Patents Issued in March 9, 2021
  • Patent number: 10940725
    Abstract: Devices are taught for filling a tire with air, gas or a liquid and repairing the tire. In one embodiment, the tire repair tool discloses an transmittal control section, with the transmittal control section comprising a proximal end, the proximal end having an opening a distal end, with the distal end having a centralized opening to align with a punctureable seal at a proximal end of a gas cartridge; a passageway positioned between the proximal end of the gas cartridge and the distal end; and a puncture tool which can puncture the punctureable seal of the gas cartridge. The puncture tool is positioned at the distal end of the transmittal control section along the air passage way. An insertion tube comprises an air inlet at a distal end of the insertion tube which is connected to the opening of the proximal end of the transmittal control section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: UNITED STATES THERMOELECTRIC CONSORTIUM
    Inventors: James M Kerner, Ryan B. Kerner, James R Shary
  • Patent number: 10940726
    Abstract: The invention provides a sensor assembly for force sensing, the sensor assembly comprising: a first portion having a first and a second through hole, a second portion having a third and fourth through hole, and a first pin and a second pin coupling the first portion to the second portion. At least one out of the first and the second pin comprises a magnetoelastic based sensor for outputting a signal corresponding to a stress-induced magnetic flux emanating from a magnetically polarized region of the pin. The magnetoelastic based sensor comprises at least one direction sensitive magnetic field sensor in an at least partially hollow portion of the pin, which field sensor is configured for determination of a shear force in at least one direction. The invention further provides a tow coupling comprising the sensor assembly. The invention further provides a method for detecting a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Methode Electronics Malta Ltd.
    Inventor: Johannes Gießibl
  • Patent number: 10940727
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a towing hitch for a work vehicle. The towing hitch includes a retaining element. A coupling member coupled to the retaining element. A guide element having at least one guide channel formed therein; wherein the guide channel is sized to receive a portion of the retaining element. An actuator coupled to at least one surface of the retaining element, wherein the actuator is arranged such that lateral displacement of the actuator moves the retaining element between a first position and a second position within the guide channel of the guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Manuel Billich
  • Patent number: 10940728
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a support arm and a suspension element. The suspension element is rotatably connected to a support arm of a vehicle via a mounting pin that extends through an opening on the suspension element, a thrust washer, and a seal. The combination of elements prevent debris from migrating into the connection. The suspension element is configured to connect to a structural element of the vehicle via an upper mount. The suspension element may include a recoil damper having a piston with a plurality of grooves arranged to balance the forces on the piston during and after a recoil event or jounce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Rositch, Erik Ellifson, Patrick Dillman, Kai Schubart, Robert Sollenskog
  • Patent number: 10940729
    Abstract: A motor vehicle multi-link axle having wheel suspension including a lower transverse link and an upper transverse link. A leaf spring extending transversely to a direction of travel of the vehicle and below the upper transverse link. A link element connects an end of the leaf spring to the upper transverse link. The link element having a first connection, connected to the upper transverse link, and a second connection, connected to the leaf spring. The link element adjustable to vary the distance between the first connection and the second connection. The multi-link axle may also include a connecting element that connects the second connection point of the link element to a connection point of the leaf spring, with the connecting adjustable to vary the distance between the second connection point of the link element and the connection point of the connecting element to the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christoph Meier, Alberto Girelli Consolaro, Paul Zandbergen, Ivica Papic
  • Patent number: 10940730
    Abstract: An extension-retraction link includes: a stationary shaft having a tubular shape; a first universal joint that connects the stationary shaft to a vehicle body side member; a movable shaft that can slide with respect to the stationary shaft; a second universal joint that connects the movable shaft to a hub carrier; and an actuator that moves the movable shaft. The movable shaft includes: a first plane surface; a second plane surface making an angle with respect to the first plane surface; a third plane surface opposite the first plane surface; and a fourth plane surface opposite the second plane surface. The stationary shaft includes: first to fourth bushes in contact with the first to fourth plane surfaces, respectively; a first elastic member pressing the third bush to the third plane surface; and a second elastic member pressing the fourth bush to the fourth plane surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Kishida, Yasuyuki Matsuda
  • Patent number: 10940731
    Abstract: A wheel alignment mechanism having a control arm connector, which is adapted for connection to a vehicle suspension control arm positioned between a vehicle chassis and a vehicle wheel, and which has an elongate portion; an inner support frame having a first surface and a second surface on a side of the inner support frame opposing the first surface, the elongate portion of the control arm connector positioned against the first surface at a select one of a first set of plural mounting locations on the first surface, with the first set of plural mounting locations being disposed in a first direction; and an outer support frame adapted to receive a wheel mounting, the connector having a third surface, the second surface of the inner support frame being positioned against the third surface at a select one of a second set of plural mounting locations on the third surface, and with the second set of plural mounting locations being disposed in a second direction approximately perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Auto IP LLC
    Inventors: Paolo Tiramani, Kyle Denman
  • Patent number: 10940732
    Abstract: An adjustment control for adjusting a damping curve of a shock absorber includes an aperture seat coupled to a base of the shock absorber. The aperture seat defines a flow tube. A plug, in mechanical communication with a spring, slidably engages the flow tube. A plug nut is threadably coupled to an adjustment nut shaft stud and is in mechanical communication with the spring. An adjustment nut is coupled to the base. The adjustment nut has a non-circular cavity to receive at least a portion of the adjustment nut shaft stud and at least a portion of the non-circular region of the plug nut such that the plug nut cannot rotate relative to the non-circular cavity of the adjustment nut. An adjustment knob causes rotation of the adjustment nut shaft stud. The rotation of the adjustment nut shaft stud causes axial movement of the plug nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: VIKING PERFORMANCE, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher J. King, Jacob A. Neuman
  • Patent number: 10940733
    Abstract: The invention i.a. relates to a load transfer arrangement (10) for a vehicle (12) including a chassis (14) with at least one braked axle (16), the arrangement (10) comprising: a non-driven load axle (18), and an air suspension assembly (20) including at least one air cushion (22) arranged between the chassis (14) and the non-driven load axle (18) in order to transfer load from the braked axle(s) (16) to the non-driven load axle (18), wherein the non-driven load axle (18) is unbraked, and wherein the arrangement (10) further comprises: an evacuation controller (24) configured to provide a pressure release trigger in response to a current or predicted braking event of the vehicle (12), and at least one evacuation valve (26) configured to, in response to receiving the pressure release trigger, evacuate pressure from the at least one air cushion (22) in order to remove load from the non-driven load axle (18) and increase load on the braked axle(s) (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kristoffer Tagesson
  • Patent number: 10940734
    Abstract: A suspension control system includes: a suspension that couples a sprung structure and an unsprung structure of a vehicle; a stabilizer; and a control unit configured to estimate a stroke speed, wherein the vehicle includes first wheels and second wheels, the suspension includes first suspensions provided for the first wheels and second suspensions provided for the second wheels, the stabilizer includes a first stabilizer bar that couples the first suspensions, the control unit includes: indirect stabilizer force calculation unit configured to calculate an indirect stabilizer force received by each of the second suspensions in conjunction with a posture change of the sprung structure; sum calculation unit configured to calculate a sum of forces acting on each of the second suspensions; and an observer configured to receive the sum and output an estimation value of a stroke speed of each of the second suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroki Furuta
  • Patent number: 10940735
    Abstract: Provided are a vehicle control apparatus and a vehicle control method, including: a sensor configured to sense a vehicle speed value, operation information of an actuator for generating a torque in a stabilizer bar of an active roller stabilizer (ARS), and operation information of the stabilizer bar; and a controller configured to calculate a target torque value that is to be generated in the stabilizer bar on the basis of the sensed vehicle speed value, the sensed operation information of the actuator, and the sensed operation information of the stabilizer bar, and to determine whether the sensed vehicle speed value is a target vehicle speed value that is set to perform an ARS control mode, and in response to the sensed vehicle speed value determined to be the target vehicle speed value, and determine a deadband period in which a torque of the actuator is not transmitted, using a change value of a torque value and a change state of the torque value while the torque value is tracing the calculated target torq
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sa-Rang Cha
  • Patent number: 10940736
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sway bar for a suspension system of a motor vehicle. The sway bar includes a first lever arm for attachment to a left wheel suspension component and a second lever arm for attachment to a right wheel suspension component. The sway bar further includes a torsion spring device in connection between the first lever arm and the second lever arm to provide variable torsional stiffness. The torsion spring device includes a first torsion bar, a second torsion bar, and a clutch connected to the first torsion bar and the second torsion bar. The clutch is configured to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position where both of the first and second torsion bars transmit torque between the first and second lever arms to provide torsional stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Romelhardt, Xinyu Du
  • Patent number: 10940737
    Abstract: A vehicle that includes a frame and a truck body coupled to the chassis. The truck body includes a body floor, first sidewall, second sidewall, front wall, and body rear, or tail surrounding an interior. A heat transfer system is removably coupled to the truck body and includes a component extending along and secured to one of the body floor, first sidewall, second sidewall, front wall, or body rear, or tail to transfer heat to an interior surface of the truck body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sharath Kesani, Vaitheeswaran Ponnuchamy
  • Patent number: 10940738
    Abstract: An air conditioning control system and method for a vehicle may include: an alternate control entering temperature difference excess determination step of determining whether a difference in temperature between a side vent temperature sensor and a shower duct temperature sensor exceeds an alternate control entering temperature difference; and an alternate control step of determining that a side vent grill may have been closed, when the difference exceeds the alternate control entering temperature difference, and performing an alternate control operation of regarding the temperature of air measured by the shower duct temperature sensor as the temperature of air discharged from the side vent grill and controlling a temperature of air to be discharged from a center vent grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Myung-Hoe Kim, Byeong-Moo Jang, Jong-Hwan Kwon, Seong-Nam Kim
  • Patent number: 10940739
    Abstract: A programmable controller stores operational data for a number of embedded functions in multiple OEM vehicles and is programmable to operation in a selected vehicle among the multiple vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: RB Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: John Peter Paul, Venkataramani Kumar
  • Patent number: 10940740
    Abstract: In a heat pump system, when a heat-shock determination portion determines that a difference between a coolant temperature in a coolant flow path and a coolant temperature in a heat source flow path is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, a flow-path switching portion mixes the respective coolants flowing through at least a bypass flow path and the heat source flow path together to flow into the coolant flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kengo Sugimura, Yoshiki Katoh, Masayuki Takeuchi, Koji Miura, Norihiko Enomoto, Keigo Satou, Ariel Marasigan, Nobuyuki Hashimura
  • Patent number: 10940741
    Abstract: A vehicle door or tailgate, in particular for motor vehicles, with a frame which is formed as a support structure of the door or tailgate and is separate from an exterior and/or interior trim, wherein the frame is produced separately from plastic and/or a composite material, wherein the frame comprises at least two components which are connected to one another, and wherein the at least two components have connection means which comprise tongue and groove connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA EXTERIORS (BOHEMIA) S.R.O.
    Inventors: Petr Jedinák, Miroslav Modrák, Josef Půta
  • Patent number: 10940742
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a sunroof of a vehicle, including a pivot link pivotally coupled to a drive shoe, the pivot link having a first pivot pin configured to slide along a first guide channel of a guide block to control tilting of a movable panel as the drive shoe slides, a lift guide, and a check assembly including a mechanical lock. The mechanical lock includes an inner surface having a locking guide channel to guide a second pivot pin of the pivot link, the locking guide channel includes an upper guide portion. The pivot link is configured to pivot to a raised position to tilt the movable panel when the drive shoe is slid in the forward direction and becomes coupled to the lift guide by the check assembly. The upper guide portion engages the second pivot pin to lock the pivot link in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Erik Carlson, Shintaro Katsura
  • Patent number: 10940743
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a folding load bearing hard tonneau cover, wherein each folding section is constructed using friction stir welds for strength, stiffness and visual appeal, wherein edge extrusions may include an integral attachment track which is capable of sustaining high tie down loads, wherein a spring loaded latching system has the strength to react the moments generated by heavy loads on top of the tonneau cover, wherein installation does not require modification to the bed but instead uses a 2 bolt attachment system, and wherein the tonneau cover may carry heavy loads on top that are easy to secure, and wherein a custom carrying frame is easily attachable to the tonneau cover to enable large and heavy loads, even some that are longer than the pick-up bed, to be carried on the tonneau cover while enabling use of the pick-up bed for other cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: ADVANCED METAL PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jennifer Aubrey, David Rosal, Scott M. Packer, Patrick Richard Sessions
  • Patent number: 10940744
    Abstract: A truckbed apparatus for a pickup truck includes a framework having first and second side rails extending along the first and second bed rails of the truck. The framework includes opposed front and rear end rails extending between proximal and distal ends of the first and second side rails, respectively. A center support rail has front and rear ends operatively attached to center portions of the front and rear rails, respectively, the center support rail being parallel and intermediate to the side rails, respectively. The apparatus includes first and second door assemblies that include first and second doors each having an inner edge pivotally coupled to the center support rail and an outer edge opposite the inner edge, respectively, Each door is movable between a closed configuration in which the respective outer edge bears against a respective side rail and an open configuration displaced upwardly from the side rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Dana Nadeau
  • Patent number: 10940745
    Abstract: The invention comprises a sealing and cover strip (8) for the B-pillar (7) of a passenger vehicle (1) comprising a support cover (10) and a decorative cover (9), each of which has a sealing half of a sealing profile for a lowerable side window on at least one of their common longitudinal sides. The present invention improves a sealing and cover strip (8) in such a way that the assembly effort during production of the vehicle is reduced and the optical appearance is improved. This follows from the fact that each sealing profile (11, 12) comprises two sealing halves (13, 14 and 13?, 14?), respective halves (13, 13?) being integral with the decorative cover (9), and respective halves (14, 14?) being integral with the support cover (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: CADEA GESELLSCHAFT FUR ANWENDUNG UND REALISIERUNG COMPUTERUNTERSTUTZTER SYSTEME MBH
    Inventor: Harald Ertl
  • Patent number: 10940746
    Abstract: A door weather strip couples to a door adjacently to a belt line. The door weather strip includes: a fin at a bottom of the door weather strip; a main seal and a sub seal which extend vertically in upper and lower directions on an internal circumference and an outer circumference on a surface of the fin and which make elastic contact with an end of a roof weather strip when the door is in a closed position; a channel between the main seal and the sub seal; and a sealing wall which extends between a top end of the main seal and a part of the sub seal below a top end by a distance such that the sealing wall on the sub seal is spaced from the end of the roof weather strip when the door is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: NISHIKAWA RUBBER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Nishimoto
  • Patent number: 10940747
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lock assembly for a battery lock-up mechanism, a power battery comprising the lock assembly, a battery lock-up mechanism, a new energy vehicle, and a method for installing/detaching a power battery onto/from a new energy vehicle by using the battery lock-up mechanism of the invention. The lock assembly for battery lock-up mechanism comprises a casing and an stop end plate which define an accommodation space, in which a central pull shaft, an adjustment block and a return spring or the like are disposed. The return spring is sleeved over the central pull shaft. The technical solutions of the invention have a low cost, are easy to operate and are stable and reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: NIO (ANHUI) HOLDING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jan Bengtsson, Nan Li
  • Patent number: 10940748
    Abstract: A hybrid transmission for use with a vehicle having an engine has an electric-only mode where the engine is off and a hybrid mode where the engine is on. The hybrid transmission includes an engine connection member configured for connection with the engine, a motor/generator unit configured to selectively operate as a motor, a transmission gearing arrangement, and a transmission input member connected with the transmission gearing arrangement. A torque transfer device is controllable to transfer torque from the motor to the transmission input member upstream in power flow from the transmission gearing arrangement, and a starter gear set includes a planetary gear set positioned in power flow between the engine connection member and the motor. The starter gear set is selectively engageable with the transmission input member and the engine connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Neeraj S. Shidore
  • Patent number: 10940749
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle having a hybrid drive, a transmission with shift elements, a drive output with a brake, a main transmission with input shafts, an output shaft and planetary gear sets (PG1, PG2). The main transmission has five gear planes. One shift element can connect a gear plane to an element of gear set (PG1) adjoining the main transmission. Another shift element couples a further element of gear set (PG1) either to the output shaft or a housing. An electric machine is permanently connected to an element of gear set (PG2). If, while driving with a transmission gear engaged, the drive output brake is engaged for a full brake application, a shift element of the transmission is first relieved by the electric machine and/or a brake assigned to one of the input shafts and then subsequently disengaged to decouple the combustion engine from the drive output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Michael Preuß, Johannes Kaltenbach, Christian Mittelberger, Johannes Glückler, Stefan Renner, Rayk Gersten
  • Patent number: 10940750
    Abstract: An All-Wheel-Drive (AWD), multi-mode, power-split hybrid vehicle employing a drive combining all electric motors and an internal combustion engine, together collocated on a 2-planetary-gear (PG) set. The present teachings are capable of delivering competitive performance while maximizing fuel economy through power-split hybrid design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignees: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ziheng Pan, Huei Peng, Nikhil Ravi
  • Patent number: 10940751
    Abstract: An electric vehicle driving device includes a first motor, a second motor, a transmission device to which power of at least one of the first motor and the second motor is transmitted, and an output member that rotates with power output from the transmission device. A rotation axis of the first motor, a rotation axis of the second motor, and a rotation axis of the transmission device are arranged in parallel to a rotation axis of the output member. When seen from an axial direction parallel to the rotation axis of the output member, the rotation axis of the first motor is located on one side of a straight line passing through the rotation axis of the output member and the rotation axis of the transmission device and the rotation axis of the second motor is located on the other side of the straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Matsuda, Daisuke Gunji, Shin Yamamoto, Toshirou Toyoda
  • Patent number: 10940752
    Abstract: An engine exhaust system is accommodated in a counterweight portion without reducing either the efficiency of cooling by a radiator or the efficiency of purifying exhaust gas by an exhaust gas purification device. A body has a work device provided at the front and the counterweight portion at the rear. A ventilation path provided in the counterweight portion includes an elevated part formed between a bottom of a front portion and a bottom of a rear portion. The purification device and a muffler are disposed in the rear portion of the ventilation path so as to be positioned one above the other with the purification device lying above the muffler and having an upper portion protruding above the bottom of the front portion of the ventilation path. A windbreak plate made from a heat insulating material is disposed forward from the purification device so as to face the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Kawazoe, Syunta Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10940753
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a fuel level of a fuel tank. In one example, a method may include transiently powering a fuel level sensor responsive to a fuel tank refilling event to obtain a fuel level measurement, maintaining the fuel level sensor unpowered after obtaining the fuel level measurement, and, while maintaining the fuel level sensor unpowered, inferring the fuel level based the obtained fuel tank fuel level measurement and an amount of fuel consumed since the obtained fuel level measurement. In this way, electrical power consumption by the fuel level sensor is reduced while a fuel level indication is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Michael Uhrich
  • Patent number: 10940754
    Abstract: A tank manufactured from a plastic material and having a reinforcement member. The reinforcement member having a first portion made of a first material weldable to the plastic material of the tank; and a second portion made of a second material having a tensile stress at break which is three to nine times larger than the tensile stress at yield of the first material. The second portion having at least one through-hole, and the first material extends in said at least one through-hole and at opposite sides of said second portion adjacent said at least one through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Plastic Omnium Advanced Innovation and Research
    Inventor: Bjorn Criel
  • Patent number: 10940755
    Abstract: An exhaust after-treatment system associated with a diesel engine includes a diesel exhaust fluid storage unit. The storage unit includes a diesel exhaust fluid tank and a vent system coupled to the tank and configured to regulate flow of air into the tank and fluid vapor out of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Stant USA Corp.
    Inventors: Jan Nimrichter, Nuno Bras
  • Patent number: 10940756
    Abstract: A fuel tank vent shutoff valve is provided with a leak countermeasure for preventing liquid fuel leaking from the vent shutoff valve into an evaporative emissions canister. In one embodiment, the vent shutoff valve includes a case disposed over a valve body. The case includes a floor surface surrounding an opening and a cover disposed over the case. The case also includes a flange structure extending away from the floor surface towards an inside surface of the cover. The inside surface includes an annular wall aligned over the opening and extending towards the floor surface of the case. The annular wall includes a first section having a first height that is greater than a second height of a second section. A free end of the first section extends past a free end of the flange structure of the case to prevent fuel from leaking into the evaporative emissions canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Watanabe, Hiroshi Hoshino
  • Patent number: 10940757
    Abstract: User interfaces, a computer program product, a signal sequence, a transportation vehicle, and a method for displaying information on a display device of a transportation vehicle. The method includes determining an information to be displayed, determining that a user sees the display device and, in response thereto, displaying a message representing the information on the display device. In response to the display of the message on the display device, to determine that the user looks away from the display device and, in response thereto, to hide the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventors: Astrid Kassner, Jaqueline Cullmann, Nils Kötter
  • Patent number: 10940758
    Abstract: Terrain assist apparatus and related methods for use with vehicles are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a vehicle controller configured to determine, based on vehicle sensor data, a condition of a vehicle associated with driving on sand. The vehicle controller is also to generate, via an output device, information instructing a vehicle occupant to configure a driving mode of the vehicle that is associated with controlling vehicle speed. The vehicle controller is also to control a parameter of the vehicle based on a setting of the driving mode to resolve the condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bang Kim Cao, Michael Edward Brewer, Brandon Cameron, William Gregory Suter, David John Messih, Christopher Wernette
  • Patent number: 10940759
    Abstract: A display device for a motor vehicle includes a first, planar display element arranged in a first display plane of the display device, and at least one further, planar display element, each arranged in a further display plane of the display device, upstream of the first display element in a viewing direction of a user. Together with the first display element, the at least one further display element forms a multilayered combination of display elements. Each of the at least one further display element has an at least partly transparent display surface and a visual protection element for setting a degree of a transparency of at least one region of the display element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Jacques Hélot
  • Patent number: 10940760
    Abstract: A device for controlling a vehicle display device may include: a processor to determine a vehicle driving condition, and adjust a screen size of the vehicle display device based on the determined vehicle driving condition; and a storage to store information determined by the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ki Tae Eom, Man Oh Hong
  • Patent number: 10940761
    Abstract: Provided is a battery management method and apparatus. The battery management method includes acquiring physical quantity data, for each of a plurality of batteries, of when corresponding physical quantities of the plurality of batteries, making up the physical quantity data, dynamically vary, calculating unbalance data based on physical quantity difference information derived from the physical quantity data, calculating feature data for the physical quantity data by projecting the unbalance data to a feature space, and determining a battery safety for one or more of the plurality of batteries based on determined distribution information of the feature data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeonghyun Park
  • Patent number: 10940762
    Abstract: This assembly, which includes a ground level power supply system of the type using conduction, including conductive tracks arranged on a roadway, and an electric vehicle, capturing electric energy from said tracks it moves on the roadway, is characterized in that the power supply system includes a ground level antenna, configured so as to have a constant radiation chart along a longitudinal axis of the roadway and emitting a positioning signal, and in that the electric vehicle includes an on board antenna and an on board module, connected to the on board antenna and capable of determining a lateral position of a center of the on board antenna relative to the longitudinal axis from the positioning signal captured by the on board antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventor: Patrick Duprat
  • Patent number: 10940764
    Abstract: A magnetic bearing system for controlling magnetic coupling between a mobile carriage and a guideway and a method for controlling the magnetic bearing system. The magnetic bearing system includes at least one engine, which includes at least two poles, at least one permanent magnet and at least one coil. The engine is configured to be magnetically coupled to the guideway through at least one air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: HYPERLOOP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Irfan-ur-rab Usman, Tim Lambert
  • Patent number: 10940765
    Abstract: A bicycle display is provided that allows the user to recognize the selected operation mode. The bicycle display includes a display screen configured to display an output state of a motor that assists in propelling of a bicycle. The display screen is configured to display an output state of the motor in a first color in a state where the motor is controlled in a first operating mode, and configured to display an output state of the motor in a second color which is different from the first color in a state where the motor is controlled in a second operating mode which is different from the first operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Takeshita, Satoshi Shahana, Natsuki Noma, Ayumi Kato
  • Patent number: 10940766
    Abstract: A communication unit or a vehicle has a control unit, a first connection, a second connection, a first switchable resistance bridge, a second switchable resistance bridge and a measuring apparatus for generating a measurement signal characterizing the voltage at the first resistance bridge. The first switchable resistance bridge and the second switchable resistance bridge are each provided between the first connection and the second connection and are connected in parallel with one another. The control unit has at least one first state and one second state, which first state corresponds to an active charging operation, and which second state occurs when the control unit in the first state receives an external abort signal via the first connection and the second connection. In the event of a change to the second state, the control unit turns off the first switch, turns off the second switch, and turns on the second switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Daniel Spesser
  • Patent number: 10940767
    Abstract: A method, applicable in a self-propelled surface-traveling robot system, for returning to a primary charging station, where the robot system comprises a surface-traveling robot and at least two charging stations for charging the robot, comprising the following steps: S1: the robot establishes a map of an area; S2: one of the charging stations is set as the primary charging station and the position of the primary charging station is recorded in the map of the area; and S3: when finishing working, the self-propelled surface-traveling robot returns to the primary charging station according to the position of the primary charging station in the map of the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: ECOVACS ROBOTICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jinju Tang, Maoyong Chen, Lei Zhu, Liangliang Liao
  • Patent number: 10940768
    Abstract: A main relay protection device includes a motor generator, a rechargeable driving battery, an externally-coupled charger, a main relay, a charging bus bar, a charging relay, a main relay temperature sensor, and a controller. The motor generator drives a vehicle. The battery supplies power to the motor generator. The charger charges the battery. The main bus bar is disposed between the battery and the motor generator. The main relay is disposed in the main bus bar. The charging bus bar is disposed between the main bus bar and the charger. The charging relay is disposed in the charging bus bar. The sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the main relay. The controller performs ON-control on the charging relay in a state where the main relay is turned on, if the detected temperature of the main relay is higher than or equal to a preset heat radiation starting threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroto Asai, Yo Masuda, Takanobu Nishikori, Kohei Takei
  • Patent number: 10940769
    Abstract: An assistance system to support non-contact charging of a battery of a motor vehicle, a corresponding method, and a corresponding motor vehicle having such an assistance system. In order to support non-contact charging, it is provided that, by a camera, a respective current image of a base plate of an off-board means providing electrical energy for the charging is captured. The captured image is compared to a predetermined reference image showing the base plate in a condition suitable for charging by a data processor. If a difference is detected, a request is automatically issued to a driver of the motor vehicle, prompting the driver to examine the base plate and confirm that the base plate is free of foreign objects interfering with charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Roman Strasser
  • Patent number: 10940770
    Abstract: A method for operating a charging system for charging electric vehicles, wherein the charging system has a charging station and at least two charging columns which are physically separate from one another and each have at least one charging connection. Each charging column has a light sensor and also a light and/or a display. The method includes receiving signals of the individual light sensors and also collectively evaluating the signals and adjusting the brightness of the light and/or the display of at least one of the charging columns depending on a result of collectively evaluating the received signals. Also described herein is a corresponding charging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventors: Steve Zander, Timo Kaul, Raoul Heyne
  • Patent number: 10940771
    Abstract: An electric propulsion system includes a polyphase rotary electric machine that imparts motor torque to a load, a traction power inverter module (“TPIM”) connected to the electric machine, a reconfigurable energy storage system (“RESS”) connected to the TPIM, and a controller. The RESS has multiple battery modules and a switching circuit. The battery modules are connectable in a series-connected (“P-connected”) configuration at a first/low battery voltage level, and a series-connected (“S-connected”) configuration at a second/high battery voltage level that exceeds the first voltage. The controller determines power losses of the electric propulsion system at the first and second battery voltage levels, receives a commanded output torque and output speed of the electric machine, and selects the S-connected or P-connected configuration based on the predetermined power loss and commanded output torque and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alireza Fatemi, Thomas W. Nehl, Chandra S. Namuduri, Lei Hao, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 10940772
    Abstract: A vehicle seat comprises a frame member provided on a floor of a vehicle, a seat part such as a seat cushion detachably attached to the frame member, a mechanical connector device provided on the frame member and the seat part for detachably attaching the seat part to the frame member; and an electric connector device provided on the frame member and the seat part for electrically connecting an electric component provided on the seat part to an electric component provided on the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kaku, Hiroyuki Numajiri, Hitomi Kobayashi, Takako Miyoshi, Satoshi Fujita, Katsuhiko Abe, Hajime Yoshida, Takahiro Mitsui, Tomoyuki Kurimoto
  • Patent number: 10940773
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat comprises construction elements that are movable relative to one another and at least one force transmission element which transmits activation forces and/or stress forces that result from the use of the vehicle seat from one construction element to the other. The force transmission element by way of at least one joint is connected to both construction elements, and conjointly with the at least one joint is an integral component part of at least one of the two construction elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg
    Inventors: Bastian Erbacher, Jochen Hofmann, Christian Schnapp, Marcel Amstein, Stefan Henning, Enno Meyer
  • Patent number: 10940774
    Abstract: An adjusting device for longitudinal adjustment of a vehicle seat comprising a first rail and a second rail movably guided in a longitudinal direction relative to the first rail includes a guide piece mounted to a side-wall of the first rail, comprising a main body, a plurality of connecting devices for connecting to the first rail, and a positioning device locked in a positioning recess, for positioning the guide piece with respect to the first rail in the longitudinal direction. The connecting devices are formed as hook-like members that are inserted through the locking recesses and grip behind the side-wall to fix guide piece to the first rail. The guide piece comprises a flexible portion connected to the positioning device and the main body, which is configured to bend in a transverse direction when mounting the guide piece to the first rail and to be locked in the positioning recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. KG (Coburg)
    Inventors: Ronald Kujawa, Leo Ioppolo
  • Patent number: 10940775
    Abstract: A release lever includes: a release pressing portion pressing a portion around a lock portion of a plate spring to release an engagement of the lock portion with a locked portion; an operation portion located in a front side of the release lever and operated by a lock release operation of an operation handle; and a swing fulcrum portion provided between the release pressing portion and the operation portion. The plate spring integrally includes: a base including the swing fulcrum portion and fixed to an upper rail; a rear biasing portion located behind the base in a vehicle front-rear direction and biasing the lock portion in a lock direction; and a front biasing portion located in front of the base in the vehicle front-rear direction and biasing the operation handle upward. The front biasing portion has a biasing force smaller than that of the rear biasing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: TF-METAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuki Tamaki, Hirotsugu Kuroda, Fumisato Mase, Shunsuke Kuroda