Patents Issued in July 16, 2019
  • Patent number: 10350937
    Abstract: An applicator pen for discharging a liquid onto a surface, preferably for applying a protective layer onto adhesive surfaces of a vehicle, in particularly for improved adhesion in the case of bonding applications, the applicator pen including a hollow body and an ampoule received in the hollow body, including a peripheral surface, for receiving the liquid, wherein the ampoule is able to be broken to enable the liquid to escape, wherein a breakage device is provided with an axially movable portion and is realized in such a manner that a movement of the movable portion in the axial direction results in the breaking of the ampoule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: SIKA TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Daniel Fehlmann, Dana Maiwald, Dominique Burkard
  • Patent number: 10350938
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a decorative panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: AKZENTA PANEELE + PROFILE GMBH
    Inventor: Egon Hoff
  • Patent number: 10350939
    Abstract: A wheel assembly including a wheel and a wheel clad. The wheel includes a wheel outer rim portion, a wheel inner hub portion adapted to receive an axle therethrough, and a plurality of wheel spokes extending radially between the wheel outer rim portion and the wheel inner hub portion. The wheel has an outer surface having a plurality of wheel turbine openings therein. The wheel turbine openings have a first area. The wheel clad includes a clad outer rim portion axially aligned with at least a portion of the wheel outer rim portion, a clad inner hub portion axially aligned with at least a portion of the wheel inner hub portion, and a plurality of clad spokes extending radially between the clad outer rim portion and clad inner hub portion. The clad has a plurality of clad turbine openings each having a second area. The second area is substantially less than the first area. The clad/wheel assembly has a drag coefficient of substantially less than that of the wheel by itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Chinavare, James Ardern, Garry Van Houten
  • Patent number: 10350940
    Abstract: An aircraft wheel assembly that includes first and second hub components having an axis and respective first and second sets of circumferentially spaced apart interface elements. The first and second hub components may be rotatable relative to one another about the axis between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first set of interface elements is axially movable relative to the second set of interface elements. In the second position the first set of interface elements axially overlaps the second set of interface elements to prevent axial movement of the first hub component relative to the second hub component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Zeisler
  • Patent number: 10350941
    Abstract: A collapsible wheel having a plurality of wheel sections. Each wheel section has at least a rim portion, a hub portion defining a rotational axis, and a pair of spokes. Each wheel section supports one or more spokes that extend from the hub portion and connect to one or more of the rim portions. The wheel sections rotate relative to each other about the rotational axis from a collapsed configuration to an expanded position, defining a central plane of the wheel. The rim portions are oriented generally perpendicular to the central plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Solheim, Eric V. Cole
  • Patent number: 10350942
    Abstract: The invention relates to a single wheel caster with a support element including a top element and a base element which includes at least one support arm, wherein the base element receives at least one hub for a wheel, wherein a thread protector is arranged on the hub, wherein a fixation device is arranged between the wheel and the support element. It is an object of the invention to provide a novel single wheel caster with substantially reduced assembly complexity. The object is achieved in that the locking device is arranged without additional fastening elements in an interior of the support element between at least one inner surface of the support element and at least on contact surface arranged rotationally fixated at the wheel, wherein the contact surface firmly contacts the locking device when the caster is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignees: STEINCO Paul vom Stein GmbH, MAGNUS MOBILITY SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Thorsten Roedel
  • Patent number: 10350943
    Abstract: A thermoplastic elastomer composition including (a) a halogenated isoolefin para-alkylstyrene copolymer, (b) a modified rubber having an acid anhydride group, (c) a polymer component including an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, (d) a processing aid comprising an alkaline earth metal salt of a higher fatty acid, and (e) a crosslinking agent, wherein the weight ratio (Wa) of the halogenated isoolefin para-alkylstyrene copolymer (a) in the elastomer components ((a)+(b)) is 5-60 wt %, the weight ratio (Wb) of the modified rubber (b) having an acid anhydride group in the elastomer components ((a)+(b)) is 95-40 wt %, and the content (Wd) of the processing aid (d) is 0.3-30 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the halogenated isoolefin para-alkylstyrene copolymer (a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: THE YOKOHAMA RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shun Sato
  • Patent number: 10350944
    Abstract: Tire-type device having bearing elements (7) within annular space (5) between inner and outer coaxial structures of revolution, the latter contacting the ground in contact patch (A). The bearing elements are independent in pairs and buckle under compression in contact patch (A). The smallest characteristic dimension E of the section S of any bearing element (7) is at most equal to 0.02 times the mean radial height H of the inner annular space (5), the surface density D of the bearing elements (7) per unit area of the radially outer structure of revolution, expressed in 1/m2, is at least equal to Z/(A*?Fr/n), where Z is the nominal radial load, expressed in N, A is the area of contact with the ground, expressed in m2, and ?Fr/n is the mean force at break under tension of the n bearing elements made to buckle under compression, expressed in N.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventor: Florian Vilcot
  • Patent number: 10350945
    Abstract: A structurally supported tire includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, an annular shear band and geodesic ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: James Alfred Benzing, II, Daniel Ray Downing
  • Patent number: 10350946
    Abstract: A vehicle tire may have a tread with a circumferential groove defined by side faces of two circumferential ribs. The side faces may have a number of radially extending paddles formed by a pair of walls. A ratio of the length of one wall to the other may be at least 1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Richard S. Parr
  • Patent number: 10350947
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire is disclosed having two annular bead portions having a bead core. A carcass extends between the bead portions through sidewall portions and a tread portion, wherein the carcass includes at least two axially inner plies which extend down from the tread and axially inward of the bead core, said at least two axially inner plies being wound around the bead core forming respective turn-ups, each turnup being located axially outward of the bead core. The carcass further includes a first axially outer ply which extends down from the tread towards the bead core and positioned axially outward of the bead core, wherein at least one of the axially outer plies is formed from reinforcements having a higher break strength than the reinforcements of the axially inner plies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Ueyoko, Badal Das, Robert John Boehlefeld
  • Patent number: 10350948
    Abstract: The invention provides a filling device for an inflatable unit, e.g., a pneumatic tire for a car. The device is connectable to a source of air pressure and to a valve for the inflatable unit. The valve has a whistle arranged to produce an audible signal based on a flow of air in the release outlet, and to enable improved handling and sound performance, the whistle comprises a flow-path forming a first leg extending radially from the passage, and a second leg extending about the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: EasyfillAps
    Inventor: Hans Henrik Jochumsen
  • Patent number: 10350949
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for a wireless portable tire monitoring system are provided. According to one aspect, wireless portable tire monitoring system includes a portable monitor that receives sensor information from one or more tire-mounted sensors, each sensor being associated with a tire, and each tire being associated with a vehicle, and monitors tire status. Multiple vehicles may be monitored from the same portable monitor, and tires can be dynamically associated with or disassociated from a particular vehicle. Tire status may be displayed to the user in a manner that provides a graphic association between the tire status and the vehicle to which the tire is associated, including showing the location of the tire on the vehicle. The system may asynchronously alert the user if threshold conditions, such as low tire pressure, are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Prabu S. Surendra
  • Patent number: 10350950
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for monitoring tire pressure according to a tire characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: HYUNDAI AUTRON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae-Hun Kim, Dong-Jin Na
  • Patent number: 10350951
    Abstract: A method of producing a control arm for a motor vehicle, in particular a multi-point control arm, preferably a transverse control arm, which is substantially formed by a fiber-plastic composite structure. The method includes the steps: creating of a preform structure with load-adapted fiber orientation, introducing the preform structure into a forming tool, consolidating the preform structure in the tool by application of pressure and/or temperature, and removing and further processing of the control arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Meyer, Ignacio Lobo Casanova, Martin Wachtel
  • Patent number: 10350952
    Abstract: A universal wishbone trailing arm and methods are provided for coupling a wheel to a vehicle chassis. The universal wishbone trailing arm comprises a wheel hub that fastenably receives the wheel. A cylindrical axle support supports one or more roller bearings whereby the wheel hub is rotatable. A first swing arm and a second swing arm extend forwardly from a joined swing arm. The cylindrical axle support is coupled to a rear of the joined swing arm. A first chassis mount hingedly couples the first swing arm to the vehicle chassis. A second chassis mount hingedly couples the second swing arm to an articulated mount which is configured to couple the second swing arm to the vehicle chassis. The articulated mount cooperates with the first second swing arms to change the camber of the wheel, such that a tracking of the wheels remains substantially unchanged during traveling over rough terrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventors: Robby Gordon, Mike Niemiec
  • Patent number: 10350953
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a support structure and a suspension for an oscillatingly supported, rigid axle body. The suspension has a suspension device which is located between the axle body and the support structure and acts in a height direction of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a plurality of coupling sites and a transverse link extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The transverse link is coupled to the support structure via a first link area and via a second link area and a pendulum support to the axle body. The transverse link includes a third link area which, with reference to the pendulum support in the transverse direction of the vehicle, is located opposite the first link area and is flexibly connected with a coupling site of the suspension device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Guenther Wolf, Christian Von Holst, Michael Kremb, Tobias Hegler, Norman Roessel
  • Patent number: 10350954
    Abstract: A multi-axle transport trailer having a plurality of axles includes a suspension comprising air bags associated with each axle, the air bags in communication with an air source, wherein air bags associated with different axles are capable of having different air pressures therein. The trailer further optionally includes a steering system associated with at least one axle, the axle including a tie rod connected between wheels on both ends of the axle, the steering system comprising cylinders configured to articulate the wheels, and a sensing device configured to monitor movement of the tie rod and facilitate actuating the cylinders to turn the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Premier Coil Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Randall Dean Behrens
  • Patent number: 10350955
    Abstract: A vehicle structure for a two-track vehicle provided with an auxiliary frame for a vehicle axle, in particular a rear axle, which is provided with a wheel suspension on the articulation points for wheel link on the superstructure side, which are connected to articulation points on the wheel carrier side, connected to a wheel carrier carrying a vehicle wheel, and which is equipped with a spring and/or damper unit, which is supported between a vehicle superstructure and the wheel suspension, wherein the wheel frame is connected to at least one auxiliary frame bearing in a manner that is decoupled from oscillations at the vehicle superstructure, and wherein the wheel and/or damping unit is equipped with a rotational damper. According to the invention, the auxiliary frame bearing is provided with a connection point at which is connected the rotational damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Langhoff, Dominik Stiegler
  • Patent number: 10350956
    Abstract: A suspension element includes a main body having an internal volume configured to contain a liquid therein, a tubular element extending at least partially within the main body, the tubular element having an internal volume that defines a first fluid chamber configured to contain a compressible gas therein, a first piston separating the internal volume of the main body into a second fluid chamber and a third fluid chamber, a second piston positioned to separate the first fluid chamber from the second fluid chamber, and a flow control element disposed along a flow path between the second fluid chamber and the third fluid chamber. Movement of the tubular element generates a flow of the liquid through the flow control element to produce a damping force and changes the pressure of the compressible gas to produce a spring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick S. Dillman, Robert K. Sollenskog, Erik Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch
  • Patent number: 10350957
    Abstract: A method of on-demand energy delivery to an active suspension system is disclosed. The suspension system includes an actuator body, a hydraulic pump, an electric motor, a plurality of sensors, an energy storage facility, and a controller. The method includes disposing an active suspension system in a vehicle between a wheel mount and a vehicle body, detecting a wheel event requiring control of the active suspension; and sourcing energy from the energy storage facility and delivering it to the electric motor in response to the wheel event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ClearMotion, Inc.
    Inventors: Zackary Martin Anderson, Marco Giovanardi, Clive Tucker, Jonathan R. Leehey, Colin Patrick O'Shea, Johannes Schneider, Vladimir Gorelik, Richard Anthony Zuckerman, Patrick W. Neil, Tyson David Sawyer, Ross J. Wendell
  • Patent number: 10350958
    Abstract: A hydraulic level-adjustment device has a reservoir, a reversible hydraulic unit with a hydraulic pump, and a single-acting hydraulic linear actuator. To lift a vehicle chassis, the working space of the linear actuator can be pressurized by the hydraulic pump operated in its first pumping direction via its first pump connection and a fill line with a fill-check valve arranged therein. To lower the chassis, via its second pump connection, the hydraulic pump, operated in the reverse pumping direction, pumps hydraulic fluid into the reservoir via an outflow line with a throttle unit arranged therein. The pressure present upstream of the throttle unit acts on the control connection of a lockable, drainage-check valve via a control line and opens same, so that, under the weight of the motor vehicle, hydraulic fluid is forced out of the working space of the hydraulic linear actuator into the reservoir via the drainage line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: HOERBIGER AUTOMOTIVE KOMFORTSYSTEME GMBH
    Inventor: Klaus Stolle
  • Patent number: 10350959
    Abstract: An active roll stabilizer of a motor vehicle including an actuator (8) in the form of a swivel motor arranged so as to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The swivel motor has an essentially cylindrical housing (12) with a cover, first and second stabilizer halves (18, 19) are connected to respective ends of the actuator for the transmission of torque, and a wiring harness (1) has a first end and a second end. The harness includes cables (3, 4, 5) for the transmission of electric power and signals. The first end is connected to the actuator, by way of a plug (2), and the second end is arranged positionally fixed in the vehicle at a cable transfer point (20). The cover forms a dry space and has a plug receiving opening, in its periphery, into which the plug can be inserted, in the radial direction, and secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Daniel Pfeiffer, Martin Hoffmann, Boris Heberle
  • Patent number: 10350960
    Abstract: A coupled battery and motor controller thermal management system is disclosed. In various embodiments, a motor controller and a heat sink are coupled thermally to a battery. At least a portion of waste heat generated by the motor controller is transferred to the thermal mass of the battery during at least a first mode of operation in which a relatively low amount of ambient air flows through the heat sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Kitty Hawk Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey Alan Long
  • Patent number: 10350961
    Abstract: A heating system for an automotive passenger cabin includes a blower fan generating an air flow; a first heater core downstream of the blower fan; a second heater core downstream of the first heater core; a coolant loop with a first branch and a second branch, wherein the first heater core is disposed in the first branch and the second heater core is disposed in the second branch; a change-over valve arrangement having a first setting establishing fluid communication between the first and second heater cores by connecting the first and second branches in two locations on opposite sides of the first and second heater cores. The change-over valve arrangement has a second setting separating the fluid communication between the first and second heater cores by disconnecting the first and second branches. The second branch or both the first and the second branch are connectable to a PCM heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Mingyu Wang, Edward Wolfe, IV, Timothy Craig, Prasad Kadle
  • Patent number: 10350962
    Abstract: An arrangement for the air distribution of an air conditioning system (1) of a motor vehicle. The air conditioning system (1) is configured with a housing (2) with at least two flow paths (6, 7), which empty into a mixing chamber (8), and at least one air outlet (3a, 3b, 3c) as well as an air flap (10, 11, 12) which can open and close the at least one air outlet (3a, 3b, 3c). The arrangement has a device (18) for air mixing with at least one air resistance element (21), which is supported so that it can turn about an axis of rotation (20) and which extends in the direction of the axis of rotation (20). The air resistance element (21) is configured with at least one flow through opening, so that depending on the position of the device (18) a cross section of at least one flow path (6, 7) of the housing (2) can be changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: HANON SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Ralph Wiesmann, Torsten Klein, Antonio Marques Ferreira
  • Patent number: 10350963
    Abstract: A vehicle having a heating and cooling system includes a cold source through which a first flow of coolant flows, a heat source through which a second flow of coolant flows, and first and second parallel connected air-to-coolant heat exchangers. The first and second coolant flows are directed through one or both of the air-to-coolant heat exchangers dependent upon a mode of operation. A control module controls the first and second flows of coolant dependent upon the mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jing He, Loren John Lohmeyer, III, Angelo Patti, Manfred Koberstein
  • Patent number: 10350964
    Abstract: A vehicle air conditioner includes: a coolant-path coupled with a cooling-portion of a heat-generating component of a vehicle, for circulating a coolant; and a refrigerant-path for circulating a refrigerant. The conditioner further includes: a first water-refrigerant heat exchanger for vaporizing the refrigerant by thermal-exchange between the coolant and a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant; a second water-refrigerant heat exchanger for condensing the refrigerant by a thermal-exchange between the coolant and a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant; and a heater core for heating air to be blown into the vehicle's interior. The coolant-path includes: a branching-portion for causing a coolant's flow to branch off; a joining-portion for causing the branched flows to join; and first and second parts that branch off at the branching-portion and join at the joining-portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kentaro Kuroda, Yoshitoshi Noda
  • Patent number: 10350965
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air extractor grille. The air extractor grille includes a grille body and a grille cover. The grille body includes a plurality of openable flaps which are arranged vertically in a successive order in a vehicle body inside a rear bumper. The grille cover covers at least a portion of the grille body. The grille cover has a plurality of vent slots formed in a front surface of the grille cover and arranged vertically in a successive order as well. A block plate is bent from a lower end of each of the vent slots in such a way that the block plate protrudes outwards, thus preventing the vent slot from being directly exposed to the outside. Therefore, when the flaps open, foreign substances are prevented from directly entering the interior of the vehicle through the flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Wook Kim, Sang Shin Lee, Jae Hyun An, Ja Sung Gu
  • Patent number: 10350966
    Abstract: A vehicle heating and cooling system includes a compressor(s) for compressing a fluid in a cycle including at least two compressions, and a control module for controlling the compressor dependent upon an ambient condition. The module controls a power of the compressor by adjusting a motor speed driving the compressor and/or a pressure drop of the fluid moving through expansion devices. The pressure drop is controlled by changing a size of an opening in the expansion devices. A related method includes compressing a fluid in a first and a second compression cycle, determining an ambient temperature, sensing a temperature of the fluid outlet from a first heat exchanger, sensing a temperature and a pressure of the fluid outlet from a second heat exchanger, calculating a desired power of the compressor based thereon, and adjusting a parameter of the compressor dependent upon the calculated desired power of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jing He, Debasish Dhar, William Stewart Johnston, Loren John Lohmeyer, III
  • Patent number: 10350967
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a heat pump system for a vehicle having a first heat source. The heat pump system includes: a first heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger; a primary loop through which coolant circulates, the primary loop passing through the first and second heat exchangers; and a secondary loop through which a refrigerant circulates. In particular, the primary loop includes a flow control device to control the direction and the flow rate of a coolant passing through the primary loop, and a bypassing line through which the coolant selectively bypasses the first heat source in the primary loop. The secondary loop is thermally coupled to the primary loop via the second heat exchanger, and the secondary loop further includes a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Antonio Vespa
  • Patent number: 10350968
    Abstract: A vent register for a motor vehicle includes an integral scent-dispensing chamber configured for selectively allowing a vehicle heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) airflow therethrough. The scent-dispensing chamber includes a rear wall having one or more rear wall apertures and carrying a damper that is selectively translatable between an open configuration and a closed configuration to control a flow of conditioned air through the chamber. A selectively closeable scent-dispensing chamber front panel allows inserting or removing an air freshening substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Pamela Avendano Arenas, Jesus Marini Parissi, Jesus Ricardo Vargas Sosa
  • Patent number: 10350970
    Abstract: A zipper less removable window system having removable windows for use with a foldable, stowable roof for a vehicle. A plurality of attachment devices of the zipper less removable window system connect the windows to the foldable, stowable roof and to the vehicle without the use of zippers. The operator zipper effort caused by traditional windows is thereby eliminated and misalignment issues present with traditional zippered windows is eliminated or reduced. The stress placed on the portions of the windows connectable to the foldable roof during installation and removal, including around curved portions of the removable window, is eliminated or reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric John Hanson
  • Patent number: 10350971
    Abstract: A vehicular-mounted retractable canopy system and related systems and methods are provided. The system includes a vehicle and a first member mounted to the vehicle. A second member is retractably movable from the first member, wherein a first end of the second member is extendable beyond a footprint of the vehicle. A deployable canopy is mounted to the second member at substantially the first end of the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Sean Rich
  • Patent number: 10350972
    Abstract: A mid-gate assembly includes a mid-gate and a first access panel received in the mid-gate. A window pocket extends through the mid-gate and the first access panel. Further, a window is displaceable between an extended position projecting from the mid-gate and a retracted position held in the window pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Musa Azzouz, Sino Johan Van Dyk, Noah Barlow Mass
  • Patent number: 10350973
    Abstract: A vehicle passenger door comprises: (a) an interior door trim panel; (b) a bracket connected to the interior door trim panel comprising: an elongated middle portion; a first end portion; and a second end portion opposite the first end portion; wherein both the first and second end portions have a first width at a first point and a second width wider than the first width at a second point parallel to the first width, the first point being closer to the elongated middle portion than the second point; and (c) an integrated window regulator carrier comprising: a vertical channel recessed into an interior facing side; a first receiver receiving the first end portion of the bracket disposed at a first side of the vertical channel; and a second receiver, opposing the first receiver, receiving the second end portion of the bracket at a second side of the vertical channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Bowman
  • Patent number: 10350974
    Abstract: A vehicle door structure includes an outer door panel made of resin, etc. The outer door panel has an attenuated portion. The attenuated portion is provided along a boundary line that divides the outer door panel into at least a first region that includes the outer door handle and other regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Nagaishi, Yukihiro Hamada
  • Patent number: 10350975
    Abstract: A vehicle component (1) has a component part (2) for arranging on a vehicle door (10) of a motor vehicle (100). An alignment system (3) with an alignment element (4) and with a fixed point structure (5) is arranged on the vehicle door (10) for aligning the component part (2) in a defined mounting position. The alignment element (4) comprises a first connecting portion (14) for fastening to the fixed point structure (5) and a second connecting portion (24) for fastening the component part (2). Starting from the fixed point structure (5), the component part (2) is thereby positionable in the defined mounting position by the alignment element (4). The fixed point structure (5) is a door lock device (6), and the component part (2) is a paneling component part (7) of the vehicle door (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: David Kiwus, Reimund Schlachter
  • Patent number: 10350976
    Abstract: Guide rails with which a window regulator is provided are respectively fixed to a module plate. The guide rails are fixed, together with the module plate, to an edge of an opening portion provided at inward frames from an outward side in a vehicle width direction. Attachment portions which are capable of afterward attaching outward frames to the inward frames are provided, and attachment portions which are capable of afterward attaching a door outer panel to a door frame comprising the inward frames and the outward frames are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yukihiro Moriyama
  • Patent number: 10350977
    Abstract: An apparatus for partially covering a door or window opening in a vehicle comprises a collapsible cover. The cover may include a plurality of movable members adapted for moving along a support to at least partially expose the door or window opening. A plurality of movable members in the form of panels may be provided, along with actuators for rotating and/or moving one or more of the panels between the raised and collapsed configuration. One or more of the panels may be at least partially transparent or translucent, and seals may be provided for sealing the panels within the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Michael Babbage, Henry W Hausler, Danielle Marie Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 10350978
    Abstract: A water drain structure of a sunroof includes a pair of guide rails disposed in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body at both ends of a roof panel. A front drip is coupled to front ends of the pair of guide rails, the front drip having a water drain channel. An inner rail is disposed in each of the guide rails. The inner rails form a path of the sunroof at both sides from a projection formed at a center region of the guide rails in the longitudinal direction and an outer rail for keeping rainwater. A storage unit is disposed at a portion of a rear end of the outer rail and is divided into a plurality of rainwater storage spaces to keep rainwater flowing therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jeong Hoon Park, Chang Jin Yoon, Ju Hun Lim
  • Patent number: 10350979
    Abstract: A motor vehicle sliding roof system for shifting a cover from a closed position to an open position has at least one guide rail, a carriage that is displaceable in the guide rail, a lifting mechanism that controls a displacement of the front edge of the cover, a raising mechanism that controls a displacement of the rear edge of the cover, and a transfer mechanism adapted to transfer a displacement of the carriage to the raising mechanism. The lifting mechanism, the raising mechanism and the transfer mechanism have a modular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ROOF SYSTEMS GERMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Biewer, Heiko Albert, Stefan Kunkel
  • Patent number: 10350980
    Abstract: The invention relates to a frame construction (10) for a pane (12), comprising a plastic frame (16) surrounding the pane (12) in the edge region, and at least one metal carrier (14) that is at least partially embedded into the plastic frame (16), wherein at least one spacer (20) is provided between the metal carrier (14) and the pane (12). According to the invention, in order to produce a cost-effective, reliable connection between the carrier (14) and the pane (12), the spacer (20) is formed by at least one plastic layer (20), plastic bead (20) or plastic band (20) applied to the carrier (14) and/or the pane (12) by means of an application device (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: BBG GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Hortrich, Bernhard Satzger
  • Patent number: 10350981
    Abstract: A mobile robot triangle chassis assembly is disclosed, which includes a housing, a top plate, an isolation plat, a bottom plate, a power package, multiple support beams and three sets of gear trains. The three sets of gear trains are equilaterally triangularly distributed, each of which includes a motor, a speed reducer, a support frame and an omnidirectional wheel. The mobile robot triangle chassis assembly has a double-layer structure, the three sets of gear trains are located at a lower layer of the double-layer structure, and the power package is located at an upper layer of the double-layer structure, so as to reduce an occupied area of the mobile robot triangle chassis assembly. In the mobile robot triangle chassis assembly, only the bottom of the omnidirectional wheel is located outside the bottom plate, so that components within the mobile robot triangle chassis assembly are protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: SICHUAN ARTIGENT ROBOTICS EQUIPMENT CO., LTD
    Inventors: Bei Peng, Yi Chen, Jing Liu
  • Patent number: 10350982
    Abstract: A vehicle body includes a vehicle frame and an engine assembly, and further includes an intermediate supporting frame connected between the vehicle frame and the engine assembly. A first cushioning device is provided between the intermediate supporting frame and the vehicle frame. In the application of the vehicle body, since the first cushioning device is provided, the first cushioning device can effectively reduce vibration transmitted from the intermediate supporting frame when the vibration is transmitted to the intermediate supporting frame during the vibration of the engine assembly, and the vibration received by the vehicle frame may be much less than the vibration transmitted from the intermediate supporting frame, thus the vehicle frame can be effectively prevented vibrating heavily. Therefore, the heavy vibration of the vehicle body can be effectively reduced by means of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG QIYE SCOOTER CO., LTD. CORPORATION CHINA
    Inventor: Dongrui Chen
  • Patent number: 10350983
    Abstract: A power transmission system includes first differential mechanism connected to an engine, and second differential mechanism. The first differential mechanism includes a first rotating element connected to the engine, and second and third rotating elements. The second differential mechanism includes a fourth rotating element connected to second rotating element, fifth rotating element connected to a first electric rotary machine, and sixth rotating element that is an output element of the second differential mechanism. The power transmission system further includes at least one of a first clutch and brake, and a second clutch. The first clutch is configured to releasably couple two of the first, second and third rotating elements to each other. The brake is configured to releasably couple the third rotating element to a stationary element. The second clutch is configured to releasably couple the third rotating element to one of the fifth and sixth rotating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata, Toshiki Kanada, Yuji Yasuda, Hiroshi Kawanishi
  • Patent number: 10350984
    Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is a tandem starter-generator construction that includes an induction motor-generator, a permanent magnet motor-generator and power transmission unit disposed adjacent to the motor-generators. The induction motor-generator is utilized predominantly as a motor to provide mechanical power at relatively high efficiency as a motor, and as a generator to provide electrical power during regenerative braking. The permanent magnet motor-generator is used predominantly as a generator for very high efficiency power conversion and to capture additional electrical power during regenerative braking to compensate for the regenerative energy captured at lower efficiency by the induction motor-generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ALTIGREEN PROPULSION LABS PRIVATE LIMITED
    Inventors: John F. Bangura, Lasse Moklegaard, Amitabh Saran
  • Patent number: 10350985
    Abstract: A drive train of a hybrid motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine (4), at least one first electric motor (16), at least a first clutch arrangement (6), at least one gear assembly (8), a storage arrangement and at least one auxiliary unit, such as an air conditioning compressor. The internal combustion engine (4) is connected drivingly to a first drive axle (14) via the clutch arrangement (6) and the gear assembly (8), and the first electric motor (16) is connected drivingly to a second drive axle (22) and to the storage arrangement and/or the auxiliary unit. The first electric motor (16) has a rotor shaft (36) with a first end (34) drivingly connected to the second drive axle (22) by a first switching unit (18) and a second end (38) drivingly connected to a crankshaft (28) of the internal combustion engine (4) by a second switching unit (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Falk Heilfort
  • Patent number: 10350986
    Abstract: A transmission of a vehicle is provided. The transmission includes: a first input shaft receiving engine power; a second input shaft receiving motor power; an output shaft; a first stage driving gear at the first input shaft; a second stage driving gear at the second input shaft; a third stage driving gear at the second input shaft; a first synchronizing unit connecting one of the second input shaft and the first stage driving gear to the first input shaft; a second synchronizing unit connecting the second input shaft to the third stage driving gear; first and third stage driven gears engaged with the first and third stage driving gears to form shift ratios of first and third stages; and a second stage driven gear through a one-way clutch while being engaged with the second stage driving gear to form a shift ratio of second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Jong Yun Park
  • Patent number: 10350987
    Abstract: In a rear exhaust engine, an upper portion of a rear portion of a head cover is provided with a first flow redirecting member facing upward and extending rearward and downward toward an exhaust device. A shield cover extending in a width direction of a vehicle is provided behind the first flow redirecting member. The shield cover has a shield surface extending from an upper end portion of the head cover toward a hood and directed rearward. The shield cover is designed such that its upper end is located below a rear end of the first flow redirecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ken Saito, Yasuhiro Okasako