Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090312923 | AUTOMOTIVE SLIPSTREAMING SUPPORT SYSTEM - Systems and methods are provided to enhance the ability of a driver to safely slipstream a leading vehicle to realize a fuel economy benefit. | 12-17-2009 |
20120173113 | Vehicle And Method Of Controlling A Powertrain Therein - A vehicle may include a sensor configured to detect a rearward approaching object and at least one controller configured to cause the vehicle to accelerate in response to the sensor detecting a rearward approaching object while the vehicle is moving forward. | 07-05-2012 |
20120268260 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMICALLY PROVIDING SPACE MANAGEMENT ALERTS FOR A VEHICLE - In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for providing a space management alert for a host vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a controller configured to determine whether a first vehicle positioned ahead of the host vehicle is in a first detection zone and to determine whether a second vehicle positioned on one of a left side and a right side of the host vehicle is in a second detection zone. The controller is further configured to determine that the host vehicle is in a high density traffic condition (HDTC) if the first vehicle is in the first detection zone and the second vehicle is in the second detection zone and to selectively disable a space management alert when the host vehicle is in the HDTC. | 10-25-2012 |
20130154870 | INTERNAL MULTI-AXIS G SENSING USED TO ALIGN AN AUTOMOTIVE FORWARD RADAR TO THE VEHICLE'S THRUST AXIS - A motor vehicle includes a vehicle floor, a tilt sensor attached to the vehicle floor and having an output, and a forward looking radar module attached to the vehicle. The radar module includes a radar, an accelerometer; and an output from the accelerometer, and a controller that averages the tilt sensor output and the accelerometer output and determines a difference between the output averages, the controller reporting when the differences changes more than a predetermined amount. A method of calibrating the forward looking radar module, when attached to a vehicle, comprises placing the vehicle on a flat surface to determine the accelerometer pitch. | 06-20-2013 |
20140032093 | COLLISION DETECTION SYSTEM WITH A PLAUSIBIITY MODULE - A collision detection system for a vehicle includes a sensor and a camera. The sensor measures a first data set of an object relative to the vehicle. The camera measures a second data set of the object relative to the vehicle and separately measures an image-based time-to-collision with the object based on scalable differences of captured images. A fusion module matches data from the sensor and the camera and estimates a collision threat based on the matched data. A plausibility module generates a signal if the measured image-based time-to-collision is less than a calculated steering-based time-to-collision and a braking-based time-to-collision with the object. A countermeasure module actuates a countermeasure device, such as an autonomous braking system, if the collision threat exceeds an actuation threshold and the signal from the plausibility module is received, thereby statistically reducing the rate of false actuations of the countermeasure device. | 01-30-2014 |
20140288799 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MODIFYING ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SET POINTS - A driver performance mapping system for a vehicle system is disclosed. The system may include a GPS receiver generating GPS data indicative of a current location of the vehicle. In addition, the system may also have a radar device generating current gap data indicative of a current gap distance from the vehicle to a lead vehicle. Further, the system may include an electronic controller configured to generate learned gap data based on the current gap data and stored gap data, and then assign the learned gap data with the GPS data. | 09-25-2014 |
20150084758 | DRIVER PROMPTING BRAKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A driver prompting braking system includes a detection device adapted to sense at least one object in front of the vehicle; a detection system interfacing with the detection device, the detection system adapted to detect the at least one object; and a brake coaching system interfacing with the detection system, the brake coaching system adapted to determine a brake application timing for an operator of the vehicle to avoid the object and optimize fuel economy of the vehicle. A driver prompting braking method is also disclosed. | 03-26-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090230663 | DUAL DEPTH AIRBAG WITH ACTIVE VENTING - An inflatable airbag cushion assembly with a release device for electronic communication with a sensor in a vehicle. The cushion assumes two different configurations depending on the occupant's position. The configurations are achieved via tethers along with closeable vent(s) to control cushion pressure. | 09-17-2009 |
20100045003 | AIRBAG MOUNTING SYSTEM AND METHOD - An inflatable airbag cushion assembly with an inflatable cushion membrane that has attachment flaps that are received by an attachment interface. An inflator can be mounted on the attachment interface such that the cushion membrane retention flaps are anchored to the attachment interface. | 02-25-2010 |
20120242068 | PYROTECHNIC TETHER RELEASE ASSEMBLY FOR INFLATABLE AIRBAGS - A depth to which an inflatable airbag can deploy may varied by internal tethers. If the tethers are coupled to a release assembly, then in an unreleased state, the tethers can limit the depth of airbag deployment; however, if the tethers are released, the airbag can deploy of a full depth. | 09-27-2012 |
20120242070 | PYROTECHNIC TETHER RELEASE ASSEMBLY FOR INFLATABLE AIRBAGS - A depth to which an inflatable airbag can deploy may varied by internal tethers. If the tethers are coupled to a release assembly, then in an unreleased state, the tethers can limit the depth of airbag deployment; however, if the tethers are released, the airbag can deploy of a full depth. | 09-27-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110162705 | MOISTURE RESISTANT PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES WITH ELASTOMERIC, POLYSILOXANE PROTECTION LAYER - Improved protection systems for CIGS-based microelectronic devices of the type incorporating electric conductor(s) such as an electronic collection grid. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a photovoltaic device having a light incident surface and a backside surface. The device includes a chalcogenide-containing photovoltaic layer comprising at least one of copper, indium and/or gallium. A transparent conductive layer is interposed between the photovoltaic layer and the light incident surface, wherein the transparent conductive layer is electrically coupled to the photovoltaic layer. An electronic collection grid is electrically coupled to the transparent conductive layer and overlying at least a portion of the transparent conductive layer. An elastomeric structure having a light incident surface, said structure overlying at least portions of the electronic collection grid and the transparent conductive layer in a manner such that the light incident surface of the elastomeric structure is spaced apart from a major portion of the conductor, and wherein the elastomeric structure comprises an elastomeric siloxane polymer having a WVTR of at least 0.1 g/m | 07-07-2011 |
20110168243 | MOISTURE RESISTANT PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES WITH EXPOSED CONDUCTIVE GRID - The present invention provides strategies for improving the adhesion among two or more of transparent conducting oxides, electrically conductive grid materials, and dielectric barrier layers. As a consequence, these strategies are particularly useful in the fabrication of heterojunction photovoltaic devices such as chalcogenide-based solar cells. When the barrier is formed and then the grid is applied to vias in the barrier, the structure has improved moisture barrier resistance as compared to where the barrier is formed over or around the grid. Adhesion is improved to such a degree that grid materials and dielectric barrier materials can cooperate to provide a hermetic seal over devices to protect against damage induced by environmental conditions, including damage due to water intrusion. This allows the collection grids to be at least partially exposed above the dielectric barrier, making it easy to make electronic connection to the devices. | 07-14-2011 |
20110220183 | PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE - The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PV device”), more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device with a multilayered photovoltaic cell assembly and a body portion joined at an interface region. | 09-15-2011 |
20110277840 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURE OF CHALCOGENIDE-BASED PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS - The invention is a method of forming a cadmium sulfide based buffer on a copper chalcogenide based absorber in making a photovoltaic cell. The buffer is sputtered at relatively high pressures. The resulting cell has good efficiency and according to one embodiment is characterized by a narrow interface between the absorber and buffer layers. The buffer is further characterized according to a second embodiment by a relatively high oxygen content. | 11-17-2011 |
20130122639 | AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF INTERCONNECTED THIN FILM SOLAR CELL MODULES - A method of manufacturing electrically interconnected solar cell assemblies, including the steps of: positioning at least a first interconnect element ( | 05-16-2013 |
20130167910 | PHOTOVOLTAIC CELL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - The present invention provides an improved photovoltaic cell assembly ( | 07-04-2013 |
20130170149 | CONNECTOR AND ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT ASSEMBLY FOR IMPROVED WET INSULATION RESISTANCE - The present invention is premised upon a connector and electronic circuit assembly ( | 07-04-2013 |
20130233385 | PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE - The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PV device”), more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device with a multilayered photovoltaic cell assembly and a body portion joined at an interface region and including an intermediate layer, at least one interconnecting structural member, relieving feature, unique component geometry, or any combination thereof. | 09-12-2013 |
20130247986 | PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE - The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PV device”), more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device with a multilayered photovoltaic cell assembly and a body portion joined at an interface region and including an intermediate layer, at least one interconnecting structural member, relieving feature, unique component geometry, or any combination thereof. | 09-26-2013 |
20130247988 | PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICE - The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PV device”), more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device ( | 09-26-2013 |
20140000709 | PHOTOVOLTAIC SHEATHING ELEMENT WITH A FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY | 01-02-2014 |
20140345669 | METHOD OF PRODUCING TWO OR MORE THIN-FILM-BASED INTERCONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS - The present invention is directed to a method of producing two or more thin-film-based interconnected photovoltaic cells ( | 11-27-2014 |
20140360554 | METHOD OF PRODUCING TWO OR MORE THIN-FILM-BASED INTERCONNECTED PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS - The present invention is premised upon a method of producing two or more thin-film-based interconnected photovoltaic cells comprising the steps of: a) providing a photovoltaic article comprising: a flexible conductive substrate, at least on photo-electrically active layer, a top transparent conducting layer, and a carrier structure disposed above the tap transparent layer; b) forming one or more first channels through the layers of the photovoltaic article; c) applying an insulating layer to the conductive substrate and spanning the one or more first channel; d) removing the carrier structure; e) forming an addition to the one or more first channels through the insulating layer; f) forming one or more second channels off set from the one or mom first channels through the insulating layer to expose a conductive surface of the flexible conductive substrate; g) applying a first electrically conductive material to the conductive surface of the flexible conductive substrate via the one or more; second channels; h) applying an electrically conductive film to the first insulating layer, wherein the film is hi electrical communication with the flexible conductive substrate via the first electrically conductive material; J) applying a second electrically conductive material above the top transparent conducting layer and through the one or more first channels, electrically connecting the layers of the photovoltaic article from step b to the electrically conductive | 12-11-2014 |
20150107666 | MOISTURE RESISTANT PHOTOVOLTAIC DEVICES WITH EXPOSED CONDUCTIVE GRID - The present invention provides strategies for improving the adhesion among two or more of transparent conducting oxides, electrically conductive grid materials, and dielectric barrier layers. As a consequence, these strategies are particularly useful in the fabrication of heterojunction photovoltaic devices such as chalcogenide-based solar cells. When the barrier is formed and then the grid is applied to vias in the barrier, the structure has improved moisture barrier resistance as compared to where the barrier is formed over or around the grid. Adhesion is improved to such a degree that grid materials and dielectric barrier materials can cooperate to provide a hermetic seal over devices to protect against damage induced by environmental conditions, including damage due to water intrusion. This allows the collection grids to be at least partially exposed above the dielectric barrier, making it easy to make electronic connection to the devices. | 04-23-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100269921 | VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FLUID RESERVOIR - A valve assembly is disclosed for controlling fluid flow between two reservoirs. The valve assembly includes a relief valve arranged inside the housing and configured to open a first fluid flow path when the first reservoir is above a first predetermined pressure value. | 10-28-2010 |
20110162728 | VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FLUID RESERVOIR - A valve assembly is disclosed for controlling fluid flow between two reservoirs. The valve assembly includes a relief valve arranged inside the housing and configured to open a first fluid flow path when the first reservoir is above a first predetermined pressure value. | 07-07-2011 |
20130160877 | LIQUID TRAP WITH INTEGRAL JET PUMP - An assembly is provided that integrates a jet pump with a liquid trap to drain liquid fuel from vapor flow, such as vapor vented from a fuel tank. The assembly includes a housing that has a liquid trap configured to trap liquid carried in vapor flowing through the housing. A jet pump has a venturi nozzle and is in selective fluid communication with the liquid trap so that liquid flow through the venturi nozzle induces draining of the liquid trap. | 06-27-2013 |
20140020663 | VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FLUID RESERVOIR - A valve assembly is disclosed for controlling fluid flow between two reservoirs. The valve assembly includes a relief valve arranged inside the housing and configured to open a first fluid flow path when the first reservoir is above a first predetermined pressure value. | 01-23-2014 |
20140041737 | VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR HIGH-PRESSURE FLUID RESERVOIR - A valve assembly is disclosed for controlling fluid flow between two reservoirs. The valve assembly includes a relief valve arranged inside the housing and configured to open a first fluid flow path when the first reservoir is above a first predetermined pressure value. | 02-13-2014 |
20150096633 | VALVE ASSEMBLY - An angle flow valve comprises a housing and a cover. The housing comprises a first recess for receiving a flow restrictor, a second recess for receiving a relief valve, a first port fluidly connected to the first recess, an angled flow path fluidly connected to the first recess and to the second recess, a second port fluidly connected to the angled flow path, and a relief passage between the first recess and the second recess. The first recess is parallel to the second recess, permitting drop-in assembly of the flow restrictor and relief valve. The cover comprises a solenoid assembly, and the cover couples to the housing by adjoining the solenoid against the flow restrictor and by adjoining the cover against the relief valve. A single o-ring seals the leak path between the cover and the housing. | 04-09-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090301583 | SMALL ENGINE FUEL SYSTEM - A small engine fuel system includes a vent valve configured to be disposed within a tank having at least a portion of a filler pipe defined therein. The filler pipe includes an upper portion configured to receive a fluid and a lower portion located at a predetermined depth in the tank, where the predetermined depth defines a liquid fill level of the tank. The small engine fuel system further includes spring valve arranged in series with the vent valve. The spring valve is configured to close during a refilling event, thereby substantially preventing overfill of the tank with the fluid. | 12-10-2009 |
20100282335 | FUEL VAPOR VENT VALVE WITH DYNAMIC PRESSURE RELIEF - A fuel vapor vent valve assembly includes an anti-trickle valve having a casing defining a first cavity. A movable element is disposed within the first cavity. The casing defines a lower dynamic vapor passage in fluid communication with an interior of a fuel tank. A concave ramp is disposed concentrically about the lower dynamic vapor passage, within the first cavity. The movable element moves upward along the concave ramp in response to a change in motion to open fluid communication through the lower dynamic vapor passage to vent vapor pressure from within the fuel tank during movement. | 11-11-2010 |
20100282757 | ANTI-SIPHON DEVICE - A fuel storage system includes a tank, a check valve having an inlet tube, an anti-siphon device and a fuel intake tube. The anti-siphon device includes a ring defining an interior opening having a diameter. The ring abuts an upstream end of the inlet tube of the check valve, which includes an inner diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the interior opening of the ring. The ring includes and supports a plurality of fins within the inlet tube without narrowing the inlet tube to maximize fluid flow through the inlet tube. The anti-siphon device is rotatable relative to the check valve and the fuel intake tube. The shape, size and orientation of the fins are optimized to minimize flow interruption through the anti-siphon device and minimize vaporization of the fluid. | 11-11-2010 |
20110005210 | TANK ASSEMBLY - A tank assembly ( | 01-13-2011 |
20110168715 | FUEL CAP WITH EMISSIONS PROTECTION - A fuel tank cap for use with a fuel storage tank includes: a vapor storage receptacle; a purge path in fluid communication with the vapor storage receptacle; and a liquid discriminating membrane configured to be disposed at least in part between the vapor storage receptacle and fuel in the fuel storage tank. A fuel storage system includes: a fuel storage tank; a fill inlet connected to the fuel storage tank; and a fuel tank cap. The fuel tank cap includes: a vapor storage receptacle; a purge path in fluid communication with the vapor storage receptacle; and a liquid discriminating membrane configured to be disposed at least in part between the vapor storage receptacle and fuel in the fuel tank. | 07-14-2011 |
20110284099 | VALVE HOUSING FOR A FUEL TANK-MOUNTED VALVE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A method of manufacturing a valve assembly for a fuel tank includes forming a valve housing with a recess that is sized to retain a component inserted into the recess. The component is detectable by a sensor located outside of the fuel tank when the valve assembly is mounted in the fuel tank. A valve assembly includes a valve housing having a recess. The component is retained in the recess by the valve housing. | 11-24-2011 |
20130298880 | ISOLATION VALVE WITH INTEGRATED FLOAT VALVE FOR HIGH-PRESSURE APPLICATIONS - A valve assembly for a high-pressure fluid reservoir includes an isolation valve having a selectively energizable coil, an armature that is moveable between a first position when the coil is energized and a second position when the coil is de-energized, and an isolation valve seal coupled to the armature. The assembly also includes a float valve having a float with a passage at a bottom portion and an orifice at a top portion of the float, wherein the isolation valve seal is aligned to open and close the passage and wherein vapor flows through the passage and the orifice when the coil is energized during a high pressure condition. A housing houses both the isolation valve and the float valve and has a port that is opened and closed by the float valve. | 11-14-2013 |
20140034172 | VALVE HOUSING FOR A FUEL TANK-MOUNTED VALVE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME - A method of manufacturing a valve assembly for a fuel tank includes forming a valve housing with a recess that is sized to retain a component inserted into the recess. The component is detectable by a sensor located outside of the fuel tank when the valve assembly is mounted in the fuel tank. A valve assembly includes a valve housing having a recess. The component is retained in the recess by the valve housing. | 02-06-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100319789 | SMALL ENGINE EMISSIONS CONTROL VALVE - A valve assembly for a fuel tank for a small engine includes a housing. A membrane is supported by the housing such that the membrane covers a housing opening. The membrane allows the passage of vapor through the membrane and into the housing cavity and prevents the passage of liquid through the membrane. A pressure relief valve is supported by the housing to control flow of a vapor through the housing cavity. | 12-23-2010 |
20130269804 | SMALL ENGINE EMISSIONS CONTROL VALVE - A valve assembly for a fuel tank for a small engine includes a housing. A membrane is supported by the housing such that the membrane covers a housing opening. The membrane allows the passage of vapor through the membrane and into the housing cavity and prevents the passage of liquid through the membrane. A pressure relief valve is supported by the housing to control flow of a vapor through the housing cavity. | 10-17-2013 |
20140290628 | SYSTEM WITH LIQUID CONTAINMENT TANK INCLUDING AN IN-LINE LIQUID VAPOR DISCRIMINATING VALVE EXTERNAL TO THE TANK - A system for containing liquid and venting vapor includes a liquid containment tank having an interior space. A first conduit is external to and operatively connected with the tank. The first conduit has a first internal passage fluidly communicable with the interior space. A second conduit is external to the tank, and has a second internal passage. A liquid vapor discriminating (LVD) valve is external to the tank and has a housing defining an inlet connected to the first conduit, an outlet connected to the second conduit, and an internal housing cavity. The valve includes a membrane filter positioned in the internal housing cavity between the inlet and the outlet. The membrane filter is configured to prevent the passage of liquid through the membrane and allow the passage of vapor through the membrane. | 10-02-2014 |
20150096625 | VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR A TANK OF A VEHICLE AND A METHOD OF CREATING A VACUUM IN THE TANK - A valve assembly for a tank of a vehicle and a method of creating a vacuum are disclosed. A valve body defines a cavity and an outlet in fluid communication with the cavity for venting the tank. The assembly includes a seat disposed in the cavity of the valve body. The seat separates the cavity into first and second cavity portions. The seat defines an aperture to provide fluid communication between the first and second cavity portions. The assembly includes a cover device disposed between the seat and the outlet. The cover device defines at least one hole therethrough. The cover device is movable between a rest position engaging the seat to minimize fluid communication between the aperture and the hole and an actuated position spaced from the seat to increase fluid communication between the aperture and the hole when a vacuum is created in the first cavity portion. | 04-09-2015 |
20150144204 | VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR A TANK OF A VEHICLE - A valve assembly for a tank of a vehicle is disclosed. A valve body is adapted to be attached to the tank. A seat is disposed inside the valve body and defines an outlet for venting the tank. A float is disposed inside the valve body and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body in response to a liquid fluid level inside the tank. A support is coupled to the float and is movable with the float between the first and second positions. A sealing member is attached to the support and has an engagement portion supported by a base to define a space between the engagement portion and the support to allow movement of the engagement portion between an initial position when in the first position and a displaced position when in the second position. | 05-28-2015 |