Patents Issued in June 2, 2020
  • Patent number: 10668768
    Abstract: A hub and a wheel having such a hub. The hub includes a hub shell and an axle to rotatably receive the hub shell. The hub shell is provided with circumferential hub flanges for accommodation and defined orientation of a plurality of spokes. Each of the spokes includes a spoke body and a spoke head. The hub flanges include a plurality of accommodation sections to receive one spoke head each. The accommodation sections are axially disposed on the hub flanges. Each of the accommodation sections has one spoke feed-through assigned to it, through which an accommodated spoke can be guided out of the accommodation section. Two spoke feed-throughs each are provided with one joint and circumferentially closed outlet opening in the hub flanges. The hub flanges enclose the outlet opening integrally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: DT SWISS INC.
    Inventors: Stefan Spahr, Simon Haas
  • Patent number: 10668769
    Abstract: An anti-roll off assembly. The assembly comprises a band, a plurality of compression-resistant well filler assemblies and a coupler assembly. The band is configured to extend substantially around a circumference of a well portion of a wheel. The compression-resistant well filler assemblies are coupled to the band and are configured to be positioned against the well portion to block off respective volumes along circumferential portions of the well portion. The coupler assembly is configured to increase a tension force of the band and comprises a first trunnion, a second trunnion and a threaded member. The first trunnion is in contact with the band and has a first threaded opening. The second trunnion is in contact with the band and has a second threaded opening. The threaded member comprises a first end threadedly engaged with the first threaded opening and a second end threadedly engaged with the second threaded opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Hutchinson Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry W. Stuck, Daniel Skoczylas, Colin G. Vogel
  • Patent number: 10668770
    Abstract: A motor vehicle wheel bearing assembly includes a hub configured to be supported by at least one rolling-element bearing and to provide a seat for a wheel. The hub includes a first hollow-cone-shaped element manufactured from light metal and having a first axial end section having a first diameter and a second axial end section having a second, larger, diameter and at least one bearing raceway or raceway support at the first axial end section. The hub also includes a second element extending radially from an end of the first hollow-cone-shaped element, the second element having a radially inner section and a radially outer section. The second axial end section of the first element is connected to the radial outer section of the second element, for example, at a joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Volker Wendt, Padelis Katsaros, Dominique Shah
  • Patent number: 10668771
    Abstract: A caster configured to be attached to an object and provide for rolling movement of the object. The caster may include a main wheel and multiple support members that contact against and support the main wheel. One or more support members include a first sphere that may contact against a top of the main wheel. One or more support members include a second sphere that may contact against the main wheel along lateral sides of the main wheel and offset from the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventors: Koshy Cherian, Usha Cherian
  • Patent number: 10668772
    Abstract: A tire has excellent wet performance without leading to a reduction in steering stability. The tire includes a tread portion and a pair of bead portions each with a bead core and a bead filler disposed on the radial outside of the bead core. Tread rubber forming the tread portion includes a rubber composition including a rubber component (A) and, per 100 parts by mass of the rubber component (A), 5 to 50 parts by mass of at least one kind of thermoplastic resin (B) selected from the group consisting of C5-based resins, C5- to C9-based resins, C9-based resins, terpene-based resins, terpene-aromatic compound-based resins, rosin-based resins, dicyclopentadiene resins, and alkylphenol-based resins, and 20 to 120 parts by mass of a filler (C) including silica. The dynamic storage modulus (E?) of the bead filler exceeds 50 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideyuki Sakurai
  • Patent number: 10668773
    Abstract: An automotive safety device includes a housing and a removable support assembly having a base and support members pivotally attached to the base and moveable between a first, closed position and a second, open position. Each support member is arranged directly adjacent to an outer surface of the housing in the first position. In the second position, the support members allow the device to be freestanding. A first light source is arranged on the housing such that the device may function as an emergency roadside light. The device further includes a tire pressure gauge, including a pressure sensor, a processor, and a display, wherein the processor is configured to output a value on the display indicative of a measured pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Measurement Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven Petrucelli
  • Patent number: 10668774
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire has a plurality of circumferential main grooves extending in the tire circumferential direction, a plurality of lug grooves extending in the tire width direction, and a plurality of blocks partitioned by the circumferential main grooves and the lug grooves. Also, the block has a bent groove having a bent shape that is convex in one direction and that extends in the tire circumferential direction dividing the block into two in the tire width direction. Also, the blocks that are adjacent to each other in the tire circumferential direction are disposed such that the bend directions of the bent grooves are alternately reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiraku Kouda
  • Patent number: 10668775
    Abstract: A tire 1 comprises a tread portion 2 provided with an outer shoulder main groove 3 in a part closest to an outside tread edge (To) and an outer crown main groove 4 on a side of an inside tread edge (Ti) of the outer shoulder main groove 3 both extending continuously in the tire circumferential direction, and outer transverse grooves 9 connecting between the outside tread edge (To) and the outer crown main groove 4 so that an outer shoulder land region 7A is defined between the outside tread edge (To) and the outer shoulder main groove 3 and an outer middle land region 7B is defined between the outer shoulder main groove 3 and the outer crown main groove 4. A maximum axial width Ws of the outer shoulder land region 7A is larger than a maximum axial width Wm of the outer middle land region 7B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Sho Nakajima
  • Patent number: 10668776
    Abstract: A noise reduction device (10) includes: a band member (11) made of a thermoplastic resin formed into a ring shape along a tire inner surface (5), and a sound absorbing member (12) made of a porous material bonded to the band member (11). The sound absorbing member (12) is arranged to be fitted onto the tire inner surface (5) with the help of the elastic restoring force of the band member (11). The band member (11) includes at least one rib (14) extending in the circumferential direction of the band member (11) on at least one surface in the thickness direction of the band member (11). The rib (14) is disposed so as to be present along the entire circumference of the band member (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Daisuke Kanenari
  • Patent number: 10668777
    Abstract: A steer axle spindle may have one or more channels formed therein. A rotary union may be mounted to a steer axle wheel end assembly. The rotary union may be sealingly connected to a pressurized fluid source through the channel, and sealingly connected to a vehicle tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Equalaire Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Musgrave, Mark Kevin Hennig
  • Patent number: 10668778
    Abstract: A pressure ratio between a setpoint tire pressure and an actual tire pressure for a tire of a vehicle is ascertained by the following steps: Ascertaining a wheel load which is acting on the tire. Ascertaining a dynamic tire radius of the tire. Ascertaining the pressure ratio as a function of the wheel load and the dynamic tire radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Simon Steinmeyer, Marc-Michael Meinecke, Pär Degerman, Carsten Deeg
  • Patent number: 10668779
    Abstract: In order to provide a functional component attaching member of which durability can be further improved because when a load is applied to a functional component while a vehicle is travelling, the load can also be borne by portions other than a wall portion opposite to a load direction, the present invention provides a rubber functional component attaching member (functional component mounting base 1) for fastening a functional component 29 to an inner surface 70 of a tire, comprising a bottom surface 4 that is fixed to the inner surface 70 of the tire, an attaching portion 2 having a recessed portion 2A to which a functional component-side attaching portion 30 provided to the functional component 29 is attached, and a reinforcing material 20 embedded in a rubber portion on an outer side of the recessed portion 2A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Go Nagaya
  • Patent number: 10668780
    Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, driver and passenger seats, two front and two rear suspension assemblies, two front and two rear wheels, and a motor operatively connected to at least two of the wheels. Each rear suspension assembly has a trailing arm having a front end pivotally connected to the frame, a knuckle pivotally connected to a rear portion of the trailing arm, a link having a laterally outward end pivotally connected to the trailing arm and the knuckle and a laterally inward end pivotally connected to the frame, and a fastener fastening the laterally outward end of the link, the knuckle and the trailing arm together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Charles Despres-Nadeau, Martin Heon, Daniel Leclerc
  • Patent number: 10668781
    Abstract: A ball joint assembly for use in a vehicle suspension system includes a housing including a first end surface and an opposing second end surface. The housing at least one of includes an outer tie rod of a steering assembly and is configured to be coupled to the outer tie rod of the steering assembly. The housing defines a cavity and also includes an opening defined in the second end surface. The ball joint assembly also includes a ball stud coupled to the housing such that a first portion of the ball stud is positioned in the cavity and a second portion of the ball stud extends through the opening. A wire harness is coupled to the first end surface of the housing and extends away from the housing in a direction opposite the second end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinghong Yu, Andrew John Fox, Takahiro Echigo
  • Patent number: 10668782
    Abstract: An air suspension system is provided with air spring devices, a pressure accumulation tank, a compressor device that supplies compressed air at least to the pressure accumulation tank, and that includes an electric motor, a pump device, and a dryer, and a control device that performs a vehicle height increase control, a vehicle height decrease control, an air suction control, and a regeneration air discharge control. The control device performs a heat accumulation control, by actuating the pump device with the communication between the compressor device and the air spring devices being blocked, supplying the compressed air discharged through the dryer to the pump device to be circulated, and accumulating heat of compression of the compressed air in the dryer, to regenerate the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaaki Oishi, Masakazu Ohashi, Hiroyuki Uehara, Satoshi Kimura, Taichi Mizuno
  • Patent number: 10668783
    Abstract: An air conditioning system of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine includes a condenser configured to receive refrigerant output by an electric compressor and transfer heat from the refrigerant within the condenser to air passing the condenser. A first evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser when a first control valve is open and transfer heat from air passing the first evaporator to the refrigerant within the first evaporator. A first blower is configured to blow air across the first evaporator to a first section of a cabin of the vehicle. A second evaporator is configured to receive refrigerant from the condenser when a second control valve is open and transfer heat from air passing the second evaporator to the refrigerant within the second evaporator. A second blower is configured to blow air across the second evaporator to a second section of the cabin of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn W. Vehr, Joseph James Rozsnaki
  • Patent number: 10668784
    Abstract: A forced-ventilation device ventilates a compartment of a vehicle by forced ventilation by actuating a blower of an air-conditioning device of the vehicle when the compartment is left at a high temperature. When a mode for forced ventilation has been set by the user, when a mobile device approaching the vehicle together with a user enters a predetermined detection area within which the mobile device is detectable by a response signal, and when the response signal is successfully verified, a control portion switches ON an ignition switch of the vehicle, opens one or two or more windows using an opening and closing mechanism, and directs the air-conditioning device to actuate the blower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshifumi Shimoda, Michiru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10668785
    Abstract: A cooling device includes a duct, a passageway, and a plurality of nozzles spaced around the duct. The duct is sized to extend around at least a portion of the dome. The passageway may extend through the duct. The plurality of nozzles may be spaced around the duct and have first openings oriented toward the passageway and second openings oriented toward the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Paul Yeomans, Peter Avram
  • Patent number: 10668786
    Abstract: A system for controlling airflow of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The system includes a register including airflow directionals. A motor is connected to the register to move the directionals. A directionals selector is connected to the motor to control the motor. Actuation of the directionals selector by a user changes position of the directionals. A control module stores predetermined positions of the directionals, and controls the motor to move the directionals to the predetermined positions in response to receipt of a user command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Javier Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 10668787
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting direction of air flow of a slim type air vent for an automotive vehicle may include a nozzle type wing that can rotate angularly upwards or downwards and be mounted inside the air vent having slim structure and a gear for rotating the nozzle type wing upwards or downwards is formed on a single transverse wing exposed to the outside such that manipulation force for rotating the single transverse wing angularly upwards or downwards can be transmitted to the nozzle type wing through the gear to rotate the nozzle type wing angularly upwards or downwards and hence the upward or downward direction of air flow being discharged into a cabin can be easily adjusted by upward or downward angular and rotational operation of the nozzle type wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, NIFCO KOREA Inc., Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Ju Lee, In Seop Kim, Young Rok Lee, Young Beom Lee, Choong Yeul Kim, Dae Ig Jung, Keun Sig Lim, Ji Won Lee, Jae Seob Choi, Won Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 10668788
    Abstract: A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes a window frame having a top rail portion coupled to a bottom rail portion by side rail portions. The top rail portion has a shorter length than the bottom rail portion. A fixed window is attached to the window. A sliding window is mounted in a sliding sash. The sliding sash is moveable relative to the fixed window. The sliding sash includes a top sash portion coupled to a bottom sash portion by side sash portions. The top sash portion has a shorter length than the bottom sash portion. A removable track assembly is attached to the top rail portion. At least one bearing is attached to the top sash portion of the sliding window sash. The at least one bearing is slidingly engaged with the removable track supporting the sliding sash over an entire travel range between open and closed positions preventing tilting of the sliding sash relative to the window frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Dynamic Metals, LLC
    Inventors: Randall Vollmar, Andrew Croy, William Glen Elijah, Gene L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10668789
    Abstract: A vehicle sunroof comprising an electro-optic device is disclosed. The electro-optic device forms a variable transmission window comprising a first layer, a second layer, and an electro-optic medium disposed between the first layer and the second layer. At least one of the first layer and the second layer correspond to a polymeric film. The sunroof further comprises a frame configured to connect the electro-optic device to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GENTEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Cammenga, David L. Poll, William L. Tonar
  • Patent number: 10668790
    Abstract: An interlayer comprising a first polymer layer, a polarization rotary optical film and optionally a second polymer layer, and multiple layer panels formed from such interlayers. The panels may exhibit desirable optical properties, including, for example, less image “ghosting,” when used as part of a heads-up-display (HUD) display panel for use in automotive and aircraft applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Solutia Inc.
    Inventors: Wenjie Chen, Peter Borden Mackenzie, Scott Evan Pickett, Kimberley Carmenia Carico, Roland Claus Thielsch
  • Patent number: 10668791
    Abstract: A carrier component for a vehicle, e.g. in the form of an assembly or module carrier for a vehicle door is provided. The carrier component comprises a sealing channel at least in a protruding region in which a portion for a functional component protruding beyond the edge of the carrier base surface or for a functional component arranged to protrude from the carrier component extends across the sealing channel in cross-section is formed by at least two legs which each define an outer edge of the sealing channel and whose ends lie in a channel plane which extends inclined relative to a carrier plane defined by the carrier base surface, so that the sealing channel is open in a direction in space defining the carrier plane and a seal also can easily be injection-molded to the carrier component in the protruding region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO. KG, HALLSTADT
    Inventors: Nico Oertel, Melanie Angermueller, Thomas Salhoff, Matthias Heppner, David Krause, Robert Mantel, Andre Bernhard, Michael Salzmann
  • Patent number: 10668792
    Abstract: An openable vehicle roof having a lid element, having displacement kinematics on both sides relative to a vertical longitudinal center plane of the roof, the lid element displacable between a closed position and opening position at least partially opening the roof opening by displacement kinematics. The displacement kinematics each have a first kinematic element and a second kinematic element connected to a coupling rod, which can be detachably coupled to the first kinematic element via a coupling member and be displaced between a coupling position and a decoupling position, in which the coupling member is accommodated by a locking recess of the guide rail. The coupling member is held in its decoupling position by a resilient securing element in the locking recess of the guide rail, said securing element being able to be displaced between a securing position and a releasing position by a positioning element of the displacement kinematics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Jürgen Stenvers, Florian Frank, Daniel Zörb
  • Patent number: 10668793
    Abstract: A retractable roof apparatus for an autonomous hardtop vehicle is described. The apparatus includes a vehicle roof having an opening to a compartment that extends below the surface of the vehicle roof and a retractable cover assembly that encloses sensor devices. The retractable cover assembly includes a top panel having a peripheral size and shape that matches the roof opening to the compartment. The sensors include an array of cameras having a field of view of the full width of the vehicle in at least the front of the vehicle when the retractable roof cover is in the raised position. The height of the top panel in the raised position above the vehicle roof is a minimal height to accommodate the height of the cameras. When the retractable cover assembly is retracted into the compartment, the top panel is flush with the surrounding roof panel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Scott L Frederick, Scott P Robison, Adam D Holmstrom
  • Patent number: 10668794
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to truck cover systems and methods thereof. Embodiments of the invention provide a system for securing a flexible tonneau cover for a truck bed. The cover, when deployed, seals a truck bed to protect the bed and its contents from outside elements. The cover systems described herein may be modular and/or adjustable to fit trucks of any size without modifications to the truck. The fasteners used to secure the cover to the truck bed rails are designed to withstand the forces of attaching and removing the cover over time. The cover system may be quickly and easily installed without the need for drilling. Once installed, the cover systems described herein are rugged and stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Cixi City Liyuan Auto Parts Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Enli Xu
  • Patent number: 10668795
    Abstract: A tonneau cover access panel assembly connectable to a vehicle that eliminates the need for side rails to both locate and tension a tonneau cover. The assembly also reduces weight and complexity. The assembly incorporates a readily accessible rear latching system that reduces or eliminates interference with the tonneau cover during operation. The assembly also incorporates a tonneau cover tensioning system. The tension seals out environmental elements and holds the tonneau cover and locating bows in place. The assembly holds the tonneau in the closed tension state keeping the tonneau cover secured and tight until the cover is opened by an operator. The assembly is movable between a closed position and a fully open/stowable position and any intermediate positions. The assembly is also movable between at least a first open position and the deployed position for more limiting access to the cargo bed of the vehicle when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Bestop, Inc.
    Inventors: Tavis Lutzka, Stephen J. Lewis, David A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10668796
    Abstract: A weatherstrip assembly includes a body having a carrier or core formed from a first metal for providing strength and rigidity to the body. A show surface of the weatherstrip assembly is formed of a second metal different than the first metal. The second metal acts as the show surface of the weatherstrip assembly. An isolative, electrically low conductivity layer is received only on portions of the first metal that are disposed adjacent to portions of the second metal and potentially subject to electrical contact therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC.
    Inventor: Mike Heinze
  • Patent number: 10668797
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus for a vehicle may include a first input shaft directly connected with a motor/generator, second and third input shafts and torque mediating shaft coaxial and selectively connected with the first input shaft, a first intermediate shaft and first and second idle shafts in parallel with the first input shaft, a second intermediate shaft in parallel with the first input shaft, and selectively connected with a transmission housing, an output shaft in parallel with the first input shaft, and coaxial and selectively connected with the second intermediate shaft, a first shifting section including six gear sets, selectively receiving torque through the first and third input shafts, and outputting intermediate shift-stages, and a second shifting section including a planetary gear set, forming an output torque by combination torques from the first shifting section and the second input shaft, and outputting the output torque to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minho Chae, Woochurl Son, Sun Sung Kwon, Seong Wook Hwang, Kijong Park, Yong Uk Shin, Seongwook Ji, Ki Tae Kim, Chon Ok Kim, Wonmin Cho, Hyun Sik Kwon, Ilhan Yoo, Juhyeon Park, Cheol Ho Jang, Dongwoo Kim, Hye Jin Lim, Soonki Eo, Ki Dong Kim, Woo Jin Chang, Yong Sug Choi, Young Chan Gweon
  • Patent number: 10668798
    Abstract: A hybrid drive vehicle having: at least one driving wheel; an internal combustion engine provided with a drive shaft; an electric machine provided with its own shaft; a gearbox which transmits motion to the driving wheel; a disengagable coupling which acts as a synchroniser and is interposed, to establish a disconnectable mechanical connection, between the drive shaft and the shaft of the electric machine; and a transmission shaft interposed, to establish a permanent mechanical connection, between the shaft of the electric machine on the opposite side to the coupling and the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: FERRARI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Corrado Iotti
  • Patent number: 10668799
    Abstract: A rotary electric machine unit includes a rotary electric machine, a case accommodating the rotary electric machine, a power control unit configured to control the rotary electric machine and mounted on the case by directly connecting a unit-side connector provided on a bottom surface of the power control unit to a case-side connector provided on an upper surface of the case; and a sound absorbing member provided between the upper surface of the case and the bottom surface of the power control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Honjo, Hirofumi Suzumori
  • Patent number: 10668800
    Abstract: A vehicle drive unit to prevent a single phase lock of a motor as a prime mover to limit damage is provided. The drive unit includes: a first transmission route to deliver drive force of an engine to drive wheels; and a second transmission route to deliver drive force of a motor to the drive wheels. The second transmission route comprises an intermediate shaft that transmits the drive force of the motor to the first transmission route. A fluid coupling is disposed between the motor and the intermediate shaft. A lockup clutch is arranged parallel to the fluid coupling between the motor and the intermediate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata, Koichi Okuda, Keita Imai
  • Patent number: 10668801
    Abstract: A powertrain (12) for a vehicle (10) is disclosed. The powertrain (12) comprises: a combustion engine (24), (ii) a drivetrain (14) having a torque converter (32) with a first state of operation in which the input (34) of the torque converter (32) is locked to the output (36) of the torque converter (32) and a second state of operation in which the input (34) of the torque converter (32) is not locked to the output (36) of the torque converter (32) for allowing slippage. The drivetrain also has a final drive (44) for supplying torque to the drive wheel (16) from the torque converter (32), wherein the final drive (44) is coupled to the torque converter (32) at a fixed gear ratio. The powertrain (12) further comprises: (iii) a first electric motor (28) configured to supply torque to the drivetrain (14) on the output-side of the torque converter (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: ALPRAAZ AB
    Inventor: Christian von Koenigsegg
  • Patent number: 10668802
    Abstract: It becomes possible to prevent deterioration of an electric storage device due to overdischarge of the electric storage device and engine stalling due to insufficient assist or disabled assist when a charge amount of the electric storage device falls, ensure that work is continuously conducted, suppress an operator from feeling discomfort in operation, and ensure favorable operability. A pump target output power computing section (21) computes present pump demanded power on the basis of work related information, limits the present pump demanded power in response to a degree of reduction of a state of charge of an electric storage device (12a) when the state of charge is lower than a preset threshold, and computes the limited present pump demanded power as present pump target output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Nishikawa, Shinya Imura, Masafumi Hita, Hiroaki Amano
  • Patent number: 10668803
    Abstract: A wheel hub bearing unit includes an outer ring disposed on an axially outer side of the hub bearing unit and coupled to a wheel, a stationary shaft passing through a center bore of the outer ring, and a plurality of rolling elements arranged in an annular space between the outer ring and the stationary shaft. Motor and speed reduction units are offset from an axis of the wheel hub bearing unit in a direction perpendicular thereto, with the motor unit disposed adjacent to an axially inner end portion of the stationary shaft. The speed reduction unit includes an output gear coupled to the outer ring and a rolling bearing provided between the output gear and the stationary shaft to support the output gear. A carrier disposed on an axially inner side relative to the hub bearing unit is secured to the axially inner end portion of the stationary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shiro Tamura, Shinya Taikou
  • Patent number: 10668804
    Abstract: A system for dampening vibrations in a vehicle is provided. The system includes a first heat exchanger core having a first plurality of fins, and a second heat exchanger core having a second plurality of fins. A vibration dampener is connected to the first and second heat exchanger cores. The vibration dampener extends through the first plurality of fins and through the second plurality of fins, while spanning the gap between the first and second heat exchanger cores. To accommodate the vibration dampener passing thorough the fins, the fins may be formed to define an enlarged aperture at a location where the vibration dampener passes through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Sean Paul Wade Schoneboom
  • Patent number: 10668805
    Abstract: A method of forming a tank with a stiffening assembly includes forming a fuel tank such that the tank wall carries at least a first and second insert, locating a connecting assembly within the tank interior aligned with the first and second inserts, the connecting assembly including a rigid body, a first coupler and a second coupler, and coupling at least a portion of the first insert with the first coupler and at least a portion of the second insert with the second coupler to limit movement of the two wall portions relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: TI AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY CENTER GMBH
    Inventors: Albert J. Boecker, Ahmad Chehade, Alex Ehler, Patrick Gmuend, Peter Grauer, Moez Haouala, Gerrit A. Michaelis, Matthias B. Olbrich
  • Patent number: 10668806
    Abstract: A concrete transit mixer can include a cabin having four doors for people to enter and exit the cabin, and a rotatable drum for mixing and pouring concrete. The mixer can include a water tank mounted below the cabin and a fuel tank mounted below the cabin. The mixer can include four distinct sets of steps to allow people to climb up to each of the four doors to enter the cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: CalPortland Company
    Inventors: Daryl Morgan, Louis Mizner, William Hamblen
  • Patent number: 10668807
    Abstract: A compressed natural gas fueling system includes a frame arrangement with at least one tank disposed therein and an inlet that can receive a compressed natural gas fueling nozzle to fill the at least one tank. The fueling system can be attached with and supported by frame rails behind a cabin of a vehicle such that the inlet is positioned above the frame rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: worthington industries, inc.
    Inventors: Trevor Milton, Morgan Mackelprang, Ralph Hilton, Isaac Sloan
  • Patent number: 10668808
    Abstract: A driving force control apparatus includes a first torque calculator configured to calculate turning radius correspondence torques indicating the magnitudes of the driving forces to be transmitted to a right rear wheel and a left rear wheel based on a turning radius, a second torque calculator configured to calculate steering velocity response torques based on a steering velocity of a steering wheel and a vehicle speed, a corrector configured to calculate a corrected torque by correcting a turning radius correspondence torque of at least one of wheels on an inner side of turning and on an outer side of turning in accordance with the steering velocity response torque, and a current controller configured to supply currents to torque couplings so that driving forces based on the corrected torque are transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Go Nagayama, Kotaro Sarai, Tetsuya Yamazaki, Ichiro Oda
  • Patent number: 10668809
    Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle having an all-wheel drive driveline with a disconnecting drive unit. The method conditions changing the operational state of the all-wheel drive driveline from a connected state to a disconnected state based in part on an operational state of a vehicle torque converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Pillen, Tony Pistagnesi, Jeffrey L. Kincaid
  • Patent number: 10668810
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for vehicle stabilization of a hybrid vehicle in an event of brake slip of the drive wheels or an increased risk thereof. The method presupposes that the hybrid vehicle includes, between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, a clutch by which the torque of the internal combustion engine can be decoupled from the drive wheels. With the clutch engaged, the resulting torque on the electric motor is produced by the torque of the internal combustion engine and the torque of the electric motor. The presence of a specific vehicle condition indicative of brake slip of the drive wheels or a risk thereof is recognized. If such a vehicle condition is recognized, the clutch between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor is released and the torque of the electric motor is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Florian Schnappauf, Michael Prommnitz, Stephan Capellaro, Thomas Baer, Jerome Willot, Johann Knoeferl, Thomas Hardtke
  • Patent number: 10668811
    Abstract: A power supply system (120) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first power supply device (121), a second power supply device (122), and an addition circuit (123). The first power supply device (121) includes a first driving circuit that outputs a first direct current from a first power supply input and a first control circuit that controls the first driving circuit. The second power supply device (122) includes a second driving circuit that outputs a second direct current from a second power supply input and a second control circuit that monitors the first driving circuit and controls the second driving circuit. The addition circuit (123) is connected to an output terminal of each of the first and second power supply devices (121, 122) and outputs a third direct current that is a value obtained by adding the first and second direct currents to a load device (on-board illumination device (110)).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: KOITO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Akitaka Samejima, Takayuki Izumi, Jun Matsunaga, Kazuo Maruyama
  • Patent number: 10668812
    Abstract: There is provided a power supply system that is mounted on a vehicle and that comprises an accumulator connected with a power line via a system main relay including a precharge circuit; a smoothing capacitor mounted to the power line; and a power converter configured to use a DC power from the power line and supply an AC power to an electric load. When a precharge control that uses the precharge circuit to pre-charge the capacitor at a system start time fails in pre-charging the capacitor, the power supply system diagnoses a place of a failure, based on a change in common voltage of the accumulator during the precharge control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsubasa Migita
  • Patent number: 10668813
    Abstract: A control device for a transport vehicle configured to travel with a driving force output from an electric motor is provided. When the transport vehicle is driven by a driving force of the electric motor and a variation rate is equal to or less than a predetermined value while a parameter relating to a traveling speed of the transport vehicle is less than a first predetermined value, the control device sets a threshold value, at which an output limit of the electric motor is started based on a parameter relating to a temperature of the electric motor or a temperature of an electric device for driving the electric motor, to a variable value corresponding to a required driving force to the transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuhei Matsuo
  • Patent number: 10668814
    Abstract: The invention relates to the supplemental generation of energy from a vehicle operation, and specifically to the generation of energy in connection to a vehicle's disc brakes in combination with brushless electric motor-generators. The aim of the invention is to provide a solution making it possible to provide a generator and a disc brake having a compact structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Johnny Then-Gautier
  • Patent number: 10668815
    Abstract: A brake energy recovery module for an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includes a motor module and a battery module. The brake energy recovery module includes a first detecting unit, a signal decoder, a power converting unit and a control unit. The first detecting unit is electrically connected to the motor module to detect a first voltage of the motor module. The signal decoder generates a first signal and a second signal according to plural operation signals of the motor module. The power converting unit is electrically connected to the motor module and the battery module. The control unit is electrically connected to the first detecting unit, the signal decoder and the power converting unit. The control unit controls the power converting unit to adjust the first voltage to provide the battery module with a second voltage according to the first voltage, the first signal and the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: NIKO SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chih-Cheng Hsieh
  • Patent number: 10668816
    Abstract: A solar extended range electric vehicle includes panel deployment and emitter tracking features. In one aspect, the vehicle includes one or more deployment motors for deploying the solar panels from their closed position upon activation of a stationary mode. In another aspect, the vehicle provides dynamic emitter tracking in the stationary mode. For example, the one or more deployment motors and/or counterpart processing systems are configured in one embodiment, to rotate, translate, or otherwise orient their respective solar panels to track the sun. The vehicle may further include a dynamic leaning suspension system as an additional or alternative emitter tracking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: DIVERGENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: John Russell Bucknell
  • Patent number: 10668817
    Abstract: A driving device includes a motor; a power storage device; a first boost converter configured to exchange power by voltage conversion between a power storage device side and a motor side; a second boost converter connected to the first boost converter in parallel and configured to exchange power by voltage conversion between the power storage device side and the motor side; and an electronic control unit configured to control the first boost converter and the second boost converter. The electronic control unit controls the first boost converter and the second boost converter such that the loss of each of the first boost converter and the second boost converter is not minimized during an excessive power input in which power to be input to the power storage device from the motor side is greater than an input limit of the power storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Andoh, Yohsuke Tagawa