Patents Issued in September 15, 2020
  • Patent number: 10773570
    Abstract: A control system method is disclosed for air-conditioning a vehicle by a heat pump system, wherein one of multiple operating modes is automatically set, depending on the air-conditioning requirement. The passenger space is cooled by an air-conditioning evaporator and/or is heated by a heating heat exchanger. The heating heat exchanger is arranged in a heating branch of a coolant circuit and is provided with heat via a heat pump. If cooling is required, the heating branch is opened and the heating pump is deactivated. If heating is required, the heating branch is closed and heat is fed to the heating heat exchanger via the heat pump. In order to remove heat from the heating branch, same is opened and a low-temperature cooler, the condenser and the heating heat exchanger are operated connected in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Herbolzheimer, Oliver Horn, Patrick Oswald
  • Patent number: 10773571
    Abstract: A skylight assembly for installation in a vehicle wall includes a lens body having an exterior surface and a cap connected to an end of the lens body and a lens flange. There is a nut member to secure the lens body. A gasket is disposed between the lens member and the vehicle wall and includes a first leg portion and a second leg portion. The first leg portion extends into a recess between a surface of an aperture in the wall and the exterior surface of the lens body and the first leg portion has a uniform thickness which is less than a width of the recess thereby forming a gap. The second leg portion extends from the first leg portion substantially at a right angle and is disposed between and in contact along its length with the lens flange and the exterior of the wall about the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: James C. Papafagos
  • Patent number: 10773572
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame including: right and left side frame sections, a cabin frame section surrounding a riding space where seats are provided, a cross frame section extending in a rightward and leftward direction at a location that is forward of the seats and connecting the side frame sections to each other, and a front frame section supporting a hood at a location that is forward of the cross frame section; a frame upper cover section disposed rearward of the hood and covering the cross frame section from above; and a windshield assembly which is detachably mountable on the vehicle body frame, at a location that is forward of the seats. A groove extending in the rightward and leftward direction is provided in an upper surface of the frame upper cover section, and a lower end portion of the windshield assembly is disposed at the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenta Nakamura, Naoki Hashimoto, Dexter Spitsnogle
  • Patent number: 10773573
    Abstract: A retractable windshield film apparatus for reducing glare includes a film housing having a slot extending therethrough. An axle coaxially extends within the film housing. A spring is coupled to the axle. A spool is coupled to the spring coaxially to the axle. A tinted film has a fixed end coupled to the spool and a free end extending through the slot. A lead bar is coupled to the free end of the tinted film. A track is coupled to the film housing. The track has a housing end coupled to the film housing and a distal end. The lead bar is slidably engageable within the track. An engagement mechanism is coupled to the distal end of the track to secure the tinted film in the alternate extended position. Each of the film housing and the track are configured to attach to a windshield of a car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Heather Eatherly
  • Patent number: 10773574
    Abstract: It is provided a carrier device for a motor vehicle having a base carrier which is substantially formed by an organo sheet and which extends along a main plane. The base carrier has at least one separation on which a material region is molded out from the main plane while forming at least one free space, such that said material region is spaced apart from an adjacent region of the base carrier by at least one portion, wherein the at least one free space is at least partially filled with an injection of thermoplastic material and/or with a separate insert element, such that the portion of the molded-out material region and the adjacent region are connected to one another thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg
    Inventors: Michael Thienel, Michael Bernert, Matthias Fischer, André Lehnhardt, Norman Hümmer, Michael Jahn, Hans Herzog, Gerhard Hofmann, Raimund Aschmutat, Werner Stammberger
  • Patent number: 10773575
    Abstract: A multi-functional module for a plugging and sliding door of a vehicle, the door being moveable between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: FAIVELEY TRANSPORT TOURS
    Inventors: Florian Brion, Nicolas Pierre
  • Patent number: 10773576
    Abstract: A resin back door includes an inner panel, an upper outer panel, and a reinforcing member fixed to the inner panel, and the upper outer panel and the reinforcing member are fastened with a bolt. In the resin back door, the reinforcing member has a flat plate portion extending along an inner surface of the upper outer panel, the reinforcing member has a fastened portion formed as an arm extending after bending from the flat plate portion toward the upper outer panel, and the upper outer panel has a fastened portion formed as a thin thickness portion having a plate thickness smaller than that of a general portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KYUSHU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Chiba, Takayuki Okubo, Kiyokazu Nitta
  • Patent number: 10773577
    Abstract: A vehicle rear door made of resin includes an inner panel having a rear window opening, a lower outer panel including an edge portion which is secured to the inner panel along a periphery portion of the rear window opening, a rear window glass attached to the edge portion of the lower outer panel on an exterior side of a passenger compartment, and an interior trim attached to the interior panel on an interior side of the passenger compartment. An edge portion of the interior trim is secured to a rib of the inner panel disposed at a front edge of the inner panel along the peripheral portion of the rear window opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KYUSHU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Chiba, Takayuki Okubo, Kiyokazu Nitta
  • Patent number: 10773578
    Abstract: A tarp securing apparatus that is configured to secure a tarp to an object from both sides of the tarp. The tarp securing apparatus includes a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion and second portion are formed in a shape so as to be mateably coupled. The first portion is located on the first side of the tarp and the second portion is located on the second side of the tarp. A portion of the tarp is biased in between the first portion and the second portion so as to secure the portion of the tarp. Apertures are provided to operably couple with an anchoring fastener or other securing element. The tarp securing apparatus is manufactured from a lightweight rigid material and is configured to be placed in various positions on a tarp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Marc Poehner
  • Patent number: 10773579
    Abstract: A vehicle roof is provided having a roof opening limited by a fixed roof portion which is immobile relative to a vehicle body, and a roof opening system having a lid element which can be selectively displaced between a closed position, in which the roof opening is closed, and an open position, in which the roof opening is open, wherein the lid element comprises at least one rigid panel which is disposed on a support arrangement which is mounted via a multi-bar linkage on either side of a vertical longitudinal center plane of the roof, wherein an actuation handle is connected to the bilaterally disposed multi-bar linkages, allowing the lid element to be displaced between the closed position and the open position by manual actuation of the multi-bar linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Michael T. Willard, Paul Finch, Ryan Mitchell, Dennis Felker
  • Patent number: 10773580
    Abstract: A roof lock device includes a driver 60 having an electric motor 61, a drive gear 62 driven to rotate by the electric motor 61, and a link member 70 coupling the drive gear 62 and the hook member 80 together, and allowing the hook member 80 to reciprocate longitudinally along with the rotation of the drive gear 62. the driver 60 further has a manually operable gear 99 disposed to mesh with the drive gear 62 and is able to be rotated by a certain tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: WEBASTO JAPAN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Osamu Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10773581
    Abstract: A drive device for a vehicle, which has an electric motor, a power electronics unit and a transmission. The power electronics unit is arranged between a shaft of the electric motor and a shaft of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Albert Scharlach, Sebastian Albl, Manuel Schreiner
  • Patent number: 10773582
    Abstract: A battery tray for a battery powered vehicle includes a battery tray having a side wall. An impact absorbing structure is connected to the side wall. The impact absorbing structure includes at least one roll-formed member fixed to the side wall. The at least one roll-formed member is created from a single metal plate and includes a first plate portion roll-formed to create a first cavity and having a first flange created in a member central wall of the first plate portion. The first flange is fixed to the first plate portion. A second plate portion is roll-formed to create a second cavity and has a second flange at an end of the second plate portion fixed to the member central wall. A roll-formed U-shaped attachment member is fixed to the at least one roll-formed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: DURA OPERATING, LLC
    Inventors: Walter J. Steiner, Indraneel Page, Rob Hendren
  • Patent number: 10773583
    Abstract: A vehicle lower structure includes: a floor of a vehicle; a cross member that is provided under the floor and extends in a vehicle width direction; a battery pack mounted under the floor; a suspension member with which a movable part of a suspension is connected so that the movable part is able to operate, the suspension member being positioned on a front side or a rear side of the battery pack and fixed to a vehicle body; and a hanging bracket that is hung from the cross member and is connected with an end surface of the battery pack on a suspension member side by a fastening component such that the hanging bracket supports the battery pack in a hanging manner. The battery pack and the hanging bracket are connected with each other below the suspension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ryosuke Fukui
  • Patent number: 10773584
    Abstract: An engine mount for a vehicle may include a support bracket including a mounting hole formed in one end portion thereof, an engine-mounting plate provided at an opposite end portion thereof to be connected to an engine, and a coupling portion protruding from an external surface of the one end portion thereof; a fluid-filled assembly including a hook cup configured to be inserted into the mounting hole in the support bracket; and a rubber assembly configured to be mounted to a vehicle body, wherein, in a state in which the fluid-filled assembly is inserted into the mounting hole in the support bracket, the fluid-filled assembly is stacked on a top surface of the rubber assembly, and a housing of the rubber assembly is coupled to the coupling portion of the support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Seung Won Kim
  • Patent number: 10773585
    Abstract: A drive device for a motor vehicle, with a first drive assembly, a second drive assembly, and a planetary gearing, via which the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly, which has a drivable axle of the motor vehicle, can be operatively connected. In this case, it is provided that the first drive assembly can be operatively connected to the planetary gearing via a first clutch coupling, and the drivable axle can be operatively connected to the planetary gearing via a second clutch coupling, and the second drive assembly and an auxiliary assembly are permanently operatively connected to the planetary gearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Markus Störmer, Christian Meixner, Thomas Hoffmann, Frank Vollmer, Tassilo Scholle, Josef Winkler, Alfred Ottowitz
  • Patent number: 10773586
    Abstract: A motor vehicle with a cooling system, comprising an electric traction motor, an ambient heat exchanger, a bypass to the ambient heat exchanger, a traction battery, a coolant heater, a coolant-refrigerant heat exchanger of an air conditioner, a first coolant pump, and a second coolant pump that are directly or indirectly connected or connectable to one another via coolant lines and a distribution system, characterized in that, in a first functional position of the distribution system, coolant is conveyable, by means of the first coolant pump, in a first coolant circuit that includes the traction motor, the bypass to the ambient heat exchanger, and the coolant-refrigerant heat exchanger, and coolant is conveyable, by means of the second coolant pump, in a second coolant circuit, separate from the first coolant circuit, that includes the traction battery and the coolant heater, and in a second functional position of the distribution system, coolant is conveyable, by means of the first coolant pump, in a third c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Stefan Lucke, Tobias Schulze, Robert Stelzner, Ulf Reuters
  • Patent number: 10773587
    Abstract: A capsule apparatus for a power unit of a vehicle is provided. The power unit is provided in a compartment of the vehicle and configured to combust air-fuel mixture in an engine body and discharge the combusted air-fuel mixture via an exhaust member. The capsule apparatus includes a capsule structure, an opening, an open-close member, and a controller. The capsule structure is configured to enclose at least the engine body, at least the exhaust member being provided outside the capsule structure. The opening of the capsule structure is provided near the exhaust member. The open-close member is configured to be movable to close the opening. The controller is configured to control opening and closing of the opening by the open-close member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takako Mizuno, Kensaku Tanaka, Yoshio Iwakami
  • Patent number: 10773588
    Abstract: An air valve device for a motor vehicle comprises an air valve support with a flow opening and has at least one air valve extending into or passing through the flow opening, which is movably seated on the air valve support between a blocking position as one working position, and a flow position as another working position, wherein the air valve in the blocking position provides a greater resistance to a particular flow through the flow opening than in the flow position. A drive device is connected to the at least one air valve for movement between its working positions at least temporarily in a drive force transmitting manner. A control device actuates the drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Röchling Automotive SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Daniel Sinn
  • Patent number: 10773589
    Abstract: A check valve for fuel tank comprises a joint that is fixed to a fuel tank, a passage forming part, and a valve member. The joint is connected to one end of the passage forming part, and an outlet is formed at the other end of the passage forming part. The valve member that opens and closes the outlet. The valve member comprises a valve element, a spring bearing part, a holding part continuous to at least one of the joint and the passage forming part, and a compression coil spring. The joint and the passage forming part are communicated to each other to form a fuel passage. At the end on the joint side of the passage forming part in the fuel passage, there is formed a diameter enlarged portion having an inner diameter gradually increasing from a fuel supply pipe side toward the outlet side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takuro Iino, Hiroaki Kito
  • Patent number: 10773590
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a work vehicle including an engine, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor to drive wheels, an HST circuit in which the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor are connected to each other in the form of a closed circuit, a reducing agent sensor that detects the state of a reducing agent used to clean exhaust gas from the engine, and an engine restrictor that restricts the rotational speed of the engine based on the output from the reducing agent sensor, and the work vehicle further includes a control unit that changes the tilting angle of the hydraulic pump or the hydraulic motor independently of the rotational speed of the engine to a tilting angle associated with minimum travel drive force necessary for self-travel of the work vehicle when the control unit determines that the engine restrictor has restricted the rotational speed of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Nukii, Koji Hyodo, Isamu Aoki, Tetsuji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10773591
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a vehicle that may detect the presence and/or absence of an operator of the vehicle. The vehicle may determine that the operator is present and/or absent from a control area of the vehicle (e.g., an area where the operator may provide instructions for the piloting of the vehicle) and/or from the entire area of the vehicle and provide instructions responsive to the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: FLIR BELGIUM BVBA
    Inventor: Christopher Yeomans
  • Patent number: 10773592
    Abstract: A sound output and text display device for a vehicle, including: an output unit that, in a case in which sound to be output inside the vehicle has been decided, outputs the sound inside the vehicle; and a display unit that displays text corresponding to the sound on a windshield in accordance with a state of use of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiko Nagatomi, Noritaka Toyama, Atsuko Kobayashi, Keisuke Ito
  • Patent number: 10773593
    Abstract: A display device includes a display unit for displaying a moving body speed being a speed of a moving body, a first speed that is arbitrarily settable by a driver, and a second speed that is not arbitrarily settable by the driver. The display unit includes a display having a drawing function, and a frame member disposed to overlap the display. The display includes a display area spanning an inner side and an outer side of the frame member. The display displays the moving body speed and the first speed on the inner side of the frame member, and displays the second speed on the outer side of the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Yo Kitamura, Seiji Hisada, Hado Morokawa
  • Patent number: 10773594
    Abstract: A traction energy storage system including multiple electrical energy stores and a system controller. Each of the energy stores includes one or more cell modules electrically connected via busbars, an energy store high-voltage interface connectable to the busbars and an energy store controller controlling the cell modules. Each of the cell modules comprises multiple storage cells and a cell module controller. Each of the cell module controllers is configured to output measured values relating to the storage cells in the respective cell module to the energy store controller. Each of the energy store controllers is configured to take the measured values obtained as a basis for generating signals having electrical characteristic quantities of the respective energy store and at least one limit value for a current through the energy store high-voltage interface of the respective energy store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: MAN TRUCK & BUS AG
    Inventor: Sebastian Kratzer
  • Patent number: 10773595
    Abstract: A braking system is described for a vehicle, including a master brake cylinder, a first brake circuit with a first storage chamber, a first wheel brake cylinder, and a second wheel brake cylinder, the first wheel brake cylinder being hydraulically connected to the first storage chamber via a first wheel outlet valve, and the second wheel brake cylinder being hydraulically connected to the first storage chamber via a second wheel outlet valve, and including a second brake circuit with a second storage chamber, a third wheel brake cylinder, and a fourth wheel brake cylinder, the third wheel brake cylinder being hydraulically connected to the second storage chamber via a third wheel outlet valve, and the fourth wheel brake cylinder being hydraulically connected to the second storage chamber via a fourth wheel outlet valve. The first wheel outlet valve and the third wheel outlet valve are in each case continuously adjustable valves. Moreover, also described is a method for operating a braking system of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Drotleff, Jochen Bodmann, Stefan Strengert, Xun Yao
  • Patent number: 10773596
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery and a charge plate electrically connected with the battery. The vehicle also includes a control system that causes an association signal to be repeatedly transmitted during a battery charge procedure to maintain charging of the battery via the charge plate, and in response to an object being detected in the vicinity or predicted to enter the vicinity of the charge plate, causes the transmission of the association signal to be interrupted to stop charging of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Patent number: 10773597
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle controller includes a memory and a processor programmed to execute instructions stored in the memory. The instructions include determining a plurality of energy cost functions. Each energy cost function is associated with a combination of candidate variables. The instructions further include selecting one of the plurality of energy cost functions as a minimum energy cost function, determining a combination of candidate variables associated with the minimum energy cost function, and controlling acceleration of a host vehicle according to the combination of candidate variables associated with the minimum energy cost function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Yanan Zhao, Chen Zhang, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Patent number: 10773598
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and processes that use millimeter wave radar or other remote sensing to enhance mobility applications. Obstacles may be detected using remote sensing. Acceleration of a mobility apparatus may be controlled based on detection of the obstacle. The controlling may be performed based on characteristics of the obstacle, including location, type of obstacle, and/or trajectory of the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics of Silicon Valley, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Yamasaki, Rei Kanda, Mela Lin
  • Patent number: 10773599
    Abstract: Provided is a drive source control device that can suppress increase in the rotation speed of a drive source. This drive source control device (67) includes: an overspeed determination module (68) to determine whether the rotation speed of each of two drive sources (2L, 2R) is overspeed; and a correction module (69) to, when the overspeed determination module (68) determines that the rotation speed of at least one of the drive sources is overspeed, correct command values for outputs of the two drive sources, supplied from a command module (66a). The correction module (69) corrects the command values of the outputs of the two drive sources (2L, 2R) so that the torque of the drive wheel having greater rotation speed decreases from the torque before the correction, and the torque of the drive wheel having smaller rotation speed maintains or decreases from the torque before the correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Junichi Hirata
  • Patent number: 10773600
    Abstract: An electrical drive unit for a vehicle includes a number of structurally independently designed electrical machines. In each of the electrical machines there is a machine output shaft configured to provide a machine torque, and in each of the electrical machines there is inserted in a receiving region assigned to it and is connected to the receiving unit. The number of the inserted electrical machines is predetermined as a function of a specified value, which is prespecified in advance for an output-side characteristic quantity of the drive unit to be constructed. The number of the inserted electrical machines is between 1 and a maximum number. The electrical drive unit also includes a common main shaft, via which the drive unit is configured to provide a drive unit torque on the output side, and a coupling element, via which the machine output shafts are operationally connected on the driving side to the main shaft to input the machine torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werker Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Mathias Roesner, Thomas Bock, Karl-Heinz Gaubatz, Ralf Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10773601
    Abstract: A shared resistor performs precharging and discharging functions of capacitors in an electric vehicle drive system. In a precharge state, the shared resistor is connected between the capacitors and a DC source via a precharge relay. In a discharge state, the resistor is connected across the capacitors via a discharge transistor. Otherwise, the resistor is disconnected. A bypass switch is connected between the resistor and an input capacitor. The bypass switch is rendered conductive during the precharge state and during the discharge state. The discharge transistor is activated only during the discharge state. As a result, the invention uses less components by virtue of eliminating separate resistance elements for pre-charging and discharging and by eliminating discharge switches dedicated to separate resistances. The circuit integration and the placement of components outside the inverter module improves overall system cost and packaging size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Boris Curuvija, Fan Xu, Lihua Chen, Baoming Ge
  • Patent number: 10773602
    Abstract: This disclosure details electrified vehicles that are equipped with removable generators for increasing the electric range of the vehicles. An exemplary electrified vehicle includes a cargo space, such as a truck bed, and a generator removably positioned within the cargo space. The generator is adapted to selectively supply power for either charging a battery pack of the electrified vehicle or for propelling one or more vehicle drive wheels. In some embodiments, the generator is shaped like, and therefore disguised as, a toolbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ari Caliskan, John Jaranson, Peter A. Friedman, Arnold Kadiu
  • Patent number: 10773603
    Abstract: A charging cable identification system is provided for a vehicle driven at least partially electrically, wherein the vehicle has an energy store that can be connected to an electrical energy source by a charging cable. The charging cable system has a control unit that is configured to enable or prevent the starting of the vehicle motor. The control unit is also configured to detect, prior to every event that is or can be predetermined, whether the charging cable is in the vehicle, and if the control unit detects that the charging cable is not in the vehicle, the control unit prevents the vehicle motor from starting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Atanas Lyutskanov, Andreas Pelger, Tobias Schoellermann
  • Patent number: 10773604
    Abstract: A method for operating an energy storage device with at least one first and at least one second energy storage element in a motor vehicle, wherein the first and the second energy storage elements are connected in series to provide a nominal voltage of the energy storage device, wherein when a charging condition indicated for charging an energy storage device by a motor vehicle-independent energy source as fulfilled, the first and the second energy storage elements are connected in parallel to the motor vehicle-independent energy source, wherein a charging voltage is provided by the motor vehicle-independent energy source for charging the energy storage device, which is lower than the nominal voltage of the energy storage device with a connection in series of the first and of the second energy storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Meitinger, Michael Wein, Martin Schüssler, Alois Stauber, Reinhard Hofmann
  • Patent number: 10773605
    Abstract: A method for automatically selecting a recharging mode of an electric vehicle includes: identifying a first recharging mode corresponding to a duty cycle of a received pulse width modulation signal, performing a first recharge process corresponding to the identified first recharging mode, identifying a second recharging mode according to the duty cycle of the received pulse width modulation signal when the first recharge process fails; and performing a second recharge process corresponding to the second recharging mode when the second recharging mode is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: So Jin Lee, Ji Hwon Kim, Chang Min Yang
  • Patent number: 10773606
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for detecting an object in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a seat location determining device configured to determine whether a location of a front seat is a reference location, a seat location adjusting device configured to adjust the location of the front seat to the reference location depending on whether the seat location determining device determines that the location of the front seat is the reference location, an object detecting device configured to detect the object around a rear seat when the location of the front seat is in the reference location, and a warning controller configured to output a warning when the object detecting device detects the object around the rear seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eung Hwan Kim, Nam Woong Hur, Gyun Ha Kim, Sang Woo Ji, Seul Ki Jeon
  • Patent number: 10773607
    Abstract: A vehicle seat structure including: a mode switching mechanism including: a rotating mechanism which is configured to switch one seat of two seats between a state where the one seat faces a vehicle front direction and a state where the one seat faces a vehicle rear direction by rotating the one seat; and a slide mechanism which is configured to move another seat of the two seats from a laterally located position where the other seat is located side by side with the one seat to a vertically located position where the other seat is located to face, in the front-rear direction, the one seat facing the vehicle rear direction by obliquely sliding the other seat in a rear direction and in the seat width direction from the laterally located position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Fumitoshi Akaike, Hiroshi Tsuji
  • Patent number: 10773608
    Abstract: A lightweight, attachable and detachable vehicle seat removal, transport, and reinstallation apparatus is disclosed, including a chassis, casters mounted to the chassis, a seat rear support pin coupled to the chassis for engaging a seat rear attachment of the vehicle seat, and a locking forward pin attached to the chassis for engaging a forward seat attachment of the vehicle seat. A method of vehicle seat removal is disclosed, including positioning one or more seat skates behind a seat such that the seat skates are aligned with vehicle seat attachment means, rotating the vehicle seat upward, rolling the one or more seat skates forward such that the one or more seat skates straddle respective vehicle seat attachment means, rotating the one or more seat skates upward, latching rear seat attachments of the vehicle seat to seat rear support pins of the seat skates, and lowering the vehicle seat for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Jon Koehler, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon F. Koehler, Charles E. Eggers
  • Patent number: 10773609
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a seat of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes the step of capturing loading data of the seat, evaluating the loading data to determine a control dataset for periodically adjusting the seat based on the control dataset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeroen Lem, Philipp Wolf, Nikica Hennes
  • Patent number: 10773610
    Abstract: A device for swiveling and tilting a vehicle seat is provided. The device performs a swiveling operation to enable the vehicle seat to be rotated in a desired direction using a motor driving force and a gear/screw operating mechanism associated with the motor driving force. The device also performs a tilting operation to enable the vehicle seat to be tilted backwards by a desired angle using the motor driving force and a lead screw/link operating mechanism associated with the motor driving force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Hyun Kim, Seong Mun Yun, Hyun Kyu Moon, Ju Yeol Kong, Seon Chae Na, Hyung Jin Park, So Young Yoo, Sung Hak Hong, Chan Ho Jung, Mu Young Kim
  • Patent number: 10773611
    Abstract: A decentralized seat control system for seats, each seat having several linearly or angularly movable seat elements. The control system includes a serial data bus; a power supply; smart devices with drives connected to the serial data bus and the power supply, each smart device having a basic function and selectably functioning as an active system master; non-smart devices lacking a control function; a smart control device for controlling the non-smart devices; and a program control unit, wherein the active system master provides control commands to the other smart devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: BÜHLER MOTOR GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Schlosser, Stefan Gröllich
  • Patent number: 10773612
    Abstract: A network of rails for a vehicle includes lateral rails that extend primarily along a lateral axis of the vehicle, longitudinal rails that extend primarily along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and a circular rail that is positioned at a junction between the lateral rails and the longitudinal rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alan George Dry, Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti
  • Patent number: 10773613
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat, a second parallel link mechanism is actuated in order to adjust an vertical position of a seat body with respect to a vehicle body, such that a first parallel link mechanism is moved up or down together with the seat body with respect to the vehicle body. In order to recline a seatback as an integral unit with a seat cushion, the first parallel link mechanism and the second parallel link mechanism are actuated such that an upper link is maintained in a predetermined orientation. The upper link is restricted from rotating relative to the armrest, and so the armrest is also maintained in a predetermined orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: NHK SPRING Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakamura, Kenichi Katsube, Shu Kondou, Daisuke Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10773614
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seatback pivot, a rear-access lever that rotates an overslide cam and a pawl of the seatback pivot. Operation of the rear-access lever with the seatback pivot in a first radial range defines selective rotation of the overslide cam by the pawl. Operation of the rear-access lever with the seatback pivot in a second radial range defines a deflection of the pawl by the overslide cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Macit Aktas
  • Patent number: 10773615
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes an air mover within a seatback. First and second inlet channels extend from an occupant seatback surface and a seatback lower portion, respectively, to the air mover. The air mover includes first and second outlet channels, and the air mover selectively and alternatively moves air from at least one of the first inlet channel to one of the first and second outlet channels or the second inlet channel to the first outlet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Murphy McElroy, Jeffrey Michael Attala, Josif Salanta, Mukdam Kena
  • Patent number: 10773616
    Abstract: A vehicle seating system having a seat back includes a back panel with a first side having a first surface and a second side having a second surface. A plurality of stanchions are disposed on the first surface and extend outwardly therefrom. The stanchions form airflow channels between them. A trim cover is disposed over at least a portion of the second side and extends to the first side. The trim cover is disposed over the stanchions such that it covers a portion of the airflow channels and the stanchions maintain at least a portion of the trim cover away from the first surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald Wlassuk
  • Patent number: 10773617
    Abstract: An automobile seat and an automobile are provided. The automobile seat comprises a seat cushion and a backrest, and at least one of the seat cushion and the backrest is provided with a temperature adjusting system comprising a temperature adjusting device and a fan (300). In the automobile seat, the traditional heating pad and ventilation device are replaced by providing, in a temperature adjusting system, a fan (300) and a temperature adjusting device formed by serially-connected devices wherein a convertible cooling module (100) and a heating module (200) are connected, thereby achieving the integrated design of ventilation heating and cooling, avoiding the interference between the two sets of devices, thus reduces manufacturing and processing costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Langfang Golden Time Technology Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Haitao Zhang
  • Patent number: 10773618
    Abstract: A method of making a cushion assembly includes forming a first foam pad with a plurality of air cooling columns through the first foam pad. The plurality of air cooling columns terminate at a topper pad. A second foam pad is operably coupled with the first foam pad to define a non-linear flow channel between the first foam pad and the second foam pad. The non-linear flow channel is in fluid communication with the air cooling columns. An air mover is operably coupled to the non-linear flow channel to move air within the air cooling columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Alan George Dry, Spencer Robert Hoernke
  • Patent number: 10773619
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a cushion with a seating surface. An elongated trench extends into the seating surface. A primary fastener part is disposed in the elongated trench, and a secondary fastener part is disposed around a cushion perimeter. A cover includes first and second fastener parts, wherein the primary fastener part and the first fastener part are selectively attachable to form a first disengageable seal. The secondary fastener part and the second fastener part are selectively attachable to form a second disengageable seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Owen Hamlin, Rebecca Ann Olsen, Kanav Mahotra