Patents Issued in December 8, 2020
  • Patent number: 10857869
    Abstract: The fixing member includes a lower contact member 32 and an upper contact member (contact members) that come in contact with a battery to support the battery between a driver seat and a passenger seat (vehicle seats), and the lower contact member and the upper contact member are deformed when a load of a predetermined value or more is input from a vehicle width direction, to allow movement of the battery in the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kentaro Wakebe
  • Patent number: 10857870
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine, an engine, and stator. The electric machine has a magnetic armature and an electromagnetic armature. The electromagnetic armature is secured to a wheel and has an electrical circuit that includes primary and secondary coils. The engine is configured to rotate the magnetic armature to induce current in the circuit via the primary coils. The stator has tertiary coils that are configured to transfer power to the electromagnetic armature via the secondary coils to drive the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, Allan Roy Gale, David Allen Janson
  • Patent number: 10857871
    Abstract: A vehicle rear structure prevents early deterioration of fastening portions on side members of a battery pack having a large mass caused by vertical vibrations during travelling of a vehicle. The vehicle rear structure includes a pair of side members disposed on right and left sides of the vehicle in a width direction of the vehicle and extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, and a battery pack whose bottom surface side is fastened to the side members. The vehicle rear structure also includes an upper back skeletal member extending in the width direction of the vehicle above the battery pack and fixed to the body of the vehicle, in which an upper surface side of the battery pack is fixed to the upper back skeletal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Fumiaki Sato
  • Patent number: 10857872
    Abstract: A vehicle front structure comprising: a shutter unit comprising adjustable flaps arranged to receive an airflow to control the supply of air that passes through the shutter unit towards at least one vehicle component. An air duct extending in a rearward direction from a front part of the vehicle, the air duct comprising an inlet and an outlet. In a first state of the shutter unit, a first flap is configured to be in a closed state to thereby reduce the supply of air through the shutter unit, and allow an airflow to pass through the inlet of the air duct. In a second state of the shutter unit, the first flap is configured to be in an open state to increase the supply of air through the shutter unit, and to close the inlet of the air duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Vojtech Sedlak, Lennert Sterken
  • Patent number: 10857873
    Abstract: An evaporated fuel treatment device includes a fuel tank that stores fuel for an internal combustion engine, a canister that adsorbs evaporated fuel generated in the fuel tank, a pump that pressurizes and depressurizes a diagnostic target system including the fuel tank, a pressure detection unit that detects pressure in the diagnostic target system, a fuel state detection unit that detects a state of the fuel in the fuel tank, a leakage diagnosis unit that diagnoses leakages of evaporated fuel from the diagnostic target system, the diagnostic target system based on a change in a detection value detected by the pressure detection unit when the pump pressurizes or depressurizes the diagnostic target system, and a diagnosis determination unit that determines whether the leakage diagnosis unit performs the diagnosis based on a change in a state detection value detected by the fuel state detection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Taiki Yasuzaka
  • Patent number: 10857874
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a tank, in particular a plastic fuel tank, having a stiffening device, which penetrates the interior of the tank between opposite first and second wall parts of the tank and couples the wall parts to each other, whereby the tank can be subjected to increased interior pressure without damage. According to the present disclosure, the stiffening device comprises a first stiffening element, arranged on the first wall part, and a second stiffening element, arranged on the second wall part, wherein the first and second stiffening element have interacting coupling parts and wherein the first and second stiffening element can be connected to the first stiffening element with high tensile strength and, in the connected states, seals an opening in the second wall part by means of a flange cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: TI Automotive Technology Center GmbH
    Inventors: Alex Ehler, Albert J. Boecker, Patrick Gmünd, Peter Grauer, Gerrit Michaelis, Matthias B. Olbrich, Ahmad Chehade, Moez Haouala
  • Patent number: 10857875
    Abstract: Determining the thermodynamic state of fuel includes opening the venting connection to release the tank pressure while monitoring the derivative pressure (dP/dt), closing the venting connection when one of the following conditions is met, the derivative pressure (dP/dt) is lower than a predetermined threshold DP1 or the opening time ?t1 reaches a predetermined value, if the closing of the venting connection occurs when the opening time ?t1 reaches the said predetermined value, determining that the fuel is boiling and aborting the method if the closing of the venting connection occurs when the derivative pressure (dP/dt) is lower than the said threshold DP1, measuring an initial tank pressure at the closing of the venting connection, measuring the final tank pressure after a closure time ?t2, calculating the pressure variation (?P/?t2), comparing the pressure variation (?P/?t2) with a first threshold PV1, if the pressure is lower then aborting the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Plastic Omnium Advanced Innovation and Research
    Inventors: Antoine Chaussinand, Jules-Joseph Van Schaftingen, David Hill, Paul Daniel Reuther
  • Patent number: 10857876
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a filler inlet of a fuel fill line of a motorized vehicle. In one example, a filler inlet includes a fuel/air separation chamber extending at an angle relative to an opening of the filler inlet, with the opening adapted to receive a fuel nozzle. Fuel may be guided from the fuel nozzle toward a curved wall of the fuel/air separation chamber by a flow guide, and the fuel may separate from entrained air within the fuel/air separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Myers, Mahfooz-Ul-Haq Mian
  • Patent number: 10857877
    Abstract: A planet carrier for a planetary gear transmission for driving a wheel includes a housing for accommodating a sun wheel and planet wheels of a planetary gear transmission. The housing has an inner end and an opposite outer end. The inner end of the housing is provided with an inner end wall having an opening for receiving a drive shaft for driving the sun wheel. The outer end of the housing is provided with an outer end wall having through holes for mounting the planet wheels axially into the housing in the direction from the outer end towards the inner end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Thomas Andersson, Lars Larsson, Ralf Nordström, Jonas Rubinsson
  • Patent number: 10857878
    Abstract: A driveline assembly for a vehicle including at least one primary shaft rotatable about an axis. At least one reducer assembly is coupled with the at least one primary shaft. The reducer assembly includes a sun gear rotatable with the primary shaft. A plurality of planet gears are rotatable about the sun gear. A ring is positioned about the planet gears. A planet carrier is rotatably connected to a center of each of the planet gears. An output shaft is fixed to the planet carrier. A sliding clutch fixes the ring to a ground in a high torque position to provide a gear reduction, and fixes the ring to the planet carrier in a low torque position to provide a 1:1 gear ratio. A method for operating such a driveline assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: NEAPCO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Donald Remboski, Jacqueline Dedo
  • Patent number: 10857879
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission housing has first and second axle housings pivotably connected to opposite ends of the transmission housing and a stand-on platform may be connected to the assembly. A first gear train in the first axle housing drives a first axle having a first axis of rotation. A second gear train is disposed in the second axle housing drives a second axle having a second axis of rotation collinear with the first axis of rotation. The axle housings are both capable of pivoting about the transmission housing about a third axis that is parallel to the first and second axes. The first and second axle housings may also be separately rigidly or flexibly connected to one another. This assembly permits adjustment of the ground heights of the platform with respect to a vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Nathan W. Bonny
  • Patent number: 10857880
    Abstract: A vehicle includes three pairs of wheels, each pair being spaced apart in a right-left direction, three differential gears, respectively corresponding to the three pairs of wheels, and an engine that generates a rotation to be transmitted to the three pairs of wheels through the three differential gears. The engine is located rearward of a front differential gear that is any one of the three differential gears and is fixed to the front differential gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasushi Matsushita
  • Patent number: 10857881
    Abstract: Provided herein is an electric tandem axle having a first drive axle assembly having a first differential assembly drivingly engaged with a first drive axle; a second axle drive assembly having a second drive axle drivingly engaged with a second differential assembly having a first axle output shaft and a second axle output shaft and an axle disconnect clutch; an inter-axle assembly is drivingly connected to the first axle drive assembly and the second axle drive assembly; a motor-generator in driving engagement with the first and second drive axle assemblies; a planetary drive unit including a selection clutch in driving engagement with the first differential assembly, the inter-axle assembly and the motor-generator; and a controller connected to the motor-generator, selection clutch and axle disconnect clutch. The controller is configured to selectively engage and disengage the selection clutch and axle disconnect clutch to facilitate different modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Krishna Kumar
  • Patent number: 10857882
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for remotely controlling and monitoring a vehicle based on the IoT. A system for remotely controlling and monitoring a vehicle based on an IoT includes a communication unit configured to receive a remote control signal and an event signal and transmit monitoring information, a gear mode sensing unit configured to sense a gear mode, a control unit configured to generate a start-up control signal for a vehicle in response to the remote control signal or the event signal, output or stop a start-up control signal in response to a gear mode, output a monitoring signal when start-up is performed, perform transmission control through the communication unit by generating the monitoring information, generate and output an associated vehicle control signal in response to an event, and a start-up device configured to be turned on in response to the start-up control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: GARIN SYSTEM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yun Sub Lee
  • Patent number: 10857883
    Abstract: A system that includes an accelerometer configured to measure acceleration of a vehicle, a gyroscope configured to measure orientation of the vehicle, a memory having computer readable instructions, and a processor for executing the computer readable instructions. The computer readable instructions include performing at intervals: receiving acceleration data from the accelerometer; receiving orientation data from the gyroscope; combining the acceleration data and the orientation data to generate speed fluctuation and slope data for the vehicle; and transmitting the fluctuation and slope data to a controller of the vehicle. The controller utilizes the speed fluctuation and slope data to modulate an engine throttle of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventors: Sam Mil'shtein, Christopher Whitehead, HarshaPurushothama Dombala
  • Patent number: 10857884
    Abstract: A visual display unit configured to mount on a steering wheel assembly has a screen display, preferably a touch screen display. The screen display is mounted over an airbag module of the steering wheel assembly. A hinged structure holds the screen display to the steering wheel assembly. The hinged structure is configured to be pivotally attached to a center portion of the steering wheel assembly and non-obstructively movable upon deployment of an airbag. The visual display unit can be a computer or video monitor for occupant viewing while traveling in an autonomous vehicle. The visual display unit includes driver alerts activated by the autonomous vehicle. The visual display unit preferably includes vehicle instrumentation gauges, satellite navigation system, speed, temperature and other data displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John-Oliver Derrick, John Musiol, Brandon Marriott
  • Patent number: 10857885
    Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of a display includes a cover, a plurality of display panels that collectively establish a display area, and a polarizer between the display panels and the cover. The polarizer is coextensive with the entire display area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Aptiv Technologies Limited
    Inventors: J. Roger Davis, John D. Newton
  • Patent number: 10857886
    Abstract: The human machine interface (HMI) of a vehicle, especially an automobile is responsive to outside stimuli. Signals relevant to the amount of concentration required by a driver are received by the HMI, which determines, based on the values of these signals, a driver distraction level. As the driver distraction level increases, areas of a structured display on a display screen are dynamically removed, to present the driver with a reduced distractions when greater concentration is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Bentley Motors Limited
    Inventors: Benedict Recktenwald, Richard Stevens
  • Patent number: 10857887
    Abstract: A method of providing coolant to an electric battery for powering a drive train of an electric vehicle is provided. The method includes providing coolant from a coolant source off-board the electric vehicle at a first rate to cool the electric battery during recharging of the electric battery; and circulating coolant through a coolant loop on-board the electric vehicle at a second rate less than the first rate to cool the electric battery after the recharging of the electric battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Lightening Energy
    Inventors: Michael L Epstein, Christopher K Dyer, Eric Materniak
  • Patent number: 10857888
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical system of a rail vehicle, the electrical system comprising a first power converter, at least one other power converter, and at least one transformer, an intermediate circuit section of the first power converter being electrically connectable, by at least one intermediate circuit electrical connection, with an intermediate circuit section of the at least one other power converter, the at least one part of the electrical intermediate circuit connection being routed through a transformer case, as well as a rail vehicle and a process for operating the electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Ewald Falke, André Rickermann
  • Patent number: 10857889
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to using Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) decomposition and a functional deployment strategy to redundantly distribute functionality across existing controllers. Accordingly, each of a plurality of non-redundant controllers of the vehicle can execute a plurality of functions. The controllers can comprise a vehicle controller and a controller for each of a plurality of different powertrain systems. The plurality of functions can comprise one or more functions for each of the plurality of powertrain systems and each of the functions can execute on multiple controllers. When a failure of one controller occurs, this can be detected either by a controller's build-in internal monitor or by a two-way comparison or three-way voting by external controllers. The functions executing on the failed controller can be transitioned to other controllers based on prior execution of those functions by the other controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Liu, Bo Guo
  • Patent number: 10857890
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shoe (10) on an electrical power supply track for an electric railway vehicle, the shoe (10) comprising: a power supply flange (12) movable between a retracted position and a deployed position; an actuator (11) able to move the flange between the retracted and deployed positions; and a mechanical system (13) connecting the flange to the actuator; characterized in that the actuator (11): has a movement speed such that it is able to move the flange (12) between its retracted and deployed positions in a time period shorter than or equal to 1 second, and preferably shorter than or equal to 0.5 seconds; and has a number of operating cycles before failure greater than or equal to 2,500,000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Patrick Duprat, Leonardo Formenti
  • Patent number: 10857891
    Abstract: Provided are an electronic brake system and a method of controlling the same. The electronic brake system includes a pedal input unit configured to receive a pedal force according to a driver's braking intention, an estimating unit configured to estimate a temperature and a friction coefficient of a brake disk pad, and a control unit configured to correct a braking target pressure according to the driver's braking intention on the basis of the estimated temperature and friction coefficient of the brake disk pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eun Ha Lee
  • Patent number: 10857892
    Abstract: A system includes processor. The system includes a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to identify, in a vehicle at a first location, a second location receiving reflected light. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to navigate the vehicle from the first location to the second location receiving the reflected light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 10857893
    Abstract: A ground-side power feeding device includes a ground-side power feeding coil that wirelessly transmits or receives power to or from a vehicle-side power feeding coil mounted in the vehicle via a magnetic field having a first frequency, a light emitting unit that is disposed at any position at least around the ground-side power feeding coil and in an upper portion of the ground-side power feeding coil when the ground-side power feeding coil is seen from above, and a light emitting power transmitting coil that wirelessly transmits power to the light emitting unit. The light emitting unit has a light emitting power receiving coil which wirelessly receives power from the light emitting power transmitting coil via a magnetic field having a second frequency different from the first frequency, and a light emitting body which emits light with power received by the light emitting power receiving coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: IHI Corporation
    Inventor: Motonao Niizuma
  • Patent number: 10857894
    Abstract: This control apparatus includes (A) a first connecting part, which is connected with a driving control apparatus for controlling driving of a power unit for assisting a human power or with the power unit, and through which a current relating to charging and discharging of an electrical power storage device flows, (B) a second connecting part, which is provided separately from the first connecting part, and through which a current relating to charging to the electrical power storage device flows via an electrical connection, and (C) a controller to control charging and discharging of the electrical power storage device, which are performed by using a current, which flows in the first connecting part and/or the second connecting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: TAIYO YUDEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuo Hosaka, Satoru Shimizu
  • Patent number: 10857895
    Abstract: A battery charging method includes acquiring a functional relationship of a differential value of an amount of charge or a state of charge (SOC) with respect to a voltage of a battery based on the voltage or the SOC, determining charging steps for charging of the battery by analyzing the functional relationship, and generating a charging profile comprising charging currents for each of the charging steps to charge the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Duk Jin Oh, Young Hun Sung, Ju Wan Lim, Daeryong Jung
  • Patent number: 10857896
    Abstract: A reversible, driverless, fully electric or plug-in hybrid tractor-trailer includes a trailer equipped with autonomous reversible self-propulsion and steering equipment and configured to dock with one or two tractors in a pulling and/or pushing configuration. The tractor(s) are equipped for autonomous navigation. Replacement tractors can autonomously navigate from a charging and/or refueling facility to the tractor-trailer and can further autonomously execute a swap-out procedure by which spent tractor(s) are replaced by the freshly charged tractor(s). The replaced tractor(s) then autonomously navigate back to the charging and/or refueling facility, while the tractor-trailer continues, nonstop, toward its destination. Where allowed by law, combination multi-trailer road-train vehicles can be formed by connecting trailers to trailers and also possibly inserting a tractor between trailers that are attached to both ends of the inserted tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Samuel Rutt Bridges
  • Patent number: 10857897
    Abstract: A system for energy conversion with electric vehicle (EV) charging capability includes a hybrid inverter comprising a DC/DC converter stage for receiving power from a photovoltaic array, a capacitor bank, and a DC-AC inverter coupled to the capacitor bank. The DC-AC inverter includes a battery pack connection for supplying energy to or receiving energy from a battery pack, an AC grid connection for supplying power to or receiving power from an AC grid, a connection for supplying power to a load, and an EV connection for supplying power to or receiving power from an EV battery. The system also includes a controller for generating control signals to control the flow of power within the hybrid inverter, which converts power received from at least one of the photovoltaic array and the battery pack and provides the converted power to charge the EV battery via the EV connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: SolarCity Corporation
    Inventor: Sandeep Narla
  • Patent number: 10857898
    Abstract: A charging system for a vehicle includes: a power transmitter transmitting power for charging a battery of a vehicle; a charger including a three-phase motor and inverter, and receiving the power from the power transmitter; an input voltage calculating processor selecting any one of a plurality of predetermined duty ratios and calculating a value of an input voltage supplied to the charger based on the selected duty ratio and a voltage value of the battery of the vehicle; an input current calculating processor calculating a value of an input current based on the calculated value of the input voltage and a value of the power transmitted by the power transmitter; a power transmission controller instructing the calculated input current to be input to the charger; and a charging controller instructing the battery of the vehicle to be charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ho Joon Shin, Joo Young Park, Yong Jae Lee, Sung Kyu Kim, Su Hyun Bae
  • Patent number: 10857899
    Abstract: Examples relate to flexible datacenters or other power loads tolerant of intermittent operation and configured to use power received behind-the-meter. A system may include a transportation hub electrically coupled to a BTM power source via a branch line. The transportation hub may receive behind-the-meter (“BTM”) power from the BTM power source. The system may also include a datacenter control system configured to modulate power delivery to the transportation hub based on a set of monitored conditions. The set of monitored conditions may include BTM power availability at the transportation hub. In some examples, the datacenter control system is a remote master control system positioned remotely from the transportation hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: LANCIUM LLC
    Inventors: Michael T. McNamara, Raymond E. Cline, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10857900
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an electric vehicle to be charged according to a charging schedule. The system includes a memory that stores instructions for executing processes for scheduling charging of an electric vehicle. The system also includes a a processor configured to execute the instructions The instructions cause the processor to: determine a location of an electric vehicle and a time corresponding to when the electric vehicle is connected to a charging station; determine charging preferences of a user based upon a preselected set of choices defined by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Robert Uyeki, Narendran Ravi, Mohitash Brijwasi, Maira Malik, Steven Rho, Aparajithan Rajendran
  • Patent number: 10857901
    Abstract: A management device manages batteries. The management device includes an obtaining portion that obtains, from batteries, specific information that specifies identification information of a vehicle that has used the batteries. The management device includes an authenticating portion that authenticates a user by using the specific information obtained from the batteries. The management device includes a replacement receiving portion that receives replacement of the batteries if the authenticating portion authenticates the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takumi Shiiyama, Ryo Oshima, Ryuichi Kimata
  • Patent number: 10857902
    Abstract: A system for managing a group of charging stations for a personal mobility device and includes a central personal mobility device charger controller for controlling system operations. A first interface enables communication between the central personal mobility device charge controller and a plurality of charging units for charging the personal mobility device. A second interface enables communications between the central personal mobility device charge controller and a plurality of charging applications enabling finding of locations of at least one of the plurality of charging units and making of reservations with the at least one of the plurality of charging units. A reservation controller stored on the central personal mobility device charger controller enables a user of one of the plurality of charging applications to select the at least one of the plurality of charging units and make a reservation with the at least one of the plurality of charging units at a selected time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: POWER HERO CORP.
    Inventors: Esmond Goei, Andrew Goei
  • Patent number: 10857903
    Abstract: A power control system supplies electric power to a plurality of power consumption devices which are provided to an electric vehicle. This system includes: a high voltage battery which is an electric power supply source; a plurality of device controllers which are provided to the respective power consumption devices and which control operations of the respective power consumption devices; and an overall controller which overall controls the plurality of device controllers. At least one of the device controllers performs an electric power restriction that restricts a consumed electric power in a corresponding power consumption device so as to allow the consumed electric power in the corresponding power consumption device to fall within an electric power allocated by the overall controller while simultaneously maintaining an operation of the corresponding power consumption device stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Sakai, Tomoyuki Sumi
  • Patent number: 10857904
    Abstract: An ECU performs processing including steps as follows: in a case where an actual SOC is more than or equal to an upper limit value SOC(0) and a vehicle is in a Ready-Off state, when an SMR is in a cut-off state, the ECU performs the step of discharging a battery using discharging devices, and when the SMR is not in the cut-off state, the ECU performs the step of discharging the battery using an MG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takayuki Fukuike
  • Patent number: 10857905
    Abstract: The ECU includes first and second power terminals, first and second voltage limiting elements, first and second diodes, and a power supply IC. A voltage is applied to the first power terminal from a battery, and a voltage is applied to the second power terminal from the battery via a start switch. The first voltage limiting element is provided between the first power terminal and an input terminal of the power supply IC. The cathode of the first diode is connected to the input terminal of the power supply IC. The second voltage limiting element is provided between the second power terminal and the anode of the first diode. The cathode of the second diode is connected to the anode of the first diode, and the anode is grounded. A limit voltage of the first voltage limiting element is greater than a limit voltage of the second voltage limiting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Katabuchi
  • Patent number: 10857906
    Abstract: A riser for a seat of a vehicle includes a first leg, a second leg, a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm. The first leg includes a first end and a second end. The second leg is substantially parallel to the first leg and has a first end and a second end. The third arm includes a first end and a second end, where the second end of the third arm extends from the first end of the second leg. The first arm extends from the first end of the first leg to the first end of the third arm. The second arm extends from the second end of the first leg to the first end of the third arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Pitr Jameson, Reid M. Olsen, David Eduardo Banales Cano, Nathan Paul Di Giusto, Sekhar Reddy Biddala Reddy
  • Patent number: 10857907
    Abstract: A pivoting seat for a vehicle comprises a seat frame mountable to the vehicle, the seat frame including a pivot mount and a plurality of roller assemblies. A seat cushion assembly includes a seat cushion and a seat pan assembly supporting the seat cushion that is pivotably mounted to the pivot mount so that the seat cushion assembly is pivotable relative to the seat frame. The seat pan assembly includes a flat perimeter plate at an outer perimeter of the seat pan assembly, wherein each of the plurality of roller assemblies is arranged to contact the flat perimeter plate to support the seat cushion assembly while permitting pivoting of the seat cushion assembly relative to the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Sears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Cole Thomas Brodersen, John Riedel, Daniel Joseph Alexander, Wayne David Ward, Deane Wichelt, Dale R. Ropp, Thomas R. Hartwig
  • Patent number: 10857908
    Abstract: A side extension device for a seat of a vehicle, may include a seat cushion frame for forming a framework, a cushion pad provided with a bolster formed on each of opposite sides thereof, and a seat cover for covering a surface of the cushion pad, wherein a plurality of slits is formed in the bolster of the cushion pad, and divided bolster parts are formed between the slits, wherein the divided bolster parts are successively inclined outward by contact pressure of side parts of hips of an occupant, so that the bolster spreads outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Uk Yu, Seong Mun Yun, Hyun Kyu Moon, Seon Chae Na, Mu Young Kim, Hyung Jin Park, Byung Yong Choi, Chan Ho Jung, Ju Yeol Kong
  • Patent number: 10857909
    Abstract: An electrical assembly includes a seat, an electronic control unit, a seat sensor assembly, and a microphone. The electronic control unit may be configured to control movement of the seat. The microphone may be connected to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit may be configured to determine, via the seat sensor assembly, a position of an occupant of the seat and/or a distance between the occupant and the microphone. The electronic control unit may be configured to modify at least one of a gain and/or a sensitivity associated with the microphone according to the position and/or the distance. The distance may be the distance between a head of said occupant and the microphone. The seat may include a seat base, a seat back, and/or a head restraint. The seat sensor assembly may be configured to provide information about a position of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Arjun Yetukuri, Jasmine Pizana, David Gallagher
  • Patent number: 10857910
    Abstract: A seating system for a vehicle having a seat bottom and a seat back connected to and manually rotatable relative to the seat bottom may include a manually-actuated dump-and-return arrangement for the seat back and a manually-actuated slide arrangement for the seat bottom. It may also include a motor-actuated dump-and-return arrangement for the seat back and a motor-actuated slide arrangement for the seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Adarsha B. Madhu
  • Patent number: 10857911
    Abstract: An adjustable motor vehicle seat includes a main part, an attachment which is movable relative to the main part, and a guide element which includes a receiving portion configured for receiving the main part or the attachment at least in part and having a surface which has at least one portion shaped spherically. The guide element is mounted in a bearing point of at least one of the main part and of the attachment, said bearing point having a cross section which at least in one portion is circular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Römer
  • Patent number: 10857912
    Abstract: An adjustment mechanism the includes a screw, a support having first and second transverse walls perpendicular to the screw, a casing having first and second end faces arranged facing the first and second transverse walls and having a nut housing which opens in opposite first and second openings, a first elastomer pad interposed between the first transverse wall of the support and the first end face of the casing, a second elastomer pad interposed between the second transverse wall of the support and the second end face of the casing, a nut screwed onto the screw, a bearing engaged in the second opening of the casing and traversed by the screw. The nut is in rigid abutment against the casing in the direction of the first opening and the bearing is in elastic abutment against the second elastomer pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: FAURECIA SIÈGES D'AUTOMOBILE
    Inventor: Jean-Noel Rey
  • Patent number: 10857913
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a swivel assembly coupled to a seat base and a rail bracket. The swivel assembly can be external to an impact load-path and can include a ring gear and a spur gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alan George Dry, Johnathan Andrew Line
  • Patent number: 10857914
    Abstract: A locking device includes a locking pin mounting box, a locking pin, a locking spring, a handle and an unlocking tension spring. Respective ends of the locking pin pass through corresponding locking pin guide holes in lateral sides of the locking pin mounting box. A spring bearing boss is provided in a middle position of each locking pin. The locking spring surrounds the corresponding locking pin with one locking spring end in contact with one lateral side and another end in contact with the spring bearing boss. One end of the handle is hinged to a top side of the locking pin mounting box. The unlocking tension spring has one end connected to the handle and another end connected to an end of the locking pin that has passed through the first lateral side. In the locking device, the locking pin is inserted into a locking hole to achieve locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Adient Engineering and IP GmbH
    Inventors: Qingwei Q. Feng, Dahai Qian, Shuai Xu, Feixiang Zhu, Xun Tan
  • Patent number: 10857915
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a moveable structure supported by a fixed frame. The moveable structure includes a bottom portion configured to slide forward and rearward relative to the fixed frame, a back portion connected to the bottom portion and configured to both pivot and slide relative to the fixed frame, and an upper portion that, in some embodiments, is configured to rotate relative to the back portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin J. Stevens, Teh Feng Fang, Bruno M. Barthelemy
  • Patent number: 10857916
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to child safety seats, and more particularly to a harness or belt tensioning indicator for a child safety seat harness system. The tension indicator includes a body portion for receiving a belt, harness or webbing. The tension indicator also includes a sliding indicator that is capable of moving from a first, unactuated position to a second, actuated position when the belt, harness or webbing that is received in the body portion is tensioned from a first tension to a second, correct tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Chad Glerum
  • Patent number: 10857917
    Abstract: The reclining child car seat with adjustable head support is a child safety seat. The reclining child car seat with adjustable head support comprises a seat structure, a harness, a locking hinge, and a rack and pinion structure. The seat structure further comprises a bench, a backrest, and a headrest. The reclining child car seat with adjustable head support is a reclining structure that is further defined with a cant. The reclining child car seat with adjustable head support is further configured such that the protective structure of the headrest automatically adjusts as a function of the cant of the reclining structure of the reclining child car seat with adjustable head support. The locking hinge attaches the backrest to the bench such that the backrest rotates relative to the bench. The rack and pinion structure forms a mechanical linkage that adjusts the headrest as a function of the cant. The harness secures the client in the seat structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Ellen Edwards
  • Patent number: 10857918
    Abstract: Provided is a seat-cover fitting structure capable of preventing a seat cover from accidentally separating from a seat main body. In a seat-cover fitting structure 1, a resin clip 41 that is fitted to an end member 10 attached to the lower end of a hanging cotton-cloth member of a seat cover and a metal clip 50 that is fitted to the exterior of the resin clip 41 engage each other with gaps X1, X2, and X3 formed therebetween. In a state where the metal clip 50 is stuck to, by magnetic force, a main-body-side member that is embedded in the seat main body, the resin clip 41 moves with respect to the metal clip 50 within the ranges of the gaps X1, X2, and X3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignees: NIFCO INC., TACHI-S CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Suguru Furuuchi, Takao Tsutsui, Tsutomu Fujikake