that a trailer has been coupled to the motor vehicle. A detection unit operates to detect when a trailer is attached or coupled to the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Martin Saeger, Simon Baales, Michael Seemann
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Patent number: 10179496Abstract: An air management system for a vehicle having a first pneumatic circuit and a second pneumatic circuit, in which the first and second pneumatic circuits are pneumatically connected in a neutral position via a cross-flow mechanism. The first pneumatic circuit includes a first leveling valve configured to adjust independently the height of a first side of the vehicle. The second pneumatic circuit includes a second leveling valve configured to adjust independently the height of a second side of the vehicle. The first and second leveling valves are configured to establish pneumatic communication between the first and second pneumatic circuits when the first leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the first side of the vehicle and the second leveling valve is not independently adjusting the height of the second side of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2018Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: BASE Air Management, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Vaughan, David Bryan Lewis, Joseph Calaway, George Arrants
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Patent number: 10179497Abstract: A ventilation bed for a vehicle may include an air conditioning system configured to supply air at a required temperature, a pad divided into a plurality of regions, and an airflow control apparatus configured to deliver the air supplied from the air conditioning system into the pad by controlling an amount and direction of the air, in which the air may be selectively supplied into at least a region of the pad depending on operation of the airflow control apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: SangJun Kim
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Patent number: 10179498Abstract: A storage evaporator for an air conditioning system in a vehicle is includes phase change material-containing tubes arranged side-by-side in contact with refrigerant-containing tubes. The storage evaporator includes an upper coolant tank, a lower coolant tank, refrigerant-containing tubes fluidly the connecting tanks, and phase change material-containing tubes provided in contact with the refrigerant tubes. The refrigerant tubes have flat sides and the phase change material-containing tubes have flat sides. The flat sides of the refrigerant tubes are attached to the flat sides of the phase change material-containing tubes. The phase change material may be any of several materials and may an eutectic, a salt hydrate, and an organic material. In operation, cold energy is stored in the phase change material when the air conditioning compressor is in its “on” position. This cold energy is released from the phase change material when the compressor is in its “off” position.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Air International Inc.Inventors: Lim Wijaya, Nickolaos Economou
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Patent number: 10179499Abstract: A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system has a steerable outlet for directing a stream of treated air into a passenger compartment of a vehicle. A thermographic imager is configured to capture thermographic images covering a fixed region within the passenger compartment in which an occupant is potentially located. The HVAC control circuit is configured to a) compress a thermographic image to a temperature map representing pixels of the thermographic image falling within a predetermined temperature range corresponding to the occupant, b) filter the temperature map according to a sliding window to coalesce continuous regions of pixels on average falling within the predetermined temperature range, c) quantify an area for each continuous region, d) locate a centroid of a continuous region having a largest area, and e) aim the steerable outlet toward the centroid.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: William Paul Perkins
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Patent number: 10179500Abstract: An ejector-type refrigeration cycle includes an ejector module integrated with a gas-liquid separation device. A length of an inlet pipe that connects a liquid-phase refrigerant outflow port of an ejector module to a refrigerant inflow port of an evaporator is shorter than a length of a suction pipe that connects a gas-phase refrigerant outflow port of the ejector module to a suction port of the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroshi Kataoka, Shun Kurata, Isamu Takasugi, Haruyuki Nishijima, Youhei Nagano, Yoshiyuki Yokoyama
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Patent number: 10179501Abstract: A door structure for a vehicle may include an external panel that forms an external side surface of the vehicle; a reinforcement beam that is engaged with the external panel; an internal panel of a reinforced plastic material that is engaged with the reinforcement beam; and a fastener that fixes the internal panel and the reinforcement beam.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Hyeokji Lee, Gon Kim, Jeong Hyeon Kim, Jae Hyuk Cheong, Rae Sung Park, In Jea Lee, Hee Min Ha
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Patent number: 10179502Abstract: A rain shield system for inhibiting rain from entering a vehicle includes a vehicle that has a doorway and a door. A shield is coupled to the vehicle. The shield is selectively positioned in a deployed position having the shield extending between the doorway and the door when the door is opened. In this way the shield inhibits rain from entering an interior of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Inventor: Mohamed Hija
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Patent number: 10179503Abstract: A cover and divider system for a cargo bed of a vehicle includes a plurality of connected cover portions securable over a cargo bed and at least one panel securable to underside of each of the plurality of cover portions in a stored condition and removable from the corresponding one of the plurality of cover portions to partition the cargo bed.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Kendra White, Pattrick Loew, Eric Rinke, Kyle Ness
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Patent number: 10179504Abstract: A sunshade is configured to extend over a portion of an operator area of the vehicle and includes a frame configured to be removably coupled to mounts for side view mirrors of the vehicle and a body coupled to the frame. At least a portion of the body is configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.Inventors: James A. Holroyd, Garth H. Bracy, Daniel G. Ritz, Alex M. Baltes
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Patent number: 10179505Abstract: A power transmission device PT includes a clutch input part 120, a clutch output part 130, a start clutch 110 which can connect the clutch input part 120 and the clutch output part 130 to each other, and an electric motor MG having a rotor MGa. The clutch input part 120, the clutch output part 130, and the start clutch 110 are arranged in the rotor MGa. The power transmission device PT includes a switching mechanism 140 which is switchable between an output side correction state in which the rotor MGa and the clutch output part 130 are connected to each other and an input side connection state in which the rotor MGa and the clutch input part 120 are connected to each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Masao Izumi
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Patent number: 10179506Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor, and a belt stepless speed changer device having a driving rotary body, a driven rotary body, a first shaft member supporting the driving rotary body with allowing rotation thereof in unison, a second shaft member supporting the driven rotary body with allowing rotation thereof in unison, and an endless belt wound around the driving rotary body and the driven rotary body. The vehicle further includes a transmission case configured to receive the powers from the engine and the motor via the belt stepless speed changer device and a centrifugal clutch incorporated in a power transmission line extending form the engine to the first shaft member. The motor is disposed on the side opposite the engine across the driving rotary body, and the driving power of the motor is inputted to the first shaft member.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Sumio Yagyu, Go Takaki, Shinichi Kawabata, Shigeki Hayashi, Shohei Nakai, Hiroki Bessho
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Patent number: 10179507Abstract: Provided is a vehicle in which overdischarge of a battery is protected and turning drivability of the vehicle is improved when there is even a little remaining capacity. An ECU controls the left motive force and the right motive force of the left electric motor and the right electric motor so as not to exceed a differential torque upper limit value, which is the maximum value of the difference between the left motive force and the right motive force established on the basis of the temperature or discharge limit power of the battery. When the battery is at a low temperature or the like and the discharge power is limited, the difference between the left motive force and the right motive force is controlled on the basis of the discharge limit power, whereby the turnability of the vehicle is improved while preventing the risk of damage to the battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2014Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshito Terayama, Masaki Negoro, Tomokazu Honda, Akiyoshi Kobayashi, Shintaro Yoshimi, Yoshifumi Nakamura
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Patent number: 10179508Abstract: Vehicles are disclosed which have a lower center of gravity than existing all-terrain, amphibious, and unmanned ground vehicles due to the location of propulsion units and other vehicle components inside the wheels of the vehicle. The vehicles can climb over large obstacles yet are also able to corner at high speeds. The vehicles can be configured for direct manual operation or operation by remote control, and can also be configured for a wide variety of missions.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: PAHA DESIGNS, LLCInventor: Benjamin Meager
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Patent number: 10179509Abstract: A cooling device for an automobile that includes a front opening opened in a front engine room, a first air blower arranged in the front engine room on a front side of a drive engine, and an introduction passage for guiding, toward the first air blower, air to flow from the front side of the front opening through the front opening is configured to cool the drive engine with the air flow passing from the introduction passage to the drive engine via the first air blower. The cooling device includes a duct having a first opening opened in the introduction passage and a second opening opened to rear of the drive engine in the front engine room, to form an air passage for air to flow between the first opening and the second opening.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Akihiro Maeda, Takashi Yasuda, Koichi Harada, Ken Mutou
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Patent number: 10179510Abstract: A vehicle arrangement includes a display for providing an indication of a status of a first vehicle function, a first operational interface for controlling the first vehicle function, and a control unit connected to the display and the first operational interface, the control unit being adapted for selectively controlling the display for displaying the status of the first vehicle function. The vehicle arrangement further includes an arrangement for detecting an intention to control the first operational interface, and the control unit selectively controls the display for displaying the status of the first vehicle function at and for a predetermined time period following the detection of an intention to control the first operational interface.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2012Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Volvo Truck CorporationInventor: Peter Kronberg
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Patent number: 10179511Abstract: A harvester may include a reciprocating member to engage a crop, an electrical generator to convert reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member into electrical energy and an electrical storage unit storing the electrical energy. The harvester may include a first movable member to engage a crop, an electrical generator at least partially carried by the first movable member to generate electrical energy from movement of the first movable member, a second movable member carried by the first movable member and an actuator to drive movement of the second movable member using the electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Jacob G. Schoeny
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Patent number: 10179512Abstract: A control section is configured to perform a high-degree abnormal state control in which the control section terminates a specified shifting step for shifting a vehicle to an operable state and shifts the vehicle to an operation inhibiting state when an operation checking section determines that the vehicle is in a predetermined high-degree abnormal state, and the control section is configured to perform a low-degree abnormal state control different from a normal state control without terminating the specified shifting step, when the operation checking section determines that the vehicle is in a predetermined low-degree abnormal state different from the predetermined high-degree abnormal state, and perform the normal state control, when the operation checking section determines that the vehicle has been restored from the predetermined low-degree abnormal state to a state in which the vehicle is operable normally.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda
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Patent number: 10179513Abstract: A power net system of a fuel cell vehicle is provided. The power net system includes a fuel cell and a high-voltage battery unit connected in parallel via a main bus and a first switching unit that is configured to form and block an electrical connection between an output terminal of the fuel cell and the main bus. A load device diverges and is connected between the output terminal of the fuel cell and the first switching unit. A reverse current blocking unit is connected between the first switching unit and a node from which the load device diverges. A second switching unit is configured to form and block an electrical connection between the output terminal of the fuel cell and the load device. A controller operates the first and second switching units and adjusts the electrical connection state between the main bus and the high-voltage battery unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Sang Uk Kwon
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Patent number: 10179514Abstract: In a case where an external charging start time is set in an external charging timer when a charging plug is connected to a charging connector, a charging controller is configured to perform standby setting of external charging before the external charging start time and transits to a pause state. The charging controller is intermittently activated during a timer charging setting period from a pause period start time when transition is made to the pause state to the external charging start time, and when a battery temperature at the time of activation of the charging controller is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, execute a temperature increase mode in which a heater is operated to increase the temperature of a main battery.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Murata, Yusuke Kuruma
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Patent number: 10179515Abstract: The application relates to a system for charging a battery of an electrical vehicle. The electrical vehicle charging system of the present application is helpful for decreasing the converter capacity while maintaining the charging capacity and electrical vehicles with various nominal voltages can be charged simultaneously. In one aspect the system for charging an electrical vehicle includes: a plurality of central converters, at least one switch electrically connected to the central converters, at least one transformer electrically connected to an external AC power supply, at least one distributed converter for supplying at least one distributed DC voltage with a level below that of the central converter, and a controller connected to the at least one switch.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventors: Dawei Yao, Xiaobo Yang, Chunming Yuan, Chao Yang
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Patent number: 10179516Abstract: A control device that controls a charging apparatus and a power supplying apparatus stops charging to a secondary battery when a connecting terminal is connected to each of both of a charging terminal and a discharging terminal. Also, the control device continues to stop the charging when the charging-stopped state is detected by the cut-off detecting portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2013Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takayuki Ogawa
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Patent number: 10179517Abstract: A module system is configured for establishing a plurality of variants of a charging device of a vehicle and includes a first module type with a first interface and a second interface; multiple variants of a second module type, each having a first interface and a second interface, wherein the variants have different second interfaces; multiple variants of a third module type, each having a first interface and a second interface, wherein the variants have different second interfaces; wherein the first interface of the second module type is configured for coupling with the first interface of the first module type, wherein the first interface of the third module type is configured for coupling with the second interface of the first module type, and wherein the charging socket can be constructed from a coupling of a variant of the second module type, the first module type, and a variant of the third module type.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2013Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Audi AGInventor: Michael Toth
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Patent number: 10179518Abstract: A power docking port system includes a charging probe having a substantially tetrahedral shape with multiple sides and a base portion, each of the multiple sides having a surface. A first set of contacts is embedded into the charging probe and each of the contacts extends radially outwardly from the base portion disposed at a predetermined angle from the others. A second set of contacts are individually mounted onto a different one of the multiple sides so as to conform with its surface. A port is adapted for use in current charging of electronic vehicles wherein the port is constructed to mate with the charging probe and the port includes a mating contact for each of the contacts on the charging probe. The port further includes an interface connector located at an output end of the port for electrically coupling with external power lines and other circuits.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Inventors: Ricky Jay Henderson, Aaron Nathaniel Henderson
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Patent number: 10179519Abstract: A motor vehicle includes an high-voltage power system, a multi-battery system including energy stores for supplying power to an electric drive motor, and switching units connecting the energy stores to the power system. A control device detects a state of charge of each energy store and to selectively connect and/or disconnect the energy stores as a function of their state of charge during travel to and from the power system. The switching units include each contactors to disconnect the energy stores on a plus side and on a minus side from the power system, with only either the positive side or negative side of each energy store including a contactor configured to switch when a load is greater than a minimum load, whereas the other one of the positive and negative sides includes a contactor that is adequate only for a load demand which is less than the minimum load.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2014Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: Jörg Schmidt
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Patent number: 10179520Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle comprises a fuel cell module, a vehicle body frame, a plurality of mounting portions and a tank. A front portion of the vehicle body frame that a front side mounting portion is attached to is configured to be movable upward in a vehicle height direction when a load is applied in the vehicle longitudinal direction. A rear side mounting portion configured to mount a rear side of the fuel cell module in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the vehicle body frame is configured to be more easily breakable, compared with the front side mounting portion, when the load is applied in the vehicle longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Taiho Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigetaka Yoshikawa, Hiroaki Nishiumi, Tatsuya Tokumasu
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Patent number: 10179521Abstract: A system for controlling a front seat of an automobile in connection with a headrest may include a sensor inputter, electric seat inputter, and a seat controller, in which the seat controller may automatically lower a height of the headrest when the front seat of the automobile slides forward in an interior of the automobile, and the seat controller may automatically raise the height of the headrest when the front seat slides rearward in the interior of the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Mi-Sun Kwon, Sang-Hark Lee, Ji-Hwan Kim, Yong-Suk Park, Han-Uk Keum
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Patent number: 10179522Abstract: A vehicle seat subassembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket rotatably coupled with the first bracket. First and second pins are welded to the first bracket, and an alignment plate is welded to the second bracket. First and second datum points along the alignment plate are positioned at first and second reference dimensions from the first pin and the second pin, respectively, when the second bracket is in a reference position with respect to the first bracket.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2018Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Macit Aktas
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Patent number: 10179523Abstract: A structure in which two worm wheels are disposed across a worm provides an increase in locking reliability while maintaining stable operation during rotation. At the time of rotation, respective rotating fulcrums set at both end portions in an axial direction of a worm are supported by bearing parts. At the time of locking, a locking fulcrum set at an eccentric position on one end portion in the axial direction of the worm is supported by one bearing part, while on the other end portion in the axial direction, the rotating fulcrum is supported by the other bearing part as is. As a result, the angle of lead of the worm supported by the pair of bearing parts is changed between the time of rotation and the time of locking and becomes smaller at the time of locking than at the time of rotation, whereby an increase in locking reliability can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyonori Umezaki, Katsuhiro Inoue
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Patent number: 10179524Abstract: A latch to latch a seatback to a frame of a vehicle comprises: a first seatback attachment portion; a first extended portion connected to the first seatback attachment portion that extends generally rearward from the first seatback attachment portion; a first interface portion connected to the first extended portion at a first bend that extends at an angle downward and forward from the first bend; and a retainer portion connected to the first interface portion at a bend forming a first retaining lip. The latch can further comprise a second seatback attachment portion and a second extended portion connected to the second seatback attachment portion that extends generally rearward from the second seatback attachment portion. The latch can further comprise a second interface portion connected to the second extended portion at a second bend that extends at an angle upward and forward from the second bend.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark Caye, Glenn Scott
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Patent number: 10179525Abstract: A vehicular seat having a seat cushion and a seat back, which are configured to be provided with air flow layers capable of being formed by a relatively simple step, is configured to be provided with: the seat cushion on which a vehicle occupant is seated; the seat back against which the vehicle occupant seated on the seat cushion rests his or her back; a fan disposed below the seat cushion; an air delivery duct for delivering to the seat cushion and the seat back, air delivered from the fan; and a seat cover for discharging the air delivered from the air delivery duct, from the surface of the seat cushion and the seat back to the side on which the vehicle occupant is seated. A plurality of groove spaces through which air delivered from the air delivery duct is caused to flow are formed inside the seat cover.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: TACHI-S CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuyoshi Arata, Takao Tsutsui
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Patent number: 10179526Abstract: A method of conditioning a seat includes operating a first thermal conditioning assembly in a seat back configured to support an occupant torso. The first thermal conditioning assembly provides a first heat transfer rate. A second thermal conditioning assembly is operated in a seat cushion configured to support occupant lower region. The second thermal conditioning assembly provides a second heat transfer rate simultaneously with and different than the first heat transfer rate.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Gentherm Inc.Inventors: David Brian Marquette, Daniel Charles Guerithault
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Patent number: 10179527Abstract: A support device for a vehicle seat includes a bag body. The bag body includes a bag body assembly including at least a first bag body unit and a second bag body unit that are combined with each other. The first bag body unit is disposed to form at least a support surface facing the seated occupant when the first bag body unit is expanded, and the second bag body unit is disposed to press the support surface toward the seated occupant when the second bag body unit is expanded. The first and second bag body units are simultaneously supplied with air and expanded, and a surface of the second bag body unit that faces the seated occupant in an expanded state is smaller than the support surface of the first bag body unit that faces the seated occupant in an expanded state.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yosuke Uno
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Patent number: 10179528Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a seat cushion; a seat back; a side cover provided at a side of the seat cushion and having a recess and a protrusion; a first operation lever provided in the recess; and a second operation lever provided in the recess between the first operation lever and the seat cushion. The protrusion is positioned behind the first operation lever and is disposed such that when a seat belt is fastened, the webbing of the seat belt is abutted against the protrusion. The rear side face of the first operation lever is positioned inside a side face of the protrusion and the rear upper face of the first operation lever is positioned below the upper face of the protrusion.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignees: TACHI-S CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Motoshi Minegishi, Hirofumi Fuwa, Ryosuke Nakashima
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Patent number: 10179529Abstract: A seatback for a vehicle comprises a midline. A first upper seatbelt webbing contact portion is disposed to a first side of the midline. A first seatbelt webbing retaining member is disposed to the first side. The first seatbelt webbing retaining member has a medial end, a lateral end further away from the midline than the medial end, and a middle portion between the medial end and the lateral end. Either the medial end or the lateral end of the first seatbelt webbing retaining member is affixed to the seatback and the other of the medial end or the lateral end is releasably coupled to the seatback. The middle portion is disposed above the first upper seatbelt webbing contact portion forming a gap configured to retain a first webbing section of a seatbelt assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Marcos Silva Kondrad, Ryan Welch, Kevin Mozurkewich, Johnathan Andrew Line
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Patent number: 10179530Abstract: A vehicle head restraint assembly includes a base portion coupleable to a vehicle seat back, the base portion including a cross member portion. Also included is a head restraint operatively coupled to the cross member portion and rotatable about the cross member portion. Further included is a helical drive assembly for translating the head restraint during rotation of the head restraint.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2017Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: WINDSOR MACHINE AND STAMPING (2009) LTD.Inventor: Robert Purves
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Patent number: 10179531Abstract: An adjustable cup holder assembly is provided. That adjustable cup holder assembly includes a support having a guide track and a drag bar. The adjustable cup holder also includes a cup holder having (a) a body including a well, (b) an actuator and (c) a drag. The cup holder may be displaced along the guide track and secured in various positions on the support by engaging the drag bar. A motor vehicle door including a cup holder with an adjustment mechanism for displacing the cup holder along the body of the door between multiple positions is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2018Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Huelke, Eric Axel Smitterberg
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Patent number: 10179532Abstract: A front tow extended saddle configured for mounting a vehicle to a towing vehicle and a method of towing a vehicle using the front tow extended saddle are provided. The front tow extended saddle includes front, middle, and rear portions, with the front and rear portions extending along different planes. A protective cover extends along the front tow extended saddle and is supported above the wheels of the towing vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: ATC Transportation LLCInventor: Donald W. Schuettenberg