Hybrid Vehicle (ipc) Patents (Class 180/65.21)
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Patent number: 8977418Abstract: A control interface for drivetrain braking provided by a regenerative brake and a non-regenerative brake is implemented using a combination of switches and graphic interface elements. The control interface comprises a control system for allocating drivetrain braking effort between the regenerative brake and the non-regenerative brake, a first operator actuated control for enabling operation of the drivetrain braking, and a second operator actuated control for selecting a target braking effort for drivetrain braking. A graphic display displays to an operator the selected target braking effort and can be used to further display actual braking effort achieved by drivetrain braking.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventor: Jay E. Bissontz
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Patent number: 8977455Abstract: A power transmission apparatus includes a drive shaft, a driven shaft, a first transmission device, a first one-way power transmission mechanism, a second transmission device, a second one-way power transmission mechanism, and a controller. The first transmission device is to change power of the drive shaft. The first one-way power transmission mechanism is to transmit power changed by the first transmission device only in one direction to the driven shaft. The second transmission device is to change power of the driven shaft. The second one-way power transmission mechanism is to transmit power changed by the second transmission device only in one direction to the drive shaft. The controller is configured to change ratios of the first transmission device and the second transmission device. The controller is configured to make the ratio of the first transmission device larger than the ratio of the second transmission device.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2012Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co. Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Kodo, Tsunehiro Kobayashi, Mitsuhiro Iwadare
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Patent number: 8977444Abstract: A work vehicle includes an engine, a travel device, a hydraulic pump, a work implement, a torque converter device, and a controller. The torque converter includes a torque converter and a lockup clutch. The controller is configured to switch the lockup clutch between a connected state and a non-connected state in accordance with a travel state of the work vehicle. The controller is configured to determine whether load increase conditions associated with an increase in load on the work implement are satisfied, and to control the lockup clutch so that the lockup clutch is in the non-connected state when the load increase conditions are satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Fukuhara, Makito Yahata, Yukihiro Nakanishi
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Publication number: 20150066257Abstract: An operation includes disabling a vehicle from moving while connection status of the vehicle with external charging infrastructure is unknown. A message is generated to advise a user to check the connection status. The vehicle is enabled to move upon a user indication that the vehicle is disconnected from the charging infrastructure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2013Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Adam Ochocinski, Ryan J. Skaff, Matthew Roger DeDona, Mark J. Ferrel
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Publication number: 20150060164Abstract: A system for cooling a traction battery includes a battery inlet housing having first and second inlets. A first duct is coupled to the first inlet, and a second duct is coupled to the second inlet. A flow guide vane is disposed within the battery inlet housing adjacent to the first inlet. The flow guide vane is positioned to redirect flow from the first duct to mix with flow from the second duct.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2013Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: LeeAnn Wang, Hsiao-An Hsieh
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Patent number: 8970341Abstract: Disclosed is an electric vehicle, a battery charging station, and an electric vehicle battery exchange reservation system including the same. The electric vehicle includes a power level detection unit adapted to detect a power level of a battery mounted on the electric vehicle; a communication unit adapted to communicate with a battery charging station; and a control unit adapted to determine a battery charging station, in which the battery of the electric vehicle is to be exchanged, based on the power level of the battery and a route of travel of the electric vehicle and transmit a battery exchange reservation command to the determined battery charging station. Based on the battery power level of the electric vehicle, a battery charging station existing along the route of travel is requested to provide battery information, and battery exchange is reserved accordingly, so that batteries can be exchanged more efficiently and conveniently.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Kookmin University Industry Academy Cooperation FoundationInventors: Jun-Seok Park, Won-Kyu Kim, Hee-Jeing Park, Hee-Seok Moon, Wong-Chul Choi, Jay-Il Jeong, Chi-Man Yu, Do-Yang Jung, Yong-Hark Shin, Jae-Hong Park
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Patent number: 8972148Abstract: A vehicle provided with a motor generator as a driving source includes a battery to supply electric power to the motor generator, an engine, and an ECU to control the vehicle in one of a CS mode and a CD mode in which opportunity for operation of the engine is limited compared to in the CS mode. The ECU controls the engine in accordance with a condition different from a condition used to control the engine in the CS mode, if the engine is started at least due to decrease in a state of charge of the battery while the vehicle is controlled in the CD mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hidekazu Nawata, Shunsuke Fushiki, Makoto Yamazaki
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Patent number: 8967304Abstract: The embodiments relate to a driven vehicle axle, which is coupled or can be coupled to an internal combustion engine and/or at least one electric machine that optionally can be operated as an engine or generator and which includes a brake device having an eddy current brake (10).Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2009Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Simens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Markus Klöpzig, Heinz-Werner Neumüller
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Publication number: 20150053046Abstract: A drivetrain transmits a first drive force from a transmission including a motor to a first axle and a second axle. This drivetrain is comprised of: a first drivetrain section drivingly coupled with the first axle to steadily transmit the first drive force to the first axle; a second drivetrain section drivingly coupled with the second axle; an intermediate train section interposed between the first drivetrain section and the second drive section, the intermediate train section being capable of transmitting a part of the first drive force to the second drive section; an electric motor drivingly coupled with the intermediate train section to give a second drive force to the intermediate train section; a first clutch disconnectably connecting the first drivetrain section with the intermediate train section; and a second clutch disconnectably connecting the intermediate train section with the second drivetrain section.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: Akira Ibusuki
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Patent number: 8959918Abstract: A hybrid construction machine has an electric motor for driving the swing structure, and the electric motor is prevented from becoming incapable of generating torque due to a low energy state or an overcharged state of an electricity storage device. A swing-mode selector switch 77 which is manually operated switches between a hydraulic/electric combined swing mode for driving the swing structure by driving both the electric motor and a hydraulic motor and a hydraulic solo swing mode for driving the swing structure by driving only the hydraulic motor. For a normal operation, the swing mode is initially set in the hydraulic/electric combined swing mode. For a specific operation, the operator switches the swing-mode selector switch from a hydraulic/electric combined swing position to a hydraulic solo swing position.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Nishikawa, Takenori Hiroki, Kouji Ishikawa, Manabu Edamura, Hidetoshi Satake, Takatoshi Ooki
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Patent number: 8959912Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal-combustion engine for driving a drive train of the vehicle, at least one charger for increasing the pressure of the air supplied to the internal-combustion engine and an electrical machine which can be or is coupled to the charger in a torque-transmitting manner and is provided for driving or supporting the drive of the charger. The drive train can be or is coupled with the electrical machine in a torque-transmitting manner.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Bernhard Hoess, Jens Neumann, Armin Engstle
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Patent number: 8965613Abstract: A system includes a hybrid power train comprising an internal combustion engine and electrical system, which includes a first and second electrical torque provider, and an electrical energy storage device electrically coupled to first and second electrical torque provider. The system further includes a controller structured to perform operations including determining a power surplus value of the electrical system; determining a machine power demand change value; in response to the power surplus value of the electrical system being greater than or equal to the machine power demand change value, operating an optimum cost controller to determine a power division for the engine, first electrical torque provider, and second electrical torque provider; and in response to the power surplus value of the electrical system being less than the machine power demand change value, operating a rule-based controller to determine the power division for the engine, first, and second electrical torque provider.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, Martin T. Books, Patrick O. Djan-Sampson, Praveen Muralidhar
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Patent number: 8963365Abstract: A multi-energy storage device system is provided that includes a first energy storage device (ESD) coupled to a direct current (DC) link. A bi-directional buck/boost converter includes an output channel coupled to the DC link and an input channel. A second ESD coupled to the input channel has a usable energy storage range defining an entire amount of usable energy storable therein. A database includes stored information related to a known acceleration event. A system controller is configured to acquire the stored information related to the known acceleration event and, during the known acceleration event, cause the buck/boost converter to boost the voltage of the second ESD and to supply the boosted voltage to the DC link such that after the known acceleration event, the state of charge of the second ESD is less than or substantially equal to a minimum usable energy storage state of charge.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert Dean King, Irene Michelle Berry
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Patent number: 8958938Abstract: A energy meter unit for an electric vehicle contains energy measuring circuitry, a GPS unit, a CPU, and memory. The energy meter unit is capable of detecting the amount of energy charged at a specific location and storing that information for later uses, such as with a governmental incentive program.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Intelligent Mechatronic Systems Inc.Inventor: Otman A. Basir
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Publication number: 20150042161Abstract: A vehicle has a first partial onboard power supply system and a second partial onboard power supply system which is electrically connected with the first partial onboard power supply system at at least a first nodal point. The first partial onboard power supply system includes a first group of electric consumers and the second partial onboard power supply system includes a second group of electric consumers. The first partial onboard power supply system includes a starter, an onboard power supply system accumulator connected parallel to the starter and a first switch between the first group of consumers and the onboard power supply system accumulator. The second partial onboard power supply system includes a first direct-voltage controller, an electric support accumulator connected parallel to the second group of electric consumers at a second modal point, and an interface of the first direct-voltage controller connected with the second nodal point.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventor: Hartmut PROEBSTLE
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Patent number: 8951689Abstract: A fuel cell system includes fuel cells, a circulation channel of a coolant to cool the fuel cells, and an ion exchange resin provided on the circulation channel to maintain electrical conductivity of the coolant. The coolant contains an additive. The ion exchange resin is prepared so that adsorption of the additive on the ion exchange resin is in a saturated state. A fuel-cell vehicle includes the fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignees: Suzuki Motor Corporation, Showa Water Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiko Sato, Mikio Yasukawa, Akihiro Sagasaki, Tokio Wada, Yoshito Kato
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Patent number: 8950533Abstract: A cooling arrangement is disclosed for a vehicle having a first component, a first duct, and a cooling fan configured to deliver air through the first duct to the first component when the cooling fan is operated. The cooling arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a second component, a port coupled to the second component, the port being accessible from a position external to the vehicle, and a second duct having a first end positioned proximate the port and a second end in fluid communication with the first duct. The second duct is configured to deliver air from outside of the vehicle to the second component when the cooling fan is operated while the vehicle is off.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mark D. Nemesh, Wissam Ibri
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Patent number: 8948950Abstract: In a drive control apparatus (1) of a hybrid vehicle, a provisional target engine power calculator (17D) of a controller (17) compares provisional target engine power which is calculated from a target drive power and a target charge/discharge power with a target engine power lower limit value and, when the provisional target engine power is smaller than the target engine power lower limit value, sets the target engine power lower limit value to the provisional target engine power.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventors: Masakazu Saito, Yoshiki Ito, Masaaki Tagawa, Hitoshi Ohkuma, Yukihiro Hosoe
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Patent number: 8945744Abstract: There is provided an electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes a stack of unit cells respectively including at least one negative electrode and at least one positive electrode, alternately stacked, wherein at least one separator is placed on each of both sides of the electrodes, and at least one of the unit cells has an area different from that of an adjacent unit cell to form at least one stepped portion on the electrode assembly. In addition, there are also provided a battery cell, a battery pack, and a device that include the electrode assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Sung-Jin Kwon, Young-Hoon Kim, Soon-Ho Ahn, Dong-Myung Kim, Ki-Woong Kim, Sung-Han Yoon, Seung-Min Ryu
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Patent number: 8948943Abstract: A drive control system in a series-hybrid utility vehicle comprises a motor for driving a wheel; a battery; an engine electric generator for generating the electric power charged into the battery; and a controller configured to estimate an SOC value of the battery, and control the motor and the engine electric generator in accordance with an HV mode or an EV mode; wherein when the estimated SOC value is less than a predetermined low threshold, the controller stops electric power supply from the battery to the motor; and when the estimated SOC value is less than a predetermined medium threshold greater than the predetermined low threshold, the controller sets the HV mode, and controls the motor and the engine electric generator such that a driving power of the motor is suppressed in a state where the motor is supplied with the electric power from the battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Izumi Takagi
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Publication number: 20150025727Abstract: A method is provided for optimizing power consumption of a vehicle which may include sending data from a vehicle Electronic Control Unit and vehicle Global Positioning System receiver to a network cloud and/or server upon starting the vehicle, calculating a most probable final destination and most probable optimized route of the vehicle in the network cloud and/or server based on the sent vehicle data, and calculating a most probable driving mode map in the network cloud and/or server. The method may further include calculating an optimized power utilization of propulsion sources for the vehicle in the network cloud and/or server, returning the optimized power utilization of propulsion sources to the vehicle from the network cloud and/or server, and using the optimized power utilization of propulsion sources to control drive train modes and/or peripheral equipment of the vehicle during driving in order to optimize the power consumption of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: Johan Lars ENGMAN, Rickard ARVIDSSON
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Patent number: 8936119Abstract: An all-wheel drive vehicle includes a first drive axle and a second drive axle, a transaxle, an internal combustion engine, and an electric motor. The first drive axle and second drive axle are separated by a distance, and each drive axle is coupled with a respective pair of drive wheels. The transaxle is disposed in mechanical communication with the first drive axle, and is coupled to the internal combustion engine through a driveshaft. The electric motor is circumferentially disposed about the driveshaft, between the internal combustion engine and the transaxle, and is in mechanical communication with the second drive axle.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Gary R. Valler
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Patent number: 8937400Abstract: A power supply apparatus for a vehicle is provided which supplies electric power to a power supply unit and charges electric power from the power supply unit via a power port. The vehicle includes a plurality of power inverter circuits which are connected to a common storage unit in parallel. The plurality of power inverter circuits include an electric power transferring power inverter circuit connected to the power port via an electric power transferring electric path, and are divided into a first category including the electric power transferring power inverter circuit and a second category. The power supply apparatus includes a connection prohibiting unit which realizes a state in which the power inverter circuit included in the first category is electrically connected to the storage unit, and the power inverter circuit included in the second category is disconnected from the storage unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Kazuyoshi Obayashi, Akira Sakamoto, Atsuyuki Hiruma, Masahito Mizukoshi, Jun Ishii, Mitsuru Fujita
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Patent number: 8937454Abstract: A charging system for an electric vehicle that assists in aligning a primary charging coil and a secondary coil. The system may include a wheel chock that raises the primary coil into alignment with the secondary coil when a tire enters the wheel chock. The system may include a primary that is recessed below the surface supporting the vehicle and is protected by a cover. The secondary coil may be protected and supported by a skid plate mounted to the vehicle. The system may include a charging circuit that is controlled by signals transmitted by a garage door opener transmitter or a garage door opener. The system may include sensors that detect the presence of an animal or object in the space between the primary coil and the secondary coil.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2011Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: David W. Baarman, Sean T. Eurich, William T. Stoner, Jr., Joshua B. Taylor, Richard J. Weber, John J. Lord, Wesley J. Bachman, Kristen J. Zellers, Shawn C. Lord
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Patent number: 8935030Abstract: A vehicle control device is disclosed which calculates a drive torque requirement Treq as a target running force output value for a vehicle on the basis of the amount of driving operation by a driver; calculates a correction torque ?Treq for suppressing vehicle sprung body vibration; controls an engine and an electric motor on the basis of a post-correction drive torque requirement Tareq which is derived by correcting the drive torque requirement Treq with the correction torque ?Treq, and controls the indication of the operation state of the electric motor. The correction torque ?Treq includes at least a feed-back control amount ?Tfb as a disturbance-based correction amount. The indication of the operation state of the electric motor is conducted on the basis of a target running force output value for display in which the influence of the feed-back control amount ?Tfb is reduced as compared with the value Tareq.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshitaka Oikawa
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Patent number: 8925660Abstract: A power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system includes an electrical converting device and a repowered portion connected to the electrical converting device. The repowered portion includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine and a gearbox. The reciprocating internal combustion engine is connected to the gearbox by a first connecting structure. The gearbox is connected to the electrical converting device by a second connecting structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: MTU America Inc.Inventors: Mark Daniel Bowdich, Douglas Edwin Berry, Bruce Ernest Richard Wolff, Gerhard Kramer, Scott Daniel Woodruff
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Patent number: 8930125Abstract: A system and method for determining fuel consumption and travel range of an electric hybrid vehicle, such as an electric hybrid fuel cell vehicle. The method includes converting the output current of a battery to a virtual consumed fuel consumption flow value and then adding the virtual consumed fuel consumption flow value to an actual consumed fuel value to get a total consumed fuel value that is then divided by the travelled distance of the vehicle to get the fuel consumption of the vehicle. The method also includes converting the SOC of the battery to a virtual available fuel value and then adding the virtual available fuel value to an actual available fuel value to get a total available fuel value that is then divided by the fuel consumption to get the travel range of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Martin Fasse, Tomas Dehne, Andreas Voigt
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Patent number: 8928259Abstract: A modular stacked DC architecture for traction system includes a propulsion system includes an electric drive, a direct current (DC) link electrically coupled to the electric drive, and a first DC-DC converter coupled to the DC link. A first energy storage device (ESD) is electrically coupled to the first DC-DC converter, and a second DC-DC converter is coupled to the DC link and to the first DC-DC converter. The system also includes a second energy storage device electrically coupled to the second DC-DC converter and a controller coupled to the first and second DC-DC converters and configured to control a transfer of energy between the first ESD and the DC link via the first and second DC-DC converters.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Viswanathan Kanakasabai, Bhaskar Sen
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Patent number: 8919465Abstract: A construction machine with improved safety can include a high voltage cable for supplying power. The high voltage cable connects a storage devices to an electric drive that drives using power from a power generation device, which generates power using the drive of an engine, or from the storage device, which stores the power generated by the power generation device, is wired along the sides of a frame structural member that protrudes in a vertical direction. The frame structural member serves as an upright wall to adequately protect the high voltage cable. In cases in which, for example, the construction machine strikes an obstruction, or the like, the high voltage cable is adequately protected by the frame structural member.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Sumitomo (S.H.I.) Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jitsutaka Takeo
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Patent number: 8919466Abstract: A generator is provided at a front portion of an engine provided between a pair of front side frames at an offset position on one side, in a vehicle width direction, of a vehicle, and an electricity-storage device, a convertor, and a battery are provided on the other side, in the vehicle width side, of the vehicle. Accordingly, the electricity-storage device, the convertor, and the battery can be restrained from receiving any improper heat influence from the engine, and the length of harnesses coupling the generator, the electricity-storage device, the convertor, and the battery can be shortened as much as possible.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventor: Seigo Suzuki
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Patent number: 8919483Abstract: A ridden vehicle comprising a seat configured to be ridden and an internal combustion engine a frame configured for supporting the seat and the engine during operation of the ridden vehicle, the frame comprising a front frame portion having a steering head, a rear frame portion configured to support at least the seat and the engine, and a lower frame portion connecting the front frame portion and the rear frame portion to support a leg portion of a rider a fuel tank integrated with the front frame portion below the steering head and configured to store fuel for operation of the engine and a filler tube communicating with the fuel tank disposed in the ridden vehicle to provide an entrance to the fuel tank in front of the steering head.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Hero Motorcorp, Ltd.Inventors: Erik Buell, Anthony Stefanelli, John Fox, Jonathan Bunne, Giancarlo Battaglini, Chad Antczak, Dean Iwinski
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Patent number: 8924055Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes a motor unit, a power accumulating device, a charging power control section, a vehicle state detecting section, a braking/driving force control section, a turning determination section and a charging power correction section. The motor unit is configured to generate an independent driving/braking force for at least each of left and right driving wheels. The charging power control section is configured to set charging power supplied to the power accumulating device in accordance with a power accumulation state of the power accumulating device. The braking/driving force control section is configured to control a braking force or a driving force generated by the motor unit based on the operating state of the vehicle. The turning determination section is configured to determine whether a prescribed vehicle turning condition exists. The charging power correction section is configured to increase the charging power when the prescribed vehicle turning condition exists.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seiji Shimodaira, Hiroshi Iwano, Susumu Komiyama, Musashi Yamaguchi, Hideaki Watanabe, Tetsuya Ikeda
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Patent number: 8924056Abstract: A system and method is provided for balancing a storage battery for an automotive vehicle. The battery is of the type including a plurality of storage cells. The system includes a thermoelectric device and a controller. The thermoelectric device receives thermal energy and converts the thermal energy into electric energy. The controller determines a subset of the storage cells in the battery to be charged based on an amount of electric charge in each of the storage cells. Furthermore, the controller causes the electric energy to be distributed to each storage cell in the subset in an effort to balance the battery in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2009Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven F. Chorian, Jin Wang
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Patent number: 8922152Abstract: A temperature protection device basically includes a temperature detector, a temperature estimator, an overheated determining component and an overheating protection component. The temperature detector detects a temperature of a semiconductor component. The temperature estimator estimates an estimated temperature of the semiconductor component. The overheated determining component determines whether the semiconductor component is in an overheated state based on the detected temperature and the estimated temperature by using a first estimated temperature as the estimated temperature at a time point when the detected temperature has reached a first threshold temperature and a second estimated temperature that is estimated subsequent to the time point as the estimated temperature when the detected temperature has reached the first threshold temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiromichi Kawamura
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Patent number: 8919484Abstract: An automobile is provided with a body, a combustion engine and a transmission operationally connected to the engine. The crankshaft of the engine is substantially oriented in vehicle transverse direction and the engine seen in driving direction of the vehicle is arranged behind the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Frank Leopold
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Publication number: 20140374177Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately confirming fuel tank depressurization before unlocking a fuel door to enable refueling. Following a refueling request, a fuel system may be sealed from the atmosphere while one or more fuel system valves are adjusted to divert fuel tank pressure or vacuum to an engine intake. Depressurization may be inferred based on the presence of air or vapor flow into the intake as sensed by a manifold airflow sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Aed M. Dudar
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Publication number: 20140377596Abstract: An electrochemical energy storage system is provided for an application having design energy and power requirements. The electrochemical energy storage system comprises first and second energy storage system components having different electro-chemistries and formed in different units. Said first energy storage system component includes a non-lead-acid battery adapted to provide the energy requirements of the application. Said second energy storage system component includes a lead-acid battery adapted to provide the power requirements of the application. Said first and second energy storage system components have a combined capacity that is less than a capacity of a mono-electrochemical energy storage system adapted to supply both the power and energy requirements of the application.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Subhash K. DHAR, Dennis TOWNSEND, Fabio ALBANO, Srinivasan VENKATESAN, William KOETTING, Franklin MARTIN, Lin HIGLEY
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Patent number: 8917056Abstract: An electric vehicle charging apparatus. The electric vehicle charging apparatus includes an electric vehicle including a vehicle coil connected to a charging circuit connected to a storage battery, a parking stop arranged on a parking lot surface, a stop coil arranged within the parking stop to generate an induced current in the vehicle coil when the vehicle coil is arranged in a vicinity of the stop coil and an operation unit connected to the stop coil to raise the stop coil.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yeon-Sung Jung
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Patent number: 8910467Abstract: In controlling a hybrid vehicle, an internal combustion engine and an electric motor are controlled such that, when a power request is received while traveling with an operation of the internal combustion engine stopped and a requested power required for traveling is higher than a predetermined power, the operation of the internal combustion engine is started with an intake air volume based on the requested power and the hybrid vehicle travels with the requested power. When the power request is received for the first time after ignition-on, the start control for controlling the internal combustion engine is performed such that the operation of the internal combustion engine is started with an intake air volume lower than that based on the requested power. The hybrid vehicle includes a controller that performs the above control, an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a battery, and a purification device.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2014Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Keisuke Morisaki
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Patent number: 8909397Abstract: When an abnormality except for a temperature abnormality of a travel-purpose battery is detected, a battery of the present invention renders a system main relay to make a change to a battery-less travel mode while using a battery cooling fan to cool the travel-purpose battery. When a temperature abnormality of the travel-purpose battery is still detected, a system-off command signal is output to cause the hybrid vehicle to become unable to travel. In this way, limp home mode and system shutoff of the hybrid vehicle can be surely implemented even in the case where an abnormality occurs to the travel-purpose battery.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Aridome, Takahiko Nakagawa
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Patent number: 8907620Abstract: A method for providing a battery charging event comprises a plurality of operations. An operation is performed for inhibiting a first battery load from drawing electrical current from a battery charging system of a vehicle. An operation is performed for activating ignition circuitry of the vehicle after said inhibiting of the first battery load. An operation is performed for starting the engine after said ignition circuitry activation. An operation is performed for inhibiting a second battery load from drawing electrical current from the battery charging system after said starting of the engine. An operation is performed for causing an output of an alternator of the vehicle to be adjusted dependent upon a present location of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventor: John Robert Van Wiemeersch
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Publication number: 20140352796Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a locking mechanism on a fuel cap for refueling a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises venting a fuel tank into a vapor absorbent canister in response to a request to refuel and unlocking the fuel cap in response to a predetermined temperature change in said canister.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Mark Daniel Bunge
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Publication number: 20140353063Abstract: The present invention relates to a lightweight multipurpose vehicle, wherein the lightweight multipurpose vehicle further comprises an engine run by petrol and natural gas, a three phase or a single phase electric induction motor sourced from batteries, paddles, inverters and a switch that allows the driver to drive the lightweight multipurpose vehicle by using at least one of an engine, or a three phase or a single phase electric induction motor powered by batteries or by paddles that have chains to transfer energy from the pedal to rear wheel, so as to rotate the rear wheel, to move the lightweight multipurpose vehicle of the present invention. The lightweight multipurpose vehicle of the present invention also generates electricity sufficient to power all electrical/electronic devices in house.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventor: Amar Mandalapu
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Patent number: 8903582Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid automobile is provided. Only a drive force of the motor is outputted to wheels by stopping the engine while operating the motor when a required drive force is below a predetermined switch value, and at least a drive force of the engine is outputted to the wheels by operating at least the engine when the required drive force is above the switch value. The method includes estimating, when the required drive force is below the switch value, a switching possibility of the required drive force increasing above the switch value, operating the engine so that a temperature of a catalyst becomes a first temperature when the estimated switching possibility is above a predetermined level, and operating the engine so that the temperature of the catalyst becomes a second temperature lower than the first temperature when the estimated switching possibility is below the predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Kiyotaka Mamiya, Tadayoshi Kaide, Minji Sakaki, Taizo Shoya, Kanichi Yamaguchi, Tetsuya Tateishi
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Patent number: 8899361Abstract: To ensure that an electric power cable and a signal cable are laid easily over short distances while suppressing an effect of electromagnetic wave noise on the signal cable, an electric power cable is laid along a route that passes through only a right outside space in a lower position than an upper end of a right vertical plate, while a signal cable is laid along a bypass route that extends from a generator motor in a lower position than the upper end of the right vertical plate, passes through a rear portion cable insertion hole into an intermediate space between the right vertical plate and a left vertical plate, and returns to the right outside space from the intermediate space through a front portion cable insertion hole.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2012Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventor: Naoki Goto
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Patent number: 8894527Abstract: A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input shaft receiving engine torque, a first planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft, and including a first sun gear selectively connected to a transmission housing, a first ring gear, and a first planet carrier directly connected to the input shaft, a second planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft, and including a second sun gear, a second ring gear directly connected to the first ring gear and directly connected to an output gear, and a second planet carrier selectively connected to the first planet carrier and selectively connected to the transmission housing, a first motor/generator directly connected to the first sun gear, and a second motor/generator directly connected to the second sun gear.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2013Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Woulsun Choi, Jae Young Choi, Seok Joon Kim
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Patent number: 8896265Abstract: A charge transfer device for a plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) includes a charging cable system that supplies electric power to the PEV. The charging cable system having a first end connected to a first electrical connector that connects to the PEV for a charging operation and a second, opposite end connected to a second electrical connector for connecting to a power outlet. A meter unit is located between the first and second ends of the charging cable system. The meter unit determines electrical power information for use during the charging operation. A communications unit is located between the first and second ends of the charging cable system. The communications unit communicates the electrical power information to a remote server.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth P. Laberteaux
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Publication number: 20140339000Abstract: A vehicle system, comprising an internal combustion engine, a transmission enclosed within a transmission case coupled to a gaseous fuel source, the transmission case having an amount of gaseous fuel located therein. Housing the transmission in a case containing low density gaseous fuel reduces the power losses from air resistance and increases fuel efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2013Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: David Karl Bidner
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Patent number: 8892288Abstract: A method for controlling an electric vehicle drivetrain having least two drive units with wheels located on opposite axles are driven by respective drive units, includes in a first operating mode, the ratio of the torques provided by the drive units in each case for a given torque requirement is set taking into account the efficiency applicable to each drive unit under the given operating conditions, and in a second operating mode, the ratio of the torques provided by the drive units in each case for a given torque requirement is set independently of the efficiency applicable to each drive unit under the given operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Monika Derflinger, Arnulf Sponheimer, Roger Graaf, Marc Simon
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Patent number: 8887843Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and an electrical power storage unit. The engine and power storage unit are configured to provide motive power for the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a heater core in fluid communication with the engine, power storage unit and vehicle's cabin.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Douglas Piccard, Jin Wang, Kevin Lloyd Newman, Raymond C. Siciak