Patents Assigned to Engineering
  • Patent number: 9046600
    Abstract: A method of multi-beam Lidar intensity measurement calibration including determining, by a positioning device, position information of a moving platform within a global reference frame, collecting a plurality of data points, each data point including the position information and intensity information from a plurality of beams, segmenting the plurality of data points into a plurality of voxels, based on the position information associated with each data point, finding a subset of voxels in the plurality of voxels that include a point corresponding to a certain beam in the plurality of beams and an intensity value in a predetermined neighborhood of a certain intensity value, estimating a probability density based on the subset of voxels, and generating a calibration map that maps the certain intensity value of the certain beam to a calibrated intensity value for the certain beam, based on the probability density and a prior density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. James
  • Patent number: 9046220
    Abstract: A pressure vessel includes a polymeric liner defining a fluid containment cavity and having an opening defining a port aperture extending between an inner surface and an outer surface of the polymeric liner and a rigid ring element is embedded within the polymeric liner and surrounding the port aperture. A metallic port element is disposed on the outer surface of the polymeric liner and fixed to the rigid ring element. A fiber composite material is disposed about the outer surface of the polymeric liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: HyPerComp Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: James Patterson, Jared Noorda
  • Patent number: 9046391
    Abstract: An method for automatically testing an arc flash detection system by periodically or continually transmitting electro-optical (EO) radiation through one or more transmission cables electro-optically coupled to respective EO radiation collectors. A test EO signal may pass through the EO radiation collector to be received by an EO sensor. An attenuation of the EO signal may be determined by comparing the intensity of the transmitted EO signal to an intensity of the received EO signal. A self-test failure may be detected if the attenuation exceeds a threshold. EO signals may be transmitted according to a particular pattern (e.g., a coded signal) to allow an arc flash detection system to distinguish the test EO radiation from EO radiation indicative of an arc flash event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Edmund O. Schweitzer, III, Veselin Skendzic, Gary W. Scheer, James R. Kesler, Douglas M. Trout, Dhruba P. Das
  • Patent number: 9048595
    Abstract: A retaining clip that provides a method for securing electrical connections between a male and female electrical connectors is disclosed. Current locking mechanisms are on both the electrical plug and the connector. These locking mechanisms often break when disconnecting the plug. Some embodiments of the present invention eliminate the need for the locking mechanisms. Furthermore, in cases where the mechanisms have been broken, some embodiments provide a method for reusing the electrical plug and/or the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Powertrain Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Fathauer
  • Patent number: 9046127
    Abstract: The assembly includes a casing having two halves defining a chamber there between and a lever shifter movably mounted between the two halves of the casing for pivotal movement, wherein the lever shifter configured for to and fro movement. The assembly has a roller-spring-sleeve unit operatively connected to the lever shifter for controlling the lever shifter. The assembly further has four numbers of snap fit units each comprising a flat spring configures into a U-shaped nylon molded part have been inserted into left and right covers to retain the casing to the panel. The assembly also has a cable assembly mounted on an abutment, wherein the abutment is housed within the casing by a snap fit and coupled to the lever shifter on one end and a control cable connected to the casing through the abutment through a hole in the casing on the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Suprajit Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Subba Narahari Rao, Basavaraj Ukanal, Mukund Rao
  • Patent number: 9047279
    Abstract: Systems and methods for creating and using 2-dimensional matrix code on tags or labels to identify panel components and associated information stored in and accessible from a data storage device or server or computer with a document management system (DMS). Related information can be encoded into an identifier using a URL with hyperlink onto a 2D matrix tag or label attached to specific panel component or wire. The information encoded in the 2D matrix code can be decoded using an interactive reader and data capture device such as a smart-phone or tablet computing device. Use the capture device's decoded information to provide interactive access and visual display to the interactive URL and hyperlink related information in the DMS. The capture device can be configured to provide immediate intelligence and functions with comparison and confirmation of quality, functionality, maintenance, status, and conformity with respect to panel components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Wunderlich-Malec Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Welch, Alan Libby, Eugene L. Lambert, Joel Gil, Dennis Euers
  • Patent number: 9048384
    Abstract: A steam generation apparatus 1 including a high-temperature pipe 10 disposed extending horizontally and through which a high-temperature fluid passes; low-temperature pipes 20 disposed on both sides of the high-temperature pipe 10 in a horizontal direction and through which a low-temperature fluid having a temperature lower than that of the high-temperature fluid passes; and a thermoelectric module 30 interposed between the high-temperature pipe 10 and each of the low-temperature pipes 20 for generating electrical power using a temperature difference between the high-temperature pipe 10 and the low-temperature pipes 20, the low-temperature pipes 20 being configured such that the supplied low-temperature fluid in a liquid form is turned into steam due to heat exchange with the high-temperature fluid and is discharged from an upper portion of the low-temperature pipes 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Sasakura Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Kannari, Yoshiaki Miho
  • Patent number: 9048674
    Abstract: A charge notification system or user-selectable charge configuration for a vehicle. The system includes a battery, a charging connector, a charging cable, a charge location, a processor and a memory. The processor of the vehicle determines, based upon logic steps or parameters stored in the memory, when to send messages to a remote device based upon a charging characteristic of the vehicle. Different messages may be generated by the processor and transmitted for different charging characteristics of the vehicle. The charge notification system may also include an indicator local to the vehicle and configured to illuminate in varying configurations or at varying frequencies based upon a state of charge of the battery. A user may select between charging modes for the vehicle in order to extend a useable life of the battery by allowing the battery to charge up to predetermined or modifiable battery charge levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Gregg, Hisanori Ito, Hidetoshi Kusumi
  • Patent number: 9045042
    Abstract: A method and a system for making a one-time change to a primary departure schedule of a battery-electric vehicle for charging or pre-climate operations without affecting the future departure times of the primary departure schedule. The system can be a vehicle including an ECU, a memory, a battery, a charger connected to an external power source, a BMS, an HVAC and a display. The method may include receiving an alternate departure date and time different from the primary departure schedule, deactivating the charging or pre-climate operations based on the primary departure schedule and activating charging or pre-climate operations based on the alternate departure date and time. The method and system may also include receiving an immediate charge mode designation, deactivating the charging or pre-climate operations based on the primary schedule and immediately activating the charging operations without affecting the primary departure schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Kusumi, Hisanori Ito
  • Patent number: 9045108
    Abstract: An airbag apparatus includes an inflatable curtain airbag, an inflator to provide inflation gas to deploy the inflatable curtain airbag, and reinforcement material. The inflator is coupled to an end of the inflatable curtain airbag at an inflator outlet. The reinforcement material is attached to a portion of an outer surface of the inflatable curtain airbag. Upon deployment of the inflatable curtain airbag, the reinforcement material is disposed between the portion of the outer surface of the inflatable curtain airbag and an external object in a vicinity of the inflator outlet to reinforce the inflatable curtain airbag from an edge of the external object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Nora Arellano
  • Patent number: 9045865
    Abstract: A polymer grouting method for uplifting a ballastless track of a high-speed rail includes following steps of: (1) drilling grouting holes; (2) manufacturing geo-textile bags and binding the grouting pipes up with the geo-textile bags; (3) tying up the geo-textile bags; (4) displacing the geo-textile bags; (5) grouting two-component expansive polymer materials into the geo-textile bags; (6) uplifting the track; (7) grouting two-component expansive polymer materials for filling; and (8) monitoring amount of the uplifting, wherein a vertically uplifting height is monitored in real time by a laser level, and the grouting is quit if the vertically uplifting height meets uplifting requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: SAFEKEY Engineering Technology(Zhengzhou), Ltd.
    Inventors: Fuming Wang, Mingsheng Shi, Yanhui Zhong, Xiaolong Li, Xiaoliang Wang, Xianfeng Zhao
  • Patent number: 9044526
    Abstract: A medical product containing either an active ingredient of propolis which is a natural antibiotic or a grapefruit seed extract, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The medical product is impregnated with a solution of CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester) or pinocembrin, which is an active ingredient of propolis having antibacterial effects, to increase the antibacterial activity of the medical product due to antibacterial compounds contained in the active component, or the medical product is impregnated with a solution of a grapefruit seed extract such that the extract can exhibit antibacterial activity in the medical product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology
    Inventors: Jeong Ho Chang, Hye Sun Lee, Jin Hyung Lee
  • Publication number: 20150145233
    Abstract: A trim assembly covering an airbag in a vehicle. The trim assembly includes a trim panel having an A-side surface and a C-side surface opposite of the A-side surface. Portions of the trim panel define an aperture through which a trim component is mounted, including a bezel and a backplate, with the bezel engaging the A-side surface of the trim panel, generally about the aperture. A backplate of the trim component includes a central portion and a flange extending from the central portion in surface-to-surface engagement with the C-side surface of the trim panel. The flange includes a plurality of projections formed on its surface so as to penetrate into the trim panel through the C-side surface. During activation of the airbag, the trim panel is displaced to permit deployment of the airbag, and the projections operate to retain the trim component in engagement with the trim panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Steinbrecher
  • Publication number: 20150146295
    Abstract: A laser output apparatus is disclosed. The laser output apparatus includes a laser source providing a first laser light; a first attenuation element attenuating the first laser light to be a second laser light having a polarization direction and an energy; a polarization changing element changing the polarization direction; and a second attenuation element decreasing the energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: U&U Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Wen-Chih Weng, Ming Chen, Hsiao Yen Chuang
  • Publication number: 20150148960
    Abstract: Robots including projectors for projecting images on identified projection surfaces are disclosed. A robot includes a housing, an electronic control unit coupled to the housing, a projector coupled to the housing, a human recognition module coupled to the housing, and a projection surface identification module coupled to the housing. The projector, the human recognition module, and the surface identification module are communicatively coupled with the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit includes a non-transitory memory that stores a set of machine readable instructions and a processor for executing the machine readable instructions. When executed by the processor, the machine readable instructions cause the robot to recognize a human using the human recognition module, identify a projection surface using the projection surface recognition module, and project an image on the identified projection surface with the projector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Alan Moore
  • Publication number: 20150147642
    Abstract: A sodium-ion battery having a boron-doped graphene sheet as an anode active material is provided. The boron-doped graphene sheet is of formula BxCy, where x and y satisfy a relation of x+y=4, and x is a number larger than 0 and less than or equal to 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Chen LING, Fuminori Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20150144202
    Abstract: A method of rebuilding a pressure control solenoid includes uncrimping a housing of the solenoid, and disassembling the solenoid. An original spool valve of the solenoid is removed from a hydraulic bore of the solenoid. The hydraulic bore is reamed such that an inner diameter of the bore is enlarged. A replacement spool valve is inserted into the hydraulic bore. An outer diameter of the replacement spool valve is larger than an outer diameter of the original spool valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Advanced Powertrain Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Fathauer
  • Publication number: 20150147533
    Abstract: Provided is a photocurable resin composition in which curing shrinkage in photo-imprinting is suppressed, and capable of producing by photo-imprinting a structure which has high surface hardness and in which the occurrence of yellowing is suppressed even when irradiated with e.g., ultraviolet ray. The photocurable resin composition includes a (meth)acrylic monomer (A) and a photoinitiator (B), wherein the photoinitiator (B) has a combination of an alkylphenone-based photoinitiator (B1) and an acylphosphine oxide-based photoinitiator (B2), wherein a blending weight ratio (B1:B2) of the alkylphenone-based photoinitiator (B1) to the acylphosphine oxide-based photoinitiator (B2) is in the range of 1:99 to 90:10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Soken Chemical & Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroko Yamada, Yasuo Suto, Yukihiro Miyazawa
  • Publication number: 20150145987
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a light source section (2, 40) including a light source having a wavelength of a plurality of bands; an imaging section (15) configured to convert measurement light source light images of the plurality of bands from the light source section into a plurality of electrical measurement imaging signals, the measurement light source light images being reflected from a surface and an inside of the subject; a calculation section (13, 16, 19) configured to measure a shape of the surface and a shape of the inside in the subject based on the plurality of electrical measurement imaging signals obtained through the conversion in the imaging section; and a composition processing section (19) configured to composition-process the shape of the surface and the shape of the inside measured by the calculation section to create two-dimensional image data or three-dimensional image data about the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Sugano
  • Publication number: 20150145272
    Abstract: A rear seat assembly within an automotive vehicle is provided. The seat assembly including a seat bottom portion and a seat back portion where the seat back portion includes a fold down arm rest movable from a closed position to an open position. The fold down arm rest is pivotable about a first pivot point. A generally vertical wall separates a cab portion of the vehicle from a trunk portion of the vehicle. The wall is connected to the seat back portion and is generally parallel with the seat back portion. A passageway or pass through portion connects the cab portion of the vehicle with the trunk portion of the vehicle. A power supply portion is mounted to the generally vertical wall and is mounted adjacent to or within the passageway. The power supply portion is accessible when the fold down arm rest is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Earnest L. Cleary, Aamir U. Warsi