Patents Issued in June 2, 2020
  • Patent number: 10668818
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a high-voltage battery, a vehicle-mounted charger, an inlet, a charging ECU that controls the vehicle-mounted charger, and a parking lock mechanism that causes a rotation shaft to enter the rotation capable state or the rotation incapable state. The rotation shaft is provided for a gearbox which transmits driving power to the driving wheels. The charging ECU includes a backup RAM in which lock state information of the parking lock mechanism is written. When the high-voltage battery is to be charged with a charging connector of an external charger being connected to the inlet, the charging ECU uses the information stored in the backup RAM to control the vehicle-mounted charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Naoya Sakakibara
  • Patent number: 10668819
    Abstract: Embodiments facilitate wireless charging of the EV by using a charging method that employs higher voltages with higher power transmission rate than induction wireless charging. A few charging methods satisfying such criteria are provided: including microwave and laser charging. Components may be designed to facilitate charging of EVs using such methods. For example, components may be designed to create a vacuum between a power transmitter fixed to parking spot and a power receiver fixed to the EV. The microwave or laser may be transmitted through this vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Wellen Sham
  • Patent number: 10668820
    Abstract: A protocol conversion apparatus includes: a first communication unit that communicates with a power conditioner that supports a first charging protocol; a second communication unit that communicates with an electric vehicle that supports a second charging protocol; and a control unit that is a conversion unit placed between the first communication unit and the second communication unit, which receives from the first communication unit a communication signal received from the power conditioner, and upon the reception, converts the received signal to a communication signal that conforms to the second charging protocol to output the resultant signal to the second communication unit, and which receives from the second communication unit a communication signal received from the electric vehicle, and upon the reception, converts the received signal to a communication signal that conforms to the first charging protocol to output the resultant signal to the first communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takao Konishi
  • Patent number: 10668821
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor, a power converter, a fuel tank, and a three-phase line. The motor moves the vehicle. The power converter is connected to the motor. The power converter is configured to convert electric power and to supply the converted electric power to the motor. The fuel tank is disposed between the motor and the power converter. The fuel tank has a tank bottom on a side of a bottom of the vehicle. The tank bottom has a recess. The three-phase line is provided in the recess. The motor is electrically connected to the power converter via the three-phase line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Fukazu, Chris E Lang, Hiroyasu Takizawa
  • Patent number: 10668822
    Abstract: A rotary system includes a rotor, a vector-based position sensor, and a controller executing a method to eliminate fundamental harmonic position measurement error. The sensor measures angular position of the rotor and outputs raw sine and cosine signals representative of the angular position. The raw signals have a fundamental harmonic position measurement error at the frequency of the sensor signals. The controller receives the raw signals, adaptively adds or subtracts sensor signal offsets to or from the raw signals to generate offset sine and cosine signals, calculates a corrected position of the rotor using the offset sine and cosine signals eliminating the fundamental error, and controls an action or state of the rotary system using the corrected position. The rotor may be part of an electric machine, such as in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Caleb W. Secrest, David S. Ochs
  • Patent number: 10668823
    Abstract: A driver assistance system may be a vehicle control system configured to perform a driver assistance operation, such as implementing cruise control or performing an automated driving control operation. The control system may be configured to perform a driver assistance operation which includes at least one step which conserves energy stored in at least one battery. The control system may conserve energy by controlling a speed or following distance of a vehicle based on road parameter, such as an uphill grade or downhill grade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Herb, Thomas Fritz
  • Patent number: 10668824
    Abstract: A method that calculates a setpoint for managing the fuel and electricity consumption of a hybrid motor vehicle includes: a) acquiring, by a navigation system on board the hybrid motor vehicle, a route to be traveled; b) dividing the route into consecutive portions; c) assigning attributes that characterize each portion; d) determining, for each of the portions, a curve or a map that links each fuel consumption value of the hybrid motor vehicle over the portion to a charge or discharge value of the traction battery; e) determining an optimal point of each curve or map, which makes it possible to minimize the fuel consumption of the hybrid motor vehicle over the entire route and to completely discharge the traction battery by the end of the route; and f) producing an energy management setpoint in accordance with the coordinates of the optimal points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s
    Inventors: Abdel-Djalil Ourabah, Xavier Jaffrezic, Atef Gayed, Benjamin Quost, Thierry Denoeux
  • Patent number: 10668825
    Abstract: An Engine Start and Battery Support Module for a vehicle is provided that utilizes a bank of Ultra Capacitors (UCs) charged with or without running the vehicle's alternator to levels that support both engine starting assistance and hotel load support. The UCs' per-cell charge can be adjusted and raised during periods of low temperatures and even higher during ultralow temperatures. The adjustment, which can be dynamic and/or automatic, increases the UC energy storage capability. Further, the release of energy from the UCs is controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller based on the DC bus voltage. The UCs can be charged either from an onboard DC/DC converter, an AC hook up, or from smartly switching the banks of UCs between parallel and serial configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Ioxus, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Wood, Chad Hall, Daniel A. Patsos, Jeff Colton, Bryce Gregory
  • Patent number: 10668826
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods of storing electrical energy for electric vehicles are provided. A battery pack can be disposed in an electric vehicle to power the electric vehicle. A battery cell can be arranged in the battery pack. The battery cell can include a housing. The housing can define a cavity within the housing. The cavity of the battery cell can include a separator having a first side and a second side, a cathode disposed along the first side of the separator, and an anode disposed along the second side of the separator. The anode can include a first portion adjacent to the second side of the separator, and a second portion adjacent to the first portion and separated from the separator by the first portion. A porosity of the first portion of the anode can be greater than a porosity of the second portion of the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: SF MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Mehdi M. Forouzan, Saeed Khaleghi Rahimian, Sangwoo Han, Ying Liu, Yifan Tang
  • Patent number: 10668827
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a frame unit and a vehicle body cover unit. The frame unit includes tread boards extending toward a rear side of a vehicle body. The tread tubes are arranged in a left and right pairwise form as a left tread tube and a right tread tube. The vehicle body cover unit includes a thread board shielding the left tread tube and the right tread tube. A battery box that receives and holds a battery is shaft-supported on the frame unit. The battery box has two sides provided with support shafts. The battery box is shaft-supported on the frame unit by the support shafts in a left-right direction. The battery box is rotatable about a rotation center defined by the support shafts in a front-rear direction to an open position or a storage position so as to facilitate removal of the battery from the battery box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: KWANG YANG MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yi-Tso Chen
  • Patent number: 10668828
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for inductively charging a vehicle. The inductive charging system includes multiple inductive coils for receiving a wireless transferred power. The inductive charging system includes a power electronics circuit that converts the wireless transferred power to a DC current and one or more power storage devices for storing the electrical energy by charging the one or more power storage devices using the DC current. The inductive charging system includes one or more motors configured to move the vehicle using the electrical energy. The inductive charging system includes an electronic control unit that is configured to control at least one of an amount of the electrical energy that is stored in each of the one or more power storage devices or an amount of the electrical energy that is distributed to the one or more motors to move the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Chi-Ming Wang, Ercan M. Dede
  • Patent number: 10668829
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for a passive flux bridge for charging electric vehicles. These systems and methods include a mobile apparatus including mobility components and a material with high magnetic permeability and electrical resistivity. In aspects, the mobility components, e.g., wheels or continuous track, are configured to enable movement of the apparatus and positioning of the apparatus proximate to a vehicle power-transfer apparatus of an electric vehicle. The magnetically permeable and electrically resistive material, e.g., ferrite, is configured to passively channel magnetic flux between a base power-transfer system and the vehicle power-transfer system to wirelessly charge a battery of the electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
    Inventors: William Henry Von Novak, III, Cody Wheeland, Jonathan Beaver, Xi Gong, Chang-Yu Huang, Martin Thienel
  • Patent number: 10668830
    Abstract: A method and system for swapping batteries in an electric vehicle is disclosed. The method includes dismounting a first battery assembly, moving to a second battery assembly and mounting the second battery assembly onto the vehicle. Mounting and dismounting are accomplished by an onboard mounting and dismounting system. The method can be used in a zero infrastructure environment such as an underground mine since mounting and dismounting are accomplished by components on the vehicle itself. An auxiliary battery pack powers the vehicle during between dismounting a battery pack and mounting another battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Artisan Vehicle Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. Huff, Kyle Hickey
  • Patent number: 10668831
    Abstract: A system for powering a hotel load in a vehicle which has a power supply with a positive pole and a negative pole, an alternator connected to the engine and in direct connection with the power supply, a starter connected to the engine and in direct electrical communication with the power supply. The vehicle also has a power inverter in electrical communication with the power supply through a pair of power inverter cables. The alternator, the starter, and the power inverter are connected in parallel and directly to the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Bruce Hudson
  • Patent number: 10668832
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods of controlling of an energy storage unit are detailed herein. A cold plate can be thermally coupled with an energy storage unit for powering the electric vehicle. The cold plate can have a bottom layer. The bottom layer can have a channel spanning across a top surface of the bottom layer to circulate coolant to transfer heat away from the energy storage unit. The top layer can be flush with a bottom surface of the energy storage unit. The top layer can define openings each extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. The cold plate can have inserts sealing the openings. The inserts can have a melting temperature lower than a melting temperature of the top layer to expose at least one opening when heated the melting temperature to allow release of the coolant from the channel onto the energy storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignees: CHONGQING JINKANG NEW ENERGY VEHICLE CO., LTD., SF MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Nathalie Capati, Duanyang Wang, Jacob Heth, Binbin Chi
  • Patent number: 10668835
    Abstract: In a seat for a vehicle which comprises a seat body, a slide mechanism, and a lift mechanism, the lift mechanism is configured such that a hip point of a specified physique occupant seated on the seat body draws a track which is approximated to a virtual rotational track of the hip point around a heel point when viewed from a vehicle side, whereby a change quantity of an ankle's angle is restricted below a first threshold and a change quantity of a knee's angle is restricted below a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshito Hirata, Hiroki Uemura, Hiroaki Matsubara, Tomonori Ohtsubo
  • Patent number: 10668836
    Abstract: A vehicle seatback includes: a first panel; a second panel coupled to the first panel so that a welding stitching pattern is exposed, each welding stitch of the welding stitching pattern accessible from a common direction; and a bracket, wherein at least one welding stitch included in the welding stitch pattern connects the bracket to one of the first or second panels. A vehicle latch system includes: a housing at a first edge of a movable vehicle seatback with a handle to assume an extended position outside the housing in which a flag on the handle is presented, and a retracted position inside the housing in which the flag is not presented; a latch configured for placement at a second edge of the movable vehicle seatback, the second edge opposite the first edge; and a cable connecting the handle and the latch to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Di Giusto, Matthew Nayna, Michael Y. Liu, Alejandro Valle Camillo
  • Patent number: 10668837
    Abstract: A booster seat includes: a seat base; and a pair of armrests integrated with a rear portion of the seat base, and spaced apart from each other in a width direction of the seat base. In particular, each armrest has a shoulder belt guide channel guiding a shoulder belt of a seat belt, and a lap belt guide channel guiding a lap belt of the seat belt, and the shoulder belt guide channel and the lap belt guide channel are separated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ki Yong Kim, Jong Gon Kim
  • Patent number: 10668838
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes: a base mounted to a floor of a vehicle; a seat cushion that is placed on the base and allowed to be tipped up with a rotating shaft as a fulcrum; an ottoman that is provided on a front side of the seat cushion and extractable between a normal position and an extracted position; a seat back that is provided in a rear end of the seat cushion; and a storage locking mechanism that is capable of relatively moving the ottoman with respect to the seat cushion in a storing direction which is a direction opposite to an extracting direction, wherein the storage locking mechanism is operated such that the seat back becomes in a forward-tiltable state and/or the seat cushion becomes in a tippable state, and locking of the locking mechanism is released so that the ottoman becomes movable in the storing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideki Fujisawa, Sho Kume, Kiyoshi Oshima
  • Patent number: 10668839
    Abstract: A trim component for a vehicle seat base includes a center portion and first and second side portions. The center portion includes a center inner panel that can face a frame of the seat and a center outer panel that can to be visible within a passenger cabin of the vehicle. The center outer panel includes a flexible material and covers the center inner panel. The first and second side portions are fixed on opposite sides of the center portion. Each of the first and second side portions includes a side inner panel that can face the frame of the seat and a side outer panel that can be visible within the passenger cabin. The side outer panel includes the flexible material and covers the side inner panel. The trim component can be fixed to a back of the seat to conceal at least a portion of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Rylance, Peter J. Randazzo
  • Patent number: 10668840
    Abstract: An upholstery piping component for a vehicle seat includes an elongated anchor and an elongated projection. The elongated anchor is formed from an elastomeric material. The elongated anchor extends along a length. The elongated anchor is configured to be coupled to a first upholstery portion and a second upholstery portion and disposed between the first upholstery portion and the second upholstery portion. The elongated projection is formed from the elastomeric material. The elongated projection is integrally is formed with the elongated anchor. The elongated projection extends from the elongated anchor for at least a portion of the length. The elongated projection is configured to at least partially conceal a seam between the first upholstery portion and the second upholstery portion. The elastomeric material is flexible such that the upholstery piping component is configured to move between a neutral configuration and a modified configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Lombardi, Matthew B. Erdey, Danny J. Lombardi, Nicholas Rosinski
  • Patent number: 10668841
    Abstract: A protective seat backrest cover which can be quickly and easily installed and/or removed consisting of a cover with a seam down one side, allowing it to be opened and wrapped around a seat backrest and then closed and fastened, without removing the headrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Tim Feng
  • Patent number: 10668842
    Abstract: A lumbar support device for a vehicle seat permits vertical and fore-aft adjustment of the support or forces exerted on the back of an operator seated on the vehicle seat. The lumbar support device includes a lumbar panel resiliently flexibly attached to the seat frame and/or seat shell to permit fore and aft movement of the lumbar panel relative to the seat back, the lumbar panel arranged to bear against the seat back, and a cam element having a cam surface bearing against the lumbar panel to apply force to the lumbar panel toward the seat back, the cam element supported on the seat frame and/or seat shell for movement relative to the lumbar panel and relative to the seat shell and/or seat frame, the cam element configured to vary the force applied to the seat back based on the movement of the cam element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: William W. Tuman, II, Edward A. Stulik, Daniel J. Alexander
  • Patent number: 10668843
    Abstract: A vehicle seat bottom comprises a seat cushion support pan including first and second arms respectively coupled to first and second lateral brackets of a seat bottom support frame by a pair of first and second fastening devices that extend in opposing transverse directions from the first and second lateral brackets. Each of the arms of the seat cushion support pan includes a ramped portion at a distal end thereof extending to a slot. Each of the fastening devices includes a transverse neck terminating in a head. In assembly, the heads of the first and second fastening devices snap through the slots in the first and second arms of the seat cushion support pan, and chamfered surfaces of the necks of the first and second fastening devices guide rotation of the seat cushion support pan around a pivot axis defined by the necks of the first and second fastening devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: FAURECIA AUTOMOTIVE SEATING, LLC
    Inventor: Bartlomiej Sztajnert
  • Patent number: 10668844
    Abstract: A headrest extension assist system is disclosed. In embodiments, a headrest extension assist system includes a headrest extension assembly movably coupled to a backrest assembly. The headrest extension assist system may further include an extension assist assembly. The extension assist assembly may be coupled to the headrest extension assembly at one end, and a fixed point relative to the headrest extension assembly at another end. The extension assist assembly exerts an extension force on the headrest extension assembly to offset, or partially offset, an extension resistance force. The extension assist assembly exerts the extension force to extend the headrest extension assembly to at least one of a retracted position, an intermediate position, and an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: John Iossifidis
  • Patent number: 10668845
    Abstract: A moisture detection and regulation system is disclosed for a vehicle interior component having a section of material with a moisture absorbent material structure. The system includes a sensing device configured to detect a level of moisture in the section of material. The system also includes a moisture removal element configured to dissipate moisture from the section of material. The system additionally includes an electronic controller fixed to the vehicle structure and in operative communication with each of the sensing device and the moisture removal element. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the sensing device indicative of the detected level of moisture in the section of material and activate the moisture removal element when the detected level of moisture is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold level of moisture. A vehicle having such a moisture detection and regulation system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kausalya Singuru, David R. Petrucci, Gregg R. Kittinger, Xiujie Gao, Paul E. Krajewski
  • Patent number: 10668846
    Abstract: An adjustment device includes a housing in which a rotary element is rotatably mounted about a rotational axis, a locking device having a first locking element, connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotary element, and a second locking element arranged on the housing and which can be reversibly moved between a primary position in a locked situation, in which the locking elements have a form- and/or force-locking connection, and a secondary position without the connection. An adapter plate is rotates relative to the rotary element and the housing. An unlocking element cooperates with the adapter plate in an actuator region when the second locking element is transferred into the secondary position. The second locking element is shifted by an unlocking height in the unlocking region, and by a lifting height in the actuator region. The actuator region is arranged with the lifting height smaller than the unlocking height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Adient Luxembourg Holding S.à.r.l.
    Inventors: Jürgen Stemmer, Tatjana Samojlova, Dmitrij Gerdt
  • Patent number: 10668847
    Abstract: Provided is an assist grip handle storing an escape hammer. The handle is to be attached to an interior space of a vehicle, and includes a bar-shaped grip portion; a curved portion continuous with at least one end of the grip portion; and an attachment portion continuous with the curved portion and attached to an interior member of the vehicle. Since provided inside the grip portion is a storage portion continuous with an opening section formed at the curved portion side, and an escape hammer is stored in the storage portion, the hammer can be stored in the handle in a compact manner. Since there are provided a biasing member biasing the hammer toward the opening section side; a regulation portion for regulating the hammer; and a push button for releasing the restriction by the regulation portion, the hammer can be easily installed in and removed from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA ACCESS CORP.
    Inventors: Shinpei Takenaka, Akihiko Saito
  • Patent number: 10668848
    Abstract: A tailgate system for a vehicle having a body defining a rear cargo area and an opening, the tailgate system comprising: (a) a tailgate door adapted to pivotally engage the rear cargo area in a first direction between a closed position and an open position; (b) a bed extension pivotally engaged to the tailgate door; and (c) one or more ramps, wherein the bed extension is pivotally engaged to the tailgate door and adapted to pivot from a closed position to one or more open positions; and wherein the one or more ramps removably attach to the bed extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Steve DeSimone
  • Patent number: 10668849
    Abstract: A bed loader for loading game animals and other loads on a four-wheel recreational vehicles and more particularly, a bed loader mounted on a winch-equipped recreational vehicle with a roof and a bed for loading game animals onto the bed of the recreational vehicle. In a preferred embodiment the bed loader comprises a front guide, a top forward guide, and a top rear guide, and the bed loader is designed to operate with the winch comprised of a rotating drum and a winch line wound on the drum. The front guide, the top forward guide, and the top rear guide provide a guiding means guiding the winch line from the winch over the roof of the vehicle to a load at the rear of the vehicle allowing the winch line to attach to the game animal, and pull the game animal into the bed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Allen Lee Terrell
  • Patent number: 10668850
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods are provided for object restraint including a trench; a pneumatic bending actuator (PBA), the PBA and the trench configured on the surface for clamping of the object to the surface; a part of the PBA constrained in the trench and a part of the PBA left unconstrained by the trench; a primary actuation mechanism for constraining in the trench the constrained part of the PBA to remain flat at the surface for resting the object on the surface, and for leaving the unconstrained part of the PBA configured as the curved segment to exert a clamping force to the object on the surface; and a secondary constraint mechanism to retain the constrained part of the PBA in the trench to prevent a portion of the constrained part of the PBA from exerting an upward force counter to the clamping of the unconstrained part of the PBA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignees: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Paul W. Alexander, Diann Brei, Jonathan E. Luntz, Jesse Velleu
  • Patent number: 10668851
    Abstract: A door handle includes a casing inside which an accommodation space is provided, and a lamp unit disposed in the accommodation space. The lamp unit includes: a light emission element; a circuit board on which the light emission element is mounted; a combination member including a housing that supports the circuit board, and a light guiding lens that guides light emitted from the light emission element in a first predetermined direction and emits the guided light from an emission surface; and a light guide that includes a light entrance surface facing at least a portion of the emission surface and guides the light entering the light guide through the light entrance surface in a second predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignees: KOITO MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Haruhito Takahashi, Shigehiko Kazaoka, Masashi Tateishi, Masaki Yoshino, Yoshiki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 10668852
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the operation of a rear light set of a tractor of a vehicle, the rear light set including a plurality of rear lights, the vehicle further including a trailer which can be pivotably connected to the tractor about a substantially vertical axis and which includes the same set of rear lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Grégoire Artur Du Plessis
  • Patent number: 10668853
    Abstract: An electroluminescent assembly on a vehicle A-pillar and a method for installing the same on a vehicle A-pillar includes a panel positioned over an interior surface of the A-pillar, the panel including a plurality of facets extending along a length of the panel. The electroluminescent assembly covers the three facets. The portion of the electroluminescent assembly that covers a middle facet provides real-time visual indicators to an occupant of the vehicle based on signals derived from a vehicle electronic system. The portion of the electroluminescent assembly that covers the other two facets provide illumination to an interior and exterior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nichole A. Verwys, Zachary Segraves
  • Patent number: 10668854
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a vehicle body, a working implement, a camera, and a display control unit. To the vehicle body, front tires are mounted. The working implement is movably coupled to the vehicle body and at least a part thereof is arranged anterior to the front tires. The camera is arranged at a front portion of the vehicle body and shoots an image of an anterior area outside the vehicle body as a shooting area. The display control unit causes a display device to display a shot image shot by the camera and a first guide image which indicates a first projection position obtained by projecting a first site of the working implement on a plane including ground-contacting surfaces of the front tires in a superimposed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Masaaki Imaizumi, Takeshi Kurihara, Masataka Ozaki
  • Patent number: 10668855
    Abstract: A detection apparatus includes an image acquisition interface and a controller. The image acquisition interface acquires captured images from an imaging apparatus that is installed in a vehicle and captures images of an area surrounding the vehicle. The controller calculates, on the basis of the captured images, the distance from the imaging apparatus to a road edge in the width direction of the road on which the vehicle is traveling or to an obstacle on the road and determines, on the basis of the calculated distance and information on an outer dimension of the vehicle, whether travel on the road by other vehicles will be possible after the vehicle has parked on the road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Kenta Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 10668856
    Abstract: A display control device for a vehicle includes at least one electronic control unit configured to: cause a display device to display a host vehicle's behind-the-vehicle image, the host vehicle's behind-the-vehicle image being an image of an area behind a host vehicle, the host vehicle's behind-the-vehicle image being captured by a sensor of the host vehicle; detect a rearward vehicle, the rearward vehicle being another vehicle existing behind the host vehicle; cause the display device to display the host vehicle's behind-the-vehicle image with a first contrast ratio when the rearward vehicle is not detected; and cause the display device to display the host vehicle's behind-the-vehicle image with a second contrast ratio when the rearward vehicle is detected, the second contrast ratio being higher than the first contrast ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: TOYTOA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Goro Asai, Tomoaki Iida
  • Patent number: 10668857
    Abstract: A movable body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a vehicle body and an information display apparatus mounted on the vehicle body. The information display apparatus provided at the movable body includes a light projecting part that projects a luminous flux and a reflector that reflects the luminous flux from the light projecting part. The reflector includes a plurality of unit regions two-dimensionally arranged over a main surface. Each of the unit regions includes a plurality of reflecting surfaces two-dimensionally arranged, and splits a luminous flux entering the plurality of reflecting surfaces to perform reflection in a plurality of directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mikio Takiguchi, Tomoki Ono
  • Patent number: 10668858
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing an around view monitoring system (AVMS) that may enhance accuracy of an estimation of a camera attitude while a road gradient is present, and an operating method thereof. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the AVMS may calculate a rotation matrix for removing a road gradient component using a camera that has not changed position and generate an estimated rotation matrix from which the road gradient is removed by applying the rotation matrix to an estimated rotation matrix for a camera that has changed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seong Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 10668859
    Abstract: A commercial trailer camera interface for providing an apparatus and method for connecting video cameras and data buses from a trailer to the tow vehicle. The trailer camera interface generally includes a nose box, which affixes to the front of the trailer, a tail box which affixes inside the rear of the tow vehicle, and an umbilical cable which connects the nose box to the tail box. The nose box encodes the video signals, for example as differential signals, for transmission over the umbilical cable and the tail box decodes the received encoded signals to recover the video signals. The nose box and the tail box may each include a plurality of video camera connectors. The tail box may include a video handler to display or record or stream the video signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: VELVAC INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mark M. Moeller, Larry Piekarski, David Wood, Mason Harwell, Douglas Cullen Chamber
  • Patent number: 10668860
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a car running board and car, comprising a first running board body, a second running board body and at least one car installation support; the first running board body is telescopically connected with the second running board body; the car installation support is rigidly connected with the first running board body and/or the second running board body on one end and with the car on the other end. Through the above method, the car running board structure of the present invention can change flexibly and contract to reduce volume during the transport, thus saving both the transport cost and storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: WINBO-Dongjian Automotive Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jie Yang, Weiting He, Tong Dai, CHangling Yu, Yongbo Chen
  • Patent number: 10668861
    Abstract: A floor-mounted console assembly includes a stationary floor bracket having a longitudinal first support bar and a longitudinal second support bar positioned parallel to the first support bar. The console assembly further includes a cradle having a first connector wing and a second connector wing. The first connector wing is slidably received over the first support bar and the second connector wing is slidably received over the second support bar. The console assembly further includes a console connected to the cradle and supported by the first connector wing and the second connector wing such that the console is vertically spaced above the first support bar and the second support bar. The console and the cradle are configured to translate along the first support bar and the second support bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Rudy M. Vican, Alex Archer, Robert J. Schlenke
  • Patent number: 10668862
    Abstract: A console for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The console may comprise a base and a storage bin moveable between closed, released, open and intermediate positions. The bin may move from the intermediate position to both the open and closed positions. The bin may move from the intermediate to the closed position without first moving from the intermediate to the open position. The console may comprise a mechanism comprising a pin and a track comprising paths of movement for the pin to guide bin movement from the intermediate to the open and closed positions. The base may comprise a projection and the bin may comprise first and second protrusions or wall segments separated by a gap. The projection may travel through the gap as the bin moves from the intermediate to the open position. The console may comprise an overhead console providing a mirror directed to a rear seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Charles Asselin, Tyler T. Grab, Rick Alan Anderson
  • Patent number: 10668863
    Abstract: A holding arrangement for holding an umbrella in a position to keep rain off a user while user is attending to matters in a vehicle with the vehicle door open, the holding arrangement is configured to be mounted to a vehicle door comprising a movable portion and a mountable portion, the movable portion including a securing arrangement for securing the holding arrangement to an umbrella the movable portion comprising engaging formations configured for convenient removably engaging with complementary engaging formations on the associated mountable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: DOORBRELLA PTY LTD
    Inventors: Domenico Ferreri, Francesco Mittiga
  • Patent number: 10668864
    Abstract: The embodiments herein are directed to a reusable frameless vehicle roof-top carrier configured, dimensioned and arranged to securely mount and carry cargo loads having a size and shape similar to cut evergreen trees, while protecting the vehicle finish and cargo from damage. The reusable vehicle roof-top carrier is trapezoidal shaped to conveniently bind and condense branches of the tree, while catching sap drippings. Illustratively, the vehicle roof-top carrier is made from a tear-resistant fabric and includes a non-tacky non-slip surface placed in slip-resistant contact with the roof of the vehicle so as to prevent slippage (i.e., movement) of the tree during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: PGP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Robert John Donofrio, John Gregory Robinson
  • Patent number: 10668865
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to a roof rack system including a rotating mechanism allowing roof-mounted objects to be slid off of a vehicle's roof and lowered via rotation to a more accessible height in a controlled or powered manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Talem Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Todd J. Schweitzer, Greg Bastien
  • Patent number: 10668866
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes hitch-mounted carriers, including portable bicycle racks. One carrier may include front tire tray assembly; hook arm assembly; pivot assembly; hitch shank ball cam assembly; rear tire tray assembly; and a bike docking assembly. The pivot assembly allowing for adjustment between: storage, trunk access, and use configurations. The bike carrier having first and second wheel supporting tray assemblies for supporting wheels of a loaded bicycle. A hook arm assembly may be pivotally arranged relative to lock at least one wheel and ratchet clamped to at least one wheel. The hook arm assembly may also be configured to extend and retract and is frictionally locked into position. The bike carrier may include a docking assembly having inner and outer clamps configured to the hold a bike into position such that mechanical work may be accomplished at an elevated height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: KUAT INNOVATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Luke Kuschmeader, Michael Buis, Jordan K. Bowles, Joshua H. Schwartz, Aaron A. Houston
  • Patent number: 10668867
    Abstract: The invention relates to a holding system for a telecommunication device (46) in a vehicle, comprising a receiving part (1) for fastening in a stationary manner and a holder (40) dial can be inserted into die receiving pan (1), on which holder the telecommunication device (46) can be detachably fastened. Said holding system is characterized in that the receiving part (1) has a receiving channel (10) having a slot-shaped entry opening (7), into which receiving channel an attachment (21), which is shaped complementary to the receiving channel (10) and is connected to the holder (40) in the mounted state, can be inserted in an insertion direction and in which receiving channel said attachment can be fastened in the inserted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: BURY SP.Z.O.O
    Inventors: Henryk Bury, Andrzej Bury
  • Patent number: 10668868
    Abstract: A slider window assembly for a vehicle includes a frame portion having an upper rail and a lower rail fixedly attached to at least one fixed window panel, with the at least one fixed window panel defining an opening. A movable window panel is movable along the upper rail and the lower rail between a closed position, where the movable window panel is disposed at the opening, and an opened position, where the movable window panel is disposed at least partially along the at least one fixed window panel. A camera is mounted at an inner surface of the at least one fixed window panel and captures image data representative of the scene rearward of the slider window assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Darin J. Snider, David L. Guillozet, R. Scott Repp
  • Patent number: 10668869
    Abstract: A camera unit for capturing images of the outer region of a motor vehicle includes a housing in which the camera unit is accommodated, a cover element, and a drive unit for moving the camera unit and for moving the cover element. A pivot element is movably mounted about a first axis of rotation and has a first arm, which is motionally connected to the cover element, and a second arm. A lever element, which is movably mounted about a second axis of rotation, is operatively connected to the cover element. A guide element, which is mounted about a third axis of rotation, includes a first guide arm that is operatively connected to the second arm of the pivot element and a second guide arm which is motionally coupled to the camera unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Huf Huelsbeck & Fuerst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Joachim Barthel