With Vehicle Feature Patents (Class 165/41)
  • Patent number: 11499625
    Abstract: A cooling system for a power transmission unit that can supply oil properly to a differential mechanism and motors. The cooling system comprises: a first branch passage to supply the oil to the differential mechanism; a second branch passage to supply the oil to the first motor; and a third branch passage to supply the oil to the second motor. The second branch passage includes a first oil feeding section that supplies the oil to a coil of the first motor, and a second oil feeding section that supplies the oil f to a core of the first motor. The third branch passage includes a third oil feeding section that supplies the oil to a coil of the second motor, and a fourth oil feeding section that supplies the oil to a core of the second motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kensei Hata, Akiko Nishimine, Shotaro Kato, Masashi Shinoda, So Okita
  • Patent number: 11492145
    Abstract: A first deployment mechanism (30) deploys a first radiator panel (20) from a state where the first radiator panel (20) is opposed to a north or south face (10) of the body structure of a satellite. A second radiator panel (40) is stacked with the first radiator panel (20) to be opposed to the north or south face (10) of the body structure of the satellite and is sandwiched between the north and south face (10) of the body structure of the satellite and the first radiator panel (20), in a state where the first radiator panel (20) is opposed to the north or south face (10) of the body structure of the satellite. A second deployment mechanism (50) connects the second radiator panel (40) to the north or south face (10) of the body structure of the satellite, and deploys the second radiator panel (40) in a direction P2 opposite to a deployment direction P1 of the first radiator panel from a state where the second radiator panel (40) is opposed to the north or south face (10) of the body structure of the satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Shunichi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 11485192
    Abstract: One example provides a thermal management system for an electric vehicle including a pump to pump a thermal transfer fluid through a number of circulation loops, an electric heater to heat the thermal transfer fluid, a heat exchanger to expel heat from the thermal transfer fluid, a number of valves, and a number of fluid pathways fluidically interconnecting the pump, heater, heat exchanger and valves. The valves being controllable to a number of different positions to form the number of circulation loops, the number of circulation loops including a battery heating circulation loop extending through the heater for heating a battery pack of the vehicle, a secondary components cooling circulation loop extending through the heat exchanger to cool secondary components of the vehicle, including a motor and a motor controller, and a battery cooling circulation loop extending through the heat exchanger to cool the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Taiga Motors Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Bruneau, Paul Achard, Marc-Olivier Gagnon
  • Patent number: 11480399
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus (1) for cooling a fluid withsurface water, comprising at least one tube (8) for containing and transporting the fluid in its interior, the exterior of the tube (8) being in operation at least partially submerged in the surface water so as to cool the tube (8) to thereby also cool the fluid. The cooling apparatus (1) further comprises at least one light source (9) for producing light that hinders fouling on the submerged exterior, wherein the light source (9) is dimensioned and positioned with respect to the tube (8) so as to cast anti-fouling light over the tube's exterior. By this structure anti-fouling of the cooling apparatus (1) can be assured in an alternative and effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Bart Andre Salters, Roelant Boudewijn Hietbrink
  • Patent number: 11465463
    Abstract: A transportation refrigeration unit (24) to provide a flow of supply air to a selected space includes a compressor to compress a flow of refrigerant and an engine (36) powered by a flow of fuel and operably connected to the compressor to drive the compressor. An evaporator circulates the flow of refrigerant therethrough to cool the supply air and includes a substantially unitary evaporator housing (50) having a supply air inlet opening (52) and a supply air outlet opening (56). An evaporator coil (32) is located in the evaporator housing, the flow of refrigerant circulating across the evaporator coil. An evaporator fan (34) is located in the evaporator housing to urge the supply airflow into the evaporator housing via the supply air inlet opening (52), across the evaporator coil (32) and out of the evaporator housing through the supply air outlet opening (56). The evaporator fan (34) can be located upstream or downstream of the evaporator coil (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ludovic Lanuzel, Philippe Thierry Vaas
  • Patent number: 11460252
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes first and second fluid circuits. The first fluid circuit is formed by a first set of fins, a first inlet header, and a first outlet header. The first set of fins extend radially and are coaxial with each other. The first inlet header is fluidly connected to and is disposed on an upstream end of the first fins. The first outlet header is fluidly connected to and is disposed on a downstream end of the first fins. The second fluid circuit is formed by a second set of fins, a second inlet header, and a second outlet header. The second fins extend radially and are coaxial with each other. An annular shape of the second inlet header conforms to the circular shape of the first inlet header. An annular shape of the second outlet header conforms to the circular shape of the first outlet header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Paul M. Colson
  • Patent number: 11456495
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems/arrangements and methods for controlling a temperature of a battery and of other electric components of a vehicle, and of a vehicle that includes such a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bernd Brinkmann, Thomas Nitsche, Julian Tietze, Christian Jolk, Bernhard Gralka
  • Patent number: 11448115
    Abstract: Two oil coolers (30, 32) are disposed so as to face each other in a front half of the inside of a heat exchanger chamber (26) defined in an upper revolving body (5), one oil cooler (31) is disposed in a rear half, and a space (E) formed between the oil coolers is used as work and passage spaces. Outside air as cooling air is allowed to pass through the respective oil coolers (30 to 32) by cooling fans (35), and cooling air that has passed through each of the two oil coolers (30, 32) disposed so as to face each other is made to mutually collide, and is discharged to the outside through a side outlet (38) of a front wall (26a) and a first upper outlet (39) of a ceiling (26e) of the heat exchanger chamber (26). Cooling air that has passed through the other one oil cooler (31) is made to collide with a left side wall (26c), and is discharged to the outside through a second upper outlet (40) of the ceiling (26e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Seo, Nobuhiro Ishii, Kei Sato
  • Patent number: 11448117
    Abstract: An auxiliary coolant pump for circulating a coolant in a vehicle thermal system having a main coolant pump includes a housing, an impeller, a motor selectively driving the impeller, a coolant inlet configured to receive the coolant, a coolant outlet fluidly coupled to the coolant inlet, and a bypass passage fluidly coupled between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet. When the main coolant pump is on, the auxiliary coolant pump is selectively turned off such that coolant flows through the bypass passage to reduce or eliminate restriction of the coolant flow rate in the thermal system. When the main coolant pump is off, the auxiliary coolant pump is selectively turned on such that coolant continues to flow through at least a portion of the thermal system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventor: Matthew T Bartlett
  • Patent number: 11428473
    Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a housing with an inlet port, an outlet port, an interior facing surface defining a coolant channel, a first opening surrounded by an exterior facing surface, and a second opening defined by a first inner diameter. A tube assembly defines a plurality of exhaust gas flow channels and a plurality of coolant cross channels within the housing. A first diffuser directs a first fluid into the tube assembly and is joined to a first header plate, which separates the first fluid from a second fluid within the coolant channel. A second diffuser directs the first fluid out of the tube assembly. The second diffuser is located within the second opening and sealed to the second opening by seals around the second diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: MODINE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: Thomas R. Grotophorst
  • Patent number: 11420684
    Abstract: What is provided is a front end structure which can secure a strength and rigidity of a frame portion and reduce a weight thereof. The front end structure includes a frame portion (45), a vehicle body mounting portion (46), and a duct portion (42). The frame portion is formed to cover outer peripheral portions of a radiator and a condenser disposed in front of the vehicle body. The vehicle body mounting portion is provided on the frame portion and is connected to a front end of a front side frame (23) which extends in a forward and rearward direction of a vehicle body. The duct portion is continuous with the front end of the frame portion, and at least a part thereof is disposed above the vehicle body mounting portion and forms a continuous flow path between the duct portion and the condenser in a vertical direction. The frame portion, the vehicle body mounting portion, and the duct portion are integrally formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kimihito Hayakawa, Kohki Sugawara, Shuichi Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 11413954
    Abstract: A saddle riding type electric vehicle includes a power unit which has a motor configured to drive a vehicle, a battery serving as a power source of the motor, and a control unit configured to control the motor; a vehicle body frame which supports the power unit, and has a head pipe configured to support a front wheel in a steerable manner, and a down frame extending downward from the head pipe; a first radiator and a second radiator disposed on both sides in a vehicle width direction across the down frame; and a pump which circulates cooling water between the first radiator, the second radiator and the power unit. The pump is disposed below one radiator of the first radiator and the second radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Matsushima, Takahiro Katsuta
  • Patent number: 11407275
    Abstract: Heat flow management device for motor vehicles has a refrigerant circulation, a power train coolant circulation and a heating line heat carrier circulation. The refrigerant circulation includes a compressor, an indirect condenser, an expansion element, an ambient heat exchanger, an evaporator and a chiller. The power train coolant circulation includes a coolant pump, the chiller, an electric motor heat exchanger and a power train coolant radiator, wherein the heating line heat carrier circulation comprises a coolant pump, the indirect condenser and a heating heat exchanger, wherein the refrigerant circulation and the power train coolant circulation are directly thermally coupled with one another across the chiller. Refrigerant circulation and heating line heat carrier circulation are directly thermally coupled with one another across the indirect condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Hanon Systems
    Inventors: Navid Durrani, Martin Hötzel, Tobias Haas
  • Patent number: 11383845
    Abstract: A separable multiple-piece frame assembly (100) for a passenger seat of a vehicle includes a first spreader portion (101) with an inner face, a second spreader portion (201) with an inner face, a plurality of attachments (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) for releasably attaching the first spreader portion (101) and the second spreader portion (201), and an attached configuration. In the attached configuration, the inner face of the first spreader portion and the inner face of the second spreader portion are in contact with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Safran Seats USA LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Sikorski, Kevin M. Waters, Christopher D. Stewart, Delphine F. Augot
  • Patent number: 11387506
    Abstract: A thermal management system for removing waste heat from a battery cell. The thermal management system includes a unit cell that includes a vapor chamber including an evaporator surface and a condenser surface. The evaporator surface and the condenser surface are fluidly connected by a wick. The unit cell also includes a phase change material (PCM) shell encapsulating a PCM. The evaporator surface is thermally coupled to the battery cell and absorbs waste heat generated by the battery cell. The condenser surface is thermally coupled to the PCM and rejects waste heat to the PCM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Ercan Mehmet Dede, Shailesh N. Joshi
  • Patent number: 11356006
    Abstract: An electric machine includes a machine rotor circumscribed by a machine stator, and having a rotor shaft, rotor stack, and end cap which rotate about an axis. The end cap includes lobes equal in number to a number of pole pairs of the machine rotor. A position sensor assembly has a predetermined alignment with the machine rotor and stator. The sensor assembly includes a sensor rotor formed by the lobes and a sensor stator having a printed circuit board with conductive sine and cosine traces. Machine rotor rotation causes the sensor assembly to output an unmodulated sine and cosine signals to a controller, which then calculates a calibrated reference angle. A magnetic axis of an electrical phase of the machine is aligned with and bisects a peak of the sine trace. A direct axis of the machine rotor aligns with an edge of a lobe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Suresh Gopalakrishnan, Chandra S. Namuduri, Alexandru Rajala, Thomas W. Nehl, Xiaohui Du, Edward L. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 11345425
    Abstract: In an embodiment, there is provided a motorcycle comprising at least one front wheel, at least one rear wheel and a vehicle body, the vehicle body comprising a substantially open elongate duct extending longitudinally through a central portion of the vehicle body between an open inlet aperture arranged at a front portion of the vehicle body and an open outlet aperture arranged at a rear portion of the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: WHITE MOTORCYCLE CONCEPTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert James White
  • Patent number: 11338643
    Abstract: A heat pump system for air conditioning a vehicle, in particular an electric or hybrid vehicle, includes an air conditioning unit which has an air conditioning evaporator and a heating heat exchanger, for air conditioning a passenger compartment of the vehicle. A condenser transmits heat from a refrigeration circuit into a coolant circuit, and a chiller transmits heat from the coolant circuit into the refrigeration circuit. The coolant circuit has two branches which are parallel to one another downstream of a low temperature cooler, namely a heating branch which can be shut off and in which the condenser and the heating heat exchanger are arranged, and a cooling branch, in which the chiller and a low temperature heat exchanger for cooling a vehicle component are arranged. The low temperature cooler, the condenser and the heating heat exchanger are connected in series with respect to one another. The heat pump system has a plurality of operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Oliver Horn, Robert Herbolzheimer
  • Patent number: 11333445
    Abstract: A radiator system uses an innovative passive control scheme in combination with dependable mechanical design features to meet or exceed the requirements for orbital applications. The disclosed radiator system is unique because we target an extremely high turndown ratio of 200:1 with an entirely passive two-phase pumped loop using ammonia as the working fluid. Sections of the radiator will selectively freeze to assist the turndown, and the mechanical design of the radiator can handle the high pressures experienced during such freezing and thawing events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Mainstream Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Milkie, Ian S. Wright
  • Patent number: 11319092
    Abstract: A spacecraft is disclosed having at least three flat side walls, at least one main communication antenna, including a radiating element having a central axis of radiation (AC-AC), a movable arm configured to move between a deployed position and a folded position, a reflector suitable for reflecting or receiving radiofrequency waves in a direction of emission (DE). The radiating element is fixed to a side wall so that the central axis of radiation (AC-AC) is arranged perpendicularly to the side wall, and the movable arm is shaped so that an offset angle (?) of between 25° and 65° is formed between the side wall and the direction of emission (DE), when the movable arm is in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: AIRBUS DEFENCE AND SPACE SAS
    Inventor: Philippe Cael
  • Patent number: 11287163
    Abstract: A transport refrigeration system includes a prime mover configured to power a refrigeration unit and a first fuel tank fluidly connected to prime mover through a first fuel line. The first fuel tank is configured to supply fuel to an inlet of prime mover from an outlet of first fuel tank through first fuel line. The transport refrigeration system also includes a first fuel flow sensor being an in-line flow meter and configured to measure a first fuel quantity exiting first fuel tank, a second fuel flow sensor being an in-line flow meter and configured to measure a second fuel quantity entering prime mover, a controller configured to compare second fuel quantity to first fuel quantity, and an alarm configured to activate when second fuel quantity is not equal to first fuel quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael Thomas Swab
  • Patent number: 11260718
    Abstract: A split heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) assembly for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The split HVAC includes a first sub-assembly comprising an evaporator and a first airflow space, a second sub-assembly comprising a second airflow space, a single sealing element located between a wall and one of the first sub-assembly or the second-sub-assembly, and a first interfacing element that directly connects the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly. The single sealing element and the first interfacing element prevent any airflow leakage from both the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly, and one of the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly extends partially into the other of the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Valeo North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Buckman, Darshan Parikh, Richard Sikorski, Steve Hruska
  • Patent number: 11211669
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a battery backup unit (BBU) shelf includes a controller, a supply line to supply a fire extinguishing agent, one or more BBUs, each BBU having a battery module and a temperature sensor. The shelf further includes a flow meter that is coupled to the supply line and measures a flow rate of the fire extinguishing agent flowing through the supply line and produces a flow rate signal that represents the flow rate. For each of the BBUs, the shelf includes a spray nozzle to spray the fire extinguishing agent onto the BBU and a valve that is coupled between the supply line and the spray nozzle. The controller is configured to 1) receive temperature signals from the temperature sensors and 2), for each BBU that has a temperature that exceeds a temperature threshold, open the valve of the BBU to spray the fire extinguishing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: BAIDU USA LLC
    Inventors: Shuai Shao, Tianyi Gao, Huawei Yang
  • Patent number: 11193647
    Abstract: A device for dehumidifying a closed vehicle headlamp housing includes a box with an opening connecting the inside of the box with the inside of the closed housing, and an opening connecting the inside of the box with the outside of the closed housing. The device further includes a shutter for alternatively opening the opening or sealingly closing it, an actuation module configured such that the shutter closes the opening when it is activated, and a heating element for emitting heat when the actuation module is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: AML SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Hassan Koulouh, Cyril Rivier
  • Patent number: 11192446
    Abstract: An active seal arrangement operably connected to a radiator and condenser of a vehicle. The arrangement includes at least one movable seal. The seal is selectively movable between a closed, air-restricting position and an open, air-passing position. The seal is slidably attached to a side wall fitted between the radiator and the condenser. A position controller operably connected to at least one sensor regulates the position of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Steven David Errick
  • Patent number: 11180045
    Abstract: A charging apparatus is configured to charge a battery mounted in a vehicle when a charging connector is connected to a charging inlet of the vehicle. The charging apparatus includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to determine whether a cooling mechanism for the charging inlet is provided in the vehicle. In a case where the cooling mechanism for the charging inlet is provided, the electronic control unit sets a charge current for the battery to a value larger than a value to which the charge current for the battery is set in a case where the cooling mechanism for the charging inlet is not provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shota Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 11142059
    Abstract: An air guide for a motor vehicle includes: at least one downstream main duct intended to be positioned in front of a heat exchange device of the motor vehicle; and at least one air inlet upstream duct configured to be connected to an air inlet, the at least one air inlet upstream duct being connected to the downstream main duct in order to guide the air from the air inlet towards the heat exchange device. The air guide is made as a single piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Frédéric Vacca, Jean-Louis Lanard
  • Patent number: 11136103
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a ship including a gas re-vaporizing system including a re-vaporizing apparatus, which re-vaporizes liquefied gas through seawater supplied by a seawater supply apparatus, supplies a fluid inside a seawater storage tank, which maintains pressure of seawater flowing in a circulation connection line, to the circulation connection line, in order to implement the switch of an operation mode of the seawater supply apparatus from an open loop mode to a close loop mode non-stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kwang Jin Lee, Sang Min Park
  • Patent number: 11110777
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for heating and cooling a passenger compartment. The HVAC system includes a refrigerant loop and a coolant loop, and an auxiliary coolant loop for heating and cooling at least a portion of the passenger compartment. The auxiliary coolant loop includes a pump for moving a coolant, within the auxiliary coolant loop, through a first heat exchanger coupled to the refrigerant loop via an expansion device, a second heat exchanger positioned within the passenger compartment, and a third heat exchanger coupled to the coolant loop. A flow control valve controls a flow of coolant to the third heat exchanger. The temperature of the coolant within the auxiliary coolant loop is controlled utilizing the flow valve and the pump. The first and third heat exchangers may be in parallel for controlling the movement of coolant there between to control temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Steven Sawyer, Manfred Koberstein
  • Patent number: 11097752
    Abstract: An electrically operated vehicle includes a braking resistor in a heat sink cover. The heat sink cover has an air throughflow body having vent openings and an air throughflow direction perpendicular to a direction of travel of the vehicle. The heat sink cover includes an inlet flap on an air inflow side and an outlet flap on an air outflow side. An opening mechanism opens and closes the flaps. In the closed state, the flaps are oriented along the direction of travel and obliquely to the air throughflow direction. In a plan view of the vent openings, the vent openings are at least 90% covered by the flaps in the closed state and at most 60% covered by the flaps in the opened state. The flaps are disposed symmetrically to a vehicle center axis, and the vent openings are oriented parallel to side surfaces of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Quindt, Arnd Rueter, Johannes Blisse
  • Patent number: 11098961
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a dual loop coolant system used to control an engine temperature. In one example, cooling capacity is transferred from a low temperature loop to a heat exchanger, and cooling capacity stored in the heat exchanger is transferred to a high temperature loop (e.g., an engine coolant loop). The flow of coolant from the dual loop coolant system to the heat exchanger may be regulated responsive to a temperature of the coolant in each of the low temperature loop and the high temperature loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ravi Gopal
  • Patent number: 11077747
    Abstract: A front structure of a vehicle includes a front grille opening disposed at the center in the vehicle width direction in a front part of the vehicle; a radiator disposed at the vehicle rear of the front grille opening; an opening disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction in the front part of the vehicle; a cooling device disposed at the vehicle rear of the opening; and a guide portion disposed between the opening and the cooling device and guiding traveling air to the cooling device, in which the guide portion has a tubular main body portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and an extension portion extending toward the center in the vehicle width direction from the main body portion and guiding traveling air from the front grille opening to the cooling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shohei Ozeki
  • Patent number: 11067345
    Abstract: Passively deployable thermal management devices, systems, and methods are provided in accordance with various embodiments. For example, some embodiments include a passively deployable radiator device that may include: one or more thermally conductive layers; and/or one or more strain energy components configured to deploy passively the one or more thermally conductive layers. The one or more thermally conductive layers may include one or more carbon layers. The one or more carbon layers may include at least one or more graphite layers or one or more graphene layers. At least the one or more graphite layers or the one or more graphene layers include at least one or more pyrolytic graphite sheets or one or more pyrolytic graphene sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Roccor, LLC
    Inventors: William Francis, Michael Hulse, Steven Isaacs, Mark Lake, Greg Shoukas, Dana Turse, Mario Saldana
  • Patent number: 11059351
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an oil-cooling system arranged to circulate oil through an electric machine and an oil-to-coolant heat exchanger. A coolant system has conduit arranged to circulate coolant through an inverter, a heater core, and the heat exchanger. A climate control system is arranged to circulate an airstream through the heater core to heat a passenger cabin with waste heat from the electric machine and the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Zenner, Daniel Benjamin Kok, Serdar Hakki Yonak, Kenneth J. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11040598
    Abstract: The induction heater and a method for controlling overheating of an induction heater, and to an induction heater in which overheating of a heating element may be prevented by allowing a coolant to be introduced from a lower side, flow upwardly while being in contact with the heating element, and be then discharged to an upper side to improve air bubble discharge performance of the coolant, in the induction heater heating a heating element in an induction heating manner. In addition, the present invention relates to an induction heater and a method for controlling overheating of an induction heater in which a fault of the induction heater or a fire due to overheating may be prevented by deciding whether or not a heating element is overheated using one or more of a current sensing means and a temperature sensing means capable of sensing overheating of the heating element and performing a control to supply power to an induction coil or block power supplied to the induction coil depending on a decision result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Hanon Systems
    Inventors: Jun Su Kim, Dong Hoon Oh
  • Patent number: 10994857
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to cool a vehicle heat source are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first tank and a second tank. The first tank and the second tank are disposed on a vehicle. The second tank is in fluid communication with the first tank. An engine of the vehicle is to be supplied with fuel from at least one of the first tank or the second tank. The example apparatus also includes a cooling system disposed on the vehicle to cool the fuel flowing from the first tank to the second tank. The example apparatus further includes a heat exchanger operatively coupled to a heat source disposed on the vehicle. The fuel from the second tank is to flow to the first tank via the heat exchanger to cool the heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy Edward Bowman, William Webster Behrens, Thomas W. Omohundro, Jeffrey M. Roach
  • Patent number: 10995760
    Abstract: A computer-controlled motorized pump system is provided. A generator is mechanically connected to a power takeoff. A first controller receives AC power from the generator and converts the AC power to DC power and provides DC power to a computing system that has one or more processors and one or more computer-readable hardware storage media and a user interface. A second controller is directly coupled to the first controller and provides AC power to a motor. The motor is mechanically connected to a pump, and the motor is in communication with, or controlled by, the computing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Commercial Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Rustee Stubbs
  • Patent number: 10974587
    Abstract: A cooling system for vehicles is provided. The cooling system includes a cooling channel disposed in a wheel housing of a vehicle and having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a cooling line that connects the inlet port and the outlet port of the cooling channel to a heat-emitting part of the vehicle to cool the heat-emitting part using the cooling channel. A cooling medium is introduced into the cooling channel through the inlet port, circulates through the cooling channel, and is discharged through the outlet port. One surface of the cooling channel is exposed toward the wheel of the vehicle to exchange heat with air swirling in a space formed between the wheel and the wheel housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Man Ju Oh, Sang Shin Lee, So Yoon Park, Jae Woong Kim, So La Chung
  • Patent number: 10960753
    Abstract: A saddle riding vehicle includes: a body frame having a head pipe and a main tube extending from the head pipe; an engine disposed below the main tube; a down frame extending downward from the body frame and disposed in front of the engine; and a radiator disposed in front of the engine and on a side of the down frame, wherein an opening which opens rearward is formed in a fan shroud which covers a rear surface of the radiator, a radiator fan is disposed in the opening, and a front surface of the radiator fan is disposed such that an axis of the radiator fan is inclined toward an outside with respect to a direction in which a surface of a core of the radiator is directed so as to increase a gap with respect to the core from an outer side toward an inner side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Kinoshita, Koji Kiyono, Kenta Shiono
  • Patent number: 10957951
    Abstract: There is provided a temperature control device for a battery of a vehicle which has a battery housing having a battery which is arranged therein and which is intended to have its temperature controlled, and a battery heat transmission device, which are arranged with spacing from each other so as to form an intermediate space, wherein a temperature control medium can be introduced into the intermediate space. The temperature control device further has a delimitation device, an air chamber which is arranged between the battery heat transmission device and the delimitation device, an air inlet opening for supplying ambient air to the air chamber and an air outlet opening for discharging air from the air chamber. In order to increase the efficiency of the battery cooling, it is proposed to construct the air inlet opening so as to be able to be closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernd Brinkmann, Thomas Nitsche, Christian Jolk
  • Patent number: 10900499
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a bladeless radiator cooling fan. In one example, a system may include a plurality of bladeless entrainment discs surrounded by a shroud, each bladeless entrainment disc including a hollow central opening that enables unrestricted ambient airflow through the cooling fan, and a source fan for providing airflow to the bladeless entrainment that is encased by a housing. In this way, airflow through the bladeless radiator cooling fan may be increased, decreasing powered fan usage and decreasing fan noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Martin, Kenneth Miller, Aed Dudar
  • Patent number: 10882391
    Abstract: A modular CRFM upper bracket assembly providing a universal carrier operatively associating an isolator to a bracket. The isolator may be over-molded with the universal carrier or press-fit thereto. The bracket provides a carrier opening with interior threading, while universal carrier provides exterior threading dimensioned and adapted to engage the interior threading, whereby the elevation of the universal carrier, and thus isolator, relative to the bracket is adjustable through selective engagement of the threading. Thereby, the gap between the top of a vibratory object to be isolated and the bottom of isolator is also adjustable, which is advantageous for accommodating different frame tolerance variations and meeting system vibrational requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: ANHUI ZHONGDING RUBBER-PLASTIC PRODUCTS, CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Noguez, Frank Arthur Demers
  • Patent number: 10875430
    Abstract: A leather cover for a vehicle interior assembly such as a vehicle seat, a steering wheel, a console, etc. includes a leather layer and an electrically conductive coating applied onto the leather layer. The electrically conductive coating is either applied to a finish side of the leather layer or to a flesh side of the leather layer. The electrically conductive coating may function as: a wire harness component and is connected to wiring of a wire harness system of a vehicle; an electrical resistance heater and is connected to wiring of a heater system of a vehicle; an electrically conductive touch control and is connected to wiring of a control system of a vehicle; or electroluminescent or electrochromic lighting and is connected to wiring of a lighting system of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher Todd Bailey
  • Patent number: 10870438
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power car (10) for a high-speed train, comprising a body (12) and at least one power car of said body, said body comprising a roof (19) and a floor (20); the traction motor being arranged below said floor, the body further comprising an equipment room (24) defined between said roof and said floor, said technical room including: electrical equipment (33) for controlling the traction motor; and at least one fan device (34) of said electrical equipment. The ventilation device comprises: an air intake sheath (36), forming a closed pipe between an inlet (38) and an outlet (40) open on the equipment room; and a fan (42) arranged between the inlet and the outlet, so as to create an overpressure in the technical room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: SPEEDINNOV
    Inventors: Paul Preiss, Pierre Debost, Etienne Grappein, Marion Faverger
  • Patent number: 10864925
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power car for a high-speed train, including: a body; a traction motor; a rheostatic brake; a first ventilation device of said rheostatic brake; electrical control equipment; and a second ventilation device for said electrical equipment. The first ventilation device comprises a first air intake sheath, the inlet and outlet of which are located on the roof of the body. The second ventilation device comprises a second sheath, the inlet and outlet of which are respectively located on the roof of the body and below the body. Each ventilation device comprises a fan arranged in one of the sheaths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: SPEEDINNOV
    Inventors: Paul Preiss, Pierre Debost, Etienne Grappein, Marion Faverger
  • Patent number: 10864798
    Abstract: A link mechanism includes a first link member, a second link member, a third link member, and a link cover. The first link member is connected to a motor and rotated by the motor. The second link member is connected to an open/close door which opens and closes a blowout opening through which air is blown to adjust the temperature inside the passenger compartment. The third link member has a rotation shaft supported by a fixing member, and connects the first link member and the second link member with each other. The link cover is arranged to cover the periphery of the first link member. The link cover has a protrusion protruding toward the third link member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Toshikazu Matsuda
  • Patent number: 10823335
    Abstract: A ship including a gas re-vaporizing system according to the present invention includes: a ship body; a vaporizer which is arranged in an upper portion of the ship body, and vaporizes liquefied gas and supplies the vaporized liquefied gas to a demander; and a heat source supply apparatus which is arranged inside the ship body and supplies a heat source to the vaporizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae Yeong Lee, Jong Pil Ha, Min Ho Kang, Hee Seung Heo, Seung Wook Yang
  • Patent number: 10812012
    Abstract: Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems provide for solar panel arrays that can be aesthetically pleasing to an observer. BIPV systems can be incorporated as part of roof surfaces as built into the structure of the roof, particularly as photovoltaic tiles. Each photovoltaic module may comprise a photovoltaic laminate, a support arm and a mounting bracket. When installed an assembly of the photovoltaic laminate and support arm are rotatably attached to the mounting bracket allowing access under the array of photovoltaic modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventor: Johann Fritz Karkheck
  • Patent number: 10757843
    Abstract: A vehicular system includes a pump, configured to circulate coolant for a traction inverter, and a controller. The controller may be configured to, responsive to each of a temperature of the traction inverter falling outside a first range or a requested flow rate of the pump falling outside a second range, operate the pump at a predefined speed, otherwise, operate the pump at a speed based on a difference between the temperature and a temperature associated with the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Lihua Chen, Baoming Ge, Fan Wang, Shahram Zarei, Fan Xu, Mohammed Khorshed Alam, Yan Zhou, Shuitao Yang, Petros G. Taskas
  • Patent number: 10742205
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating switches of a power supply are disclosed. The method includes generating power with a power source and switchably coupling the power source to an output of the power supply. One or more switches are opened and closed to generate a voltage waveform at the output, and in addition, the one or more switches are opened and closed to reduce a temperature differential that occurs between a low temperature and a high temperature of each switch by increasing the low temperature of each switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Harley White