Patents Examined by Lin B. Olsen
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Patent number: 8116954Abstract: An engine control module comprises a torque control module, an engine speed (RPM) control module, and an actuator module. The torque control module determines a first desired torque based on a requested torque. The RPM control module selectively determines a second desired torque based on a desired RPM. The torque control module determines the first desired torque further based on the second desired torque when the engine control module is transitioning from an RPM control mode to a torque control mode. The RPM control module determines the second desired torque further based on the first desired torque when the engine control module is transitioning from the torque control mode to the RPM control mode. The actuator module controls an actuator of an engine based on the first and second desired torques.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Scott J. Chynoweth, Todd R. Shupe, Christopher E. Whitney, Robert C. Simon, Jr., Vivek Mehta, Ning Jin
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Patent number: 8116942Abstract: A steering angle control apparatus for a vehicle includes a first calculating means calculating a longitudinal force, a second calculating device calculating a longitudinal force difference between at least one of right side wheels and at least one of left side wheels based on the longitudinal force, a third calculating device calculating a contribution rate of front wheels at a steering angle control and a contribution rate of rear wheels at the steering angle control, a fourth calculating device calculating a front wheel correction steering angle and a rear wheel correction steering angle based on the contribution rate of the front wheel, the contribution rate of the rear wheel, and a state quantity including the longitudinal force difference, and a driving device outputting a control command value based on the front wheel correction steering angle and the rear wheel correction steering angle.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiyuki Yasui, Hiroaki Aizawa
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Patent number: 8112226Abstract: At least one inertial sensor is configured to sense movement of a telephone (or other portable device such as a personal digital assistant, portable computer, portable game device, portable audio player, or portable video player). Information derived at least in part from data output by the inertial sensor is used as input to software executing on the telephone.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Wayne A. Soehren
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Patent number: 8108113Abstract: A method (42) for preventing incorrect gear shifts in automatic transmissions (14) of motor vehicles comprising the following steps: determining a current output torque (Mis) of a source gear (GSOURCE); generating a history of output torques by storing the current output torque in the source gear (GSOURCE) for a time interval having a predetermined duration; determining an absolute value of a minimal output torque (Mmin) and an absolute value of a maximum output torque (Mmax) from the history (60) of output torques, comparing the two values and determining the greater absolute value; determining (S3) an absolute value of a target torque (MTARGET) of a target gear (GTARGET), if an instruction for a gear change exists; comparing (S4) the absolute value of the target torque (MTARGET) with the greater absolute value; and shifting (S5) the transmission (14) from the source gear (GSOURCE) to the target gear (GTARGET), if the absolute value of the target torque (MTARGET) is less than or equal to the greater absoluteType: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KGInventor: Martin Seufert
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Patent number: 8103394Abstract: During execution of an auto cruise function, in response to selection of a power mode, when an measured accelerator opening Acc is less than a preset opening Accref, a hybrid vehicle of the invention sets a power mode cancellation flag Fpmc to 1 and a power mode enabling flag Fpm to 0 (steps S540 and S550). This prohibits the use of an accelerator opening setting map in the power mode for execution of the auto cruise function. In the power mode, in response to an instruction for enabling the auto cruise function, the hybrid vehicle keeps the power mode enabling flag Fpm to the setting of 1 (step S560) as long as the measured accelerator opening Acc is not less than the preset opening Accref. This allows the use of the accelerator opening setting map in the power mode for execution of the auto cruise function.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshiya Hashimoto
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Patent number: 8095311Abstract: When a vehicle passes through an entrance IC entering a toll road, a present position of the vehicle changes discontinuously because of increased detection error. Continuity is lost between a designated travel road and a history of past designated travel roads. Designation of a correct entrance IC fails. Even in such a case, the correct entrance IC is designated based on the travel road designated before the continuity is lost. A toll is calculated based on the designated entrance IC and an IC, which the vehicle approaches and via which the vehicle is assumed to exit the toll road. If a guide route is designated when passing through an entrance IC, a correct entrance IC is appropriately designated from the travel road and the guide route.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Yasuhiro Shimizu
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Patent number: 8082096Abstract: A system for wirelessly locating mobile station/units (MS) and using resulting location determinations for providing a product or service is disclosed. The system is useful for routing an MS user to a plurality of desired locations, alerting an MS user to a nearby desired product or service based on satisfaction of user criteria, and providing enhanced security and 911 response. In one embodiment, the system responds to MS location requests via, e.g., Internet communication between a distributed network of location processing sites. A plurality of locating technologies including those based on: (1) TDOA; (2) pattern recognition; (3) timing advance; (5) GPS and network assisted GPS, (6) angle of arrival, (7) super resolution enhancements, and (8) supplemental information from low cost base stations can be activated, in various combinations, by system embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: TracBeam LLCInventor: Dennis Jay Dupray
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Active user interface haptic feedback and linking control system using either force or position data
Patent number: 8078340Abstract: A system and method are provided for supplying haptic feedback to, and for electronically linking, pilot and co-pilot user interfaces. The user interface haptic feedback and linking are implemented using either force or position data. If the force or position data become unavailable, then position or force data, respectively, are used to implement the user interface haptic feedback and linking.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2007Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Andrew T. Johnson, Casey Hanlon -
Patent number: 8073584Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring dynamic parameters of an aircraft progressing over an airport zone. The aircraft is in the phase of rolling along a traffic lane. The traffic lane comprises ground markings and notably a center line. The device includes at least one means for acquiring images (101), and means (102) for measuring the deviation of the aircraft with respect to the center line on the basis of the acquired images.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: ThalesInventors: Nicolas Marty, Gilles Francois, Hugues Meunier
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Patent number: 8068976Abstract: A coaxial two-wheel vehicle comprises a detection means that obtains get-on/off information indicating whether an occupant is on the vehicle or not. In the coaxial two-wheel vehicle, a control means performs attitude control by using a control gain set with respect to an occupied state is used if the control means determines that the vehicle is in the occupied state. The control means performs attitude control by using a control gain set with respect to an unoccupied state is used if the control means determines that the vehicle is in the unoccupied state.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yusuke Kosaka
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Patent number: 8068968Abstract: A vehicle travel control system includes a cruise control ECU, an engine control ECU and a brake control ECU. The cruise control ECU checks whether a driver's actual concentration degree is insufficient relative to a required concentration degree in terms of safety in surrounding environments of the subject vehicle. When such possibility arises, even during the cruise control, the speed of the subject vehicle is controlled to match a control vehicle speed lower than a set vehicle speed or a control distance to a preceding vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Toshiyuki Kondoh
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Patent number: 8032288Abstract: An upshift control system and method of an automatic transmission. The system includes a vehicle speed detector outputting a vehicle speed signal; a transmission control unit for receiving the signal, calculating a target hydraulic pressure based on a change of the vehicle speed, and outputting a control signal corresponding to the target hydraulic pressure; and an actuator for controlling an actual hydraulic pressure of an on-coming element based on the control signal. The method includes determining whether a vehicle speed changes during an upshift; calculating the change of the vehicle speed; calculating a target hydraulic pressure based on the change of the vehicle speed; and controlling an actual hydraulic pressure of an on-coming element based on the target hydraulic pressure. The target hydraulic pressure may be calculated by adding a modified hydraulic pressure, proportional to the rate of change of the vehicle speed, to a constant reference hydraulic pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2007Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hoegab Kim
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Patent number: 8032280Abstract: A control system controls a hardware switch which receives a usage command for utilizing an auxiliary function of a vehicle and a software switch displayed with an information portion indicating the auxiliary function and a command portion for input of the usage command through a screen. When either of the hardware switch or the software switch is operated, information is provided for identifying the other switch that corresponds to the auxiliary function commanded by the operated switch.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Aisin Aw. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yumi Shibata, Takayuki Miyajima, Fumiharu Ogawa
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Patent number: 8024102Abstract: A device and a method for notifying the driver of a motor vehicle, equipped with an adaptive distance and speed controller, by activating a takeover prompt, informing the driver that the vehicle is coming critically close to a target object. The takeover prompt is activated and deactivated as a function of a fixed minimum distance between the distance- and speed-controlled vehicle and the target object and/or a relative speed-dependent minimum distance between the distance- and speed-controlled vehicle and a target object and/or a maximum vehicle deceleration producible by the distance and speed controller.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Hans-Christian Swoboda, Albrecht Irion
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Patent number: 8024101Abstract: An undercarriage for a hospital bed including at least three wheels (1) while at least two wheels (1) are equipped with a brake (2) with a common control (9) of all the brakes (2). The undercarriage further includes a bed movement sensor (31) that is connected to the central processor unit (32), which is interconnected with an actuating device (33) for control of all the brakes (2). The central processor unit (32) is further equipped with a block (35) for generation of a timeout between stopping of turning of the wheel (1) and automatic applying of the brakes (2).Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: LINET spol. s.r.o.Inventor: Zbynek FrolĂ K
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Patent number: 8014925Abstract: A control apparatus for an automatic transmission includes an operational condition detecting unit for detecting a vehicle operational condition, a slope detecting unit for detecting a road surface slope, and a shift characteristic selecting unit for selecting one of a plurality of shift maps preliminarily set according to the road surface slope. The control apparatus further includes an acceleration/deceleration calculating unit for calculating an acceleration or deceleration from the degree of increase or decrease in vehicle speed per unit time, a deceleration shift characteristic for deciding a gear position according to the deceleration and the vehicle speed, and a brake detecting unit for detecting a brake operation. When the road surface slope is determined to be a downhill slope and the brake operation is detected, the selected shift map is changed to the deceleration shift characteristic and the gear position is decided according to the deceleration shift characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiharu Saitou, Ryuji Murata
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Patent number: 8010264Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle is arranged such that a driving force of an engine and a driving force of an electric motor can be transmitted to driving wheels through an automatic transmission having a plurality of forward gears. When it is detected that the vehicle is in a predetermined state in which it is difficult for the electric motor to output an upper limit torque predetermined as a generable maximum torque, a vehicle ECU controls the automatic transmission using a gear shift map configured such that the automatic transmission is downshifted earlier in accordance with a change in the operating state of the vehicle and upshifted later in accordance with a change in the operating state of the vehicle in comparison with a gear shift map that is used when it is not detected that the vehicle is in the predetermined state.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus CorporationInventors: Makoto Ogata, Tatsuo Kiuchi
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Patent number: 8005601Abstract: A method controls an internal combustion engine in a drive train having a hydraulic torque converter with a pump wheel and a turbine wheel, during a changeover from an overrun mode into a traction mode. In the method, the rotational speeds of the pump wheel and of the turbine wheel are sensed simultaneously and compared with one another, and a deviation of the rotational speed of the pump wheel from the rotational speed of the turbine wheel being determined. If the rotational speed of the turbine wheel is higher than the rotational speed of the pump wheel and the deviation drops below a predefined threshold value, the torque of the internal combustion engine is set in dependence on the deviation and a rate of change of the rotational speed of the pump wheel. Furthermore a control unit is configured to carry out such a method.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Inventor: Antoon Nicolaas Janssen
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Patent number: 8005616Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining relevant objects in the vicinity of a motor vehicle by an environmental detection sensor. A calculation of the probable trajectory of objects is thus not necessary. The only objects that are classified as relevant are those with a greater probability of a collision despite an average driver response such as evasive action and/or braking. The probability of a collision is determined in accordance with at least two values that are calculated from vehicle and environmental data. A first value describes future evasive action or evasive action that has already been initiated and a second value describes a deceleration operation. Each of the two or more values is delimited by a threshold value, which indicates the start of a critical range. The braking devices are activated if at least one of the determined values lies in the critical range.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2005Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: ADC Automotive Distance Control Systems GmbHInventors: Michael Beuschel, Werner Steiner
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Patent number: 7996111Abstract: A robotic device in accordance with a plurality of embodiments is provided. The robotic device generally includes a plurality of groups of sensing devices for sensing environmental events; a plurality of controllers for recognizing the environmental events and generating corresponding commands; a plurality of driving devices for driving the robotic device to respond to the environmental events under control of the commands; at least one communication line for communication between the controllers; at least one power line for transmitting power to the sensing devices, the controllers and the driving devices; a plurality of ground lines; a plurality of branches extending out from the communication line, the power line and the ground lines; and a plurality of connectors for connecting the controllers to the branches.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignees: Ensky Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Ensky Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hua-Dong Cheng, Han-Che Wang, Xiao-Guang Li, Tsu-Li Chiang, Kuan-Hong Hsieh