Patents Examined by Kevin P Mahne
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Patent number: 9499196Abstract: In an electric power steering system, a low-pass filter executes a low-pass filtering process on a detected steering torque value detected by a torque sensor. A steering torque deviation computing unit computes a deviation ?T between a detected steering torque value T* obtained through the low-pass filtering process and the detected steering torque value detected by the torque sensor. A PI control unit generates a vibration compensation value used to lead the detected steering torque value to the steering torque value obtained through the low-pass filtering process, by executing PI computation on the steering torque deviation computed by the steering torque deviation computing unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Yuji Kariatsumari, Tatsuma Kouchi
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Patent number: 9493148Abstract: A controller and a control strategy minimizes shift shock in a hybrid electric vehicle during a downshift conducted while the vehicle is in a regenerative braking mode by maintaining total powertrain torque at a desired target during the downshift. The controller has three preferable modes including modulating just engine torque, modulating just electric motor torque or simultaneously modulating both motor and engine torque.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Barney D Nefcy, Francis Thomas Connolly, Dan Colvin, Walt Joseph Ortmann, Marvin Paul Kraska, Dale Scott Crombez, Mark Steven Yamazaki
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Patent number: 9495874Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining one or more behavior models used by an autonomous vehicle to predict the behavior of detected objects. The autonomous vehicle may collect and record object behavior using one or more sensors. The autonomous vehicle may then communicate the recorded object behavior to a server operative to determine the behavior models. The server may determine the behavior models according to a given object classification, actions of interest performed by the object, and the object's perceived surroundings.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Jiajun Zhu, David I. Ferguson, Dmitri A. Dolgov
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Patent number: 9487090Abstract: An energy storage system of a vehicle includes a first energy storage device and a second energy storage device, a voltage and current regulator device coupled to the first and second energy storage devices, a control unit for controlling the regulator device, and a plurality of sensing devices for sensing current input signals and voltage input signals to at least one of the first and second energy storage devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2012Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Qi Zhang, Brian Christopher Sisk
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Patent number: 9477225Abstract: A method for autonomously driving a motor vehicle in a car wash to enhance comfort and safety includes detecting a passageway of the car wash and determine with vehicle sensors the vehicle position and the vehicle orientation of the vehicle relative to the passageway. The vehicle is subsequently automatically driven into the car wash based on the vehicle position and the vehicle orientation, and automatically stopped in a washing position. After washing is complete, a completion signal signaling completion of a working step of the car wash is received or detected by the motor vehicle. Finally, the motor vehicle is automatically driven out of the car wash in response to the completion signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: Michael Stadler
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Patent number: 9457793Abstract: There is provided a vehicle information processing system for assisting a driver in a specified assistance area. The vehicle information processing system includes an operation pattern setting part for setting an operation pattern in the assistance area on the basis of driving operation information of the driver when the driver enters the assistance area and an assistance information determining part for determining assistance information for assisting the driver in the assistance area on the basis of the operation pattern in the assistance area which is set by the operation pattern setting part. According to this structure, it is possible to assist the driver using high-accuracy assistance information corresponding to the operation pattern and thus perform assistance suitable for the driver with high accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Satoshi Uno
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Patent number: 9454155Abstract: Efficient towed implement guidance to a desired path is achieved by guiding a towing vehicle toward a path on the opposite side of a desired path, then guiding the vehicle back to the desired path. Efficient forward implement guidance to a desired path is achieved by guiding a pushing vehicle along a tractrix. A vehicle leaves a straight line along a tractrix to keep a rear implement on the line as long as possible.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: John W Peake, Stephan Pleines
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Patent number: 9452653Abstract: A vehicle controlling apparatus includes: a vertical acceleration sensor configured to detect a vertical acceleration of a sprung mass; a power-source attitude controller configured to compute a power-source attitude control amount for a driving force outputted from a power source, the control amount making the acceleration detected by the vertical acceleration sensor an appropriate acceleration for attaining a target sprung-mass state, and to control the power source based on the power-source attitude control amount; a stroke sensor configured to detect a stroke speed of a shock absorber; and a friction-brake attitude controller configured to compute a brake attitude control amount for a braking force outputted from a friction brake, the control amount making the stroke speed detected by the stroke sensor an appropriate stroke speed for attaining a target sprung-mass state, and to control the friction brake based on the brake attitude control amount.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hironobu Kikuchi, Katsuhiko Hirayama
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Patent number: 9435654Abstract: DSRC (Dedicated short range communication) is expected to play a significant role in Transportation applications for Public Safety and Traffic Management. Some of the key applications especially safety and mobility application requires an accurate representation of the road segments. Accordingly, here, in one example, we describe a method and infrastructure for DSRC V2X (vehicle to infrastructure plus vehicle) system. This presentation, e.g., adds the following improvements on the existing technologies, as some of the examples: (a) Using Speed-Profiles for identifying Intersections/mandatory-stops/Speed-limits, etc. Also, the extension of the map coverage using speed profile data. (b) Vehicular density identification for determining confidence of generated MAP. (c) Mechanisms for identifying Lane Attributes, like Lane-Width, Lane-Connections, Possible Movement states, average travel-time on the lane, etc.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Savari, Inc.Inventors: Faroog Ibrahim, Katta Vidya Sagar
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Patent number: 9421953Abstract: A control device is described for a brake system of a vehicle, having a valve control device that is designed to determine, at least taking into account a provided information signal relating to a generator braking moment of a generator that is currently being exerted or is to be exerted, a first target state of a first valve of the brake system that is connected to a master brake cylinder of the brake system and to a fluid storage device of the brake system in such a way that a brake fluid volume can be displaced out of the master brake cylinder into the fluid storage device via the first valve, which is controlled into an at least partly open state, and to output a first control signal, corresponding to the first target state, to the first valve, the first target state being determinable, by the valve control device, for a valve connected via at least one intake line to a brake medium reservoir of the brake system as fluid storage device, as first valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Stefan Strengert, Michael Kunz, Dirk Drotleff
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Patent number: 9417630Abstract: A method comprises receiving an alarm state from one or more inspection systems that inspects one or more components of a vehicle system. The method then identifies operational parameters of the vehicle system. The operational parameters represent at least one of a current location of the vehicle system, a current terrain over which the vehicle system is currently travelling, an upcoming terrain that the vehicle system is travelling toward, a current moving speed of the vehicle system, a position of one or more controls of the vehicle system, a state of a brake of the vehicle system or an identification of one or more vehicle units in the vehicle system. The method then selects and implements a mitigating action to implement from plural different mitigating actions based on the alarm state and the one or more parameters of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2014Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, David Allen Eldredge, Glenn Robert Shaffer, Joseph Forrest Noffsinger
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Patent number: 9373202Abstract: A vehicle information recording apparatus for a vehicle includes a collision determination section and an information management section. The collision determination section determines the presence or absence of a collision between the vehicle and an object based on (i) detection values of impact sensors which detect impacts applied to the vehicle and (ii) detection values by proximity sensors which detect an approach of the object to the vehicle. The information management section records collision data concerning the collision based on a determination result by the collision determination section. This enables a detection of a collision with an object as a recording target while reducing influence of vibration or noise.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Nobuyoshi Shimizu, Yasutoshi Katoh
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Patent number: 9371003Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes first and second modules. The first module receives input from an operator of the vehicle via an input device, wherein the operator input includes a change to an operating parameter of a vehicle system. The second module selectively adjusts a resistance of the input device based on the operator input and a predetermined threshold. A method for controlling a vehicle includes receiving input from an operator of the vehicle via an input device, wherein the operator input includes a change to an operating parameter of a vehicle system, and selectively adjusting a resistance of the input device based on the operator input and a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Denso International America, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Paul Tran, Justin McBride, Christopher Alan Arms, Bo Sun, Carolina Mary Rigney, Nhi Van Pham, Martin Ezequiel Nespolo, Silviu Pala
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Patent number: 9361650Abstract: A method includes receiving and storing sensor data including a first plurality of data points indicative of a plurality of respective states of the environment external to a vehicle at a plurality of respective times, operational data including a second plurality of data points indicative of a plurality of respective states of an operational parameter of the vehicle at a plurality of respective times, and synchronization data. The method also includes generating a virtual model of an event involving the vehicle using the stored data, at least by generating a first visual representation of the plurality of respective states of the external environment, generating a second visual representation of the plurality of respective states of the operational parameter, and using the synchronization data to cause the first visual representation to be displayed simultaneously with, and in a time-aligned manner with, the second visual representation.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Todd Binion, Joe Harr, Brian Fields, Steven Cielocha, Steve J. Balbach
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Patent number: 9352737Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, operation of a hybrid driveline is adjusted in response to driving conditions that may cause wheel slip or a stuck vehicle. The approach may reduce driveline wear and improve vehicle drivability.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee, Adam Nathan Banker, James William Loch McCallum, Jeffrey Allen Doering
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Patent number: 9323283Abstract: An output signal device and method that provides the operator force feedback similar to a pilot control joystick. These force feedback regions include free play, dead-band start of modulation, modulation, fore-warning bumper and hold near max angle. This output signal device may also vary the fore-warning feel and hold positions to be at any angle. This output signal device uses force sensing as the signal and has force slope changes used as auto-calibration of the output signal. This improves signal accuracy and provides a service prognostic signal. The prognostic signal may be used to activate redundant sensor. The variable force feedback may improve operation on rough terrain. The force feedback, may allow more productive operating positions to be learned. This enables productivity and other important job site criteria such as fuel usage to be optimized by interactive communication with this output signal device.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: April 26, 2016Assignee: Prince Industries, Inc.Inventors: David Paul Smith, Chun Feng Xia, Lukasz Grzegorz Osikowicz
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Patent number: 9316504Abstract: Disclosed is navigation technology for providing guidance for HOV lanes in a more readily understandable manner. A navigation device is provided with: a storage unit adapted to store lane information including the set-up of lanes which can be used when a predetermined condition is fulfilled (hereafter referred to as conditional lanes); a route guidance unit adapted to provide guidance for a recommended route to a destination; and a guidance unit adapted to provide guidance for entrances and exits for conditional lanes. If travelling along a conditional lane makes it impossible to continue without deviating from the recommended route, the guidance unit provides guidance that the conditional lane should not be entered from an entrance to the conditional lane or inhibits guidance on the presence of an entrance to the conditional lane.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2010Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Clarion Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akio Sumizawa, Satoshi Kurihara, Hideo Fujiwara
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Patent number: 9315178Abstract: In an example method, a vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode could predict an output of the vehicle based on an input provided to control the vehicle and a state of the vehicle. The method could include receiving an indication of an input from at least one input-indication sensor and an indication of an output from at least one output-indication sensor. A predicted output value could be calculated based on the indication of the input and a state of the vehicle. The predicted output value could be compared with the indication of the output. If the comparison is not within a threshold range, an alert indicator could be created. Upon creating the alert indicator, an alert action could be activated.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: David I. Ferguson, Dmitri A. Dolgov, Christopher Urmson
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Patent number: 9303442Abstract: Passive verification of operator presence in handling requests for vehicle includes initiating activation of a power-operated vehicle component that is subject to a supervised control mechanism. The activation is initiated in response to a request from an operator-controlled device. The passive verification also includes verifying a presence of the operator-controlled device indicative of a presence of an operator of a vehicle, transmitting intermittent signals to the operator-controlled device, monitoring response signals received in response to the intermittent signals, and continuing activation of the power-operated vehicle component until the activation is complete so long as the response signals are received responsive to the monitoring.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David T. Proefke, Charles J. Bongiorno, Ron Y. Asmar, Aaron P. Creguer
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Patent number: 9279461Abstract: A coupling device system for use in a motor vehicle is provided including a coupling device and a memory chip. The coupling device has an input member, an output member, and at least one modulating clutch assembly selectively coupling the input member to the output member. The modulating clutch assembly includes an electrical clutch operator and clutch plates. The clutch plates include at least one first clutch plate coupled to the input member and at least one second clutch plate coupled to the output member. The second clutch plate is disposed adjacent the first clutch plate. The memory chip is integrated with the coupling device and is configured to store data related to a measured characteristic of the coupling device. The memory chip is also configured to communicate with a vehicle controller. A method of providing a calibration curve of the coupling device to the vehicle controller is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventors: Brian E. Leising, Phillip Wood, Ryan M. True