Patents Examined by Luke Huynh
  • Patent number: 9481237
    Abstract: A system for controlling an air flow in a vehicle may include a front air introduction apparatus mounted in front of an engine, a condenser provided to the front air introduction apparatus, an intercooler provided behind the condenser, a radiator provided between the intercooler and the engine, an active air flap for controlling air flow being introduced to the front air introduction apparatus, a side air introduction apparatus mounted to a side of an engine compartment for forwarding air to the engine, a connection line connected between the side air introduction apparatus and the front air introduction apparatus, a control valve for controlling air flow through the connection line, a plurality of sensors for measuring an operation state of the vehicle, and a control unit for determining an operation state of the vehicle based on a plurality of sensor signals, and controlling operation of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jongwoo Nam, Hyun Cho, Joonho Lee, Hanshin Chung
  • Patent number: 9475510
    Abstract: A method for generating action recommendations for the driver of a rail vehicle or control signals for the rail vehicle by way of a driver assistance system. Taking at least one journey specification into account, driving data is calculated and on the basis of the driving data: an action recommendation is generated and displayed in an action recommendation display device or a control signal that acts on a vehicle control device is generated. In order to optimize such a method in relation to an energy requirement of the rail vehicle, at least one air pressure characteristic variable is taken into account as a journey specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Roland Porsch, Patrick Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9475522
    Abstract: A method and an automatically controlled vehicle for transporting an object such as an item of luggage, with two pivotable axles each having at the outer ends two wheels driven with drive motors, with a control unit which is configured to perform the steps of controlling each of the drive motors such that an at least substantially equal basic drive torque is applied to each of the wheels and, for the purpose of changing the direction of the vehicle, controlling the drive motors associated with a wheel support arm such that a steering torque which is of the same magnitude but of opposite direction is applied in addition to the basic drive torque to the associated wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: VANDERLANDE INDUSTRIES B.V.
    Inventors: Erik Wilhelmus Petronella Van Meijl, Jozef Antonius Wilhelmus Maria Van Eekelen, Aart Jan De Graaf
  • Patent number: 9463868
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for automatically counteracting undesirable aircraft movement caused by malfunctioning fly-by-wire aircraft control surfaces, hardover events, control surface disconnection, and other control surface failure events. The systems and methods include control law algorithms for reacting to such events to counteract the undesired aircraft movement. An expected roll rate is generated based on control input and compared to the actual roll rate of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: Steven G. Hagerott, Stephen M. Eddy, Utbah Masud
  • Patent number: 9464907
    Abstract: Dynamically establishing a temporary safe evacuation route away from an unsafe situation using unmanned vehicles. The temporary safe evacuation route is determined based on real-time information regarding the unsafe situation. A network of unmanned vehicles are deployed and positioned at determined points along the safe evacuation route. Guidance is provided to the network of unmanned vehicles for display along the safe evacuation route by the unmanned vehicle to aid people in evacuating from the unsafe situation. Information in real time regarding the unsafe situation may be received from the unmanned vehicles. Based on the information received, the safe evacuation route may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Guillaume Hoareau, Johannes J. Liebenberg, John G. Musial, Todd R. Whitman
  • Patent number: 9459349
    Abstract: A system includes a detection device configured to transmit and receive one or more signals in a generally vertical direction above a vehicle. Additionally, the system may include a processing device configured to measure a time of flight associated with the transmission and receipt of the one or more signals in the generally vertical direction. A distance travelled by the one or more signals may be determined based, at least in part, on the measured time of flight, and the distance travelled may be compared with a threshold distance to determine an overhead clearance of the vehicle. In response to determining the overhead clearance, a vehicle system may be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Hyster-Yale Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Kenan Miller, Alan H. Fitzsimmons, Stephen A. Moore, Allen Brock
  • Patent number: 9448559
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for autonomous vehicle routing and navigation using passenger docking locations are disclosed. Autonomous vehicle routing and navigation using passenger docking locations may include an autonomous vehicle identifying vehicle transportation network information representing a vehicle transportation network, the vehicle transportation network including a primary destination, wherein identifying the vehicle transportation network information includes identifying the vehicle transportation network information such that it includes docking location information representing a plurality of docking locations, wherein each docking location corresponds with a respective location in the vehicle transportation network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Naoki Kojo, Siddharth Kumar Thakur, Nicolas Meuleau, Daisuke Saito, Nikhil Lele
  • Patent number: 9448084
    Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for implementing a dynamic navigation service. In one example, the method may include generating user behavior data for a user, generating community user behavior data, generating a user suggested route, and generating a community user suggested route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Rita H. Wouhaybi, Alexandra C. Zafiroglu
  • Patent number: 9440534
    Abstract: An automotive accelerator device includes an accelerator member movable in response to driver operation, a position sensor associated with the accelerator member to output a position signal indicating an operation degree of the accelerator member, and signal processing means configured to receive the position signal generated by the position sensor and to generate a command for a motor vehicle engine based on the position signal and a characteristic curve of the accelerator device that defines the command for the motor vehicle engine as a function of the position signal; the signal processing means are further configured to: receive signals indicating a current motor vehicle speed and a target motor vehicle speed, and to dynamically adapt the accelerator device characteristic curve based on the current motor vehicle speed with respect to the target motor vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa' Consortile Per Azioni
    Inventors: Silvano Marenco, Maurizio Miglietta, Massimo Gaido, Vincenzo Murdocco
  • Patent number: 9440659
    Abstract: A driver advice system for a vehicle having at least one vehicle subsystem comprises a selector for receiving at least one driving condition indicator for the vehicle and for selecting, from a plurality of settings, a preferred setting for the at least one vehicle subsystem in response to the at least one driving condition indicator. The driver advice system includes an indication device for providing to the driver an indication of the preferred setting for one or more of the vehicle subsystems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: James Kelly, Andrew Fairgrieve, Dan Dennehy, Elliot Hemes
  • Patent number: 9435432
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a difference between estimated torque output of an active torque source in a driveline and actual torque output of the active torque source is mitigated via entering a driveline speed control mode. The methods and systems may be useful when switching between different driveline modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Wei Liang, Xiaoyong Wang, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Patent number: 9428185
    Abstract: A method is provided for automatically activating a car's cross traffic camera system when turning a corner and displaying the camera feed on a dashboard mounted display, thereby enhancing cross traffic visibility and making the maneuver safer. The system can be configured to anticipate an upcoming turn based on use of the turn signal alone, or the turn signal in combination with vehicle speed. The display of the camera's data feed is terminated after completion of the turn, where turn completion is typically based on (i) deactivation of the turn signal, (ii) the position of the steering wheel, or (iii) vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventors: Yadunandana Yellambalase, Philip R. Graham
  • Patent number: 9428188
    Abstract: A system is provided for supporting lane assist functions for a vehicle towing a trailer. The system includes performing lane departure warning and lane centering assist functions that operate differently when the presence of a trailer is detected. The system warns the driver if either the vehicle or trailer will depart the lane, using different warnings for the vehicle and trailer. The system further provides lane centering assist functions that operate to center the vehicle and trailer together. Corresponding methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Schwindt, Xavier Zhu
  • Patent number: 9430189
    Abstract: An impact detection and remediation system includes a sensing device for detecting damage events related to a structure of interest. Such damage events may include impact from a ballistic object, a tamper event, a physical impact, or other events that may affect structural integrity or cause failure. Illustratively, the sensing device is in communication with a measurement system to determine impact criteria, and a processing system which is configured to use the impact criteria to determine a direction of the initiation point of a ballistic causing the damage event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Alexander M. Soles, Matthew R. Walsh, Eric B. Scott
  • Patent number: 9426940
    Abstract: One embodiment describes a seed metering system that includes a first seed meter that controls seed deposition by a first row unit on a seed planting implement; a first direct vacuum source fluidly coupled to the first seed meter, in which the first direct vacuum source supplies vacuum pressure only to the first seed meter to enable the first seed meter to control seed deposition by the first row unit; a second seed meter that controls seed deposition by a second row unit on the seed planting implement; a second direct vacuum source fluidly coupled to the second seed meter, wherein the second direct vacuum source supplies vacuum pressure only to the second seed meter to enable the second seed meter to control seed deposition by the second row unit; and a control unit communicatively coupled to the first direct vacuum source and the second direct vacuum source, in which the control unit controls vacuum pressure supplied by the first direct vacuum source and the second direct vacuum source independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Johnathon R. Dienst, Scott A. Long, Marvin A. Prickel, Grant T. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 9412267
    Abstract: A method for auto-calibrating parameters in traffic prediction. The method includes determining a first subnet of traffic links that is associated with a plurality of traffic links in a traffic network. The method includes determining a second subnet of traffic links that is associated with the first subnet of traffic links and has a first traffic predicting accuracy value. The method includes generating a set of optimized traffic predicting parameters associated with the second subnet of traffic links, and applying the set of optimized traffic parameters onto a third subnet of traffic links. The method includes determining the set of optimized traffic predicting parameters used to calculate prediction results having a second traffic predicting accuracy value, and applying said set of optimized traffic predicting parameters to subnets associated with the traffic network. Further, the first traffic predicting accuracy value is lower than the second traffic predicting accuracy value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jojo Joseph, Raghunath E. Nair
  • Patent number: 9403435
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to adjustable ground speed control devices, systems, and methods for walk-behind equipment. A variable speed control system for a machine can include a control system base, one or more control lever selectively movable with respect to the control system base between a first operating position and a second operating position, first and second speed adjustment actuators positioned on the control system base proximal to the one or more control lever, and a control unit configured for communication with the one or more control lever, the first and second speed adjustment actuators, and a machine component. In this configuration, the one or more control lever can be configured to control the machine component to operate between a minimum operating speed and a variable maximum operating speed, where the value of the variable maximum operating speed can be adjusted by the first and second speed adjustment actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew E. Bejcek
  • Patent number: 9404761
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for autonomous vehicle lane routing and navigation are provided. Autonomous vehicle lane routing and navigation may include identifying vehicle transportation network information including road segment information and lane information, wherein the road segment information for at least one road segment from the plurality of road segments includes lane information representing at least two adjacent lanes, identifying an origin, identifying a destination, generating a plurality of candidate routes from the origin to the destination, wherein each route from the plurality of routes indicates a distinct combination of road segments and lanes, and wherein at least one candidate route from the plurality of candidate routes includes at least one of the adjacent lanes, identifying an optimal route from the plurality of candidate routes, the optimal route having a minimal route cost, and operating the autonomous vehicle to travel from the origin to the destination using the optimal route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Nicolas Meuleau
  • Patent number: 9399430
    Abstract: A method for vehicle control includes connecting one or more wearable computing devices, each associated with one or more vehicle occupants, to a vehicle and receiving physiological data associated with the one or more vehicle occupants. The method includes detecting a trigger event based on at least one of the physiological data and vehicle data and determining a health state of each of the one or more vehicle occupants based on the physiological data, the health state describing a current condition of each of the one or more vehicle occupants. The method includes determining a priority level for the health state of each of the one or more vehicle occupants, and controlling one or more vehicle systems of the vehicle to provide an indication of the health state according to the priority level and a location of each of the one or more vehicle occupants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: David M. Kirsch, Bonnie Chen, Harinkumar Vashi
  • Patent number: 9399525
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable media are disclosed for troubleshooting and repairing an aircraft system failure during abnormal situations of an aircraft's operation. One aspect of a method for implementing the subject matter described herein includes at least one interactive interface configured for troubleshooting and repairing an aircraft system failure. The method also includes displaying at least one or more graphic object representing at least one or more aircraft system and configured for receiving interaction from a user, displaying at least one or more energy flow icon representing the direction of circulation of an energy flow, and displaying at least one or more macro action icon configured for performing an automated action sequence configured for troubleshooting and repairing the system failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Mael Mesguen, François Buron, Thibaut Poux