Responsive To Weight Of Cargo Load Transported By Vehicle Patents (Class 180/290)
  • Patent number: 11669091
    Abstract: A control system of a self-driving tractor can access sensor data to determine a set of trailer configuration parameters of a cargo trailer coupled to the self-driving tractor. Based on the set of trailer configuration parameters, the control system can configure a motion planning model for autonomously controlling the acceleration, braking, and steering systems of the tractor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: UATC, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Shaw Wood, Nancy Yung-Hui Sun, Zachias Rauch Vawter
  • Patent number: 11468755
    Abstract: A method for tracking a parcel with a tracking device is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: STRESS ENGINEERING SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Clinton A. Haynes, Joseph Krumme Bullard, Daniel L. Morrow
  • Patent number: 11047728
    Abstract: A load weight and balance system has first sensors for providing a first output signal proportional to an available internal volume of an associated passenger luggage storage bin. Second sensors provide a second output signal proportional a weight of any luggage in the associated passenger luggage storage bin. Display devices provide a visual indication whether or not each passenger luggage storage bin is filled to capacity. A main display provides a visual indication of the storage status of all of the passenger luggage storage bins. A processor receives the signals from the first sensors and the second sensors, calculates whether or not each of the passenger luggage storage bins is filled to capacity and whether or not each of the passenger luggage storage bins is within a predetermined weight value, and determines whether or not the weight distribution of the passenger luggage storage bins in the aircraft is balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michal Zajac, Pawel Kajak
  • Patent number: 11015706
    Abstract: A method for controlling the transmission of a working machine, by which, with at least one sensor of the working machine, at least one specific parameter is determined and transmitted to a control unit for controlling the transmission. The working machine has a lifting mechanism and the at least one specific parameter which characterizes an actuation condition of the lifting mechanism. A predetermined shifting strategy is adapted, by the method, as a function of the at least one specific parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Sven Bieber, Andreas Schwarz, Thomas Kurz
  • Patent number: 10800588
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for the secure transport of material are provided. A transported material may be a biological material, such as a biological sample. Material is only transferred to a courier having a unique, single-use authorization code. Authorization codes are provided to a courier only upon arrival at a proper location and at a designated time. Courier identification or code confirmation or authorization may also be required. Identification or other confirmation regarding a custodian, material to be transferred, or both, may be required. Courier images, custodian images, or both, may be required. An authorization code may include a bar code, a number, a letter, or other symbol or code. An authorization code, an image, route information, and other information may be communicated by cell-phone, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other link. Transport containers with temperature sensors and communication links, and storage containers with light sensors, memory, and communication links are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Labrador Diagnostics LLC
    Inventor: Sunny Balwani
  • Patent number: 10618401
    Abstract: A mobile platform for materials transport is provided. The platform includes a pair of suspension devices that in turn include a pair of rocker beams which can be rotated between two positions: a first position where central wheels attached thereto can be used to drive the platform; and a second position where the central wheels are retracted and the platform can be rolled on end wheels without the friction of the central wheels, and an associated drive system, impeding movement of the platform. Furthermore, data from sensors and/or load cells can be used to control movement of the platform; specifically shifts in load distribution and/or sensed forces at the suspension devices can indicate that a load (and/or materials) has shifted and/or is shifting and movement of the platform is adjusted accordingly, for example to prevent the platform and/or the load (and/or materials) from tipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: CLEARPATH ROBOTICS INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Lord, Roydyn Clayton, Michael Irvine, Ryan Christopher Gariepy
  • Patent number: 10586084
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are described for dynamically transforming dimensional data representing a shipping item being loaded within a container using a scanning sensor node mounted above a space within the container. Generally, the scanning sensor node has a memory, a depth sensor oriented to scan the space from above, and a communications interface to an external managing node. For example, the method uses the scanning sensor node to access the onboard memory for available material dimension data related to the shipping item. The method uses the depth sensor to generate scan data on the shipping item once the shipping item is placed within the container, compare the generated scan data to the available material dimension data, and dynamically transform the available material dimension data into the current dimensional data representing the shipping item based upon the comparison of the generated scan data to the available material dimension data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: FEDEX CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Reuben F. Burch, V, William Cawein
  • Patent number: 10482775
    Abstract: A location marker that may be used to provide information to a vehicle, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The location marker may include a plurality of retroreflectors that may form a pattern readable by a vehicle or other device. The pattern may be read to extract an identifier of a location, such as an address or an identifier of a person. A global positioning system (GPS) device may transmit a general location of the location marker to the vehicle, while the location marker may provide a unique visual location identifier to a device within visual range of the location marker. In some embodiments, the location marker may also include lights that may be individually sequenced on and off at different times to create a time domain signal sequence that is readable by the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Patrick Boyd, Chengwu Cui, Sarah Graber, Barry James O'Brien, Joshua John Watson, Scott Michael Wilcox
  • Patent number: 10245935
    Abstract: A mobile platform for materials transport is provided. The platform includes a pair of suspension devices that in turn include a pair of rocker beams which can be rotated between two positions: a first position where central wheels attached thereto can be used to drive the platform; and a second position where the central wheels are retracted and the platform can be rolled on end wheels without the friction of the central wheels, and an associated drive system, impeding movement of the platform. Furthermore, data from sensors and/or load cells can be used to control movement of the platform; specifically, shifts in load distribution and/or sensed forces at the suspension devices can indicate that a load (and/or materials) has shifted and/or is shifting and movement of the platform is adjusted accordingly, for example to prevent the platform and/or the load (and/or materials) from tipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventors: Matthew Lord, Roydyn Clayton, Michael Irvine, Ryan Christopher Gariepy
  • Patent number: 9805234
    Abstract: An arrangement for determining a plugging position of a hose coupling on a connection field includes the connection field including a plurality of coupling sockets and a plurality of hose couplings in which each of the plurality of hose couplings is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of coupling sockets. The at least one hose coupling includes a receiving coil and each of the plurality of coupling sockets includes a transmitting coil. A data interface is disposed in communication with the receiving coil, and an evaluation unit is disposed in communication with the data interface. The receiving coil is configured to analyze an individual identifier retrievable at the transmitting coil during connection of the at least one hose coupling to one of the coupling sockets, and the identifier is transmitted via the data interface to the evaluation unit to determine the plugging position of the hose coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Bernd Baum, Florian Reinmuth, Daniel Frost
  • Patent number: 9796392
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of determining whether a frame of a work machine is approaching a tip over point. First and second loads upon respective first and second support arrangements of the frame are detected using respective first and second sensing means. Signals are generated indicative of the first and second loads and communicated to a controller. The controller is configured to generate an alert based upon the first and second loads when the first and/or second load signals indicate that the orientation of the work machine is approaching a tip over point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventor: Adam J. Lambert
  • Patent number: 9426610
    Abstract: Mesh node modules are associated with pieces of luggage, or packages, etc. and companion luggage or packages can dynamically form a mesh network which uploads location information of the nodes and in some cases additional information, e.g., shock signals, to a network. The information may be downloaded to an owner's CE device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Milne, Gregory Peter Carlsson, Frederick J. Zustak
  • Patent number: 9221495
    Abstract: Motor-generators are incorporated in front wheels and drive the front wheels, respectively. An ECU determines whether or not a steering apparatus including a steering actuator, a tie rod and a steering angle sensor has failed, based on an operation angle of a steering wheel from a steering wheel angle sensor and a steering angle of the front wheels from the steering angle sensor. When the ECU determines that the steering apparatus has failed, the ECU provides torque difference for a torque instruction for the motor-generators in accordance with the operation angle of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryoji Mizutani, Michitaka Tsuchida, Yasuaki Tahara, Yuki Tojima, Shigetaka Isogai
  • Patent number: 8991545
    Abstract: A method for detecting a weight of at least one occupant of a motor vehicle includes the steps of detecting a first load which acts on a chassis of the motor vehicle as first weight value at a time point prior to entering of the at least one occupant into the motor vehicle, detecting a second load which acts on the chassis as second weight value at a second time point after entering of the at least one occupant into the motor vehicle; and determining the weight of the at least one occupant by forming a difference between the first and second weight values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Franz Fürst
  • Patent number: 8988220
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting an intruder inside a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a load sensor coupled to the vehicle, and a processor. The processor is coupled to the load sensor and is configured to monitor the load in the vehicle after the vehicle is vacated and locked and to determine if the load in the vehicle changes by more than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Craig R. Markyvech, Clark E. McCall
  • Patent number: 8813899
    Abstract: A damper is provided which damps an applied external force in accordance with the strength of the external force (impact strength). The damper 10 comprises a vessel 20 having a cylindrical chamber 21 filled with a viscous fluid, a turn member 60 turned by the external force, a slider member 40 which is moved in the chamber 21 of the vessel 20 by turn of the turn member 60, partition member 80 engaged with the slider member 40, a coiled spring 100 for energizing the slider member 40 toward the turn member 60, and a resin cap 100 blocking an opening of the vessel 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Oiles Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiteru Igarashi, Akihiko Okimura
  • Patent number: 8403095
    Abstract: A new type of motorized, four wheeled, utility vehicle that provides for the driver to operate the vehicle from a standing position on a rear platform facilitating step on-step off movements and incorporating an automatic braking mechanism and adjustable weight distribution mechanism for enhanced safety. The vehicle further includes a fully suspended chassis, automatic transmission, forward, reverse and neutral gearing, oversized tires and total payload in excess of 400 pounds making it suitable for a wide variety of work activities and terrain conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Bryce A. Ecklein
  • Patent number: 8397843
    Abstract: An output control unit of a vehicle, having a front riding space and a rear riding space, includes a riding detection device for detecting the presence of a passenger in the rear riding space. When the riding detection device detects the passenger, the output control unit regulates the output of the engine as compared with the output when the riding detection device does not detect a passenger in the rear riding space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Hidetoshi Kaku, Tyler Furman, Kazuma Waida
  • Patent number: 8384530
    Abstract: A seat occupant determining apparatus includes a first load detecting sensor at a right of a seat, a second load detecting sensor at a left of the seat, a third load detecting sensor at a front or a rear of the first and second load detecting sensors, in order to detect a part of the load, respectively, a right-left sum value calculating portion calculating a right-left sum value, a threshold changing portion for changing an occupant determining threshold on the basis of the load value of the third load detecting sensor, and an occupant determining portion determining an occupant of the seat to be an adult when the right-left sum value is equal to or more than the occupant determining threshold and determining an occupant of the seat to be a child in a child seat when the right-left sum value is less than the occupant determining threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Muneto Inayoshi, Akira Enomoto, Hiroyuki Fujii
  • Patent number: 8150613
    Abstract: A technique for determining shifted cargo on a vehicle is described. A method realization of this technique comprises the steps of acquiring data from a positional sensor and determining a change in a balance of loads upon wheels of the vehicle. Shifted cargo is determined if the change in load balance does not correspond to the positional data. Furthermore, a device and system suited for carrying out the method are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Elektrobit Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Lars Engelhard
  • Patent number: 8098145
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the connection of a trailer to a vehicle. The apparatus is connected to a pneumatic pressure line of the trailer's service braking system, and measures the pressure of the system to determine if the trailer is properly connected to the vehicle when the vehicle's engine is running. Further, the apparatus also contains an algorithm that monitors the signals from other vehicle systems, and uses that information to determine the trailer characteristics. The vehicle engine control system receives information from the apparatus and adjusts the various vehicle systems accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Group North America, LLC
    Inventors: Mircea Florin Ancuta, Wesley Chominsky, Eric M Bernhart
  • Patent number: 8067097
    Abstract: A woven laminate for sound absorption that includes a first woven layer, a second woven layer, and a third woven layer. The first woven layer has a coarse structure. The second woven layer has a fine structure. The third woven layer has a medium structure. Each of the first, second, and third woven layers are composed of metallic wires that are woven to each other or interlaced as a fleece. At least one of the first, the second, and the third woven layers are superimposed in order to form the woven laminate. The woven layers are placed in the layer order fine-coarse-medium. The woven layers are welded together at least partially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Melicon GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Mueller
  • Patent number: 8065061
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a payload control system for a machine having traction devices. The payload control system may have a force sensor configured to measure a force transmitted through the traction devices. The payload control system may also have a speed sensor configured to measure a speed of the machine. The payload control system may further have a controller in communication with the force sensor and the speed sensor. The controller may be configured to modify a weight limit of the machine based on the measured force and the measured speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Wayne O'Neal
  • Patent number: 7894961
    Abstract: A dump cycle counting system is provided for a work machine. The system may include a payload carrier configured to contain a payload of material and a dump actuator configured to effectuate dumping of the payload out of the payload carrier. The system may also include a controller configured to control actuation of the dump actuator and a dump control device operatively coupled to the controller. The system may further include a load counter configured to record at least one dump cycle based on a command state of at least one of the dump control device and the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Mark Robert Blackburn, Robert Todd, Roger Tansley
  • Patent number: 7835845
    Abstract: Brake pedal input is modulated to produce a consistent relationship between the brake pedal input and a deceleration of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Lin
  • Patent number: 7714708
    Abstract: Smart cargo container system comprising auditable, secure, sealable, stackable, trackable and pollable, universal, “pallet boxes” used: 1) auto-latchingly secured to the under-carriage transverse I-beams of over-the-road semi-trailers by means of a guiding latching system; and 2) stackable, up to three or more high, in the trailers or warehouses. Sophisticated battery-powered electronic locks, sensors and alarms are provided, as well as an RF communications and GPS locator module that radios to a base station the time, location and status of the inventive smart cargo container, and any anomalous events as they occur, including unauthorized attempts to open or break into the container, or potential damage events. In addition, both the locks and comm modules are programmable, and provide extensive, and selectably pollable and downloadable event, access and transport history and audit trails. The comm system permits remote tracking and real time status check via the Internet, LAN or WAN wireless networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventors: Rogers F. Brackmann, Jay R. Brackmann, Dennis J. Kossnar, David Ash, Jacques M. Dulin
  • Patent number: 7702441
    Abstract: A safety logic for vehicle rollover detection systems comprising a main rollover detection logic and at least one protection device for the occupant or occupants of the vehicle, including a vehicle lateral acceleration sensor (11), which generates an output signal indicating a near rollover event, when a lateral acceleration of a vehicle exceeds the first predefined threshold value (15) or, when a lateral acceleration of vehicle exceeds the second predefined threshold value (16) that is lower than the first predefined threshold value (15) and simultaneously at least one additional safety logic activation signal is present (1, 1?, 1?, 1??).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mariusz Geborek, Aleksandra Urbanek, Daniel Sygnarowicz
  • Patent number: 7640084
    Abstract: A method and system for adaptively controlling a hybrid vehicle comprises a recorder for recording a historical load or duty cycle of vehicle during or after operation of the vehicle. A classifier classifies the historical load in accordance with a load category. A controller assigns at least one of a current control curve and a slew rate control curve associated with the load category for a defined time period after the recording of the historical load or if the vehicle is presently operating generally consistent with the load category. At least one of the current control curve and the slew rate control curve, or data representative thereof, are used to control an operation of an electric drive motor of the vehicle for the defined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: James William Musser
  • Publication number: 20090139790
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a payload control system for a machine having traction devices. The payload control system may have a force sensor configured to measure a force transmitted through the traction devices. The payload control system may also have a speed sensor configured to measure a speed of the machine. The payload control system may further have a controller in communication with the force sensor and the speed sensor. The controller may be configured to modify a weight limit of the machine based on the measured force and the measured speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Steven Wayne O'Neal
  • Patent number: 7526376
    Abstract: Relative center of gravity height in a motor vehicle changes from a nominal value to an actual value depending upon vehicle loading. Method and apparatus for determining actual relative center of gravity height are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jihua Huang, William C. Lin
  • Patent number: 7482928
    Abstract: Smart, rollable, mini-pallet cargo container system comprising robust, auditable, secure, sealable, lockable, trackable and pollable, universal, half/quarter-sized boxes particularly useful for moving highly valuable or sensitive, personal, political, military or commercial materials, embodiments include truly verifiable ballot boxes, verifiably secure moving containers. Blast attenuation inserts are disclosed. The boxes include electronic locks containing event memory, sensors and alarms, and RF communications and GPS locator module(s) that radio to a base station the time, location and status of the inventive box, and anomalous events as they occur, including unauthorized attempts to open or break into the container, or potential damage events. In addition, both the locks and comm modules are programmable, and provide extensive, and selectably pollable and down-loadable, printable event, access and transport history and audit trails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Private Pallet Security Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Rogers F. Brackmann, Jay R. Brackmann, Dennis J. Kossnar, David Ash, Jacques M. Dulin
  • Patent number: 7422087
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for detecting a vehicle rollover or near-rollover event that may precede a rollover of a vehicle. The system comprises controller connected to at least one right and at least one left vehicle tire pressure sensor, performing the assessment of pressure signals on the basis of pressure characteristics corresponding to rollover or near-rollover events, and generating an output activation signal that determines the vehicle rollover or near-rollover event if said assessment is positive. The controller is preferably connected to at least one additional sensor and performs the additional assessment of this sensor signal on the basis of this signal characteristics corresponding to rollover or near-rollover events. The protection devices are activated sequentially, starting with the resetable protection devices, in dependence of estimated rollover confidence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Mariusz Geborek
  • Patent number: 7391311
    Abstract: A cargo reminder for a driver of a vehicle includes an accelerometer, a controller to detect an acceleration change in the vehicle based on output signals from the accelerometer, and an alarm connected to the controller. Different types of alarm may be used, including a visual alarm, an audio alarm, a plug-in vibrator clip, or a combination of these alarms. In use, the alarm is triggered by the controller when the acceleration change is larger than a preset acceleration threshold. The cargo reminder may also include an acceleration threshold input to allow the driver to input the preset acceleration threshold, a delay setting input to allow the driver to input a time delay between first and second alarm triggers, and an inclinometer. A method for reminding the driver of a vehicle of an external cargo being transported is also within the scope of the instant invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama
    Inventor: Tim A. Haskew
  • Patent number: 7370723
    Abstract: A loading machine is disclosed with at least one drive train, with at least one overload protection device for the drive train and with sensors for determining an overload state in the drive train. Critical operating conditions of the loading machine can be determined based on signals from the sensors, such that the load application on the drive train can be influenced in terms of power. The determination of critical operating conditions is implemented by means of a control unit which evaluates the signals from the sensors. When preset threshold values have been attained, the control unit generates control signals for a fuel injection pump, upon which a preventive limitation of the power is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Marcus Bitter, Folker Beck
  • Patent number: 7339460
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting cargo state in a delivery vehicle. A method is provided for determining a cargo state in a delivery vehicle. The method includes sensing a cargo state change, and determining whether or not the delivery vehicle is in motion. The method also includes storing the cargo state change if it is determined that the delivery vehicle is not in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard D. Lane, William Peckham, Mark D. Parisi, Mark Doyle, Ken Oertle, Charles Pedersen, Bratislav Matic, William Hugh Molesworth
  • Patent number: 7328767
    Abstract: In a power train supporting apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, at least three mount portions support a power train constituted by an engine and a transmission on a frame of a vehicle body in such a manner that the output axle of the engine intersects a center line of a vehicular longitudinal direction as viewed from a top of the vehicle. The three mount portions comprise engine front and rear side mounts arranged on a vehicular front side and a vehicular rear side with respect to the engine and a transmission side mount arranged in the vicinity of the transmission. The mounts are arranged in such a manner that a distance from a weight center of the power train to each of the engine front and rear side mounts is shorter than a distance from the weight center of the power train to the transmission side mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenshi Mori, Hitoshi Murakami
  • Patent number: 7245206
    Abstract: A method for allocating wheels of a motor vehicle to a respective vehicle axle, each of the wheels includes an inflation tire whose tire pressure is monitored by a tire pressure monitoring device including at least one transmitting module in each wheel, and at least one receiving module arranged at or in the vehicle and one evaluation module, with each transmitting module transmitting tire pressure information and a wheel-specific identification number to the receiving module, which are sent to an evaluation process in the evaluation module, and tire pressure changes of the wheels are considered for the allocation, with the wheels having almost identical tire pressure changes being allocated to one vehicle axle by taking into account a vehicle-specific axle load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Ralph Gronau, Peter Säger, Dirk Leise
  • Patent number: 7182994
    Abstract: An acoustic floor mat is provided with a base layer, an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of apertures configured to allow passage of acoustic transmissions therethrough. The base layer is further configured to provide a substantial barrier to the passage of liquid from the upper surface to the lower surface. Methods of making an acoustic floor mat are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Pretty Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Cooksey Timothy Scott
  • Patent number: 6938716
    Abstract: An anti-rollover system is used with a concrete mixing truck with a mixing drum, in particular during turning maneuvers, for preventing rollovers by the truck. The anti-rollover system is comprised of one or more sensors on the truck which generate an input signal representative of the truck's operating conditions indicative of a rollover condition. The system compares the sensor signal against stored data indicative of rollover conditions and if necessary initiates corrective action to prevent the truck from rolling over. Corrective action includes stopping, or in some circumstances slowing, rotation of the drum carrying a concrete load. With mixing trucks including a booster axle system, corrective action may additionally or separately include unloading the booster axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Schwing America, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Eull
  • Publication number: 20040135697
    Abstract: An occupant determining device includes a load detecting sensor provided on a seat body and a controller. The controller calculates a detected load value based on an output value of the load detecting sensor and performs occupant determination based on the detected load value. The occupant determination state is switched to an adult determination state when a certain delaying time elapses after the detected load value exceeds a first determination threshold. The controller sets the delaying time shorter when the detected load value exceeds the first determination threshold within a predetermined time after the detected load value exceeds a second determination threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Morio Sakai, Masaki Mori, Koji Aoki, Minoru Izawa, Yasunori Hasegawa, Takaaki Enomoto
  • Publication number: 20040135355
    Abstract: In order to form a device for detecting and preprocessing weights acting on a vehicle seat in such a way that it can be used in particular in conditions which are very difficult in terms of measuring technology, and in particular under the other special ambient conditions within a vehicle, and the weighing signal of which is substantially uninfluenced by this and can consequently provide a reliable parameter for airbag activation, it is proposed that this device comprises at least three load cells, which are disposed on load-carrying parts of the vehicle seat at corner points of an imaginary polygonal area and in each case generate a weighing signal corresponding to the weight, and an electronic evaluation circuit, which receives and preprocesses the weighing signals of the load cells and generates an output signal based on the weighing signals, the evaluation circuit comprising an evaluation function with which a localization of the center of gravity of the weight acting on the vehicle seat can be carried ou
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: Bizerba GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Peter Selig, Klaus Wurster
  • Patent number: 6727823
    Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided to determine if a passenger is present or not because the weight value corresponding to when the seat is empty has shifted. The passenger detection system detects when the door has changed from the closed state to the open state based on a signal from a door switch. The passenger detection system then senses the decrease in weight that occurs thereafter and stores the weight value obtained after the decrease as the empty seat value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Ando, Yukiteru Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6619673
    Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for controlling the vertical position of the transport trailer floor of a heavy trailer bearing vehicle having a pivoting air spring suspension system such that the transport trailer floor maintains a fixed position level to an adjacent dock platform when parked for loading or unloading. The mechanism comprises various embodiments of a locking system that disables the pivotal movement of selected pivoting suspension elements in any one of a plurality of possible fixed positions such that the transport trailer floor, when parked, resists downwardly imposed forces and maintains a fixed elevation equal to the elevation of an adjacent loading dock platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventors: James Eckelberry, John K. Ma, Frank A. Maly, Jr., Joseph Melekian, Steven R. Miller, Nancy L. Saxon, Rajesh J. Somnay
  • Patent number: 6561300
    Abstract: A detector for detecting the load applied to a passenger seat of an automobile equipped with an air bag. The load detector includes a sensor bracket having a deformation portion that deforms in accordance with the amount of the load. A strain sensor is arranged on the deformation portion to detect the degree of deformation of the deformation portion. A force limiter bracket is located adjacent to the sensor bracket to limit deformation of the deformation portion within a predetermined range. An anchor bracket is formed integrally with the force limiter bracket and is connected to a seat belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazunori Sakamoto, Hidekazu Kogita, Morio Sakai, Osamu Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 6452487
    Abstract: A system and method for warning of a tip over condition in a motor vehicle, such as a tractor trailer, that is carrying a cargo load. The system includes at least one left side sensor for sensing a proportion of the cargo load carried on the left side of the motor vehicle's cargo section. Similarly, at least one right side sensor is provided for sensing a proportion of the cargo load carried on the right side of the motor vehicle's cargo section. A microprocessor is coupled to both the left side sensors and the right side sensors. The microprocessor calculates a ratio of the cargo load borne by the left side of the motor vehicle and the right side of the motor vehicle. An alarm is provided that is coupled to the microprocessor. The microprocessor sounds an alarm when the calculated ratio exceeds a predetermined threshold value, thus indicating a potential tip over condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Stanley Krupinski
  • Patent number: 6433681
    Abstract: A vehicle rollover event detector (10) includes an accelerometer (80) that senses vehicle acceleration in a direction offset from a front-to-rear axis of the vehicle (12) and provides an acceleration signal (101) indicative thereof. A rollover sensor (14) senses vehicle roll and provides a roll signal (32) indicative of vehicle roll about the front-to-rear axis of the vehicle. A controller (26) compares the roll signal (32) against a first rollover threshold (42) when the acceleration signal (101) is less than an acceleration threshold (113) and compares the roll signal (32) against a second rollover threshold (116) when the acceleration signal (101) is equal to or greater than the acceleration threshold (113) and for indicating a vehicle rollover condition when the roll signal is greater than the threshold (42, 116) it is compared against.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Chek-Peng Foo, Huahn-Fern Yeh, Shun-Hsin Chang
  • Patent number: 6327528
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of vehicle collision severity discrimination for actuating a safety device at an occupant location in the vehicle. The method provides steps for providing a plurality of velocity and load level trigger values, including velocity and load level pairs, indicating a plurality of threshold conditions for actuating the safety device at an occupant location. Vehicle velocity and load are monitored so that at the instant of a collision a severity evaluation may be made, particularly where the potential for vehicle crush ameliorates the potential danger to the occupants. Responsive to selected vehicle conditions, a collision indication signal is generated Responsive to generation of a collision indication signal, vehicle velocity, vehicle load, or both, are compared to threshold conditions for actuation of the safety device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Vallette, Brian M. Shaklik
  • Patent number: 6179304
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling pivoting the rear axle of a forklift. The forklift includes forks, which are lifted and lowered relative to a body frame. A locking mechanism, which includes a hydraulic damper and an electromagnetic valve, locks the rear axle to stabilize the body frame. A controller controls the locking mechanism to lock the rear axle when the fork height is at least as great as a predetermined height threshold value and the weight of a load on the fork is at least as great as a predetermined weight threshold value. The controller also controls the locking mechanism to lock the rear axle when the lateral acceleration is at least as great as a predetermined threshold value. Further, the controller changes the threshold value of the lateral acceleration in accordance with the fork height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kazuo Ishikawa, Takaki Ogawa, Masakatsu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6082742
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the tilt of a rear axle of a forklift is disclosed. A locking mechanism, which includes a hydraulic damper and a shutoff valve, locks the rear axle against tilt. A controller determines that a locking condition for locking the rear axle is satisfied when at least one of the centrifugal acceleration acting on the forklift and the rate of change of the yaw rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination value. The controller estimates the location of the center of gravity in the fore-and-aft direction of the forklift based on the tilt angle of a forks, the height of the forks and weight of an object on the forks. When determining that the driving force of the drive wheels is not sufficiently transmitted to the road surface based on the estimated location of the center of gravity, the controller does not permit the locking of the rear axle even if the locking condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventor: Kazuo Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6005485
    Abstract: An arrangement, having at least one motion sensor in the vehicle seat, detects with a high reliability whether or not the vehicle seat is occupied by a person. For this purpose, the sensor output signal is analyzed into multiple signal components by frequency selection, and decision-making criterion for occupancy or non-occupancy of the vehicle seat by a passenger is formed by comparing the frequency-selective signal components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Kursawe, Helmut Flaig