Patents Issued in January 30, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200031233
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to operating an electric vehicle (EV) during a fault condition. The EV drive system comprises a motor configured to provide motive force to the EV. The EV processing system can to run a diagnostic routine to monitor the drive system for the fault condition. In response to identifying that the drive system is in the fault condition, the processing system can determine whether the fault condition was caused a three-phase short circuit or a three-phase open circuit. The processing system can estimate a motor torque for the motor based at least partly on the motor speed and on whether the fault condition was caused by the three-phase short circuit or the three-phase open circuit, and can use the estimated motor torque to control the drive system to provide motive force to the EV while operating in the fault condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Mengwei Li Campbell
  • Publication number: 20200031234
    Abstract: A self-charging electric car system, includes a input batteries 1, Dual polar motor magnet generator 4, Ultra capacitor modules 5, which forms a charging unit producing charging current for charging the electric car lithium batteries 7 via the batteries isolator 6, thereby keeping the lithium batteries charged all the time to power the gear motor, without the need for charging station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Regnault Umaru Bamiji
  • Publication number: 20200031235
    Abstract: An exemplary charge port covering assembly includes, among other things, doors moveable between a covering position where the doors block access to a charge port, and an accessing position where the doors permit access to the charge port. A door release assembly includes a portion that tilts in response to movement of a charger toward an engaged position with the charge port to permit movement of the doors to the accessing position. An exemplary charge port covering method includes, among other things, blocking access to a charge port using a doors in a covering position, and tilting a portion of a door release assembly with a charger. The tilting permits a transitioning of the doors from the covering position to an accessing position where the charger can couple with the charge port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Xiankai Song, Michael T. Zitkovic, Rodolfo Palma, Mohammad Usman
  • Publication number: 20200031236
    Abstract: A retention assembly for a charging station for a vehicle is provided. The assembly has a ground latch bracket to receive a cover latch bracket extending from a cover of a charging pad. The assembly also has a locking mechanism with a ground locking bracket to mount to the ground surface, a support bracket to connect to the cover, and a sliding bracket. The sliding bracket translates relative to the support bracket to lock and unlock the locking mechanism with inclined flanges of the ground locking bracket mating with inclined flanges of the support bracket and sliding bracket when the locking mechanism is in a locked position. A charging assembly having a retention assembly, and a method of positioning the charging station is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Anthony CARUCCI, William J. HAYES, Drew IZIEL, Aribert NEUMANN
  • Publication number: 20200031237
    Abstract: Methods and systems related to a charging station for a tracked mobile object are disclosed. In one embodiment, a charging station is provided. The charging station comprises a charging port for a remote control, a regulator that provides power from a power source to the charging port, a transceiver that transmits an outbound positioning signal to the remote control, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions for a method. The method comprises at least one of generating the outbound positioning signal and receiving an inbound positioning signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: 7hugs Labs SAS
    Inventors: Julien Colafrancesco, Simon Tchedikian, Nicolas Schodet, Stephane Jaubertou, Oliver Mandine, Lionel Marty
  • Publication number: 20200031238
    Abstract: This invention consists of a method and apparatus to use an electric vehicle main propulsion battery to provide back up power during grid outages. It relies on simultaneous AC connection through an EVSE to the conventionally provided on-board vehicle battery charger and DC connection from the vehicle main propulsion battery to a stationary, ground-based inverter to provide bidirectional power flow to and from the vehicle. this bidirectional capability can provide back up power during grid outages and remunerative ancillary services to the grid. The DC connection to the vehicle battery may be indirectly through the on-board DC-DC converter and the low voltage accessory battery system or direct to the high voltage main propulsion battery. If the AC power source is connected to a solar array, the back up system can keep the array functioning through outages for an indefinite time and charge the vehicle for continued use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Paul Harriman Kydd
  • Publication number: 20200031239
    Abstract: A mobile charging system includes: at least one or more vehicles collecting and transmitting vehicle information; at least one or more mobile chargers collecting and transmitting charger information and supplying charging power to the at least one or more vehicles; and a server performing clustering within a range that each of the at least one or more mobile chargers is capable of covering, based on the vehicle information and the charger information and determining a standby location of each of the at least one or more mobile chargers and a charging location of each of the at least one or more vehicles in each cluster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Jun Byung CHAE, Byeong Geon JEON
  • Publication number: 20200031240
    Abstract: A method for operating a traction power supply system of an electrically-driven transportation vehicle in response to a short circuit, wherein the traction power supply system includes a voltage source and at least two electric drive units connected to the voltage source via respective electrical distribution paths, and wherein at least one electrical isolating element for selective isolation of the voltage source is arranged in the distribution path of each drive unit, wherein, in response to a short circuit in the traction power supply system being detected, the method includes detecting in which distribution path and/or in which drive unit the short circuit is present; operating the traction power supply system in a ready-to-drive state, wherein only that drive unit in which or in the distribution path of which the short circuit is present is isolated from the voltage source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Fabian ALBRECHT, Marcus SOMMERFELD
  • Publication number: 20200031241
    Abstract: Provided is a non-contact power transmission system with which it is possible to ion a primary coil and a secondary coil more accurately. A vertical distance estimation unit estimates the vertical distance between the center of the primary coil and the secondary coil on the basis of a voltage value detected by a voltage detector. A horizontal distance estimation unit estimates the horizontal distance between the center of the primary coil and the center of the secondary coil on the basis of the verticle distance estimated by the vertical distance estimation unit, the voltage value detected by the voltage detector, and the voltage value-distance information stored on the memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Akira SAITA, Tomoaki NAKAGAWA, Takuya IWAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20200031242
    Abstract: A thermoelectric module assembly for thermally conditioning a component includes first and second heat spreaders that are spaced apart from one another and configured to respectively provide cold and hot sides. An insulator plate is arranged between the first and second heat spreaders. The insulator plate has a compression limiter. A thermoelectric device is arranged with—in the insulator plate and operatively engaged with the first and second heat spreaders. A fastening element secures the first and second heat spreaders to one another about the insulator plate in an assembled condition. The compression limiters are configured to maintain a predetermined spacing between the first and second heat spreaders in the assembled condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: David Scott Thomas, Martin Adldinger, Shaun Peter McBride, Dumitru-Cristian Leu, Rüdiger Spillner
  • Publication number: 20200031243
    Abstract: A power transfer device comprises a power transfer coil, a case that has a surface extending along a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the power transfer coil and stores the power transfer coil, a rotating shaft rotatable about the shaft that extends in the axial direction of the power transfer coil at a central portion in a radial direction of the power transfer coil and has one end penetrating the surface and protruding outward through the surface and a foreign object remover that projects outwardly from the one end of the rotating shaft in a radial direction of the rotating shaft and moves on the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Ryouhei Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20200031244
    Abstract: A power transfer device comprises a power transfer coil; a case that has a surface extending along a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the power transfer coil and stores the power transfer coil; a rotating shaft rotatable about the shaft that extends in the axial direction of the power transfer coil at a central portion in a radial direction of the power transfer coil and has an end penetrating the surface and protruding outward through the surface; a foreign object remover that projects outwardly from the end of the rotating shaft in a radial direction of the rotating shaft and moves on the surface; a driving source that provides the rotating shaft with power; and a processor that determines whether or not a vehicle is present. The driving source is driven if the processor determines that the vehicle is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Ryouhei Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20200031245
    Abstract: Robots and apparatus, systems and methods for powering robots are disclosed. A disclosed conductive floor to power a robot on the floor includes a plurality of stationary conductors positioned in a pattern and a power delivery circuit to cause adjacent ones of the conductors to have different electrical potentials, the adjacent ones of the conductors to form a circuit to deliver power to the robot via contacts formed in a bottom surface of the robot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: David W. Browning, Yoshifumi Nishi, Mark MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20200031246
    Abstract: A non-contact power supply device 1 supplying power in a non-contacting manner to a battery 51 provided in an electric vehicle 5, includes a guide 20 that defines a stopping position of the electric vehicle 5 when the electric vehicle 5 is supplied with power in the non-contacting manner; and a power transmitter 10 that includes a power transmission coil Lt and a housing 110 accommodating the power transmission coil Lt and that transmits power to the electric vehicle 5 stopped at the stopping position from the power transmission coil Lt, wherein the guide 20 includes two guide parts 21, 21 disposed apart from each other in a width direction of the electric vehicle 5 with a space greater than a width of the electric vehicle 5, and a vehicle stopper 22 that is disposed at a far side in a moving direction of the electric vehicle 5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Ryouhei Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20200031247
    Abstract: A universal charging system is provided. In one example embodiment, the universal charging system includes a charging adapter configured to be mounted on a light electric vehicle (LEV), a charging station, and a processor configured to control charging of the LEV. The charging adapter may have electrical contacts for docking with a charging station and a charging interface for supplying power from the charging station to a battery of the LEV. The charging station may have at least one docking unit for receiving the charging adapter of the LEV. The at least one docking unit may have further electrical contacts for connecting to the charging adapter of the LEV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Keith Edward Moravick, Colin Roche, Leandro Vera, Douglas Ralph Schaller, George Pontis
  • Publication number: 20200031248
    Abstract: Provided is a robot system. The robot system includes a guide rail, a slider configured to move along the guide rail, a first source disposed the slider to move together with the slider, a rotation arm configured to rotate by the first driving source, and a vehicle service robot installed the rotation arm to move by the rotation arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hoseong Kwak, Seukwoo Ryu
  • Publication number: 20200031249
    Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus for an electric vehicle and a method of controlling the same, may include a heat exchanger performing heat exchange between a first fluid and a second fluid while the first fluid and the second fluid flow separately from each other therethrough; a heat source connected to the heat exchanger through a line through which the second fluid flows to allow the second fluid to circulate between the heat exchanger and the heat source, and heating or cooling the second fluid; a circulator imparting a circulation force to the second fluid such that the second fluid circulates between the heat exchanger and the heat source; and a controller determining a required flow rate of the second fluid by use of a flow rate of the first fluid flowing through the heat exchanger and controlling the circulator on the basis of the required flow rate of the second fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jae Woong Kim, So Yoon PARK, Man Ju OH, Sang Shin LEE
  • Publication number: 20200031250
    Abstract: The application provides a vehicle thermal management system, a vehicle thermal management method and a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Ye YUAN, Feng WANG, Yao XIAO, Jieying ZHANG, Yanbo WANG, Zhuanyao GU
  • Publication number: 20200031251
    Abstract: A seating system is provided which comprises a seat movable between a standard seating position, in which the seat faces frontwards and the seat backrest is in an upright position for conventional driving mode, and at least one non-standard seating position in which the seat is rotated around a vertical axis with respect to the standard seating position and the backrest is reclined rearwards by rotation around a first transverse horizontal axis from the standard seating position. The seat is equipped with at least one passive safety device switchable between a working or active state, in which the device is able to protect an occupant of the seat in case of an impact of the vehicle, and a non-working or inactive state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Bartolomeo BOCCHINO, Dario CAIERO, Alfredo CASTIGLIONE MORELLI, Gennaro FERRARA
  • Publication number: 20200031252
    Abstract: A hinge mechanism having first and second hinge flanges, a control device controlling the relative rotation of the first and second hinge flanges, a closure ring integrally secured to the second hinge flange and retaining the first flange against the second flange, and an external frame integrally secured to the second flange. The second hinge flange is integrally secured to both the external frame and the retaining ring by the same weld.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Luc LEPORTIER
  • Publication number: 20200031253
    Abstract: An adjustable child device includes a first seat portion, a second seat portion and a belt engaging element. The second seat portion is foldable relative to the first seat portion between an unfolded position and a folded position and at least partially received in the first seat portion when the second seat portion is located at the folded position. The second seat portion and the first seat portion are located on a horizontal plane to form a seat part when the second seat portion is located at the unfolded position. A positioning protrusion is formed a lateral side of the seat part. The belt engaging element is installed on a lateral side of the seat part. A positioning recess is formed on the belt engaging element for engaging with the positioning protrusion. The adjustable child device can be folded when it is not in use, which saves storage space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Zong-Wang Cui
  • Publication number: 20200031254
    Abstract: An adjustable child device includes a first seat portion, a second seat portion and a belt engaging element. The second seat portion is foldable relative to the first seat portion between a folded position and an unfolded position and is at least partially received in the chamber when the second seat portion is located at the folded position. The second seat portion and the first seat portion are located on a horizontal plane to form a seat part when the second seat portion is located at the unfolded position. The belt engaging element is installed on a lateral side of the seat part and concurrently rotates from a stowed position to a use position when the second seat portion is unfolded from the folded position to the unfolded position. The adjustable child device can be folded when it is not in use, which saves storage space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Zong-Wang Cui
  • Publication number: 20200031255
    Abstract: An adequate mechanical stiffness and strength are afforded to a tumble seat or a vehicle seat having a latch mechanism provided in a rear end of the seat cushion. A cushion frame (F1) of the seat includes a side frame (5) extending in a fore and aft direction, and the side frame includes a first member (10) comprising a channel member having an open side facing sideways and a second member (11) attached to the first member so as to form a closed cross section jointly with the first member, and extending downward further than the first member. A latch mechanism is positioned under the first member and attached to the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Shoma Sato
  • Publication number: 20200031256
    Abstract: The invention relates to a suspension system (1), preferably a driver seat (1), comprising a first suspension part (10), preferably a frame (10) of the driver seat (1); a second suspension part (11), preferably a seat surface (11) of the driver seat (1), wherein the two suspension parts (10, 11) are movable relative to each other in at least one first spatial direction (Z), preferably in the vertical direction (Z); a kinematic system (12), preferably a scissor kinematic system (12) which is designed to connect the two suspension parts (10, 11) in a movable manner relative to each other at least in the first spatial direction (Z); a suspension device (13) which is designed to support the static load of the second suspension part (11); and an actuator (2) which is designed to introduce a force bidirectionally between the two suspension parts (10, 11) and thereby actively damp the relative movement between the two suspension parts (10, 11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: ContiTech Vibration Control GmbH
    Inventors: Max Werhahn, Peter Marienfeld
  • Publication number: 20200031257
    Abstract: A seat comprises a seat cushion pad (20) including an air flow passage (21), and a blower connected to the air flow passage (21). The seat cushion pad (20) comprises a pad body (100), and a cover member (200) disposed on an upper surface of the pad body (100) to form the air flow passage (21) between the pad body (100) and the cover member (200). The cover member (200) comprises a first cover member (210) disposed on the upper surface of the pad body (100), and a second cover member (220) disposed on an upper surface of the first cover member (210). The first cover member (210) is fixed to the pad body (100), and the second cover member (220) is fixed to the first cover member (210) and to the pad body (100).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Atsushi OKIMURA, Tatsumi KONNO, Wataru NISHII, Yuji NAKANO, Hiroshi IZAWA, Hiromi TANIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20200031258
    Abstract: A ventilation apparatus for a seat of a vehicle includes: a main duct configured such that a first end thereof is connected to a blower and a second end thereof is coupled to a seat frame so as to allow air to flow therebetween; and a connecting duct configured such that a first end thereof is connected to the second end of the main duct and a second end thereof is connected to a seat pad, and formed in a bellows shape having a variable length so as to allow air to flow between the seat frame and the seat pad even if a spacing distance between the seat frame and the seat pad is changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: HYUNDAI TRANSYS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Do Hyung KIM, Ho Sub LIM
  • Publication number: 20200031259
    Abstract: A thermoelectric fabric may include a plurality of first threads and second threads. The first threads may be alternately formed by p-doped and n-doped thread portions and electrically conductive first thread portions and second thread portions arranged in between. The first thread portions may form a hot side of the fabric, and the second thread portions may form a cold side. The first threads may form one of warp threads or weft threads of the fabric, and the second threads may form the other of the warp threads or weft threads. On at least one of the first thread portions of at least one of the plurality of first threads, a temperature control structure with at least one temperature control element for cooling the hot side may be present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Stefan Hoppe, Andreas Kemle, Jan Schoener
  • Publication number: 20200031260
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a wire frame assembly having a support frame with at least one side rail and one or more engagement features. A cushion support assembly is overmolded to a portion of the wire frame assembly. The side rail of the wire frame assembly includes an exposed portion that is not covered by the cushion support assembly. The one or more engagement features of the wire frame assembly extend outwardly from a bottom surface of the cushion support assembly. A trim panel includes one or more clip members that releasably couple to the side rail of the wire frame assembly. At least one support plate includes receiving apertures disposed therethrough to receive the one or more engagement features of the wire frame assembly in a vertical manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Murtatha Zalzala, Byron L. Brock, Cesar Adrian Davila Garcia, Francisco Ronquillo, Arthur Beneventi
  • Publication number: 20200031261
    Abstract: A method of mounting a seat assembly to a vehicle, includes the steps of 1) providing a wire frame assembly having a side rail and engagement features; 2) overmolding a cushion support assembly to the wire frame assembly to form a seat portion assembly, wherein portions of the side rail and the engagement features are exposed; 3) mounting a trim panel to a seat frame within a vehicle interior; 4) mounting one or more support plates having receiving apertures to the seat frame; 5) vertically mounting the seat portion assembly to the trim panel by receiving the exposed portion of the side rail of the wire frame assembly within a clip member of the trim panel; and 6) vertically mounting the seat portion assembly to the support plates by receiving the exposed portions of the engagement features within the receiving apertures of the one or more support plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Murtatha Zalzala, Byron L. Brock, Cesar Adrian Davila Garcia, Francisco Ronquillo, Arthur Beneventi
  • Publication number: 20200031262
    Abstract: A headrest assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a rod configured to connect the headrest assembly to a seat back. The rod includes a first vertical portion and a second vertical portion, which each have a plurality of recesses. The headrest assembly further includes a head restraint including a pushing plate having a first locking portion and a second locking portion. The first and second locking portions selectively engage the recesses of the first and second vertical portions, respectively, to adjust a vertical position of the head restraint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Yingtai Jiang, Jianhua Wang, Guojun Tang
  • Publication number: 20200031263
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a headrest moving device, more particularly, relates to a headrest moving device comprising: a moving member rotatably connected to a second member; and a guide member connected to the first member and guided by the first member and having a locking groove formed therein for guiding the moving member so that the number of parts of the device is significantly reduced, the weight of the apparatus can be reduced, the manufacturing cost of the apparatus can be reduced, the structure of the apparatus can be simplified since the button can be omitted, and the convenience of usage is enhanced since if a user presses one time, the headrest is positioned in a first position and if presses one more time in the same way the headrest is positioned in a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Hae Il Jeong
  • Publication number: 20200031264
    Abstract: A headrest assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a head restraint including a push-button and a cam rotatable by a pull cable. The head restraint is moveable from an upright position to a folded position by movement of the push-button or the cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Yingtai Jiang, Jianhua Wang, Guojun Tang
  • Publication number: 20200031265
    Abstract: Provided is a refrigerating or warming apparatus. The refrigerating or warming apparatus include a cavity of which at least a portion of a wall is provided as a vacuum adiabatic body, a machine room disposed at a side outside the cavity, a compressor accommodated in the machine room to compress a refrigerator, a first heat exchange module accommodated in the machine room to allow the refrigerant to be heat-exchanged, a second heat exchange module accommodated in the cavity to allow the refrigerant to be heat-exchanged, and a machine room cover which covers the machine room to separate a passage and in which an internal air flow and an external air flow have directions opposite to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Wonyeong JUNG, Daewoong KIM
  • Publication number: 20200031266
    Abstract: Lift frames for a vehicle in this disclosure may include a frame body on a top portion of a frame, the frame body extending from a first end to a second end; a lift mechanism moveable with respect to the first end of the frame body, the lift mechanism comprising: a lift body having a first end and a second end, a lifting surface on the first end of the lift body and the second end of the lift body being positioned so as to be movable with respect to the first end of the frame body, wherein the lifting surface is positioned to engage an underside of a cargo container when placed on an upper side of the frame body; and an inflatable air bag having an upper side and a lower side and mounted on the lower side to a platform positioned on the frame beneath the lift body, wherein the inflatable air bag is connected on the upper side thereof to a mounting surface attached to the lift body; and a source of compressed air in fluid communication with the inflatable air bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Rustin Arthur Cassway, Albert Stephen Perry, David John Fisher
  • Publication number: 20200031267
    Abstract: A ramp assembly for loading and unloading a snowmobile to and from a pickup truck bed is mounted to the hitch receiver of the truck and extends rearwardly behind the open tailgate. The ramp assembly includes a pair of spaced apart ski ramps pivotally mounted for movement between a lowered used position and a raised transport position. A center ramp between the ski ramps supports the drive belt of the snowmobile during loading and unloading. A pedestal on the ramp assembly supports the rear end of the snowmobile beyond the truck tailgate when the snowmobile is fully loaded into the truck bed. The center ramp of the assembly is removable for storage and transport and while the truck is being driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Matthew M. Pelzer
  • Publication number: 20200031268
    Abstract: A container adapter for securing a container to a cargo section of a vehicle includes a frame, a plurality of brackets connected to the frame for securing the frame to the cargo section, and a plurality of locks formed on the frame configured to secure the frame to the container. The cargo section of the vehicle includes one or more attachments secured to a support surface, and at least two locks disposed on the attachments and spaced apart by a predetermined distance in a length direction. The at least two locks configured to engage the one or more containers. A trailer includes a cargo section having multiple bolsters, for use in the sand haul operation for example, the multiple bolsters including first, second and third bolsters spaced apart along a length direction, each bolster comprising two locks configured to engage a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Bart Bolton, Allen Peacock, James Andrew Hendricks, Harold Painter
  • Publication number: 20200031269
    Abstract: A tie down anchor tension monitoring system includes a tension level monitoring module and at least one tie down anchoring point integrated into a cargo carrying space configured for connecting to a free end of a cargo tie down strap. The system further includes at least one tension level monitoring sensor integrated with the at least one tie down anchoring point, wherein the at least one tension monitoring sensor is configured to output a signal to the tension monitoring module that is indicative of a tension level of the cargo tie down strap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Benjamin Chu
  • Publication number: 20200031270
    Abstract: An arrangement comprising an attachment and a self-propelled harvester is disclosed, with the attachment configured to harvest a crop and having a middle region for removable connection to a feeder housing of the self-propelled harvester. The attachment also includes lateral regions positioned adjacent to the middle region, with each having a bottom surface extending in a horizontal direction and a rear wall extending in a vertical direction. Lighting devices are positioned on the attachment above the respective bottom surface and below the top edge of the rear wall with light cones directed in the driving direction to illuminate a region in front of the attachment beyond the front edge of the bottom surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Beschorn, Scott Wellensiek, Tamás Megyeri
  • Publication number: 20200031271
    Abstract: Provided is a beam-steering mechanism, comprising a lens and a light source positioned in a focal plane of the lens. One of the light source and the lens moves relative to the other of the light source and the lens. The light source outputs a light beam at the lens which forms an illumination spot on a surface from the light beam. The illumination spot moves in a direction in response to a movement of one of the light source and the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Chia Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20200031272
    Abstract: A device for controlling a headlight of a vehicle is configured to receive images consecutively captured by a camera, the images showing an area in front of a vehicle, detect a road in one of the images, divide the road detected in the image in segments, track the segments over time in the images, determine at least one feature related to the brightness for each of the segments, determine from the features related to the brightness of the segments whether preceding and/or oncoming traffic exists, and generate a control signal for controlling a headlight of the vehicle if preceding and/or oncoming traffic exists.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Andre Paus, Monika Heift
  • Publication number: 20200031273
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an image sensor configured to acquire a surrounding image; a sensor configured to detect at least one of a vehicle state or a surrounding condition of the vehicle; an external display disposed on an outer side of the vehicle; and a controller configured to identify whether a predetermined situation occurs based on at least one of the acquired surrounding image or an output value of the sensor, and configured to control at least one of a flicker frequency or a flicker pattern of the external display to display information on the occurring situation when the predetermined situation occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Daeyun AN, Dong-Seon CHANG, Seunghyun WOO
  • Publication number: 20200031274
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle indication system and method configured to provide an indication of a driving mode of an autonomous vehicle. The system comprises an autonomous vehicle, an autonomous vehicle indication application and an autonomous driving mode indicator light positioned on an exterior surface of the vehicle. The autonomous vehicle indication application includes a mode determination module an output module. The method comprises the steps of: providing an autonomous vehicle with an autonomous vehicle indication application installed on an on-board computer of the autonomous vehicle. Determining the mode of driving of the autonomous vehicle by the mode determination module and based on the output from the mode determination module, the output module turns on or turns off the autonomous driving mode indicator light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Redick, Dexter Bush
  • Publication number: 20200031275
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operating device for a motor vehicle, comprising an operating element, which can be lowered by application of force; a snap dome arranged below the operating element for applying haptic feedback to the operating element when the snap dome is deformed by means of the operating element lowering; a blocking body made of an electroactive polymer arranged below the operating element and next to the snap dome, the shape of which blocking body can be altered depending on an electrical voltage applied thereto such that lowering of the operating element is blocked or lowering of the operating element for deforming the snap dome is enabled; a detection apparatus for detecting a contact position of a finger on the operating element; a control apparatus which is set up to adjust a voltage at the blocking body depending on the detected contact position of the finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Klaus Meierling
  • Publication number: 20200031276
    Abstract: A rear-side alarm device and a rear-side alarm method thereof. The rear-side alarm device includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor monitors a rear area or a rear-side area of a vehicle. If a trailer connected to the vehicle is detected, the controller sets a system deactivation area and a system activation area, based on status information of the trailer, and controls an alarm operation to be performed by judging whether or not another vehicle has entered into the system activation area. The rear-side alarm device can operate normally even in the case in which a trailer is connected to a vehicle, thereby providing driving safety to a driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Tae Bong NOH
  • Publication number: 20200031277
    Abstract: A method for issuing warnings to a driver as to the presence of objects in the path of his vehicle which are possibly dangerous includes steps of obtaining an image of eyes of a driver and an image of scene in front of the vehicle and detecting coordinate of pupils of the driver's eyes. The pupils coordinate is converted into coordinate of parts or points of the view in front of the vehicle. Any object within a preset distance in front of the vehicle is searched for and if found the method determines whether the pupils coordinate is within or outside a safety range around the object. A warning signal is output when the view coordinate is outside the safety range around the object in the front scene image. An electronic device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: PO-YEN LIU
  • Publication number: 20200031278
    Abstract: A vehicle collision avoidance system has a side-view camera positioned on a side portion of a vehicle and configured to present a driver with a rear side view exterior to the vehicle. A display is coupled to the side-view camera and disposed in view of the driver to output a video stream from the side-view camera. A turn signal sensor is configured to detect activation of a turn signal. A controller is configured to receive signals from the turn signal sensor and to adjust a field of view of the side-view camera based on activation of the turn signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Georgios Zafeirakis
  • Publication number: 20200031279
    Abstract: To obtain correction information for automatic leveling control without a special environment. A device controlling the vehicular lamp axis in accordance with attitude change in the pitch direction of a vehicle including: a detection part detecting a first and a second acceleration; a correction part obtaining variation of the vehicle angle at a stop based on the two accelerations of a first and a second timing, obtaining vehicle angle while traveling based on the two accelerations while traveling, and obtaining and retaining a correction angle based on the difference between the two; an angle calculation part obtaining the vehicle angle while traveling based on the two accelerations, and obtaining an actual vehicle angle by subtracting the correction angle from the vehicle angle while traveling; and an optical axis control part generating a control signal based on the actual vehicle angle, and providing the control signal to the vehicular lamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventor: Shigekatsu Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20200031280
    Abstract: A lateral view system for a vehicle including a display device that displays a lateral view of the vehicle, a camera operatively coupled to the display device that captures the lateral view of the vehicle, and an arm assembly that articulates the camera between a concealed position to be concealed in a door portion of the vehicle and an extended position to capture the lateral view of the vehicle, the arm assembly including an arm member having a camera, an arm housing embedded in the door portion of the vehicle to receive the arm member, and an arm external surface that matches an external surface of the door portion and seats substantially flush with the external surface of the door portion when the camera is in the concealed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Scott L. FREDERICK, Scott P. ROBISON
  • Publication number: 20200031281
    Abstract: A periphery monitoring apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a three-dimensional model image indicating an irregular state of a road surface, the three-dimensional model image including taken image data output from an imaging unit that takes a peripheral image including the road surface in a traveling direction of a vehicle and including height data that indicates heights of individual regions of the road surface represented in the peripheral image; and a control unit configured to superimpose an indicator indicating a height of the road surface based on the height data onto each region included in the acquired three-dimensional model image and display the three-dimensional model image on a display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuya WATANABE, Yoji INUI, Kinji YAMAMOTO, Takashi HIRAMAKI, Takuya HASHIKAWA, Tetsuya MARUOKA, Naotaka KUBOTA, Osamu KIMURA, Itsuko OHASHI
  • Publication number: 20200031282
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vehicle driving shading device, a vehicle and a vehicle driving shading method. The vehicle driving shading method includes collecting light intensity of a driving environment; controlling shading rate of a shading area in a shading screen according to the light intensity of the driving environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Zifeng WANG, Yan REN, Lei CAO, Junmin SUN, Changlin LENG