Patents Issued in March 1, 2022
  • Optical-effect touchpad on a steering wheel for finger detection
    Patent number: 11260751
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for detecting command gestures made by a finger of a driver of a motor vehicle, including an interface pad, a light source that emits an optical beam in the infrared band toward the interface pad, an imaging sensor, for capturing images steered by the interface pad away from the driver, with a base frame and a movable plate, an optical zone of interest seen by the imaging sensor being defined at the interface between the base frame and the movable plate, the interface pad including an elastic deformable seal interposed between the base frame and the movable plate, the deformable seal including a first inclined facet, so that an optical path passing via the first inclined facet is proportionally modified by the deformation of the seal under the effect of the movement of the movable pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignees: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE, CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Pascal Clochard, Jerome Wroblewski
  • Instrument panel for leisure vehicle
    Patent number: 11260752
    Abstract: An instrument panel for a leisure vehicle includes a display including a first region including a central part of the display, the first region being configured to display a predetermined image set by a user or a video from a camera installed in the vehicle. The display also includes a second region including at least a part of a peripheral part of the display, the second region being configured to display travelling information indicating a travelling condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventors: Kazumasa Hisada, Toshio Araki, Kazuki Ishibashi, Yoshinobu Uozumi
  • Motor vehicle
    Patent number: 11260753
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle that is equipped with an electrical door closing mechanism, a radio-based signal receiver and a control unit, wherein the door closing mechanism can be actuated after receiving and verifying an access authorization code by electrical signals that are generated by a control unit. The motor vehicle possesses an electrical charging apparatus accessible from the outside so that a signal generator that is provided to generate the access code can be charged from the electrical system of the motor vehicle in the event of an insufficient charge. Furthermore, the invention describes a method for charging a signal generator that can be executed using the device according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Kord H. Lühr, Gerd Penshorn, Claus-Peter Brückner, Per Ulrich, Andreas Ortner, Hannes Haupt, Bastian Bartels
  • Electric vehicle control device that controls electric vehicle equipped with chargeable and dischargeable battery and electric motor that drives driving wheel by being supplied with electric power charged in battery, and electric vehicle
    Patent number: 11260754
    Abstract: This control device for an electric vehicle is provided with: a discharge control unit which, when the electric vehicle has been turned off, if the SOC of the battery is within a prescribed range in which the battery is prone to deteriorate, performs control for discharging the battery until the SOC has left the prescribed range; a travelable distance calculation unit which calculates the travelable distance of the electric vehicle using the SOC and a travel coefficient; and a travel coefficient correction unit which, before and after performing control for discharging the battery is performed by the discharge control unit, corrects the travel coefficient such that the travelable distance calculated by the travelable distance calculation unit is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventors: Yuuki Tenma, Kiyoshi Takeuchi, Shigeki Iijima
  • Battery management apparatus and method
    Patent number: 11260755
    Abstract: The figures illustrate an apparatus (10-1, 10-2, 10-3) for a vehicle (100) comprising: first energy storage means (12) for storing electrical energy; second energy storage means (14) for storing electrical energy; and control means (16) arranged to transfer electrical energy from the second energy storage means (14) to the first energy storage means (12) when the level of electrical energy stored in the first energy storage means (12) is below a first electrical energy threshold level and the level of electrical energy stored in the second energy storage means (14) is above a second electrical energy threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Naveen Monahan, Baptiste Bureau
  • Vehicle breaking energy recovering method and apparatus
    Patent number: 11260756
    Abstract: A vehicle braking energy recovering method includes obtaining current location information of a vehicle, determining a current road scenario based on the current location information of the vehicle, determining the current road scenario based on a mapping relationship between a road scenario and a weight, determining a safe distance and a safe speed of the vehicle based on the weight, determining a target torque based on the safe distance and the safe speed of the vehicle, and controlling, based on the target torque, a motor of the vehicle to recover braking energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zuqi Liu, Jianfeng Zheng, Jinbo Ma, Jiajun Huang, Wei Zhang
  • Method for assistance of a driving maneuver, and assistance system for a driving maneuver
    Patent number: 11260757
    Abstract: A method for assisting a power-intensive driving maneuver of an ego vehicle propelled by an electric motor fed from an energy-storage device includes predicting a power-intensive driving maneuver of the ego vehicle, ascertaining a peak-power profile that is needed for a complete execution of the predicted driving maneuver, and determining an available propulsive power of the ego vehicle. The method further includes ascertaining whether the available propulsive power is sufficient for the peak-power profile and, if the available propulsive power is sufficient for the peak-power profile, indicating a recommendation for execution of the predicted driving maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Christoph Degand, Pablo Fritzsche, Alexander Kowallik, Boris Zuev
  • Railcar control device, train set, and method of controlling traction motor
    Patent number: 11260758
    Abstract: A railcar control device controls a plurality of traction motors included in a train set. The railcar control device includes: a control command input portion to which a control command is input; and a torque command determining portion configured to determine torque commands with respect to a plurality of traction motors such that when a required torque based on the control command input to the control command input portion is less than a maximum value, a torque of a specific traction motor among the plurality of traction motors is made lower than a torque of a different traction motor other than the specific traction motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoru Akiyama, Shinichiro Iwanaga, Teruyuki Takahashi, Jyoji Yamada
  • Electric vehicle and method for charging between electric vehicles
    Patent number: 11260759
    Abstract: An electric vehicle that includes a battery pack, a direct current socket, and a controller and a charging method for charging between electric vehicles, where in a process in which the direct current socket is coupled to an alternating current socket of another electric vehicle using a charge/discharge cable, the battery pack is controlled based on a charging request of the other electric vehicle to charge the other electric vehicle. Hence, charging between electric vehicles can be conveniently implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kui Zhou, Wentao He, Xiaokang Liu
  • Fuel cell vehicle
    Patent number: 11260760
    Abstract: There is provided a fuel cell vehicle that allows minimally suppressing damage of a fuel cell stack and a high voltage component as important components when the vehicle collides from a front side. An ion exchanger as a first component includes a tubular portion and a cap portion. When the front side of the fuel cell vehicle collides, the tubular portion deforms due to an impact load from a radiator as a second component moving toward the ion exchanger to buffer an impact from the radiator. The cap portion restricts additional deformation of a damper portion when the impact load from the radiator becomes a predetermined magnitude or more. A stack frame and a chassis are joined and fixed via mounts such that the stack frame is detached from the chassis due to the impact load from the radiator when the deformation of the tubular portion is restricted by the cap portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tadashi Akiyama, Minetaka Kawamoto
  • Fuel cell vehicle
    Patent number: 11260761
    Abstract: In the fuel cell vehicle provided with the motor and configured to drive the motor with power of at least one of the fuel cell 1 and the battery, the fuel cell having a DC voltage of less than 60 V is disposed in the rear portion of the vehicle and the battery is disposed in the front relative to the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koichi Tanaka, Tetsuo Uozumi, Tomoyuki Hanada, Shinichi Akiba
  • Auxiliary battery charging systems and methods for electrified vehicles
    Patent number: 11260762
    Abstract: This disclosure describes vehicle systems and methods for controlling charging of an auxiliary battery of an electrified vehicle. Exemplary charging methods align the charge management of an auxiliary battery to occur only during low cost charging windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Everett Badger, II, Josephine S. Lee
  • Charging pile system of parallel charging piles and method
    Patent number: 11260763
    Abstract: A charging pile system includes at least two charging piles, charging plugs disposed on the charging piles, the charging plugs are configured to charge a load, and the charging plugs include power cables and communications cables. A charging plug socket is further disposed on at least one charging pile, and the charging plug socket is configured to insert the charging plug on another charging pile into the charging pile on which the charging pile socket is disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yangxun Hou, Yongjin Lin, Wenbo Zhang
  • Plug device for a battery, battery and vehicle
    Patent number: 11260764
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug device for a battery having a battery housing, in particular of an electrically driven vehicle, with a main connection body with at least two plug contours formed thereon which are each provided to receive a plug counter-contour of a plug element, with a number of power rails that are received into the main connection body and that each have at least two connection contacts, of which one connection contact is provided for the electrical connection within the housing to a battery connection and the other connection contact is seated in one of the plug contours for plug contacting on the outside of the housing with the assigned plug element, and with a sealing element for sealing the main connection body on the battery housing in a liquid- and gas-tight manner. Furthermore, the invention relates to a battery with such a plug device as well as a vehicle with such a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Mahmut Manavbasi
  • Autonomous travel work machine and charging station
    Patent number: 11260765
    Abstract: The lawn mower has at least a first structure in which a pair of power receiving terminals are separately disposed in the vehicle body cover and the vehicle body that are different parts from among a plurality of parts constituting the lawn mower, or a second structure in which the power receiving terminal, which is one of the pair of power receiving terminals, has a downward-facing contact surface that comes into contact with the charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takuma Namiki, Kohei Matsuzawa, Kenta Kawanishi, Kotaro Nakamura, Shuhei Maruyama
  • System and method for controlling low voltage DC-DC converter for vehicle
    Patent number: 11260766
    Abstract: A system for controlling a low voltage DC-DC converter for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a low voltage DC-DC converter that converts a voltage of a main battery into a low voltage and outputs the same. An electric device is connected to an output terminal of the low voltage DC-DC converter and a first relay is connected to the output terminal of the low voltage DC-DC converter at a first terminal thereof. An auxiliary battery is connected to a second terminal of the first relay and a controller turns off the first relay and operates the low voltage DC-DC converter to output a minimum voltage capable of operating the electric device when the auxiliary battery is charged to a preset reference value or more while the main battery is being charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Young Jin Jang, Hye Seung Kim, Joon Young Jeon, Han Shin Youn, Ho Joong Lee
  • Cable retrieving system for electric vehicle charging station
    Patent number: 11260767
    Abstract: A cable retrieving system is disclosed for a charging station adapted for recharging an electric vehicle, the charging station comprising an electric cable and a plug for enabling an electrical connection with the electric vehicle, the system comprising a mechanical wire having a first end secured to the electric cable and a second end; an enclosure comprising an opening suitable for the mechanical wire and a pulling mechanism located in the enclosure, the pulling mechanism comprising a weight member located in the enclosure and mounted on a portion of the mechanical wire to thereby create a pulling force on the mechanical wire to thereby pull the electric cable towards the charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: ADDENERGIE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Daniel Mailloux
  • Vehicle and method of charging vehicle
    Patent number: 11260768
    Abstract: A vehicle is configured to perform plug-in charging for charging a battery mounted in the vehicle with electric power supplied through a charging cable from a charging stand. The vehicle includes: an inlet to which a connector of the charging cable is connectable; and an ECU configured to control a supply current from the charging stand such that the supply current does not exceed a maximum allowable current. The ECU is configured to obtain specific information as to whether or not the charging stand is provided with a cooling mechanism for cooling the connector and the inlet. The ECU is configured to set the maximum allowable current to be higher when the charging stand is provided with the cooling mechanism than when the charging stand is not provided with the cooling mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shota Tsukamoto
  • Electrified vehicle
    Patent number: 11260769
    Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes an electric motor configured to output power for traveling, an electric power storage device configured to supply electric power to the electric motor, and a control device configured to set an input limit as a maximum value of a charging current in charging the electric power storage device using electric power from an external power supply. The control device is configured to set a greater value as the input limit when a vehicle use ratio as a proportion of a use index indicating a degree of cumulative use of the vehicle to a prescribed maximum value of the use index is large than when the vehicle use ratio is small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kensuke Kamichi
  • Movable power generating system and method for vehicle
    Patent number: 11260770
    Abstract: A movable power generating system for a vehicle may include an inverter for receiving power from a battery in a vehicle to generate AC power, a motor for receiving the AC power from the inverter, a switch block connected to the output terminal of the inverter and for branching the AC power, and an external power supply unit connected to the switch block and for outputting the AC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jin-Hyung Lee, Deok-Hwan Seo, Jong-Chan Jun, Kwon-Hyoung Choi
  • Vehicle power supply system
    Patent number: 11260771
    Abstract: A vehicle power supply system is provided. The system includes a first power line connected by a first inverter and a first battery, a second power line connected by a second inverter and a second battery, a voltage converter, and a charging and discharging control device operating the inverters and the voltage converter. The control device charges the second battery with second regenerative electric power that is power supplied from the second inverter to the second power line in a case where a second SOC is equal to or less than the second regeneration permission upper limit during regenerative deceleration, and prohibits the second battery from being charged and supplies at least a portion of the second regenerative electric power to the first battery through the voltage converter and the first power line when the second SOC is larger than the second regeneration permission upper limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Oyama, Yuto Otsuki, Hirokazu Oguma
  • System, method and apparatus that detect and remedy battery health conditions
    Patent number: 11260772
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that detects and remedies a battery health condition are provided. The method includes receiving data including one or more of vehicle sensor information, dealer information and vehicle characteristic information, analyzing the received data to determine whether one or more battery health alerts are required, and outputting or transmitting the one or more determined battery health alerts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chans C. Head, Carl J. Hering, Joshua D. Smith, Robert Wittmann
  • Vehicle seating arrangements
    Patent number: 11260773
    Abstract: A seating arrangement for a vehicle is shown to include a plurality of seats, including at least two front seats, at least two rear seats, and a rear jump seat positioned intermediate the two rear seats. The jump seat comprises a seat back which is positioned rearwardly of the rear seats, and the rear seats are movable laterally between a first position where the rear seats are proximate to each other and generally covering the seat back of the jump seat, and a second position where the rear seats are spaced apart from each other and the seat back of the jump seat is exposed. The arrangement may also include rear seats which are rotatable relative to the seat backs to provide a storage surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron D. Deckard, Boris Rubanovich, Travis J. Saari, Scott A. Miller, Rory A. Lindeberg
  • Modular transportation seat frame
    Patent number: 11260774
    Abstract: A transportation seat support apparatus includes a frame configured to support a transportation seat. The frame includes an attachment portion configured to attach to a wall of a transportation vehicle, and at least one beam extending from the attachment portion at a first end and terminating at a second end. The transportation seat support apparatus further includes a pedestal configured to support the frame. The pedestal includes at least one leg portion configured to attach to a floor of the transportation vehicle, and at least one aperture configured to telescopically receive the second end of the at least one beam. The at least one beam is slidably movable within the at least one aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Freedman Seating Company
    Inventor: Dimitar Naidenov
  • Vehicle seat assembly with a stationary base rail and a seat rail which can be moved relative thereto and with a drive device which is arranged on the base rail
    Patent number: 11260775
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly comprising a seat frame and at least one rail pair that has a seat rail which is connected to the seat frame and a base rail which is to be connected to the vehicle base and on which the seat rail is movably guided along a longitudinal direction. A drive device is used to move the seat rail along the longitudinal direction relative to the base rail and has a spindle, a rotatable spindle nut which is mounted on the spindle via a threaded engagement, a drive unit which is operatively connected to the spindle nut, and an electric motor for driving the spindle nut via the transmission unit. The spindle is arranged on the seat rail, and the spindle nut and the transmission unit are arranged on the base rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg
    Inventors: Juergen Schukalski, Gregor Kroener, Joerg Gropp, Jochen Hofmann
  • Manual and powered actuation of seating assembly
    Patent number: 11260776
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a seat frame movable between a sitting position and a standing position and coupled to a pivot bracket, a cross member extending through the pivot bracket and defining an axis of rotation, and a gear assembly coupled to the pivot bracket. The gear assembly includes a sector bracket rotationally coupled to the cross member, and a pinion gear operable to rotate along the sector bracket from a first position to a second position, thereby moving the seat frame between a sitting position and a standing position. The vehicle seating assembly further includes a locking disk assembly coupled to the pivot bracket such that if the locking disk assembly is in a disengaged position relative to the sector bracket, then the frame is rotatable about the axis of rotation defined by the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Macit Aktas, Johnathan Andrew Line, Joseph Michael Kish, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Jung Jeon
  • Recliner heart for seat recliner assembly
    Patent number: 11260777
    Abstract: A recliner heart includes first, second and third locking plates and a pawl. The first locking plate defines a recess. The second locking plate includes a first inner diametrical surface having first teeth formed thereon. The third locking plate is disposed between the first and second locking plates and includes a second inner diametrical surface and an outer diametrical surface. The second inner diametrical surface has a notch formed therein. The outer diametrical surface has second teeth formed thereon. Some of the second teeth are meshingly engaged with some of the first teeth. The pawl is slidably disposed in the recess between a secure position in which the pawl is engaged with the notch of the third locking plate and a release position in which the pawl is disengaged from the notch of the third locking plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: FISHER & COMPANY, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Firoz Divan Naik, Sapan Mahendra Poptani, Raghu Belagur Sathyanarayanasetty
  • Child safety seat
    Patent number: 11260778
    Abstract: A child safety seat includes a seat portion, a backrest assembly connected with the seat portion and including a first and a second portion slidably connected with each other and a third portion slidably connected with the second portion, and a backrest adjusting system carried with the backrest assembly and configured to provide a first stage of height adjustment where the first and second portions are locked with each other and the third portion is movable relative to the first and second portions for adjustment, and a second stage of height adjustment where the second portion is locked with the third portion and unlocked from the first portion so that the second portion and the third portion are movable in unison relative to the first portion for adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Wonderland Switzerland AG
    Inventor: Xiao Song Duan
  • Method and apparatus for a rotatable child safety seat
    Patent number: 11260779
    Abstract: A rotatable child safety seat can include a seat shell for receiving a child therein, a rotating pedestal, and a seat base. The pedestal and seat shell can rotate with respect to the seat base. The pedestal can include a locking pin and the seat base can include a multitude of pin receiving apertures that allow a user to rotate the seat shell and pedestal in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction at a number of different angles or positions. The child safety seat can also include two separate seat belt/LATCH tether pathways. One seat belt/LATCH tether pathway can be provided on the seat back of the seat shell and can be used when the child safety seat is in a forward-facing configuration and the other seat belt/LATCH tether pathway can be provided in the seat base and used when in a rearward-facing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Brunick, Thomas Jake Mitchell, Andrew Phillip Kitchens, David Hotard
  • Vehicle-mounted seat device
    Patent number: 11260780
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted seat device includes an SB main frame, a backrest, an SB subframe, and one or more front-back position regulation mechanisms for regulating the position of the SB subframe in the front-back direction relative to the SB main frame. Each front-back position regulation mechanism includes a front restraining bracket secured relative to the SB main frame, a rear restraining bracket secured on the SB subframe, and a front-back wire strung between the front and rear restraining brackets. The rear restraining bracket is deformed such that its front end portion is displaced rearward relative to its end portion upon input of a load greater than a predetermined load. A maximum pulling load of the front-back wire is greater than a load that causes initial deformation of the rear restraining bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nagai, Kohshi Katoh, Takashi Sugimoto, Osamu Oda, Masatoshi Hada
  • Suspension arrangement for a seat and method of producing an elongate suspension member for a suspension arrangement for a seat
    Patent number: 11260781
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a suspension arrangement (20, 120) for a seat comprising a plurality of elongate suspension members (21, 22, 121, 122) of a glass fibre filled plastic. Each elongate suspension member (21, 22, 121, 122) of the plurality of elongate suspension members includes in a longitudinal direction thereof a first end (23, 25, 123, 125) and an opposing second end (24, 26, 124, 126). The elongate suspension member (21, 22, 121, 122) has a meandered shape in the longitudinal direction. The present invention relates furthermore to a method for producing an elongate suspension member (21, 22, 121, 122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: PULLMAFLEX BENELUX NV
    Inventors: Stijn Coene, Maxime Samain, Andreas Weinmüller
  • Bracket assembly for a vehicle
    Patent number: 11260782
    Abstract: A vehicle bracket assembly includes first and second platforms each including a body and connectors that extend from each of the bodies. A central base is disposed between the first and second platforms and are coupled to the first and second platforms via the connectors. First and second connecting legs are coupled to the body of each of the first and second platforms, respectively. A first attachment base is coupled to the first platform via the first connecting legs. A second attachment base includes a locating tab. The second attachment base is coupled to the second platform via the second connecting legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Liliana Alonso Vazquez, Alfredo Ivan Trujillo Rolon, Raul Ezequiel Alvarez Ruiz, Andrew John Abramouski, Carlos Ernesto Saenz Camacho
  • Overmold decorative floor mat emblem
    Patent number: 11260783
    Abstract: A floor mat including an elastomeric mat and an emblem with a base and a shell. The base has a portion supporting the shell and a peripheral flange portion surrounding the supporting portion and forming a hidden portion within the floor mat and having apertures. The shell overlays the supporting portion and forms a visible portion of the emblem on only one side of the floor mat. The apertures are essentially filled with elastomer to fix the emblem into the desired location on the floor mat. Also, the emblem and a method for making a floor mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L Hogan, Nicholas P Ziraldo, Yasuyuki Takayama
  • Active vehicle footrest
    Patent number: 11260784
    Abstract: A vehicle and passenger carrying apparatus usable with a vehicle, wherein the passenger carrying portion includes a seating surface and a moveable footrest below the seating surface. The footrest is moveable from an ingress/egress position to a transport position that is closer to the seating surface than the ingress/egress position. The passenger carrying portion further includes a footrest movement mechanism, wherein the footrest movement mechanism controls movement of the moveable footrest between the ingress/egress position the transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Matthew B. Staal, Nelson Vanwagoner, Jonathan G. Moss, Rudolph Carruolo, Bradford D. Kent, Bharat Naran
  • Vehicle cup holder assembly
    Patent number: 11260785
    Abstract: A vehicle cup holder assembly that includes a body, and a housing that is wrapped around a corner periphery of the body. A support panel is slideably coupled to the housing and includes a first member and a second member. The support panel is operable between a recessed position and a deployed position, wherein the support panel is configured to receive a container in the deployed position. A lever arm is coupled to the support panel, wherein the lever arm is movable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the lever arm is configured to support a base of the container in the extended position, and wherein the lever arm is stored within the side portion of the housing in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan Pabalate
  • Trailer for launching and handling lightweight boats
    Patent number: 11260786
    Abstract: The invention relates to a trailer that is especially used for moving over very soft ground and for launching lightweight boats, comprising a motor-driven supporting running gear (11) designed to hold the hull of the boat and extended by a longitudinal edge (12) ending in a lift jack (13) comprising a maneuvering handle (132). The supporting running gear (11) comprises an essentially tubular frame (111) arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the trailer, and to which a sealed differential-motor reducer unit (14) or an electric motor could be fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Pierre Hasdenteufel
  • Device and method for securing cargo
    Patent number: 11260787
    Abstract: A device and method for securing cargo to vertical logistics posts on a side of a transportation vehicle. The device comprises a rail with a plurality of slots, an adjustable slide for adjusting the overall horizontal length of the device to fit between irregularly spaced gaps of parallel vertical logistics posts, and clips that are inserted and removably retained in corresponding receiving spaces of vertical logistics posts. Cargo is secured to the device through the slots on the rail. The device provides ease of relocation and adjustment for irregular gaps between vertical logistics posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Cardinal Logistics Management Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Douglas Robinson, Jr.
  • Lighting assembly for vehicle
    Patent number: 11260788
    Abstract: The invention describes a lighting assembly for use in a lighting arrangement of a vehicle. The lighting assembly includes a projection lens and a light source array, wherein a center of the light source array and an optical axis of the projection lens have a lateral offset, and light sources of the light source array are individually controllable to adjust a swivel angle of a light beam generated by that lighting assembly. The invention further describes a controller for controlling the light sources of such a lighting assembly. The invention also describes a lighting arrangement for a vehicle, comprising such a lighting assembly and such a controller for controlling the light sources of the lighting assembly to adjust the swivel angle of the light beam. The invention also describes a method of generating a front beam for a vehicle comprising such a lighting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Lumileds LLC
    Inventors: Marten Sikkens, Marcel De Jong, Silvia Maria Booij, Martinus Petrus Creusen
  • Out-of-vehicle notification device
    Patent number: 11260789
    Abstract: An out-of-vehicle notification device includes a moving person detecting unit configured to detect a moving person who is to be notified of information by means of light based on a result of detection performed by an outside situation detecting unit, a plurality of light emitting units, a light emission control unit configured to cause the light emitting units to emit light, and an operating state detecting unit configured to detect operating states of blinkers of the host vehicle. When an operation of the blinker is detected, the light emission control unit forbids light emission of the light emitting unit that is provided within a predetermined area around the blinker in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Junichi Morimura, Seiji Arakawa
  • LED light hood scoop for a jeep wrangler
    Patent number: 11260790
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of installing a hood scoop to a designated recessed area of a hood of a Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon vehicle comprising: providing the hood scoop having a protective member and a hood attachment member having a first cable access feature wherein: edge profile of the hood attachment member matches edge profile of the designated recessed area; the designated recessed area includes a hood aperture that provides access to the vehicle's electrical power and control systems; attaching the attachment member to the designated recessed area using conventional attachment means; and attaching a light fixture to the hood scoop wherein the light fixture's cables pass through the first cable access feature and the hood aperture for communication with the vehicle's electrical power and control systems. The present invention also provides the hood scoop described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Westin Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Lanini, Robert L. West
  • Vehicular, adaptive brake light to custom light sequencing system
    Patent number: 11260791
    Abstract: A vehicular, adaptive brake light to custom light sequencing system generally includes an OEM vehicular brake light circuit electrically connected to OEM brake lights of a vehicle, and an aftermarket flashing circuit electrically connected within or to the OEM vehicular brake light circuit to cause the OEM brake lights to flash. They system further includes an aftermarket directional indicator circuit electrically connected within or to the OEM vehicular brake light circuit and electrically connected to the aftermarket flashing circuit to effectuate a flashing of at least one of an OEM left brake light and an OEM right brake light. The system also includes an aftermarket hazard light circuit that is electrically connected within or to the OEM brake light circuit and to the aftermarket flashing circuit to effectuate a flashing hazard by the OEM brake lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: XTC Power Products LLC
    Inventors: Christopher R. Leaming, Robert F. Leaming
  • Method of controlling tone of electric vehicle based on motor vibration in deceleration or regenerative braking conditions
    Patent number: 11260792
    Abstract: A method of controlling a tone of an electric vehicle (EV) includes calculating order components from vibration signals of a rotating motor of the EV, extracting an Nth order component having a determination coefficient R2 which represents linearity with respect to an output torque of the motor and is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, converting an RPM of the motor into a frequency and calculating an order frequency, arranging the order components by applying a vibration level of the Nth order component to a level of the order frequency to be output and setting an EV mode tone, and in a deceleration of the EV, determining a deceleration condition and applying the vibration level of the Nth order component to level control of the order frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Dong-Chul Lee, In-Soo Jung, Bo-Yong Kim
  • Construction machine and method of controlling construction machine
    Patent number: 11260793
    Abstract: A construction machine includes an image capturing device configured to capture an image of the surroundings, an image display part mounted in an operator's cab and configured to display a menu screen showing an operating condition and various settings, or the captured image captured with the image capturing device, an operation part including a menu switch to cause the menu screen to be displayed on the image display part, and a detector configured to detect whether a work element is enabled or disabled. The image display part is configured to display a warning in response to the menu switch being operated while the work element is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO (S.H.I.) CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeya Izumikawa, Takashi Nishi
  • Periphery monitoring device
    Patent number: 11260794
    Abstract: A peripheral monitoring device according to one embodiment includes an acquirer configured to acquire a first rear image of a vehicle at first timing, the vehicle including a first coupler device which couples a towed vehicle; and an image processing unit configured to superimpose first identification information on the first rear image at second timing being after the first timing, the first identification information representing a position of the first coupler device at the second timing, and to display, on a display screen, the first rear image on which the first identification information has been superimposed, the display screen configured to be installed in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuya Maruoka, Itsuko Fukushima, Kazuya Watanabe, Kinji Yamamoto, Takashi Hiramaki, Naotaka Kubota
  • Display inside mirror of vehicle
    Patent number: 11260795
    Abstract: A display inside mirror includes a housing configured to be secured to a windshield glass, the housing having an opening formed therein, a mirror part disposed in the opening, a display unit disposed so as to face the mirror part, a control unit disposed adjacent to the display unit so as to control the transmission of a display image, a tilting lever disposed at one end of the housing so as to tilt the mirror part, and a switch unit disposed at the tilting lever so as to allow the power from the control unit to be selectively applied to the display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hyun Joong Pyun, Nak Kyoung Kong, Young Ik Cho, Byung Seob Yu, Chang Ju Kim, Su Young Choi
  • Detachable workpiece support apparatus for a tailgate step
    Patent number: 11260796
    Abstract: A workpiece support is provided for a pickup truck tailgate. The tailgate includes a retractable step including a pair of step support members. The attachment brackets include a workpiece support bar and a riser that are attached to the step support members and to each other at a right angle. The workpiece support bar and riser may be fixedly attached to each other or attached by a pivot connector. Detachable connectors are provided to connect a workpiece support bar and riser detachably to the step support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Joshua R. Hemphill, Jack Marchlewski, Robert Reiners, Jeffrey Hemphill
  • Retractable vehicle step assemblies and methods
    Patent number: 11260797
    Abstract: A retractable vehicle step assembly includes a drive shaft having a spline and a step coupled to the drive shaft through a step linkage system. The step is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. The step linkage system includes a first step linkage defining a spline engagement opening for engagement with the spline of the drive shaft and a fastener. The fastener is adjustably coupled to the first step linkage so as to clamp the spline engagement opening of the first step linkage around the drive shaft. Upon loosening the fastener, the first step linkage is disengageable from the drive shaft and the step is moveable from the extended position to the retracted position regardless of rotation of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin B. Norris
  • Horizontal retractable vehicle step
    Patent number: 11260798
    Abstract: A horizontally moving retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle, such as a low to the ground vehicle like a van. The horizontal vehicle step can provide access to different portions of the vehicle. Further, the horizontal vehicle step can act as a safety mechanism to reduce potential harm to a user in accidentally stepping in gaps between the vehicle and a curb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Nicholas Smith
  • Sliding door assembly for a cup holder or other storage compartment of a vehicle
    Patent number: 11260799
    Abstract: A sliding door assembly for selectively covering a cup holder or other storage compartment of a vehicle, the sliding door assembly including: a pair of opposed rails adapted to be disposed on opposed sides of an opening of the cup holder or other storage compartment; and a panel door including a plurality of adjacent slats adapted to be disposed between the pair of opposed rails, wherein one or more of the plurality of adjacent slats includes a central body portion with a clamp structure disposed at each end of the central body portion, wherein each of the clamp structures is adapted to grasp one of the pair of opposed rails to translatably secure the panel door to the pair of opposed rails. The sliding door assembly also includes a cover panel adapted to be disposed between the pair of opposed rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Artur Hopfen, Joakim Ringdahl
  • Vehicle interior component
    Patent number: 11260800
    Abstract: A component for a vehicle interior is disclosed. The component may comprise a bin coupled to a base and a seat comprising a tab to retain a shaft in an aperture for rotation of the bin. The tab may contact the shaft along a plane adjacent to the shaft. The tab may retain/apply a force to the shaft at a tangent of the shaft. The tab may contact a protrusion in response to engagement of the shaft and tab. The tab may comprise a set of opposing sides; one side may contact the shaft; the other side may contact the protrusion. The tab may extend from the base in an extended direction; the tab may contact the shaft along a plane aligned with the extended direction; the tab may apply force to the shaft transverse to the extended direction. The tab may rotate when engaged with the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Shanghai Yanfeng Jinqiao Automotive Trim Systems Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tyler Tucker Grab, Adam R. Gofton, James Lucien Diem, Randy Len Arendsen