Patents Issued in February 25, 2020
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Patent number: 10569663Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to autonomous vehicle platforms and autonomous vehicles including such platforms. For example, an autonomous vehicle can include a bisymmetrical platform including a first portion, a second portion, a third portion and a fourth portion that collectively provide a supporting structure for the autonomous vehicle and that respectively comprise a wheel mounting frame configured for location of a wheel assembly. A body including front and rear sides and first and second lateral sides can be positioned on top of the bisymmetrical platform configured to receive passengers for transport. The autonomous vehicle can also include a plurality of wheel assemblies configured for secure positioning relative to each wheel mounting frame within the bisymmetrical platform and a powertrain configured to power the plurality of wheel assemblies for operation of the autonomous vehicle to travel in either a forward direction or a rear direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: UATC, LLCInventor: Clifford Shaun Webb
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Patent number: 10569664Abstract: Methods and systems for managing power supply at a device. The device is capable of receiving power via a plurality of power inputs. The device first determines whether a first condition is satisfied. A first switch is maintained in a closed position if the first condition is satisfied. When the first switch is in a closed position, the device is capable of receiving power from a first power supply. Alternatively, when the first condition is not satisfied, the device determines whether or not a second condition is satisfied. If the second condition is satisfied, the first switch is maintained to be in a closed position. If the second condition is not satisfied, the first switch is opened after a predefined time period.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: PISMO LABS TECHNOLOGY LIMITEDInventors: Ming Pui Chong, Kin Kwong Chow
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Patent number: 10569665Abstract: A power converter to be mounted to a mounting portion of a host in a suspended manner includes a plurality of component-housing chassis configured to be connected together parallel to the mounting portion, the plurality of component-housing chassis each containing parts for a power converter so that the plurality of component-housing chassis collectively constitute the power converter for the host, wherein at least one of the plurality of component-housing chassis has a support frame, the support frame protruding out so as to extend into at least an adjacent one of the component-housing chassis, wherein the at least adjacent one of the component-housing chassis has an insertion hole for inserting the support frame, and wherein the support frame is configured to be inserted into the insertion hole in the adjacent component-housing chassis and fixed to the adjacent component-housing chassis.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventor: Kiyoshi Takahashi
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Patent number: 10569666Abstract: A vehicle is provided to obtain reliable time information via communication with a server without separate hardware. The vehicle includes a communicator that is configured to receive authentication information from a server and a charging port that is electrically connected to a charger. The charging port is configured to receive time information of the charger from the charger. A controller is then configured to derive time information of the vehicle based on the time information of the charger and reference time information included in the authentication information and adjust the time of at least one processor disposed within the vehicle to be synchronized.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Chung Hi Lee, HyeonSoo Kim, TaeSun Roh, DonHyoung Lee
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Patent number: 10569667Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion that includes a seat cushion frame, a riser that supports the seat cushion frame, a seat position adjusting device that moves and adjusts the seat cushion back and forth, and a load detector that detects a load applied to the seat cushion. The riser includes a bottom wall and a sidewall that extends upward from an end portion of the bottom wall. The seat position adjusting device includes an upper rail that supports the riser and slides a lower rail. The load detector is positioned between the upper rail and the bottom wall. The upper rail, the load detector, the bottom wall, and the bracket are co-clamped with a first fastening member, and the bracket is secured to the sidewall with a second fastening member.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: TACHI-S CO., LTD.Inventor: Kazuhiro Mihara
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Patent number: 10569668Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with sensors. A controller measures pressure in a plurality of regions with a seated occupant over a period of time. A change in pressure is determined from an initial seating position to a second seating position and evaluated to determine a vector of pressure change. A fidget is identified if the vector exceeds a predetermined value. A camera is directed at the seat bottom and the seat back. The controller evaluates a camera input to determine anatomical dimensions of the seated occupant.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Francesco Migneco, David Gallagher, Samuel Hanlon, Karl Henn, Michelle A. Pereny
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Patent number: 10569669Abstract: A vehicle includes first and second rows of seats and a rail system. The rail system includes lateral and longitudinal tracks. First, second, and third seating assemblies are each coupled to the rail system. The first and third seating assemblies are actuatable along the rail system to be positioned between a pair of rearward wheel wells.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alan George Dry, Johnathan Andrew Line
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Patent number: 10569670Abstract: A seat lifter structure which can maintain the engagement of the gear of the sector and the pinion of the brake unit and prevent a fall down of the seat back to a front side, even when a large force to a front side is exerted with respect to the seat back is provided. It raises or lowers a cushion seat (ST1) by raising or lowering a side frame (2) built into the cushion seat (ST1) with respect to a fixing member (61).Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignees: Adient Engineering and IP GmbH, HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshimitsu Mizukoshi, Masaki Shimazu, Taiji Misono, Hiroyuki Yasui, Motohiko Ozawa, Thomas D Novitsky
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Patent number: 10569671Abstract: A brake device comprises a brake mechanism which comprises an output shaft having a drive gear secured thereto, a brake housing having a cylindrical braking surface therein and coaxially putting therein the output shaft, two pairs of clamp members movably and abreast installed in the brake housing in such a manner that paired two clamp members of each pair put therebetween an enlarged operation part of the output shaft and two springs that bias the two clamp member of each pair to pivot away from each other, in which each of the clamp members has an outer clamp surface that is slidably contactable with the cylindrical braking surface and includes larger and smaller clamp surface areas that are spaced from each other by a recess.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: TF-METAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Takaya Kanazawa
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Patent number: 10569672Abstract: An adaptive tensile control system includes a covering couple to a motorized retractor operable to release and retract the covering in response to control signals. An adaptive seat suspension includes a flexible suspension mat coupled to a motorized retractor operable to release and retract the flexible suspension mat in response to control signals. A method includes adapting the size of a support in a seat and adapting a covering overlying the support. A device includes an inflatable bolster within a seat having a covering. An apparatus includes a seat back and a seat that includes foam having a variable surface and a seamless covering.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: APPLE INC.Inventors: Andrew W. Kooker, John J. Baker, Jonathon Folks, James G. Griffin, II, Jun Wooung Jeong, Craig Ogden, Lukas Satas, Zachary Segraves, Ben Walker, David Yates
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Patent number: 10569673Abstract: A support base for a child safety seat includes a coupling structure coupled to a shell and a latch device operable to engage with an anchor structure of a vehicle. The coupling structure includes a carrier pivotally connected with the latch device. The latch device is rotatable relative to the carrier and the shell between a storage position and multiple deployed positions for use, and the carrier is slidable relative to the shell in a first direction for displacing a distal end of the latch device outward and away from an end edge of the shell and in a second direction for displacing the distal end of the latch device toward the end edge of the shell. The support base further includes an adjustment latch movable to engage with the carrier for preventing its sliding in the first direction, and to disengage from the carrier for its sliding.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Wonderland Switzerland AGInventors: Robert Scott Anderson, Curtis M. Hartenstine, David H. Lehman, Patrick J. G. Bowers
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Patent number: 10569674Abstract: A seat assembly forming a substantially horizontal plane for an exposed surface of each of a lower seat cushion and a seatback cushion of a seatback comprises a lifter mechanism for a rearward edge of the lower seat cushion. The lifter mechanism comprises a bracket pivotable about a transverse bar fixedly mounted to a frame assembly for a lower seat assembly, the bracket comprising a forward lever and a rearward lever; and a link pinned at a first end to the seatback and pinned at a second end to the rearward lever by a slot. The rearward edge of the lower seat cushion is initially raised by the forward lever upon the seatback pivoting to a predetermined reclined position and the rearward edge of the lower seat cushion is raised to the substantially horizontal plane upon the seatback pivoting to a fully reclined position.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, James Patrick Creighton, Spencer R. Hoernke, Corbin S. Johnston, Jimmy Moua, Adam D. Ewel, Kevin R. Mozurkewich, Robert Lloyd Damerow, Paul Iacoban
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Patent number: 10569675Abstract: A seat back pad 70 has a groove 73 for tucking a skin material therein, formed at borders between a central portion 71 and side portions 72. A hole (slot hole 74) is formed in a bottom of the groove 73 along the groove 73. A tuck-in wire 76 for tucking the skin material in includes a plurality of tuck-in portions 76A provided along the groove 73, and a connecting portion (detour portion 76B) detouring around the hole and connecting the tuck-in portions 76A. With this configuration, when an upper body of an occupant P subsides into a seat back S2 in a rear-end collision of a vehicle, the central portion 71, defined by the groove 73 as a border, is easily and sufficiently moved rearward relative to the left and right side portions 72. Furthermore, the tuck-in wire 76 is not exposed through the hole, and thus adhesion between the seat back pad 70 and the tuck-in wire 76 can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Takamasa Adachi, Tsutomu Matsuzaki, Masayuki Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 10569676Abstract: A seating system for a vehicle includes a seat frame having a lower part for supporting a posterior and thighs of an occupant and a rear part for supporting the posterior and back of the occupant. The seating system also includes a hinge connecting the seat frame to the vehicle such that, in the event of an impact to the vehicle from the rear of the occupant, the weight of the occupant urges the seat frame to rotate in a direction that results in a top portion of the rear part being urged to move in a rearward direction relative to the occupant. The seating system also includes a first structure fixed to the rear part and configured to cooperate with a second structure fixed to the vehicle to reduce forces transmitted to the occupant in the event of an impact to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Michael K. Wilson, James F. Szatkowski
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Patent number: 10569677Abstract: A seat assembly includes a seat cushion frame, a seat back frame, a bracket, a pin actuator, a sensor, and an electronic control unit. The seat back frame is pivotally connected to the seat cushion frame about a pivot axis. The bracket is fixed to the seat cushion frame. The bracket includes a cam surface, and a distance between the cam surface and the pivot axis varies along the cam surface. The pin actuation includes a pin. The pin actuator is fixed to the seat back frame. The pin actuator is configured to move the pin from a disengaged position to an engaged position. The electronic control unit determines whether the sensor detects the front collision of the vehicle and controls the pin actuator to move the pin from the disengaged position to the engaged position.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Suk Jae Ham, Preston Jerome Lemanski, Yosuke Ota, John P. Kim, MaryEllen Claire Hunt
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Patent number: 10569678Abstract: A seat air bladder assembly is provided with at least one central air bladder region having a support surface. At least one pair of lateral air bladder regions extend from opposed sides of the at least one central bladder region. The at least one pair of lateral air bladder regions are oriented at a non-zero angle to incline laterally and support a thoracic region of a seat occupant. A seat assembly is provided with a seat back with a contact surface with a thoracic region. An air bladder assembly is oriented within the thoracic region of the seat back with a support surface that is reclined relative to the contact surface to provide support, and wedge-shaped so that during inflation the air bladder assembly inflates in an upward and forward direction relative to the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Winsen C. Zouzal, Gerald Patrick, Ashford Allen Galbreath, Michelle A. Pereny
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Patent number: 10569679Abstract: A back frame structure for a vehicle seat includes: a pair of right and left side frames extending in an up-down direction; and a lower frame configured to connect a lower end side of the right side frame and a lower end side of the left side frame, wherein: at least one side frame out of the pair of right and left side frames is fitted to one connection portion, which is a connection portion of the lower frame with respect to the one side frame, so as to form one fitting portion; and the one fitting portion is configured such that a geometrical-moment of inertia along an axis extending to a predetermined first direction gradually increases from an upper part of the one fitting portion to a lower part of the one fitting portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroshi Mizobata, Fumitoshi Akaike
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Patent number: 10569680Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat bottom may have a pair of side members that are adhered to a seat bottom shell. The seat back may have a pair of brackets that may be adhered to a seat back shell. The seat bottom shell and the seat back shell may be made of carbon fiber.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Andrea Rasello
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Patent number: 10569681Abstract: A vehicle seating unit comprising a seat frame, a back panel, and a seat panel, the seat frame has a horizontal portion adapted to receive the seat panel and a vertical portion adapted to receive the back panel. The seat panel and the back panel are attached to the horizontal portion and the vertical portion by a plurality of panel fasteners and seat frame fasteners. The back panel top edge is secured to the vertical portion by a retaining cap, while the seat panel front edge is secured to the seat frame by a retaining hook. The back panel and seat panel are positioned in an interlocking arrangement whereby the back panel lower edge pushes downwardly against the seat panel, preventing the seat panel rear edge from being detached. The panel and seat frame fasteners prevent disengagement by hand, but can be overcome by a lever to facilitate maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Inventor: Louis Sardo
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Patent number: 10569682Abstract: An easy-to-attach clip member that makes the surroundings of a stay cloth mounting portion compact while maintaining high airbag deployment performance, and an airbag module-equipped seat with the clip member are provided. A clip member is connected to a cloth-form body that transmits a tensile force. The clip member includes a connecting portion connected to one end of the cloth-form body, and a groove engaged with an edge portion of a mounted portion. The clip member is provided to reduce a torque generated at the connecting portion by the tensile force transmitted from the cloth-form body when engaged with the edge portion of the mounted portion, and connects the cloth-form body to the mounted portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jinichi Tanabe, Hiroshi Izawa, Hiroshi Baba
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Patent number: 10569683Abstract: A headrest support assembly is provided that comprises a support member flexible between neutral and loaded states and having first and second ends with a channel extending therebetween. A cable is slidably received in the channel between first and second positions. The cable has first and second ends, and the cable moves from the first position to the second position when the support member moves from the neutral state to the loaded state.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chris Fredriksson, Michael Steven Medoro, Derren Woods
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Patent number: 10569684Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a headrest. The headrest includes an integrated functional module. The method includes mounting the functional module on a supporting rod and enclosing the functional module mounted on the supporting rod with a housing (102), which is fitted on a front part (104), and a rear part (302) and introducing a cable tube (208) into a hole (502) in the front part (104) or in the rear part (302). The cable tube (208) serves for receiving a cable fastening the front part (104), the rear part (302) and the supporting rod (204) using a fastening device.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: ADIENT LUXEMBOURG HOLDING S.À.R.L.Inventors: Christophe Fritsch, Felix Manduzio, Christophe Morinière
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Patent number: 10569685Abstract: A vehicle seat is equipped with a seatback having a mounting portion, a headrest having a headrest frame and an electric component, a first connector, and a second connector. The first connector has an engaging portion engaged with a hole of the headrest frame, a protrusion engaging the second connector, and a first connector terminal electrically connected to a lead wire of the electric component. The second connector has a first engaging piece engaged with a hole of the guide bracket from the outside of the guide bracket, a second engaging piece engaged with the protrusion of the first connector from the outside of the first connector, and a second connector terminal electrically connected to a lead wire wired in the seatback and the first connector terminal. The engagement between the hole of the mounting portion and the first engaging piece of the second connector can be released irreversibly.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: TACHI-S ENGINEERING U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Yasuo Kakishima, Rengith Francis Xavier, Ravi Krishnan, Avijit Gopalakrishnan
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Patent number: 10569686Abstract: A device for fastening a table top to a side wall of a vehicle includes: a structure for fastening to the side wall, and a support structure of the plate. The support structure includes: at least one crosspiece extending along a transverse direction, and at least two beams each extending in a longitudinal direction substantially orthogonal to the transverse direction, with the crosspiece being connected to each of the beams. The support structure includes bending onset zones configured to deform plastically when a force greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold force is applied on the support structure along the transverse direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIESInventor: Dominique Le Corre
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Patent number: 10569687Abstract: The tailgate caddy is an apparatus used to organize items during a celebration. The tailgate caddy is configured for use with a pickup truck. The tailgate caddy mounts in the pickup truck. The tailgate caddy organizes and stores items used during outdoor celebrations located proximal to the pickup truck. The tailgate caddy provides electrical power for use in proving power to electrically powered devices associated with the outdoor celebration. The tailgate caddy comprises a bed liner, a tailgate liner, a living hinge, and a plurality of saddlebags. The living hinge attaches the bed liner to the tailgate liner. The plurality of saddlebags attach to the bed liner. The bed liner rests on the bed. The tailgate liner rests on the tailgate when the tailgate is in a horizontal position. Each of the plurality of saddlebags hangs over a sidewall.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Inventor: Atiba Jones
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Patent number: 10569688Abstract: A seating module having a recessed grip for a vehicle, in particular an aircraft, and a seating arrangement that includes a seating module that has a recessed grip. The seating module includes a shell structure that defines the recessed grip in an upper area of the shell structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: ADIENT AEROSPACE LLCInventors: Jonathan Peter Cansfield, Jack Marple, Chevy Ho, Joel Richman, Tony Bravetti
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Patent number: 10569689Abstract: A reconfigurable chock assembly for securing a motorcycle or other two wheeled vehicle in a trailer, truck bed or other similar arrangement. The chock assembly including a left wing and right wing connected by a plate to thereby engage the wheel of the motorcycle both above and below the axle and inhibit movement and tipping during transportation as well as when stationary. An attachment bracket includes clips designed to engage a track installed on the wall of the trailer or truck bed box. The track includes a plurality of slots to engage the clips allowing for the chock assembly to be located at reconfigurable locations along the length of the track. The attachment bracket allows the chock assembly to be quickly and easily repositioned along the length of the track.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Inventor: Corey Barnett Johnson
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Patent number: 10569690Abstract: A rotatable galley includes a frame laterally rotatable between a first position and a second position, a pivot coupled to the frame such that the frame is rotatable with respect to the pivot, and a first linear actuator coupled between the frame and the pivot. The first linear actuator can be configured to extend to rotate the frame to the first position and retract to rotate the frame to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Winnebago Industries, Inc.Inventors: John Millis, Jason Groshong, Michael Berns
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Patent number: 10569691Abstract: A cover assembly for a cargo lashing fitting having a substantially planar cover plate which can be readily installed/uninstalled to and from the fitting, which connects to the fitting in an impact-resistant manner, which can resist the forces incurred when subjected to loading from on-deck vehicles and equipment, and which provides a long lasting watertight seal of the socket cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Peck & Hale, L.L.C.Inventors: Richard Belkin, John L. Szeglin
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Patent number: 10569692Abstract: A cargo support system including a truck bed having longitudinal extending sidewalls, longitudinally extending rails mounted above the sidewalls, each having a longitudinal slot on an underside connected to a longitudinal channel, and arms suspended from the underside of the rails above the sidewalls, each pivotable between a longitudinal orientation under the respective rail and a lateral orientation extending over the bed.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Swadad A. Carremm, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Ronald David Kurth
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Patent number: 10569693Abstract: An electric powered lamp is disclosed. The lamp has a base, a light emitting element, and a cover over the light source. A light guide carries light from the light source to a reflective surface in the cover. Light rays run transversely through the cover.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Grote Industries, Inc.Inventors: Hossein Alisafaee, Chris Billman, Travis Demaree, Cesar Perez-Bolivar
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Patent number: 10569694Abstract: A headlamp for a motor vehicle, in particular a front headlamp, includes a first illumination device and a second illumination device for jointly generating a light distribution in front of the headlamp. The first illumination device is provided for generating a static portion of the light distribution and the second illumination device is provided for generating a dynamic portion of the light distribution. The second illumination device has a multi-aperture projection display having an illuminant and a planar digital image generator and also an array of projection lenses. The digital image generator has segments having a variable division of the respective segment into transmissive and light-non-transmissive regions. Each projection lens is assigned to a segment of the digital image generator, such that upon illumination of the array by the illuminant at least some of the segments are projected in front of the headlamp by the assigned projection lenses.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Tim Gocke
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Patent number: 10569695Abstract: A converter controller controls a switching converter. A current detection circuit generates a current detection signal VCS that corresponds to a coil current IL of the switching converter. An error amplifier amplifies the difference between the current detection signal VCS and an analog signal VADIM that indicates a current to be supplied to a semiconductor light source, so as to generate an error signal VERR. A hysteresis comparator compares the current detection signal VCS with an upper threshold signal VTHH and a lower threshold signal VTHL determined according to the error signal VERR, and generates a control pulse SCNT that corresponds to a comparison result. A driver drives a switching transistor according to the control pulse SCNT.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomoyuki Ichikawa, Satoshi Kikuchi
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Patent number: 10569696Abstract: A light system is provided herein. The light system includes a bumper assembly disposed on a vehicle. A light source is disposed on the bumper assembly. An airflow control device is disposed below the bumper assembly. A first luminescent structure is disposed on the airflow control device. The first luminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to receiving excitation light.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Terry R. Lobsinger, David Brian Glickman
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Patent number: 10569697Abstract: A door handle assembly for a door of a vehicle includes a handle portion pivotally mounted at the handle region of the vehicle door. The handle portion is disposed at a pocket region of the handle region. A pocket lighting module includes at least one light emitting diode operable to emit light to illuminate the pocket region. The pocket lighting module is operable to emit different colors of light responsive to different triggers.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Gregory A. Huizen, Mitchell J. Wesley, David A. Dingman, Justin E. Sobecki
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Patent number: 10569698Abstract: A garment for cycling, having indicating lights associated with sleeves of the garment; first and second accelerometers provided on respective sleeves; and a controller configured to receive data from the accelerometers and determine from the date whether a wearer of the garment has raised an arm to indicate a maneuver. The controller is further configured to illuminate the appropriate indicating light depending on which arm has been raised, and to compare the data from the first and second accelerometers to filter out movements common to both the first and second accelerometers and determine when the sleeves are being moved independently of one another in a manner to indicate a turn.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Thomas Robert George Thompson
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Patent number: 10569699Abstract: A linear illumination device is provided in which a transparent light guide made of glass is recessed in a profile opposite to a dark surface. A linear illumination device is also provided having a glass fiber bundle in a dyed tube.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: SCHOTT AGInventors: Stephan Schabacker, Hubertus Russert, Eric Senner, Markus Kappel
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Patent number: 10569700Abstract: An apparatus for a car includes: a sensor configured to sense a characteristic of an environment outside the car; and a processing unit; wherein the processing unit is configured to detect an automatic activation of a turn signal light of the car; and wherein the processing unit is also configured to generate a control signal to automatically turn off the turn signal light of the car.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Inventors: Anita Au, Gerald Chan
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Patent number: 10569701Abstract: A vehicle illumination system and method for controlling a vehicle light. The method includes receiving an input signal at a controller port; generating a control signal to activate the vehicle light based on both a rising and falling edge of the input signal in which the control signal activates an animation sequence when a falling edge is detected.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Valeo North America, Inc.Inventor: Patrick Martin
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Patent number: 10569702Abstract: A lighting system for an autonomous vehicle includes one or more optical fiber panels or optical signaling system positioned about a perimeter of the autonomous vehicle; and processing circuitry configured to activate the one or more optical fiber panels or the optical signaling system in a predetermined illumination in response to a status of the autonomous vehicle, wherein the status includes one or more of a time of day, a number of passengers occupied within the autonomous vehicle, and an alert status during operation of the autonomous vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Valeo North America, Inc.Inventors: Patton Davis Baker, Gavin Warner, John Orisich
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Patent number: 10569703Abstract: A steering wheel includes a gripping portion that is gripped by a driver when a conveyance is steered, a light source that is disposed inside the gripping portion and is configured to emit light, a light guide body that is disposed inside the gripping portion such that an end portion of the light guide body faces the light source, the light guide body including an emission surface that is configured to emit light from the light source and incident on the end portion and that is formed on a surface on a driver side, and a covering portion that surrounds the light guide body and forms an outer layer portion of at least a part of the gripping portion around the light guide body. The covering portion is formed with a hole, through which light emitted from the emission surface passes.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Shunsuke Kamei, Yoshio Mizuno, Hayato Abo
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Patent number: 10569704Abstract: An ambient light controller in an agricultural machine can control multicolor lights arranged in an operator cab of the machine to project light around structures in the cab to areas that are perceivable by a forward facing operator to convey useful information about the machine to the operator. The lights can be projected around such structures by using light pipes. The lights can preferably be in a color which minimizes glare inside the cab to avoid distraction. The light controller can monitor various functions of the machine, such as boom height, and change colors and/or patterns of the lights to indicate states corresponding to the conditions, such as a normal state and a fault state.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Nathan P. Brooks, Steven N. Winkel, Robert Schnell
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Patent number: 10569705Abstract: A lighting system for a motor vehicle passenger compartment includes a light beam shaping device and an projection optical element configured to convert the light beam into an output beam. The beam shaping device is configured to emit a pixelized light beam formed of a plurality of sub-beams.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: VALEO VISIONInventors: Jerome Lecorre, Pierre-Louis Tassy, Birane Gaye, Thierry Fleurence, Aymeric Koniec
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Patent number: 10569706Abstract: An overhead console includes: a light source; and a light guiding member including bending portions at intermediate positions in the light guiding member such that the light guiding member extends from the light incident surface to the light exit surface so as to form an optical path in which light incident on the light incident surface is reflected by reflecting surfaces provided in the bending portions so as to reach the light exit surface, the light guiding member having such a shape that line segments drawn between given points on the light incident surface and given points on the light exit surface do not include a line segment that passes through only the light guiding member.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Haruko Sato
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Patent number: 10569707Abstract: An emergency warning system for warning vehicles and electronic devices is disclosed. The emergency warning system comprises a first system. The first system is provided in a building or highway or road construction zone or in a first vehicle indicative of an emergency vehicle. The first system comprises an actuator, a radio-frequency signal generator communicatively coupled to the actuator. The radio-frequency signal generator is used to generate radio frequency signals at a particular frequency. Further, the first system comprises a transmitter for broadcasting the signals generated by the radio-frequency signal generator. Further, the emergency warning system comprises a second system provided in a second vehicle and at least one electronic device, present within a predefined distance of the first system.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Inventor: William Adam
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Patent number: 10569708Abstract: A vehicle includes an object detection sensor configured to output an output signal, a notification device, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to detect an object based on the output signal of the object detection sensor, classify the detected object into a classification, determine a notification magnitude level based on the classification of the detected object, and output a notification with the notification device at the determined notification magnitude level.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.Inventor: Todd J. Rowell
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Patent number: 10569709Abstract: A virtual engine sound control apparatus and method for a vehicle may include an output device configured to output a virtual engine sound while the vehicle is driven, a detector configured to detect state information related to at least one object positioned in front of the vehicle while the vehicle is driven, and a controller configured to control the output device to generate the virtual engine sound according to the detected state information, providing a silent indoor environment of a vehicle to a driver by determining a pedestrian state to generate a virtual engine sound.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Kyung Deuk Min
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Patent number: 10569710Abstract: An attention calling system for a vehicle seat having one or more drive devices incorporated therein, the attention calling system including: a vehicle information acquisition unit that is configured to acquire vehicle information; and a control unit that is configured to determine based on the vehicle information whether it is an attention state in which seated person's attention should be called and controls at least one of the drive devices when it is determined that it is the attention state, wherein the control unit is configured to control the at least one drive device so that the seat or the predetermined part of the seat reciprocally moves in both positive and negative directions with reference to a current position at a speed higher than a predetermined speed, in correspondence to the attention state.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yasuhisa Tanaka
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Patent number: 10569711Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring apparatus for monitoring the operating state of a laser vehicle headlamp (4), wherein the laser vehicle headlamp (4) comprises at least one laser light source (5) and a light conversion element (6) that can be illuminated by the laser light source (5) and therefore can be excited to emit visible light, wherein the monitoring apparatus has at least one photosensitive device (3) and one comparison device (1), wherein the photosensitive device (3) comprises at least one LED (D1) that is set up to convert light received from the laser light source (5) into an electrical signal (UD) that is supplied to the comparison device (1), wherein the comparison device (1) is set up to compare the electrical signal (UD) with a preselectable value and to output a fault signal (U0) on the basis of the result of the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: ZKW Group GmbHInventor: Georg Hebenstreit
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Patent number: 10569712Abstract: An asymmetrical mirror lens, usable on front fenders of school buses and similar vehicles, which has a plurality of mirror sections, each having a distinct constant radius of curvature to reduce image distortion. Optional sections located between sections of the constant radius of curvature have a step-wise changing radii of curvature to smooth the image sizes as an object moves across the mirror lens.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: ROSCO, INC.Inventors: Benjamin Englander, Julian Serer