Patents Issued in August 1, 2023
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Patent number: 11712940Abstract: A suspension device includes: a suspension including a damping device which damps a force generated between a vehicle body and a wheel; and a damping force control unit that increases a damping force of the damping device so as to be greater than the damping force generated when an acceleration of change in a stroke amount is less than a predetermined value determined in advance, when the acceleration of the change in the stroke amount is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, in which the stroke amount is an amount of displacement from a reference position of the wheel with respect to the vehicle body in an extension direction of the suspension.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.Inventor: Yosuke Murakami
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Patent number: 11712941Abstract: A vehicle interior panel includes a thermoelectric air conditioner capable of providing conditioned air locally within a passenger cabin of the vehicle. Air is drawn from the passenger cabin through an intake port in the panel, conditioned locally along a back side of the panel by a thermoelectric device, and discharged back into the cabin through a discharge port in the panel. Additional air flows along a waste side of the thermoelectric device and can be discharged outside the passenger cabin. The panel can be an interior door panel from which the waste side air is discharged within a B-pillar of the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2019Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Faurecia Interior Systems, Inc.Inventor: Nicholas Natale
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Patent number: 11712942Abstract: A receiver drier assembly for an automotive heat exchanger is provided with a single-piece cap. In embodiments described herein, a modulator has a tubular wall and one or more openings are formed therein. The cap is a single-piece cap and is configured to attach directly to the tubular wall via a snap fit. The cap may have a protrusion that is configured to snap into engagement with the opening in the modulator when properly assembled. The protrusion may be tapered such that as the cap is assembled to the modulator, the protrusion is forced radially inwardly via the tapered surface sliding along the tubular wall. Once the protrusion meets the opening, the protrusion is allowed to flex radially outward toward its natural unbiased position, snap fitting with the opening of the tubular wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Denso International America, Inc.Inventor: Luis David Gutierrez
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Patent number: 11712943Abstract: A climate control system for use in a transport vehicle is disclosed. The climate control system includes a variable speed electric load, a controller configured to determine a load of the variable speed electric load, and a battery pack voltage configurator circuit. The battery pack voltage configurator circuit includes a first battery bank providing a first voltage and a first current, a second battery bank providing a second voltage and a second current, and a plurality of switches. The controller is configured to control the plurality of switches based on the determined load of the variable speed electric load. The battery pack voltage configurator circuit is configured to provide an output voltage and an output current to drive the variable speed electric load. The output voltage and the output current vary in magnitude based on the control of the plurality of switches.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: THERMO KING LLCInventors: Marcelo Andrade Dias, Ryan Wayne Schumacher
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Patent number: 11712944Abstract: An air conditioner has: an air-conditioning case including an air passage; a plate-shaped door body that rotates about a rotation shaft; and an opposing wall provided in the air passage to define a gap between a tip portion of the door body and the opposing wall. A length of the opposing wall in a circumferential direction of the rotation shaft is larger than a thickness dimension of the tip portion of the door body. The opposing wall includes a first door facing surface and a second door facing surface. The air-conditioning case has a connecting surface connecting the first door facing surface and the second door facing surface. The second door facing surface is located outward with respect to the rotation shaft in a radial direction than the first door facing surface is.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Yudai Yamamoto, Shinya Suzuki
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Patent number: 11712945Abstract: An electric heater includes a heating element, a heat transfer wall and a control module. The electric heater includes a fluid chamber, an inlet, and an outlet. The fluid chamber is in communication with the inlet and the outlet, the heat transfer wall is a portion of a wall part forming the fluid chamber, the heating element is fixed or limited to at least a portion of the heat transfer wall, the heating element is located outside the fluid chamber, and at least a portion of the heating element is in contact with the heat transfer wall. The electric heater includes a cover body wall, which is another portion of the wall part forming the fluid chamber. The control module is located outside the cover body wall, the control module is located outside the fluid chamber, the control module is electrically connected to the heating element.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2018Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Hangzhou Sanhua Research Institute Co., Ltd.Inventors: Saijun Ding, Weidong Xi
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Patent number: 11712946Abstract: Disclosed are climate systems for vehicles and methods for controlling the climate systems. In some implementations, a climate system includes: (1) a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature within the compartment of the vehicle; (2) a first compressor powered by an engine of the vehicle to compress a refrigerant; (3) a second compressor driven by an electric motor to compress the refrigerant; and (4) a controller electrically coupled to the first compressor and the second compressor. The controller configured to: (1) calculate a thermal load of the compartment based on a difference between a desired temperature and a measured temperature; and, (2) based on the calculated load, selectively activate: (i) the engine, (ii) the first compressor, and/or (iii) the second compressor.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.Inventors: Brett S. Connell, Aaron D. Sullivan, Brett J. Herrmann, Terry Zeigler
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Patent number: 11712947Abstract: The disclosure concerns an air vent for a vehicle, comprising a housing, configured to guide an air flow from an air inlet opening to an air outlet opening substantially along an axial direction, an air guiding element arranged at least partly within the housing such that a first air guiding surface of the air guiding element and the housing define a first air channel for guiding a first partial air flow, a second air guiding surface of the air guiding element and the housing define a second air channel for guiding a second partial air flow. The air guiding element also comprises a manipulator which is configured to pivot the first air guiding surface and the second air guiding surface independently of each other for regulating a ratio between the first partial air flow and the second partial airflow.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Faurecia Innenraum Systeme GmbHInventors: Bruno Dinant, Erwan Sagot-Dutertre
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Patent number: 11712948Abstract: A vehicle door beam and related methods of making door beams include a flat-rolled aluminum alloy sheet, where two edges of the sheet that are transverse to the roll direction of the sheet are brought together to form a tube. The two edges are friction stir welded together to form a butt joint along a length of the tube. The tube is arranged, along with other optional components, as a side-impact door beam in a vehicle door, such that the butt joint is facing away from an expected impact direction of the vehicle door.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Eric J. Boettcher
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Patent number: 11712949Abstract: What is provided is an automobile side structure including: a first impact absorbing member (122) extending in a vehicle height direction inside an automobile door; a second impact absorbing member (126) inside the automobile door; a door inner panel (200) inside the automobile door; and a side sill (520), in which the first impact absorbing member (122), the second impact absorbing member (126), the door inner panel (200), and the side sill (520) are on a straight line in a vehicle width direction, and the second impact absorbing member (126) is disposed between the first impact absorbing member (122) and the door inner panel (200); and an automobile.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: NIPPON STEEL CORPORATIONInventors: Toshiya Suzuki, Yoshiaki Nakazawa
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Patent number: 11712950Abstract: A vehicle door attached to a vehicle body includes a bracket structure disposed between an interior-side panel and an exterior-side panel to support a door lock portion. The bracket structure has an interior-side extension portion disposed on an interior-side and joined to the interior-side panel, and an exterior-side extension portion disposed on an exterior-side and joined to the exterior-side panel. Extension portions extend in an upper-lower direction. As an alternative, a vehicle door includes a middle panel disposed between an inner panel and an outer panel, and a bracket structure disposed between the inner panel and the middle panel to support the door lock portion. The bracket structure has a front extension portion disposed frontward and joined to the inner panel, and a rear extension portion disposed rearward and joined to the middle panel. Extension portions are disposed in a front-rear direction of a vehicle and extend upward.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshinori Miyake, Keisuke Hayashi, Toshihiro Yamaguchi, Suguru Matsunaga, Fumiyoshi Mizutani, Atsushi Maruyama
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Patent number: 11712951Abstract: An articulating front top cover assembly adapted for connecting to a vehicle in sealing engagement with a hard top portion of a roof of the vehicle. A pivotal portion includes a multi-bar over-center linkage arrangement. The pivotal portion is movable between at least a closed position over the front vehicle compartment and an open position with a passive lock from the multi-bar linkage assembly for an open air feel.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Bestop, Inc.Inventors: Jonathon G. Moore, David A. Smith, Charles C. Turney, Stephen J. Lewis, William H. Haberkamp
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Patent number: 11712952Abstract: A soft top cover assembly including a pivotal portion adapted for attaching at a roof top opening of a vehicle to selectively close off the roof top opening and open up the roof top opening for an open-air experience. The assembly has a cover attached to a first bow member of the pivotal portion and a rear header. Selectively rotating the pivotal portion covers and uncovers the roof top opening. The assembly has at least one pair of shutface appliques adjacent to the sides of the roof top opening. At least one pair of rear side belt mounts incorporating a belt rail and adapted to connect to the vehicle and operable to attach LH/RH rear side windows.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Bestop Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Lewis, Eric D. Getzschman, Duane C. Junkin, David A. Smith, Charles C. Turney, Edward S. Piec, Jonathon G. Moore, Brandon Kincaid, Eric J. Hanson
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Patent number: 11712953Abstract: A motor vehicle side door includes a glass panel, a frame, and an elastomer run seal. The elastomer run seal includes at least one protruding rib that is located and dimensioned so as to be able to come into abutment against a free end of an inner wall of the frame when the at least one ascending strand is in a preliminary mounting position on the frame, and to be able to come into abutment against an inner wall of the frame when the at least one ascending strand is in a final mounting position on the frame, a gap between both inner and outer walls having a size which is higher when the run seal is in the preliminary mounting position than when it is in the final mounting position.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Hutchinson GmbHInventor: Georg Nolte
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Patent number: 11712954Abstract: A transmission mechanism is provided with an output gear drivingly coupled to at least one of a pair of output members and placed coaxially with the pair of output members. A direction in which a rotating electrical machine and an inverter device are arranged side by side in an axial view is defined as a first direction. A direction perpendicular to both an axial direction and the first direction is defined as a second direction. A first output member that is one of the pair of output members is placed between the rotating electrical machine and the inverter device in the first direction, at a position in the second direction where both the rotating electrical machine and the inverter device are placed. The output gear is placed in such a manner as to overlap each of the rotating electrical machine and the inverter device in the axial view.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: AISIN CORPORATIONInventors: Naoya Jinnai, Nozomu Takahashi, Hiroaki Sanji
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Patent number: 11712955Abstract: Systems and methods for a multi-speed electric axle are provided. The multi-speed electric axle includes an electric motor that is rotationally coupled to an input shaft. The multi-speed electric axle also includes a planetary gearset connected to the input shaft via an input gear reduction, a lower-speed clutch that selectively grounds a ring gear in the planetary gearset to a housing, and a higher-speed clutch that selectively connects a sun gear to a carrier.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Dana Belgium N.V.Inventors: Kurt Cattoor, Filip D. Schacht, Filip Van Raepenbusch
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Patent number: 11712956Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a drive configuration for a skid-steered vehicle that has a pair of traction motors for rotationally driving opposite outputs of the drive configuration. The traction motors are operatively connected to the outputs via respective gearing arrangements for selectively varying gear reduction between each of the traction motors and the corresponding output. The drive configuration also has a steer differential in a torque connection with the first and second outputs of the drive configuration. The drive configuration additional has a steer motor operatively connected to the steer differential for selectively varying the rotational speed of the first and second outputs in use. Also, the traction and steer motors define a volume in which the gearing arrangements and steering differential are at least partially located.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: QINETIQ LIMITEDInventor: Robert John Bonner Flaxman
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Patent number: 11712957Abstract: Electric vehicle conversion kits for IC vehicles and converted electric vehicles. An electric vehicle conversion kit may include an electric motor directly coupled to an axle. Another electric vehicle conversion kit may include an electric motor mechanically coupled to an axle via a driveshaft. Another electric vehicle conversion kit may include an electric motor coupled to a transfer case.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Current EV Motors, LLCInventor: Rocco West Calandruccio
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Patent number: 11712958Abstract: A method of manufacturing an autonomous cart is provided. The method includes determining a mission type for the autonomous cart and determining a power system for powering the autonomous cart based on the mission type. The method further includes determining a drive system suitable for converting a power delivered by the power system into motive power suitable for moving the autonomous cart based on the power system and the mission type. The method further includes installing the power system onto a chassis of the autonomous cart and installing the drive system onto the chassis of the autonomous cart, wherein the autonomous cart comprises a control system configured to drive the autonomous cart autonomously via the power system and the drive system.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Inventors: Pinakin S. Desai, Peter Josesph Zerillo, Stephen Michael Faivre, Nathan Taylor, Kevin David Monk, David W. Larson
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Patent number: 11712959Abstract: A system for controlling a lock-up of engine clutch may include an engine and a motor; the engine clutch mounted between the engine and the motor and configured to selectively transmit power of the engine between the engine and the motor; a hybrid starter generator (HSG) connected to a crank pulley of the engine and driven to start the engine; and a controller connected to the HSG and configured to determine a virtual engine speed in an engine firing process and a torque reduction ratio of the HSG according to the virtual engine speed after an engine cranking process and determine a correction reduction ratio with respect to the torque reduction ratio of the HSG using a difference value between the virtual engine speed and an actual engine speed, and adjust an increase or a decrease of the torque reduction ratio of the HSG to synchronize an engine speed with a motor speed for the lock-up of the engine clutch.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Hong Chul Shin
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Patent number: 11712960Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes a planetary gear mechanism, first and second wheels, an engine, a motor generator, a wheel drive clutch, and a control system. The planetary gear mechanism includes first, second, and third rotation elements. The first wheel is coupled to the first rotation element via a first path. The second wheel is coupled to the second rotation element via a second path. The engine is coupled to the third rotation element via a third path. The motor generator is provided on the first path. The wheel drive clutch is provided on the first path and between the motor generator and the first wheel. The control system controls the motor generator and the wheel drive clutch. The control system executes a motor stop mode in which the wheel drive clutch is brought into a released state and the motor generator is brought into a rotation stop state.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATIONInventor: Satoshi Inoue
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Patent number: 11712961Abstract: A dual-rotor in-wheel motor based on an axial magnetic field and a control method thereof are provided. The dual-rotor in-wheel motor includes an axle and a hub. The axle is fixedly connected to a frame. The hub relatively rotates around the axle. A disc-shaped intermediate stator is fixedly connected on the axle. A left coil assembly and a right coil assembly are fixedly mounted on two sides of the intermediate stator, respectively. A left rotor and a right rotor are respectively arranged on the two sides of the intermediate stator. The left coil assembly drives the left rotor to rotate, and the right coil assembly drives the right rotor to rotate. A left clutch is arranged between the left rotor and the hub, and a right clutch and a speed reduction mechanism are arranged between the right rotor and the hub.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: JIANGSU UNIVERSITYInventors: Ren He, Junmin Li
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Patent number: 11712962Abstract: A utility vehicle such as an agricultural tractor includes an engine, a heat exchanger, and a fan located under a hood. The hood is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The fan is mounted to the hood such that, when in the closed position, the hood covers the engine and heat exchanger and the fan is positioned in an operable position to generate a cooling airstream through the heat exchanger. When the hood is in the open position, the fan is displaced from the operable position.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: AGCO International GmbHInventors: Thomas Maier, Erich Freytag
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Patent number: 11712963Abstract: A control unit is presented for controlling a driving unit arranged for adjustment of one or more first air guiding flaps of a motorised vehicle between a first outer position and a second outer position. The control unit comprises a communication module for communicating with a vehicle control network for receiving first adjustment instructions for adjusting the first flap, a power supply module comprising an input power terminal for receiving power from a vehicle power network and a first output power terminal for supplying a first current to the driving unit. The control unit further comprises a current sensor module for sensing variations in the first supply current and a control module arranged to control the first supply current in accordance with the adjustment instructions and the sensed variations. By separating the control module from the driving unit, functionality of the control module may be shared over multiple driving units.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: MCi (Mirror Controls International) Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Marius Brand, Bastiaan Huijzers, Jinku Hu
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Patent number: 11712964Abstract: A suspension element includes a housing, a first joint, and a second joint. The housing is configured to couple a tractive element assembly to a vehicle. The housing has a first end configured to engage a portion of the vehicle and a second end configured to interface with the tractive element assembly. The first joint includes a first actuator and a first resilient member. The first actuator is configured to facilitate linear extension and retraction of the suspension element. The second joint includes a second actuator and a second resilient member. The second actuator is configured to facilitate rotational movement of the suspension element. The first resilient member and the second resilient member are configured to support a static load of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Oshkosh CorporationInventors: Andrew Drach, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch, Devon C. Palmer
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Patent number: 11712965Abstract: A transport device with an occupant compartment includes a control apparatus, a transport device door, a transport device roof, a safety belt, a transport device seat, a headset, a headrest, a rearview mirror, a sun visor, and/or a dashboard, as well as a sensor for breath gas analysis, a position locating device for determining the distance between the sensor and the front side of the head of a compartment occupant, a data processing device, and in some cases a sensor for measuring at least one vital sign. The sensor or sensors are present on or in the control apparatus, the transport device door, the transport device roof, the safety belt, the transport device seat, the headset, the headrest, the rearview mirror, the sun visor, and/or the dashboard, and the data processing device is in operative connection with a device for blocking the transport device and/or with an information output unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: VitaScale GmbHInventor: Ulrich Jerichow
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Patent number: 11712966Abstract: A circuit breaker for an electric load includes first and second terminals; a number of first separable contacts each electrically connected between one of the first terminals and one of the second terminals; a first mechanism to open, close or trip open the first contacts; a number of second separable contacts each electrically connected in series with a corresponding one of the first contacts; a second mechanism to open or close the second contacts; a processor to cause the second mechanism to open or close the second contacts, annunciate through one of the second terminals a power circuit electrical parameter for the electric load, receive from a number of the second terminals a confirmation from or on behalf of the electric load to cause the second mechanism to close the second contacts, and determine a fault state operatively associated with current flowing through the second contacts.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2018Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITEDInventors: Ronald L. Thompson, Jason-David Nitzberg, David Austin Eldridge, Brandon J. Rogers
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Patent number: 11712967Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative controllers, dual power inverter modules, and electric vehicles. In an illustrative embodiment, a controller includes one or more processors associated with a first and second power inverter for the drive unit. Computer-readable media for the one or more processors are each configured to store computer-executable instructions configured to cause the one or more processors to apply a same fault action to the first power inverter and the second power inverter responsive to a fault associated with an inverter chosen from the first power inverter and the second power inverter, wherein the same fault action includes applying equalized torque to each axle operatively coupled to the drive unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Richard M. Breese, Brian N. Harries, Silva Hiti, Daniel L. Kowalewski, Steven E. Schulz, David Tang
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Patent number: 11712968Abstract: A battery pack enclosure, a battery module, and a method are provided to detect damage to in a crash event. The battery pack enclosure may include a plurality of battery modules, wherein each battery modules includes a plurality of adjacent battery cells. The battery pack enclosure may also include a sensor and an electronic control unit electronically connected to the sensor, the electronic control unit configured to monitor the sensor to detect damage to the battery pack enclosure. The sensor may comprise a mesh of resistive wires, and the electronic control unit monitors the overall resistance of the mesh resistive wires. The overall resistance of the mesh resistive wires can be used to determine whether there is damage to the battery pack enclosure. If damage is detected, the damage can further be located, and an alert sent.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: NIO Technology (Anhui) Co., Ltd.Inventor: Parth Sanjiv Gyani
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Patent number: 11712969Abstract: The present invention relates to a current collector device (420) arranged mounting on a vehicle (100) to transmit electric power between current conductors (140) located in the surface of a road (110) and the vehicle (100). The current collector device (420) comprises, a first and second elongated current collector arm (150a, 150b) that are in operable connection with a base (170), the first and second elongated current collector arms (150a, 150b) are spaced apart from each other, and a first and second current collector pick-up heads (161, 162) are attached to the first and second elongated current collector arms (150a, 150b), respectively, and the elongated current collector arms (150a, 150b) are made of conducting material and arranged to conduct electrical current from conductors (140) located in the 10 surface of a road (110) and the vehicle (100).Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Mikaela Öhman, Sten Engström
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Patent number: 11712970Abstract: The invention relates to an electric or hybrid means of transport comprising a high voltage bus and a low voltage bus. The high voltage bus is for delivering energy to at least one propulsion motor. The low voltage bus is for delivering energy to parts operating at low voltage. The electric or hybrid means of transport is equipped with a solar panel, the panel comprising groups of solar cells connected to a primary bus of an associated distributed maximum power point tracker. The distributed maximum power point tracker having a secondary bus to exchange energy with other distributed maximum power point trackers. The secondary bus of at least one of the distributed maximum power point tracker is connected to the low voltage bus, thereby eliminating the need for a DC/DC converter between the high voltage bus and the low voltage bus.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: ATLAS TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING B.V.Inventor: Tom Kooijman
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Patent number: 11712971Abstract: An apparatus is provided for adjusting an electrical configuration of a plurality of components of an electrical network associated with a vehicle in order to tune electrical characteristics of the electrical network to continuously match a dynamically changing desired mode of operation of the electrical network associated with the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: GRAVIC, INC.Inventors: Asher H. Jablon, Bruce D. Holenstein, Dylan R. Holenstein
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Patent number: 11712972Abstract: An electrified vehicle may include an electric motor coupled to a battery to propel and brake the vehicle, a pedal generating a pedal position signal including a released position signal, friction brakes configured to provide a stopping force to vehicle wheels, and a controller programmed to control the motor and the brakes in response to the pedal being released to decelerate the vehicle to a stop, and to control the motor and an engine (in hybrid vehicles) to inhibit propulsive torque to the wheels after stopping due to the pedal released position until receiving driver input indicative of a request for moving the vehicle, such as depressing the brake or accelerator pedal, or activating an automated vehicle maneuver, such as a parking maneuver, cruise control, or stop-and-go control. Inhibiting torque may include inhibiting creep torque and/or operating the electric machine to charge the battery when the engine is running.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: William David Treharne, Angel Fernando Porras, Bader M. Badreddine, Devin James O'Donnell, Josh Hoop
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Patent number: 11712973Abstract: An electric vehicle includes in-vehicle multimedia set in a rotatable manner, and the rotatable in-vehicle multimedia is used for providing a charge operation interface and a discharge operation interface. The charge and discharge control method includes: receiving a wake-up instruction input by a user, where the wake-up instruction is generated by rotating the in-vehicle multimedia by the user, and the wake-up instruction includes a charge wake-up instruction and a discharge wake-up instruction; waking up the in-vehicle multimedia in a sleep mode according to the wake-up instruction, so that the in-vehicle multimedia correspondingly displays the charge operation interface or the discharge operation interface; receiving a setting instruction input by the user through an operation interface, where the setting instruction includes a charge setting instruction and a discharge setting instruction; and controlling the electric vehicle to execute the setting instruction.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2018Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Jian Pan, Zhifeng He, Qun Liang, Liming Xu
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Patent number: 11712974Abstract: A battery enclosure for a personal watercraft is provided. Different configurations of the battery enclosure are disclosed, as well as different arrangements of the battery enclosure within the personal watercraft and with respect to other features of the personal watercraft. According to one embodiment, a personal watercraft includes a deck and a hull defining an interior volume. An electric motor is housed within the interior volume, the electric motor being operable to rotate a drive shaft. A battery pack having a battery enclosure housing one or more batteries is also positioned within the interior volume. A portion of at least one battery of the one or more batteries is positioned vertically above the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: TAIGA MOTORS INC.Inventors: Marc-Olivier Gagnon, Dante Filice, Patrick Bernier, Jessie Boudreau
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Patent number: 11712975Abstract: A securing system for securing an electric bicycle to a bicycle docking frame includes a female connecting assembly mountable on the bicycle docking frame and a male connecting assembly mountable on the electric bicycle and sized to be received within a tapered recess of the female connecting assembly. When so received, first current coupling elements of the female assembly electrically interface with second current coupling elements of the male assembly, which can allow current flow therebetween to charge a battery of the electric bicycle. A bicycle rack system includes electric bicycles, bicycle docks, a charging module operable to receive electrical power from an external power source and a charging controller for adjusting the level of electrical power provided to dock-side charging modules that charge battery modules of electric bicycles docked thereto. A method for managing charging is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2018Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Inventors: David Saint-Germain, Sébastien Bossan, Daniel Lévesque, Mario Bélanger, Alain St-Jacques
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Patent number: 11712976Abstract: A battery lockout device is provided. The battery lockout device may include a safety plug body adapted to engage a power port of the battery. The battery lockout device may further include a rotating member operatively connected to the safety plug body, the rotating member engaging a battery lip or battery lip housing. The rotating member, in a first rotated position, can be locked in the first rotated position preventing access to the power port of the battery and preventing removal of the safety body plug from the battery. To effectuate locking the rotating member in the first rotated position, a keyed lock can be used to maintain the first rotated position of the rotating member relative to the safety plug body and the battery/battery housing lip. In this way, no energy from the battery may be discharged until removal/disengagement of the battery lockout device.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Blair C. Perkins
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Patent number: 11712977Abstract: A system to extend a towing range and maneuverability of an automobile vehicle during a towing operation includes a battery-electric-vehicle (BEV) having a vehicle energy pack providing operational energy to the BEV. A powered trailer is releasably connected to the BEV. A trailer module is provided with the powered trailer, the trailer module communicating between the powered trailer and the BEV. A propulsion unit is provided with the powered trailer and is in communication with trailer module and with the BEV using the trailer module. The propulsion unit enhances launch of the BEV and provides an acceleration assist to the BEV.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan, Venkata Prasad Atluri
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Patent number: 11712978Abstract: This disclosure presents a portable load bank apparatus, system, method of control, and method of manufacture. A portable load bank apparatus may comprise one or more of a vehicle, a load bank, a set of batteries, a set of battery chargers, one or more processors, and/or other components. The load bank may be configured to perform a load test of an external power source. The processor(s) may be configured to cause one or more battery chargers in the set of battery chargers to direct an amount of a power output received by the load bank from the external power source to the set of batteries. The set of batteries may be used to provide electrical energy to one or more of an electric motor of the vehicle, one or more other electric vehicle, and/or other sources that may need electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Inventor: Shelby Kenneth Campbell Tyne
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Patent number: 11712979Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a container trailer vehicle equipped with a replaceable battery, and an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a container trailer vehicle capable of minimizing the use of a truck engine and multi-stage transmission by installing an auxiliary drive unit equipped with an electric motor, generator and replaceable battery on the trailer and driving the semi-trailer vehicle with the electric motor when necessary.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Inventor: Sungwook Jung
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Patent number: 11712980Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger cabin and a human machine interface (HMI) located remote from the passenger cabin. The HMI includes an electronic display and at least one power outlet adapted to selectively supply power to non-vehicle equipment. The HMI may be accessed to control the vehicle in a Power Generation mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Patrick Gordon Collins
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Patent number: 11712981Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery, an air conditioner, a first temperature adjustment circuit including a first pump and a chiller, a second temperature adjustment circuit including a second pump and a radiator, a coupling passage configured to connect the first temperature adjustment circuit and the second temperature adjustment circuit to form a coupling circuit, an electromagnetic switching valve configured to switch between a circulation state in which the heat medium can circulate through the coupling circuit and a non-circulation state in which the heat medium cannot circulate through the coupling circuit, a first temperature sensor configured to acquire a first temperature which is a temperature of the battery, and a control device configured to select any one mode of a plurality of modes in accordance with the first temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Tetsu Miyamoto, Toshikatsu Katagiri, Kengo Aoki, Naoki Fujihara, Ayumu Uno, Takeshi Otani, Naoyuki Nakamura, Kenta Sugitate, Hiroto Kobayashi, Satoko Ito
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Patent number: 11712982Abstract: A vehicle includes: a power storage device; a rotary electric machine; a power generation device; a heat radiation unit configured to radiate exhaust heat from the rotary electric machine and the power generation device; and a control device configured to control power generation by the power generation device so as to increase an amount of power generated by the power generation device when vehicle required power due to drive of the vehicle is smaller than predetermined power compared to when the vehicle required power is larger than the predetermined power. An amount of power generated by the rotary electric machine and the power generation device is equal to or less than allowable generated electric power calculated from the amount of heat that is able to radiated by the heat radiation unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takashi Amano, Takayoshi Kawai
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Patent number: 11712983Abstract: The invention relates to a safety system for a vehicle seat in a commercial vehicle operating a vehicle seat motion actuation when the commercial vehicle is about to collide with an obstacle, comprising: —at least one actuator unit that comprises at least one seat actuator to move the vehicle seat from a driving position to a safety position—at least one control unit connected to said actuator unit to control the at least one seat actuator—at least one proximity sensor connected to said control unit and configured to detect an obstacle before the commercial vehicle collides it wherein the control unit, upon receiving an imminent and unavoidable collision alert signal from the proximity sensor, controls the at least one seat actuator to move the vehicle seat to the safety position.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2018Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Volvo Truck CorporationInventors: Raphaël Ribero, Thomas Partarrieu
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Patent number: 11712984Abstract: Suspension systems and grounds maintenance vehicles incorporating the same are disclosed. The suspension system may include biasing elements or springs that may be adjusted to vary the preload and thus change the spring and dampening characteristics of the suspension system. In some embodiments, the system may include an adjustment mechanism that permits simultaneous adjustment of two springs via a single action. In other embodiments, features adapted to assist an operator with mounting/dismounting the vehicle are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: THE TORO COMPANYInventor: Dale A. Stover
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Patent number: 11712985Abstract: An air bag includes a bag portion formed by bonding two sheet members together. The bag portion includes an expansion portion including an annular joining portion extending in an annular shape, and a passage portion including a pair of parallel linear joining portions and connected to the expansion portion. Air filled in the bag portion flows through an internal space of the expansion portion surrounded by the annular joining portion and a passage sandwiched between the linear joining portions defining the passage portion. At a connection portion between the expansion portion and the passage portion, the linear joining portions extend in parallel, or the linear joining portions extend so as to expand toward a deep side of the passage from an opening position of the passage with respect to the internal space of the expansion portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: AISIN CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Ogiso, Tomoko Kanbara, Satoshi Masuda
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Patent number: 11712986Abstract: To provide a seat adjustment device capable of flexibly changing a shape of a seat. A seat adjustment device for adjusting a shape of a seat includes a pad including an elastomer, and airbags disposed on a front surface and a rear surface of the pad. The airbags are adjustable in amount of air therein. The airbags include a first airbag disposed on one of the front and rear surfaces and of the pad, and a second airbag disposed on the other. The first airbag is longer than the second airbag in a direction substantially perpendicular to the front and rear surfaces of the pad. The second airbag is longer than the first airbag in a direction substantially parallel to the front and rear surfaces of the pad.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2022Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Fumiya Makiguchi, Masakazu Okada
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Patent number: 11712987Abstract: Provided is a vehicle seat frame configured so that the weight of the frame can be reduced while the strength of a portion of the frame can be ensured. A vehicle seat frame F includes a frame member molded from a high tensile strength steel plate. A metal structure of a portion of the frame member is a structure formed according to one or more conditions upon a thermal treatment performed on the frame member, and the strength of the portion is different from those of other portions of the frame member. For example, the portion of the frame member includes a high strength portion with a higher strength than those of the other portions. Moreover, the portion of the frame member includes, for example, a low strength portion with a lower strength than those of the other portions.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Norifumi Hashimoto, Shintaro Mochizuki, Mitsuru Sueki
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Patent number: 11712988Abstract: A vehicle seat having a backrest and a seat part, as well as at least one sidewall arranged on the backrest or on the seat part, the sidewall having two support portions that are coupled together, by a coupling means, and are movable relative to one another, between which support portions at least one hollow body that can be filled with fluid is arranged, the relative position of the two support portions with respect to one another, and thus the outside contour of the sidewall, being variable by filling or emptying the at least one hollow body. The coupling means is designed such that, upon filling or emptying of the at least one hollow body, the two support portions are variable relative to one another, both in translation and in their angular position.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Faurecia Autositze GmbHInventors: Piotr Ceglarek, Robert Grzeslo, Tomasz Stasinski
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Patent number: 11712989Abstract: A console table assembly for a vehicle includes a base movably coupled to a floor of the vehicle, a pivot arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the base and a second end that is distal from the first end, a table pivotably coupled to the pivot arm at the second end and having a top side and an underside opposite the top side, a panel coupled to the table and operable to move relative to the table from a first panel position to second panel position, and a foot rest coupled to the base and operable to move relative to the base from a retracted position to a deployed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2021Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jesse Rene Diephuis, Michael John Harmon, Andrew Brand, Ryan Wayne Warner, Andrew Smith