Patents Examined by John Q. Nguyen
  • Panoramic roof module for a vehicle
    Patent number: 9162556
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a panoramic sunroof system. A movable roof panel operates to open and define a panoramic roof opening. In a panoramic open position, the roof panel overlaps at least half of the rear-view window. A split-line of a trunk is defined by the intersection of the roof panel and the trunk lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Solomon H. Song, Darrell Paul Behmer, Jeffrey Comfort
  • Low fuel warning
    Patent number: 9163953
    Abstract: A low fuel notification system for use in association with a vehicular navigation system is operable to generate and provide notifications to the vehicle operator of low fuel conditions and provide information regarding available refueling stations based on the station's location and the vehicle's estimated driving range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerti Tuzi, Sibu Varughese
  • Work vehicle and work vehicle control method
    Patent number: 9163386
    Abstract: A work vehicle is provided with an engine, a hydraulic pump, a movement hydraulic motor, an acceleration operation member, and a control section. The hydraulic pump is driven by the engine. The movement hydraulic motor is driven by hydraulic fluid which is discharged from the hydraulic pump. The acceleration operation member is operated in order to set a target rotation speed for the engine. The control section is configured to perform traction control where the maximum traction force is reduced by limiting the displacement of the movement hydraulic motor to an upper limit displacement which is smaller than the maximum displacement. The control section increases the upper limit displacement of the movement hydraulic motor according to an increase in the operation amount of the acceleration operation member or the engine rotation speed in the traction control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventor: Atsushi Shirao
  • Unmanned multi-purpose ground vehicle with different levels of control
    Patent number: 9163909
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises a platform, a propulsion system, a communications system, a sensor system, and a computer system. The propulsion system, communications system, sensor system, and computer system are associated with the platform. The propulsion system is configured to move the platform on a ground. The communications system is configured to establish a wireless communications link to a remote location. The sensor system is configured to generate sensor data. The computer system is configured to run a number of control processes to perform a mission and configured to perform operations in response to a number of commands from the number of operators if the number of requests is valid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Mahesh K. Chengalva
  • Adaptive cruise control apparatus
    Patent number: 9162677
    Abstract: A cruise control apparatus includes a current speed detector detects a current speed of a vehicle; a target speed setting unit sets a target speed of the vehicle; an acceleration and deceleration operation amount acquisition unit acquires an operation amount of acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle by a driver; and a cruise controller performs cruise control of the vehicle so that the current speed follows the target speed. The target speed setting unit monitors i) the operation amount or ii) change in the current speed detected by the current speed detector to performs a first determination of if the driver intends to maintain the vehicle speed at an intended speed different from the target speed, and if the first determination is positive, updates the target speed to the intended vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sekine, Yoichi Sugimoto
  • Robot system that operates through a network firewall
    Patent number: 9160783
    Abstract: A remote controlled robot system that includes a robot and a remote control station that communicate through a communication network. Communication with the robot is limited by a firewall coupled to the communication network. A communication server establishes communication between the robot and the remote control station so that the station can send commands to the robot through the firewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: INTOUCH TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Marco Pinter
  • Real-time fault detection in an instrument landing system
    Patent number: 9159242
    Abstract: An electronic system with real-time fault detection is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes analog circuitry, having a first input coupled to receive an input signal and a second input coupled to receive a test signal. The test signal is at an edge of a selected band that contains the input signal. The test signal is used to identify faults in the electronic system during operation of the electronic system. The electronic system further includes an analog to digital (A/D) converter coupled to an output of the analog circuitry. The A/D converter generates digitized spectrum. Digital circuitry is coupled to the output of the A/D converter. The digital circuitry processes the input signal from the band to provide an output for the system and processes the test signal to detect faults in the analog circuitry, the digital circuitry and the A/D converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Alfonso Malaga, Walter Devensky
  • Vehicle power generating device and power generation control method
    Patent number: 9156467
    Abstract: In power generation control for a vehicle, which is configured to control power generation so as to reduce an amount of fuel consumed by power generation of the internal combustion engine, the vehicle including: a generator configured to be driven by the internal combustion engine to generate electric power; and the battery to be charged by the generated electric power of the generator, the vehicle being configured to stop idling at a predetermined vehicle speed or less, a battery voltage as an inter-terminal voltage of the battery is detected, and the internal combustion engine is controlled to interrupt power generation involving fuel consumption one of when the detected battery voltage reaches a predetermined combustion power generation interruption voltage and when the detected battery voltage exceeds the predetermined combustion power generation interruption voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hideaki Tani, Takeru Okabe, Satoshi Wachi
  • Active-inceptor tactile-cueing hands-off rate-limit
    Patent number: 9156546
    Abstract: The system contains the active inceptor having mobility in a first direction. A feedback mechanism is in communication with the active inceptor. The mechanism provides a variable level of force to the active inceptor in the first direction. A programmable device communicates with the feedback mechanism. The programmable device controls the level of force provided to the active inceptor from the feedback mechanism. The programmable device is capable of recognizing and distinguishing between regimes wherein the operator is physically engaging the inceptor (“hands-on” state) and when the operator is “hands-off” the inceptor. The programmable device limits the maximum rate of displacement of an active inceptor to a specified safe and effective value regardless of changes in forces applied by the variable force feel feedback mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph G. Irwin, III, Pieter G. Einthoven, David G. Miller, Mark S. Spano
  • Control strategy to alter available wheel power in a vehicle
    Patent number: 9156470
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine for providing propulsion forces to wheels of the vehicle. In an electric-only propulsion mode, the engine is disabled and the electric machine acts as the power source for the wheels. In a hybrid propulsion mode, the engine is activated to act as an additional power source for the wheels. At least one controller along with a plurality of sensors and positional information devices activate an active safety control signal in response to objects surrounding the vehicle that pose a threat to a potential collision event. In response to the active safety control signal, the engine can be either automatically started or stopped to provide additional available power or a reduced available power, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Derek Hartl, Ming Lang Kuang, Bernard D. Nefcy
  • Brake control system comprising tire/runway friction property estimation mapping
    Patent number: 9156451
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a tire/runway friction property estimation method based on measured wheel speed, calculated acceleration, wheel reference and tire normal force estimation are disclosed. Based on the resulting estimations, a map and/or function of position for the friction properties may be formed and transmitted to external systems after an aircraft stop is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard Paul Metzger, Jr., Richard Kolk
  • Remote starting system for vehicle and control method for the same
    Patent number: 9156437
    Abstract: Disclosed is a remote start system for a vehicle which activates a timer configured after a vehicle is remote started when a door of the vehicle is opened. After activating the timer, a fob (e.g., a keyless remote) is searched and certified once a driver's door is closed, a brake is operated, or a predetermined time has elapsed without any operation of the vehicle. Once the fob is certified, the vehicle is converted from a remote start mode to a normal mode. If, however, the fob is not certified the remote start is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jong Ho Kim
  • Device for determining location information and inertial primary references for an aircraft
    Patent number: 9151620
    Abstract: Device for determining location information, primary references consolidated for an aircraft, comprising a chain for determining location information comprising means for measuring radionavigation data, suitable means for consolidating, suitable means for computing parameters and suitable means for consolidating the parameters. The device also comprises a chain for determining inertial primary references comprising means for measuring inertial data, suitable means for consolidating, suitable means for computing parameters and suitable means for consolidating the parameters. The device finally comprises a chain for determining anemo-barometric data comprising means for measuring anemo-barometric data, suitable means for consolidating the measured anemo-barometric data, suitable means for computing parameters, and suitable means for consolidating the reference parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Arethens, Dominique Bouard
  • Side-by-side diesel utility vehicle
    Patent number: 9152607
    Abstract: A utility vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engaging members and a frame supported by the plurality of ground engaging members. The frame includes a front frame portion, a mid-frame portion, and a rear frame portion. The utility vehicle further comprises an attachment supported at the front frame portion. Additionally, the utility vehicle includes an operator area supported by the frame and including an operator seat and an adjacent passenger seat spaced apart from the operator seat. The operator seat and the passenger seat are in a side-by-side arrangement. The utility vehicle also comprises an auxiliary power assembly having an attachment shaft configured to be operably coupled to the attachment. The attachment shaft extends in a generally longitudinal direction of the utility vehicle and projects outwardly from the front frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignees: Polaris Industries Inc., Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Marcus A Wetterlund, Matthew J Kaldor, Brian P Dehnert
  • Electric-vehicle control device, and electric vehicle and forklift truck having the same
    Patent number: 9150396
    Abstract: The electric-vehicle control device is used in an electric vehicle which is provided with a vehicle body having a driving tire and an axle shaft and with a driving motor which imparts torque to the driving tire. The electric-vehicle control device issues a motor control command to the driving motor. The electric-vehicle control device is provided with a control unit, and the control unit gives feedback control to the driving motor by vibration parameters indicating vertical vibration of the electric vehicle at the center of the axle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI NICHIYU FORKLIFT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryuichi Umehara, Osamu Nakakita, Masataka Kawaguchi, Toshiyuki Honda, Wataru Mizunuma
  • Agent-based airfield conflict resolution
    Patent number: 9153138
    Abstract: A particular method includes receiving a conflict notice from a first airfield computing agent associated with a first airfield at a first aircraft computing agent associated with a first aircraft. The conflict notice indicates that the first aircraft is associated with a first conflict of the first airfield. The method also includes identifying, based on parameters associated with the first aircraft, one or more actions associated with the first aircraft to address the first conflict.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen P. Jewett, Thomas J. Hollerich, Eric L. Nicks, Andrew Wall, William E. Wojczyk, Jr.
  • Method for measuring power in a bicycle
    Patent number: 9150279
    Abstract: A method and system for measuring the output power produced in a device having a crankset, includes: measuring the orthogonal force exerted on at least one pedal of the crank; determining the angular velocity of the crank; and deducing the tangential force exerted on the crank and the power, using a pre-established model of the distribution of the force exerted on the actuating member as a function of the angular velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Gros, Dominique David, Gorka Arrizabalaga, Cédric Morio, Philippe Androuet, Sébastien Brulais
  • System and method for automatically adjusting a steering tilt position
    Patent number: 9150238
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting the position of the head and/or eye of a driver of an automobile and automatically adjusting the position of the steering wheel based on the head and/or eye position in order to provide the driver with an optimized view of the instrumentation panel and road. The system and method utilizes the vehicle parameters, driver parameters, and various settings to determine the proper position of the steering wheel including the height, proximity to driver, and tilt angle of the steering wheel. The system may also adjust the height and/or length of the steering column in order to adjust and provide the proper position of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Javier A Alcazar, Dorel M. Sala, Jenne-Tai Wang
  • Electric vehicle
    Patent number: 9151221
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes: a second drive motor that is coupled to drive wheels to rotationally drive the drive wheels; a compressor that activates an air conditioner; a first drive motor that can drive the compressor; a planetary gear device that includes a first rotary element to which the second drive motor is coupled, a second rotary element to which the compressor is coupled, and a third rotary element to which the first drive motor is coupled; and a brake that selectively couples the compressor to a non-rotary member when the brake is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Endo, Yukihiro Minezawa
  • System and method for implementing force field deterrent for robot
    Patent number: 9146560
    Abstract: A robot navigation system includes a robot, a navigation beacon, and a cover structure. The robot includes a chassis, an omni-directional receiver, and at least one directional receiver. The navigation beacon includes an omni-directional infrared emitter and at least one directional infrared emitter. The cover structure is configured to block infrared transmissions between the at least one directional infrared emitter and the directional receiver while simultaneously permitting transmissions between the omni-directional infrared emitter and the omni-directional receiver. The cover structure may be made of a black silicone material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: iRobot Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Thomas Burnett, Jared Randall Maroon