Patents Examined by Kyung J Kim
  • Patent number: 10503176
    Abstract: Highway vehicle platoon management is provided. Driver quality parameters are used together with vehicle physical characteristic and performance information to select an ordering of the vehicles within the platoon. The vehicles within the platoon mutually self-order to select the ordering of the vehicles within the platoon for enhanced safety and efficiency. The driver quality parameters together with the vehicle physical characteristic and performance information is also used to reward best drivers with preferred locations within the platoon. The vehicles within the platoon mutually self-order to reward best drivers with preferred locations within the platoon. An existing vehicle platoon is selectively split into two or more smaller platoons for improving overall safety and efficiency. Two or more smaller vehicle platoons are selectively aggregated into a larger single platoon for improving overall safety and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael Lesher, T. Stephen Miller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10435065
    Abstract: A torque compensation apparatus for an electric power steering system may include: a temperature sensor configured to sense the initial temperature around the electric power steering system when a vehicle is started; a motor position sensor configured to sense a motor angle of the electric power steering system; a timer configured to detect an operation time of the started vehicle; and a controller configured to calculate a compensation gain when the initial temperature corresponds to a preset low-temperature state, the compensation gain reflects the increasing ambient temperature, and is based on the motor angles accumulated during steering and the accumulative operation time detected through the timer after the start of the vehicle; and the controller outputs the compensation gain to compensate for a motor output torque of the electric power steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Hong Kim, Pil Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 10408310
    Abstract: A power-split gearbox device in an agricultural work vehicle. The gearbox device includes a compounded gearbox, an electrical variator for the continuous varying of a ratio of the compounded gearbox, and a gearbox with an adjustable ratio to connect a drive motor with a propulsion of the work vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Rainer Gugel, Norbert Fritz, Andrew K. Rekow, Dennis L. Jeffries, David Mueller
  • Patent number: 10408623
    Abstract: Techniques for creating breadcrumbs for a trail of activity are described. The trail of activity may be created by recording movement information based on inferred actions of walking, not walking, or changing floor levels. The movement information may be recorded with an accelerometer and a pressure sensor. A representation of a list of breadcrumbs may be visually displayed on a user interface of a mobile device, in a reverse order to retrace steps. In some implementations, a compass may additionally or alternatively be used to collect directional information relative to the earth's magnetic poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Alice Jane Brush, James W. Scott, Galen C. Hunt, Raman K Sarin, Andrew W Jacobs, Barry C. Bond, Oscar E Murillo, Amy Karlson
  • Patent number: 10406931
    Abstract: Provided is an information output method that outputs information when swapping a secondary battery for powering a vehicle. The information output method includes comparing a rank related to the performance of a first battery unit (battery unit A) on board a vehicle to a rank related to the performance of a second battery unit (battery unit B) that is installable in the vehicle in place of the first battery unit, and outputting output information according to a result of the comparison in the comparing step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventors: Toshihisa Nakano, Hiroshi Amano, Takako Hirose, Motoji Ohmori, Masayuki Kozuka, Mamoru Yoshida
  • Patent number: 10347139
    Abstract: A flight path planning approach may be deterministic and guarantee a safe, quasi-optimal path. A plurality of three-dimensional voxels may be determined as cells of a rectangular grid. The cells may have a predetermined length and width. A shortest safe path through the grid graph may be calculated from a local start to a local goal defined as points on a nominal global path. Geometric smoothing may be performed on the basis line from the local start to the local goal to generate a smooth three-dimensional trajectory that can be followed by a given rotorcraft. Dynamic smoothing may be performed on the three-dimensional trajectory to provide a maximum possible speed profile over a path defined by the dynamic smoothing. The three dimensional path information may be provided to an autopilot, which may then control the rotorcraft to fly along the defined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: The Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: Sylvia Kohn-Rich
  • Patent number: 10343741
    Abstract: A bicycle component for an at least partially human-powered bicycle has a shock absorber device. The shock absorber device includes a damper device which can be controlled by a control device. A detection device is provided with a sensor device for receiving a signal. The sensor device is arranged on at least one component of the bicycle which is pivoted in the case of a steering movement. The detection device is suitable for detecting, and is designed to detect, the difficulty in the terrain as a function of the acquired signal, and is configured to control the damper device as a function of the detected difficulty in the terrain, with the result that a damping property of the damper device can be adjusted by way of a signal of the detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: DT Swiss Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Walthert, Valentin Wendel, Stefan Battlogg
  • Patent number: 10322745
    Abstract: A system for mitigation of a torque steer includes a base gain generation module that generates a base gain based on a transmission torque, a learning module that generates a learned gain based on the transmission torque and the estimated pinion torque, and a command generation module that generates a motor torque command from the learned gain, the transmission torque, and the base gain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Price T. Lefler, Shrenik P. Shah
  • Patent number: 10302020
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling a fuel flow to a gas turbine engine of an aircraft includes determining a control initiated fuel flow demand that is based, at least in part, on an operator command. In addition, the method includes determining a first rate of change of fuel flow demand based, at least in part, on a tracking error of the gas turbine engine that indicates a difference between a desired rotational speed and an actual rotational speed. The method also includes integrating the first rate of change of fuel flow demand to determine a tracking error fuel flow demand. In addition, the method includes summing the control initiated fuel flow demand and tracking error fuel flow demand to determine a composite fuel flow demand. The method also includes controlling a fuel flow to the gas turbine engine based, at least in part, on the composite fuel flow demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Allen Gutz, Robert Edward Goeller
  • Patent number: 10300901
    Abstract: In a method, a brake torque signal provided by an electronic control unit of an anti-lock braking system is validated. The brake torque signal is enabled for use as a brake event input signal upon being successfully validated for diagnostic and control routines of the vehicle that use the brake torque signal as a brake event input signal. If the brake torque signal fails validation, it is disabled for such use. The brake torque signal is validated by first rationalizing a brake pedal position signal and a master cylinder pressure signal. Once the brake pedal position signal is successfully rationalized with the master cylinder pressure signal, the brake pedal position signal is rationalized with the brake torque signal. The brake torque signal is successfully validated when both rationalizations are successful. The validation fails if either rationalization fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Scott E Henson, Carl J Missbach, Thomas E Bloomfield, Dhaval Shah
  • Patent number: 10295362
    Abstract: A system and method of estimating an available driving distance of an electric vehicle are provided. The method includes dividing a road into sections and receiving driving information from a vehicle traveling through each of the sections. Fuel efficiency data of the corresponding section is generated and vehicle condition information, and departure point and destination information is received from the target vehicle. Additionally, the method includes receiving real time meteorological information and road traffic situation information for each of the sections and reflecting the vehicle condition information of the target vehicle, the meteorological information and the road traffic situation information in the fuel efficiency data generated for each of the sections of the road from the departure point toward the destination. Estimated fuel efficiency and an estimated available driving distance of the target vehicle are then determined to be provided to vehicle driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, IUCF-HYU (Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University)
    Inventors: Kwon Hyoung Choi, Jin Hyung Lee, Jong Chan Jun, Jahng Hyon Park
  • Patent number: 10293828
    Abstract: An engine starting system for hybrid vehicle is provided. The engine starting system is applied to a hybrid vehicle in which a friction clutch is disposed between an engine and a power distribution device. In order to reduce gear noise and vibrations, a second motor establishes a cancel torque to cancel a reaction torque acting on an axle when starting the engine. The engine starting system is configured to increase the torque of the second motor in a direction of a drive torque rotating the axle, when starting the engine while bringing the friction clutch into engagement in a slipping manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Oshiumi
  • Patent number: 10279681
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises a system for aiding driver control of the vehicle when the vehicle is wading in a body of water, the system comprising a measurement apparatus for determining a measured depth of water in which the vehicle is wading. The measurement apparatus is positioned and arranged relative to the vehicle such that the measured depth is indicative of the depth of water in a first measurement region relative to the actual vehicle. The processor is coupled to the measurement apparatus and is configured to calculate an estimated water depth in dependence upon the measured depth and in dependence upon the vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Popham, Jonathan Woodley, Sebastian Paszkowicz, Ian Barlow, Zhou Xu, Edward Hoare
  • Patent number: 10274956
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for guiding an aircraft along a reference path, said method comprising: a) when the altitude of the aircraft is greater than a threshold, estimating (E1) a relative location of the aircraft in relation to a taxiing starting point using a map of the platform and reference points on the ground, b) when the altitude of the aircraft is less than said threshold and before the aircraft is located at the taxiing starting point, estimating (E2) a relative location of the aircraft in relation to the taxiing starting point using data relating to the absolute location of the aircraft and the last relative location estimated at step a), c) when the aircraft is located at the taxiing starting point, guiding (E3) the aircraft on the basis of a location of the aircraft relative to the reference path as estimated using data relating to a set of indicators on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE
    Inventor: Julien Farjon
  • Patent number: 10254123
    Abstract: A method of operation of a navigation system includes: determining a user orientation for representing a system user; capturing an external image based on the user orientation; determining with a control circuit a sign-content estimate from the external image based on the user orientation; and communicating an augmented output for representing a physical sign captured in the external image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Telenav, Inc.
    Inventors: Naveen Kumar Vandanapu, Gregory Stewart Aist, Aliasgar Mumtaz Husain, Casey Carter, Shalu Grover
  • Patent number: 10246180
    Abstract: A method and system for sharing information between independent agents having a processor and memory having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to receive signals indicative of a fault of a sensor system of a first independent agent; transmit signals indicative of a request for sensor information to a second independent agent; receive signals indicative of state information for the second independent agent in response to the receiving of the request for sensor information; and apply the state information to a navigation system of the first independent agent in response to the receiving of the state information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Aaron Connor, Christopher Stathis, Joshua M. Leland, Harshad S. Sane
  • Patent number: 10245987
    Abstract: Disclosed are active vehicle seat assemblies, methods for making and using such seat assemblies, and vehicles with active seat assemblies for counteracting unwanted inertial forces. An active vehicle seat assembly is disclosed that includes an occupant chair with interconnected seat and backrest portions. A motion sensor detects motion of the occupant chair and outputs signals indicative thereof. An automated platform movably mounts the occupant chair to the vehicle body. The platform includes: a pitch plate that pivots about two lateral axes; a pitch actuator that selectively pivots the pitch plate; a roll plate that pivots about two longitudinal axes; and a roll actuator that selectively pivots the roll plate. An on-board controller responds to signals from the motion sensor indicative of inertial motion disturbances to the chair by transmitting control signals to the pitch and/or roll actuators to pivot the pitch and/or roll plates to thereby counteract the inertial disturbances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian V. Castillo, Giles D. Bryer
  • Patent number: 10239516
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for hybrid electric internal combustion engine applications in which a motor-generator, a narrow switchable coupling and a torque transfer unit therebetween are arranged and positioned in the constrained environment at the front of an engine in applications such as commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles and stationary engine installations. The motor-generator is preferably positioned laterally offset from the switchable coupling, which is co-axially-arranged with the front end of the engine crankshaft. The switchable coupling is an integrated unit in which a crankshaft vibration damper, an engine accessory drive pulley and a disengageable clutch overlap such that the axial depth of the clutch-pulley-damper unit is nearly the same as a conventional belt drive pulley and engine damper. The front end motor-generator system includes an electrical energy store that receives electrical energy generated by the motor-generator when the coupling is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: David D. Colavincenzo, Fernando Venegas Diaz
  • Patent number: 10232715
    Abstract: A vehicle control device is provided for hybrid vehicles with which it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of an electric leakage. The vehicle control device determines an occurrence of an electric leakage of a strong current system that is routed from a high power battery to a motor. The vehicle control device includes an integrated controller that executes a process that prohibits a mode switch between an HEV mode for traveling by the drive force of the engine and the motor, and an EV mode for traveling by the drive force of only the motor during an electric leakage detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kawashima, Mitsuru Uehara, Jun Nakanowatari
  • Patent number: 10220828
    Abstract: An engine idle operation control method and system are provided to improve the fuel efficiency of a vehicle through maintenance of efficient battery SOC and charge control during the engine-on for heating of a vehicle. The method includes receiving an engine-on request for heating of the vehicle and determining a road condition. A target charge power is determined and set as a value corresponding to the road condition and battery state information. A basic idle RPM set as a value corresponding to the road condition, the target charge power, and the outdoor temperature is determined. A compensation RPM and a target idle RPM are determined by compensating for the basic idle RPM by the compensation RPM to adjust the engine idle driving into the determined target idle RPM during the heating of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: In Eok Cho, Hoon Han, Yong Kak Choi, Il Kwon Park