Patents Examined by Arnold Castro
  • Patent number: 11964689
    Abstract: A vehicular trailer guidance system includes a human machine interface provided in the vehicle and operable by a driver of the vehicle during a backing up maneuver of the vehicle with a trailer hitched thereto. The human machine interface comprises a rotary knob and operates (i) in a backing up trailer left-backup mode when rotated counter-clockwise, (ii) in a backing up trailer straight-backup mode when the rotary knob is pushed or pulled and (iii) in a backing up trailer right-backup mode when rotated clockwise. Responsive to selection by the driver of the backup mode, the system sets a desired trailer angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle to an angle that is commensurate with a driver-selected setting of the rotary knob. The system controls steering of the vehicle to back up the trailer to have the determined trailer angle coincide with the set desired trailer angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yuesheng Lu, Jyothi P. Gali
  • Patent number: 11964622
    Abstract: Proposed are a vehicle occupant protection apparatus and method. A vehicle sensor detects a target present around a vehicle. A drive unit is configured to increase a space between a side structure of the vehicle and an occupant in the event of a side collision between the vehicle and the target collide. A space control unit controls the drive unit in response to detection information detected by the vehicle sensor to protect the occupant from the side structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dae Sung Lee
  • Patent number: 11959416
    Abstract: An engine includes a cylinder head, a wire assembly including multiple wire harnesses and a protector that holds the wire harnesses together, a sound absorber, and an engine cover. The engine cover is attached to the cylinder head in a state in which the wire assembly and the sound absorber are held between the cylinder head and the engine cover to elastically deform the sound absorber. The protector is held in a state of being pressed against the cylinder head by a restoring force of the sound absorber. The sound absorber includes a contact region pressed against the protector. The sound absorber includes an engagement portion located at an edge of the contact region. The engagement portion is thicker than the thickness of the contact region. The engagement portion is adjacent to a side surface of the protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuto Yoshizaki
  • Patent number: 11952934
    Abstract: A spark-ignited reciprocating piston internal combustion engine includes a pre-chamber ignition system with a housing which is installed in a cylinder head of the spark-ignited reciprocating piston internal combustion engine. An ignition apparatus is disposed in the pre-chamber ignition system and the ignition apparatus protrudes into a cavity in the housing. The cavity is covered by a cover with respect to a combustion chamber of the spark-ignited reciprocating piston internal combustion engine and the cover has at least one aperture which connects the cavity and the combustion chamber to one another in a gas-conducting manner. The housing has a volume and the at least one aperture has a jet cross section and a ratio of the volume to the jet cross section is greater than 100 and less than 300.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Erik Schaefer, Daniel Taterra
  • Patent number: 11945277
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed to use front load estimates for body control are disclosed herein. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes memory including stored instructions, and a processor to execute the instructions to filter sensor data to generate a first load value, the first load value associated with a first load on a front axle of a vehicle, generate, based on the first load value and a velocity of the vehicle, a first body control adjustment value, modify a body control output value with the first body control adjustment value, and apply the modified body control output value to a suspension system of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Russell, Charles Gavin McGee, Ben Bulat, Daniel Lee Grohnke, Darrell Erick Butler
  • Patent number: 11945456
    Abstract: Upon detecting a mobile object approaching a target region, a target speed profile for a vehicle, a position and a speed for the vehicle, and a position and a speed for the mobile object are input to a first neural network that outputs an entry probability distribution of predicted entry times at which the mobile object will enter the target region. The target speed profile, the position and the speed for the vehicle, the position and the speed for the mobile object, and a predicted entry time at which the mobile object entered the target region are input to a second neural network that outputs an exit probability distribution of predicted exit times at which the mobile object will exit the target region. An optimized speed profile is determined based on the entry and exit probability distributions by executing a model predictive control algorithm in a rolling horizon. A vehicle is operated based on the optimized speed profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Branimir Skugor, Jakov Topic, Josko Deur, Vladimir Ivanovic, Hongtei Eric Tseng
  • Patent number: 11938855
    Abstract: A seat for a vehicle may include a seatback including a variable resistance support disposed within a volume of the seatback. The variable resistance support may further include one or more configurable arrays of resistive elements including collapsible structures and/or inflatable bladders that may be configured to provide energy dissipation and/or absorption during a collision event. One or more array subsets may be configured to be independently controllable and configured to provide adjustable support at a region of the seatback, the adjustable support corresponding to a mass of the occupant. Moreover, when at least a portion of the back of an occupant pushes against a front surface of the seatback due to the collision event, the arrays of resistive elements may be configured to compress and/or collapse, at least partially, to absorb an energy applied from an occupant's back associated with the collision event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventor: Nirmal Muralidharan
  • Patent number: 11912323
    Abstract: Embodiments of the application provide a train control method, system, computer device and storage medium. A scheme applying the train control method of the application determines a current travelling state of a vehicle under control firstly, and configures different state weights according to different travelling states to determine a corresponding target travelling parameter in a particular travelling state. The scheme can ensure to determine and obtain in real time an optimal target travelling parameter for the vehicle under control according to its current travelling state, regardless of the travelling environment of the vehicle under control, and control the vehicle under control in real time and effectively by the target travelling parameter during a travelling process. Thereby, the real-time performance and control accuracy of vehicle control can be improved, and the control effect of the train control method provided by the embodiments of the application can be further improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Traffic Control Technology Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Chunhai Gao, Feng Bao, Lu Yu, Lei Zhang
  • Patent number: 11912088
    Abstract: In an embodiment an apparatus for controlling a height of a vehicle includes a seat having a seat unit and a backrest unit, the seat unit movable in directions of two or more axes, a control module configured to determine a position of the seat in a state in which a driver is seated, estimate a body shape of the driver based on the position of the seat, calculate a vehicle height adjustment parameter based on the body shape and generate a suspension control signal for adjusting a vehicle height based on the vehicle height adjustment parameter and a suspension driving device configured to control a suspension based on the suspension control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Byung Joo Kim
  • Patent number: 11898508
    Abstract: Provided is an internal combustion engine control device capable of appropriately correcting a flow rate of EGR gas. Therefore, an internal combustion engine control device 20 includes moisture amount calculation units 301 and 302, a dew condensation calculation unit 303, and an EGR correction unit 304. The moisture amount calculation unit 301 calculates a total moisture amount contained in the mixed gas. The dew condensation calculation unit 303 calculates a dew condensation generation amount WQcon in an intercooler based on the total moisture amount. The EGR correction unit 304 corrects a flow rate of the EGR gas based on the dew condensation generation amount WQcon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Matohara, Yoshihiko Akagi, Kazuhiro Oryoji
  • Patent number: 11878764
    Abstract: A control device is provided for controlling a human-powered vehicle. The control device includes an electronic controller. The human-powered vehicle includes a drive unit, a brake device, and a brake control device. The drive unit is provided with an electric motor that assists in propulsion of the human-powered vehicle. The brake device generates brake force. The brake control device controls the brake force with an electric actuator differing from the electric motor. The electronic controller is configured to control the electric motor in accordance with an actuation state of the brake control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Takuya Katsuki, Kiichiro Nagata, Daiki Iwabuchi, Toshihiko Takahashi, Kazuya Kuwayama, Atsushi Miyagawa
  • Patent number: 11859519
    Abstract: An engine brake rocker arm assembly for a valvetrain and operable in an engine drive mode and an engine braking mode. The assembly is configured to selectively open one of first and second exhaust valves in the engine braking mode and includes a brake rocker arm configured to rotate about a rocker shaft, and an engine brake capsule assembly movable between (i) a locked position configured to perform an engine braking operation, and (ii) an unlocked position that does not perform the engine braking operation. A lash setting tool is configured to removably engage the engine brake capsule assembly and move the engine brake capsule to the locked position to enable mechanical lash adjustment while the brake rocker arm is assembled in a valvetrain and the engine brake capsule is assembled in the brake rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: James R. Sheren, Andrei Radulescu
  • Patent number: 11858497
    Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling a vehicle in a stable drift are provided. With the goal of enhancing the driver experience, the disclosed drift control systems provide an interactive drift driving experience for the driver of a vehicle. In some embodiments, a driver is allowed to take manual control of a vehicle after a stable drift is initiated. For safety reasons, an assisted driving system may provide corrective assistance to prevent the vehicle from entering an unstable/unsafe drift. In other embodiments, an autonomous driving system retains control of the vehicle throughout the drift. However, the driver may perform “simulated drift maneuvers” such as counter-steering, and clutch kicking in order to communicate their desire to drift more or less aggressively. Accordingly, the autonomous driving system will effectuate the driver's communicated desire in a manner that keeps the vehicle in a safe/stable drift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Avinash Balachandran, Yan Ming Jonathan Goh, John Subosits, Michael Thompson, Alexander R. Green
  • Patent number: 11859590
    Abstract: A battery pack for use in providing starting power for a starter motor of an internal combustion engine and to supply power to one or more auxiliary loads. The battery pack includes an outer housing that encloses a plurality of battery cells. The battery pack further includes a control module. The control module includes a processing circuit configured to control one or more functions associated with the internal combustion engine and an interface circuit configured to interface with the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Koenen
  • Patent number: 11859573
    Abstract: An interface circuit assembly for use with an electronic control unit and oxygen sensor of an internal combustion engine. The assembly includes an input port coupled to receive a signal from the oxygen sensor and a processing unit coupled with the input port. The processing unit increases the signal to an output voltage as a function of hydrogen being provided to the internal combustion engine. An output port is coupled with the processing unit and provides the output voltage to the electronic control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Resonance Technology LLC
    Inventor: Michael Manford Beckman
  • Patent number: 11851048
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid electric vehicle including an engine, a starter and an electric motor that is connected to an electric storage device through a relay. The control apparatus executes an engine start control to crank and start the engine by using a selected one of the starter and the electric motor. The control apparatus detects presence or absence of failure of the electric motor, when executing the engine start control by using the electric motor with the relay being closed. When detecting the failure of the electric motor, the control apparatus causes the relay to be opened, and to suspend execution of the engine start control by using the electric motor, and is configured, when start of the engine is requested next, to execute the engine start control by using the starter while keeping the relay to be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroki Sato
  • Patent number: 11846260
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting an operating fuel delivery system of a vehicle. The method includes obtaining a vehicle having an operating fuel delivery system, which includes an interconnected fuel tank, a fuel pump and an engine. Obtaining an air separator configured to be attached to the fuel delivery system at a connection point wherein the fuel pump and the engine are in direct fluidic communication and also obtaining attachment means for connecting the air separator to the fuel delivery system by fluidically mounting the air separator at the connection point wherein the fuel pump and the engine are secured in direct fluidic communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: CD PATENTS, LLC
    Inventor: Charles L Ekstam
  • Patent number: 11835014
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine cylinder head has a water jacket, a plurality of female threaded portions for attaching an exhaust component, and a plurality of bulging portions protruding into the water jacket. The water jacket has inlet portions for receiving cooling water and outlet portions for discharging the cooling water. The inlet portions are disposed in a central position of the water jacket in a cylinder row direction. The outlet portions are disposed on a lateral side of the cylinder head to which the exhaust component is attached. A spacing between the outlet portions is wider than a spacing between the inlet portions. The female threaded portions protrude into the water jacket so that the cooling water crosses an area around the female threaded portions in the cylinder row direction. The bulging portions extend from ends of the female threaded portions towards where the inlet portions are located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Ota, Hironao Netsu
  • Patent number: 11820221
    Abstract: Estimating a fuel consumption includes receiving a request for estimating the fuel consumption between a first time and a second time; estimating a first fuel consumption value in a first time interval using fuel-sender resistance data; estimating a second fuel consumption value in a second time interval using fuel-injected mass data, where the first time interval and the second time interval are consecutive, non-overlapping intervals; and combining at least the first fuel consumption value and the second fuel consumption value to obtain a fuel consumption value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Vikram Krishnamurthy, Timothy O'Donnell, Lawrence Rosinski
  • Patent number: 11821399
    Abstract: In a case where an engine is started based on a remote operation, a limitation condition for limiting an engine start is tightened or a stop condition after the engine is started is relaxed, as compared to a case where the engine is started based on a switch operation in an occupant cabin. That is, it is difficult to start the engine when the engine is started based on the remote operation, and it is easy to stop the engine when the engine is started based on the remote operation. As a result, it is possible to take more appropriate measures when the engine is started based on the remote operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takaaki Inokuchi, Tatsunori Katoh, Tsutomu Miyazaki