Patents Issued in August 1, 2023
  • Patent number: 11712990
    Abstract: A foot rest assembly includes a foot rest member movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The assembly further includes a leg having a first leg end coupled to the foot rest member and a second leg end, and an arm assembly including a flange and a track. The track includes a first track end and a second track end. A bearing assembly is coupled to the second leg end of the leg. In the deployed position, the bearing assembly and second leg end are located at the first end of the track. In the stowed position, the bearing assembly and second leg end are located at the second end of the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Ths Braun Corporation
    Inventors: James Stoner, Michael T. Zindler
  • Patent number: 11712991
    Abstract: A carrier assembly for a vehicle, comprising a carrier component. A fastening point for fastening the carrier component is provided at a fastening area of the carrier component made of a fiber composite material, which specifies a position for a through-opening yet to be formed by the attachment of a fastening element along a direction of attachment and which forms at least one support element protruding along the direction of attachment, against which a head portion of the fastening element rests at least in a non-positive manner when a fastening portion of the fastening element properly extends through the material of the carrier component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Thienel, André Carl, Dominik Hofmann, Sebastian Merkle
  • Patent number: 11712992
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for providing optimized simultaneous illumination for human vision and machine based navigation vision on a semi-autonomous vehicle. In one embodiment, a system includes a first control output configured to provide first illumination control information including first active cycle times for a first illumination source. The first illumination source is configured to provide a first frequency band of illumination for machine vision navigation of the semi-autonomous vehicle. The system further includes a second control output configured to provide second illumination control information including second active cycle times for a second illumination source. The second illumination source is configured to provide a second frequency band of illumination for a human driver of the semi-autonomous vehicle. The system further includes a first monitor input configured to receive ambient illumination information from a camera system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Event Capture Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian James Mock
  • Patent number: 11712993
    Abstract: A method for monitoring, from a traction vehicle, a lighting system of a trailer with first lights having at least one brake light, at least one right tail light, at least one left tail light, at least one rear fog light and/or at least one reversing light, wherein the first lights are supplied with electricity from the traction vehicle via electric circuits, and wherein during the monitoring of the lighting system of the trailer, each of the first lights is periodically checked with a first waiting time, the check determining whether the electric circuit having the first light to be checked is closed or not, wherein the first waiting time between two checks of one of the first lights is extended incrementally starting from an initial value for each individual first light if the electric circuit through this first light is not interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Felix Caesar, Matthias Deichsel, Jan Schmaeling
  • Patent number: 11712994
    Abstract: A lighting system enables a lighting pattern to be displayed on a vehicle when the vehicle is in motion. A lighting pattern may include lights that fluctuate (with respect to luminosity) or lights that stay on at the same luminosity. The length of time that a light, such as an LED lamp, is powered on may vary. Similarly, the amount of time between two adjacent lights are powered off and powered on may also vary. As such, the lighting sequence is flexible and can be customized so that all lights are not on for the same length of time and the time between two lights being powered may vary. A vehicle front alert system allows for improved perception of speed of an approaching vehicle, human, or object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: PEDESTRIAN SAFETY SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Paul L. Schaye
  • Patent number: 11712995
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method of facilitating communications from an autonomous vehicle to a user. For instance, a method may include, while attempting to pick up the user and prior to the user entering an vehicle, inputting a current location of the vehicle and map information into a model in order to identify a type of communication action for communicating a location of the vehicle to the user; enabling a first communication based on the type of the communication action; determining whether the user has responded to the first communication from received sensor data; and enabling a second communication based on the determination of whether the user has responded to the communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Salil Pandit, Julien Mercay, Clement Wright
  • Patent number: 11712996
    Abstract: A sound-producing device for a vehicle includes sound-producing means, an opening provided in a vehicle body bottom part, and a duct connecting the sound-producing means to the opening, and it is possible, by amplifying the sound pressure of a sound generated by the sound-producing means through the duct and transmitting the sound to the outside of the vehicle via the opening of the vehicle body bottom part, to inform a pedestrian that the vehicle is approaching and alert them, and to reduce the sound pressure of the sound-producing means compared with a case in which there is no duct. Moreover, since an inlet and an outlet of the duct are offset from each other in a direction that intersects a vertical axis, it is possible to prevent water or small stones scattered by a tire from passing through the duct and to decrease the stiffness of the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukiya Atsumi
  • Patent number: 11712997
    Abstract: A method for assembling a vehicular interior rearview mirror assembly includes providing a mirror mount, a mirror casing, a mirror reflective element at the mirror casing, and a toggle mechanism, which includes a body portion and a toggle lever joined to the body portion. A lower pivot mount of the toggle mechanism is inserted into a lower receiving portion of the mirror casing and an upper pivot mount of the toggle mechanism is inserted into an upper receiving portion of the mirror casing. An outer surface of the body portion corresponds with adjacent outer surfaces of the mirror casing. With a pivot element of the toggle mechanism attached at the mirror mount, and when the toggle lever pivots relative to the lower receiving portion of the mirror casing, the mirror casing pivots relative to the body portion to flip the mirror head between a first orientation and a second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew V. Steffes, Peter Krebs
  • Patent number: 11712998
    Abstract: A rear-view mirror and modular monitor system and method include an interior mirror that embeds a modular monitor behind see-through mirror glass. In some embodiments, the system includes multiple cameras, some in the vehicle, bus and/or truck, as well as some cameras outside the vehicle, bus and/or truck, advantageously providing the driver an opportunity to view what is happening, for example, in the back rows of the bus and/or cabin, while also using the mirror to look at objects in the bus and/or cabin that are visible using the mirror. The rear-view mirror and modular monitor system is configured to be easily assembled and/or disassembled when necessary for maintenance and/or to replace parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: ROSCO, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Englander, Julian Serer, Peter Plate, Gary Balsam
  • Patent number: 11712999
    Abstract: A lighted mirror having a mirror housing that contains a mirror, a seat attachment assembly for attaching the lighted mirror to a seat in a vehicle, and a light housing that contains a light source for illuminating a child in a vehicle seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: MUNCHKIN, INC.
    Inventors: Yong Sun Simon Kang, Thomas Edward Birkert, Mark Gerard Tebbe
  • Patent number: 11713000
    Abstract: A glove box includes a cover that has an empty space in a dashboard of a vehicle in a state in which a front surface thereof is open, housing that is located in the empty space of the cover in a state in which one open surface thereof is covered, has a storage space therein, and selectively opens or closes the open front surface of the cover through a preset transfer trajectory, and a plurality of transfer links that are arranged between two outer ends of the housing and two inner ends of the cover and provide a transfer trajectory of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae Whoan Park
  • Patent number: 11713001
    Abstract: A console mounted article holding assembly includes a console including a perimeter wall has an upper edge defining an opening extending into the console. A lid is pivotally attached to the perimeter wall and is positionable in a closed position closing the opening or in an open position exposing the opening. A panel is flexible and has a first side, a second side and a perimeter edge. The perimeter edge includes a top edge, a bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The upper edge extends through the opening such that the bottom edge is positioned outside of the console and extends downwardly from the perimeter wall. At least one hook is attached to the flexible panel and extends downwardly from the bottom edge. A coupler releasably attaches the second side of the panel to an interior surface of the console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventor: Donna Morgan
  • Patent number: 11713002
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides generally for a system, method, device for more effectively storing and accessing contents in a truck bed. According to the present disclosure, a storage apparatus may comprise a lid and a container. Sub-containers may be integrated into the container, which may allow for customization and organization within the container. The system may comprise a locking mechanism, allowing for convenient access to the container, such as based on relative location of the locking mechanism, through remote control, or both. A storage apparatus may be configurable based on user needs and preferences. Remote control may allow for automated configuration of the storage apparatus. The method may comprise securing the storage apparatus to the vehicle. A sub-container may comprise partitioning, temperature control, securing mechanisms, or combinations, as non-limiting examples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventors: Jesse Shimp, Trevor Lee
  • Patent number: 11713003
    Abstract: A vehicular accessory adapter attaches a vehicular accessory to a front vehicular mount of a vehicle, and includes a front connector having a main body, a first and second front connector openings, and a front connector flange having a front connector attachment structure to which an accessory can attach; and first and second attachment elements to secure the front connector to the front vehicular mount. The adapter can optionally include a spacer configured to position between the front vehicular mount and the front connector. The adapter can further optionally include a rear connector having a base a base opening and a rear connector flange to which an accessory can attach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventor: William Frederick Hare
  • Patent number: 11713004
    Abstract: An attachment apparatus for attaching an electronic media display unit to a vehicle has a containing arrangement that goes over a portion or a whole of the electronic media display unit, and an adhesive arrangement to facilitate adhering the attachment apparatus, and thus facilitate attaching the electronic media display unit to an outside of the vehicle. A portion or a whole of the adhesive arrangement adheres to the outside of the vehicle, outside a portion or a whole of a perimeter of the electronic media display unit, to facilitate attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventor: Bevan Hockly
  • Patent number: 11713005
    Abstract: A method and fastening device for use in heavy duty machinery for fastening a lining element to a surface of a body steel plate is disclosed. An assembly, a truck and a handling tool utilizing the method and fastening device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Metso Sweden AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Larsson, Henrik Persson, Aleksi Huhtala, Jukka Lämpsä, Michael Gyberg
  • Patent number: 11713006
    Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for streaming processing within one or more systems of an autonomy computing system. When an update for a particular object or region of interest is received by a given system, the system can control transmission of data associated with the update as well as a determination of other aspects by the given system. For example, the system can determine based on a received update for a particular aspect and a priority classification and/or interaction classification determined for that aspect whether data associated with the update should be transmitted to a subsequent system before waiting for other updates to arrive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: UATC, LLC
    Inventors: David McAllister Bradley, Galen Clark Haynes
  • Patent number: 11713007
    Abstract: A configurable management system for a vehicle includes a receiving unit adapted to receive a message associated with a vehicle resource from a communication network of the vehicle. A control unit is adapted to determine a vehicle resource associated with the received message. An integration unit includes an external network connected to the control unit and the integration unit further includes at least one node, wherein the at least one node is configured to send an external message on the external network to the control unit. The control unit converts the external message to a suitable message that is sent to the vehicle resource.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: LES SYSTÈMES CYBERKAR
    Inventor: Eric Deschênes
  • Patent number: 11713008
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a user profile responsive to an efficiency determination request for a vehicle model. The processor is also configured to obtain efficiency-affecting data from the user profile. The processor is further configured to compare the efficiency-affecting data to data gathered from drivers of the vehicle model, to determine a correlation between the user profile and similar drivers of the vehicle model. Also, the processor is configured to predict fuel efficiency for the new vehicle model based on efficiency achieved by the similar drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Lawrence Jackson Van Hoecke, Hamid M. Golgiri, Anthony Melatti
  • Patent number: 11713009
    Abstract: An electric junction box includes a housing configured to accommodate an electronic component and a lid configured to be attached to the housing to cover an opening of the housing. The housing includes a housing body configured to accommodate the electronic component, and a partition wall dividing an inner space of the housing body. The partition wall is provided with a jig pin hole extending along a direction in which the lid is attached to the housing, the jig pin hole being configured such that a pin provided on a workbench is to be inserted into the jig pin hole making the housing fixed to the workbench on which another component is to be attached to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Sho Kurata, Hideki Kawamura, Minoru Umezaki, Toshiki Yagi
  • Patent number: 11713010
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle control apparatus and a recreational vehicle are provided. The recreational vehicle control apparatus includes a first controlled switch configured to generate a first output signal in response to receiving a first control signal, and switch a polarity of the first output signal based on a status of the first control signal. A second controlled switch is configured to generate a second output signal in response to receiving the first control signal. The second controlled switch outputs the second output signal to a first controlled end of a controlled object group. A third controlled switch is configured to generate a third output signal in response to receiving the second control signal and the first output signal transmitted by the first controlled switch. The third controlled switch outputs the third output signal to a second controlled end of the controlled object group. The present application may save wires and equipment with high integration level and small space occupation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Estone Technology LTD.
    Inventors: Zhaoliang Ji, Shiguo Liu
  • Patent number: 11713011
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly includes a bumper beam and a crush can attached to an end portion of the bumper beam. An impact dispersion plate is attached to a front face of the bumper beam at the end portion of the bumper beam. A front surface of the impact dispersion plate extends downward from the front face of the bumper beam. A lower reinforcement member attached to a rear surface of the impact dispersion plate and extends along a lower section of the impact dispersion plate. An upright reinforcement member has an upper portion attached to the bumper beam and a lower portion attached to the lower reinforcement member. The upright and lower reinforcement members are configured, upon impact with a barrier, to disperse deformation of the barrier over the impact dispersion plate below the bumper beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Shape Corp.
    Inventors: Andreas Krasel, Stephane Anquetil, Jan {hacek over (S)}pergl, Pritish Avachat
  • Patent number: 11713012
    Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Lund Motion Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Nicholas Smith, Eric Charles Bajza, William Franklin Bibb, VI
  • Patent number: 11713013
    Abstract: A side underride guard assembly for a trailer has a plurality of support subassemblies coupled to first and second longitudinal main beams of the trailer. Each support subassembly has at least one cross member having a first end adjacent a first longitudinal side edge of the trailer and an opposite second end adjacent an opposite second longitudinal side edge of the trailer. Each support subassembly also has at least one vertically oriented plate coupled to the at least one cross member. A first longitudinal guard member is coupled to the first end of each of the cross members of the plurality of support subassemblies. A second longitudinal guard member is coupled to the second end of each of the cross members. The first and second longitudinal guard members are located below the first and second longitudinal side edges of the trailer, respectively, to prevent or inhibit side underride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Fontaine Commercial Trailer, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael H. Watson
  • Patent number: 11713014
    Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a seat having a seatback and a seat bottom. The seat bottom has a front end spaced from the seatback. The assembly includes a front airbag elongated along the front end of the seat bottom. A first side airbag is elongated in a direction from the seatback to the front end. A second side airbag is elongated in a direction from the seatback to the front end. The second side airbag is spaced cross-seat from the first side airbag. The assembly includes a controller. The controller is programmed to inflate the first side airbag and the second side airbag in response to at least detection of a vehicle impact. The controller is programmed to selectively inflate the front airbag in response to at least detection of the vehicle impact and detection of a non-human animal occupant on the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Dean M. Jaradi
  • Patent number: 11713015
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a first webbing provided in a side portion of a seat back, and a second webbing provided in the side portion of the seat back so as to overlap the first webbing from outside. The first webbing and the second webbing form a bag portion that opens downward, which houses a side airbag device. The bag portion includes a webbing seam portion in which edge portions of the first webbing and the second webbing are sewn together. In a skin seam portion in which skins of a seat back skin constituting skin of the seat back are sewn together, the webbing seam portion is sewn together with the skins, in a state in which the first webbing overlaps one of the skins and the second webbing overlaps the other of the skins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignees: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Sano, Yusuke Chida, Atsushi Yamabe
  • Patent number: 11713016
    Abstract: In a vehicle seat comprising a seat cushion and a seatback, the seatback comprises a seatback frame including a right and a left side member extending vertically, a side airbag unit attached to one of the side members, a flexible seatback pad provided with a pad side slit to permit an airbag to be deployed opposite to the side airbag unit, a skin member having a skin side slit in a part thereof corresponding to the pad side slit, and a retaining sheet connected to a part of a back side of the seatback pad opposing the side member, and to the side member so as to fixedly secure a position of the seatback pad relative to the side member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: TS TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kota Akai, Masahiro Okabe
  • Patent number: 11713017
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seat frame inflator including a seat frame housing portion formed of a seat frame having a hollow structure and forming an outer shell of a pressurized gas chamber, and a partition member disposed on a hollow side of the seat frame and configured to isolate the pressurized gas chamber and a gas chamber outer region from each other. The partition member is provided with a communication hole, and a closing member configured to close the communication hole. The seat frame inflator includes an opening member disposed on the hollow side of the seat frame, and configured to open the pressurized gas chamber, and a gas discharge port formed in the seat frame to face the gas chamber outer region and configured to discharge, from the gas chamber outer region to the outside, the pressurized gas flowing from the pressurized gas chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Katsuda
  • Patent number: 11713018
    Abstract: A system includes a body structure, an assembly that is connected to the body structure, an airbag assembly that includes a housing that is located behind a first portion of the body structure and a deployable structure. The deployable structure is located in the housing in a stowed position and extends outward relative to the housing in an inflated position. The deployable structure includes a main chamber that is located adjacent to the seat assembly in the inflated position, and a reaction chamber that is spaced from the seat assembly by the main chamber in the inflated position. The deployable structure is configured so that forces that are applied to the main chamber of the deployable structure in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle cause the reaction chamber to move in a lateral direction so that the reaction chamber engages the body structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Adam J. Golman, Arturo Llamazares Domper, Nicholas A. White, Jesse T. Buehler
  • Patent number: 11713019
    Abstract: A lateral shock absorber includes a protective fender pivoted to a base of a child car safety seat and a locking mechanism disposed on the base. The protective fender is pivotally switchable between a folded state or an unfolded state. The locking mechanism is for selectively engaging with the protective fender to restrain the protective fender from switching to the unfolded state or disengaging from the protective fender to allow the protective fender to switch to the unfolded state when the protective fender is located in the folded state. The locking mechanism includes a locking assembly, an abutting component and an abutting block connected to the abutting component. The locking assembly engages with the protective fender to restrain the protective fender from moving, and the abutting component is driven by the abutting block to disengage the locking assembly from the protective fender when the abutting block is pressed downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Bambino Prezioso Switzerland AG
    Inventor: Hong-Bo Chen
  • Patent number: 11713020
    Abstract: An occupant restraint system for a vehicle seat operatively mounted in a motor vehicle may include a restraint web operatively coupled to at least one of the vehicle seat and the motor vehicle, an elongated sleeve received on and at least partially about the restraint web, and a sleeve position adjuster coupled to the sleeve and including an actuator normally engaging a portion of the restraint web to fix a position of the sleeve relative to the restraint web and responsive to actuation thereof to disengage from the restraint web to allow the sleeve to be moved along the restraint web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: INDIANA MILLS & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas W. Bittner, Jeffrey A. King, Chris P. Jessup, Steven Gale
  • Patent number: 11713021
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes: a first behavior mode recognition unit that executes a first behavior mode recognition process of recognizing a first behavior mode of a target person based on an image captured by a first camera having a first resolution; a second behavior mode recognition unit that, when a distance between the vehicle and the target person is equal to or less than a predetermined distance, recognizes a second behavior mode of the target person based on an image captured by a second camera having a second resolution higher than the first resolution; a target person behavior recognition unit that recognizes a behavior of the target person against a vehicle based on the first behavior mode and the second behavior mode; and a control unit that executes predetermined control on the vehicle based on the behavior of the target person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haisong Liu, Ryo Morosawa
  • Patent number: 11713022
    Abstract: A near-field communication (NFC) entry device is provided for remote keyless entry (RKE) into an enclosure having an RKE control unit, a door, and a door actuator. The NFC entry device includes a housing and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). The housing mounts to the enclosure. The PCBA is enclosed within a cavity of the housing, and includes first and second surfaces, an RF antenna and an inductor coil connected to the first surface, and an NFC communication chipset connected to the second surface. The NFC entry device is characterized by an absence of a cellular battery, and passively harvests energy from a smartphone or other battery powered mobile device via the inductor coil. The passively harvested energy is used to communicate a control signal to the RKE control unit, via the RF antenna, which activates the door actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Enterprise Electronics LLC
    Inventors: David J. Pearson, Jeffrey Carl Vogel
  • Patent number: 11713023
    Abstract: A vehicle theft-prevention apparatus can include a locking mechanism with an engagement component. The locking mechanism can be engaged via a first action to apply a force on the vehicle when in an engaged state. The locking mechanism can disengage, via a second action, to withdraw the force from the vehicle when in the engaged state. The locking mechanism can maintain a current state of the force in response to the first action and the second action when in a disengaged state. One or more computing devices can receive a command to enable or disable the locking mechanism. In response to receiving the command, the computing device can cause the engagement component to transition the locking mechanism from the disengaged state to the engaged state or from an engaged state to a disengaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Keep Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Moeller, Rahul Maran, Aditya Chavan
  • Patent number: 11713024
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments for a direct drive wiper system. The system includes a motor that is operably coupled to a wiper system to drive one or more wiper arms of the wiper system, and a gearbox, wherein an input to the gearbox is coupled to the motor and an output of the gearbox is coupled to the wiper assembly, wherein the gearbox is configured to convert an input from the motor to an output to drive the wiper system. The system also includes a brake and stopper mechanism that is coupled to the gearbox and the wiper system. Also provided are embodiments for a method for operating the direct drive wiper system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: ROSEMOUNT AEROSPACE INC.
    Inventors: Guru Prasad Mahapatra, Robin Jacob
  • Patent number: 11713025
    Abstract: An air blowing apparatus is oriented toward a windshield glass of a vehicle and includes an air fan assembly located adjacent to the windshield glass and an air nozzle connected to the air fan assembly via a duct such that a fluid flows therebetween. The air nozzle is located so as to be opposite the windshield glass and is configured to adjust the pressure and angle at which air is discharged toward the windshield glass in accordance with the driving environment of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, NIFCO KOREA INC.
    Inventors: Jong Min Park, Nak Kyoung Kong, Seung Hyeok Chang, Ki Hong Lee, Jae Hyoung Kim, Heung Hwan Lim
  • Patent number: 11713026
    Abstract: A tire brake comprising: a central shaft, a groove is formed in the middle of the surface of the central shaft, a hexagonal rotating block is embedded and arranged in the groove, and half screw rods are embedded both above and below the hexagonal rotating block through screw rod seats, one top end of the upper half screw rod is provided with an upper bearing bracket, one bottom end of the lower half screw rod is provided with a lower bearing bracket; the invention is scientific and reasonable, safe and convenient to use, in operation, the hexagonal rotating block can be directly rotated, and the hexagonal rotating block can be used to drive the half screw rod to rotate, thereby the screw rod seats driving the half screw rods to move up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventor: Changyuan Lu
  • Patent number: 11713027
    Abstract: A brake system for controlling the brake performance of a vehicle includes a brake, a control unit connected to one or more external condition sensors, and one or more brake performance sensors. The external condition sensors obtain parameters regarding conditions surrounding the vehicle, which are monitored by a driver assistance unit to estimate a probability value that the brakes should be applied to avoid a collision. The brake performance sensors obtain parameters regarding conditions of the brake. The control unit receives the obtained parameters from the external condition sensors and the estimated probability value and determines a surrounding threat level of the vehicle. The control unit receives the obtained parameters from the brake performance sensors and determines a brake performance level, and heats the at least one brake if the brake performance level is below a first level and the surrounding threat level is above a second level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: NINGBO GEELY AUTOMOBILE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CO.
    Inventors: Magnus Brandin, David Ekholm
  • Patent number: 11713028
    Abstract: A method for operating a braking force generator for a motor vehicle having a hydraulic braking system. The braking force generator, in a first working mode, builds up braking force independently, and in a second working mode, builds up braking force to assist the driver. A strategy for operating the braking force generator is adapted depending on a driving situation. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Marquart, Florian Haag, Nikolas Loeffelmann
  • Patent number: 11713029
    Abstract: The present invention obtains a hydraulic pressure control unit capable of saving a space where a device can be mounted in a straddle-type vehicle. In the hydraulic pressure control unit according to the present invention, a controller includes a brake control section that controls operation of a component for controlling a brake hydraulic pressure generated in the straddle-type vehicle, and the brake control section is accommodated in a case that is held by a base body. The controller further includes a power control section that controls operation of a power generator for the straddle-type vehicle, and the power control section is accommodated together with the brake control section in the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jun Ohtaka, Takuya Okada
  • Patent number: 11713030
    Abstract: A control apparatus/method for operating an electromechanical brake booster of a vehicle braking system, including: applying control to an electromechanical brake booster motor in consideration at least of a braking definition signal regarding a braking input of a driver and/or automatic speed control system of the vehicle (ACC); specifying, in consideration at least of the braking definition signal, a target motor force of the electromechanical brake booster motor or a target brake application force of the electromechanical brake booster into a brake master cylinder, downstream from the electromechanical brake booster, of the braking system; and applying control to the electromechanical brake booster motor in consideration of a force difference between the specified target motor force and an estimated/measured actual motor force of the motor, or between the specified target brake application force and an estimated/measured actual brake application force of the electromechanical brake booster into the downstr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Herbert Vollert, Christian Binder, Manfred Gerdes, Oliver Fuchs, Patrick Christian Schaefer
  • Patent number: 11713031
    Abstract: Hybrid or fully electric vehicle comprising: a conventional braking system based on friction bodies to brake the motor vehicle by interaction of the friction bodies in response to the operation of a brake pedal or any other equivalent control member, a reversible electric machine operatively coupled to the wheels of the vehicle and electronically controllable to operate selectively as an electric engine to generate a mechanical power to propel to the vehicle and as an electric generator to convert the kinetic energy of the motor vehicle into electrical energy, and an automotive electronic control system comprising a sensory system to measure automotive quantities, and an electronic control unit to control operation of the conventional braking system and of the electric machine in response to the operation of the brake pedal or any other operationally equivalent control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: FCA ITALY S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele Bonaccorso, Luca Enrico, Renato Badino, Michele Ieluzzi, Michele Galbusera
  • Patent number: 11713032
    Abstract: A direction control device includes a housing, a wheel shaft supported by the housing, a wheel supported by the wheel shaft, a blade shaft supported by the housing, and a blade mounted on the blade shaft. The housing has a first side and a longitudinal axis. The wheel shaft has a wheel axis and is configured to extend beyond the first side outside the housing. The wheel has a rotational axis and is configured to rotate about the rotational axis. The blade shaft is configured to extend beyond the first side outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Inventor: Patrick Ho
  • Patent number: 11713033
    Abstract: A control method controls an electric four-wheel-drive vehicle to switch a drive torque distribution between a first distribution prioritizing energy efficiency and a second distribution prioritizing driving performance. The distribution is set to the second distribution where wheel slip is detected during a trip, and returned to the first distribution once the vehicle has stopped. When wheel slip is detected at least during acceleration, the distribution is switched from the first distribution to the second distribution. When wheel slip is detected during deceleration, a slip experience flag is set. The slip experience flag is maintained at least until starting off in a subsequent trip. Where the slip experience flag has been set, the distribution is maintained as the second distribution when the vehicle has stopped, and where the slip experience flag has not been set, the distribution is returned to the first distribution upon the vehicle being stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Hiroi, Kouki Saitou, Kentaro Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 11713034
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle is configured to be applied to a hybrid vehicle that includes an electric motor and an engine that are coupled to a drive wheel. The control apparatus includes a transmission mechanism and a torque processor. The transmission mechanism is to be provided between the engine and the drive wheel, and configured to switch between a plurality of fixed gear ratios to perform a shift. The torque processor is configured to temporarily decrease a torque of the electric motor and a torque of the engine upon execution of an upshift of the transmission mechanism, and configured to decrease, before the execution of the upshift of the transmission mechanism, a proportion of the torque of the electric motor to a drive wheel torque of the drive wheel as compared with a recent proportion of the torque of the electric motor to the drive wheel torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wataru Inoue, Tetsu Matsuzaki
  • Patent number: 11713035
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes an engine coupled to a turbocharger and a timer, a motor generator coupled to the engine and a battery, and a controller. The controller is structured to receive data indicative of a state of charge from the battery, determine whether the state of charge is at or below a high predefined threshold, modulate control on the engine and the timer in response to determining the state of charge is above the high predefined threshold, determine whether the state of charge is above a low predefined threshold in response to the state of charge being at or below the high predefined threshold, and modulate control of the engine and the timer in response to determining the state of charge is at or below the low predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Sriram S. Popuri, Adrian P. Dale, Kristopher R. Bare, Xing Jin
  • Patent number: 11713036
    Abstract: A method of maintaining stability of a motor vehicle having a first axle, a second axle, and a steering actuator configured to steer the first axle includes determining localization and heading of the vehicle. The method also includes determining a current side-slip angle of the second axle and setting a maximum side-slip angle of the second axle using the friction coefficient at the vehicle and road surface interface. The method additionally includes predicting when the maximum side-slip angle would be exceeded using the localization, heading, and determined current side-slip angle as inputs to a linear computational model. The method also includes updating the model using the prediction of when the maximum side-slip angle would be exceeded to determine impending instability of the vehicle. Furthermore, the method includes correcting for the impending instability using the updated model and the maximum side-slip angle via modifying a steering angle of the first axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kevin A. O'Dea, Jacob R. Kilver, Avshalom Suissa
  • Patent number: 11713037
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrical parking control method and device, a readable storage medium and a computer device. The method includes that: when it is detected that a vehicle is in a self-piloting mode and a preset parking control condition is satisfied, a parking switching request message is generated, and sent to a VCU; a parking switching message fed back by the VCU is received, the parking switching message being a message generated when the VCU detects that a vehicle state is executable parking switching; a parking switching signal corresponding to the parking switching message is generated; and the parking switching signal is pushed to an external Electrical Park Brake (EPB) system, the parking switching signal being used to switch a state of the external EPB system, the state including a tightening state and a releasing state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: GAC AION NEW ENERGY AUTOMOBILE CO. LTD
    Inventors: Zhensheng Chen, Dan Wei, Binbin Yue, Jinhang Wang
  • Patent number: 11713038
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a plurality of sensors disposed at a vehicle and sensing exterior of the vehicle. An electronic control unit (ECU) includes a processor that processes sensor data captured by the sensors. The vehicular control system, responsive at least in part to processing at the ECU of captured sensor data as the vehicle travels in a traffic lane of a road, detects another vehicle that is rearward of the equipped vehicle and traveling along an adjacent traffic lane. The vehicular control system detects a leading vehicle ahead of the equipped vehicle and traveling in the same traffic lane as the equipped vehicle. The vehicular control system, responsive to determination of a space along the other traffic lane ahead of the detected other vehicle, controls the equipped vehicle to maneuver into the adjacent traffic lane to pass the detected leading vehicle ahead of the detected other vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Martin Rachor
  • Patent number: 11713039
    Abstract: A driving support system mountable to an own vehicle includes an object detection sensor detecting a first object, a communication unit performing communication with a second object around the own vehicle, a direction determining unit determining whether a first direction from the own vehicle to the first object is the same as a second direction from the own vehicle to the second object with which the communication unit performs communication, an identity determining unit determining whether the first object is identical with the second object based on information acquired by the object detection sensor and the communication unit when the first direction is the same as the second direction, and a driving supporting unit performing driving support based on information acquired from an object determined in advance between the first object and the second object when it is determined that the first object is identical with the second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryo Takaki