With Means For Promoting Safety Of Vehicle, Its Occupant Or Load, Or An External Object Patents (Class 180/271)
  • Patent number: 10033847
    Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and systems for warning users of mobile terminals during active phone calls or active data transfer that they approach certain geographical areas known as areas where active phone calls or active data transfer may be interrupted. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining, by a processor, location information associated with a mobile terminal, determining, by the processor, that the mobile terminal approaches a particular geographical area, the particular geographical area being associated with previous dropped calls based at least in part on historical data, and, based on the determination, sending, by the processor, a warning signal to the mobile terminal for informing a user of the mobile terminal that the mobile terminal is about to enter the particular geographical area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Osman, Victor Octav Suba Miura
  • Patent number: 10018721
    Abstract: A ruggedized packaging assembly for a linearly extending crane component measurement device includes an outer sleeve, an inner member slidably disposed in the outer sleeve, a target coupled to at least one of the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve, and a non-contact measurement instrument. Either the outer sleeve or the inner member is coupled to a linearly extending component, and the other part is coupled to a component from which a distance is being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: MANITOWOC CRANE COMPANIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen J. Schoonmaker, Martin R. Stander
  • Patent number: 10013757
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a classification apparatus for pathologic diagnosis of a medical image and a pathologic diagnosis system using the same. According to the present invention, there is provided a classification apparatus for pathologic diagnosis of a medical image, including: a feature extraction unit configured to extract feature data for an input image using a feature extraction variable; a feature vector transformation unit configured to transform the extracted feature data into a feature vector using a vector transform variable; and a vector classification unit configured to classify the feature vector using a classification variable, and to output the results of the classification of pathologic diagnosis for the input image; wherein the feature extraction unit, the feature vector transformation unit and the vector classification unit are trained based on a first tagged image, a second tagged image, and an image having no tag information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: LUNIT INC.
    Inventors: Hyo-eun Kim, Sang-heum Hwang, Seung-wook Paek, Jung-in Lee, Min-hong Jang, Dong-geun Yoo, Kyung-hyun Paeng, Sung-gyun Park
  • Patent number: 10009580
    Abstract: A method for supplementing a piece of object information assigned to an object situated in surroundings of a vehicle includes: reading in a piece of sensor information; evaluating the sensor information; and expanding the object information. In the step of reading in, the piece of sensor information represents a response of a driver of the vehicle to an object situated in a viewing direction of the driver. In the step of evaluating, the sensor information is evaluated to obtain a piece of detection information representing whether the driver has detected the object. In the step of expanding, the object information is expanded with the piece of detection information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Offenhaeuser
  • Patent number: 10007342
    Abstract: A force-based haptic switch panel comprises a touch plate having first and second surfaces, the first surface comprising a touch surface and the second surface opposing the first surface. The switch panel also comprises a circuit board having a plurality of force sensors electrically coupled thereto. The force sensors are disposed between the circuit board and the second surface of the touch plate, and each force sensor is configured to measure a respective portion of a force applied to the touch surface of the touch plate. The switch panel also comprises an actuator affixed to the second surface of the touch plate and configured to generate a mechanical output to the touch plate, wherein the circuit board comprises a passage for allowing a portion of the actuator to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquistion LLC
    Inventors: Jason Lisseman, David Andrews
  • Patent number: 10005421
    Abstract: A vehicle front portion structure, equipped with a pedestrian airbag device, comprises: a cowl comprising a cowl panel and a cowl front panel extending in a forward direction from a front end portion of the cowl panel; an inflator disposed with a longitudinal direction of the inflator coinciding with a vehicle width direction and secured to the cowl front panel; an airbag disposed above the cowl front panel and deployed obliquely in a vehicle rearward and upward direction and outwardly in the vehicle width direction by gas from the inflator; and a support member having one end portion secured to a front suspension tower, extending toward the cowl, and secured to the cowl front panel on a vehicle front side relative to a rear end of the inflator in the vehicle frontward and rearward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinya Kamimura
  • Patent number: 10002060
    Abstract: A matrix circuit includes, besides a plurality of common signal lines and a plurality of data signal lines arranged in a matrix, a plurality of monitoring signal lines that allow states of the common signal lines to be monitored. Inputs to the monitoring signal lines during one scan of the common signal lines are stored such that a fault including a ground fault, a short circuit, or disconnection on any of the common signal lines is detected and a location of the faulty common signal line is identified based on the stored inputs to the monitoring signal lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Okita
  • Patent number: 9994192
    Abstract: A vehicle pop-up hood device includes: a hinge base; a first arm that has a rear end portion coupled to the hinge base, and that has a front portion disposed offset toward the vehicle width direction inner side with respect to the rear end portion; a second arm that is coupled to the front portion of the first arm so as to be capable of swinging, and that moves the hood toward a vehicle upper side; an actuator that spans between the first arm and the second arm, and that lifts the hood from a closed position to a lifted position; and a link mechanism that includes a first link and a second link. A coupling location of the hinge base to the first link is disposed further to the vehicle width direction inner side than a coupling location of the hinge base to the first arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sotaro Narita, Yoshinori Uozumi
  • Patent number: 9988009
    Abstract: A separated anti-collision car includes a frame and an independent passenger cabin, wherein the independent passenger cabin is arranged on the frame separately, a connected part between a front part of the independent passenger cabin and the frame is provided with a wedge-shaped slope mutually matched with the two, the slope is provided with a damping supporting rod separating the independent passenger cabin from the frame during collision, one end of the damping supporting rod is fixed on the frame, and the other end is connected to the independent passenger cabin; and a back part of the independent passenger cabin is hinged with the frame through an elastic expansion rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Guan Yang
  • Patent number: 9981572
    Abstract: The present utility model discloses a multi-functional backseat for a golf cart. The multi-functional backseat for the golf cart comprises a seat bracket, a seat plate provided with double seats, a carrier plate and a pedal, wherein the seat bracket is fixed on the pedal, the carrier plate is fixed on the seat bracket, the seat plate is movably connected onto the carrier plate and is rotatable around the carrier plate, the carrier plate is provided with armrests, backrests and back cushions, and the pedal is provided with a safety guard rail. The multi-functional backseat for the golf cart of the present utility model can be used for carrying people and goods with high safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: CHONGQING RICHLAND MOLD CORP.
    Inventor: Lin Ye
  • Patent number: 9978278
    Abstract: A system includes a vehicle, a vehicle network disposed within the vehicle, and at least one earpiece for use within the vehicle. The vehicle is configured to wirelessly communicate with the at least one wireless earpiece within the vehicle. The vehicle is configured to wirelessly communication with at least one wireless earpiece within a separate and independent vehicle. A method includes sensing data with a sensor of a wireless earpiece within a first vehicle to provide sensed data, determining by the wireless earpiece within the first vehicle an alert condition based on the sensed data, and wirelessly communicating a message from a wireless earpiece within a first vehicle to a wireless ear piece within a second vehicle, the message indicating occurrence of the alert condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Peter Vincent Boesen
  • Patent number: 9970537
    Abstract: A shifter assembly for a motor vehicle includes a housing, a detent gate connected to the housing, a shifter lever moveable between at least a park position and a neutral position, a locking button movably supported by the shifter lever that contacts the detent gate when in a first position and that spaces apart from the detent gate when depressed to a second position, and a pawl moveable between an unlock position and a lock position. The pawl prevents the shifter lever from moving out of the park or neutral positions and prevents the locking button from being depressed when in the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: DURA Operating, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Alan Beattie, Alberto Polonio Morales
  • Patent number: 9969328
    Abstract: A child seat occupancy warning device for warning a driver of an occupied child seat includes an alarm. The alarm is configured to couple to a child safety seat that is positioned in a vehicle. The alarm is reversibly and operationally couplable to a driver's side seatbelt of the vehicle. The alarm is activated upon coupling to the driver's side seatbelt. The alarm is compelled to issue a warning upon decoupling of the alarm from the driver's side seatbelt. The alarm is positioned to couple to the driver's side seatbelt such that the driver's side seatbelt is fixed in an extended configuration. Decoupling of the alarm from the driver's side seatbelt is required for a driver to exit the vehicle. Decoupling of the alarm from the driver's side seatbelt compels the alarm to issue a warning to the driver that there is an occupied child safety seat in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Inventor: Mobolaji Dada
  • Patent number: 9957747
    Abstract: A method for operating an electromotive adjusting device of a motor vehicle, in particular a window opener. The electric motor is hereby regulated to a setpoint rotational speed, the setpoint rotational speed being set as a function of an external parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg
    Inventor: Sebastian Bars
  • Patent number: 9925980
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system of a vehicle includes a sensor configured to be disposed at a vehicle for sensing exterior and forwardly of the vehicle. A processor is operable to process sensor data captured by the sensor to determine the presence of a pedestrian ahead of the vehicle and at or moving towards a path of travel of the vehicle. The processor determines a time to collision based on a determined distance to the pedestrian and determined speed of the pedestrian and speed of the vehicle. The collision avoidance system is operable to generate an alert to the driver of the vehicle at a threshold time before the determined collision with the pedestrian. Responsive to a parameter, the collision avoidance system adjusts the threshold time to generate the alert at an earlier time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Manuel Edo-Ros
  • Patent number: 9919747
    Abstract: A vehicle side impact sensing assembly includes a side impact sensor installed on a center tunnel and a bracket, for mounting the sensor, arranged on an upper end portion of the tunnel. The sensor senses a side impact load acting sideways on a body. The bracket has a substantially M-shaped section, is a member put on the upper end portion of the tunnel and includes left and right vertical-plate-like legs and a horizontal-plate-like middle portion. T legs are overlaid on and joined to left and right side surfaces or an upper surface of the tunnel. The middle portion is lower than upper ends of the legs, and overlaid on and joined to the upper surface of the tunnel. Left and right mounting portions for mounting the side impact sensor are formed between the middle portion and the upper ends of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuta Ishizaki
  • Patent number: 9923410
    Abstract: A pre-charging circuit for charging an intermediate circuit capacitor is provided having a first electronic component, a second electronic component and a diagnostic circuit. The diagnostic circuit is designed for functional testing of the first electronic component and/or of the second electronic component and comprises an energy source with a terminal voltage. A voltage drop can be induced on the first electronic component by the energy source, as a result of which the functional performance of the first electronic component and/or of the second electronic component can be tested. The diagnostic circuit has a diagnosis switch via which the energy source can be connected to the first electronic component in such a manner that the dropping voltage on the first electronic component corresponds to the terminal voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignees: Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas Schaedlich
  • Patent number: 9914452
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to detecting and responding to objects in a vehicle's environment. For example, an object may be identified in a vehicle's environment, the object having a heading and location. A set of possible actions for the object may be generated using map information describing the vehicle's environment and the heading and location of the object. A set of possible future trajectories of the object may be generated based on the set of possible actions. A likelihood value of each trajectory of the set of possible future trajectories may be determined based on contextual information including a status of the detected object. A final future trajectory is determined based on the determined likelihood value for each trajectory of the set of possible future trajectories. The vehicle is then maneuvered in order to avoid the final future trajectory and the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: David Ian Franklin Ferguson, David Harrison Silver, Stéphane Ross, Nathaniel Fairfield, Ioan-Alexandru Sucan
  • Patent number: 9916510
    Abstract: A method of estimating a time to collision (TTC) of a vehicle with an object comprising: acquiring a plurality of images of the object; and determining a TTC from the images that is responsive to a relative velocity and relative acceleration between the vehicle and the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: MOBILEYE VISION TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Gideon Stein, Erez Dagan, Ofer Mano, Amnon Shashua
  • Patent number: 9914458
    Abstract: At the time of automated driving, a plurality of vehicle running paths which show changes along with time of a speed and advancing direction of the vehicle are generated based on the information on the surroundings of the vehicle which is detected by an external sensor. At the time of a manual driving mode, the running paths of the vehicle at the different driving scenes are stored as specific vehicle running paths which show the driving characteristics of the driver. At the time of automated driving, when the driving scene becomes a driving scene for which the specific vehicle running path is stored, a vehicle running path close to the stored specific vehicle running path is selected from among the plurality of generated vehicle running paths, and the vehicle is automatically driven along this selected vehicle running path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuki Sato, Kazuhiro Sugimoto, Junichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9908470
    Abstract: A collision avoidance and/or pedestrian detection system for a large passenger vehicle such as commuter bus, which includes one or more exterior and/or interior sensing devices positioned strategically around the exterior and interior of the vehicle for recording data, method for avoiding collisions and/or detecting pedestrians, and features/articles of manufacture for improving same, is described herein in various embodiments. The sensing devices may be responsive to one or more situational sensors, and may be connected to one or more interior and/or exterior warning systems configured to alert a driver inside the vehicle and/or a pedestrian outside the vehicle that a collision may be possible and/or imminent based on a path of the vehicle and/or a position of the pedestrian as detected by one or more sensing devices and/or situational sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: ROSCO, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Englander, Julian Serer
  • Patent number: 9909898
    Abstract: An in-vehicle device 1 regularly transmits to an information distribution server 2 an acquisition request that includes an own vehicle position and a facility search condition, and acquires facility information matching the condition around the vehicle. The in-vehicle device 1 controls the number of displays of the facility information on the basis of the information in an in-vehicle sensor group 12 when displaying the acquired facility information on a map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasutaka Konishi, Kiyoshi Matsutani, Shinji Akatsu, Atsushi Matsumoto, Takuji Morimoto
  • Patent number: 9908526
    Abstract: A method and device for transferring a vehicle travelling with lateral guidance support into a driving state with a reduced risk of the consequences of a collision in the event of the driver experiencing an emergency, wherein the speed of the vehicle is higher than a predefined limiting speed. The method detects a hands-off situation of the driver and outputs a hands-off warning in a hands-off phase and carries out a warning escalation in an escalation phase if there is no reaction to the hands-off warning, wherein initiation of the escalation phase is prevented if a predefined blocking condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventor: Thomas Eigel
  • Patent number: 9903942
    Abstract: An obstacle detection device includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensors and a detection control unit. The detection control unit detects an object by using one of at least two of the ultrasonic sensors as a transmission sensor that transmits an ultrasonic wave and the other of the at least two of the ultrasonic sensors as a reception sensor that receives the ultrasonic wave transmitted by the transmission sensor and reflected. A difference of heights of the one used as the transmission sensor and the other used as the reception sensor attached to a surface of a vehicle body from a ground is a predetermined threshold height that is defined based on twice a height of a bump on the ground as a non-detection object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, NIPPON SOKEN, INC.
    Inventors: Taketo Harada, Mitsuyasu Matsuura, Keiko Akiyama
  • Patent number: 9902355
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for transmitting video data associated with a vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, a vehicle processor determines a vehicle safety event based on one or more safety sensors, activates one or more vehicle cameras that capture video data in response to the determined vehicle safety event, records the video data in a vehicle data storage device, and, if the vehicle processor determines that a suitable connection to a telecommunications network is available when the video data is being captured, then transmits the video data over the telecommunications network in substantially real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Charles R. Baker, Akram M. Abdel-Rahman, Mohannad Murad, Gerard R. Kreiner, Joseph Machak, Daniel C McGarry, Samer Zakhem, Matt C Videtich
  • Patent number: 9878689
    Abstract: A seatbelt system may include a seatbelt configured to constrain a waist and a torso of an occupant. The seatbelt may also include a coupling configured to selectively couple a portion of a vehicle and the seatbelt to one another. The system may also include a reel configured to receive at least a portion of the seatbelt, and a tension sensor associated with the coupling and/or the seatbelt and configured to generate a signal indicative of tension in the seatbelt. The system may also include a deployment sensor associated with the seatbelt and configured to generate a signal indicative of a length of the seatbelt deployed from the reel. The system may also include an occupant detector configured to determine, based at least in part on the signals indicative of tension and the length, whether an occupant is properly wearing the seatbelt, such that the seatbelt constrains the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Jimenez, Andrew Piper, Timothy David Kentley-Klay
  • Patent number: 9880973
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining when to turn off an engine are described. The systems and methods may identify when an amount of carboxyhemoglobin exceeds a predetermined threshold; and monitor the amount of carboxyhemoglobin for a period of time. The systems and methods may determine when the amount of carboxyhemoglobin exceeds the predetermined threshold during the time period; and turn off the engine when the amount of carboxyhemoglobin exceeds the predetermined threshold during the time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama
    Inventors: Timothy Austin Haskew, Paulius V. Puzinauskas, Joshua Spiegel, Andrew Greff
  • Patent number: 9880557
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle detects a tailgating vehicle and uses various response mechanisms. A vehicle is identified as a tailgater based on whether its characteristics meet a variable threshold. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at slower speeds, the threshold is defined in distance. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at faster speeds, the threshold is defined in time. The autonomous vehicle responds to the tailgater by modifying its driving behavior. In one example, the autonomous vehicle adjusts a headway buffer (defined in time) from another vehicle in front of the autonomous vehicle. In this regard, if the tailgater is T seconds too close to the autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle increases the headway buffer to the vehicle in front of it by some amount relative to T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Dmitri A. Dolgov, Philip Nemec, Anne Kristiina Aula
  • Patent number: 9868372
    Abstract: A seatback includes a frame and a panel rotatably coupled to the frame. A support bracket is attached to the frame with a lever is rotatably coupled to the support bracket. The lever is configured to engage the panel with a frame supported actuator via a cable attached to the actuator and the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert William McCoy, Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Iskander Farooq
  • Patent number: 9864374
    Abstract: A redundant-controls system suitable for use an automated vehicle includes a primary-control-device, a secondary-control-device, an occupant-detection-device, and a controller. The primary-control-device is installed in a vehicle. The primary-control-device is selectively enabled to allow operation from an operator-seat of the vehicle by an operator of the vehicle to control movement of the vehicle. The secondary-control-device is installed in the vehicle. The secondary-control-device is selectively enabled to allow operation from a passenger-seat of the vehicle by a passenger of the vehicle to control movement of the vehicle. The occupant-detection-device is used to determine an operator-state-of-awareness of the operator and a passenger-state-of-awareness of the passenger. The controller is in communication with the primary-control-device, the secondary-control-device, and the operator-detection-device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian R. Hilnbrand, Nandita Mangal, Nathan A. Pendleton, Jonathan L. Wieskamp, Uday Pitambare
  • Patent number: 9856675
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a vehicle door handle, comprising an inertial system (17) mobile in rotation around a main rotation axis (A) and configured for activating and preventing the actuation of the door handle (1), the said inertial system (17) comprising a body (23) receiving the main rotation axis (A) and a mobile part (25) comprising an inertial mass (27), the mobile part (25) being mobile in rotation relative to the body (23) around a secondary axis (A,B) sensibly parallel to the main rotation axis (A), the inertial system (17) also comprising means for stopping the rotation of the mobile part (25) in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: U-SHIN ITALIA S.P.A.
    Inventors: Simone Ilardo, Vittorio Giaccone
  • Patent number: 9849868
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a standard inter-vehicle distance setting module that sets a standard inter-vehicle distance in accordance with a velocity of a subject vehicle that is equipped with the vehicle control device, an inter-vehicle distance measuring module that measures an inter-vehicle distance between the subject vehicle and a preceding vehicle, an effectiveness ratio setting module that sets an effectiveness ratio on the basis of an inter-vehicle distance difference obtained by subtracting the standard inter-vehicle distance from the inter-vehicle distance, the effectiveness ratio indicating a proportion of an amount of an accelerator operation by a driver to be reflected on a drive control, and a drive control module that performs the drive control on the subject vehicle on the basis of the effectiveness ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shinichi Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 9845066
    Abstract: A side curtain airbag assembly for a motor vehicle has an airbag that includes a pair of deployable outwardly extending tongues. The tongues project are positioned so as to engage an upstanding structural member such as a “B” pillar when they are inflated/deployed so that the “B” pillar is sandwiched between the two tongues. The tongues act to resist longitudinal movement of the airbag thereby reducing outward bulging of the airbag if it is subject to an impact force from an interior of the motor vehicle. The tongues are inflated via respective tubes that receive inflation gasses from the airbag and conduct the gasses into the tongues. The inlet ends of the tubes are adjacent a lower end thereof to ensure that the tongues are not inflated until the airbag is fully deployed downward. The tubes may extend within the interior of the airbag or along the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michal Jan Swiniarski
  • Patent number: 9834171
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising an airbag mounted in a fender region laterally adjacent a hood and forward of a vehicle side door which provides a means for deployment through a discrete door to provide protection to a pedestrian from impacting the frontal area of a vehicle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Scott D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9831854
    Abstract: A current is supplied from a power source voltage supply node of a power source voltage to an open-collector of a transistor through a current blocking circuit, connectors and a signal transmission line. A microcomputer regulates a resistance value of a pull-up resistor by switching over an on/off state of a switch circuit in accordance with the power source voltage detected by a power source voltage detection circuit. The microcomputer thus regulates a current blocking rate of the current blocking circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasuhiro NIshimura
  • Patent number: 9828016
    Abstract: A steering column system includes a steering column shaft, a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft, an air bag operatively arranged with the steering input device, a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position, and a first interlock configured to indicate when the steering column shaft is in the driving position and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position. When the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, the air bag is non-deployable, and when the steering column shaft is in the driving position, the air bag is deployable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frank P. Lubischer, Richard K. Riefe
  • Patent number: 9802524
    Abstract: A method for implementing an operation of a body of a machine includes receiving data indicating an operation of a positioning mode actuator to facilitate movement of the body from a first position, determining activation state of a multi-auto mode to actuate a first auto lower mode to operate a hoist system to lower the body automatically and a first auto raise mode to operate the hoist system to raise the body automatically. The method includes determining the first auto lower mode is selected according to the data indicating the operation of the positioning mode actuator, and causing a hoist system to actively lower the body from the first position to a second position and passively lower the body from the second position to a third position, independent of the activation state of the multi-auto mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Anderson, Kurt Winckler, Rodney Menold, Joel Skalet, Timothy Schwartz
  • Patent number: 9802481
    Abstract: A vehicle driver monitoring system includes a supervisor computerized device and an operator computerized device. The system may also include a key container device. The devices of the vehicle driver monitoring system work in conjunction with each other to monitor various aspects of the user's operation of a corresponding vehicle during use. If a key container device is used, the devices also work to limit the operability of a vehicle key. For example, the supervisor computerized device is configured to remotely receive vehicle monitoring information, such as location information, speed information, and operator information, from the operator computerized device as the operator drives the vehicle. Further, the optional key container device is configured to selectively allow to the operability of a vehicle key based upon vehicle access info, identity and sobriety information as related to the user and as provided by the operator computerized device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Griffin
  • Patent number: 9797178
    Abstract: A door assist system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises an actuator configured to control a position of the door about a hinge assembly. An interference sensor forms a portion of a door opening seal and is configured to detect an obstruction in a plurality of detection regions. The system further comprises a controller configured to control the actuator in response to a detection signal from the interference sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz, Gerald J. Heath, Evangelos P. Skoures
  • Patent number: 9796363
    Abstract: A pedal assembly mounted to a vehicle includes, a pedal arm having an upper portion and a lower portion and a striker bracket pivotally connected to the upper portion of the pedal arm where the striker bracket further removably connected to the lower portion of the pedal arm. A first positioned is defined before a collision where the striker bracket is connected to the lower portion of the pedal arm. A second positioned is defined after a collision where the striker bracket rotates away from the lower portion of the pedal arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: KSR IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Leem
  • Patent number: 9782709
    Abstract: An air filter arrangement for use in a truck pneumatic product transfer system using a generally rectangular housing and two air filter cartridges to alter the shape thereof (primarily reduce the width thereof) allowing the unit to be mounted centrally behind a truck cab or in other locations. The design and shape allows mounting on the truck in preferred areas that are less utilized for accessory equipment and can increase truck aerodynamics. Additionally the filter arrangement can reduce overall truck weight compared to traditional units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Bokor Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Bokor, Waguih Elmaraghy, Abdo Al-Zaher
  • Patent number: 9783208
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a scattering material located at a contact point between a rail and a wheel of a rail vehicle wherein the scattering material improves the force closure between the rail and the wheel. The method reads in a motion signal that represents a motion of the wheel caused by the scattering material located on the rail and evaluates the motion signal to analyze the scattering material located on the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FÜR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventors: Marc-Oliver Herden, Thomas Rasel
  • Patent number: 9777528
    Abstract: A door assist system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises an actuator, an interference sensor, and a controller. The actuator is configured to control a position of a door about a hinge assembly. The interference sensor is configured to detect an obstruction in a plurality of detection regions along a radial extent of the door, and the controller is configured to control the actuator in response to a detection signal from the interference sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Elie, Timothy J. Potter
  • Patent number: 9764711
    Abstract: A vehicle pop-up hood device includes: a hinge base that is fixed to a vehicle body; a first arm that is pivotably connected to the hinge base; and a second arm that is fixed to a vehicle rear side end portion of a front hood and is pivotably connected to the first arm. Further, the vehicle pop-up hood device includes: an actuator that is provided between the first arm and the second arm, and that, by being operated, pivots the second arm with respect to the first arm; and a connecting portion that, at a time of completion of operation of the actuator, is set in an operating state in which the connecting portion restricts movement of the second arm with respect to the hinge base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sotaro Narita, Yoshinori Uozumi
  • Patent number: 9761932
    Abstract: An antenna apparatus is for use in connection with a light and a switch for selectively supplying power to the light through associated wiring. The apparatus comprises a circuit connected between the light and the switch, the circuit including a filter, a decoupling circuit, and an antenna formed at least in part by the wiring associated with the light. The apparatus may be used in connection with a light on a vehicle, such as a brake light for a motorcycle, and may thus be concealed from view. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Radio Sound, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest Theodore Sims, III, Richard Anthony Feller
  • Patent number: 9758166
    Abstract: A system for controlling equipment according to different modes includes an input device configured to be engaged by a user and a control circuit coupled to the input device and configured to control operation of equipment based on engagement of the user with the input device. The control circuit controls operation of the equipment according to a first mode when the degree of engagement between the user and the input device is within a predefined range. The control circuit controls operation of the equipment according to a second mode different from the first mode when the degree of engagement between the user and the input device is outside of the predefined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Hon Wah Chin, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9758140
    Abstract: An electronic controller includes an electrical input and an electrical output. The electronic controller is adapted to receive an electronic status signal at the electrical input. The electronic status signal is indicative of a pneumatic pressure in a supply line communicating pneumatic fluid between a towing portion of a vehicle and a towed portion of the vehicle. The electronic controller is also adapted to transmit an electronic control signal from the electrical output to an associated valve, based on the electronic status signal, for controlling delivery of a pneumatic control signal from the towing portion of the vehicle to the towed portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Charles E Eberling, Travis G Ramler
  • Patent number: 9751483
    Abstract: The occurrence of a vehicle collision is determined using an output signal of one satellite sensor disposed offset from a vehicle center line. A control device for an occupant protection device includes an acceleration sensor disposed at a front position of a vehicle; and a control unit that determines the occurrence of a collision based on an output signal of the acceleration sensor and operates an occupant protection device. The acceleration sensor is one satellite sensor disposed so as to be offset in a vehicle width direction from a vehicle front center position. The control unit includes: a first threshold setting unit that sets one or more thresholds so as to correspond to a traveling speed of the vehicle or a relative speed signal related to the relative speed between a vehicle and another movable objects such as another vehicle; and a determining unit that compares a level of the output signal of the acceleration sensor with the one or more thresholds to determine the occurrence of a collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: AUTOLIV DEVELOPMENT AB
    Inventor: Yoriko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9752370
    Abstract: A vehicle controller may receive notification settings to apply when determining rain conditions. The controller may identify a rain condition sensor data, and send a rain alert to a mobile device to obtain confirmation to perform rain condition actions specified by the notification settings. The mobile device may receive, from the vehicle controller, the rain alert requesting confirmation to perform rain condition actions specified by the notification settings; and may send, responsive to user input to the mobile device, a confirmation to perform the rain condition actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Patrick Kevin Holub, Oleg Yurievitch Gusikhin
  • Patent number: 9738251
    Abstract: A seat belt device includes: a belt reel that winds a webbing; an electric motor that drives the belt reel to wind; a collision prediction unit that predicts a collision with an object; and a controller that is connected to the collision prediction unit via a network and that performs winding control of the electric motor when a collision with the object is predicted by the collision prediction unit. After the controller receives information on collision prediction from the collision prediction unit via the network, even when a communication failure occurs between the controller and the collision prediction unit, the controller performs control to cause the electric motor to continue winding control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shotaro Odate