Patents Issued in May 6, 2021
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Publication number: 20210129640Abstract: A convertible truck cap for use on a truck bed of a pickup truck is provided. The convertible truck cap includes multiple roof bows, each of which extend upwardly from the truck bed. At least the second roof bow is slidably movable to be positionable between a non-cap use stowed position and a cap use frame position with respect to another roof bow. A plurality of side panels selectively fasten to the roof bows with at least one fastener. At least one roof panel spans the roof bows at a location configured to be above the truck bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Terry D'Hoore, Fred Bournay, Jr., Matt Baus, Anthony Massafra, Jesse James
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Publication number: 20210129641Abstract: A tonneau cover for covering the opening of a cargo bed of a pickup truck. The tonneau cover includes a sandwich panel including a structural core, a first layered section, and a second layered section. The structural core has a top surface and a bottom surface. The first layered section is coupled to the top surface of the structural core, and a second layered section is coupled to the bottom surface of the structural core. Each of the first and second layered sections includes a reinforcement layer, and at least one of the reinforcement layers of the first and second layered sections is a carbon fiber mat. The tonneau cover may have a single panel configuration or a tri-panel configuration.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: Stephen John HAWKINS
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Publication number: 20210129642Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a truck cap that sits on opposing sidewalls and over the top of a cargo box of a pickup truck is provided. The truck cap has a cap body with an opening. A cap door that is movable between open and closed positions with respect to the opening of the cap body. At least one truck cap door hinge that attaches to the cap body and the cap door of the truck cap. The truck cap door hinge includes a first hinge bracket member and a second hinge bracket member. The first hinge bracket member includes a hinge bracket to receive the pivot pin. Likewise, the second hinge bracket member includes a hinge bracket with an opening sized to receive at least a portion of the pivot pin. The first hinge bracket member and the second hinge bracket member are pivotable with respect to each other about the pivot pin.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: Truck Accessories Group, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Joal Hickey, Donald Richard Ireland, Terrill D. Becker, Mitchell Austin Westra, James Dillard Fletcher
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Publication number: 20210129643Abstract: The disclosure relates to a panel joining arrangement for a vehicle canopy. The vehicle canopy includes at least one three panel join where a side panel, roof panel and end panel of the vehicle canopy meet. The panel joining arrangement comprises first and second lip portions formed in the side panel of the vehicle canopy and a third lip portion formed in the roof panel. The first and second lip portions are longitudinally offset and transversely overlapping in relation to a length of the side panel. The third lip portion is configured to mate with the second lip portion at the three panel join of the vehicle canopy such that the third lip portion is located adjacent to and substantially flush with the first lip portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: Michael VOSS
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Publication number: 20210129644Abstract: A lift assist lock-down assembly for a soft top assembly, the lock-down assembly operably coupled to first and second bows selectively rotatable between an open/sunroof position and an open/downward position. A handle member is rotatable between unlocked and locked positions. A cam and a cam lockout selectively prevent the bows from rotating. When locked in a first position, the bows are prevented from rotating generally rearward/downward, thereby preventing the soft top assembly from moving into the open/downward position. When locked in a second position, the bows are prevented from rotating generally forward/upward, thereby generally preventing the soft top from bouncing or from moving into the open/sunroof position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2021Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Tavis Lutzka
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Publication number: 20210129645Abstract: An apparatus and method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, providing a vehicle with a hard top option where a hard top can be attached to the vehicle, a soft top option where a soft top can be attached to the vehicle, and a dual top option where either the hard top or the soft top can be attached to the vehicle. A hard top applique is provided for the hard top and a soft top applique is provide for the soft top, and a common set of fasteners is used to attach the hard top applique and the soft top applique to a pillar as needed to attach the hard top or soft top to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Ronald Lovasz, Sara James
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Publication number: 20210129646Abstract: A latching assembly for use on a pick-up truck, and particularly on a truck bed cover configured to sit over a truck bed section is provided. The latching assembly includes an electronic release assembly and a mechanical override system. An electronic release assembly includes a first rod coupled to a first electronic actuator and a second rod coupled to a second electronic actuator. The electronic release assembly also includes a first electronic actuator that selectively moves the first latch catch and the second electronic actuator that selectively moves the second latch catch. A switch is engaged to send a signal to the first and second electronic actuators to cause the first and second latch catches to disengage from the truck bed section. The first and second rods and the first and second electronic actuators also serve as part of a mechanical override system that selectively unlatches at least a portion of the truck bed cover from the truck bed section.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2021Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: TRUCK ACCESSORIES GROUP, LLCInventors: ERNEST M. MCDONALD, II, EUGENE A. DYLEWSKI, II, CHRISTOPHER DAVID MATTISON
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Publication number: 20210129647Abstract: An inflatable gate seal assembly includes a dump box that is mountable on a dump truck for carrying and dumping a load. A gate is hingedly coupled to the dump box for opening and closing the dump box. A conduit is integrated into the dump box and the conduit is fluidly coupled to an air compressor of the dump truck to receive compressed air from the air compressor. A control is positioned in a cab of the dump truck and the control is in electrical communication with the air compressor. A balloon is coupled to the dump box and the balloon is in fluid communication with the conduit. The balloon is inflated when the control is put in an on condition. Thus, the balloon engages the gate when the balloon is inflated and the gate is in the closed position to inhibit debris from passing between the dump box and the gate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: George Robinson
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Publication number: 20210129648Abstract: A profile strip arrangement includes a profile strip having first and second connecting areas. The first connecting area has a connecting section configured to establish a connection to an inside of a windshield and the second connecting area has a U-shaped or V-shaped material section having two legs which delimit a groove-shaped receiving area configured to receive a latching section of a windshield cowl cover. As seen in a cross section of the profile strip, at least a partial layer of the connecting section, which is oriented in parallel to a top of the connecting section facing the windshield, and at least a partial layer of a bottom section of the U-shaped or V-shaped material section together form a continuous base section of the profile strip which extends in one plane and from which the legs of the U-shaped or V-shaped material section project.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2018Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Michael Ortmueller, David Landeck
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Publication number: 20210129649Abstract: A foldable vehicle undercarriage barrier assembly provides a frame that carries a foldable panel. The panel positions between the undercarriage of a vehicle and a ground surface in a friction fit relationship, so as to help restrict ingress of snow, debris, and small animals beneath the vehicle undercarriage. The panel positions perpendicularly to the ground surface, forming a barrier between the undercarriage and ground surface. The panel is vertically and horizontally expandable to accommodate different vehicle sizes and types. The panel has a joint to enable foldability. The panel comprises a handle for facilitating folding and carrying of the panel. The panel is supported by a length adjustable support pole that braces against the undercarriage or a wheel when deployed. The panel is also defined by at least one sight hole to enable viewing the space beneath the undercarriage, and verify proper alignment of the panel to the undercarriage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: John Polack
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Publication number: 20210129650Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle may include a vehicle chassis, a rotatable vehicle drive axle, at least one selectively movable electric propulsion motor having a rotatable motor shaft rotatable about an axis defined by the rotatable vehicle drive axle, a motor actuator connected to the at least one selectively movable electric propulsion motor, and a control system in communication with the motor actuator. The control system may include a memory device in communication with the control system having instructions that when executed by the control system causes the control system to receive at least one input from at least one sensor and instruct the motor actuator to rotate the at least one selectively movable electric propulsion motor based on the at least one input from the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Geoffrey David Gaither, Robert C. MacArthur
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Publication number: 20210129651Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle body part including a battery system carrier integrally formed in a vehicle body to include a plurality of battery cells, a vehicle battery system integrally with the vehicle body part, and an integrated battery system vehicle including the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2018Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Stephan KLOMBERG, Nikolaus HOCHGATTERER, Rainer RETTER, Ralph WUENSCHE
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Publication number: 20210129652Abstract: A vehicle power unit room structure is provided including a motor that is disposed inside a power unit room and that is configured to transmit drive force to a drive wheel, a compressor that is disposed adjacent to the motor in a vehicle width direction so as to overlap with the motor as viewed along the vehicle width direction, and a power supply section that is configured to supply power supplied from a power source to the motor and the compressor, and that is disposed at a vehicle upper side of the compressor so as to overlap with the compressor as viewed along a vehicle vertical direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2021Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: Daisuke MURAI
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Publication number: 20210129653Abstract: A drive system includes a motor, an engine, a torque converter and an output shaft member. The torque converter is a device to which a torque outputted from the motor is inputted. The output shaft member outputs the torque inputted thereto from the torque converter or a torque inputted thereto from the engine. The engine outputs the torque to the output shaft member without through the torque converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: Yoshihiro MATSUOKA
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Publication number: 20210129654Abstract: Powertrain, comprising an inverter unit comprising an inverter configured for converting direct current to alternating current and an inverter housing defining an inverter housing interior volume accommodating the inverter, and an electric motor comprising a rotor and a stator, the rotor defining a motor axis and the electric motor being configured for providing torque, and an electric motor housing, and a reducing gear unit comprising a reducing gear and a reducing gear cover surrounding the reducing gear, the reducing gear defining an output reducing gear axis, wherein the output reducing gear axis is parallel to the motor axis, and in that the reducing gear cover and the inverter housing are arranged at opposite ends of the electric motor with respect to the motor axis, and in that the inverter housing comprises a cut-out, wherein the cut-out defines a cut-out region fully contained within the convex hull of the inverter housing, wherein the cut-out region is disjoint from the inverter housing interior volType: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Axel KRAUSE, Pascal HALTNER, Simon ISLINGER, Nicola IVAN?I?, Andreas MÜLLER, Martin BREU, Lukas BÖHLER, Konrad ZEGULA
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Publication number: 20210129655Abstract: A vehicle power system includes a battery bus between a traction battery and voltage converter, a high-voltage bus between the voltage converter and an inverter, and a controller. The controller, responsive to a contactor between the traction battery and voltage converter opening, controls an engine to maintain a speed of a generator electrically coupled with the inverter within a predefined range, controls the voltage converter to drive a measured voltage of the battery bus toward a first commanded value based on a first difference between the first commanded value and measured voltage of the battery bus, and controls the generator to drive a measured voltage of the high-voltage bus toward a second commanded value different than the first commanded value based on the first difference and a second difference between the second commanded value and the measured voltage of the high-voltage bus.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Jiyao Wang, Wei Xu, Silong Li
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Publication number: 20210129656Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission (100) for a hybrid drive arrangement which can be coupled to two drive assemblies (7, 8), comprising an input shaft (10), and an output shaft (11), at least one first, second, third and fourth shifting element (SE1, SE2, SE3, SE4), and at least one first planetary gear (5) and one second planetary gear (6). The input shaft (10) can be coupled to the ring gear planet carrier of the first planetary gear (5) by means of the first shifting element (SE1) and the output shaft (11) is coupled to the planet carrier of the first planetary gear (5). The planet carrier of the first planetary gear (5) can be coupled to the ring gear of the second planetary gear (6) by means of the second shifting element (SE2) and the planet carrier of the first planetary gear (5) can be coupled to the sun gear of the second planetary gear (6) by means of the third shifting element (SE3).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2018Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Rolf Lucius Dempel, Dominik Eszterle, Thomas Huber, Christian Wirth, Simon Brummer, Tom Smejkal
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Publication number: 20210129657Abstract: In one aspect, tensegrity structures or apparatus are described herein comprising rings or hoops. Briefly, a tensegrity structure comprises a plurality of rings spaced apart along a central axis and connected by struts, wherein the struts are coupled to a force actuator assembly via cables, the force actuator assembly residing within a volume defined by the struts. In some embodiments, the tensegrity structure employs three struts for connecting the rings, although any desired number of struts is possible. Moreover, cables can extend from opposing ends of the force actuator assembly to couple with the struts.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: Henry Paul GOODELL
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Publication number: 20210129658Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a suspension strut is integrated with a motor. The suspension strut preferably includes a damper having a tube and a piston, which damper can be partially disposed below the motor, or within the motor. Wires providing electrical power to the motor are preferably positioned such that the wires do not contact the coil spring. It is also contemplated that the suspension strut can comprise a multi-stage reduction gear, and independently, can include an oil reservoir, oil circulation pump, and oil distribution pathway configure to cool the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: William Martin Waide
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Publication number: 20210129659Abstract: A combined cooling and water braking system for a vehicle comprises a first water recirculation loop having a first heat exchanger configured to cool water flowing in the first water recirculation loop, the first water recirculation loop comprising a water conduit for transporting heat away from a propulsion device configured to generate a propulsion power for the vehicle. A second water recirculation loop having a second heat exchanger is configured to cool water flowing in the second water recirculation loop. A retarder is configured to be coupled to a pair of wheels of the vehicle. The second water recirculation loop may be selectively used for cooling the propulsion device and for providing water to the retarder for water braking. There is also provided a method for cooling a propulsion device of a vehicle and water braking a pair of wheels of a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Arne Andersson, Staffan Lundgren
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Publication number: 20210129660Abstract: A drive module for a vehicle including an electric machine, an inverter, a gearing assembly, and a cooling system. A first housing member thermally coupled with the inverter has a first set of heat exchange surfaces and a second housing member thermally coupled with the electric machine has a second set of heat exchange surfaces. The first and second sets of heat exchange surfaces each project into an interior volume cooled by an externally supplied liquid coolant which thereby defines a heat exchanger. A lower oil sump for collecting oil used to cool the electric machine may also include heat exchange surfaces projecting into the same heat exchanger. The gearbox may include an elevated oil sump which is supplied by the same oil pump circulating oil on the electric machine wherein the elevated oil sump gravity feeds oil onto selected surfaces within the gearbox.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: Michael D. Bradfield
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Publication number: 20210129661Abstract: Provided is a utility vehicle that can efficiently take the traveling wind into a vehicle and discharge muddy water and earth and sand that enter a passage for taking in the traveling wind to the outside of the vehicle. The utility vehicle includes an opening formed on the vehicle body, the opening through which a traveling wind can be taken into the vehicle body when the vehicle body travels, a radiator capable of cooling a coolant for cooling a driving source by exchanging heat with the traveling wind taken in from the opening, a passage that is provided between the opening and the radiator and guides the traveling wind taken in from the opening to the radiator, and a discharge mechanism that performs discharge operation to discharge foreign matter to outside when the foreign matter enters inside of the passage together with the traveling wind.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: Yoshinobu UOZUMI
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Publication number: 20210129662Abstract: A storage tank for a gas is provided. The storage tank includes a liner defining an internal compartment; a boss coupled to the liner; an interlayer covering a portion of the boss and the liner, the interlayer being non-pyrolyzed and including an interconnected web and pores having a diameter greater than the diameter of a hydrogen molecule and less than or equal to about 2 nm; and an outer shell including a carbon fiber reinforced composite, the outer shell covering the interlayer, except for an interlayer end that is in contact with the boss, so that the interlayer end defines an interlayer ring that is exposed to an external environment. The storage tank is configured so that when gas diffuses through the liner to the interlayer, the interlayer channels the gas out of the exposed interlayer ring. Methods of fabricating the storage tank are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Matthew BECKNER, James R. SALVADOR, Anne M. DAILLY
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Publication number: 20210129663Abstract: A fuel system is provided that includes a fuel system frame and in some cases access steps. The frame can be mounted to a vehicle frame rail. Bracket assemblies can be coupled to the fuel system frame at a plurality of positions. The fuel tank can be mounted at neck portions thereof and can be supported on the frame rail between the neck portions, e.g., spaced a distance from the neck portions in a longitudinal direction of the fuel system. The access steps can be non-rectangular to provide a wide stepping portion even if the fuel system includes large tanks. The steps can be directly supported by an outside surface of the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2021Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Momchil Yordanov, Chris Forsberg, Andrew Taylor Gordon, Adam Robertson
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Publication number: 20210129664Abstract: An axle assembly for frame rail vehicles is described herein. The axle assembly includes a drive unit that includes a first drive unit assembly, a second drive unit assembly, a first axle shaft, and a second axle shaft. The first drive unit assembly includes a first electric machine, a first output assembly, and a first offset gear reduction assembly. The second drive unit assembly includes a second electric machine, a second output assembly, and a second offset gear reduction assembly. The first electric machine and the second electric machine are orientated in a same direction, and spaced such that the axle centerline axis is positioned between the first electric machine and the second electric machine. The first offset gear reduction assembly is spaced from the second offset gear reduction assembly such that the axle centerline axis is positioned between the first offset gear reduction and the second offset gear reduction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2018Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.Inventors: Shaun MEPHAM, Christopher G. BAILLIE, Vikram CHOPRA
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Publication number: 20210129665Abstract: Provided herein is an electric powertrain including a differential assembly operably coupled to a drive axle having a set of wheel coupled to the ends thereof; a planetary gear set connected to the differential, the planetary gear set having a sun gear, a planet carrier supporting a plurality of planet gears, and a ring gear, wherein the planet carrier is drivingly engaged with the differential assembly; a first electric motor/generator; a second electric motor/generator; a first gear pass drivingly connected the first electric motor/generator and the ring gear; and a second gear pass drivingly connected the first electric motor/generator and the sun gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2021Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Krishna KUMAR, William F. WALTZ
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Publication number: 20210129666Abstract: A torque converter includes an impeller and a cover rotationally fixed to the impeller. The cover has opposing inner and outer surfaces and a through hole extending from the inner surface to the outer surface. A stud is attached to the cover. The stud has a head and a shank extending from the head. The head defines an annular projection circumscribing the shank and raised from the head. The stud is disposed on the cover with the shank extending through the hole to project from the outer surface and with the head being connected to the cover by coalescence between the annular projection and the inner surface creating a hermetic seal around the hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventors: Justin Persinger, Craig McBurney
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Publication number: 20210129667Abstract: A drive force control system for a vehicle configured to allow a driver to find out a steering angle at which a wheel grips a road surface. In the vehicle, a torque distribution ratio to a pair of wheels turned by a steering wheel and another pair of wheels is changeable. A controller restricts a control to change the torque distribution ratio in the event of a slip of the pair of wheels, if a steering angle of the pair of wheels is changed to allow the pair of wheels to grip a road surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Akio SUGAWARA, Kunihiko Usui, Ryosuke Ikemura, Keisuke Ushida
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Publication number: 20210129668Abstract: A traveling vehicle includes a pair of left and right drive wheels, a drive unit for providing driving force to the drive wheels, a drive wheel operation unit having a forward speed position, a neutral position, a reverse speed position and a parking position, a position detector for detecting the parking position of the drive wheel operation unit, a parking brake configured to brake the drive wheels under an operative state thereof, a rotation detector for detecting a predetermined state from a stopped state to a predetermined rotational speed of the drive wheels and a control unit configured to render the parking brake into the operative state on a condition including detection of the parking position by the position detector and detection of the predetermined state by the rotation detector.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: Yasuhiro Manji
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Publication number: 20210129669Abstract: A traction control system for a trailing vehicle includes an electric machine, a ground engaging apparatus in contact with a ground surface, and a disconnect device connected between the electric machine and the ground engaging apparatus. The traction control system includes one or more speed sensors to determine a differential speed of the disconnect device. The traction control system includes a controller determines when to disengage the disconnect device based in part upon the speed of the ground engaging apparatus exceeding an upper threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: WILLIAM J VANDE HAAR
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Publication number: 20210129670Abstract: A traction control system for a trailing vehicle includes an electric machine, a ground engaging apparatus in contact with a ground surface, a speed sensor measuring the speed of the ground engaging apparatus, and a controller providing a traction control signal to the electric machine. The controller is in communication with a force increase control. The controller provides a temporary increase in tractive force of the electric machine when the force increase control is activated either manually or automatically. The amount of temporary increase in the tractive force can be variable and adjustable.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: WILLIAM J VANDE HAAR, GARY KEYS, II, JOE L. SCHUTTE
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Publication number: 20210129671Abstract: A vehicle display device includes a display device, a reflecting mirror, an optical sensor configured to detect external light, and a controller configured to enable execution of a temperature lowering operation. The display device includes a light transmissive liquid crystal display unit disposed on an optical path of light emitted from a light source and a first optical member disposed between the liquid crystal display unit and the light source and configured to change an optical path of light that enters the first optical member from the light source and passes therethrough toward the liquid crystal display unit. The optical sensor is disposed on an optical path of the external light incident on the display device at a side opposite to the liquid crystal display unit across the first optical member. The first optical member includes a passage on an optical path through which the external light passes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Yuta Miyake, Kenji Yagi, Naohisa Murata, Yusuke Sugiura
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Publication number: 20210129672Abstract: Provided are a system and a method for controlling a display of a vehicle. The system for controlling a display of a vehicle includes an input part for receiving a touch input signal with respect to a touch operation region, a memory in which a haptic feedback provision program with respect to a touch input is stored, and a processor for executing the haptic feedback provision program, wherein the processor provides haptic feedback of a different feel for each touch operation region and for each function.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Sung Joon AHN, Tae Hun KIM, Seung Hwan LEE, Myung Bin CHOI, Won Sik KIM
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Publication number: 20210129673Abstract: An input device includes a display unit, a detection unit, and a press detection unit. The display unit is provided on a predetermined device mounted on a vehicle and displays information related to the vehicle. The detection unit detects a position of an operation body on an operation surface. The press detection unit detects a press state of the operation body on the operation surface. The input device causes the display unit to display a plurality of operation icons for input operation. The input device associates the operation body on the operation surface with one of the plurality of operation icons. The input device performs an input to the predetermined device according to an operation state of the operation body detected by the detection unit and the press detection unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2021Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: Tetsuya TOMARU
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Publication number: 20210129674Abstract: A compensation apparatus compensates for leakage currents on conductors that include active conductors. The apparats (20) has a differential current measuring apparatus (22), a power supply unit (60), a first signal generator (33), an output stage (28) and a supply apparatus (39). The differential current measuring apparatus (22) captures a first signal at a first location of the active conductors and supplies it to the first signal generator (33). The first signal characterizes differential current on the active conductors. The first signal generator (33) generates a second signal to compensate for the differential current from the first signal and supplies this second signal to the output stage (28). The output stage (28) injects a compensation current into at least one of the active conductors via the supply apparatus (39) on the basis of the second signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Florian Mayer, Daniel Spesser, Tim Pfizenmaier
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Publication number: 20210129675Abstract: A method for detecting an isolation fault in an isolation resistance between a positive and negative high-voltage bus rail and a vehicle chassis on a high-voltage propulsion side of a high-voltage system of an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle. The high-voltage system is split into a battery side and propulsion side by means of two high-voltage contactors located in the positive and negative high-voltage bus rails. The propulsion side includes first and second capacitors connected in series across the positive and negative bus rails, a common junction of the first and second capacitors connected to the chassis. The method supplies a low-voltage output to the positive and negative bus rails to charge the capacitors; and determines, based on charging current, voltage level or energy level of the capacitors, whether an isolation fault is present between the positive and/or negative high-voltage bus rail and the vehicle chassis on the propulsion side.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2021Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: Björn ISAKSSON
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Publication number: 20210129676Abstract: There is provided a method of operating an electric device. The method includes receiving one or more operating power levels being used by one or more loads on a given circuit of the electric device, and setting a power threshold based on the one or more operating power levels. The method also includes receiving an output power level being delivered to the given circuit by a power source connected to the given circuit, and comparing the output power level with the power threshold. Furthermore, the method includes, if the output power level exceeds the power threshold, reducing the output power level to less than or equal to the power threshold. A related power regulator is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Willem JAGER, Tim LAMBERT, Peter MANKOWSKI
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Publication number: 20210129677Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling and regulating a required pressing force from a current collector of a vehicle on an overhead line, a method for using such a device and a vehicle having at least one such device, wherein the device has a base control circuit, an additional control circuit and a working pressure control circuit. The base control circuit has a base control circuit adjustment device for adjusting a base pressure from a provided power pressure and the additional control circuit has a control device for adjusting an additional pressure from a provided power pressure, wherein the base pressure and the additional pressure act together to form a working pressure and to provide the required pressing force.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2018Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Manfred VOHLA, Kurt HASELSTEINER
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Publication number: 20210129678Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a traction battery and a battery thermal control system. A controller is configured to receive an initial regenerative braking capability and operation the battery thermal control system to precondition the traction battery during a charge event to a temperature that corresponds to the initial regenerative braking capability such that, during a subsequent drive cycle, the regenerative braking capability is at least equal to the initial regenerative braking capability for at least a predetermined duration into the subsequent drive cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Jonathan Barker, Kevin Mackenzie, Liam West
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Publication number: 20210129679Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake control device and a brake control method for a vehicle comprising a plurality of brakes which are respectively installed on wheels, the brake control device comprising an auto leveling sensor which senses a load state of the vehicle according to a change in an angle; a control unit which calculates a correction value according to the load state of the vehicle sensed by the auto leveling sensor; and an electronic brake booster which corrects a predetermined braking power set according to a brake pedal force with the calculated correction value so that the braking operation of each brake is made.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Bongbum Back
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Publication number: 20210129680Abstract: A brake control system for a vehicle includes a brake actuator operable over a range from an initial position that includes contiguous portions of displacement that are a first portion of displacement, a second portion of displacement and a third portion of displacement, a controller and an actuation sensor operatively coupled to the brake actuator. The actuation sensor sends a signal to the controller to activate a regenerative braking system using an electric motor of the vehicle if the actuation sensor detects the brake actuator is in the first portion of displacement. The regenerative braking system is activated and the friction braking system is activated when the brake actuator is in the second portion of displacement. The regenerative braking system is deactivated and the friction braking system is activated when the brake actuator is in the third portion of displacement.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: Taiga Motors, Inc.Inventors: Samuel BRUNEAU, Gabriel BERNATCHEZ, Paul ACHARD
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Publication number: 20210129681Abstract: A solar powered electric vehicle comprising a conventional electric vehicle and an inflatable non-imaging solar concentrator based concentrating photovoltaic system trailer. The trailer is super-light and able to charge the front electric vehicle when it is moving. The inflatable non-imaging solar concentrator can concentrate both beam light and diffuse light. The inflatable non-imaging solar concentrator dramatically reduces the area of the semiconductor receiver of the concentrating photovoltaic system and significantly reduces its cost. The trailer is made foldable by hanging multiple trailer units mounted with the inflatable non-imaging solar concentrator based concentrating photovoltaic systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventor: Yonghua Wang
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Publication number: 20210129682Abstract: An excavator comprising: a power supply that converts AC power supply voltage from a commercial power supply into DC power supply voltage; a battery that charges or discharges power from the power supply; an inverter that converts DC power supply voltage to AC power supply voltage; an electric motor that has power supplied thereto, and is controlled, by the inverter; a first electrical circuit that supplies power to the inverter from the power supply; a second electrical circuit that joins from the battery to the first electrical circuit; an inverter relay arranged between the inverter and a junction point between the first electrical circuit and the second electrical circuit; a battery relay arranged between the junction point and the battery; and a power supply relay arranged between the junction point and the power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kensuke KANEDA, Jun TERASHIMA
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Publication number: 20210129683Abstract: Controller determines an output limit value that defines an upper limit of a current or power recommended for suppressing cell deterioration based on a voltage, a current, and a temperature of each cell, and notifies host controller in electric vehicle of the determined output limit value. When electric vehicle climbs a hill, controller calculates a current value or power value to be discharged from power storage unit, the current value or power value being required for electric vehicle to climb the hill at a speed not less than a set minimum speed, while suppressing an amount of deterioration of cells within an allowable range, and when the calculated current value or power value is larger than the output limit value, replaces the output limit value with the calculated current value or power value.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2021Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: JUN YAMASAKI, CHANGHUI YANG, MASAHARU AMAIKE, TAKASHI IIDA
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Publication number: 20210129684Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a battery system includes: a system frame configured to include a pair of first frame beams that extend in a first direction and a pair of second frame beams that extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and that are connected to the first frame beams; a plurality of traverses spaced apart in the first direction and coupled to the pair of first frame beams; and a plurality of battery modules respectively coupled to at least one of the traverses and each including a plurality of battery cells arranged in the second direction, wherein the pair of first frame beams includes a plurality of coolant supply lines, and at least one of the traverses is connected to the coolant supply lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2017Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Ralph WUENSCHE, Oliver STOJANOVIC, Horst KRIEGER, Nikolaus HOCHGATTERER, Werner AMREICH
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Publication number: 20210129685Abstract: This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle including a bolt configured to increase the ease of releasing a connection between a battery and a vehicle frame, and a corresponding method. An example vehicle includes a frame, a battery mounted to the frame, and a fastener forming a connection of the battery to the frame. A section of the fastener is configured to increase the ease of releasing the connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Ahteram Khan, Jingmei Shen, Ying Zhao, Anil Reddy Pullalarevu, Yongcai Wang
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Publication number: 20210129686Abstract: An electric propulsion system includes a battery pack and a DC-DC converter. The converter has a bypass switch and semiconductor switches. A traction power inverter module (“TPIM”) rectifies a DC bus voltage on the voltage bus to produce an AC bus voltage. An electric machine is connected to the TPIM and energized via the AC bus voltage. A controller calculates required output power from the converter based on a requested operating mode, and speed and torque of the electric machine. When the output power exceeds a threshold, the bypass switch closes to bypass the converter. When the output power is less than the threshold, the controller uses a minimum loss voltage from a loss map as a target control voltage of the converter to optimize efficiency of the electric propulsion system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Lei Hao, Chandra S. Namuduri, Suresh Gopalakrishnan, Chengwu Duan, Norman K. Bucknor
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Publication number: 20210129687Abstract: A system for utilizing a deployable flex range battery to augment a primary battery is provided. The system includes a flex electronics bay. The flex electronics bay is electrically connected to an electrical sub-system including the primary battery and includes a DC-DC converter operable to change a voltage of electric power and at least one battery connection terminal. The system further includes the deployable flex range battery removably connected to the at least one battery connection terminal and a flex electronics bay controller programmed to selectively supply electric power from the flex electronics bay to the electrical sub-system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Venkata Prasad Atluri, Hanho Yun, Neeraj S. Shidore, Chandra S. Namuduri, Venkatesh Gopalakrishnan
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Publication number: 20210129688Abstract: A freight vehicle includes a chassis, a body portion having therein a vehicle cabin in which an occupant rides and supported by a front end of the chassis, a tilt mechanism that is provided on the chassis and that tilts the body portion with respect to the chassis, a tank that is disposed on the body portion and stores gas, a gas consuming unit that is supported by the chassis and supplied with the gas to consume the gas, and a pipe that connects the tank and the gas consuming unit and through which the gas flows. At least a part of the pipe is composed of a flexible pipe having a first end fixed to the body portion and a second end fixed to the chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, HINO MOTORS, LTD.Inventors: Yutaka SAWADA, Yukihide YOKOYAMA
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Publication number: 20210129689Abstract: A notification controller controls a notification apparatus that gives a notification to a user of a mobile body. The notification controller controls the notification apparatus to carry out at least one of first notification to control the notification apparatus to give a notification about start of external charging, second notification to control the notification apparatus to give a notification about end of external charging, third notification to control the notification apparatus to give a notification about start of external power feed, and fourth notification to control the notification apparatus to give a notification about end of external power feed. The notification controller can carry out suppression control to restrict a frequency of notification by the notification apparatus by suppressing notification by the notification apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2020Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Toru Nakamura, Tadatsugu Udono, Chiaki Kanda