Determining Balance Or Center Of Gravity (e.g., Load Distribution Of Vehicle) Patents (Class 701/124)
  • Patent number: 11958626
    Abstract: An aircraft has a first principles takeoff processor (PCE), a predictive flight envelope protection processor (PFEP), and a maximum takeoff weight processor. The PCE is programmed to predict a liftoff location and an energy state of the aircraft at a liftoff on a runway. The PFEP is programmed to assess each of a plurality of potential trajectories for compliance with or violation of a predetermined flight envelope. The maximum weight processor is programmed to: indicate that the aircraft may takeoff at the aircraft weight when any one of the plurality of potential trajectories is in compliance with the predetermined flight envelope; iteratively reduce an input of the aircraft weight to the PCE until the PCE indicates that any one of the plurality of potential trajectories is in compliance with the predetermined flight envelope; and indicate that the input of the aircraft weight as reduced is a maximum allowable takeoff weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nicholas Kershaw, Jeffrey Hausmann
  • Patent number: 11760293
    Abstract: A tractor includes: a driver seat on which a driver can sit; a hood 5 provided in front of the driver seat; and an antenna unit that receives satellite positioning information. When viewed from the front, an upper end portion of a ROPS and at least part of the antenna unit overlap with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Kumiko Kobayashi, Misako Kawai, Kunihiko Nishino, Yasuaki Morioka, Shunsuke Miyashita, Yuki Kubota, Manabu Togo, Kenichi Iwami, Hiroki Suga, Toru Tambo
  • Patent number: 11698320
    Abstract: A rotor balancing method for a gas turbine on a balancing machine, includes performing a base run by running the rotor at an intended balance speed and measuring the vibrations at a first pedestal; carrying out partial balancing; performing a first influence run by fitting a first balancing weight to a first correction plane in order to reduce vibrations at the first pedestal; performing a second influence run by fitting a first calibration weight to a second correction plane, running the rotor at the intended balance speed and measuring the vibrations at the first pedestal and the second pedestal, and removing the first calibration weight; and carrying out final balancing of the rotor by fitting a final balancing weight to the first correction plane and a second balancing weight to the second correction plane dependent on vibrations measured as part of the first influence run and the second influence run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Zhiqiang Meng
  • Patent number: 11619013
    Abstract: A milling machine may have a frame extending along a longitudinal axis and a milling drum attached to the frame. The milling machine may have ground engaging tracks that support the frame, and height-adjustable leg columns connecting the frame to the tracks. The milling machine may also have an engine for rotating the milling drum and propelling the ground engaging tracks. The milling machine may have a slope sensor to measure a roll angle of the frame, a speed sensor to measure a ground speed, and a configuration sensor to measure a machine configuration parameter. The milling machine may also have an alarm device and a controller. The controller may determine a threshold roll angle based on the machine configuration parameter, compare the roll angle with the threshold roll angle, and activate the alarm device when the roll angle is greater than or equal to the threshold roll angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan L. Mashek, Dario Sansone, Nathaniel S. Doy
  • Patent number: 11618472
    Abstract: Provided is an electronic device that determines a final steering value and a final throttle value for controlling driving of a vehicle through a pre-trained first and second neural networks, and a method for operating the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Ji Seong Heo, Hyoung Woo Lim, Young Sook Shin, Tae Yoon Chun, Sang Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 11549241
    Abstract: A machine is disclosed. The machine may include a control system that includes a controller configured to: determine a center of gravity of the machine based on a state of the machine; determine at least one of a slope limit or a pitch limit for the machine based on the center of gravity; receive a command to perform an operation that, if performed, would affect at least one of a slope or a pitch of the machine; determine whether the operation, if performed, would cause the machine to exceed the at least one of the slope limit or the pitch limit; and selectively perform the operation based on determining whether the operation, if performed, would cause the machine to exceed the at least one of the slope limit or the pitch limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Lee M. Hogan
  • Patent number: 11549476
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle having a user interface and a computing system that is in communication with the user interface. The computing system may have at least one processor and at least one memory that stores computer-executable instructions. When executed by the at least one processor, the instructions may cause the at least one processor to output information through the user interface to inform the passenger of an action that the passenger needs to enact prior to the autonomous vehicle beginning to move and determine, based upon an occurrence of the action that the passenger needs to enact, whether the autonomous vehicle is permitted to begin moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: GM Cruise Holdings LLC.
    Inventors: Jacqueline Shannon, Stephanie Olivia Engle, Albert Boniske
  • Patent number: 11518549
    Abstract: An autonomous spacecraft propellant-gauging system, the system including a propellant tank, one or more heating devices, at least one temperature sensor and a processor. The heating devices are used to heat up the propellant tank, and the temperature sensors sense the temperature of the propellant content of the propellant tank. The processor controls operations of the heating devices and the temperature sensor. The processor further executes an algorithm to automate gauging of the propellant content of the propellant tank based on a reduced order model (ROM) and a number of parameters, and reports out an estimate of the mass of the remaining propellant of the propellant tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: LOCKHEED MARTIN CDRPORATION
    Inventor: Jay Harold Ambrose
  • Patent number: 11320333
    Abstract: A system and various methods for determining a center of mass of an aircraft with a plurality of shock strut assemblies is illustrated. Multiple sensors, including a gas pressure sensor, and/or a position sensor, may be used to gather data and determine the center of mass of the aircraft. Various methods illustrated herein may evaluate the center of mass relative to a wheelbase axis and a wheel tread axis based on the gathered data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Susanne M. Reber, Kevin Hawko, Amir Fazeli, Adnan Cepic
  • Patent number: 11279431
    Abstract: An auto-balancing transportation device having a compact form. Left and right foot platform sections are coupled for fore-aft tilt angle movement relative to one another. Left and right wheels are provided under the respective foot platforms. With a rider's weight directed primarily downward onto the wheels and not onto the coupling structure, the coupling structure may have sufficient space to house the battery. In addition, more efficient and lighter weight supports and bearing arrangements may be used in the coupling structure. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventors: Shane Chen, Ywanne Chen
  • Patent number: 11279432
    Abstract: A fore-aft self-balancing transportation device, typically in a pair, one for the right foot and the other for the left foot of a rider. The platform is limited in size and positioned with a top surface wholly above the drive wheel, such that the platform straddles the axis of rotation of the drive wheel. The wheel may extend laterally to enhance side-to-side stability. The devices are configured for hands-free control, a device being driven forward or backward in response to the fore-aft tilt angle of a rider's foot on the platform (and hence, the fore-aft tilt angle of that platform). Various embodiments and features are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Patent number: 11267555
    Abstract: The present application provides an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for a long duration flight. An exemplary UAV may include a UAV body assembly. The UAV may also include a flight control system (FCS) coupled to the UAV body assembly. The UAV may further include a motor coupled to the UAV body assembly at one end and coupled to a propeller at the other end. The FCS is communicatively connected to the motor. A center of gravity (CG) of the UAV is at a point between 21% and 25% of a mean aerodynamic chord (MAC) of the UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: GEOSAT AEROSPACE & TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Fu-Kai Yang, Chien-Hsun Liao, Yi-Feng Cheng, Di-Yang Wang, Meng-Yan Shen
  • Patent number: 11243061
    Abstract: A wheel comprehensive detecting device, comprises a lower lifting and rotating system, a measuring system I, a measuring system II, a upper pressing system, a translation system, a measuring system III, a measuring system IV. The present disclosure in use is capable of measuring the wheel bolt hole position, the runout of the flange plane, the runouts of the upper and lower rim end faces, the runouts of the upper and lower bead seats, the height of counterbore end face of the bolt hole, the height and offset of the riser end face, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: CITIC DICASTAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Guorui Wu, Bowen Xue, Jiandong Guo
  • Patent number: 11142342
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for handling luggage. One exemplary system includes an interface that receives input from a check-in system that indicates sizes and weights for pieces of luggage that are each associated with a unique identifier; and a controller that selects a delivery, identifies pieces of luggage for the delivery, correlates the delivery with dimensions of a cargo hold of a vehicle servicing the delivery, receives input indicating a loading restriction for loading luggage into the cargo hold, and generates a baggage map. The baggage map is based on the sizes and the weights of the pieces of luggage for the delivery, indicates a location for each piece of luggage for the delivery within the cargo hold, and complies with the loading restriction. The system further includes a memory that stores the baggage map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Gregg W. Podnar, Richard John Loftis, Gregory E. Mattocks, James J. Salmon, Keith Harrell
  • Patent number: 11130543
    Abstract: A human-machine interaction sport vehicle (10) including a mounting plate, a rotating structure (2), two wheels (3a, 3b), a hub motor, and a balance control system is provided. The rotating structure is configured to connect a first mounting plate (1a) and a second mounting plate (1b), and enables the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate to rotate relative to each other. A first groove (1a3) is formed in a bottom surface of the first mounting plate, a second groove is formed in a bottom surface of the second mounting plate, and the first groove and the second groove are configured to accommodate a rotating rod (2a) in the rotating structure so as to enable the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate to form an integral body with the rotating structure, thus providing a weight-supporting effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: HANGZHOU CHIC INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jiawei Ying
  • Patent number: 11130542
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a motorized tricycle includes a lean mechanism and an active system that is operably coupled to the lean mechanism that receives an signal indicative of an interaction with human, that is operable to detect a lean of the body of the human and that is operable to receive a sensed movement on the seat via multisensory devices, and to generate and send a signal to the lean mechanism from the signal, the lean and the sensed movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: TerraCraft Motors Inc.
    Inventors: James Wesley Abbott, Bailey H. Jones
  • Patent number: 11103971
    Abstract: Provided is a balancing device for a rotating body including at least one unbalance detector to measure the unbalance of the rotating body; two balancing masses to be handled along a handling circumference so as to cancel the unbalance; a position sensor to detect the mutual position of the balancing masses; and a motor to independently handle each of the balancing masses as a function of their mutual position and unbalance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: BALANCE SYSTEMS S.R.L.
    Inventor: Gianni Trionfetti
  • Patent number: 11010025
    Abstract: Embodiments include techniques for managing multiple portable control panels in aircraft cargo handling system are provided. The embodiments include a master control panel (MCP), and a plurality of wireless coordinators in communication with the MCP. The embodiments also include a plurality of zones of a cargo storage area, wherein each zone of the plurality of zones is defined by a portion of the cargo storage area that is controlled by a wireless coordinator of the plurality of wireless coordinators and includes at least one of power drive units (PDU) and turntables, and a plurality of portable control panels (PCP) in communication with the wireless coordinators, the PCP configured to operate and monitor states of the PDU and turntables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rameshkumar Balasubramanian, Venkatesan Muthulingam, Naveen Kumar Mallipattana Hiriyannaiah, Sudhendra Nayak
  • Patent number: 10994715
    Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for determining a trailer brake gain signal for trailer brakes on a trailer being towed by a vehicle, and applying brakes to the trailer is disclosed. A method includes: providing predetermined calibration settings relating motor drive force to motor speed for a vehicle travelling at various speeds and providing accelerometer data. The method then determines that one or more vehicle performance parameters fall within threshold ranges and then determines both the vehicle weight and the trailer weight. The brake gain signal is determined based on the ratio of the current trailer weight and the original trailer weight. The brake gain signal is then transmitted to a trailer brake controller that applies trailer brakes according to the brake gain signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: Michael Hall, Seth Myer
  • Patent number: 10962988
    Abstract: A method of determining a center of gravity of an aircraft in flight by comparing actual control surface actuator displacements to expected control surface actuator displacements. And a method of fuel/load management based on an offset of the center of gravity from a preferred center of gravity and a handling qualities factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Carlton Mehl, Terrence Patrick Brehn, Robert Blyth, Brady G. Atkins
  • Patent number: 10946953
    Abstract: A technique of controlling tonal noises produced by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes generating thrust with a plurality of rotor units mounted to the UAV to propel the UAV into flight. Each of the rotor units includes a bladed rotor. A rotation rate or a phase delay of at least one of the rotor units is adjusted relative to another of the rotor units. The adjustment causes a spread in the tonal noises generated by the rotor units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Wing Aviation LLC
    Inventors: Giulia Pantalone, Adam Woodworth, Eric Teller, Ealgoo Kim, Jacob Huffman, Martin Kubie
  • Patent number: 10800472
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a self-balancing scooter, including a scooter body, wheels, a driving motor, a power supply, a circuit board, a controller and a light emitting lamp. The controller is electrically connected to the circuit board, the power supply and the driving motor. The scooter body includes: an upper shell, pedals, a middle shell, a lower shell and a lampshade. The middle shell is located between the upper shell and the lower shell. The lampshade is provided with at least two spaced lamp strips for transmitting light. The upper shell is provided with lamp holes for placing one or at least two lamp strips. The lower shell is provided with lamp holes for placing one or at least two lamp strips. The sum of the lamp holes of the upper shell and the lamp holes of the lower shell is identical with the quantity of the lamp strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventor: Yanyan Shang
  • Patent number: 10768201
    Abstract: A system and method for estimating a plurality of airspeed parameters of an aircraft is disclosed. The system comprises one or more processors and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory storing data comprises a database and program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the system to receive a plurality of operating parameters that each represent an operating condition of the aircraft. The system is further caused to determine a stability-axis drag coefficient based on the plurality of operating parameters. The stability-axis drag coefficient quantifies a stability-axis drag of the aircraft created during high speed conditions. The system is caused to determine a body-axis lift coefficient based on the plurality of operating parameters, which corresponds to a lift of the aircraft created along a vertical body-axis. The system is also caused to determine a dynamic pressure, which is used to estimate the airspeed parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jia Luo, Douglas Lee Wilson
  • Patent number: 10752224
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an estimated height of the center of gravity (HCOG) value of a vehicle includes concomitant calculations, based on parameters dependent on the HCOG value and parameters independent from the HCOG value. The method further comprises the adjustment of a parameter related to the HCOG value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jean-Baptiste Doray, Frédéric Behouche, Fabrice Ranc
  • Patent number: 10745115
    Abstract: Aerial vehicles may be configured to control their attitudes by changing one or more physical attributes. For example, an aerial vehicle may be outfitted with propulsion motors having repositionable mounts by which the motors may be rotated about one or more axes, in order to redirect forces generated by the motors during operation. An aerial vehicle may also be outfitted with one or more other movable objects such as landing gear, antenna and/or engaged payloads, and one or more of such objects may be translated in one or more directions in order to adjust a center of gravity of the aerial vehicle. By varying angles by which forces are supplied to the aerial vehicle, or locations of the center of gravity of the aerial vehicle, a desired attitude of the aerial vehicle may be maintained irrespective of velocity, altitude and/or forces of thrust, lift, weight or drag acting upon the aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gur Kimchi, Dominic Timothy Shiosaki, Ricky Dean Welsh
  • Patent number: 10740766
    Abstract: A vehicle weight detection method, system, and non-transitory computer readable medium, include calculating a first difference between a first expected weight of a vehicle and a first current weight of the vehicle based on On-Board Dash (OBD) input data, calculating a second difference between a second expected weight of the vehicle and a second current weight of the vehicle based on a spring-mass-damper mechanical algorithm using vehicle data received from a user device, and a comparing circuit configured to compare each of the first difference and the second difference to a predetermined weight difference threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Catherine Helen Crawford, Inseok Hwang, John Andrew Gunnels, Tomasz J. Nowicki, Grzegorz Michal Swirszcz
  • Patent number: 10737768
    Abstract: A method converts an aircraft takeoff trim setting that would be a function of several parameters to a value that is a function of CG position only. In this way, it is possible to create a direct simple equivalence between Stabilizer angle and CG. The equivalent CG can be presented in real time to the pilot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Embraer S.A.
    Inventors: Sérgio Luiz Miranda De Souza, Eduardo Alves Menini, Lumi Galadriel Silva Morimitsu
  • Patent number: 10583766
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of determining the mass of a load in a tipper body of a tipper, the tipper includes a tipper body pivotably moveable with respect to a frame with a hydraulic cylinder disposed therebetween and actuatable to pivot the tipper body. The method includes receiving at least one pressure parameter relating to the hydraulic pressure within the hydraulic cylinder at an angular position of the tipper body and at least one angular positional parameter relating to the angular position of the tipper body at the angular position; and determining a mass parameter relating to the mass of a load in the tipper body based on at least the at least one pressure parameter and the at least one angular positional parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: HYVA HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Marek Baldys, Maarten Hertog, Jacob Biemond
  • Patent number: 10583564
    Abstract: A robot includes a body, a handle provided on the body and holdable by a user, a detector that detects a load applied to the handle, a movement device that includes a rotation member and moves the robot by controlling rotation of the rotation member in accordance with the detected load, and a generator that generates tendency data, which indicates tendency of the load applied to the handle, on the basis of past load data regarding the handle obtained while the robot is moving. The movement device includes an actuator that controls a rotation speed of the rotation member on the basis of the detected load and the generated tendency data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mayu Yokoya, Kazunori Yamada
  • Patent number: 10543725
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for determining tow equipment compatibility that includes a processing device having a processor and non-volatile memory. The system also includes a data input device configured to input at least one unique tow equipment identification code (UTEIC) identifying a specific piece of tow equipment and properties thereof. The processor is configured to receive the UTEIC from the data input device, receive a user input, determine tow equipment compatibility based on the user input and the UTEIC, and communicate tow equipment compatibility data to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Hall Labs LLC
    Inventors: Michael Hall, David R. Hall, Seth Myer
  • Patent number: 10486764
    Abstract: An electric self-balancing vehicle including a top cover, a bottom cover, an inner cover, a rotating mechanism, two wheels, two hub motors, a plurality of sensors, a power supply, and a controller is described herein. The top cover includes a first top cover and a second top cover disposed symmetrically and rotatable relative to each other. The bottom cover is fixed to the top cover and includes a first bottom cover and a second bottom cover disposed symmetrically and rotatable relative to each other. The inner cover is fixed between the top cover and the bottom cover and includes a first inner cover and a second inner cover disposed symmetrically and rotatable relative to each other. The rotating mechanism is fixed between the first inner cover and the second inner cover. The two wheels are rotatably fixed at two sides of the inner cover, respectively. The two hub motors are fixed in the two wheels, respectively. The plurality of sensors is disposed between the bottom cover and the inner cover, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: HANGZHOU CHIC INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiawei Ying, Shaojun Cao
  • Patent number: 10486825
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing a center of gravity of a vehicle on a display associated with the vehicle are provided. The method includes: determining an initial value of a center of gravity prior to a start of a journey, and receiving a value for a consumption of a fuel for the journey; determining, by a processor, a change in the center of gravity at each waypoint based on the initial value and the fuel consumed; generating a first user interface that illustrates the center of gravity at the waypoints over the journey and that illustrates that the change in the center of gravity exceeds a predefined threshold; based on the change in the center of gravity exceeding the predefined threshold, generating, a second user interface that provides a selection to bring the center of gravity below the predefined threshold; and updating the first user interface based on the selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Sushma Gowda
  • Patent number: 10474153
    Abstract: A work vehicle to travel along a travel route includes a vehicle body, an inclination sensor, a calculator, an information generator, and a recorder. The inclination sensor is provided on the vehicle body to detect a vehicle body inclination angle with respect to a horizontal line. The calculator is to calculate a position of the work vehicle in a work field based on positioning data. The information generator is to output travel limit information at an inclination position on the travel route where the vehicle body inclination angle detected by the inclination sensor exceeds a threshold angle. The recorder is to record, as an inclined area, an area around the inclination position which is calculated based on the positioning data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yushi Matsuzaki, Atsushi Shinkai, Keishiro Nishi
  • Patent number: 10435104
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a motorized tricycle includes a lean mechanism and an active system that is operably coupled to the lean mechanism that receives an signal indicative of an interaction with human, that is operable to detect a lean of the body of the human and that is operable to receive a sensed movement on the seat via multisensory devices, and to generate and send a signal to the lean mechanism from the signal, the lean and the sensed movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: TerraCraft Motors Inc.
    Inventors: James Wesley Abbott, Bailey H. Jones
  • Patent number: 10414318
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for optimizing load position in relation to a transportation vehicle, comprising a platform arranged to the transportation vehicle for receiving a load; an actuating device for moving the platform in relation to the transportation vehicle; a sensing device configured to generate a vehicle sensing signal and/or a non-vehicle sensing signal; a controlling device configured to receive at least one of the vehicle sensing signal and the non-vehicle sensing signal; generate controlling commands based on the received at least one of the vehicle sensing signal and the non-vehicle sensing signal; and transmit the controlling commands to the actuating device; wherein the actuating device is configured to receive the controlling commands and to move the platform in relation to the transportation vehicle based on the controlling commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: RAKKATEC OY
    Inventor: Jarkko Valtanen
  • Patent number: 10408668
    Abstract: An apparatus of estimating a vehicle weight may include: an acceleration detector detecting a longitudinal direction acceleration of the vehicle; a data detector detecting state data to estimate the vehicle weight; an engine clutch disposed between an engine and a drive motor and selectively connecting the engine to the drive motor; an integrated starter-generator for starting the engine and generating electric energy; and a vehicle controller calculating a basic vehicle weight based on an engine torque, a motor torque and the longitudinal direction acceleration detected by the acceleration detector. The vehicle controller estimates a final vehicle weight based on the basic vehicle weight and a predetermined weight when an estimating entrance condition is satisfied from the state data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seong Ik Park, Soo Bang Lee, Leehyoung Cho, Gi Young Kwon, Sang Joon Kim
  • Patent number: 10344844
    Abstract: A system and method for electronically controlling a limited slip differential is disclosed. The method includes determining, by an electronic controller of a vehicle, a request for a limited-slip-differential coupling torque to be applied. The request is based upon an estimation of the vehicle's mass. The method also includes transmitting the request to an electronic limited slip differential of the vehicle. The electronic limited slip differential is configured to apply the requested limited-slip-differential coupling torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James R. Walter, Jason Matthew Kolk, Satish Sundaram, Steven T. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 10337906
    Abstract: In a particular implementation, a method includes generating an initial weight estimate associated with an aircraft based on a reference operational empty weight (OEW) and at least one of a latitude or an altitude of the aircraft at a first location. The reference OEW is predetermined at a second location that is distinct from the first location. The method includes determining an additional load capability of the aircraft based on a difference between the initial weight estimate and the reference OEW. The method further includes generating an output that indicates the additional load capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Sina S. Golshany, Gnanulan Canagaratna, Matthew W. Orr, Andrew W. Fassmann, Daniel Wajerski
  • Patent number: 10300928
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring a load in a trailer coupled to a vehicle. One method includes determining, with an electronic processor, an initial weight on a rear axle of the vehicle when the load is engaged with the trailer coupled to the vehicle. The method also includes monitoring, with the electronic processor, a current weight on the rear axle of the vehicle based on data collected by a sensor. The method also includes comparing, with the electronic processor, the initial weight and the current weight. The method also includes automatically generating, with the electronic processor, a notification when the current weight is different than the initial weight by a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Vern Trageser
  • Patent number: 10295397
    Abstract: A method for validating or invalidating the computed weight of an aircraft, where the computed weight of the aircraft is determined by compiling various weight assumptions added to a known empty weight of the aircraft. The method measures the aircraft center of gravity, determines the percentage of computed weight supported by the combined main landing gear struts, and using a database such as a look-up table to validate if the percentage of computed weight is determined within a reasonable range to the measured load on the combined main landing gear struts. Sensors are attached to the landing gear struts, so to measure and monitor aircraft loads and center of gravity without measuring the aircraft weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: C Kirk Nance
  • Patent number: 10234368
    Abstract: A load verification system and method may be used to assess the loading of material from a loading work vehicle having a load bucket to a haulage work vehicle having a load bin. The system includes at least one volume sensor coupled to the loading work vehicle that observes a volume of material in at least one of the load bucket and the load bin and generates a corresponding volume data signal. The system also includes a first controller onboard the loading work vehicle and a second controller onboard the haulage work vehicle. At least one of the first and second controllers: receives the volume data signal from the at least one volume sensor; receives a unique haulage work vehicle identifier; associates volume data of the corresponding volume data signal with the unique haulage work vehicle identifier; and stores in memory the associated volume data and haulage work vehicle identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Mark J. Cherney
  • Patent number: 10216471
    Abstract: A vehicle system and method are provided. The system includes a processor configured to compare received data representative of a current attitude with predetermined bank, nose up, and nose down values to determine that an occurrence of unusual attitude is currently underway. Upon determining that an occurrence of unusual attitude conditions is currently underway, the system and method generate display signals that command and control a display system to render roll angle alert symbology. The roll angle alert symbology includes a tracing arrowhead that more clearly shows the direction to recover from unusual attitude conditions. Based in part on the tracing nature of the arrowhead, provided technological improvements are observable on display systems that are monochrome, as well as those with color. In various embodiments, color attributes and confining the dynamic tracing performed by the arrowhead more clearly inform a pilot of the roll recovery direction to recover from unusual attitude conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Gang He, Jason F. Harvey, Ivan Sandy Wyatt, Thea L. Feyereisen
  • Patent number: 10191496
    Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The UAV includes a main body, a plurality of motors connected to the main body, each of the plurality of motors having a rotor blade, a plurality of ultrasonic sensors located at least one of the plurality of motors and the main body, and transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from a ground surface, and measuring distances from the ground surface, a gyro sensor disposed at the main body and maintaining the UAV in a horizontal state, and a controller disposed at the main body, detecting an unevenness of the ground surface based on the distances from the plurality of ultrasonic sensors to the ground surface, generating a control signal whether to land on the ground surface or not in response to the detection of the unevenness, and transmitting the control signal to the plurality of motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Foundation of Soongsil University-Industry Cooperation
    Inventors: Jin Oh Kim, Sang Ok Seon
  • Patent number: 10124798
    Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for determining a total weight of a vehicle, transmitting the total weight measured to the vehicle's autonomous control system, and controlling the vehicle according to the total weight of the vehicle. The system and method further transmits information between separate vehicles with similar autonomous control systems. A method includes: providing predetermined calibration settings relating drive force to motor speed for a vehicle travelling at various speeds, determining that one or more vehicle performance parameters fall within a threshold range, determining the vehicle's longitudinal acceleration and drive force, determining a total weight comprising a weight of the vehicle and a weight being hauled by the vehicle; transmitting the total weight to the autonomous control system, and controlling the vehicle according to total weight of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Hall, Seth Myer
  • Patent number: 10126415
    Abstract: A system includes a measurement device configured to measure a distance, a first angle, and a second angle to a retroreflector target. The system further includes a probe having the retroreflector target, an inclinometer sensor, a camera, and a processor, the inclinometer sensor configured to determine a two-dimensional inclination of the probe relative to a gravity vector, the camera configured to capture an image of a light emitted from or reflected by the measurement device, the processor configured to determine six degrees of freedom of the probe based at least in part on the distance, the first angle, the second angle, the two-dimensional inclination, and the captured image of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: FARO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Bernd-Dietmar Becker, Rolf Heidemann, Oliver Zweigle, Matthias Wolke
  • Patent number: 10118543
    Abstract: A device for controlling a directional motion indicator includes a motion detector transmitting a directional motion signal based on a movement and a direction of the movement of the motion detector. A controller includes a controller input port receiving the directional motion signal. The controller determines a backward movement of the motion detector based on the directional motion signal. The controller transmits a motion indicator signal, via a controller output port, based on the determined backward movement of the motion detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventor: Michael D. Cremona
  • Patent number: 10089634
    Abstract: A method of establishing a justification basis to Aircraft Regulatory Authorities, to allow a regulated aircraft to operate at increased maximum weight limitations, through the statistical identification of non-recognized weight errors being allowed in today's aircraft weight determination methods, with the recovery and utilization of the non-recognized weight errors to increase weight limitations through a Regulatory Authority finding of an Equivalent Level of Safety. A system for use in measuring aircraft weight and center of gravity, providing a method to reveal non-recognized weight errors. Sensors are attached to the landing gear struts, so to periodically and randomly measure and monitor aircraft weight and center of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: C Kirk Nance
  • Patent number: 10082420
    Abstract: A method for determining the mass of a body is described. The method comprises the application and measurement of a first motive force to the body to move the body in a first state of motion. The acceleration of the body is also measured at this time. This methodology is repeated for a second state of motion. The measured motive forces and accelerations are then used to calculate the mass, and hence the weight of the body. An accelerometer may be employed to measure the accelerations. The methods may be adapted so as to correct for the angle ? of the ground across which the body is moved and or the tilt angle ? of the accelerometer relative to the ground. The methods may employ a novel surface angle measuring device that does not require contact with the ground and which does not require the body to be stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Gordon A. Morris
  • Patent number: 10076937
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for a vehicle tow capacity estimator. An example disclosed vehicle includes memory and a processor. The example memory stores first and second acceleration profiles and a degradation factor table. The example processor, when a load is connected to the vehicle, determines a third acceleration profile and calculates a tow capacity ratio based on the first, second, and third acceleration profile, and a degradation factor. Additionally, the example processor, in response to the tow capacity ratio not satisfying a tow threshold, provides a warning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M Dudar, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam
  • Patent number: 10023258
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a motorized tricycle includes a lean mechanism and an active system that is operably coupled to the lean mechanism that receives an signal indicative of an interaction with human, that is operable to detect a lean of the body of the human and that is operable to receive a sensed movement on the seat via multisensory devices, and to generate and send a signal to the lean mechanism from the signal, the lean and the sensed movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: TerraCraft Motors Inc.
    Inventors: James Wesley Abbott, Bailey H. Jones