Patents Issued in August 13, 2019
  • Patent number: 10377310
    Abstract: A vehicle object detection system having a controller configured to process object information received from the plurality of sensors and determine the distance between an outer surface of a vehicle body structure and an object. The controller displays on a video display a faux representation of the object, a faux representation of the outer surface of the vehicle body structure and a numeric representation of the distance between the outer surface of the vehicle body structure and the object. The controller is further configured to switch between operating the video display in display modes including a parallel parking view mode and a backup mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian Tan, William M Tierney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10377311
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automotive construction machine with a transport device extending in the working direction beyond the machine frame, in particular a road milling machine or surface miner. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for displaying an image of the surroundings of an automotive construction machine. The construction machine according to the invention has an image display device for displaying a bird's eye view image of the surroundings of the construction machine, which image display device has a camera system with a plurality of cameras for recording individual overlapping image regions of the construction machine surroundings from different image recording positions, and an image processing system. The image processing system is configured in such a way that image details of the individual image regions are joined together to form a total image from a bird's eye view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Kröll, Herbert Lange, Martin Lenz
  • Patent number: 10377312
    Abstract: Provided is an image display mirror that includes a half mirror and an image display apparatus, reduces an influence of a reflected image provided by the half mirror, and is excellent in visibility of an image displayed on the image display apparatus. The image display mirror for a vehicle includes a first polarizing plate, a half mirror, and an image display apparatus in the stated order from a viewer side. In one embodiment, the first polarizing plate includes a polarizer, and the direction of the polarizer of the first polarizing plate is set so that the transmittance of light output from the image display apparatus that is transmitted through the first polarizing plate becomes maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Katsunori Takada, Tadayuki Kameyama, Yoshitsugu Kitamura, Keisuke Kimura, Hiroki Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 10377313
    Abstract: A step assembly of a motor vehicle is described which may have a vehicle-attached bearing assembly for connecting the step assembly to a vehicle body, a lowerable step, and actuating kinematics for the lowerable step, wherein the actuating kinematics comprise a link assembly in each of the two end portions of the lowerable step, each link assembly being displaceable by a drive link assembly between a retracted position, in which the lowerable step is in a lifted position, and an extended position, in which the lowerable step is in its lowered position. Trim parts which cover the link assemblies at least in the lifted position of the lowerable step may be disposed on the bearing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Stefan Brunner, Paul Finch
  • Patent number: 10377314
    Abstract: A hanger apparatus includes a mounting plate configured to mount to a cargo vehicle, a plurality of hook apparatuses mounted to a first side of the mounting plate, wherein each hook apparatus extends out and up from the mounting plate, and at least one ladder apparatus mounted to the first side of the mounting plate. The ladder apparatus includes a plurality of horizontal pins extending between side rails, wherein the side rails are mounted to mounting plate and the horizontal pins are spaced apart from the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: John Lester Peterson
  • Patent number: 10377315
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a seatback. The seatback further includes a compartment in a side portion of the seatback. The compartment is pivotably and resiliently coupled to the side portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kristin Ann Hellman, Christian J. Hosbach, Artur Stanislavovich Sakarian, Annette Lynn Huebner
  • Patent number: 10377316
    Abstract: A pop-up console apparatus for a vehicle may include a console housing disposed in a vehicle; a cover device disposed on the console housing to cover or pop open a top portion of the console housing; and one or more lower trays sequentially disposed under the cover device, wherein at least one of the lower trays moves up and down along a guide that is coupled to an end portion of the cover to pop up together with the cover while being inserted into the console housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dong Eun Cha, Keun Sig Lim, Hye Kyung Kim, Ki Hong Lee
  • Patent number: 10377317
    Abstract: An apparatus for an interior vehicle compartment comprises a seat adapted for moving in a travel direction and a console coupled to the movable seat. The console may include one or more of the following: (a) a collapsible portion for collapsing as a body portion of the console travels with the movable seat in the travel direction; (b) a stepped interface for connecting with the movable seat; (c) a rear drawer with a tiltable door to facilitate access by rear passengers; and (d) a deployable holder for a mobile handheld computer. A stationary base may also be provided for supporting the console during movement, such as along guide rails, which base may contain HVAC components, such as ducts, or electronic components, such as wires. Instead of a mechanical connection using a stepped interface, the coupled movement may also be achieved by commonly controlled motors for the seat and console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shivraj Karthik Ranganathan, Manjil M. Kale, Robert Michael Coury, Gary D. Mullen, Anthony Ligi, Jr., Glenn Biddinger
  • Patent number: 10377318
    Abstract: A support bracket attaches to a standard automobile trunk lid or hatch lift gate locking mechanism to hold a variety of accessory items including an umbrella above the head of a user. The bracket is adjusted and clamped in tightness to the lift gates locking mechanism whereas to secure it without movement to the trunk or hatch lid. It is released using the standard factory provided vehicle trunk or lift gate release mechanism. The device can be used independent of any hand support when the user is adjacent the open trunk or hatch of an automobile. Accessories are placed into a releasable engagement with the bracket sleeve, which may be separately adjusted relative to the main bracket assembly to position the accessory advantageously to the individual behind the vehicle. The umbrella accessory allows for an unobstructed shelter from precipitation and sun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Reticle, LLC
    Inventor: John A. Recker
  • Patent number: 10377319
    Abstract: A charging assembly for a mobile device in a vehicle includes a slot positioned in a vehicle console wherein the slot comprises a floating floor having at least one connector. The charging assembly further includes a spring positioned between the floating floor and a bottom surface of the charging assembly. The floating floor retracts into the vehicle console to both support and charge the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Hadley Muiter, Daniel A. Jammoul
  • Patent number: 10377320
    Abstract: A vehicle glazing includes a glazed element, at least one mounting plate for the reversible attachment of an accessory to the glazed element, the mounting plate having an exterior face which is fixed facing an interior face of the glazed element, and including at least one mount for the reversible attachment of another accessory to the glazed element, wherein the mount is mechanically connected by at least one connecting arm connecting the mount to the mounting plate and the mount having an exterior face which is fixed facing an interior face of the glazed element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE
    Inventors: Laurent Silvestrini, Raymond Brebion
  • Patent number: 10377321
    Abstract: A rotary locking joint that has zero backlash is provided to secure a camera mast mounted on a vehicle in a deployed position. The joint is passive to lock while being easily releasable. The joint prevents rotation of the mast in one direction, with a hard stop element that prevents further rotation of the mast in the opposite direction. The locking joint includes a pawl member configured to rotate about a pawl rotation axis. The pawl member is maintained in place in the locked position via a torsion spring to ensure contact with a base portion of the mast. To release the joint, the pawl member is rotated in the opposite direction to remove a geometry interference condition. A sensor is arranged to detect whether the pawl member is in an unlocked position relative to the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Mark Yerdon, Jordan Wakser
  • Patent number: 10377322
    Abstract: An in-vehicle camera is provide which has a case and a lens, and which is attached in a vehicle interior so that the lens is exposed at a top face of the case and the top face is opposed to a windshield or another window. The top face has an angular shape bent at a ridge line passing through the top face. The lens is positioned in the vicinity of the ridge line. The in-vehicle camera includes a hood attached to a front portion of the case, the front portion being positioned at a front side of the case with respect to the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Syo Okuda, Toshikazu Murao, Kentarou Shiota, Naoki Sugiyama, Takayuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 10377323
    Abstract: Disclosed is shackle assembly that includes a first frame member having a first pair of spaced-apart arm portions and a first base portion connecting the first arm portions to one another and a first securing member extending from one of the first arm portions to the other of the first arm portions, and a second frame member having a second pair of spaced-apart arm portions and a second base portion connecting the second arm portions to one another, where the first securing member is movable between a first position in which the second pair of arm portions are connected by the first securing member and a second position in which the second pair of arm portions are not connected by the first securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Ethel M Lennan
  • Patent number: 10377324
    Abstract: A trim module is disclosed for a pillar of a motor vehicle, in particular for an A-pillar of a motor car. The trim module includes a trim body, a basic body configured to connect to the pillar, a latch and a jointed connection. The trim body includes a pivot portion pivotable about the jointed connection and facing the interior of the motor vehicle. The basic body includes a connecting portion, a bearing portion and a support portion. The support portion is formed in the direction of the pivot portion. The pivot portion, the bearing portion and the support portion form a first receiving region for an inflatable airbag. The pivot portion and the bearing portion are detachably connected to one another by the latch and the jointed connection is formed on the side of the support portion facing away from the first receiving region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Ralf Gaudig
  • Patent number: 10377325
    Abstract: A slide protector slidably engaged with a slide rail together with a slide support has a harness holder holding a wire harness and a hooking section capable of hooking the slide support with the harness holder and the hooking section formed integrally. Though the wire harness causes a resistance force when the slide support slides rearward in the sliding direction and the slide protector is pulled rearward, reliability of the attachment structure of the slide protector to the slide support can be enhanced since the hooking section and the harness holder holding the wire harness are formed integrally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoyasu Terada, Tsukasa Sekino, Shinji Kato
  • Patent number: 10377327
    Abstract: A curvature regulating member includes a plurality of member pieces to be arranged along a wire harness and a flexible connecting part connecting adjacent member pieces. The adjacent member pieces are configured to contact each other, thereby regulating curvature of the wire harness on an X-Y plane. Each member piece includes a recessed part recessed toward a direction away from an adjacent member piece on one side, and a second protrusion configured to be inserted in the recessed part provided on an adjacent member piece on another side when adjacent member pieces contact each other. The recessed part includes a slanted face extending away from the adjacent member piece on the one side as leaving from both ends in a widthwise direction. The second protrusion includes a slanted face extending toward the adjacent member piece on the another side as leaving from both ends in the widthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsunobu Katoh, Tsukasa Sekino, Tatsuya Otsuka, Masaki Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 10377328
    Abstract: A retention device, useful in a method of retaining a charge cord in a motor vehicle, includes a housing, a retainer and an actuator. The retainer includes a pivot connecting the retainer to the housing and is displaceable between a stowed position and a use position. The actuator translates along a guideway in the housing and is displaced from a first position to a second position in order to displace the retainer to the use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jose Ramon Gachuz Navarro, Alfonso Ortiz Espino, Estefania Rojas Silva
  • Patent number: 10377329
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: a communication unit performing communication with a remote control device and receiving an instruction signal for remotely controlling a driving operation of the vehicle from the remote control device; a position acquiring unit detecting a position of the remote control device when the communication unit receives the instruction signal from the remote control device; and a controller restricting the remote control of the driving operation of the vehicle based on the detected position of the remote control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Min Hwan Nam
  • Patent number: 10377330
    Abstract: A lateral rollover risk warning device can report vehicle rollover risk in real time during traveling with no need for inputting radius of a curved path in advance. It includes a first acceleration sensor detecting an external force applied in up-down direction of a vehicle body; an angular velocity sensor detecting a rotation around vehicle axis of vehicle body; and a second acceleration sensor detecting an external force in right-left direction of vehicle body, with an arithmetic part using detection results given by first acceleration sensor and angular velocity sensor to calculate a limit index of vehicle being led to a rollover, and using detection result given by second acceleration sensor to calculate a comparative index to be compared with limit index in real time; and a reporting part using limit index and comparative index to report lateral rollover risk warning information telling the rollover risk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: National University Corporation Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
    Inventor: Yutaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 10377331
    Abstract: A method for actuating restraint means for a vehicle, the method having the following steps: detecting, at a first instant, at least one first value that represents an acceleration; ascertaining a value that represents a force acting on the vehicle from the detected at least one first value that is representative of an acceleration; actuating the restraint means as a function of the ascertained value and/or a value that is derived from the ascertained value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Heiko Freienstein, Josef Kolatschek, Stephan Noessner, Gunther Lang
  • Patent number: 10377332
    Abstract: A safety-relevant system (S) in a vehicle comprises an electrical unit (EE) with at least one signal line input (SE). The signal line input (SE) is connected to a signal line. The electrical unit (EE) additionally comprises a supply connection (VA) for feeding the electrical unit (EE) with electrical energy. For supplying electrical energy to the electrical unit (EE), the signal line is in addition electrically coupled to the supply connection (VA) of the electrical unit (EE).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignees: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, MAGNA CLOSURES, S.P.A.
    Inventors: Thomas Baumeister, Davide Dente
  • Patent number: 10377333
    Abstract: A operator protection apparatus unlocks and lowers from a raised position to a lowered position suitable for clearing a low hanging obstacle when an operator applies a force to an operator lever or pedal. The operator protection apparatus returns to the raised position when the operator ceases applying force to the operator lever or pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Harlan John Bartel, Brian Lee Nebel, Royce A. Steinert
  • Patent number: 10377334
    Abstract: An airbag housing incorporating a molded bin body adapted to store an airbag cushion. A plurality of molded-in surface ribs projects outwardly away from the exterior of the molded bin body. The molded bin body includes a layer of polymer substrate material disposed in over-molded relation to a layer of laminate material providing enhanced toughness and resistance to embrittlement at low temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel Sanchez, Hin Chow
  • Patent number: 10377335
    Abstract: A steering wheel includes a metal core earthed to a body of a vehicle, an airbag device, an insulator, and a connector. The airbag device includes a bag holder supported by the metal core, wherein the bag holder forms part of a positive electric path connected to a horn device, an airbag coupled to the bag holder by a fastener, and an inflator including a circumferential portion that forms a flange, wherein the flange of the inflator is coupled by the fastener to the bag holder. The insulator insulates the bag holder from at least the flange and the fastener among elements of the airbag device. The connector electrically connects at least the flange, among the flange and the fastener, to the metal core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ishii, Toshihito Yanagisawa, Yoshiteru Banno, Yoshitomo Kato, Akira Yamashita
  • Patent number: 10377336
    Abstract: An air bag chute assembly for an automotive instrument panel is injection molded to form an integral deployment chute, door, and attachment flange, The flange attaches to the instrument panel around an aperture in the instrument panel. The tubular chute extends interiorly from the flange to a lower end configured to receive an inflating air bag from an air bag module and defines a deployment path along a longitudinal axis. A door flap is disposed in an upper end of the chute rotatable from the flange to emerge through the aperture. The flap has an interior side impacted by the inflating air bag carrying a plurality of raised strengthening ribs. The flap has at least one closed-section hollow channel protruding from the interior side to a channel height extending beyond the strengthening ribs formed by gas-assist injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Li Lu, Hui Wang, Yi Yang Tay, Liying Qi, Nicholas A. Mazzocchi, Kenneth J. Kwasnik
  • Patent number: 10377337
    Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraining system includes plural occupant restraining devices that are disposed in a side support portion of a seat back of a vehicle seat and is configured to, when activated, restrain an occupant; and a control device that is configured to staggers the activation timings of the plural occupant restraining devices so that a load that acts on the occupant simultaneously from the plural occupant restraining devices is made to be equal to or less than a maximum value of a load that acts on the occupant individually from the plural occupant restraining devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masato Kunisada, Hiroyuki Nagura, Takuma Kawai, Takayuki Iwakawa
  • Patent number: 10377338
    Abstract: A device at least for moving a mass includes a hollow cylindrical airbag fluidically coupled to a gas generator. The airbag is arranged fixedly with one end on an object and a traction element is fixed in the region of an opposite end. The mass to be moved is arranged on the traction element. When the airbag unfolds traction is exerted on the traction element in such a way that the mass is able to be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: DAIMLER AG
    Inventor: Till Heinrich
  • Patent number: 10377339
    Abstract: A seatbelt tensioning assembly having a seatbelt, a buckle tongue and a tensioning device. The buckle tongue is configured for releasable attachment to a seatbelt buckle within the passenger compartment. The tensioning device is rigidly connected to the buckle tongue with a mid-section of the seatbelt extending through a hollow interior of the tensioning device. The hollow interior of the tensioning device has a first tensioning member disposed therein at least partially defining a seatbelt path having a serpentine shape such that in the absence of tension being applied to the seatbelt the mid-portion of the seatbelt moves through the seatbelt path with the seatbelt path defining a first overall length. With a pre-determined level of tension being applied to the seatbelt, the tensioning device is configured to shorten the seatbelt path to a second overall length smaller than the first overall length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery Dix
  • Patent number: 10377340
    Abstract: A restraint system includes a housing, a spool rotatably coupled to the housing, and an actuator fixed relative to the housing. The spool has a base plate with holes. The holes are spaced from each other circumferentially about the spool. The actuator has a pin movable between an engaged position extending into one of the holes and a disengaged position spaced from the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dean M. Jaradi, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Mohammed Omar Faruque
  • Patent number: 10377341
    Abstract: A winding device includes a case that includes a cable lead-out path, a rotating body that is accommodated in the case and is supported to be rotatable, and a cable that has one end connected to the rotating body to be wound in the case and the other end passing through the cable lead-out path of the case to be pulled out to an outside of the case. In the winding device, a first foreign substance removing portion and a second foreign substance removing portion which remove foreign substances pulled in together with the cable, are provided in the cable lead-out path, and the second foreign substance removing portion is capable of removing the foreign substances smaller than the foreign substances that are removable by the first foreign substance removing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiko Katsuramaki, Goro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10377342
    Abstract: A seat-belt monitoring system can be used with self-driving vehicles. A self-driving vehicle can include a belt sensor configured to detect a buckled state of a seat belt. The self-driving vehicle can include an occupancy sensor configured to detect a rider sitting in a seat. The seat-belt monitoring system can receive buckle and occupancy data from multiple self-driving vehicles and then can respond in ways configured to promote increased seat belt use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventors: Eric John Wengreen, Wesley Edward Schwie
  • Patent number: 10377343
    Abstract: A keyless vehicle entry and start system for motor vehicles includes an input device such as a keypad and a backup electrical power supply to unlock the door latch in the event the primary power supply fails, thereby eliminating the need for a lock cylinder. The door latch system is configured to supply electrical power from the primary electrical power supply to unlock the latch upon receiving a signal from a mobile phone, and to supply electrical power from the backup electrical power supply to unlock the latch if an authorized code is input via the keypad. The system is configured to communicate with a portable wireless device such as a smartphone utilizing various frequency bands. The system permits entry and operation of a vehicle utilizing only a smartphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Venkatesh Krishnan
  • Patent number: 10377344
    Abstract: A system for keyless activation, engagement, and monitoring of vehicles and mobile app system and methods of use via the Internet is provided. The system may include a group of devices having a processor and a data store that are connected to a network. Any one of a first, second, and/or third computing devices may be configured to transmit, receive and process at least one vehicle activation command associated with a first vehicle via a close proximity wireless communication. Additionally, a fourth computing device may be configured to electrically communicate with any of the first, second, and/or third computing device so as to control the first, second, and/or third computing device. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: ELECTRONIXIQ Inc.
    Inventors: Florian Meier, Stephen Vick
  • Patent number: 10377345
    Abstract: A plug-in vehicle electronics module for use in vehicle sharing systems, and a method and system for using the vehicle electronics module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
  • Patent number: 10377346
    Abstract: A system and method of providing one or more vehicle functions at a vehicle, the method including: when the vehicle is in a powered off state, periodically scanning for short-range wireless communication (SRWC) devices using a SRWC chipset and, as a result of the scanning, receiving a connection request from a mobile device; in response thereto, establishing a SRWC connection with the mobile device using the SRWC chipset; after establishing the SRWC connection, authorizing the mobile device to access one or more vehicle functions; then, performing an initialization suite of operations, wherein the initialization suite of operations includes initializing at least one vehicle system module, and wherein the initialization suite of operations is performed in response to a predictive user determination indicative of an imminent user interaction with the vehicle; and executing the initialization suite of operations at the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pavan K. Namineni, Donald K. Grimm, Xi Ju, Mofei Liu, Bernard Laurus
  • Patent number: 10377347
    Abstract: A low-profile ventilation system is provided for a motor vehicle. That low-profile ventilation system includes an inlet duct having an inlet-free top wall, a sidewall and a bottom wall. A recirculating air inlet is provided in the sidewall. A fresh air inlet is also provided in the sidewall. A related method of providing a low-profile ventilation system is also provided. The method includes providing an inlet duct with an inlet-free top wall and both a fresh air inlet and a recirculating air inlet, wherein the recirculating air inlet has first and second laterally opposing openings in a sidewall of the inlet duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Steven Sawyer
  • Patent number: 10377348
    Abstract: The invention relates to a member 24, 26 for a system for connecting a wiper blade 12 to a windscreen wiper arm 14, this member comprising articulation means 80 configured in order to interact with first means 60 complementing a second member 26, 24 of the connection system in such a manner as to turn about at least one axis Y of articulation of the member vis-à-vis this second member, said member comprising centring and guide means 62, 82 configured in order to interact with second means 82, 62 complementing the second member in order to facilitate the mounting of the member in or on the second member, characterized in that said centring and guide means 62, 82 comprise at least two distinct and contiguous portions 62a, 62b, 82a, 62b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Guillaume Mouleyre, William Terrasse
  • Patent number: 10377349
    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 having two terminal caps and a central mounting extending between the terminal caps and being connected thereto, the mounting comprising means for fixing to the stiffening member or to the member for retaining the stiffening member, and where each cap includes means for guiding in translation terminal parts of said member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Vincent Gaucher, Stéphane Houssat, Eric Poton
  • Patent number: 10377350
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter 9 designed to be interposed between a connector 8 and an end portion of a drive arm, the adapter 9 including a first attachment member 32 designed to cooperate with a second attachment member 72 of the connector 8, the first attachment member 32 having at least one attachment wall arranged in a longitudinal plane of the adapter 9 and that bears a pivot shaft Ad of the connector 8, characterized in that the attachment wall has at least one recess 38c designed to receive a stiffening rib 70 of the connector 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Stéphane Houssat, Vincent Gaucher, Eric Poton
  • Patent number: 10377351
    Abstract: An interior cleaning system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system may include a display, and the display may include: a screen that includes a cover having a light-sensitive coating on an outwardly-facing side thereof; and a bezel having a lamp, wherein, when actuated, light from the lamp activates the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Annette Lynn Huebner, Venkatesh Krishnan
  • Patent number: 10377352
    Abstract: A vehicle rotation assembly for selectively rotating a vehicle includes a base that may be positioned on a support surface. A rotation unit is coupled to the base and the rotation selectively rotates on the base. A panel is coupled to the rotation unit such that the panel is selectively rotatable on the base. A vehicle is selectively positioned on the panel thereby facilitating the vehicle to be selectively rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Alan Weiner
  • Patent number: 10377353
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a park lock system for an automatic transmission. In one example, a park lock system may include a slideable element coupled to a park rod, a lock slot formed by the slideable element, a cam coupled to an end of a shaft, the shaft positioned within a solenoid and moveable by energization of the solenoid, and a pivotable pawl adapted to couple with the lock slot. In one example, the pivotable pawl is coupled to the lock slot by energization of the solenoid, and a position of the slideable element is locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Curtis Spaulding, Emad Al-Regib, Salim Sandakli
  • Patent number: 10377354
    Abstract: A vehicle speed management apparatus acquires scene information about a driving scene of a host vehicle, estimates the driving scene based on the scene information acquired, acquires behavior information about a driving behavior of a user, determines a driving risk of the host vehicle driven by the user, based on the driving scene estimated and on the behavior information acquired, and controls a presentation of assist information by an information presentation unit in order to prompt the user to address the driving risk. When the driving scene estimated represents an independent traveling state of the host vehicle, the assist information to be presented by the information presentation unit is selected based on a magnitude of the driving risk determined before an operation by an emergency control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nozomi Kitagawa, Norio Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10377355
    Abstract: An electric brake device includes an electric brake actuator and a control device. The controller includes: a brake control calculator that control a braking force so as to follow up a target braking force provided from a host ECU; a brake maintaining current estimator that maintains a motor current at a constant value; and a switching controller that performs switching between the brake control calculator and the brake maintaining current estimator. When a condition that an absolute value of a rate of change of the target braking force is equal to or less than a predetermined value and the braking force is in the follow-up state is satisfied, the switching controller performs switching from the brake control calculator to the brake maintaining current estimator that maintains the motor current at a constant value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yui Masuda
  • Patent number: 10377356
    Abstract: A method for adjusting brake pressures at pneumatically actuated wheel brakes of a vehicle includes, after an external braking demand, continuously ascertaining, by a brake control unit, in a pressure control mode, at least one differential slip value from measuring signals supplied by speed sensors of the wheels, as the difference between the slip of two axles of the vehicle before releasing the control signals; evaluating the differential slip value with consideration for a predefined or adjustable setpoint differential slip value; and depending on the evaluation, bringing the differential slip value closer to the setpoint differential slip value by adapting at least one control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: WABCO GMBH
    Inventor: Horst Eckert
  • Patent number: 10377357
    Abstract: A method and computer program for electronically regulating the brake force distribution in a pressure medium-operated brake system of a vehicle having at least one front axle brake circuit, associated with a front axle, and at least one rear axle brake circuit, associated with at least one rear axle, in which when the brake system is operated, a rear axle brake pressure, acting in the at least one rear axle brake circuit, is regulated to prevent locking of the rear wheels before locking of the front wheels, and in which the brake pressure at the rear axle is limited only while a pressure value which acts in the rear axle brake circuit is below a prespecified pressure threshold value, but the brake pressure at the rear axle is not limited if the pressure value acting in the rear axle brake circuit is not less than the prespecified pressure threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Wieder, Adnan Mustapha, Andreas Schaefers, Falk Hecker, Christian Weber
  • Patent number: 10377358
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a vehicle using a specific torque of a brake system. In one embodiment, a method of using a specific torque of a brake system for a vehicle includes: determining a brake pressure of the brake system during a braking operation; determining a deceleration of the vehicle during the braking operation; determining a vehicle mass and a wheel radius; estimating a specific torque of the brake system based on the brake pressure and the deceleration; and operating the vehicle based on the specific torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brandon C. Pennala, Eric E. Krueger, Patrick J. Monsere, Edward T. Heil, Robert L. Nisonger, Constandi J. Shami, Alan J. Houtman
  • Patent number: 10377359
    Abstract: An electric brake system is disclosed. The electric brake system controlling a hydraulic pressure delivered to a wheel cylinder provided at each of wheels according to a pedal effort of a brake pedal, includes a reservoir configured to store oil; a master cylinder including first and second hydraulic ports, each of which is connected to two wheels, and configured to generate a hydraulic pressure by the pedal effort of the brake pedal; a pedal simulator configured to provide a reaction force of the brake pedal by being connected to the master cylinder, and connected to the reservoir; a simulation valve installed at an oil flow path connecting the pedal simulator to the reservoir, or at an oil flow path connecting the master cylinder to the pedal simulator; a bypass flow path branching off from the oil flow path and connected to the reservoir; and a relief valve provided at the bypass flow path and configured to enable oil to flow when the simulation valve operates abnormally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: In-Wook Jeon
  • Patent number: 10377360
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for resistive short circuit immunity for wheel speed sensor interface on a braking system. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a first circuit for generating a first periodic signal based on first current transmitted to a wheel speed sensor and a second circuit for generating a second periodic signal based on second current, some or all of which is received from the wheel speed sensor. A circuit is provided for selecting the first periodic signal for output if a magnitude of the second current is greater than a magnitude of the first current, or the second periodic signal for output if a magnitude of the second current is not greater than the magnitude of the first current. The selected first or second periodic signal contains information relating to a speed of a wheel that is associated with the wheel speed sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastien Abaziou, Benoit Alcouffe, Jean-Christophe Rince