Patents Issued in May 21, 2019
  • Patent number: 10293743
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a car includes: an input configured to receive data from a laser device; a processing unit configured to process the data from the laser device, and to determine a control signal for controlling a component of the car; and an output for providing the control signal for controlling the component of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventors: Anita Au, Gerald Chan
  • Patent number: 10293744
    Abstract: An automatic turn-signal system including a steering wheel, a first turn-signal switch and a second turn-signal switch. The steering wheel is associated with a vehicle. The first turn-signal switch is mounted to the steering wheel. The second turn-signal switch is mounted to the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Jan H. Lovlie
  • Patent number: 10293745
    Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and devices to improve light patterns used to inform or assist an observer or a driver. The invention is related to an illuminating device and to a method for projecting a pre-definable light pattern using the illuminating device of the vehicle into an area surrounding the vehicle. According to the invention, a projection surface is determined in the area surrounding the vehicle, a position of a predefined observer has been determined or provided, and a light unit of the illuminating device is controlled pixel-wise according to the determined projection surface and the determined position of the predefined observer in order to produce the pre-definable light pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Jose Roberto Vargas Rivero, Carsten Gut, Johannes Reim
  • Patent number: 10293746
    Abstract: Method for operating an interior lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting device and a sensor device, which senses a position of an operator control object for the lighting device in its sensing area, wherein the lighting device is controlled on the basis of sensor data from the sensor device, wherein the lighting device has multiple actuatable lighting units that each have an associated local section defined in the sensing area, wherein when an operator control object is detected in a local section, the associated lighting unit is activated and activated lighting units not associated with the local section are deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: HELLA GMBH & CO. KGAA
    Inventors: Jürgen Heinrich, David Allouis, Stefan Kowatzki, Wolfgang Wörmann
  • Patent number: 10293747
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting and mitigating vehicle battery gas emission into the vehicle cabin. An example vehicle includes a battery, a vent tube coupled to the battery for venting gas outside a vehicle cabin, a gas flow sensor for determining a measured flow rate at an end of the vent tube opposite the battery, and a processor. The processor is configured for determining an expected flow rate range based on a battery characteristic, and responsive to determining that the measured flow rate is outside the expected flow rate range, initiating a protective action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Raymond Mohr, Hanyang B. Chen, Michael J. Irby, Gabriel Jim
  • Patent number: 10293748
    Abstract: A system for presenting information to an occupant of a vehicle mounted with an autonomous driving system, includes: a display unit configured to display the information; a display control unit configured to cause the display unit to display information in any one of display modes among a setting status display mode in which setting information is displayed, an operation status display mode in which travel information is displayed, and a recognition status display mode in which recognition result information of the autonomous driving system is displayed; and an acquisition unit configured to acquire an occupant's display mode switching instruction for switching the display mode, wherein the display control unit configured to switch the display mode of the display unit when the acquisition unit acquires the occupant's display mode switching instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Mori, Ryuji Funayama, Jun Sato, Ayako Shimizu, Yuichi Kumai, Yuma Kawamori, Takeshi Matsumura, Tsukasa Shimizu, Yasuo Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 10293749
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle control device mounted on a vehicle including headlights. The vehicle control device includes an environment recognition unit, an image generation unit, an image display unit, and an illumination range detector. The environment recognition unit acquires surrounding environment formation around the vehicle. The image generation unit generates, on a basis of the surrounding environment information, an environment image that includes forward environment information on environment forward of the own vehicle. The image display unit displays the environment image. The illumination range detector detects an illumination range, in which the illumination range is illuminated by the headlights. The environment image solely includes information acquired inside the illumination range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirotaka Saito, Junya Seki, Kazufumi Suzuki, Yuki Osada
  • Patent number: 10293750
    Abstract: There is provided a digital display system for use with a first vehicle. The first vehicle includes a vehicle body, a vehicle front end and a vehicle rear end. The system includes a front-facing camera affixed with the vehicle body configured to capture digital images from in front of the vehicle front end. The system further includes a wireless receiver affixed with the vehicle body configured to receive an activation request signal from a wireless transmitter of a second vehicle. The system further includes a digital display affixed with the vehicle body disposed at the vehicle rear end. The digital display is configured to display captured digital images from the front-facing camera in response to receipt of an activation request signal by the wireless receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: BCAT, LLC
    Inventor: Curtis M. Brubaker
  • Patent number: 10293751
    Abstract: A peripheral image display device for displaying a peripheral image around a construction machine including at least two imaging units capturing the peripheral image around the construction machine; an image combining unit that combines at least two images obtained from the at least two imaging units to form a single projection image, the at least two images including an overlapping area overlapping between the at least two images; a guideline setting unit that sets a guideline, which includes at least two color information pieces, on the projection image formed by the image combining unit at a position a predetermined distance apart from the construction machine; a guideline generating unit that generates the guideline on the projection image based on setup information obtained by the guideline setting unit; and a display unit that displays the projection image having the guideline generated by the guideline generating unit on a screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SUMITOMO (S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeya Izumikawa
  • Patent number: 10293752
    Abstract: A first capturing image unit mounted on a vehicle body captures an image of surroundings of a work vehicle. A second capturing image unit is disposed above the work implement and captures an image of an area in front of the work implement. A first image generation unit generates, from the image captured by the first capturing image unit, a surroundings composite image, which depicts the surroundings of the work vehicle in a bird's-eye view and is synthesized with a vehicle model depicting the work vehicle. A second image generation unit generates, from the image captured by the second image capturing unit, a work implement composite image, which depicts the area in front of the work implement and is synthesized with the vehicle model and the surroundings composite image. A display unit displays a display image including the vehicle model, the surroundings composite image, and the work implement composite image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignees: THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO, KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yamashita, Soichiro Iwataki, Hajime Asama, Yuushi Oshikawa, Takashi Noda
  • Patent number: 10293753
    Abstract: A rearview assembly for a motor vehicle includes a dome, a foot attachable to the motor vehicle, a head rotatable relative to the foot, the head including at least one base body with a bearing opening for receiving an axis of rotation associated with the foot, where the foot is shaped together with the dome as an injection molded part, the dome includes at least one first stop element for engagement with at least one complementary second stop element of a cap nut screwed onto the dome, the cap nut providing a stop for a spring which extends around the dome, and the cap nut is an injection molded part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Andreas Herrmann, Artem Rudi
  • Patent number: 10293754
    Abstract: A mirror device for a vehicle is provided in which a support member is housed and fixed within a housing supported on a vehicle, a mirror disposed in the housing is held by a mirror holder, a joint having a spherical portion is projectingly provided on the support member, a hollow hemispherical fitting and supporting part having the spherical portion fitted thereinto is provided on the mirror holder, and a ring-shaped spring for maintaining the fitted state of the spherical portion within the fitting and supporting part is fitted around the fitting and supporting part. An engagement part that engages with the spring so as to prevent the spring from disengaging from the fitting and supporting part is formed integrally with the mirror holder while being capable of flexing so as to allow the spring to be fitted onto the fitting and supporting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Honda Lock
    Inventors: Kenji Kenmochi, Takehito Yamashita
  • Patent number: 10293755
    Abstract: A handrail system for a work vehicle has a handrail including a first rail member configured to extend in first direction and a second rail member coupled to the first rail member and configured to extend in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The handrail system also has a fold structure configured to couple the handrail to the work vehicle and move the handrail between an upright position and a folded position with respect to the work vehicle. When in the folded position, the handrail has a support surface that is elevated along a central area of the handrail higher than at least one side of the handrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: William A. Brett, Kevin A. Thelen
  • Patent number: 10293756
    Abstract: An article organizer includes three interconnected panels which are foldable relative to each other from a flat position to an assembled position. One panel is a base panel that attaches to the window frame of an airline cabin window. A second panel is a support panel that extends outwardly from the base panel, transversely thereto and has opening into which articles may be placed. The third panel is a brace panel that extends at an angle to the base and support panels and which gives the organizer an overall triangular shape. Openings in the brace panel create support edges that engage the bottoms of articles placed in the support panel openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Michael C Kollias
  • Patent number: 10293757
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a mounting member, an equipment support, and a mast. A lower end of the mast is pivotably interconnected with the mounting member and an upper end of the mast supports the equipment support. The mast is pivotable between an upright position for transport and a lowered position that positions the mast rearwardly of the vehicle. A movable connection between the mast and the equipment support lowers an inner end of the equipment support while raising an outer end when the mast is lowered, and raises the inner end of the equipment support while lowering the outer end when the mast is raised. The center of gravity of the equipment carried by the equipment support remains at a constant elevation during movement of the mast between the upright position and the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Saris Cycling Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Raymond Bass, Ryan Weber
  • Patent number: 10293758
    Abstract: A mounting assembly, for mounting an electronic device to a steering wheel assembly, includes: a base, attached to a first portion of the steering wheel assembly; a stud shaft, protruding from the base and to which the electronic device is selectively attachable via a clip attached to a back surface of the electronic device; a restraining leash, a first end of which is attached to a second portion of the steering wheel assembly, and a second end of which is secured to the base such that the base is attached to the steering wheel assembly at the first portion and the second portion; a locking mechanism, for selectively locking the electronic device to the stud shaft; and a stabilizing wand, for preventing inadvertent rotation of the electronic device about the stud shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas A. Lowell
  • Patent number: 10293760
    Abstract: A sensor bracket that holds a sensor having an engaging protrusion, the sensor bracket includes: a locking concave section to which a side surface of the engaging protrusion is locked in a abutting state, the side surface of the engaging protrusion being formed so as to cross with a protruding direction of the engaging protrusion; a displacement allowing section that is provided adjacent to the locking concave section, and that allows a displacement of the engaging protrusion during engaging and separating between the engaging protrusion and the locking concave section in a direction crossing with the protrusion direction of the engaging protrusion; and a movement restricting wall that is disposed below the displacement allowing section and that suppresses a downward movement of the engaging protrusion when the engaging protrusion is displaced during separation from the locking concave section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tadahiro Matori
  • Patent number: 10293761
    Abstract: A vehicle trim element has a panel that includes at least one colored mask having solid areas and at least one aperture delimiting a pattern, and a colored screen transmitting light and closing each aperture of the mask. The mask and the screen are substantially of the same color so that the pattern is visible when the panel is backlit and substantially invisible in the absence of backlighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Faurecia Interieur Industrie
    Inventors: Geoffroy Topart, Thierry Vourlat, Dany Desrus
  • Patent number: 10293762
    Abstract: A vehicle interior part includes a structure in which a soft upholstery material covers a front surface of a base material which is located on an interior side of a vehicle. The soft upholstery material is disposed in a stretched state on the front surface of the base material which is located on the interior side of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignees: TOYOTA IRON WORKS CO., LTD., HAYASHI TELEMPU CO., LTD
    Inventors: Kenji Onuma, Osamu Miyashita, Kenichi Yoshida, Masamori Hirose, Kenichi Uemori, Shintaro Suga
  • Patent number: 10293763
    Abstract: An engine cover readily movable between a closed, engine-concealing position and an open, engine-accessing position is disclosed. The cover includes a front and a back. The back of the cover is movably attached to the engine. The front of the cover includes a latch handle assembly that releasably attaches the cover to the engine. In its closed position, the engine cover not only conceals at least a portion of the engine thereby improving the aesthetic appeal of the engine compartment, but also helps to reduce engine noise, thus reducing overall vehicle NVH. The cover back may be attached anywhere on the upper area of the engine. The latch assembly includes a releasable latch handle that is pivotably attached to the engine cover. The releasable latch handle has a latch handle hook. An engine latch hook is provided on the engine to which the latch handle hook can be selectively attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Nola
  • Patent number: 10293764
    Abstract: A resin molded body (10) includes a metal attachment member (22) and an extension part (33, 34) extending from the resin molded body. At least one part of the metal attachment member (22) is exposed in a mounting surface (20a) of the resin molded body. The mounting surface (20a) is to be facing to the mounting target when the resin molded body is fixed to a mounting target. At least one part of the extension part (33, 34) is protruded outside the mounting surface. A protrusion length of the at least one part of the extension part (33, 34) from the mounting surface is larger than a protrusion length of the metal attachment member (22) from the mounting surface. The at least one part is configured to allow deforming in a direction away from the mounting target when the resin molded body is fixed to the mounting target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshimichi Yamao, Masayoshi Ogawa, Masanobu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10293765
    Abstract: Control electronics for an agricultural or forestry vehicle or machine having power connections at least for a first supply network and a second supply network and having at least one network connection, the control electronics comprising a communication circuit configured to transmit data via the network connection and supplied via the first supply network; a logic circuit coupled to the communication circuit, the logic circuit having at least one control output for controlling an electrical load supplied via the second supply network, the logic circuit being connected to the second supply network via an internal supply line and an internal ground line and configured to be supplied via the second supply network, and an isolating switch arranged in the internal supply line or the internal ground line of the logic circuit and configured to interrupt the logic circuit if the second supply network is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Csabai, Christian Fleischer
  • Patent number: 10293766
    Abstract: An electrical parking brake device includes an operation switch and a control circuit. The operation switch includes a switch button, miniature switches, operation switch terminals and inside conductors, the switch button being in one of an On state, an Off state and a neutral state, the miniature switches operating in conjunction with the state of the switch button. The control circuit includes control circuit terminals, a switch verification circuit, management circuitry and brake application command circuitry, the management circuitry managing the electrical parking brake device. The operation switch defines closed circuits that are independent in terms of a pair of the operation switch terminals, for each of the operating states. The closed circuits are closed circuits that, when one or more of the miniature switches fail, avoids influence of the failure, by the miniature switches other than the one or more failing miniature switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: NIDEC ELESYS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yutaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10293767
    Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and a method for controlling power of a vehicle. The apparatus for controlling power of a vehicle includes: a first load and a second load; a first power supply supplying power to at least one of the first load and the second load from a main battery; a second power supply supplying power to at least one of the first load and the second load from an auxiliary battery supplied with and charged by the power from the main battery; a switch set including a plurality of switches intermitting lines between the first load, the second load, the first power supply, and the second power supply; and a power controller checking a state of the vehicle and controlling a turn-on or off for the plurality of switches in response to the checked state of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Young Il Lee, Jung Hyeon Bae, Tae Hoon Kim, Eun Cheon, Guy Championnet
  • Patent number: 10293768
    Abstract: Embodiments can provide a real-time system that can automatically adjust various components within a driving apparatus automatically in response to certain conditions being detected. The real-time system may be configured to control these components in response to detection of certain conditions, which may include external conditions and/or internal conditions. In some embodiments, a user of the driving apparatus may be facilitated to provide his/her personal settings to configure the real-time system. In those embodiments, an interface may be provided to the user to instruct the real-time system to adjust one or more components within the driving apparatus in accordance with the user provided personal settings in response to one or more specific conditions being detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Wellen Sham
  • Patent number: 10293769
    Abstract: A routing and securing system with a nested support arrangement is provide that includes a base block and a retainer in a nested relationship with respect to each other. Routed components which may include various ones of hoses, lines, and wire harnesses of vehicles are captured between the base block and retainer at predetermined positions to allow for straightforward and repeatable installation of the routed components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Martin L. Krohn, Glen Gunderson, Jade Abner, Stephen Stuhr
  • Patent number: 10293770
    Abstract: Provided is a load-carrying or non-load carrying structural component for a vehicle having improved impact resistance, such as a gas tank protection shield, an underbody shield, a structural panel, an interior floor, a floor pan, a roof, an exterior surface, a storage area, a glove box, a console box, a trunk, a trunk floor, a truck bed, and combinations thereof. The component has a support structure with ridges, each spaced apart from one another at predetermined intervals, to form a corrugated surface capable of load-carrying. The ridges are longitudinally extending, raised ridges. The corrugated designs provide support structures that are impact resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Teijin Limited
    Inventors: John N. Owens, Mark A. Voss, Bhavesh Shah, Venkateshwar R. Aitharaju, Chris James Tadeusz Wisniewski, Yutaka Yagi, Tsukasa Arai
  • Patent number: 10293771
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly includes a bumper beam and a crash box. At least one of the bumper beam or the crash box is cast from metal, such as aluminum or magnesium, to reduce weight, reduce manufacturing process steps, and improve performance characteristics of the bumper assembly. In an embodiment, both of the bumper beam and the crash box are cast from metal to establish an integral connection therebetween. One of the bumper beam or the crash box can be open along a top and bottom portion of the bumper assembly and include at least one reinforcing rib cast integral therewith. In an embodiment, both of the bumper beam and the crash box can be open along a top and bottom portion of the bumper assembly and each include at least one reinforcing rib cast integral therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Edward K. Steinebach, Mark Justin Jones, Jeffrey Jay Mellis, Jeremiah John Brady, Richard Lee Winfree, Warren Edward Young, Erryn Leigh Ashmore, Darren Andrew Womack, Venugopal Garimella, Paul James Marston
  • Patent number: 10293772
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a bumper-cart light assembly of a golf cart. The bumper-cart light assembly includes a bumper body, a lower support, an integral cart light assembly and two upper supports. The two upper supports are symmetrically arranged at the upper end of the bumper body respectively. The lower support is arranged at the lower end of the bumper. The periphery of the bumper body extends rearwards to form a recess. The upper end of the bumper body forms a connecting tab. The upper end of the bumper protrudes upwards to form a protrusion provided with a receiving groove. The two upper supports are located at the two sides of the protrusion respectively. The middle of the bumper body is provided with an air inlet. The lower end of the bumper body is provided with an upward recess. The bumper-cart light assembly can carry a driving light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: CHONGQING RICHLAND MOLD CORP.
    Inventor: Lin Ye
  • Patent number: 10293773
    Abstract: The drive assist apparatus detects an object around an own vehicle, and detects a moving direction of the detected object when the detected object is relatively approaching the own vehicle. The drive assist apparatus predicts a movement prediction position to which the object will move, and executes drive assist upon the movement prediction position being a collision prediction position. The collision prediction position is a position where, if the object relatively moves to the movement prediction position, there is a possibility that the object will collide with the own vehicle. The drive assist includes at least one of a task of avoiding a collision between the object and the own vehicle, and a task of mitigating a damage due to the collision. The drive assist apparatus determines an execution timing of the drive assist as a function of the moving direction detected by the moving direction detection means, and the collision prediction position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiro Baba
  • Patent number: 10293774
    Abstract: An airbag film roll retention structure includes a retaining engagement member mountable to an airbag film roll, a mounting section formed on one end of the retaining engagement member, a first alignment section formed on one end of the mounting section, abutting sections formed on an opposite end of the mounting section, and a second alignment section defined between the abutting sections, which are coupled to each other to be positioned on an axle assembly so as to achieve advantages, such as efficient mounting and positioning and ensuring center alignment to prevent eccentric oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Tung-Lung Chiang
  • Patent number: 10293775
    Abstract: Airbag assemblies are disclosed that can reduce rotational velocity of an occupant's head during a collision event and thereby mitigate traumatic brain injury/head injury to an occupant. An airbag includes a pair of lobes or protrusions to deploy and extend from the rear face of the airbag on either side of the occupant's head to limit rotation of the head. A pair of vertical tethers within an interior of the airbag configure the lobes and contour the rear face to form one or more low fabric tension zones or bubbles. The lobes maintain high fabric tension, similar to a pressurization of a main inflatable chamber of the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaohong Wang, Changsoo Choi, Jeffrey D. Williams
  • Patent number: 10293776
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle curtain airbag device including: an inflator; a curtain airbag; a rear seat side impact chamber; a front chamber; and a protective cloth that is configured separately from the curtain airbag, is anchored to at least an upper edge side of the curtain airbag, is disposed ranging from a vehicle width direction inner surface of a front portion of the rear seat side impact chamber to a vehicle width direction inner surface of a rear portion of the front chamber, in the completely deployed state of the curtain airbag, and covers, from a vehicle width direction inner side, a recess portion that has different heights in a bag thickness direction and that is formed between the front portion of the rear seat side impact chamber and the rear portion of the front chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Ohno, Koji Toida, Takuya Nezaki, Junji Ohashi, Yusuke Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10293777
    Abstract: Airbag assemblies can reduce rotational velocity of an occupant's head during a collision event. Some airbag assemblies include a first airbag cushion that is disposed forward of an occupant and a second airbag cushion that is disposed generally lateral to the occupant. When the occupant moves in an oblique direction during a collision event, the second airbag cushion may contact the head of the occupant and reduce its rotational velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignees: Autoliv ASP, Inc., Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald James Paxton, Jaeho Cho
  • Patent number: 10293778
    Abstract: A frontal airbag (10) having an outer skin (12) enclosing a gas space (G). The outer skin (12) forming an impact area (14) in front a vehicle occupant (P) and extends horizontally in a first direction (Y) and in a second perpendicular direction (Z?) when the airbag (10) is fully deployed. A first tether (20) extends in the first direction (Y) from a first end (21) connected to the impact area (14) at a first connection (25) to a second end (22) connected to the impact area (14) at a second connection (26). The first connection (25) extending in the second direction (Z?) from a lower end to an upper end and the second connection (24) extending in the second direction (Z?) from a lower end to an upper end, such that an intermediate impact area section (14c) is spanned by the first tether (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventor: Ralf Zauritz
  • Patent number: 10293779
    Abstract: An airbag has an inflatable airbag cushion having panels of material joined to create the inflatable airbag cushion including a neck portion for receiving inflation gas at an inflation inlet and a generally opposed front face portion. An externally attached guide panel of material is externally affixed to the airbag cushion at a first end at least halfway toward the opposed front face portion relative to the neck portion or affixed at the front face portion and a second end is connected at the neck portion of the airbag cushion or in close proximity to the airbag cushion near the inflation inlet. The externally attached guide panel is only attached at the first and second ends and upon inflation of the airbag cushion the externally attached guide panel tightens between the first and second ends directing the airbag deployment towards a seat-belted occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Heather Mallinger, William Siewert, Mouaying Vang, Daniel Clyne
  • Patent number: 10293780
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for operating a pedestrian-protection device of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, which has a surroundings sensor system and a contact sensor system, and is configured to trigger at least one pedestrian-protection measure. The method comprises monitoring the surroundings of the vehicle to detect a collision object using the surroundings sensor system, and determining the type of detected collision object before an impact with the vehicle. The method further comprises using the contact sensor system to determine an impact feature on the vehicle of the detected collision object, which has impacted with the vehicle, and to compare the impact feature with at least one predefineable limiting value, in order to make a decision about the triggering of the pedestrian-protection measure. In this context there is provision that the limiting value is changed as a function of the determined type of detected collision object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Marlon Ramon Ewert, Bastian Reckziegel
  • Patent number: 10293781
    Abstract: A hinge device of a front hood of a motor vehicle is adjustable from a normal position into a protective position in the event of a collision. A front-hood surface and a lifting device with an actuator contact surface and a front-hood contact surface are provided on a front-hood-fastening part. An actuator surface can be brought to bear against the actuator contact surface and the front-hood contact surface can be brought to bear against the front-hood surface during an adjustment from the normal position into the protective position. The distance, which is provided substantially in the actuating direction of the actuator on the lifting device, between the front-hood contact surface and the actuator contact surface is greater than the distance between the actuator surface and the front-hood hinge-lever contact surface. Furthermore, a correspondingly equipped motor vehicle and a method for opening out the hinge device are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Schaurer, Anton Kieferl, Andreas Mayer, Michael Kelm, Ulrich Koestler
  • Patent number: 10293782
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a seatbelt reminder are provided. The method includes determining whether a seat is occupied, in response to determining that the seat is occupied, determining whether a seatbelt corresponding to the seat is buckled, in response to determining that the seatbelt corresponding to the seat is unbuckled, determining whether a latch anchor corresponding to the seat is engaged, and in response to determining that the latch anchor corresponding to the seat is unengaged, outputting a seatbelt reminder notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Carl N Schaub, Orhan Demirovic, Thomas P Deming, Hong Tang, Bongkyu Park, Jaywan Kim
  • Patent number: 10293783
    Abstract: Example systems and methods for a driver detection steering wheel are disclosed. An example disclosed vehicle includes a steering wheel, a driver, a detector, and an enabling module. The example steering wheel includes a plurality of capacitive sensors. The example driver is to change voltage levels on the plurality of capacitive sensors. The example detector is to measure time delays corresponding to the plurality of capacitive sensors, and determine a number of hands on the steering wheel based on the time delays. The example enabling module is to, in response to the detector detecting two hands on the steering wheel, grant access to an infotainment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Frey, Michael Peter Mongeau, Bryce Crane, Kyle Ness
  • Patent number: 10293784
    Abstract: An on-board unit (OBU) coupled to an integrated starter generator (ISG) is disclosed. The ISG controls an engine. The OBU includes a communication unit and a processing unit. The communication unit receives a control signal from a mobile device. The processing unit is coupled to the communication unit for setting a setting state of the ISG according to the control signal, wherein the setting state is a start unallowable state or a start allowable state, and the ISG forbids the engine to be started or allows the engine to be started according to whether the setting state is the start unallowable state or the start allowable state. The control signal generates the setting state according to a start counter value, wherein the setting state is set to the start allowable state or the start unallowable state according to whether the start counter value is larger than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: ACER INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Jia-Sheng Lin
  • Patent number: 10293785
    Abstract: A control unit, in a disclosed embodiment, includes a transceiver, memory, and a processor. The processor is coupled to the transceiver and memory and executes instructions from the memory to cause the control unit to receive a first transmission containing a certificate, verify the authenticity of the certificate, and, after verifying authenticity of the certificate, execute a public key agreement protocol to generate a first common secret encryption key, receive a second transmission containing an encrypted first public key that is encrypted by the first common secret encryption key, decrypt the encrypted first public key using the first common secret encryption key to determine the first public key, execute a public key agreement protocol to generate a second common secret encryption key, generate an operational key, encrypt the operational key using the second common secret encryption key, and transmit the encrypted operational key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Eric Peeters, Jin-Meng Ho
  • Patent number: 10293786
    Abstract: A method for assessing a reliability of a determination of the relative position between a device for accessing a vehicle and the vehicle including transmitting a first radio signal from a first antenna of the vehicle; transmitting a second radio signal from a second antenna of the vehicle; receiving the first radio signal at the device and determining a first signal intensity; receiving the second radio signal at the device and determining a second signal intensity; determining, at the device or the vehicle, a relative position of the device and/or the vehicle and/or signal directions from which the radio signals have arrived at the device, based on the first signal intensity and the second signal intensity; determining a compatibility of the determined relative position and/or the signal directions with an arrangement of the first antenna and the second antenna at the vehicle to assess the reliability of relative position determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Julian Verkin, Patrick Sammer, Karsten Beyer
  • Patent number: 10293787
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing keys that operate a given vehicle include a processor. Responsive to identifying a received first key for operating the vehicle as having an administrative status, the processor is configured to enable creation of a second key for operating the vehicle having the administrative status, and enable creation of a third key for operating the vehicle having a secondary status and a passcode. Responsive to receiving and identifying the third key as having the secondary status, the processor is configured to enable alteration of the passcode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Patrick Brombach, Daniel M. King, Maria Eugenia Protopapas, Maeen Mawari
  • Patent number: 10293788
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a portable authentication terminal configured to authenticate a user who carries the portable authentication terminal, and a vehicle configured to communicate with the portable authentication terminal. The vehicle includes a sound generation unit configured to generate a predetermined sound within a vehicle cabin, an information reception unit configured to receive information transmitted from the portable authentication terminal, and a determination unit configured to determine whether the portable authentication terminal is within the cabin based on the received information. The portable authentication terminal includes a sound collection unit configured to collect a sound, and an information transmission unit configured to transmit information based on the collected sound to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroki Okada
  • Patent number: 10293789
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle heater includes: a camera; a heater configured to heat a portion of the window glass located in front of the camera; a temperature sensor configured to acquire a camera temperature; an illuminance acquisition unit configured to acquire an illuminance outside the vehicle; and a control unit configured to determine that a control prohibition condition to prohibit execution of the heater energization control is satisfied when the camera temperature is equal to or larger than a prohibition threshold temperature, execute the heater energization control when execution of the heater energization control is requested, prevent execution of the heater energization control when the control prohibition condition is satisfied, and when the illuminance is lower than a threshold illuminance, set the prohibition threshold temperature to be lower than when the illuminance is equal to or larger than the threshold illuminance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hajime Nagae
  • Patent number: 10293790
    Abstract: A cleaning device for a vehicle has tracks above and below the vehicle's windshield. A brush, wiper blade and spray bar extend across the windshield at a starting side of the windshield. The spray bar provides washer fluid as the brush rotates against the windshield. The spray bar, rotating brush and wiper bar are moved along the tracks and across the windshield to an opposing, return side of the windshield where the wiper blade first contacts the windshield and the brush stops rotating and moves away from the windshield. The spray bar rotates next to the wiper blade to blow air against the windshield. The wiper blade scrapes water while air blows water off the windshield as they move back to the starting side of the windshield where they are stored in a frame along the side of the windshield when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Singer
  • Patent number: 10293791
    Abstract: The wiper device includes a carrier element and a wiper blade with at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove the carrier element is disposed. The wiper device also includes a connecting device for pivotally connecting the wiper blade with an oscillating arm. The connecting device has spaced-apart sidewalls, each with a protrusion that extends sidewardly and outwardly. The connecting device and oscillating arm are interconnected by the protrusions pivotally and snappingly engaging into correspondingly shaped recesses of the oscillating arm. The oscillating arm has a guiding tongue engaging into a guiding groove of the connecting device. The connecting device has an asymmetric form with respect to its middle transverse plane, seen in vertical direction, in order to ensure that the wiper blade can only be mounted on the oscillating arm in a predetermined orientation of the wiper blade relative to the oscillating arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Federal Mogul S.A.
    Inventor: Eric Coos
  • Patent number: 10293792
    Abstract: A streamlined flat windscreen wiper for a vehicle is disclosed. The flat wiper includes a longitudinal wiper blade, at least one longitudinal stiffening member, a longitudinal member for retaining the wiper blade and the stiffening member, a longitudinal streamlined portion comprising two terminal caps and a central mounting extending between the terminal caps and being connected thereto. The mounting has means for fixing to the stiffening member or to the member for retaining the stiffening member, and each cap includes means for guiding in translation terminal parts of said member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Vincent Gaucher, Stéphane Houssat, Eric Poton
  • Patent number: 10293793
    Abstract: A washer nozzle for a vehicle is provided. The washer nozzle improves an ejection disorder due to external freezing of a washer ejection port that ejects washer fluid. The washer nozzle, removes ice and foreign substances frozen onto the surface of a washer ejection port by utilizing an ultrasonic vibration generated by an ultrasonic transducer disposed within an interior of the washer nozzle. The washer nozzle includes a nozzle cover with washer ejection ports and a nozzle body with washer fluid passages. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to generate an ultrasonic vibration disposed within the nozzle body. The ultrasonic transducer disposed beneath the lower portion of the washer ejection ports is configured to provide ultrasonic vibration toward the washer ejection ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jong Min Park