Patents Examined by Basil T Jos
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Patent number: 9539971Abstract: A collision detection apparatus includes: an energy absorption member that possesses conductivity and absorbs impact energy by being crushed in a front-rear direction; two contact members that possess conductivity and are respectively disposed in contact with front and rear end surfaces of the energy absorption member in order to press and crush the energy absorption member in the front-rear direction; a electric resistance detector that is electrically connected to both of the two contact members in order to detect variation in an electric resistance value accompanying crushing of the energy absorption member; and a displacement calculator that calculates a displacement amount of the energy absorption member in the front-rear direction on the basis of the variation in the electric resistance value detected by the electric resistance detector.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Satoshi Ikeda, Yuya Mukainakano, Isamu Nagasawa
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Patent number: 9539912Abstract: Hybrid-electric and pure electric vehicles include a traction battery comprised of many cells. Controlling a battery system may require that a battery state of charge and a battery capacity be known. The state of charge and battery capacity values may be derived from estimated traction battery model parameters. The accuracy of the estimated model parameters depends on the signal richness and convergence properties of the estimation scheme. Accurate model parameters may be estimated when a persistent excitation condition and an estimation convergence condition are met. If the conditions are not met, active excitation of the battery may be performed to improve the chances of meeting the conditions.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Yonghua Li
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Patent number: 9539980Abstract: A seat belt retractor that functions to cancel both a function of a vehicle sensor and a function of a webbing sensor on a predetermined condition with a simple structure and a small number of components. When a seat belt is fully retracted, a cam follower of a first lever comes into contact with a second cam portion of a cam plate. An actuator pressing portion of the first lever presses an actuator of a vehicle sensor to a non-operation position. The function of the vehicle sensor is thereby cancelled. Further, when an engaging claw of a second lever separates from a ratchet tooth of a ring gear, the ring gear is allowed to rotate in a seat belt withdrawing direction. Therefore, the function of the webbing sensor is cancelled.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: TAKATA CORPORATIONInventors: Kenji Osada, Hirokazu Yoshioka
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Patent number: 9540004Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided. The vehicle control system is applied to a vehicle having a clutch device adapted to selectively connect and disconnect a power transmission route between a prime mover and drive wheels. The vehicle control system disconnects the power transmission route during running to allow the vehicle to coast.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2012Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Jonggap Kim, Yasuyuki Kato
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Patent number: 9540045Abstract: In a method for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle during a driving maneuver, the surroundings of the motor vehicle are initially detected, at least one suitable trajectory for carrying out the driving maneuver is computed based on the detected surroundings, and the motor vehicle is automatically steered in order to carry out the driving maneuver. If there is a malfunction, the driver is informed, the automatic steering operation is terminated, and the driver receives information on the basis of which the driver may continue the driving maneuver.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2011Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Markus Becker, Jochen Staack
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Patent number: 9540119Abstract: A system and related method for reception and storage of a command and control (C2) data link between a control station and a Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) for RPV operation. From the C2 data link, the system receives and stores command signals generated by the control station as well as telemetry data associated with and generated by the RPV. The system operates to compare the received telemetry data to 1) the command signal to assure RPV compliance, 2) stored information associated with the RPV to determine a RPV anomaly, and 3) stored information associated with a high value asset (HVA). Should the comparison reveal a threat to the RPV or HVA, the system alerts an authority to mitigate the threat. The system and method aggregates data associated with specific RPV type or operator to support several safety initiatives, methods used to perform predictive maintenance planning, and accident recreation and investigation.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2015Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.Inventor: Richard E. Heinrich
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Patent number: 9541644Abstract: A device for monitoring a distance between a vehicle and object, including distance sensors mounted in the front and/or rear vehicle region(s), an electronic unit connected thereto, and a display device for visually and/or acoustically displaying distances. The electronic unit generating a full warning signal even prior to reaching the predefined minimum limiting value for an ascertained distance at an established first warning distance value which is greater than the minimum limiting value of a first sensor, if a distance, which is smaller than a first limiting value, is ascertained by a direct echo of the first sensor, the first limiting value being greater than the minimum limiting value of the first sensor, and if a distance, which is greater than a second limiting value, is ascertained by a direct echo of the second sensor, the second limiting value being greater than the minimum limiting value of the second sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Frank Hoenes, Frank Seidel
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Patent number: 9542029Abstract: A vehicle information system includes a “portrait” in-dash touchscreen display for simultaneously displaying both vehicle-specific and application-specific information as vertically-stacked “landscape” renderings, or for displaying a selected one of either the vehicle-specific or application information as a single “portrait” rendering. A further region of the touchscreen's active surface, preferably along its upper margin, is reserved as a fixed command bar to facilitate manual “touch” selection of the information to be displayed on the remainder of the touchscreen's active surface, while the system further dynamically responds to vehicle and operational parameters to select the information for display as appropriate, for example, based on vehicle operation conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: FCA US LLCInventors: Michael J Bassier, Neil J Young, Jr., Marilyn Vala, Elizabeth Mary Beaubien
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Patent number: 9540001Abstract: A parking assistance device includes: a route information storage unit storing in advance route information indicating a travel route at the time of parking, the route information being stored according to the forward start position; an inclination calculation unit configured to calculate a current inclination of a vehicle length direction of the vehicle with respect to the target parking position; an offset amount setting unit configured to set an offset amount in the interval direction of the forward route between the current vehicle position and the position at which the vehicle length direction is parallel with the forward route; and a guiding unit configured to guide the vehicle to the target parking position based on a travel route adjacent to the position at which the vehicle length direction is parallel with the forward route.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignees: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, HONDA MOTOR CO., LTDInventors: Hiroki Inagaki, Yoshihito Mizuno, Masahiro Ishihara, Katsuhiro Sakai
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Patent number: 9540036Abstract: An electronic control apparatus configured to control electric power steering and provided integrally with an electric motor is electrically connected to an ignition switch and which assists a rotation operation of a steering column by rotation of the electric motor. A first magnetism detecting element configured to operate using power supplied via the ignition switch to output a first set of rotation angle signals of the electric motor. A second magnetism detecting element configured to operate continuously using continuously supplied power to output a second set of rotation angle signals of the electric motor. A controller configured or programmed to generate rotation angle information about the electric motor based on the first set of rotation angle signals and the second set of rotation angle signals outputted while the ignition switch is stopped and to calculate a position of a steering wheel from the generated rotation angle information.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Nidec Elesys CorporationInventors: Kazuki Harada, Tokuji Tatewaki, Eiji Wada, Osamu Maeshima, Masatoshi Matsuzaki
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Patent number: 9539989Abstract: A travel support system uses a wireless communication unit for receiving a following vehicle's speed control capacity, and compares the speed control capacity received with a speed control capacity of the subject vehicle. If the speed control capacity of the following vehicle is higher than the capacity of the subject vehicle, a maximum deceleration of the subject vehicle is restricted to a restricted value. In addition, a target inter-vehicle distance to a lead vehicle is set according to the restricted value of the subject vehicle, thereby enabling a reduction of the inter-vehicle distance to the lead vehicle for each of the vehicles in a convoy.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2012Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Takahisa Yamashiro
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Patent number: 9539164Abstract: An indoor guidance system for a blind or visually impaired person. The system uses a mobile device (Smartphone, tablet, etc.) to provide maps and visual and voice guidance to assist individuals in navigating through indoor locations. Special maps are transmitted to the mobile device upon entering the facility, or downloaded in advance. The software and maps provide assistance to the user, to guide them through the facility. The system uses a combination of GPS and other technologies (Bluetooth, infrared, Wi-Fi, RFID, etc.) to provide extremely detailed and accurate location information to the user.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2012Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Aaron D. Sanders, Kasey C. Hopper
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Patent number: 9540787Abstract: Motor graders and circle drives associated with the same. An example work vehicle includes a frame, a circle drive coupled to the frame, moldboard coupled to the circle drive and a planetary gear apparatus including an output shaft configured to mesh with the circle drive to rotate the circle drive relative to the frame.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Sean P. West, Nathan J. Horstman, Reginald M. Bindl
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Patent number: 9540038Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a vehicle which is provided with a braking/driving force varying device capable of individually changing a braking/driving force acting on each of wheels (FL, FR, RL, RR) with respect to each wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toru Takashima, Norihisa Nishikawa, Mitsutaka Tanimoto, Tetsuhiro Narita
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Patent number: 9520049Abstract: Systems and techniques are provided for learned overrides for home security. A sensor of a security system may be armed. A trip signal may be received indicating a tripping of the sensor. It may be determined that the trip signal can be automatically overridden based on matching an identity of the sensor and a state of the security system with a pattern in a model. The pattern may represent a state of the security system in which automatically overriding the trip signal from the sensor is permitted. The trip signal from the sensor may be automatically overridden without input from a user.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: GOOGLE INC.Inventors: Mark Rajan Malhotra, Sophie Le Guen, Jeffrey Alan Boyd, Jeffery Theodore Lee, Todd Hester
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Patent number: 9459110Abstract: An electric vehicle such as a PHEV or a BEV and a method of control includes receiving from a user of the vehicle, at an interface of the vehicle, a distance until charge (DUC) value indicative of the distance from a current position that the vehicle is intended to be driven before the vehicle is recharged. Battery usage of the vehicle is controlled as a function of the DUC value. An initial estimate of the DUC value may be made by obtaining historical distance between charges (DBC) values indicative of the distance the vehicle has been driven between each of one or more pairs of consecutive charges of the vehicle. The estimated DUC value is based on the DBC values.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johannes G. Kristinsson, Hai Yu, Ryan A. McGee
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Patent number: 9428884Abstract: An controller uses one of several transfer curves to map steering angle of an articulated machine to articulation angle. Because an articulated machine may have a range of steering angles that is much greater than the range of articulation angles, the controller uses one of several techniques to map the full range of steering angles to the full range of articulation angles. One technique involves multiple non-zero slope regions, another technique uses a less than one-to-one linear transfer function of steering angle to articulation angle.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Amit Sharma, Steven C. Budde, Curtis Maas, Matt I. Moul
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Patent number: 9418563Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for automatically managing the separation between two aircraft following one another. The device (1) comprises a means (6, 7) for automatically calculating, prior to performing a function to acquire and maintain separation, orders for controlling speed that enable a trailing aircraft to acquire and maintain a time separation relative to a target aircraft preceding the former.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)Inventors: Stéphane Marcy, Oksana Medyna, Sabine Vieyres, Philippe Menard, Jean-Christophe Guillermin
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Patent number: 9404431Abstract: A method and a device operate an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders with which are associated respective injection valves for metering fuel, and having an exhaust gas probe which is arranged in an exhaust gas tract and the measurement signal of which is characteristic of the air/fuel ratio in the respective cylinder, and having a crankshaft angle sensor the measurement signal of which is representative of a crankshaft angle of the crankshaft. Within a predefined operating range of the internal combustion engine, and when at least one predefined condition is fulfilled, a rough-running based cylinder-individual diagnosis (CYBL-HOM) with regard to harmful emissions is carried out before activation of a cylinder-individual lambda control (CILC) is enabled.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventors: Reza Azadeh, Gerhard Eser, Wolfgang Moser
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Patent number: 9402349Abstract: A sensor assembly and method are described for calibrating a tensioning system. A first movement of a slack arm of the tensioning system may be identified. It may be determined that the slack arm has been maintained in a first calibration position for a first predetermined time interval, and a first calibration setting for the slack arm may be determined based upon the first calibration position. A second movement of a slack arm of the tensioning system may be identified. It may be determined that the slack arm has been maintained in a second calibration position for a second predetermined time interval, and a second calibration setting for the slack arm may be determined based upon the identified second calibration position.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Nathan A. Chaney