Comprising Either Movable Closure Member Or Fastening Device Therefor Responsive To Forward Or Rearward Movement, Or Variations Therein, Of Vehicle Patents (Class 180/281)
  • Patent number: 7550867
    Abstract: A safety system for a locking device of a motor vehicle includes a unit control device which has at least one power switch for controlling an electromechanical unit in a blocking state, a central control device including signal links to the unit control device and further unit control devices of the motor vehicle, at least the electromechanical unit being controllable through the central control device via the signal links, and an electrical lead connection which is independent of the signal links. The unit control device is connected to the central control device through the independent electrical lead connection. A potential of a control connection of the power switch or a power connection of the unit control device is controllable by the central control device via the independent electrical lead connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Roland Kalb
  • Patent number: 7551995
    Abstract: An access system for a vehicle includes a gateway module that connects to the vehicle data bus, and an interface system coupled to the gateway module via a gateway bus. The interface system is also coupled to a ramp control subsystem that operates to stow and deploy a ramp for providing wheelchair access to the vehicle. A door control subsystem is coupled to the vehicle data bus and operates in response to data signals sent over the vehicle data bus. The gateway module is configured to relay signals relating to the status of the ramp from the gateway bus to the vehicle data bus to coordinate operation of the door and the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: The Braun Corporation
    Inventors: Keith D. Heigl, Justin C. Gilmore, Andrew L. Henseleit
  • Patent number: 7506716
    Abstract: An automotive hood hinge assembly is adapted to act as a safety device in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. The hood hinge assembly is constructed from a series of linkages and an energy storage actuator that is configured to raise the rear of a vehicle hood in response to a pedestrian collision. The deployed system forms a rigid structure that restrains rearward movement of the hood while providing a vertical motion path and resistive force capable of efficiently dissipating the energy imparted by the pedestrian and therefore significantly lowering injury levels. The linkages are configured to provide conventional rotary opening and closing motion of the hood when the system is in the retracted position and also provide a reset function so that a simple opening and closing motion of the hood when the system is in the deployed position resets it to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Multimatic Inc.
    Inventors: John Salmon, Kevin Crowder
  • Publication number: 20090062988
    Abstract: A safety device is provided for a motor vehicle having at least one closable opening to the interior, with a closing element that is driven by an electric adjusting drive. A control unit evaluates data which are relevant for driving safety for an imminent accident and actuates the electric adjusting drive to initiate a rapid closing process for the closing element in an overcurrent mode thereof, before the accident actually occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Hans-Herbert Schreier, Ulrich Tschaeschke
  • Patent number: 7455147
    Abstract: A hood lift mechanism for reversibly increasing the energy absorption capability at appropriate force levels of a vehicle hood includes a vehicle hood; an active material in operative communication with the vehicle hood, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, an ionic polymer metal composite, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an increased clearance distance between the vehicle hood and an underlying component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignees: General Motors Corporation, The University of Michigan
    Inventors: Diann Brei, John Redmond, Nathan A. Wilmot, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Gary L. Jones
  • Patent number: 7434650
    Abstract: A classifying seat occupancy detection device is used to classify whether a particular seat is occupied by an adult, an infant or not at all. Depending on the classification the door lock assigned to the seat is automatically switched either to a childproof mode or to a non-childproof mode, without the vehicle driver having to do anything.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Hofbeck, Lorenz Pfau, Birgit Rösel, Arnd Stielow, Roland Wagner
  • Patent number: 7412307
    Abstract: A refuse vehicle is disclosed that includes a control system which comprises a plurality of microprocessor based interface modules, a communication network, and at least one output device. The control system is configured to disable the output device based on certain conditions of the refuse vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Oshkosh Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Duane R. Pillar, William M. Woolman
  • Patent number: 7339459
    Abstract: Various systems, methods, and computer programs are used to operate a vehicle having a power door. The power door may be opened in response to a user instruction when a vehicle speed value is below a predetermined vehicle speed value. When an alarm system for the vehicle is in an armed state, a signal representative of a synthetic vehicle speed value that is above the predetermined vehicle speed value is generated to prevent the power door from opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Jordan, Ronald Shpakoff
  • Patent number: 7328767
    Abstract: In a power train supporting apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, at least three mount portions support a power train constituted by an engine and a transmission on a frame of a vehicle body in such a manner that the output axle of the engine intersects a center line of a vehicular longitudinal direction as viewed from a top of the vehicle. The three mount portions comprise engine front and rear side mounts arranged on a vehicular front side and a vehicular rear side with respect to the engine and a transmission side mount arranged in the vicinity of the transmission. The mounts are arranged in such a manner that a distance from a weight center of the power train to each of the engine front and rear side mounts is shorter than a distance from the weight center of the power train to the transmission side mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenshi Mori, Hitoshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 7327232
    Abstract: A system for emergency opening of vehicle doors, especially to open from inside the door(s) blocked or jammed during a traffic accident, consisting of pneumatic servomotor or servomotors (1) as the door-opening executing element. The servomotor (1) supplied from pyrotechnical charge/cartridge (2) or pyrotechnical charges or cartridges (2) and (3), through the firing unit (8) controlled by a set of sensors (5), (6), and (7), of the first firing stage or by pressure sensor (9) of the second stage of firing, whereas the servomotor emptying is executed by an electrovalve (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Przedsiebiorstwo Innowacyjno-Wdrozeniowo-Handlowe “NW-Tech” Nowak Wieslaw
    Inventors: Wieslaw Nowak, Zygmunt Nowak, Janusz Nowak
  • Publication number: 20070267239
    Abstract: In a device for the side impact protection for a vehicle door of a vehicle, at least one arrangement is provided for moving the vehicle door before and/or during an impact outwards in the direction away from the vehicle interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: AUTOMOTIVE GROUP ISE INNOMOTIVE SYSTEMS EUROPE GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Engels, Stefan Gunther, Eckhard Hauer, Hubertus Steffens
  • Patent number: 7246491
    Abstract: An actuator includes a hollow cylinder which has a first portion and a second portion. The inner diameter of the first portion is larger than that of the second portion. A piston is inserted in the cylinder. The actuator has a gas generator which supplies a gas into the cylinder to move the piston toward the first portion. The seal member keeps airtightness between the piston and the cylinder when the piston stays in the second portion and flows the gas when the piston stays in the first portion. A hollow stopper is arranged in the first portion and stops the piston. The stopper has a vent groove which is provided on the inner surface and connects the interior of the cylinder to the open end. A piston rod is jointed to the piston and housed in the cylinder. The piston rod moves along the axis with the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Yamaguchi, Minoru Takakura
  • Patent number: 7106213
    Abstract: A distance measuring and display system for use on a vehicle having a mirror assembly thereon comprises at least one front distance measuring sensor for measuring the distance to an obstacle in front of the vehicle, at least one rear distance measuring sensor for measuring the distance to an obstacle to the rear of the vehicle, and a display coupled to the front distance measuring sensor and to the rear distance measuring sensor for displaying a distance and an indication of whether it is a front distance or a rear distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Tommy E. White
  • Patent number: 7026920
    Abstract: An alarm system module for an automobile includes: a logic circuit; an actual vehicle speed value input configured to receive an actual vehicle speed value from the automobile; a state selection input configured to receive a state selection instruction from a user; and a synthetic vehicle speed value output configured to output a synthetic vehicle speed value to the automobile. The logic circuit is configured so that, when the alarm system module is in the disarmed state, the synthetic vehicle speed value is approximately equal to the actual vehicle speed value, and when the alarm system module is in the armed state, the synthetic vehicle speed value is greater than a threshold value of approximately 2.5 km/hr.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Jordan, Ronald Shpakoff
  • Patent number: 6975084
    Abstract: A controller has a plurality of control units that are mutually connected by a communication line and are set at different places of an automobile, each corresponding to a different one of its power windows and serving to control its opening and closing. One of these control units is adapted to transmit a signal, in response to a switch operation, to another of the control units through the communication line to open or close the window corresponding to the latter control unit. When this control unit detects that it has submerged in water, it applies a constant voltage to an interface of the communication line. This prevents communications through the communication line and windows from moving in an unwanted manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Omron Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiko Sugiura, Akihiko Hirata, Tomoaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6937137
    Abstract: A method of keyless locking of a motor vehicle is described. A transponder exchanges a code with a transceiver. A control unit compares this code with the expected code and, if a match is found, activates a closing system of the vehicle in the sense of locking it. This control unit activates at least one display means. A locking command is generated on actuation of at least one operating element. In a first step, a search signal is delivered by the transceiver when the operating element is actuated in order to determine the position of the transponder on the basis of the response signal sent back by the transponder. In a second step, the display means is activated when the transponder is in the interior of the vehicle and/or on the side of the vehicle opposite the actuated operating element. In a third step, the closing system is activated in the sense of locking it if the operating element has been actuated again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Elmar Giehler, Achim Wach, Karl-Heinz Kaiser
  • Patent number: 6934611
    Abstract: System for monitoring vehicle operating conditions and parameters and issuing warnings to the operator when a predetermined vehicle status is present. The predetermined vehicle status includes a variety of unsafe driving conditions and is responsive to a changing center of gravity. The warnings include visual, audible and tactile feedback. By way of the tactile feedback, the system can affect the operator's operation of the vehicle to prevent vehicle instability, rollover, loss of vehicle control or other unsafe driving conditions from occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: 3rd Millennium Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventors: Steve McKeown, Bruce Gilkes, Jon Sheaff
  • Patent number: 6894604
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating a reciprocating arm vehicular safety device with a magnetized element for preventing inadvertent deployment of the reciprocating arm. The apparatus has a magnetized element on the arm and an electromagnet on a vehicle bumper, the magnetized element and electromagnet disposed so as to engage the arm in a retracted position. When the reciprocating arm is moved to an extended position, current is passed through the electromagnet to repel the magnetized element, thereby allowing the arm to move to the extended position by a motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: B.M.R. Mfg. Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Phillips, James A. Reavell
  • Patent number: 6850825
    Abstract: An improved method of selectively suppressing deployment of a vehicular inflatable restraint utilizes dynamic variation in the apparent weight of a vehicle occupant to infer a free mass of the seat occupant. The free mass of the occupant is inferred by filtering out portions of a weight-responsive signal due to occupant position adjustment and inferring the occupant free mass based on the variation of the apparent weight with respect to the variation in vertical acceleration of the vehicle. The decision to allow or suppress deployment of the restraint is determined based on a comparison of the static weight reading with at least one threshold, and the occupant free mass is used to adjust the threshold in a direction to minimize the overall variability of the system. Measures of the seat belt tension and the seat temperature are also be used to adjust the threshold in a direction to minimize system variability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Morgan D. Murphy, Phillip E Kaltenbacher II, Royce L. Rennaker, Brett A. Hall, Stuart S. Sullivan, Peter J. Schubert
  • Patent number: 6836716
    Abstract: A restraint system having a restraint device for protecting at least one passenger and a method for controlling a restraint system. The system and method act so as to to transform using a wavelet transformation, a signal measured by an acceleration sensor into a frequency range and in order to determine from the transformed signal the optimal triggering time point for the restraint device. For this purpose, the wavelet-transformed signal, on the one hand, is used for determining features in order to determine a crash type, and, on the other hand, to determine the braking acceleration energy. If the braking acceleration energy lies above a preestablished threshold value and if the identified crash type requires a triggering of the restraint system, then the restraint system is triggered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Roelleke, Thomas Jauch, Armin Koehler
  • Patent number: 6778072
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating a reciprocating arm vehicular safety device with a lock for preventing inadvertent deployment of the reciprocating arm. The apparatus has a rotor provided with retaining fingers for engaging the reciprocating, rotatable between locked and unlocked positions. When the reciprocating arm is retracted the rotor rotates to the locked position, and drive circuitry deactivates the device in response to stalling of the rotor drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: B.M.R. Mfg. Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Phillips, James A. Reavell
  • Patent number: 6668962
    Abstract: A hood hinging structure of a vehicle is disclosed to minimize the level of an impact to be made on a pedestrian by changing a hinge structure that allows a hood to be rotatively opened or closed at a vehicle body when the pedestrian is hit by a hood having its hinge structure when the pedestrian is hit by the hinge structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Byeong-Lag Son
  • Patent number: 6520572
    Abstract: A cover assembly including a cover member and a cover displacement mechanism is provided. The cover displacement mechanism positions the cover within a vehicle about an opening formed in the vehicle. The cover selectively separates an interior of the vehicle from an exterior of the vehicle at the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Raymond Niederman, Jeffrey Allen Welch
  • Patent number: 6502854
    Abstract: This invention relates to an air bag system for accommodation behind a vehicle covering. The air bag system contains an air bag, which advances in a main inflating direction when the air bag system is triggered, and a gas generator for supplying the air bag with pressure gas during triggering of the air bag system. The gas generator and the air bag are connected by a gas distributing duct which extends at least partially at an angle with respect to the main inflating direction of the air bag. In this case, the gas distributing duct is formed of air bag material. Furthermore, the invention relates to a manufacturing process and a triggering process for such an air bag system as well as to a motor vehicle having such an air bag system, of which at least the air bag is arranged on a sliding roof frame part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Olaf Mueller
  • Publication number: 20020189882
    Abstract: A bus door/service brake interlock system having a warning system is provided. The interlock system includes a foot valve assembly to effect a service brake application when warning lights are activated, a vehicle door is open, and minimum speed conditions are met. An auxiliary line is positioned between a source of pressure and the foot valve assembly and includes a valve and a low pressure indicator. Should the operator leave the driver seat with the interlock system engaged, the parking brake is automatically applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Honeywell Commercial Vehicle Systems Company
    Inventors: Charles E. Eberling, Michael D. Grandstaff
  • Publication number: 20020171538
    Abstract: A vehicle motion detector and control device arrangement includes a casing, a rotor rotated with the transmission line of the cable of the mileage meter of the motor vehicle in the casing, a rotary driven member revolvably supported on a damping oil in an annular end chamber of the rotary member and maintained in the middle position by magnetic expulsive force, and switch means mounted outside the casing and induced by a magnet at the rotary driven member to turn on a control device of the motor vehicle upon operation of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Kuo-Hsin Su, Paul Huang
  • Patent number: 6477978
    Abstract: A crossing arm assembly that includes either one or two hollow, tapered fishing rod bodies cantilevered at their butt ends to a beam-mounting portion of a combined pivot/bracket. A crosspiece connects the tips of the rods. The combined pivot/bracket pivotally attaches to a support at the front end of a bus to block pedestrian traffic from crossing immediately in front of the bus when the bus is stopped. The rods are tapered in mass and cross-sectional area from their butt ends to their tips. The taper concentrates rod mass closer to the support to reduce the tendency of cantilevered rods to sag under their own weight and/or to swing forward as the bus decelerates. The taper also increases rod flexibility to prevent plastic rod deformation and to reduce loads on the support when external forces are applied to the rods. A flap is pivotally attached to one of the rods to increase beam visibility without adding significant wind resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Transpec, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald C. Lamparter
  • Patent number: 6454325
    Abstract: The present invention provides a closure handle lever comprising a gripping portion rotatably mounted along an axis and a catch lever rotatably mounted along this same axis. The catch lever is rotatable about the axis from a first position to a second position independent of the gripping portion. The first position provides a greater mechanical advantage for the gripping portion than the second position. The gripping portion is engaged to the catch lever such that rotation of the gripping portion about the axis causes rotation of the catch lever about this same axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Marc O Ramsey, Richard Cumming
  • Patent number: 6412584
    Abstract: A vehicle (10) has an opening (14) for ingress to and egress from a passenger compartment (12) in the vehicle. A door (16) has a closed position blocking the opening (14) and an open position enabling ingress and egress through the opening. A structure (22, 60) assists in maintaining the door (16) in the closed position. An actuatable device (30, 74), when actuated, renders the structure unable to assist in maintaining the door in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Ernst M. Faigle, Douglas P. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6396227
    Abstract: A waterproof power window apparatus comprises: a driver-seat switch unit; an other-seat switch unit; and a bus line allowing communication to be established between the driver-seat switch unit and the other-seat switch unit. The driver-seat switch unit has: a first controller; a first driving unit for opening and closing a window at the driver seat in a window-sliding operation; an other-seat-window-opening and closing switch; a first submergence-detecting unit; and a first power-supply unit connected to the bus line and provided with a control terminal connected to the first control unit and the first submergence-detecting unit. The other-seat switch unit has: a second control unit; a second driving unit for opening and closing an other-seat window in a window-sliding operation; a second submergence-detecting unit; and a second power-supply unit connected to the bus line and provided with a control terminal connected to the second control unit and the second submergence-detecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6288506
    Abstract: A submergence detection power-window apparatus is provided with driving motors for moving electric-power driven opening units to opened and closed states, manual switches for manually opening/closing the electric-power driven opening units, control units for driving the motors into rotation in accordance with operations carried out on the manual switches, a submergence detector for detecting submergence of a car body and generating a submergence detection signal and a fastened/loosened seat-belt detector for detecting fastened/loosened states of a seat belt and generating a loosened-seat-belt detection signal in a loosened state of the seat belt wherein the control units drive the motors into rotation in directions to open the electric-power driven opening units when the manual switches are operated to open the electric-power driven opening units provided that a submergence detection signal is received from the submergence detector and a loosened-seat-belt detection signal is received from the fastened/loosen
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Minoru Hiwatari
  • Patent number: 6278360
    Abstract: A vehicle collision warning system includes a distance measuring device for measuring a distance from a subject vehicle to an obstacle in front of the subject vehicle, a speed detecting device for detecting a speed of the subject vehicle, a control device for receiving signals from the distance measuring device and the speed detecting device and estimating a possibility of collision to the obstacle based on the received signals, and an alerting device electrically connected to the control device. When the control device determines that there is a possibility of collision, the alerting device receives a signal from the control device and emits a first alarm to the subject vehicle and provides a second alarm to a following vehicle without awaiting an action of a driver of the subject vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Yanagi
  • Patent number: 6223467
    Abstract: A motor vehicle sensor arrangement which is used to detect jamming, i.e, an obstruction, at a movable vehicle part which can be moved into an end position, such as an electric window, a sliding and tilting roof, a convertible top, or a servo-actuated door. A cavity defined by opposing resilient walls is located proximate, but outside, the path of movement of the movable vehicle part and at a selected distance from the end position. A distance sensor, for example a pressure transducer, is arranged in the cavity between the resilient walls. When an object obstructs the path of movement of the movable vehicle part toward the end position, the resilient walls are moved toward each other. When the distance sensor contacts a portion of the opposing resilient wall, the distance sensor actuates a response signal indicating a jam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Josef Mahalek, Bogdan Serban, Michel Witte
  • Patent number: 6217108
    Abstract: A vehicle hood apparatus comprises a hood-retaining mechanism for, upon collision of a vehicle with an obstacle, lifting a rear end of a hood and retaining the hood at the lifted position. The hood-retaining mechanism includes a flexible link comprised of a lower link with one end pivotally connected to a body frame and an upper link with one end pivotally connected to the hood. Opposite ends of the lower and upper links are rotatably connected with each other through a hinged portion. The hinged portion is arranged to be positioned offset from longitudinal central axes of the lower and upper links toward the back of the vehicle. The upper and lower links have stoppers formed integrally therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sakae Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6189960
    Abstract: When a rollover of a vehicle body is detected by a rollover detection sensor, an inflator is operated. When the inflator is operated, an air bag connected to the inflator through a hose is inflated by a gas ejected from the inflator, downwardly pushes open a front portion of a case accommodating portion of a ceiling interior member as shown by two-dotted chain lines, and expands to a position for closing a sunroof opening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Etsuhisa Mumura, Takuya Otsuka, Mitsuyoshi Ohno, Shuichi Ishimoto, Shuichi Hironaka
  • Patent number: 5894906
    Abstract: A motor vehicle rear door anti-egress CHILD-LOCK device safety release responsive to an accident involving the motor vehicle whereby a preset CHILD-LOCK device may be immediately unset upon collision between the motor vehicle and another object. The anti-egress CHILD LOCK release enables immediate post-accident unlatchability of the motor vehicle's rear door by an occupant of the motor vehicle and allow unencumbered egress from the motor vehicle. The result is reduced risk particularly for automobile rest-seat passengers including children and adults who might otherwise remain dangerously entrapped within a wrecked vehicle and suffering risk for further post-accident physical or psychological trauma or even death due to bodily entrapment, fire or explosion which may follow an accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Harold J. Weber
  • Patent number: 5818121
    Abstract: In an on-board wiring system for vehicles has a battery line for connecting a generator with an energy accumulator and a disconnection switch, actuated as a result of an accident, arranged therein. Additional consuming devices are connected to the energy accumulator by way of a consuming device line. The disconnection switch 2 is constructed such that, in addition to the battery line 3, it also interrupts the consuming device line 9 and in the process also disconnects it from the battery line 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Alfred Krappel, Robert Albiez, Maximilian Groebmair, Bernhard Fahrnbauer
  • Patent number: 5777546
    Abstract: A method of selection or deselection of automatic power door locks for an automotive vehicle includes the steps of inserting a key into an ignition switch of the automotive vehicle and rotating the key a predetermined number of times. The method also includes the steps of determining whether a power door lock switch was actuated and sounding an audible tone to verify selection or deselection of automatic power door locks if the power door lock switch was actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick D. Dean, Stephen L. Hyde
  • Patent number: 5736923
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing motionlessness for sensing motionlessness in a land-based vehicle is provided. The apparatus can include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) mounted in a predetermined orientation on the vehicle and a programmable computer. The IMU can have an inertial sensor which generates a plurality of motion signals. More than one inertial sensor can be used and, in that case, each of the sensors can be mounted in a second predetermined orientation with respect to the others, such as an orthogonal orientation, thereby creating a selected spatial reference frame. The inertial sensor can be one or more accelerometers, or one or more gyroscopes, or an accelerometer-gyroscope combination. The computer receives the motion signals and determining a motion state of the vehicle therefrom. The computer provides the motion state to a target application which acts in accordance therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Union Switch & Signal Inc.
    Inventor: Samer S. Saab
  • Patent number: 5547208
    Abstract: A vehicle safety exit apparatus for use in a vehicle having a main battery, an ignition switch and a plurality of electric window and door lock operators is provided. The vehicle safety exit apparatus includes an auxiliary battery operable for delivering power to the vehicle's electrically operated window and door lock operators in emergency situations. The apparatus also includes a control assembly coupled between the auxiliary battery and the window and door lock operators for controlling the delivery of power therebetween. The control assembly automatically opens the vehicle's windows and door locks when the vehicle's main battery is destroyed or disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system during a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Dennis L. Chappell
    Inventors: John W. Chappell, Anthony Shangler, Dennis L. Chappell
  • Patent number: 5406251
    Abstract: A pivoting safety apparatus is adapted for mounting on a motor vehicle. The safety apparatus comprises a housing for mounting on the motor vehicle and a safety device pivotally coupled with the housing for movement about an axis between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuator at least partially located within the housing is comprised of an air cylinder having a piston arm extending from a piston and coupled to the safety device for movement of the safety device about the pivot axis in response to variations from atmospheric pressure of air within the air cylinder. An air pressure adjuster comprised of an electrically powered air compressor, a fluid coupling extending between the air compressor and the air cylinder, and an electrically operated valve is employed for altering the air pressure within the air cylinder to move the piston, the piston arm, and the safety device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth Leis
  • Patent number: 5248897
    Abstract: A safety window for a car which is capable of being automatically moved to its window closing position when the car speed exceeds a predetermined speed. The safety window comprises a control device for controlling the operation of the power window, which comprises a sensor for detecting a car speed, a comparator for comparing the car speed with a predetermined window closing car speed, and a power supply circuit for supplying the reference voltage to the comparator in an automatic window operation mode. The power supply circuit includes a select switch provided with a manual operation contact and an automatic operation contact, a reference voltage generator connected to the automatic operation contact and adapted to generate the reference voltage in the automatic window operation mode, and a limit switch adapted to send selectively the reference voltage from the reference voltage generator to the comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventor: Yong-Koo Lee
  • Patent number: 5167296
    Abstract: A safety device is provided for vehicles whose passenger compartment has at least one closable opening, such as a roof opening and side window. The safety device is provided with a sensor system which detects decelerations in the driving speed occurring in the driving direction and activates a closing device assigned to the closing element of the opening if a deceleration exceeds a predetermined value. As a result, in the event of an accident the vehicle occupants are prevented from being thrown out of the vehicle through the opening or injured by the entry of foreign bodies. The closing device is preferably provided with an energy store which, on being activated in the event of a hazard, brings about a rapid closing movement of the closing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Hans-Herbert Schreier, Ulrich Tschaschke
  • Patent number: 5166663
    Abstract: An electrically operated, air-driven pivotal sign device includes a housing and a sign assembly pivotally mounted to the housing. Within the housing, an electrically driven air compressor is pneumatically coupled through tubing and a three-way, electrically controlled valve, to a spring return type air cylinder coupled with a shaft from the pivotable sign assembly. Current supplied through a single wire to the device activates the compressor and closes the valve to atmosphere permitting pressurization of the air cylinder. The compressor is shut off automatically when the sign assembly is deployed. The sign assembly remains deployed until current is cut off to the valve, which causes the valve to vent the pneumatic coupling to atmosphere. The single wire also supplies current to a flasher device within the housing which flashes lights provided on the sign assembly simultanously with the pivotal deployment of the sign assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Kenneth Leis
  • Patent number: 5111902
    Abstract: A system is described for automatically locking the doors of a vehicle equipped with electric power locks, wherein a first mode of operation is provided for vehicles having automatic transmissions and a second mode of operation is provided for vehicles having manual transmissions. The system includes means for sensing vehicle operating conditions necessary for locking vehicle doors in accordance with the two operating modes, and means for determining whether the vehicle has an automatic transmission. For vehicles having automatic transmissions, the system issues a door locking signal to lock the power door locks after an off-to-on transition of the vehicle ignition system is detected, when the automatic transmission is shifted from either the park or neutral range with the vehicle front doors closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur R. Sundeen, Darryl L. Burris, Roger A. Cook, Dennis M. Lombardo
  • Patent number: 4983949
    Abstract: An actuating device for use in moving a school bus safety unit, such as a stop sign or crossing arm, between a retracted position adjacent the school bus, and an extended position projecting outwardly from the bus. The actuating device includes a drive motor and a friction-type slip clutch which permits the safety unit to be manually moved from its extended or retracted positions without damage to the drive arrangement for moving the safety unit, and several alternative control circuits may be utilized to automatically or semi-automatically return the safety unit to its retracted and/or extended positions if manually moved therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Specialty Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Wicker
  • Patent number: 4956630
    Abstract: An improved actuating device for school bus safety unit, such as crossing arms and the like, which includes an arrangement for driving and controlling the crossing arm in a continuous predetermined arcuate path of movement, with the safety device being moved continuously back and forth in a sweeping motion that provides a moving barrier in areas adjacent the school bus where children may be placed in an unsafe situation, such as immediately adjacent the front bumper of the bus which is outside of the normal line of vision of the school bus operator. In one embodiment, an extendable line is anchored to the bus at one or both ends, and an intermediate portion of the line is engaged by the moving safety unit, whereby the line itself creates a changing barrier as the safety unit sweeps through its path of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Specialty Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Wicker
  • Patent number: 4949804
    Abstract: A safety system used in combination with a vehicular power door latch has a mechanism operated by a motor in turn driven by a drive apparatus for opening and closing vehicle door. The safety system comprises a vehicle speed sensor generating an output when vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined limit, a counter startable when the motor is actuated, and a controller connected between the speed sensor and the counter and to the apparatus for shutting down the apparatus and thereby deenergizing the motor when the vehicle-speed output exceeds the limit and when the counter has counted since the motor started beyond a predetermined limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Kiekert GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft
    Inventor: Peter Bartel
  • Patent number: 4906020
    Abstract: In a vehicle having a body with a floor, a ceiling, and a driver's seat: a passive barrier arrangement includes a restraining barrier having a restraining shield bounded by first, second and third restraining shield belts. The first and second restraining shield belts are fixed to the vehicle ceiling, and the third restraining shield belt is connected between the first two at the bottom of the shield. First and second elongate takeup belts are connected to the bottoms of the first two restraining shield belts. First and second takeup belt retractors are mounted to the body and the takeup belts are received by the retractors. The restraining barrier is held by breakaway fastening means in contact with the ceiling of the vehicle when in stowed position. When a crash occurs, the takeup belts are retracted into their retractors, bringing the restraining barrier to have position in front of a driver or passenger sitting on the vehicle seat(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventor: Merle D. Haberer
  • Patent number: 4896050
    Abstract: A remote control type of automatic control device for automobile door wherein of the car doors and its locking device is provided with a micro-switch for sensing the state of the car door and the state of the locking device. The locking devices are controlled by locking coils. The locking devices of all the car doors can be locked when a car-speed detecting circuit, a switch circuit and a delay circuit all have a specific output. When the car is parked, an unlocking trigger circuit can unlock all the locking devices. There is a receiving circuit to receive a signal sent by a remote control device. As soon as a signal is received, a trigger will be triggered. The output terminal of the trigger is connected with two NAND gates. One of the input terminals of each two NAND gates is connected one of the two contact points of a micro-switch on the main car door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Inventor: Chen Shin-Chung