Patents Examined by Jorge O. Peche
  • Patent number: 7966113
    Abstract: A vehicle stability system for a vehicle. In an embodiment the vehicle stability system includes a yaw rate sensor, an acceleration sensor, a steering sensor, a torque request sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive an output of the yaw rate sensor, the lateral acceleration sensor, the steering sensor, and the torque request sensor, generate a torque signal and a braking signal, and transmit the torque signal to a differential in addition to transmitting the braking signal to a braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Kroehnert, Siegfried Jauch, Flavio Nardi, Andris Samsons, Vaughan Scott
  • Patent number: 7962269
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement (15) for detecting the actuation of an operator-controlled element (1) make possible a reliable detection of an operator-controlled function to be activated by the operator-controlled element (1) independently of environmental and wear conditions. The operator-controlled element (1) can be actuated with different adjustable degrees of actuation. Various operator-controlled functions of the operator-controlled element (1) are realized in dependence upon the degree of actuation. The operator-controlled element (1) is actuated against a spring force and at least two degrees of actuation are characterized by different spring constants. The at least one of the operator-controlled functions of the operator-controlled element (1) is detected in dependence upon the spring constant assigned to the instantaneous degree of actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Klotzbuecher, Bernhard Bauer, Harald Kazmierczak, Sebastien Weiss
  • Patent number: 7957873
    Abstract: A control method is provided including detecting transmission output speed and a forward and reverse shift request, and executing inhibit limits when the detected speed exceeds a predetermined threshold speed. The inhibit limits slow the output speed to zero upon detection of a shift request at output speeds above the threshold, with a pedal progression map executed upon reaching zero output speed. The limits approach zero output torque as vehicle speed increases, reaching zero at a relatively high speed and simulating a neutral transmission upon a detected shift request at high speed. A vehicle is also provided having a transmission, a sensor for detecting transmission output speed, a sensor for detecting a shift request, and a PCM having an algorithm and a threshold transmission output speed. The algorithm inhibits a shift event in the direction opposite that of vehicle travel upon detection when vehicle speed is greater than the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William R. Cawthorne, Leonard G. Wozniak
  • Patent number: 7957893
    Abstract: Methods and systems for generating, deriving, and enhancing drivable road databases are provided. A baseline road in a road network is defined and position and/or trajectory data collected by vehicles traveling the baseline road are compiled and compared to a representation of the baseline road in an existing database. Identity and/or other property information about the road are assigned form the existing database to the new database.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Dash Navigation, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Smartt
  • Patent number: 7953551
    Abstract: A method of moving in a minimum cost path using a grid map, and an apparatus to perform the method, the method including calculating a move cost to a goal, from each of a plurality of cells comprises in a space in which a mobile home appliance moves, and planning a movement path to the goal according to the move cost; determining one or more via points at which a direction changes on the movement path; planning the minimum cost path from the movement path by selecting one or more shortest-distance via points from the via points; and moving from a first shortest-distance via point to a second shortest-distance via point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-ho Park, Hyoung-ki Lee
  • Patent number: 7937192
    Abstract: A method and a device for the recognition of a derailment state of a wheel (RAD) of a rail vehicle. The acceleration of the wheel (RAD) is measured perpendicularly to a rail plane (?) with at least one acceleration sensor (SEN), whereby from an acceleration signal (BSI) generated by the acceleration sensor (SEN) by means of simple integration (INT) over a time window of predeterminable magnitude, one determines a fall speed (FAG) of the wheel (RAD) in the direction of the rail plane (?), and whereby on the basis of the determined fall speed (FAG), one examines whether a derailed state exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Osterreich
    Inventors: Gerhard Lueger, Michael Schmeja, Gérard Salzgeber, Christian Kitzmüller
  • Patent number: 7930073
    Abstract: A method of measuring the state of flow above an airfoil using an estimation of the velocity field based on a combination of Particle Image Velocimetry PIV and multiple surface pressure measurements processed through a POD/mLSE algorithm. Integral to the POD/mLSE algorithm is the estimation of the global POD coefficients. The utility of these time dependent coefficients, which are estimated from surface pressure only, are demonstrated in a simple proportional feedback loop (as the time series to drive the actuators) to keep the flow attached. This method requires realistic feedback flow control since surface measurements and not inflow measurements are required for practical applications. The estimation method works well with dynamic strain on flexible bodies and is not limited to estimation from pressure only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Syracuse University
    Inventors: Mark Glauser, Hiroshi Higuchi
  • Patent number: 7899599
    Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring the location of a mining vehicle in a mine. The mine includes a first and a second work area. At least one identifier whose exact location is known is arranged in the first work area. The location of the mining vehicle is determined continuously by use of a dead reckoning. The location data, based on the dead reckoning, can be updated by use of the identifier. The location data are transmitted to a mine control system for monitoring the mining vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Oy
    Inventors: Hannu Mäkelä, Riku Pulli, Timo Soikkeli
  • Patent number: 7890260
    Abstract: A navigation system that provides a position estimate. In one embodiment, a method includes integrating an acceleration estimate in each of three dimensions. Subtracting a GPS velocity in each of the dimensions from the integrated acceleration estimate in each dimension to determine a velocity noise error in each dimension. Filtering the velocity noise error in each dimension. Adding the filtered velocity noise error to the integrated acceleration estimate in each dimension to obtain a velocity estimate in each dimension. Integrating the velocity estimate in each dimension to determine an integrated velocity estimate in each dimension. Subtracting a GPS position in each dimension from the integrated velocity estimate in each dimension to determine a position noise error in each dimension. Filtering the position noise error in each dimension and adding the filtered position noise error in each dimension to the integrated velocity estimate to obtain a position estimate in each dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. Ring
  • Patent number: 7869937
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for processing a multimedia broadcasting in a portable terminal having a navigation module, while a vehicle is being driven. The method includes steps of: proceeding to a vehicle driving mode, if it is recognized that the vehicle is currently being driven when the multimedia broadcasting data is outputted; confirming at least one vehicle driving function set as the vehicle driving mode in the vehicle driving mode and driving navigation module, and then acquiring vehicle driving information; and reflecting the acquired vehicle driving information in the vehicle driving function and then outputting the multimedia broadcasting data after applying the vehicle driving function to the multimedia broadcasting data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Soon-Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 7869944
    Abstract: Systems and methods for recording and reporting data collected from a remote location are disclosed. A work order, defining infrastructure to be inspected at a remote site and including an inspection plan for collecting inspection information, is generated on a first computer system and transferred to a portable computing system. Inspection data is collected pursuant to the inspection plan on the portable computing system. A global positioning system (GPS) receiver associated with the portable computing system provides location information related to inspected infrastructure during the inspection. After collection, inspection data is transferred from the portable computing system to the first and/or to a second computing system for storage and the generation of related reports. The location information obtained during the inspection can be used to determine dimensional measurements of the infrastructure and to generate visual depictions of infrastructure components and defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Roof Express, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Lowrey Deaton, Richard Randall Rast
  • Patent number: 7865267
    Abstract: An environment recognizing device and an environment recognizing method can draw an environment map for judging if it is possible to move a region where one or more than one steps are found above or below a floor, a route planning device and a route planning method that can appropriately plan a moving route, using such an environment map and a robot equipped with such an environment recognizing device and a route planning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kohtaro Sabe, Steffen Gutmann
  • Patent number: 7865278
    Abstract: A diagnostic test sequence optimizer includes a diagnostic test selector that determines a group of diagnostic test procedures related to a specific symptom and vehicle type from a pool of diagnostic procedures. A failure mode analyzer then selects one or more factors that can affect resolution of a vehicle operational problem and performs a failure mode analysis to quantify a comparative utility of the individual tests, and a factor weighter assigns a weight to each of the factors. A vehicle receiver receives information regarding the history of the test subject vehicle, and a sequence optimizer places the diagnostic test procedures in an optimized sequence in accordance with the comparative utilities of the individual diagnostic procedures, user preferences and a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis compiled by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Olav M. Underdal, Harry M. Gilbert, Oleksiy Portyanko, Randy L. Mayes, Gregory J. Fountain, William W. Wittliff, III
  • Patent number: 7860651
    Abstract: An inertial system is provided. The system includes at least one inertial sensor, a processing unit and a plurality of Kalman filters implemented in the processing unit. The Kalman filters receive information from the at least one inertial sensor, and at most one of the plurality of Kalman filters has processed zero velocity updates on the last cycle. The plurality of Kalman filters is used to optimize system response and performance during periods of intermittent motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Morgan, Helen V. Younskevicius
  • Patent number: 7840348
    Abstract: An output control method of voice guidance signal in navigation system, the method comprising: searching for a travel route from a starting location to a destination of a vehicle; guiding the vehicle to travel along the searched travel route, and determining a current vehicle location if the vehicle is traveling, searching for a target location to be guided ahead of the traveling vehicle; generating a voice guidance signal for the searched target location to be guided; determining the priorities of a plurality of voice guidance signals in advance and outputting the voice guidance signals in sequence according to the predetermined priorities if the plurality of voice guidance signals conflict thereamong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Su Jin Kim, Chang Won Park, Hyun Woo Choi
  • Patent number: 7835853
    Abstract: A vehicle detection system is provided for detecting vehicles with high precision recognition with less misdetection and less electricity consumption, the installation of the vehicle detection system causing less damage to a town's aesthetic beauty. Vehicle detection is determined by processing an input level value provided from a sensor that detects infrared radiation irradiated from an object to be detected, and the vehicle presence judgment is carried out by calculating a background level value based on an input level value detected from infrared radiation during “absence of a vehicle”, and by comparing the value based on a difference between the input level value (comparative value) by a data processing unit. By using the sensor that passively detects infrared radiation, the system consumes less electricity, and maintains its accuracy of detection even if detection is performed sideways of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Taniguchi, Hideaki Shiranaga
  • Patent number: 7831314
    Abstract: A driving assisting for calculating risk potential by considering a response delay by the driver and transmitting information related to the risk potential to the operator in a haptic manner. A controller is provided to estimate the response delay based on an operation performed by the operator. Based on the estimated response delay, the controller calculates a future position at which the risk potential is to be calculated. The longer the response delay, the remoter the future position is. The shorter the response delay, the nearer the future position is. The calculated risk potential at the future position may be transmitted to the operator via a pressing force from one of right and left side portions of a driver's seat occupied by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Egami
  • Patent number: 7831346
    Abstract: A method for detecting decompression of tires based on the rotational speed of wheels mounted on a vehicle, comprising the steps of: detecting the rotational speed of each of the above-mentioned wheels, determining the speed against ground of the vehicle, calculating the speed information of a fixed wheel from the rotational speeds of said wheels, calculating the judgment value of the wheel position by comparing the speed information of the wheels with the speed against ground of the vehicle, comparing the judgment value of the wheel position with the basis value of the wheel position obtained by preliminarily comparing the speed against ground of the vehicle with the speed information of the wheels at prescribed inner pressure, and judging decompression of tires based on relation between the comparison value of the basis value with the judgment value and a fixed threshold. A region of judging decompression of tires can be broadened and the accuracy of reduced pressure judgment can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Masashi Kitano
  • Patent number: 7826937
    Abstract: The control system (1) comprises at least one control panel (P1, Pn) comprising a plurality of operable control means (2) for controllable pieces of equipment (EC1, ECk) of the aircraft, each of which is controlled by first and second computers (3A1, 3Ak, 3B1, 3Bk), and a communication system (4) comprising a first and a second communication channel (5, 6) which are separate from each other and follow different paths (C1, C2), the first communication channel (5) connecting the control means (2) to the first computers (3A1, 3Ak) and the second communication channel (6) connecting the control means (2) to the second computers (3B1, 3Bk), each of said communication channels (5, 6) comprising two different digital communication buses (8, 9; 10, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: William Roux, Jean Yves Vilain
  • Patent number: 7826954
    Abstract: In a system for monitoring an output of a sensor for detecting an operating state of a gas turbine engine by comparing a value of an output of the sensor with a prescribed reference value, a calibration map for converting the output of the sensor into a variable that is normally used for controlling the engine is used for defining the reference value for determining the state of the sensor. Thereby, a fault of a sensor can be detected both accurately and promptly by using the existing resource without unduly complicating the control program. It is particularly desirable to monitor the output of the sensor by taking into account the current operating condition of the engine to improve the reliability in detecting a fault in the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironori Muramatsu, Yukinobu Sugitani