Patents Examined by Jacob M Amick
  • Patent number: 11731607
    Abstract: A control method for a hybrid vehicle is provided. The hybrid vehicle includes an electric motor (13) that drives the vehicle to travel, a generator (12) that supplies power to the electric motor (13), and an engine (11) that drives the generator (12). The control method includes: when bringing the electric motor (13) into a regenerative state, operating the generator to drive the engine (11) in a state in which fuel supply to the engine (11) is cut, thereby executing, in accordance with required deceleration, the motoring control for consuming the output power of the electric motor (13); and when increasing the rotational speed of the engine (11) due to an increase in the required deceleration upon execution of the motoring control, setting the rotational speed of the engine (11) such that the change rate of the rotational speed of the engine (11) increases as the consumed power by the motoring control increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Ariyoshi, Satomi Eto
  • Patent number: 11731532
    Abstract: A method is usable for cooling portions of a vehicle having a plurality of low temperature radiators (LTR), a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), an i-condenser coolant circuit, and a RESS coolant circuit. Cooling the RESS occurs by comparing ambient temperature to target low and high temperatures. If the ambient temperature is below the target low temperature, coolant flow is routed through a first flow path placing the first and second LTR in the RESS coolant circuit. If the ambient temperature is between the target low and high temperatures, coolant flow is routed through a second flow path placing the first LTR in the RESS coolant circuit and the second LTR in the i-condenser coolant circuit. If the ambient temperature is above the target high temperature, coolant flow is routed through a third flow path placing the first and second LTR in the i-condenser coolant circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Srinivasa Rao Vaddiraju
  • Patent number: 11724590
    Abstract: In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a method is described. According to the method, an actual volume of fuel added to at least one fuel tank is determined. It is also determined, an amount of fuel indicated as having been added to the fuel tank from a refueling station. The actual volume added is compared to the amount of fuel indicated as having been added to determine a difference between the two values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: TF TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Haslam, Max Fuller
  • Patent number: 11728086
    Abstract: A radiator for cooling a transformer, preferably a power transformer, or a choke, includes a plurality of plate-shaped radiator elements which are disposed parallel to one another and through which a coolant can flow in parallel. At least one elastically deformable element is provided at least between two adjacent radiator elements and is constructed in such a way that it counteracts an expansion of the radiator elements perpendicular to the surface of the radiator elements. Plastic deformation of the walls of the radiator elements can be prevented by the elastically deformable elements. A unit including a transformer or a choke and a method for producing a radiator are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Hamberger, Harald Mayer, Markus Stockner, Anel Hrustic
  • Patent number: 11719118
    Abstract: A system configured to compress air to be used by a power generation system includes a first compressor stage configured to be driven by exhaust air from the power generation system and a second compressor stage configured to be driven by electrical power generated by the power generation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Lippold, Giorgio C. Isella, Bryce Drysdale, Gary Kumagai, Thomas O'Brien, Niall McCabe
  • Patent number: 11719211
    Abstract: A engine starting method is carried out to start an engine of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a first hub, a second hub, and a damper. The damper connects the first hub and the second hub in a power transmission path between the engine and a generator capable of power generation and powered travel. The engine starting method determines whether or not the engine needs to be started, begins to crank the engine via the generator when the engine needs to be started, performs a first ignition when torque fluctuation caused by torsion in the first hub and the second hub is in a range of being absorbable by the damper during the cranking, and suppresses engine torque generated by the first ignition below engine torque generated by second and subsequent ignitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Ogata, Masayuki Ootani, Yoshihiro Terai, Tsukasa Ichiba
  • Patent number: 11718183
    Abstract: A method for controlling a tone of an electric vehicle (EV) based on motor vibration may include: calculating an order component from a vibration signal of an EV motor of an electric vehicle, extracting a first order component with the greatest linearity for motor output torque among the calculated order component, then calculating an order frequency by transforming revolutions per minute (RPM) of the EV motor into frequency, setting an EV mode tone by applying a vibration level of the first order component to a level of the order frequency to be output and rearranging the order component, and outputting the set EV mode tone, and may apply an LMS filter algorithm, FFT/IFFT transforms, and an order tracking algorithm in extracting the first order component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dong-Chul Lee, In-Soo Jung
  • Patent number: 11719138
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a sintered alloy valve guide capable of inhibiting valve adhesion even in a high-temperature environment. The problem can be solved by a sintered alloy valve guide impregnated with a lubricating oil including pores that are sealed on the valve guide outer circumferential surface. More particularly, the problem is solved by the sealing step of performing a sealing treatment of pores on the outer circumferential surface of a sintered body impregnated with a lubricating oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: TPR Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumiya Ito, Shohtaroh Hara
  • Patent number: 11721234
    Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a method is provided for training a trainee using an autonomous vehicle, the method including: measuring, via one or more sensors, one or more manual inputs from the trainee with respect to controlling the autonomous vehicle; determining, via a processor using an autonomous driving algorithm stored in a memory of the autonomous vehicle, one or more recommended actions for the autonomous vehicle; comparing, via the processor, the one or more manual inputs from the trainee with the one or more recommended actions for the autonomous vehicle, generating a comparison; and determining, via the processor, a score for the trainee based on the comparison between the one or more manual inputs from the trainee with the one or more recommended actions for the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Russell A. Patenaude, Ryan M. Edwards
  • Patent number: 11719140
    Abstract: A crankcase ventilation system is disclosed that includes a PCV valve, a spigot and a tube connector. The PCV valve is enclosed in a module housing that encloses a plunger, and a spring. The module housing defines an inlet opening, and an outlet opening and is assembled inside an engine component. The spigot is attached to an outer surface of the engine and is in fluid communication with the PCV valve through the outlet opening. The tube connector is in fluid communication with the tube connector and the PCV valve. An intake manifold of the engine provides vacuum to the PCV valve, through the tube, the tube connector and the spigot. If one of the tube, tube connector, or spigot is detached from the engine, the PCV valve is retained in the engine and is held closed by the spring biasing the plunger against the inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Palazzolo, Erzabeth J. Holcombe, Kristofor Robert Norman
  • Patent number: 11713711
    Abstract: A shroud includes a first shroud that covers a first side face to which a muffler is adjacent among four side faces that an engine has, a second shroud that covers a second side face adjacent to the first side face and a third side face, and a third shroud that sections a muffler space for housing the muffler with the first shroud, the first shroud and the second shroud form an upstream side air guide path that makes cooling air flow around the engine, and the muffler space is connected to a downstream side of the upstream side air guide path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ryo Ineyama
  • Patent number: 11707989
    Abstract: A method for protecting an electric machine of a motor vehicle, In the method, a switch-on frequency for the electric machine is ascertained as a function of operating parameters of the motor vehicle stored in a control unit. The switch-on frequency is compared to a predefinable first threshold value. At least one further threshold value is preset. The electric machine is switched on in the event a control variance exceeds the at least one further threshold value. In the event the switch-on frequency exceeds the first predefinable threshold value, the at least one further threshold value is adapted in such a way that the switch-on frequency of the electric machine is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Brandt, Michael Baeuerle
  • Patent number: 11708811
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for restarting an engine following an engine idle-stop. In one example, a method may include, prior to an engine restart following an idle-stop, adjusting a spark ignition timing based on an estimation of a fuel-air equivalence ratio (phi) and an estimation of a cylinder turbulence. Optimal spark ignition timing based on estimated phi and cylinder turbulence during engine restart may result in stabilized combustion and a torque output sufficient to at least partially relieve demand on the starting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Ord, Brad VanDerWege, Joseph Thomas
  • Patent number: 11708788
    Abstract: An outboard engine assembly has an engine unit including an engine unit housing, an internal combustion engine disposed in the engine unit housing, the engine defining at least one combustion chamber, an exhaust system fluidly communicating with the at least one combustion chamber for supplying exhaust gases from the at least one combustion chamber to an exterior of the outboard engine assembly, a gearcase connected to the engine unit housing, a control module connected to the engine for controlling at least one operating parameter of the outboard engine assembly, and a water sensor disposed at least in part in the exhaust system for detecting presence of water in the exhaust system, the water sensor being in communication with the control module, and a propulsion device operatively connected to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Inventors: Nathan Blank, Roger Raetzman
  • Patent number: 11708141
    Abstract: A paddle for use with watercraft can include a shaft assembly, a handle connected to a first end of the shaft assembly, and a blade assembly including a flexible blade part removably connected at a second end of the shaft assembly, the blade part being foldable when removed from the shaft assembly. In some examples, the blade part is foldable into a rolled-up position when removed from the shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Pau Hana Surf Supply Company
    Inventor: Todd Caranto
  • Patent number: 11709042
    Abstract: A mitigation control system is arranged in an environment containing an energetic material and includes an abnormal temperature sensor for detecting an abnormal temperature of the environment, a power source that is mechanically actuated by the abnormal temperature sensor when the abnormal temperature exceeds a predetermined abnormal temperature threshold, a mitigation controller that is actuated by the power source, and a plurality of local temperature sensors that are communicatively coupled to the mitigation controller and are arranged for detecting critical temperatures in specific regions of the environment. The mitigation controller executes a mitigation action when one of the critical temperatures exceeds a predetermined critical temperature threshold for the corresponding specific region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Dennis D. Barents, Kim L. Christianson, Aaron C. Lattimore, Andrew K. Knight
  • Patent number: 11702951
    Abstract: A turbine assembly in a turbine section of an aircraft engine includes a rotor with blades having blade tips, and a turbine housing radially surrounding the blades. A distance between an inner surface of the housing and the blade tips defines a tip clearance gap. A passive cooling system for optimizing the tip clearance gap includes a cooling airflow passage located radially outward from, and in heat-transfer with, the turbine housing. The cooling airflow passage has an inlet opening located upstream of the rotor and an exit opening located downstream of the rotor. The inlet opening provides air flow into the cooling airflow passage. The exit opening provides air flow communication between the cooling airflow passage and a main gaspath of the turbine section. A flow of cooling air through the cooling airflow passage is induced, to cool the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Christopher Gover, Remy Synnott
  • Patent number: 11703020
    Abstract: A priming pump may include a housing; an inlet passageway inside of the housing; an outlet passageway inside of the housing; a divider, inside of the housing, separating the inlet passageway and the outlet passageway; a connecting passageway through the divider in fluid communication with the inlet passageway and the outlet passageway; a valve, disposed in the connecting passageway, configured for one-way fluid flow from the inlet passageway to the outlet passageway; a rotary pump, inside of the housing, having an inlet in fluid communication with the inlet passageway and an outlet in fluid communication with the outlet passageway; and a shaft connected to the rotary pump and extending through the housing, the shaft configured for rotation by an external driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery Fischer, Neil Edward Johnston, Brenton William Bush, Ye Tian, Quinton Burcar
  • Patent number: 11702954
    Abstract: A method is provided for an engine. During this method, a database is provided for a parameter of the engine. The database includes a plurality of values for the parameter determined over a period of time. Confidence bands are established using a probability density function on the database. An action is performed in response to a comparison of a first updated value for the parameter to the confidence bands. The engine may be configured as a gas turbine engine or another type of heat engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Patrick Valois, Robert Wigny
  • Patent number: 11702917
    Abstract: A turbine fracturing system and a controlling method thereof, a controlling apparatus and a storage medium are provided. The turbine fracturing system includes: N turbine fracturing apparatuses, wherein each of the N turbine fracturing apparatuses comprises a turbine engine, and N is an integer greater than or equal to 2; a fuel gas supply apparatus connected to the N turbine engines, wherein the fuel gas supply apparatus is configured to supply fuel gas and distribute the fuel gas to the N turbine engines as gaseous fuel; and a fuel liquid supply apparatus connected to at least one of the N turbine engines and configured to supply liquid fuel to at least one of the N turbine engines in a case that at least one of a flow rate and a pressure of the fuel gas decreases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Yantai Jereh Petroleum Equipment & Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhuqing Mao, Rikui Zhang, Peng Zhang, Jianwei Wang, Jihua Wang, Xiaolei Ji