Patents Issued in January 14, 2020
  • Patent number: 10532627
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement for fastening at least two components together may be utilized in a motor vehicle. The fastening arrangement may include a plurality of screw-on brackets provided on a first component, and a number of retaining pegs provided on a second component. The screw-on brackets may include a through hole that may receive a respective projection of the number of retaining pegs when the first component and the second component are assembled with one another. At least one retaining pegs may include a cover plate that may facilitate receiving an associated screw-on bracket laterally and clip the screw-on bracket between the at least one retaining peg and the cover plate. A screw-in peg having a screw-in opening may be disposed on the second component. A hold-down may be securable to the screw-in peg to secure an associated screw-on bracket and an associated retaining peg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Erich Philippin, Ulrich Schneider
  • Patent number: 10532628
    Abstract: An HVAC module having a reconfigurable bi-level duct system is disclosed. The air duct includes an air duct inlet in fluid communication with the HVAC module, an interior wall dividing the air duct into first and second air passageways, a bypass port enabling fluid communication between the first air and second air passageways. A downstream control valve disposed adjacent the bypass port and is configured to selectively direct air flow from one of the first and second air passageways to the other of the first and second air passageways. An upstream flow control valve is disposed adjacent to the inlet of the air duct, wherein the upstream flow control valve is configured to selectively direct air flow from the hot and cold chambers of the HVAC module to the first and second air passageways of the air duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Mingyu Wang, Yanping Xia, Wen Liu, Prasad S. Kadle, Jeffrey C. Kinmartin
  • Patent number: 10532629
    Abstract: A radiant heating system includes a radiant heating element, a steering wheel position monitoring device and a controller configured to control the radiant heating element in response to steering wheel position data received from the steering wheel position monitoring device. A method of controlling operation of a radiant system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Craig Elson, Kerrie Kathleen Gath, Clay Wesley Maranville, Victoria Leigh Schein, Donald Peter Schneider, III, Manfred Koberstein
  • Patent number: 10532630
    Abstract: A heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle includes: a battery circulation line having a battery radiator, a main valve, a high voltage battery core, and a cooling heat exchanger so as to circulate a first coolant therethrough, with the cooling heat exchanger being provided to be heat-exchangeable with an indoor HVAC refrigerant line; a branch line including a water heating heater and selectively connected to the battery circulation line through the main valve; and a controller selectively cooling or heating the high voltage battery core by controlling an operation of the main valve, the water heating heater, and the indoor HVAC refrigerant line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Shin Lee, Jae Woo Park, So Yoon Park, Man Ju Oh, Jae Woong Kim, So La Chung
  • Patent number: 10532631
    Abstract: An air extraction system for a motor vehicle includes a trim panel inlet, an air extractor and an acoustic air duct extending from the trim panel inlet to the air extractor. The acoustic air duct includes an outer wall defining an elongated internal airflow passageway and a plurality of channels. Those channels extend along the airflow passageway within the outer wall. At least one of the channels has an expansion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick James Blanchard, Haibo Zhao
  • Patent number: 10532632
    Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a startup mode control module that receives at least one parameter associated with operation of a compressor of the refrigeration system, determines whether the at least one parameter indicates that the compressor is in a high ambient temperature startup condition, and selects, based on the determination, between a normal startup mode and a high ambient temperature startup mode. A compressor control module operates the compressor in the normal startup mode in response to the startup mode control module selecting the normal startup mode, operates the compressor in the high ambient temperature startup mode in response to the startup mode control module selecting the high ambient temperature startup mode, and transitions from the high ambient temperature startup mode to the normal startup mode after a predetermined period associated with operating in the high ambient temperature startup mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn W. Vehr, Joseph James Rozsnaki, Joseph G. Marcinkiewicz
  • Patent number: 10532633
    Abstract: A dehumidifier for a vehicle includes a heat exchanger provided in a flow path of air and configured to have a heat transfer material flowing therein so as to cool or heat the air. A first thermoelectric element is provided at an air inlet side of the heat exchanger and is configured to cool introduced air. A first thermal conductor is configured to connect a heat-generating surface of the first thermoelectric element to the heat exchanger and radiate heat generated from the first thermoelectric element through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Man Ju Oh, Jae Woo Park, Jae Woong Kim
  • Patent number: 10532634
    Abstract: A vehicle windscreen assembly includes a first windscreen at a front section of a vehicle and a second windscreen positioned beneath and at an angled position with the first windscreen. The second windscreen substantially reduces a driver's blind spot area in front of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: FARADAY&FUTURE INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas Max Gronenthal, Nicholas Clyde Bennett
  • Patent number: 10532635
    Abstract: An attachable sun visor system includes a sun visor extension assembly including a sun shade panel, an extendable rod having a first-end, a second-end, and a mounting member. The sun shade panel is configured to attach to a rod of a stationary sun visor in a vehicle and swivel from being adjacent to the stationary sun visor during non-use to being perpendicular to the stationary sun visor during an in-use condition to provide an effective shade area in combination with the stationary sun visor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Inventor: Cecil W. Mueller
  • Patent number: 10532636
    Abstract: There is provided a laminated glass for vehicle including a suspended particle device film excellent in property of switching transmittance of light for a long term by suppressing deterioration over time of the suspended particle device film, in particular, deterioration due to intrusion of moisture at an end portion. A laminated glass for vehicle includes: a pair of glass plates opposing each other; a pair of intermediate bonding layers in contact with opposing surfaces of the pair of glass plates respectively; a suspended particle device film arranged in a predetermined region in a region corresponding to a region except at least a part of band-shaped regions of peripheral edge portions of a main surface of the glass plate, between the pair of intermediate bonding layers; and a barrier layer arranged in the band-shaped regions between the pair of intermediate bonding layers and having predetermined adhesiveness and predetermined moisture permeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: AGC Inc.
    Inventors: Seiichi Miyasaka, Tokihiko Aoki, Yuhei Gima
  • Patent number: 10532637
    Abstract: An anti-glaring light system and a vehicle are provided in the present disclosure. The system includes a light emitting device, configured to selectively emit first polarized light having a first polarization direction along a first light-emergent path or ordinary light along a second light-emergent path; and an eye-protection device, configured to block second polarized light having a second polarization direction incident into the eye-protection device, enable the first polarized light to pass through the eye-protection device and be propagated to eyes of a user along a first light-incident path, and enable the ordinary light to be propagated to the eyes of the user along a second light-incident path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignees: CHENGDU BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bo Shi, Yuanming Feng
  • Patent number: 10532638
    Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting an interior component to a door trim body includes: a rear locking protrusion including a first portion protruding from a back surface of the interior component and a second portion extending from a distal end of the first portion toward a front of a vehicle; a rear mounting hole in a rear edge section of the door trim body and opposed to the rear locking protrusion; a locking protrusion protruding from the back surface toward the door trim body and is disposed closer to a front of the vehicle relative to the rear locking protrusion; and a mounting hole in a section of the door trim body at a position closer to the front relative to the rear mounting hole and opposed to the locking protrusion. The second portion of rear locking protrusion is locked to a hole edge of the rear mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 10532639
    Abstract: A holding assembly in a vehicle sunroof includes: a housing; a sunroof panel; a rail extending in a front-rear direction of the sunroof, the sunroof panel being slideably connected to the rail; a rail guide extending in the front-rear direction and including a rail channel extending a length of the rail guide from a first end of the rail guide to a second end of the rail guide; and a front wall extending in the front-rear direction and including a support arm and a lateral restrictor, wherein the support arm extends towards the rail guide and below the rail channel at the second end of the rail guide, and the lateral restrictor has a planar shape parallel to the length of the rail guide, is attached to the support arm, and is in contact with an exterior face of the rail channel at the second end of the rail guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jacob Grimaldo, Joel Runyan, Chanli Ke
  • Patent number: 10532640
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle may include a detachable roof assembly that includes an upper B-pillar extending from a longitudinal roof rail that extends between a pair of transverse roof bows. The vehicle may also include a frame assembly. The frame assembly may include a lower B-pillar that extends from a rocker panel to a beltline of the vehicle. The lower B-pillar may include an upper end that defines a receptacle that may receive at least 50% of the upper B-pillar when the roof assembly is assembled to the frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Craig, Cathy Bingfeng Xi, Prakash Basavarajaiah, Shyam Pittala, Hassen Hammoud
  • Patent number: 10532641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a convertible vehicle having a top linkage which can be displaced between a closed position and a storage position, and a linkage arrangement on both of its two sides relative to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the top. The linkage arrangement includes a main multi-joint arrangement pivotally mounted on a corresponding main bearing permanently mounted to the vehicle. The main multi-joint arrangement includes two main links, at least one of which rests against an abutment arrangement of the corresponding main bearing when in the closed position of the top so that the main bearing is in its a normal position. The abutment arrangement includes a displaceable abutment element which can be displaced between a rest position and an active position, in which the main link resting against the abutment arrangement is pivoted from the normal position to a deviated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventor: Magnus Sviberg
  • Patent number: 10532642
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a convertible sliding top assembly for use with a vehicle. The convertible sliding top assembly can create an opening on the top of the vehicle by rotating a plurality of arms and folding over a soft cover. The assembly can be designed and shaped to improve aerodynamics when the vehicle is moving and prevent the buildup of water on the soft cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Nicholas Smith, Carlos Gutierrez, Chris Schumacher, Scott Cover
  • Patent number: 10532643
    Abstract: A vehicle component for a motor vehicle having a rear seat device with at least one headrest and having a wind deflector device with an extendable planar element for protecting front seats of the motor vehicle against relative wind. In an extended state, the planar element extends from a region behind the headrest to a region in front of the headrest. In this context, the headrest can be pivoted by a pivoting device from a position of use, in which the headrest projects beyond a height of the planar element in the extended state, into a position of rest. In the position of rest, the headrest is arranged under the extended planar element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Detlev Ranft, Kai Geissenhöner
  • Patent number: 10532644
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure is provided that has fewer parts and allows a seal member securely sealing a gap between a vehicle body and a door to be attached thereto. The vehicle body structure has a door that covers and uncovers a door opening formed in a vehicle body. The door has a first garnish that is located on an outer side of a vehicle than the door, and a seal member that is attached to the first garnish and seals a gap between the door and the vehicle body. The first garnish has an insertion groove defined by a contact wall extending in a direction which is orthogonal to a lateral direction, and the seal member is inserted in the insertion groove so as to be in contact with the contact wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoichi Katayama
  • Patent number: 10532645
    Abstract: A drive package includes a remote located CVT and a motor where the CVT is positioned rearward (or forward) of the motor. An auxiliary drive mechanism couples a drive shaft of the CVT to a crankshaft of the motor. The auxiliary drive mechanism is a belt or chain. The drive shaft is substantially parallel to, and longitudinally offset from, the crankshaft. Thus, the width of the drive package is reduced as compared to ATVs having a CVT located adjacent the motor. A method of making an ATV with the drive package is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: ARCTIC CAT, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Tiry
  • Patent number: 10532646
    Abstract: The present invention introduces a retrofit method of regenerative braking where no components of an automobile are to be replaced or removed and none of their functionality is modified. The recovering energy system is implemented as an additional, one piece, complete device, placed onto the existing automobile wheel's hub, and covered by the automobile's wheel. The system includes a housing, turbines, accumulators, and valves which act to both store and dispel energy as needed. This method of regenerative braking is therefore applicable to all the automobiles, independent or their power source, to newly built automobiles and those already on the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: REWHEEL, INC
    Inventor: Benjamin Shapiro
  • Patent number: 10532647
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for hybrid electric internal combustion engine applications in which a motor-generator, a narrow switchable coupling and a torque transfer unit therebetween are arranged and positioned in the constrained environment at the front of an engine in applications such as commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles and stationary engine installations. The motor-generator is preferably positioned laterally offset from the switchable coupling, which is co-axially-arranged with the front end of the engine crankshaft. The switchable coupling is an integrated unit in which a crankshaft vibration damper, an engine accessory drive pulley and a disengageable clutch overlap such that the axial depth of the clutch-pulley-damper unit is nearly the same as a conventional belt drive pulley and engine damper. The front end motor-generator system includes an electrical energy store that receives electrical energy generated by the motor-generator when the coupling is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: David Colavincenzo, Fernando Venegas Diaz
  • Patent number: 10532648
    Abstract: A power transmission device for a hybrid vehicle with a first clutch (1a) and a second clutch (1b). The first clutch (1a) is capable of transmitting or cutting off driving power of an engine (E) to driving wheels (D). The second clutch (1b) is capable of transmitting or cutting off power of a motor (M) to the driving wheels (D). The power transmission device is capable of appropriately operating the first clutch (1a) and the second clutch (1b) in accordance with driving conditions of the vehicle. When the engine (E) is started by transmitting power from the motor (M) to the engine (E), via the first clutch (1a) and the second clutch (1b), the power transmission device slip-controls the first clutch (1a) and the second clutch (1b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventor: Tatsuyuki Ohashi
  • Patent number: 10532649
    Abstract: An electric motor assembly for a motor vehicle and brake has an engine cartridge with a stator connected to an engine casing. The engine cartridge also has a rotor connected to a wheel shaft. The assembly also has a disc of a disc brake connected to the wheel shaft. The assembly also has a disc brake caliper arranged astride the disc and connected to the engine casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Freni Brembo, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Riccardo Arrigoni, Beniamin Szewczyk, Andrea Butti
  • Patent number: 10532650
    Abstract: A drive motor includes a coolant channel in which coolant is circulated around a motor housing surrounding the stator, and an oil path in which the temperature of oil decreases by heat exchange between the oil and the coolant in a motor internal space defined by a motor cover and a reducer cover that are coupled to the respective left and right sides of the motor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jung-Woo Lee, Dong-Yeon Han
  • Patent number: 10532651
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes air-guiding means and an air duct. The air-guiding means are configured to guide incident air into the air duct. The air-guiding means are arranged such that the incident air flows from below into a first end section of the air-guiding means during an intended use of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Benno Dahl, Tobias Hegedusch, Roland-Gerhard Stromsky, Thomas Wolf
  • Patent number: 10532652
    Abstract: The invention relates to a panel (6) of flaps (9) for an air intake (2, 3) of a motor vehicle (1) comprising a plurality of flaps (9) mounted with the ability to pivot about a respective longitudinal axis of pivoting (A), the longitudinal axes of pivoting (A) extending parallel to one another and being arranged side by side, characterized in that the alignment of the longitudinal axes of pivoting (A) lies within a curved surface (S). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle (1) comprising such a panel (6) of flaps (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventor: Frédéric Vacca
  • Patent number: 10532653
    Abstract: A tractor includes an air cleaner and a passageway arranged to surround the air cleaner. Alternatively, tractor includes a maintenance equipment, an engine, a top plate covering the engine, and a floor section disposed at a position lower than the top plate and in a non-overlapping position with the engine as seen from above. In this tractor, the maintenance equipment is disposed on the floor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Takuya Uemura, Taira Ozaki, Masami Hirayama
  • Patent number: 10532654
    Abstract: A liquid container has a plurality of resilient liquid permeable bodies inserted via an aperture and attached to a mounting by a tether, so as to interrupt the free flow of liquid within the container and prevent noise and vibration resulting from the contained fluid sloshing. A method describes how the anti-slosh device can be installed into a liquid container and how the device can be retrofitted to any liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventors: Glen Voice, Michael Powell, Doran Chesters
  • Patent number: 10532655
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a portal axle for low-slung vehicles, comprising a portal housing 1, 1? into the interior 2 of which is guided proceeding from an axle bracket side a drive shaft 17 on which a drive wheel 3 is arranged so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to it, with intermediate wheels 4 which are rotatably mounted on bearing pins 12 in the portal housing 1, 1? and which can be rotatably driven by the drive wheel 3 and by means of which an output wheel 5 which is arranged in the portal housing 1, 1? on an output shaft so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to it can be rotatably driven, this output wheel 5 projecting into a hub carrier 6 which can be fixedly connected to the portal housing 1, 1?. The drive shaft 17 and the output shaft extend so as to be axially offset, and a brake caliper of a disk brake is arranged radially adjacent to the portal housing 1, 1?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Neumüller, Paul Lenz, Manuel Bauer, Stefan Brachmeier, Daniela Wagner, Peter Haselberger, Daniel Dudek, Klaus Alesch, Horst Sigl, Alexander Enderl
  • Patent number: 10532656
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for operating a motor vehicle with selectable all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive is implemented with no central differential and the rear axle is implemented with no axle differential. The motor vehicle includes first and second partial clutches for independently decoupling left and right rear wheels from the drive train of the motor vehicle motor vehicle. The method includes determining a value that is representative of a ratio of the speeds of the front wheels to each other, comparing the value with a reference value, and disengaging the partial clutch that is associated with an outer rear wheel when the motor vehicle is turning, when the value is greater than the reference value, in order to prevent negative torques on the outer rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cyril Coerman, Lucian Lippok
  • Patent number: 10532658
    Abstract: A health measurement system for a vehicle driver and a warning method using the same are disclosed. The health measurement system includes an Internet of Things (IoT) device and a controller. The controller performs health scanning of a driver through the IoT device, and informs the driver of a result of the health scanning. The controller determines a necessary condition of the health scanning of the driver by analyzing traveling environment information, and performs the health scanning only when the necessary condition of the health scanning is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kye Yoon Kim, Jung Mi Park
  • Patent number: 10532659
    Abstract: Various implementations include an occupant monitoring system (OMS) for monitoring at least one occupant in a vehicle. The OMS includes a mounting bracket coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly, a housing coupled to the mounting bracket, at least one imaging unit disposed within the housing, and at least one lens disposed adjacent the housing and imaging unit and facing an expected position of at least one vehicle occupant and configured for allowing light to pass through to the imaging unit. The mounting bracket extends upwardly from the steering wheel assembly adjacent a central portion thereof. The housing has a back surface that is disposed adjacent a back cover of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view inside of the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area within the field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLC
    Inventor: Jason Carl Lisseman
  • Patent number: 10532660
    Abstract: A cluster for a vehicle may include a center module including a center display unit, and a side module mounted to a side surface of the center module, and including a side display unit and the side module may be removably coupled to the center module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Wan Choi, Hyung Soo Kim, Sang Hun Yoo, Han Tae Kang
  • Patent number: 10532661
    Abstract: An exemplary electrified vehicle includes a passenger cabin, and an infrared heater configured to radiate heat for conditioning the passenger cabin. The vehicle further includes a heating device configured to heat airflow for conditioning the passenger cabin. Further, the vehicle includes a controller configured to selectively command a change in an output of the heating device based on an amount of power available to the infrared heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William Samuel Schwartz, Angel Fernando Porras, Timothy Noah Blatchley
  • Patent number: 10532662
    Abstract: An apparatus has a first portion of a magnetic braking system with a first element disposed thereon. The first portion rotates about an axis. The position of the first element is a fixed distance from the axis. A second portion of the magnetic braking system has a second element disposed thereon. A spring biases the rotatable first portion a first distance from the second portion. Upon application of a force to one of the portions, the relative position of the rotatable first portion to the second portion is reduced to a second distance less than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: TRUBLUE LLC
    Inventors: John Lewis McGowan, Steven K. Holmes
  • Patent number: 10532663
    Abstract: Techniques for electric vehicle systems, and in particular to an electric vehicle emergency charging system and method of use. In one embodiment, a system for charging a moving electric vehicle is provided, the system comprising: an electrical storage unit disposed on the electric vehicle; a charging panel in electrical communication with the electrical storage unit; a vehicle controller that determines if the electrical storage unit requires charging and configured to determine if an overhead power source is available to charge the electrical storage unit; wherein the charging panel receives the charge from the overhead power source and charges the electrical storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. Ricci
  • Patent number: 10532664
    Abstract: A method of estimating time required to charge a vehicle is provided. The method reduces an error in estimating the time required for charging due to a difference between the voltage of an external power supply unit, measured when setting a reservation for charging, and the voltage applied to an on-board charger during actual charging of a battery, and a charging reservation method using the same. The method includes detecting an input voltage to an on-board charger from an external power supply unit and estimating an input current. A charging voltage margin value is determined based on the detected input voltage and the input current and a charging setting voltage is determined by applying the charging voltage margin value to the input voltage. A time required for charging is then calculated based on the charging setting voltage, the input current, and a charging demand of a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Young Jin Jang, Soung Han Noh
  • Patent number: 10532665
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for the battery management of a battery which comprises a plurality of battery cells and which is fitted with a battery management system for monitoring battery functionality and with a charge state compensation system, wherein the battery management system comprises a plurality of sensor control devices and a main control device, said control devices being connected with one another via a communication channel, and wherein the charge state compensation system has a number of charge state compensation resistors being put into operation via the sensor control devices for a charge state compensation of battery cells. The sensor control devices save information about performed charge state compensations in non-volatile memory. A computer program, a battery management system, a battery system and a motor vehicle, which are designed to carry out the method, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Christoph Brochhaus
  • Patent number: 10532666
    Abstract: A power generation system and a power generation method for a fuel cell vehicle, the power generation system comprising a main line that sequentially and electrically connects a fuel cell, a high voltage DC-DC converter, and a high voltage battery; an external power consumption device connecting unit; and a controller that controls the fuel cell or the high voltage DC-DC converter by selecting a mode for supplying power to an external power consumption device by using only power generated by the fuel cell, a mode for supplying power to the external power consumption device by using only the high voltage battery, or a mode for operating the fuel cell or the high voltage DC-DC converter in a high efficiency output interval, according to power consumption of the external power consumption device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR CORPORATION, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sung Gone Yoon, Jae Yeong Yoo
  • Patent number: 10532667
    Abstract: A two-way distribution, charging, and vending system permits a subscriber to exchange one or more partially or completely discharged portable electric energy storage devices for a comparable number of charged portable electric energy storage devices. The two-way distribution, charging, and vending system includes a number of charging modules, each with a dedicated power converter, communicably coupled to at least one two-way distribution system controller and to a power distribution grid. Upon receipt of a discharged portable electric energy storage device, the at least one two-way distribution system controller validates a manufacturer identifier and a subscriber identifier stored in a nontransitory storage media carried by the discharged portable electric energy storage device. Responsive to a successful authentication and validation, the at least one two-way distribution system controller dispenses a charged portable electric energy storage device to the subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Gogoro Inc.
    Inventors: Jung-Hsiu Chen, Shen-Chi Chen, Yu-Lin Wu, Chien-Ming Huang, TsungTing Chan, Feng Kai Yang
  • Patent number: 10532668
    Abstract: A striker mounting structure of a rear seat back for a vehicle is disclosed, which comprises a mounting bracket with assemble hole; a striker fixedly coupled to the mounting bracket inserted into the assemble hole, and detachably coupled to a seat back of a rear seat; and a seat belt retractor mounting portion at which a seat belt retractor is mounted, and coupled to the mounting bracket, so that it is possible to reduce weight and cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hyung Gyu Park, Jung Woo Hur, Vamshi Krishna Janagam, Aseesh Chintala
  • Patent number: 10532669
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle seat that includes: a waist movement suppressing member that is disposed at a seat front side and a seat upper side of a seat cushion, and that extends in a seat width direction; movable members that support both end portions of the waist movement suppressing member movably in a seat vertical direction; urging members that urge the movable members toward a seat upper side; raising mechanisms that, at a time of sudden braking or at a time a collision is predicted, move the waist movement suppressing member toward the seat upper side; and stoppers that limit movement, toward a seat lower side, of the waist movement suppressing member that has been moved toward the seat upper side by the raising mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuichi Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 10532670
    Abstract: Disclosed is a seat recliner for a vehicle, the seat recliner including: a first flange provided with a plurality of guide parts being spaced apart from each other, with guide spaces defined between the guide parts; a plurality of locking gears disposed in the guide spaces of the first flange respectively, configured to slide forward and backward along the guide parts in a radial direction, and provided with external teeth at an outer end of each of the locking gears; and a second flange coupled with the first flange to be rotatable relative thereto, formed in a shape covering the guide parts and the locking gears, and configured to be engaged with the external teeth of the locking gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Hyundai Dymos Incorporated
    Inventor: Seung Hun Chang
  • Patent number: 10532671
    Abstract: A removable seat assembly for a vehicle, including a base assembly having a riser portion configured to support a seat; a frame structure coupled to and supporting the riser portion, the frame structure defining a first generally planar surface configured to support a floor section; a seat dolly coupled to the frame structure, the seat dolly including a plurality of wheels for moving the seat assembly from a first position to a second position; a floor base assembly defining a substantially planar surface for receiving the plurality of wheels of the seat dolly as the seat assembly is moved from the first position to the second position; and a mounting bracket configured to releasably lock the seat dolly to the floor base assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: THE BRAUN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Laird, Roy Mayekawa, Michael Pugh, Michael T. Zindler, James Stoner
  • Patent number: 10532672
    Abstract: An adjustable firmness seat suspension includes a seat frame, first and second spring members, and an intermediate tensioning member. The seat frame includes a first frame member and a second frame member spaced apart from and opposite one another. The first spring member is attached to the first frame member, the second spring member is attached to the second frame member, and the intermediate tensioning member is attached to and extends between the first spring member and the second spring member. The intermediate tensioning member is formed from a shape memory alloy (SMA) having a first length that provides a first spring tension of the seat suspension through the first and second spring members, and configured to alter its length to a second length that provides a second spring tension of the seat suspension through the first and second spring members in response to application of a tensioning signal thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Pinkelman, Umesh N. Gandhi, Ryohei Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 10532673
    Abstract: There is described a vehicle seat suspension mechanism, comprising a vehicle mount, a seat support linked to the vehicle mount by a suspension arrangement which allows the seat support to fall with respect to the vehicle mount under load and a shock strut arranged to resist the seat support falling with respect to the vehicle mount during a compression stroke. A control link is arranged to be driven about a control link pivot by the fall of the seat support. The control link is pivotally coupled to a first end of the shock strut to guide the first end with respect to a second end of the shock strut in a manner which causes a motion ratio of the suspension mechanism to increase during progression of the compression stroke. The ride will feel softer for smaller impacts and better damped later for larger impacts. The mechanism is arranged underneath a seat of a vehicle to provide additional comfort for the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: COBRA SEAT TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Nicholas Kemp, Mark Dunsford
  • Patent number: 10532674
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat back is coupled to the seat bottom and arranged to extend upwardly from the seat bottom. The seat back includes a seat-back frame and a comfort integrator unit to be mounted to the seat-back frame, as well as a seat-cover shell that can be positioned over the mounted comfort integrator unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Faurecia Automotive Seating, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Wright, Robert C. Fitzpatrick
  • Patent number: 10532675
    Abstract: A knitted seat trim cover for attachment to a vehicle seat includes a knitted trim panel configured to be installed over one or more support members of the vehicle seat and at least one fastener tube integrally knitted to the trim panel. The fastener tube is positioned on a back side of the trim panel facing the one or more support members. The knitted seat trim cover also includes an elongated fastener member positioned inside the at least one fastener tube. The elongated fastener member is configured to releasably connect to a complimentary fastener member on the vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Daniel W. Booth, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson, Heidi H. McAdoo-Wilson, Janet C. Robincheck
  • Patent number: 10532676
    Abstract: A removable car seat cover for a car seat having an integral side airbag including a side panel having a predetermined pre-weakened failure zone that is pretreated by controlled laser ablation of the side panel. The pre-weakened failure zone is located at or adjacent to an airbag deployment area of a car seat when the car seat cover is installed on the car seat, and is in the form of an elongate strip extending along the side panel. The pre-weakened failure zone has a known bursting strength to thereby facilitate reliable deployment of the side airbag from the car seat as a result of tearing of the pre-weakened zone when the removable car seat cover is installed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Custom Accessories Inc.
    Inventors: Arun Vijayan, Amit Jadhav, Rajiv Padhye
  • Patent number: 10532677
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly for a motor vehicle has a lower seat and a seat back extending upwardly from the lower seat, and includes a cushion frame assembly having a lower seat cushion frame and a seat back cushion frame. A lower seat cushion module is mounted to the lower seat cushion frame of the cushion frame assembly, the lower seat cushion module comprising an EPP-based lower seat foam core and a lower seat trim cover fitted about an external surface of at least a portion of the foam core. A seat back cushion module is mounted to the seat back cushion frame of the cushion frame assembly, the seat back cushion module comprising an EPP-based seat back foam core and a seat back trim cover fitted about an external surface of at least a portion of the foam core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, David Frederick Lyons, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Daniel Ferretti