Patents Examined by Majdi Alsomiri
  • Patent number: 9581650
    Abstract: A method of estimating a state of charge of a secondary cell includes: calculating a value of (?Eemf/?T) in advance on the assumption that Eemf is an electromotive force of the secondary cell and T is a temperature of the secondary cell; and calculating the state of charge based on at least a value of (?Eemf/?T) for which a value of the state of charge is set as a variable, a temperature measurement value of the secondary cell, and a current measurement value of the secondary cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Shin Hotta
  • Patent number: 9576478
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: based on received traveller data, the traveller data representing polled traveller usage of a particular traffic lane, designating the particular traffic lane as a restricted-use lane, the designation for use in subsequent navigation guidance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: HERE GLOBAL B.V.
    Inventor: Leon Oliver Stenneth
  • Patent number: 9573483
    Abstract: A driving control method for a hybrid vehicle has state of charge (SOC) ranges including a high SOC range, an intermediate SOC range and a low SOC range, and a plurality of power distribution strategies corresponding to the respective SOC ranges. The driving control method controls the hybrid vehicle using a power distribution strategy corresponding to an SOC range to which a current SOC of the hybrid vehicle belongs. When a speed of the hybrid vehicle is high or low and is outside a predetermined range, boundary values of the intermediate SOC range and the low SOC range among the SOC ranges are increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Yong Kak Choi, Dong Jun Shin, Hoon Han, Il Kwon Park
  • Patent number: 9573522
    Abstract: Arrangements related to the operation of an autonomous vehicle are described. The autonomous vehicle includes a vehicle seat. It can be determined whether a future planned driving maneuver of the autonomous vehicle includes a change in a current motion of the autonomous vehicle. Responsive to determining that the future planned driving maneuver includes a change in the current motion of the autonomous vehicle, the vehicle seat can be caused to provide a haptic indication of the future planned driving maneuver prior to implementing the future planned driving maneuver. In this way, a vehicle seat occupant can be alerted to the future planned driving maneuver. The haptic indication can include a movement of the vehicle seat. In one or more arrangements, the movement of the vehicle seat can correspond to a sensation that a vehicle seat occupant will experience during at least a portion of the future planned driving maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. James
  • Patent number: 9555673
    Abstract: A system is provided for automatically adjusting the air pressure of a tire based on variations in loading to improve tread wear. For a particular loading of the tire, the system provides for the determination of a preferred air pressure setting designed to minimize tread wear. This preferred air pressure, Pp, is determined from an analysis of the longitudinal stresses that occur within the contact patch of the tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: William Bennett Clayton, Dave Michael McKibben, Zachary Alexander Merrill, Lawrence Otis Williamson, Wayne Carl Yount
  • Patent number: 9541409
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for marker aided autonomous vehicle localization are disclosed. Marker aided autonomous vehicle localization may include an autonomous vehicle identifying transportation network information, identifying an origin, identifying a destination, generating a plurality of candidate routes from the origin to the destination based on the transportation network information, wherein each route from the plurality of routes indicates a distinct combination of road segments and lanes, generating an action cost probability distribution for each action in each candidate route, generating a route cost probability distribution based at least in part on the action cost probability distribution, identify an optimal route from the plurality of candidate routes based at least in part on the route cost probability distribution, and operate the autonomous vehicle to travel from the origin to the destination using the optimal route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Naoki Kojo, Mauro Della Penna
  • Patent number: 9535420
    Abstract: A method for accurately tracking and controlling robots includes capturing a first image of a first matrix code labeled on a first mobile robot at a first time by one or more stationery cameras, wherein the first matrix code is encoded with an identification that uniquely identifies the first mobile robot, correcting a tilt of the first image to produce a first corrected image that shows the first matrix code in a substantially rectangular or square shape, extracting the identification to uniquely identify the first mobile robot, calculating a first position of the first mobile robot based on the first corrected image by a computer system, and controlling a movement of the first mobile robot based at least in part on the identification and the first position of the first mobile robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology
    Inventors: Mohammad S. Khorsheed, Hussein K. Al-Omari
  • Patent number: 9517737
    Abstract: Electrical devices in a vehicle engine compartment are controlled from the vehicle passenger compartment over a serial data bus that extends between a relay controller located in the engine compartment and a body control module located in the passenger compartment and which receives commands from various passenger compartment devices. A serial data link passing through the firewall couples the body control module to the relay controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Scott Schaffer, Randolph W. Scott, Scott James Lucy
  • Patent number: 9517836
    Abstract: A method of operating an aircraft fuel management system for an aircraft having at least one fuel tank, each fuel tank having an associated fuel quantity indicator arranged to provide an indication of the amount of fuel in the associated fuel tank, the method comprising calculating a value for the amount of fuel on board (FOB_FailedFQI) the aircraft to be utilized by the fuel management system in the event of a failure of at least one of the fuel quantity indicators, the amount of fuel on board being calculated as a value for the initial amount of fuel on board (FOBinit) minus the amount of fuel used. Additionally or alternatively a value for the gross weight center of gravity of the aircraft is calculated using an assigned value of fuel for each of the fuel tanks having an associated failed fuel quantity indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Petter Sjungargard, Ian Case, Antoine Burckhart, Michael Spottiswoode
  • Patent number: 9512889
    Abstract: A transmission clutch control method includes defining a transfer function relating clutch torque to a control signal under transmission operating conditions; determining a target clutch torque for current operating conditions; determining the target control signal from the transfer function to produce target torque at the clutch; correcting clutch torque on the basis of a difference between the target clutch torque and the actual torque at the clutch by adjusting the control signal; calculating actual clutch torque with reference to transmission input torque and transmission output torque; computing a clutch torque error as a difference between calculated clutch torque and the target clutch torque; and repetitively adjusting the transfer function on the basis of the clutch torque error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory M. Pietron, Diana Yanakiev, Yuji Fujii, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas
  • Patent number: 9475564
    Abstract: A method of determining fuel limits for an engine includes measuring an actual fuel value for the engine and creating a plurality of engine speed points. The method further includes calculating respective static fuel limit points for each of the engine speed points utilizing the actual fuel value. The static fuel limit points define and limit a rated power of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric COmpany
    Inventors: Jason Daniel Ozolins, John Patrick Dowell, Suseel Sukumaran, Greg Thomas Polkus, Atul George Tharakan
  • Patent number: 9464684
    Abstract: A component vibration control system is disclosed. The vibration control system includes a first physical end stop, a second physical end stop, a damper assembly, a position sensor configured to determine a component position, and a processor in communication with the position sensor and the damper assembly. The processor is configured to set a first virtual end stop position, regulate a damping force of the damper assembly as the component moves toward the first virtual end stop position, and determine a second virtual end stop position based on a first distance of the component from a set position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Contratto, William T. Larkins
  • Patent number: 9463792
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a torque in a hybrid electric vehicle includes calculating an output torque of a motor based on a discharging power of a high voltage battery, a consumption power of a plurality of electric loads, and a motor speed. A first difference value between a motor torque command and the calculated output torque of the motor is calculated. The first difference value is compared with a first reference value. When the first difference value is larger than the first reference value, the hybrid electric vehicle is entered in a fail safe mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jinkuk Cho, Jae Wang Lee, Kum Lim Choi, Kyoung Joo Kim, Keunseok Lee
  • Patent number: 9457821
    Abstract: A method and system for verifying trackside conditions in safety critical railroad applications by reporting the status of trackside signals and switches to a remote train control system. The system comprises at least one sensor for providing trackside conditions electrically connected to a circuit for providing trackside conditions to a railroad, said sensor being powered by voltage applied to the circuit such that the sensor is energized only when said electrical component is engaged. The system and method further comprises a method and system which is failsafe and which enables the control system to independently verify signals from each sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francois Pretorius, David L. Hill, Charles A. Wisniewski, Lawrence Deloss Lowe, III
  • Patent number: 9452814
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for safely and reliably operating a generator in a submersible environment utilizing an autonomous control system. One embodiment is a power generation system that includes a generator, a water-tight enclosure surrounding the generator, an intake valve, an exhaust valve, and a controller. The intake valve couples an air intake on the generator to an outside surface of the enclosure. The exhaust valve couples an exhaust port on the generator to the outside surface. If the controller determines that the enclosure will submerge, then the controller stops the generator and closes the intake valve and the exhaust valve. After detecting that the enclosure has surfaced, the controller opens the intake valve, opens the exhaust valve, and starts the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey Richard Cantwell, James D. Conniff
  • Patent number: 9454905
    Abstract: A method includes, a first computer determining a stopping distance information for a first vehicle; broadcasting the stopping distance information for the first vehicle to at least one other vehicle; a second computer, in the at least one other vehicle, receiving the stopping distance information for the first vehicle determines a first distance between the at least one other vehicle and the first vehicle; and the second computer determining a proper distance for the at least one other vehicle based on the received stopping distance information of the first vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBAL FOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Tamer E. Abuelsaad, John Elbert Moore, Jr., Rajeshkumar N. Singi, Robert Richard Wentworth
  • Patent number: 9433552
    Abstract: An electromotive walking assistance device includes a drive unit including a plurality of wheels and a motor for driving at least on portion of the plurality of wheels, a sensor unit sensing a distance from a user, a manipulation unit sensing a user's manipulation, and a controller controlling the motor based on a signal of the distance from the user and a signal of the user's manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Yoonyoung Chang, Honggul Jun, Jaehark Park, Duksang Kim, Eulpyo Hong, Gyunghwan Yuk, Jungsik Kim, Byungju Dan, Hongsoo Park, Byeongrim Jo, Byunghoon Min, Sangho Yoon, Heuisik Seo
  • Patent number: 9417084
    Abstract: A method and navigation device for providing at least one route is described. A destination is received from a user (step 204). Locations having more than a predetermined amount of content associated therewith are determined (step 206) and locations are selected based on a profile of the user (step 208). At least one route is provided to the destination via at least one location of the determined and selected locations (step 210).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Lucas Jacobus Franciscus Geurts, Geert Henricus Maria Christiaansen
  • Patent number: 9418488
    Abstract: A system for determining productivity coaching information comprises an input interface and a processor. The input interface is configured to receive vehicle event recorder data. The processor is configured to determine a first state based at least in part on a first set of vehicle event recorder data, and determine a second state based at least in part on a second set of vehicle event recorder data. The second set of vehicle event recorder data is different from the first set of vehicle event recorder data. The processor is configured to determine whether the second state following the first state indicates a productivity characterization mode, and indicate to acquire a third set of vehicle event recorder data for a productivity coaching determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Lytx, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Lambert
  • Patent number: 9399461
    Abstract: A control system for a modular hybrid electric vehicle operates an internal combustion engine at a torque level above the driver demanded torque improving the engine's efficiency. A traction motor driveably connected to the engine is operated at a torque level such that the combined torque satisfies the driver demand. The traction motor torque is limited to avoid inefficient combinations of speed and torque at which the motor is inefficient. During idle operation, the traction motor is operated at a torque determined from a battery state of charge and the engine is operated to maintain a predetermined speed. If the engine speed drops below a threshold, motor torque is adjusted to reduce the load on the engine to avoid stalling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Christopher Alan Lear, Francis Thomas Connolly