Patents Issued in May 14, 2020
  • Publication number: 20200148096
    Abstract: A common lamp driving circuit is configured to supply current. A switching circuit is configured to selectively supply the current to either a first lamp or a second lamp that are of different types. A processor is configured to control the switching circuit such that a state in which the current is supplied to the first lamp and a state in which the current is supplied to the second lamp are repeated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Tomono, Yasushi Noyori
  • Publication number: 20200148097
    Abstract: Provided is an object detection system which enables detection of a body of interest without causing any disturbance outside a vehicle even if the body of interest is present in a restricted-illumination area. In accordance with the timing whereby an imaging module captures an image of an object in the restricted-illumination area and on the basis of the result of image processing by an image processing module, an illumination control module controls the start and end of illumination of the restricted-illumination area by an illumination module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Takakiyo YASUKAWA, Tatsuhiko MONJI
  • Publication number: 20200148098
    Abstract: A disclosed light activation system includes a movable lighting element movable to adjust a direction of light, an actuator for moving the movable lighting element, a driver detection device and a controller configured to command operation of the actuator for moving the movable lighting element based on a detected direction of sight of the driver. A disclosed method of operating a vehicle lighting system includes monitoring a direction that a driver of a motor vehicle is looking, determining a lighting element within a region corresponding with the direction the driver is looking, and actuating a lighting element within the region based in response to the determined direction that the driver is looking and in response to a secondary condition being fulfilled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Anthony Dwayne Cooprider, Dave Brian Glickman, Justin Teems, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Publication number: 20200148099
    Abstract: A purpose of the invention is to provide a tractor that includes a rear lamp with high designability. A tractor of the present invention includes a rear lamp, a cabin, a lamp housing that is provided along a longitudinal direction of a rear pillar of the cabin, and a light source that is housed in the lamp housing, wherein the rear lamp is provided from a vicinity of one end to a vicinity of the other end of the rear pillar in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Junko KUDO
  • Publication number: 20200148100
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the technical field of wheels. It discloses a wheel structure with circular light emission which includes a fixed shaft, a hub that rotates about the fixed shaft, a light base structure fixedly connected with the fixed shaft, and a light cover protecting the light base structure. The light base structure includes a light strip mounting base and a light strip looped around the light strip mounting base. In this way, the light strip emits light which can create a cool effect when in use. The light base structure is fixedly connected with the fixed shaft so that the light base structure is fixed and damaging of electric wires due to rotation can be prevented. This can improve service life of the product, simplify its structure, lower its production cost, and provide great convenience to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Dianxuan Zhang, Dengjin Zhou, Huihai Zeng, Dengbing Zhou
  • Publication number: 20200148101
    Abstract: A turn signal reset device for a signal switch assembly of a vehicle includes a return stalk, a tab, and an actuator. A coupler is coupled to a first end of the return stalk and is configured to couple the return stalk to a signal stalk of a signal switch assembly that is coupled to a steering column of a vehicle. A second end of the return stalk, to which the actuator is coupled, is positioned proximate to the steering column. A connector that is coupled to the tab is configured to couple the tab to the steering column so that the tab extends radially from the steering column. Activating the signal stalk positions the actuator to selectively engage the tab as the steering column rotates. The actuator is configured to actuate the signal stalk to reset the signal switch assembly to a neutral configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: William Gibson, Rocky Gibson
  • Publication number: 20200148102
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a blocked information displaying method and system for use in an autonomous vehicle. The method comprises obtaining information about a road ahead the autonomous vehicle and information about a rear vehicle; determining road information blocked by the autonomous vehicle, according to a positional relationship between the autonomous vehicle and the rear vehicle; displaying the road information blocked by the autonomous vehicle to the rear vehicle. The present disclosure is used to solve problems in the prior art that the autonomous vehicle blocks road surface information and causes limitation to the field of vision of the rear vehicle, and that real-time display of the images of the road ahead the autonomous vehicle is prone to cause confusion, and can effectively improve the safety of the travel of the rear vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Ya WANG
  • Publication number: 20200148103
    Abstract: Two separate and differently-colored light sources provide correspondingly-colored light into corresponding light guides that extend part way around the perimeter of a gauge, such as a tachometer dial and adjacent to numerals or digits that correspond to a measured quantity, such as a too-high engine speed range and an energy-saving or “eco” speed range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Curt Ollila, Vyacheslav Birman
  • Publication number: 20200148104
    Abstract: An illuminating device (14) includes a circuit board (21) that has a wiring pattern on a first face (21a) and a second face (21b) being on a reverse side thereof, a light-emitting element that is mounted on the first face (21a) of the circuit board (21) and has a height (H) projecting from a front face of the circuit board (21), and a holder (22) that supports a reverse face (21b) of the circuit board (21) at a position that is lower than the height (H) of the light-emitting element (24) from a bottom face (27) thereof. Accordingly, the illuminating device that contributes to the versatility of the circuit board can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Takayoshi ITO, Kazumasa NARITA
  • Publication number: 20200148105
    Abstract: A vehicle information provision device includes a travel state detection unit, a surroundings situation detection unit, a potential hazard detection unit detecting a potential hazard based on the situation detected by the surroundings situation detection unit, a driver state detection unit detecting the driver state during self-driving of a vehicle; a driver state determination unit configured to determine whether or not the driver is observing the situation in the vehicle surroundings based on the state of the driver detected by the driver state detection unit, and an information control unit that provides information to the driver regarding the potential hazard in a case in which the driver is observing the situation in the vehicle surroundings, and restricts provision of information to the driver in a case in which the driver is not observing the situation in the vehicle surroundings during self-driving of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hiraiwa, Michio Ikeda, Kazuhiro Matsui
  • Publication number: 20200148106
    Abstract: A method of using a directional sensor for the purposes of detecting the presence of a vehicle or an object within a zone of interest on a roadway or in a parking space. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting a microwave transmit pulse of less than 5 feet; radiating the transmitted pulse by a directional antenna system; receiving received pulses by an adjustable receive window; integrating or combining signals from multiple received pulses; amplifying and filtering the integrated receive signal; digitizing the combined signal; comparing the digitized signal to at least one preset or dynamically computed threshold values to determine the presence or absence of an object in the field of view of the sensor; and providing at least one pulse generator with rise and fall times of less than 3 ns each and capable of generating pulses less than 10 ns in duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Balu SUBRAMANYA
  • Publication number: 20200148107
    Abstract: A rear alarm sensor assembly includes: a sensing part that generates waves and a sensing signal, based on contents obtained by detecting an approaching object by the generated waves; a controller that generates a transmission signal including the sensing signal and an identifier for identification and transmits the generated transmission signal to a body control module, the controller including a plurality of identification terminals for changing the identifier according to a connection relation and a ground terminal that is grounded; and a determination device that is electrically connected to the ground terminal and moves so as not to be connected to the plurality of identification terminals or so as to be connected to one of the plurality of identification terminals. In particular, the determination device electrically connects the connected identification terminal and the ground terminal to change the connection relation of the plurality of identification terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, YURA CORPORATION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji Hoon KIM, Bo Lim Seo, Seong Cheol Park, Cheol Gi Kim
  • Publication number: 20200148108
    Abstract: A vehicle exit assist apparatus with improved security and power consumption includes an exit restriction part including a warning and/or door opening restriction when an occupant's exit action is detected and an obstacle around a self-vehicle is detected by an obstacle detection part. The obstacle detection part and the exit restriction part are started when the exit action is detected in a situation where the obstacle detection part and/or the exit restriction part are not working. The obstacle detection part may transmit a signal corresponding to its operating state after starting-up and the exit restriction part may be forced to perform the exit restriction action when the obstacle detection part is not operating normally based on the signal. It may be configured to cancel the exit restriction action when such a compulsory exit restriction action is being continuously performed for a period longer than a predetermined period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuto Kumashiro, Noriyuki Saitoh, Iwao Izumikawa
  • Publication number: 20200148109
    Abstract: An automated drive system comprises a first and a second system. The first system comprises a camera and an ADS-ECU (a first controller). The camera is configured to acquire front information of a vehicle. The first controller is configured to execute automated driving control of the vehicle. The first controller is configured to judge whether or not headlights are lighted based on the front information. The second system comprises a BODY-ECU (a second controller). The second controller is configured to control lighting operation of the headlights. The second controller is configured to transmit to the first controller an ACK signal about control status of the lighting operation. The first controller is configured to judge whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the second system based on judgement result signal based on the front information and the ACK signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Ueda
  • Publication number: 20200148110
    Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a rear-view camera constructed and arranged to obtain an image of an area behind a rear of the vehicle. A non-camera sensor system is constructed and arranged to obtain data regarding dynamic or static environmental features at opposing sides of the vehicle. An electronic control unit is electrically connected with the rear-view camera and with the sensor system. The electronic control unit is constructed and arranged to create an image from the data received from the sensor system. A display system is controlled by the electronic control unit and is constructed and arranged to display simultaneously to a driver of the vehicle at a single location, the image obtained by the rear-view camera and the image created by the electronic control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hockridge Critchley, Peter Lamprecht, Tony Moussa
  • Publication number: 20200148111
    Abstract: A virtual mirror arrangement, in particular for a vehicle, including at least one screen arranged in the interior of a vehicle for displaying a detection region of at least one camera, where an actuator connected to the camera is controllable by a movement of the display. The disclosure further relates to a method for adjusting a virtual mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Markus KLUG
  • Publication number: 20200148112
    Abstract: A driver-assistance device includes: a memory; and a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to: acquire both line-of-sight information on a line of sight of a driver and image data resulting from imaging surroundings of a vehicle; set a display position and display contents of an image generated from the image data based on the line-of-sight information; and output the display position and the display contents together with the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuhiro ITOH, Hitoshi KUMON
  • Publication number: 20200148113
    Abstract: Camera control systems and methods for providing a dynamic view of the environment outside of a vehicle are presented. One or more cameras are configured to capture at least one view of the environment outside of the vehicle. Control circuitry detects at least one of the speed of the vehicle and the pitch angle of the vehicle (e.g., by using a speedometer and inclinometer). The control circuitry selects a view angle based on the at least one of the speed of the vehicle and the pitch angle of the vehicle. The control circuitry then displays, based on an output of the at least one camera, a view of the environment outside of the vehicle from the selected view angle on a display of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew Coburn, Mark Vinnels, Oliver Jeromin
  • Publication number: 20200148114
    Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a rear backup camera that is operable to capture image data. The rear backup camera is configured to be disposed at the vehicle so as to have a rearward field of view. The rear backup camera has an imager and a wide angle lens, which is disposed at the imager with its center axis offset from a center region of the imager so as to be disposed at and to image at an upper region of the imager. A distant central horizon region is imaged at the upper region of the imager and a closer region is imaged at the center region and the lower region of the imager. Video images derived from image data captured by the rear backup camera are displayed on a video display for viewing by a driver of the vehicle during the reversing maneuver of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Frank Goseberg, Ruediger Boegel
  • Publication number: 20200148115
    Abstract: A holder device for a rear-view and/or display device of a motor vehicle having at least one holder plate fixed to a panel or plate-like object, and having at least one securing foot, which is or can be detachably arranged on the holder plate wherein by at least one retaining means fixed to the securing foot or at least partially surrounding the securing foot, which is or can be fixed to a vehicle component spaced apart from the holder plate, which limits a movement of the securing foot in a state in which it is at least partially detached from the holder plate in form fitting and/or force-locking manner
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Stefan HELD
  • Publication number: 20200148116
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure an adjustable mirror assembly for a work machine is disclosed. The adjustable mirror assembly includes a support bracket adapted to be attached to the work machine and an intermediate bracket. The intermediate bracket interfaces with a back surface of a mirror and with the support bracket. The adjustable mirror assembly includes a first linear actuator for rotating the mirror about a pitch axis. The first linear actuator to rotate the mirror about a pitch axis attaches to the support bracket and to the intermediate bracket. A second linear actuator to rotate the mirror about a yaw axis is attached to a point fixed to the intermediate bracket and to the back surface of the mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Kris Edward Seitz
  • Publication number: 20200148117
    Abstract: In a vehicle door mirror device, reinforcement is fixed at a vehicle front side of a visor body. A mirror face adjustment mechanism is covered from the vehicle front side by a bottom wall portion of the reinforcement. The mirror face adjustment mechanism can accordingly be assembled at the inside of a covering wall from the vehicle front side of the visor body in a state in which the reinforcement has not been fixed at the vehicle front side of the visor body, thereby enabling ease of assembly to be improved. Moreover, partitioning walls are provided to a step portion of the reinforcement, thereby enabling the rigidity of the reinforcement to be improved, and enabling support rigidity of a mirror body by a swing body to be more effectively raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Suguru FUJISAKI, Shigeki YOSHIDA, Isao SUMI
  • Publication number: 20200148118
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator mechanism (1) for adjusting the orientation of a mirror element in an exterior mirror unit of a vehicle. The mechanism comprises an electric motor (9, 10) with a driving shaft (11, 12), a drive train (13, 14), and a movable mirror adjusting element (5, 6) coupled via the drive train to the driving shaft of the electric motor. Also, the actuator mechanism comprises an actuator frame (2) which carries the electric motor, the drive train and the mirror adjusting element. The driving shaft of the electric motor is bearing mounted in the actuator frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: MCI (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Stefan Fritz BROUWER, Bastiaan HUIJZERS
  • Publication number: 20200148119
    Abstract: A vehicular rearview mirror assembly includes an electro-optic reflective element and a back plate, with a spring-loaded electrical connector disposed in a passageway of the back plate. The spring-loaded electrical connector is spring-biased toward an extended state and compressible toward a compressed state. The reflective element has an electrically conductive element established at the rear surface and in electrical connection with a conductive coating of the reflective element. A circuit element is disposed at the back plate and has an electrically conductive trace electrically connected to control circuitry. With the back plate attached at the reflective element and with the circuit element attached at the back plate, the spring-loaded electrical connector is compressed toward the compressed state and electrically connects the electrically conductive trace at the circuit element and the electrically conductive element at the reflective element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Craig Kendall
  • Publication number: 20200148120
    Abstract: A rear-view mirror and modular monitor system and method include an interior mirror that embeds a modular monitor behind see-through mirror glass. In some embodiments, the system includes multiple cameras, some in the vehicle, bus and/or truck, as well as some cameras outside the vehicle, bus and/or truck, advantageously providing the driver an opportunity to view what is happening, for example, in the back rows of the bus and/or cabin, while also using the mirror to look at objects in the bus and/or cabin that are visible using the mirror. The rear-view mirror and modular monitor system is configured to be easily assembled and/or disassembled when necessary for maintenance and/or to replace parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: ROSCO, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Englander, Julian Serer, Peter Plate, Gary Balsam
  • Publication number: 20200148121
    Abstract: A running board configured for absorbing energy includes an attachment portion extending along a longitudinal axis and a step-assist portion extending from the attachment portion along a latitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The attachment portion defines a plurality of voids therein each disposed along a respective one of a plurality of horizontal axes that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The running board further includes a plurality of tubes disposed within a respective one of the plurality of voids. A device including the running board and a method of forming a running board are also set forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Venkateshwar R. Aitharaju, Hamid G. Kia
  • Publication number: 20200148122
    Abstract: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck, such as at the rear portion. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Further, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Horst Leitner, Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Publication number: 20200148123
    Abstract: A transportation storage device configured to prevent soiling of a vehicle interior is provided that includes a top surface and an opposing bottom surface. The top surface and the bottom surface each have a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, and the first, second, and third edges of the top and bottom surfaces are configured to securely engage one another. An edge of a flap surface may be operably engaged with the fourth edge of the bottom surface and may be configured to engage a rear bumper and/or an exterior portion of a vehicle. The transportation storage device may include at least one securing element configured to reciprocally engage the flap surface with the top surface and may include an inner pocket surface configured to engage the top surface, the inner pocket surface having a smaller area than the top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Peggy JARDINE
  • Publication number: 20200148124
    Abstract: An object is to expand the capacity of storage of a luggage box and thereby to increase the efficiency of component transportation. A tray for vehicle storage space is formed from a fiber board that includes a bottom portion, side portions and flat portions extended from the side portions and that has a thickness of 2 to 6 mm, a total weight of 450 to 1000 g/m2, and a tensile strength of 850 to 2150 N/25.4 mm. The fiber board has linear first cuts provided on a surface side to divide boundaries between the side portions and the flat portions, linear second cuts provided on a rear face side to divide boundaries between the bottom portion and the side portions, linear third cuts provided on the surface side to fold back the side portions, and linear third cuts provided on the rear face side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Koji INOUE, Hisashi KOBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20200148125
    Abstract: A vehicle having a hidden storage compartment with a user notification system and method of using the same is provided. The vehicle includes a storage container securely fixed onto an interior surface of a vehicle floor panel in the footwell area. A floor covering is disposed over the footwell area covering the storage container and includes a flap having a living hinge configured to selectively cover and uncover the lid of the storage container. The storage container includes a biometric scanner, a mass sensor, and a lid sensor in communication with a notification controller. The notification controller analyzes the information received from the biometric scanner, lid sensor, and mass sensor, and determines the state of the storage container based on a logic table. The notification controller then selectively transmit a predetermined message to the user based on the state of the storage container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Nikhil H N, Tanmay Balse, Vinodkumar Ganiger, Rajkiran Kulkarni
  • Publication number: 20200148126
    Abstract: A roof rack system for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations system is provided. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar assembly comprising: an axis of motion, e.g., translational motion; an internal structure; a first section; a second section; a third section; a first end mount; and a second end mount. The first and second sections are configured to translate, in opposite directions, along the axis of motion relative to the internal structure. The internal structure is configured to cause the third section to be centered between the first and second sections as the first and second sections translate. The first and second end mounts are coupled to respective outboard portions of the first and second sections. The first and second end mounts are configured to mount to respective first and second mounting locations, e.g., mounting locations of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
  • Publication number: 20200148127
    Abstract: A roof rack system is provided for affixing to a vehicle having a plurality of mounting locations. The roof rack system comprises a crossbar comprising a first end and a second end. The crossbar is configured to allow mounting of equipment. The roof rack system further comprises a first stanchion coupled to the first end of the crossbar by a first swivel joint. The roof rack system further comprises a second stanchion coupled to the second end of the crossbar by a second swivel joint. The first and second stanchions are configured to mount to respective mounting locations of the plurality of mounting locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Cory Borghi, Eric Griffith, Christian Elder
  • Publication number: 20200148128
    Abstract: An embodiment includes a travel system comprising: a first arm and a second arm, the first arm including an aperture; a hub pivotally coupled to the first and second arms; a male hitch insert, coupled to the hub, configured to insert within a female hitch; a handle bar support coupled to the male hitch insert and configured to receive a handle bar of a stroller; a void, located between the first and second arms, configured to receive a wheel of the stroller; and a post configured to (a) extend from the first arm to the second arm, (b) mate with the second arm, (c) extend between support members of the wheel and secure the stroller to the system. Other embodiments are described herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Bohmer
  • Publication number: 20200148129
    Abstract: An instrument is provided with: a body; a speaker having a plurality of flanges that bulge outward from the body; a case that has a recess for housing the speaker. The recess has a side wall, an installation surface on which the speaker is installed, and a plurality of fixing parts that fix the flanges in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the installation surface and that bulge inward from the side wall. The speaker can rotate about the rotational axis in the orthogonal direction up to a fixing position where the flanges and the fixing parts overlap each other in the orthogonal direction after the speaker has been disposed in an unfixing position where the flanges and the fixing parts do not overlap each other in the orthogonal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Yui YAEGASHI
  • Publication number: 20200148130
    Abstract: An electronic device holder that is configured to hold at least one electronic device includes a wall structure and a hook structure. The electronic device has a first side and a second side that are opposite each other. The wall structure includes a main wall and at least one biasing member. The main wall is configured to support and abut the second side of an electronic device. The biasing member projects from the main wall and is configured to bias the electronic device away from the main wall. The biasing member is configured to extend along and abut at least a portion of the second side of the electronic device. The hook structure is configured to secure the electronic device. The hook structure includes an end portion that is configured to support and abut at least a portion of the first side of the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: SANJEEVA RAO PALAKA, Abraham Camacho-Montoya
  • Publication number: 20200148131
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a modular tablet computer and a vehicle diagnostic electronic system. The modular tablet computer comprises a shell, a display screen, a module expansion slot, a main board and a communication interface, wherein the shell has an opposite first board and a second board, as well as an opposite first side and a second side. The display screen is located on the first board of the shell and connected with the shell in a snap-fit manner. The module expansion slot is arranged on the second board, the first side or the second side of the shell and connected with a vehicle diagnostic electronic device in the snap-fit manner. The main board is electrically connected with the display screen and arranged in the shell. A first signal part is connected with a second signal part of the vehicle diagnostic electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Bin Tan
  • Publication number: 20200148132
    Abstract: A blind-spot image device with adjustment rings is applicable to a vehicle and includes a housing and a camera module in addition to two adjustment rings, wherein the housing has an opening and is protrudingly provided with an extension portion corresponding in position to the opening; the rear half of the camera module extends into the opening; the front side of the camera module is provided with a lens element; and the adjustment rings are mounted around the camera module and hold the extension portion between them, with one adjustment ring lying outside the housing and the other adjustment ring inside the housing. The blind-spot image device is characterized in that the corresponding sides of the two adjustment rings are inclined, and that the shooting angle of the lens element can be changed by rotating the adjustment rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Alpha Networks Inc.
    Inventors: Jie De HUNG, Chun-Wei WU, Chung Sheng WU
  • Publication number: 20200148133
    Abstract: A vehicle camera includes a camera and a housing. The camera has a lens unit. The housing has an accommodation space. The housing has at least one air vent at the opening. A flexible case is in front of the at least one air vent, and the flexible case includes a connection face and two covering edges. The connection face is connected with the at least one air vent, and the two covering edges are formed on two sides of the flexible case respectively. A respective one covering edge has a vertical cut line formed thereon, two vertical cut lines of the two covering edges are connected with two ends of an axial cut line respectively so as to form a linear valve, and a lowest point of the vertical cut line is spaced a spacing apart from the connection face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Paul Lin, Ben Lin, Jeng-Jyh Lin
  • Publication number: 20200148134
    Abstract: A jack bracket is provided. The jack bracket comprises a bracket base including a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a flexible strap having a first end portion coupled to the first side and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, and a lock assembly configured to couple the second end portion of the flexible strap to the second side of the bracket base. The flexible strap further includes a connection member disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion. The connection member is selectively attached to a vehicle part and selectively released from the vehicle part. The jack bracket of the present disclosure allows for removal and installation of a jack in a simple and fast manner in a limited space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Han Zhou, Liu Ming, Zhuang Xu, Ge Zhenhong
  • Publication number: 20200148135
    Abstract: A method of aligning a first component and a second component with elastic averaging includes offsetting a first part and a second part of the first component and creating a shut-off slot between the first part and the second part of the first component by offsetting the first part and the second part. The shut-off slot has a slot vector that is not parallel to a main die vector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Alejandro Perez-Ruiz, Steven Morris
  • Publication number: 20200148136
    Abstract: An autonomous driving device module mounting structure includes: a floor panel that constitutes a part of a vehicle body and extends in a front to rear direction of a vehicle and a width direction of the vehicle: a rear seat that is disposed on a vehicle upper side of the floor panel such that a gap is formed with respect to the floor panel; and an autonomous driving device module that is equipped with a plurality of devices and is disposed on the vehicle upper side of the floor panel and a vehicle lower side of the rear seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenta Takei
  • Publication number: 20200148137
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a plurality of external sensors disposed at a vehicle and having respective fields of sensing exterior of the vehicle, and a control having a data processor that processes data captured by the external sensors for a driving assist function. The control has a maximum junction temperature and an operating junction temperature. A power supply provides power to integrated circuits. The integrated circuits operate at an operating junction temperature below a maximum junction temperature. A thermal management system controls the operating junction temperature of the integrated circuits. The thermal management system reduces the operating junction temperature below the maximum junction temperature in order to reduce the power required by the integrated circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Alan M. Cordeiro
  • Publication number: 20200148138
    Abstract: A hybrid power distribution central unit (1) is described, which comprises a housing (box) (2), provided with at least one cover (3) and internally defining a plurality of seats for coupling modules (12, 13, 14) of specific types, said housing (box) (2) comprising a power supply module (11) in order to electrically feed all the functional modules (12, 13, 14) coupled to the housing (box) (2). The functional modules are interchangeable according to their dimensions and not according to their specific types, thus, being possible for the hybrid power distribution central unit (1) to simultaneously use functional modules of different types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: José Willian De Oliveira
  • Publication number: 20200148139
    Abstract: A power supply circuit includes a power supply switch configured to perform switching between connection and disconnection of an electric power supply path from a power supply to a second controller. The power supply switch is configured to be controlled by a first power supply signal transmitted from a first controller to the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is configured to bring the power supply switch into a disconnected state to thereby bring the second controller into a stop state, when a prescribed disconnection condition is satisfied, the prescribed disconnection condition including a condition that the first power supply signal is switched from an on signal to an off signal. The second controller is configured to voluntarily enter the stop state or a power saving mode, when the second controller does not enter the stop state even if the disconnection condition is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Kenji Nakao, Yuho Terai, Tsuyoshi Hirose
  • Publication number: 20200148140
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispenser module for converting preexisting analog systems into a customizable digital system. According to an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, a user can utilize preexisting analog equipment to operate and control a dispenser module. A squib is electrically connected to a logic circuit such that the normal “firing” of the original payload at that location will cause a change in the state of the electrical circuit. Because there are multiple payload allocations within one module, this allows electrical communication with individual/select payload devices by an operator. Payloads in the module can be quickly swapped in and out without making any changes to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Applicant: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Marshall Mullins, Charlie Upton, Mark Anderson, Timothy Bradley, Eric Hillenbrand
  • Publication number: 20200148141
    Abstract: An apparatus for an interior vehicle compartment includes a seat adapted for moving in a travel direction and a movable console. The movable console includes a holder for removably receiving and holding a mobile computer having a display. The holder may be displaced between a stowed position and a deployed position. The display is presented for viewing by a vehicle passenger seated in the seat in both of those positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Shivraj Karthik Ranganathan, Manjil M Kale, Robert Michael Coury, Gary D. Mullen, Anthony Ligi, JR., Glenn Biddinger
  • Publication number: 20200148142
    Abstract: A charge controller for a vehicle passive energy system employs an interface to a plurality of charge sources including intermittent sources, such as vehicle mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and the vehicle engine and alternator, and an interface to a plurality of charge loads, such as a comfort heating ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning (HVAC) system and auxiliary vehicle loads. Charge logic computes which of the plurality of sources will supply the charge current and which of the plurality of loads will receive the charge current, and a switch responsive to the charge logic will direct the charge current from at least one of the plurality of sources to at least one of the loads, the plurality of charge sources mutually exclusive from simultaneously powering a common load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventors: Philip R. Pierce, Robert Doane, Jeffrey C. Flath, Stephen Lasher
  • Publication number: 20200148143
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is proposed for controlling the electrical connection and disconnection between a battery unit and a supercapacitor on an automobile with the objective of preventing the electrical connection between the battery unit and the supercapacitor from being exceedingly long that would otherwise cause degraded power supply performance or even damage to the battery unit due to the self-discharging property of the supercapacitor. This feature can help to improve the power supply performance and extends the battery life. The proposed method and apparatus is characterized by the steps that the supercapacitor is electrically connected to the battery unit only at a temporal point when there is a need to use the supercapacitor, and immediately disconnected from the supercapacitor whenever there is no more need to use the supercapacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Yung-Sheng HUANG
  • Publication number: 20200148144
    Abstract: A power source supply circuit supplies an output power source of a battery to a vehicle control apparatus that includes a first instrument control portion that selectively receives a voltage applied to a first power source input portion or a voltage applied to a second power source input portion as an operation voltage and a second instrument control portion that receives a voltage applied to a second power source input portion or a third power source input portion as the operation voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi SHIOMI
  • Publication number: 20200148145
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises: a pair of opposed frames disposed opposite to and separately from each other; a pair of connecting frames disposed separately from each other in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to an opposing direction of the pair of opposed frames, the connecting frames being configured to connect the pair of opposed frames; a bridging wire disposed to bridge the pair of connecting frames; a reinforcing wire disposed to cross the bridging wire as viewed from an occupant side; and a plate-shaped plastic member configured to cover the bridging wire and the reinforcing wire at least at their crossover such that the bridging wire and the reinforcing wire are arranged to be spaced apart from and thus kept out of contact with each other, the bridging wire and the reinforcing wire being connected with the plate-shaped plastic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Publication date: May 14, 2020
    Inventor: Koji ONUMA