Patents Issued in July 6, 2021
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Patent number: 11052741Abstract: Suitable for frame vehicles, the kit provides a frame to be mounted on the chassis with attachment devices at a head section and at a middle section of the frame that supports an electric motor, a transmission and at least one battery system. Replacement of the conventional engine and transmission by the frame-mounted unit can be fast. The frame can be attached at the middle section using shear bolts to avoid impeding a crumple of the chassis during a front impact.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Inventors: Duy-An Ta, Noël Giguère, François-Nicolas Lanciault
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Patent number: 11052742Abstract: A mounting system includes a chassis, guide rods, and lifting elements. The guide rods extend from a back wall of the chassis and are suspended above a support platform of the chassis. A first guide rod is spaced a designated height above the support platform to be received within a channel of a module while the module is disposed on the support platform. The first guide rod guides movement of the module towards the back wall. As the module approaches the back wall, a first lifting element engages the module at an angled contact interface to lift the module off the support platform responsive to additional movement of the module towards the back wall. When the module is fully loaded, the module is supported by the back wall, the first lifting element, and/or the first guide rod, and is spaced apart from the support platform by a gap.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: TRANSPORTATION IP HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Mark Murphy, Andrew Louis Krivonak, Henry Todd Young, Jeffrey John Wolff
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Patent number: 11052743Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, periodically adjusting powertrain operation of an electrified vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine to progressively influence oil quality of oil of the internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2015Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Shunsuke Okubo, Floyd Cadwell
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Patent number: 11052744Abstract: A transmission having a main transmission and a splitter group, and including at least four spur gear planes formed with a countershaft and at least five shifting elements for engaging at least six gears between the transmission input and output shafts. When shifting between gears with the highest and the second-highest gear ratios, a shift occurs in the shifting elements associated with the splitter group but not in the shifting elements associated with the main transmission, whereas when shifting between gears with the lowest and second-lowest gear ratios, a shift occurs in the shifting elements associated with the main transmission but not in the shifting elements associated with the splitter group. An electric machine can be connected by a gearset, and depending on its shift position, the gearset acts as a pre-transmission ratio for the electric machine or as a superimposition transmission.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Johannes Glückler, Christian Mittelberger, Kai Bornträger, Rayk Gersten, Stefan Renner
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Patent number: 11052745Abstract: This disclosure describes powersplit hybrid transaxles for hybrid vehicles. An exemplary hybrid transaxle may include a dual sprocket assembly at least partially disposed between an engine and a first electric machine (e.g., a generator). A power transfer unit, such as a planetary gear set, may be nested within the dual sprocket assembly. Chains may operatively connect the power transfer unit to driven sprockets of a second electric machine (e.g., a traction motor) and a differential to provide torque to vehicle drive wheels. The proposed hybrid transaxles provide improved efficiency and compact packaging configurations.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2020Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: David Allen Janson, David Gon Oh
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Patent number: 11052746Abstract: A vehicle drive assembly with transverse dual-power-source, comprising two power sources and an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission has a first input shaft and a second input shaft, and the two power sources are respectively connected to the two input shafts; a first intermediate shaft is provided parallel to the first input shaft, a second intermediate shaft is provided coaxial with the first input shaft, a third intermediate shaft is provided coaxial with the first intermediate shaft, and a first gear and a second gear on the first intermediate shaft are in engaged transmission; a third gear shaft and a fourth gear on the second intermediate shaft are in engaged transmission; and a fifth gear and a sixth gear on the third intermediate shaft are in engaged transmission, and the sixth gear is simultaneously in engaged transmission with a seventh gear on a differential.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: JING-JIN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Ping Yu, Changqi Yang, Jianwen Li
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Patent number: 11052747Abstract: A powertrain has an engine, a continuously variable power source (CVP), an output shaft and a transmission configured to provide selection between a plurality of transmission modes. The transmission includes a variator, with first and second output members, that is operably connected to the engine and the CVP and forward, reverse, first speed and second speed transmission components, each having an engaged position and a disengaged position. The transmission configured to provide at least first and second forward transmission modes and a reverse transmission mode in each of which combined power from the engine and the CVP rotates the output shaft. The forward, first speed and second speed transmission components are substantially coaxial with the output members of the variator.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Thomas G. Ore
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Patent number: 11052748Abstract: A controlling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment is a controlling apparatus of a hybrid vehicle 30 including a motor generator 3 that is mechanically connected to an internal combustion engine 2 and that can generate power in response to rotation of the internal combustion engine 2 and provide torque to the internal combustion engine 2, the controlling apparatus 1 including a rotation information acquiring unit 11 that acquires rotation information of the motor generator 3 with a higher resolution than rotation information of the internal combustion engine 2 and an assist determining unit 12 that makes a determination regarding the start assist by the motor generator 3 based on the rotation information of the motor generator 3.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignees: SHINDENGEN ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Takayuki Meguro, Mitsuhiro Kimura, Ryuichi Takao, Isao Shokaku
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Patent number: 11052749Abstract: A drive assembly is provided with an automatic transmission, comprising a first input shaft, a first power source is connected to the first input shaft, an output shaft, and an intermediate shaft; a first stage of deceleration gear train is mounted through the first input shaft and the intermediate shaft, an Nth stage of deceleration gear train is mounted through the intermediate shaft and the output shaft, and N?2; and a second input shaft is provided parallel to the intermediate shaft or the output shaft, a second power source is connected to the second input shaft, a driving gear on the second input shaft is engaged with any the second stage to the Nth stage, and the power of the second power source is transmitted to the output shaft via the one stage of deceleration gear train.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: JING-JIN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Ping Yu, Ting Wang, Jianwen Li
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Patent number: 11052750Abstract: A power transmission apparatus of a hybrid electric vehicle using an engine and a motor/generator as power sources includes: a first input shaft selectively connected to a rotor of the motor/generator; a second input shaft disposed external to the first input shaft, and selectively connected to the rotor; an idle shaft disposed in parallel with the first input shaft; an intermediate shaft shifting rotational power transmitted from the first input shaft to the idle shaft; a first output shaft shifting and outputting rotational power transmitted from the second input shaft and the idle shaft; a second output shaft shifting and outputting rotational power transmitted from the first input shaft; and a plurality of gear sets shifting the rotational power input through the first and second input shafts.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Seong Wook Hwang, Seongwook Ji, Ki Tae Kim, Chon Ok Kim, Soonki Eo, Wonmin Cho, Ilhan Yoo, Juhyeon Park, Dongwoo Kim, Hye Jin Lim, Dong Hwan Hwang, Jong Hyo Park
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Patent number: 11052751Abstract: A coaxial propulsion system is provided, which comprises a housing, and two or more electric motors provided in the housing, wherein the electric motors share one common shaft. At least one of the two or more electric motors is a permanent-magnet synchronous motor, an asynchronous motor or a switched reluctance motor, and of different efficiency maps. The system can improve the power density and system efficiency of propulsion system while maintaining high performance output, to enhance the integration level, and reduce size, weight and cost.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: JING-JIN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Ping Yu, Zifu Wang
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Patent number: 11052752Abstract: A cooling apparatus for cooling compressed air produced by a compressor of a supercharger includes an air-cooled intercooler through which the compressed air flows, a grille shutter capable of blocking a flow of wind toward the intercooler, and a controller. The controller performs control processing to close the grille shutter when an ambient temperature around the intercooler is lower than or equal to zero degrees centigrade and a pressure value of the compressed air is lower than a predetermined pressure value at which condensate water generated within the intercooler is maintained in an unfrozen state at the ambient temperature lower than or equal to zero degrees centigrade, or otherwise performs control processing to open the grille shutter.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Keisuke Fujikura
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Patent number: 11052753Abstract: A dual-fuel tank houses one or more compressed natural gas (CNG) vessels and one or more diesel fuel vessels. The diesel fuel vessels are generally disposed laterally outwardly from the CNG vessels to provide a buffer that protects the CNG vessels from side impacts. The dual-fuel tank may be retrofit onto a diesel locomotive in place of the locomotive's diesel fuel tank to convert the locomotive into a dual-fuel locomotive. The dual-fuel tank may be provided in a ship.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: CNGMOTIVE, INC.Inventors: David I. Scott, Pedro T. Santos
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Patent number: 11052754Abstract: A fuel tank made of a resin includes: a tank body having walls facing each other therein; and an internal strut including both ends fixed to the facing walls respectively. The internal strut has a grid shape such that through holes are arranged as viewed from a side.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: YACHIYO INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Alan Lichti, Matthew Maples
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Patent number: 11052755Abstract: A capless fuel door assembly including a body pivotally supported within a housing of the vehicle between closed and opened positions. The body includes an exterior projection exhibiting an angled slide. A spring is secured to the housing and includes an extended portion supported against an end stop location of the projection defining a first end of said angled slide in order to exert the body in the closed position, with opening of the body about the pivot causing a decrease in the closing force as the spring portion displaces along said angled slide to a second end to achieve the opened position.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2020Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Martinrea International US Inc.Inventor: Sorin Stancu
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Patent number: 11052756Abstract: A drive device for a motor vehicle includes an electrical machine which is operatively connected to a transmission device via a drive shaft. The transmission device has at least a first and a second planetary stage and a differential stage. Each planetary stage includes a planet set having a plurality of planet gears, the planet gears being rotatably arranged on a planet carrier and meshing with a sun gear and with a ring gear. The second ring gear has external teeth which mesh with internal teeth of a ring gear cup fixed to a housing in a stationary manner.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Franz Voelkel
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Patent number: 11052757Abstract: Methods of controlling axle torque distribution of a vehicle during steering through a curve include collecting, via a controller: input data which is representative of a plurality of vehicle inputs; vehicle data which is representative of axle torque of the front axle and axle torque of the rear axle; and constraint data which is representative of real-time constraints of the vehicle. The collected input data, vehicle data and constraint data are communicated to a predictive model. Determining, using the predictive model, whether torque adjustments are necessary. The distribution of the axle torque of the front axle and the axle torque of the rear axle is controlled, via the controller, when the torque adjustments are necessary as determined via the predictive model.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: SeyedAlireza Kasaiezadeh Mahabadi, Yubiao Zhang, Seyedeh Asal Nahidi, James H. Holbrook, John R. Yost, Hualin Tan, Bakhtiar B. Litkouhi
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Patent number: 11052758Abstract: A method of controlling an axle assembly. At least one wheel hub may be operatively connected to a differential assembly having a ring gear when the ring gear does not receive torque from a torque source. Torque from the wheel hub may rotate the ring gear and the ring gear may provide splash lubrication.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Dale Eschenburg, Brian D. Hayes, Robert J. Martin, Phillip Leicht, Christopher Keeney
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Patent number: 11052759Abstract: A traveling vehicle includes: a body; a steering wheel that is attached to the body and rotates around a rotating shaft; and a forward-reverse switching lever that switches between a forward position, a neutral position, and a reverse position. The forward-reverse switching lever includes: a lever main body that is pulled up at the neutral position and swings forward or rearward in a pulled-up state; and a grip mounted to an upper portion of the lever main body, the grip includes: a base portion including an upper face; and a protruding portion protruding downward from the base portion, and the protruding portion includes: a distal face that is opposite a rotating-shaft side of the protruding portion; a first side face; and a second side face.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Kensuke Taira, Toyohiko Kumatori, Satoshi Yoshikawa, Takuya Inamori
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Patent number: 11052760Abstract: A vehicle control device incorporating a plurality of vehicle control elements, at least one control apparatus to alter a functionality of the vehicle control elements, each of the vehicle control elements adapted in use to control a valve in a hydraulic line, in which each vehicle control element incorporates a vehicle control display element, the vehicle control display element indicating whether the functionality of the vehicle control element may be altered. This allows a driver when looking at the vehicle control element easily to see from the vehicle control display element whether the functionality of the vehicle control element may be changed.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: AGCO International GmbHInventors: Daniel Vonroth, Jan Weigand, Markus Ehrl
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Patent number: 11052761Abstract: A control device in a vehicle display system includes: a gazed image display output unit configured to display a normal gazed image in a part of each of main screen areas; a gazed image visual recognition determination unit configured to determine, based on a line-of-sight state, whether an occupant visually recognizes a normal gazed image in one of the main screen areas; and a main screen area selection unit configured to select, based on an input unit, the main screen area corresponding to the normal gazed image determined to be visually recognized by the occupant. Earlier selection display information displayed in an earlier selection main screen area selected earlier by the main screen area selection unit is displayed in a later selection main screen area selected later.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Masaki Saito, Kentaro Otomo, Atsushi Ishibashi, Yu Kawahara, Shinichi Okamoto
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Patent number: 11052762Abstract: A cockpit for a vehicle includes an interactive device and an instrument panel. The interactive device includes an entry section that collects a first voice messages produced by vehicle occupants and an output section that outputs a second voice messages to the vehicle occupants. The instrument panel is provided at a vehicle cabin front portion. The interactive device is fixed to the vehicle width direction center of the instrument panel. The entry section and output section are exposed to the vehicle cabin interior.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nobuo Nakamura, Toshikazu Tanemura, Masaki Ito
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Patent number: 11052763Abstract: An electric apparatus (air pump), which operates by receiving a power supply from a drive control apparatus (PDU) mounted in a fuel cell vehicle, includes a first connection terminal section configured to directly connect to the drive control apparatus, and a second connection terminal section configured to connect to the drive control apparatus via a cable.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryoichi Yoshitomi, Takuma Kanazawa
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Patent number: 11052764Abstract: An energy supply device for supplying electric power to a consumer of a vehicle has an input for establishing a connection to an on-board network of the vehicle in order to provide an input voltage for a transmission arrangement, an output for outputting a supply voltage to operate the consumer, a transmission arrangement for purposes of transmitting electric energy between the input and the output, whereby the transmission arrangement comprises a signaling adaptation means, so that, as a function of a deviation of the input voltage that is critical for the electric power supply, a signal is impressed upon the supply voltage, whereby the signal can be evaluated in the consumer on the basis of the supply voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Mathias Müller, Eugen Nürnberg, Dennis Hoffmeister
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Patent number: 11052765Abstract: A first and a second control device capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from a third control device that performs an overall management to the control devices. The third device transmits a command signal to the second device in response to a reception signal from the first device. The first device transmits, to the second device and the third device, an electrical power storage unit signal includes at least one of control information and abnormality information about charging/discharging. The second device includes a function of controlling actuation of a rotating electrical machine on the basis of an actuation command signal about actuation of the rotating electrical machine transmitted from the third device in response to the electrical power storage unit signal, and a function of controlling actuation of the rotating electrical machine on the basis of the electrical power storage unit signal transmitted from the first device.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Kenji Inokuma, Takuto Suzuki, Hiroshi Inamura
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Patent number: 11052766Abstract: Systems and methods for energy storage and management may be useful for a variety of applications, including launch devices. A system can include a direct current (DC) bus configured to operate within a predetermined range of voltages. The system can also include an array comprising a plurality of ultra-capacitors connected to the DC bus and configured to supply the DC bus with energy. The system can further include an input configured to receive energy from a power grid, wherein the power grid is configured to supply fewer than 250 amps of power. The system can additionally include an output configured to supply more than 250 amps of power. The system can also include a controller configured to control charging and discharging of the array of ultra-capacitors and configured to control the DC bus to remain within the predetermined range of voltages.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Velocity Magnetics, Inc.Inventor: Domenic P. Marzano
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Patent number: 11052767Abstract: The motor vehicle comprises a first motor configured to drive front wheels; a second motor configured to drive rear wheels; and a control device configured to control the first motor and the second motor, such that the motor vehicle is driven with a required torque for driving. The control device controls the first motor and the second motor to set a larger value to a rear wheel distribution ratio that is a ratio of a torque of the rear wheels to the required torque, when the motor vehicle runs on a low ? road having a road surface friction coefficient equal to or less than a predetermined value and is currently turned, compared with a value when the motor vehicle does not run on the low ? road or when the motor vehicle is not currently turned.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroyuki Tsukashima
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Patent number: 11052768Abstract: In an electric vehicle including a motor for traveling, when an accelerator is switched from an on-state to an off-state, the motor is controlled such that a vehicle torque is varied more gradually toward a requested torque on a brake side (requested torque in the off-state) in turning than in traveling straight. Thereby, when the accelerator is switched from the on-state to the off-state in turning, drivability of the driver can be restrained from deteriorating.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Tatsuya Kaneko
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Patent number: 11052769Abstract: A traction control system and a method of controlling at least one traction motor of a trailer coupled to a work vehicle are provided. The method includes determining a work vehicle traction force, determining an output force command for at least one traction motor based at least partially on the work vehicle traction force, and controlling at least one traction motor according to the output force command.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: William J. Vande Haar, Steven A. Duppong, Zachary Kail, Chase A. Freidig
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Patent number: 11052770Abstract: A first method of predicting the range of an electric vehicle comprises, determining a range value during a current vehicle operating cycle using a first range model, wherein the first range model is dependent on an energy consumption rate value recorded during a previous vehicle operating cycle. A second method of predicting the range of an electric vehicle comprises, monitoring a trailer detecting means of the vehicle; and determining a first range value if the trailer detecting means detects that a trailer is attached to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventors: Karmjit Grewal, Andrew Burrows
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Patent number: 11052771Abstract: Provided is a vehicle-mounted power supply device detecting connection with an external power source and charging a power storage unit by stepping up a supply voltage based on the external power source. A vehicle-mounted power supply device includes an external terminal to which a power supply path from an external power source is connectable, a detection unit detects that the power supply path is connected to the external terminal, and a power supply circuit unit allows for flow of a current from the external terminal side toward the second conduction path side at least when the power supply path is connected to the external terminal. The control unit controls a step-down operation and a step-up operation of the voltage conversion unit, and causes the voltage conversion unit to perform the step-up operation when connection between the external terminal and the power supply path is detected by the detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Takanori Itou, Seiji Takahashi
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Patent number: 11052772Abstract: Techniques are described for implementing automated control systems that manipulate operations of specified target systems, such as by modifying or otherwise manipulating inputs or other control elements of the target system that affect its operation (e.g., affect output of the target system). An automated control system may in some situations have a distributed architecture with multiple decision modules that each controls a portion of a target system, and may further have one or more components that interacts with one or more users to obtain a description of the target system, including restrictions related to the various elements of the target system, and one or more goals to be achieved during control of the target system. The component(s) then perform various automated actions to generate, test and deploy one or more executable decision modules to use in performing the control of the target system based on the user-specified information.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Veritone Alpha, Inc.Inventors: Wolf Kohn, Michael Luis Sandoval, Vishnu Vettrivel, Jonathan Cross, Jason Knox, David Talby, Mike Lazarus
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Patent number: 11052773Abstract: There is provided a vehicle structure of an electric automobile including: a center module having a battery that is accommodated beneath a floor of a vehicle cabin; a front module that is joined to a vehicle front side of the center module; a rear module that is joined to a vehicle rear side of the center module; a driving unit that is provided at one of the front module or the rear module, and that is connected to the battery; and a control unit that is provided at another of the front module or the rear module, and that controls autonomous driving of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhiro Hara, Ayano Tsuruta
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Patent number: 11052774Abstract: A rail transit braking energy recovery system. The rail transit braking energy recovery system comprises a braking motor, a fuel battery, an electrolytic bath, and a hydrogen tank. The braking motor is used for converting braking energy of the rail transit into electric energy. An output end of the braking motor is connected to a power input end of the electrolytic bath. The electrolytic bath comprises a hydrogen output end and an oxygen output end, the hydrogen output end is connected to the hydrogen tank, and the hydrogen tank is connected to the fuel battery and is used for supplying hydrogen to the fuel battery. In the system, only the electrolytic bath is structurally added, and the existing vehicle-mounted hydrogen tank is directly used for storing hydrogen, therefore the structure is simple, the self weight of the vehicle body is reduced, the energy conversion efficiency is high, and at the same time, the injection of hydrogen is reduced and the operation cost is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: CRRC QINGDAO SIFANG CO., LTD.Inventors: Xu Zhang, Jianying Liang, Xiaojun Deng, Kelei Li, Wenchao Zhang, Yankun Li
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Patent number: 11052775Abstract: A second communication unit of a power receiving vehicle sends a charging start request signal to a power supplying vehicle located on a planned travel route of the power receiving vehicle. At least one of a first travel control unit of the power supplying vehicle and a second travel control unit of the power receiving vehicle brings the power supplying vehicle and the power receiving vehicle close to each other up to a position that satisfies a charging start condition when the first travel control unit receives the charging start request signal from the power receiving vehicle through a first communication unit of the power supplying vehicle. The remaining charge of a battery of the power receiving vehicle is managed by performing charging between the power supplying vehicle and the power receiving vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomohito Matsuoka, Seiichi Tsunoda, Jiro Goto, Masayuki Yamada, Yasutaka Eto, Keima Fukunaga
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Patent number: 11052776Abstract: A vehicle charging station according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cooling system configured to communicate a cooling airflow to a portion of a thermal management system located onboard an electrified vehicle, the cooling system including a fan and a chiller assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2015Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Erik J. Christen, Matthew Fleming, Ray C. Siciak
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Patent number: 11052777Abstract: When batteries of a plurality of electric autonomous moving bodies are charged, each of the electric autonomous moving bodies sends charging state information indicating a charging state of the battery of the electric autonomous moving body. A controller executes control for switching a charging state and a non-charging state of the battery of each of the electric autonomous moving body based on the charging state information of the batteries of the respective electric autonomous moving bodies in such a way that the total amount of current that flows through the batteries of the respective electric autonomous moving bodies does not exceed an allowable current of a charger unit and a power supply line.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masayuki Itoh
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Patent number: 11052778Abstract: Provided are a wireless charging system and methodology including a charging station, an application, and a server configured and operating to facilitate wireless vehicle charging. The charging station includes a charging unit for transferring power, a control unit, and a communication unit. The application is accessible through a mobile device and capable of communicating with the charging station. The server is capable of communicating with the charging station and the mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: HEVO INC.Inventors: Jeremy Ryan McCool, Steven Clark Monks
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Patent number: 11052779Abstract: A charging station having a static charging column, an operator control panel mounted in the charging column, a charging cable mounted in the charging column, and a plug receptacle mounted in the charging column for a charging plug connected to the charging cable. The charging column has an upper receptacle and a lower receptacle on a front side. In a first configuration for use by a standing person the charging column is configured such that the operator control panel is received by the upper receptacle and the plug receptacle is received by the lower receptacle. In a second configuration for use by a person seated in a wheelchair the charging column is configured such that an appliance carrier which projects beyond the front side is received by the lower receptacle, wherein the appliance carrier receives the operator control panel and the plug receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Inventor: David Köhler
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Patent number: 11052780Abstract: The vehicle dispatching system accepts a dispatch request from a user, selects an autonomous vehicle matching with the dispatch request from among a plurality of autonomous vehicles, and dispatches a selected autonomous vehicle to the user. The plurality of autonomous vehicles include a plurality of battery-mounted vehicles having an in-vehicle battery capable of being charged externally as an energy source. Each of the plurality of battery-mounted vehicles performs charging at a charging station when a charging level of the in-vehicle battery decreases. The vehicle dispatching system comprises a management server including a processor for executing programs stored in memory, the management server programmed to act as a charging planning unit that changes an upper limit charging level of the in-vehicle battery when charging at the charging station according to a time slot.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Koji Taguchi, Makoto Morita
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Patent number: 11052781Abstract: A non-contact power supply system supplies electric power in a non-contact manner from a plurality of power transmission coils disposed on a road to a power receiving coil mounted on a vehicle traveling on the road. The non-contact power supply system includes a first estimation unit configured to estimate a future position of the vehicle, based on a speed of the vehicle, and a specifying unit configured to specify a power transmission coil that has to be in an activated state that is a state of being able to supply electric power to the power receiving coil, among the power transmission coils, based on the estimated future position.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yasunao Yoshizaki
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Patent number: 11052782Abstract: A charging system for a vehicle is provided. The charging system is for charging an energy storage system of the vehicle using grid power. The grid power may be an external three-phase AC. The charging system may use field weakening techniques to reduce a peak line-line voltage detected at input terminals of conversion circuitry when a need is determined.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2020Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: BAE Systems Controls Inc.Inventors: Nicholas A. Lemberg, Peter A. Carruthers
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Patent number: 11052783Abstract: System and method of controlling operation of a device having multiple rechargeable packs configured to store energy. The multiple rechargeable packs include at least one primary pack characterized by a first capacity and at least one auxiliary pack characterized by a second capacity, the first capacity being greater than the second capacity. A controller is configured to selectively command one or more of the multiple rechargeable packs to begin at least one of discharging and charging. When an estimated end of trip time is less than or equal to a discharging time of the at least one auxiliary pack, the discharging of the at least one auxiliary pack is begun. When the estimated end of trip time is greater than the discharging time, the discharging is delayed until the respective state of charge of the at least one primary pack reaches a first threshold.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James C. Gibbs, Brandon R. Jones, Garrett M. Seeman
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Patent number: 11052784Abstract: A system include a vehicle having a motive electrical power path and a power distribution unit (PDU). The PDU includes a current protection circuit disposed in the motive electrical power path, the current protection circuit including a thermal fuse and a contactor in a series arrangement with the thermal fuse, and a high voltage power input coupling having a first electrical interface for a high voltage power source. The high voltage power output coupling includes a second electrical interface for a motive power load. The current protection circuit electrically couples the high voltage power input to the high voltage power output, and the current protection circuit is at least partially disposed in a laminated layer of the PDU. The laminated layer includes an electrically conductive flow path disposed between two electrically insulating layers.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Martin Wayne Mensch, Brandon William Fisher, Robert Stephen Douglass, Austin Robert Zurface, Jeff Howard Urian, James David, Bharath Suda, Asheesh Soni
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Patent number: 11052785Abstract: A seating layout of an autonomous automobile, which is aligned in a roughly rounded, circular or elliptical arrangement is disclosed. The seating layout comprises of a seating area and a cabin structure to provide a unique travelling experience in terms of atmosphere and feelings for the passengers along with different aspects of travel such as comfort, safety, ergonomics, etc. The seating area and the cabin structure are aligned and assembled together in such a way that the passengers are oriented towards a common focal area. This arrangement stimulates interaction and in turn, provides a communal atmosphere to the passengers. The novelty of this layout in an autonomous automobile will result in a visually unique interior.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Inventor: Ramprasadh Selvarajah
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Patent number: 11052786Abstract: A vehicle includes: a driving seat; a pair of doors; a seat moving mechanism configured to move the driving seat between a driving state and a receiving state, the driving seat in the driving state being positioned at a vehicle width direction center and facing a vehicle front, and the receiving state satisfying at least one condition of: the driving seat being positioned closer to one door of the pair of doors than in the driving state or the driving seat facing further toward the one door than in the driving state; a detection unit configured to detect a portable device in a detection area in a vicinity of the vehicle and outside a passenger compartment; and a seat control unit that controls the seat moving mechanism so as to move the driving seat into the receiving state.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Satoshi Ajisaka
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Patent number: 11052787Abstract: A vehicle seat having a base (10) and a squab (11) and an adjustment mechanism (20) whereby the position of an occupant sitting in the seat can be adjusted, the mechanism being configured so as to permit the seat to follow a motion path that provides coordinated adjustment of both height and back inclination of the occupant, the motion path being such that as the height of the occupant is raised the back inclination of the occupant becomes less supine.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2017Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: McLaren Automotive LimitedInventors: Barry Lett, Christopher Lee Bates
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Patent number: 11052788Abstract: A longitudinal adjuster may have a first transverse locking bar accommodated in a slot of a first seat rail. A spindle may be guided through an opening of the first transverse bar in a contact-free manner. At a distance from the first transverse locking bar toward the front, a shoulder of the spindle is arranged. In reaction to a specified action of force, the first transverse locking bar is clamped between the first seat rail and the shoulder. As a result, a force from the first seat rail via the first transverse locking bar, the shoulder, the spindle, and the spindle nut can be diverted to the second seat rail.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Adient Engineering and IP GmbHInventor: Erik Sprenger
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Patent number: 11052789Abstract: A vehicle seat slide device is capable of improving an operational feeling of an unlocking member. The vehicle seat slide device includes: a lower rail; an upper rail that is movably attached to the lower rail and supports a seat; a lock spring that is attached to the upper rail, has a lock part engaging with the lower rail to restrict movement of the upper rail, and is formed in an annular shape; and an unlocking member that is attached to the upper rail and displaces the lock spring to disengage the lock spring and the lower rail to clear the restriction on the movement of the upper rail. The unlocking member is positioned more inside than the lock spring as seen in both a longitudinal direction and a width direction of the upper rail.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2018Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: SHIROKI CORPORATIONInventors: Koji Kumagai, Takanori Sato, Yuto Kogune
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Patent number: 11052790Abstract: A vehicle seat structure includes: a first side frame (11a) extending in a front-rear direction along one side portion of a seat cushion (4); a second side frame (11b) extending in the front-rear direction along the other side portion of the seat cushion (4); posture changing mechanisms (6, 7) mounted on the first side frame (11a) and capable of changing the posture of the seat cushion (4), and reinforcement members (R1, R2) provided at a portion of the second side frame (11b) where the reinforcement members (R1, R2) overlap the posture changing mechanisms (6, 7) in a side view.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2019Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Suzuki, Koji Nonowaki, Shin Sakai, Shigeru Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Iwakura