Patents Examined by Shardul Patel
  • Patent number: 9174742
    Abstract: An intuitive display including a visual representation of a maximum admissible angle of attack on a pitch scale giving the crew of an aircraft a visual recognition of an imminent stall, or of a stall, together with real assistance with piloting during the stall until the aircraft has come out of the stall completely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus (SAS)
    Inventor: Harry Nelson
  • Patent number: 9169069
    Abstract: A mobile storage system that includes a guidance system controlling the movement of each of a plurality of movable carriages along a support surface. The mobile storage system includes a guidance system having a magnetic strip positioned on the support surface. One or more magnetic sensors are positioned on each of the mobile carriages and generally aligned with the magnetic strip positioned on the floor. The magnetic sensors detect the magnetic strip and a control unit controls the operation of a pair of drive motors to move the carriages along, the mobile strip while maintaining proper alignment. The guidance system thus eliminates the need for any floor mounted rails to guide the movement of the individual mobile carriages along the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Spacesaver Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew O. Servant, Brian Patrick Bourke, Eric James Wipperfurth, Steven Mark Lehmann
  • Patent number: 9151685
    Abstract: A method for monitoring torque in a gear train includes coincidently determining angles of rotation of first and second rotationally coupled members of the gear train. Each of the members employs a respective rotational position sensor. Each of said angles of rotation are determined based upon times corresponding to a last signal pulse, a next-to-last signal pulse, and a total quantity of signal pulses generated by the respective rotational position sensor during a current sampling interval. A twist angle corresponding to a difference between the angles of rotation of the first and second rotationally coupled members of the gear train is determined, and torque corresponding to the twist angle is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dongxu Li, Graeme Whyte, Robert J. Horner, Jerry Paul Sagady, Amin Abboud
  • Patent number: 9150223
    Abstract: A collision mitigation apparatus includes an object detecting section for detecting a collision object present in front of an own vehicle on which the collision mitigation apparatus is mounted, a drive assisting section that performs drive assist for avoiding a collision between the collision object detected by the object detecting section and the own vehicle, or mitigate damage to the own vehicle due to the collision, a reliability determining section for determining reliability of detection result of the object detecting section, and a timing setting section for setting start timing to start the drive assist by the drive assisting section in accordance with the reliability determined by the reliability determining section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akitoshi Minemura, Norio Tsuchida, Akira Isogai, Jun Tsuchida, Masayuki Shimizu
  • Patent number: 9151378
    Abstract: When a MODE selector SW is manipulated while CVT automatic shifting mode is selected, the shifting mode is switched to STEP-AT automatic shifting mode. Then, when the shift lever of a shifting device is manipulated by the driver while the CVT automatic shifting mode is selected as the shifting mode of a CVT, the then-set automatic shifting control mode for the CVT is maintained whereas the shifting mode of the CVT is switched to sport mode. When the sport mode being selected as the shifting mode of the CVT is canceled, the shifting mode of the CVT is switched to the mode selected before the switchover to the sport mode, that is, the maintained automatic shifting control mode, unless the MODE selector SW is manipulated during execution of the sport mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA ENGINEERING KABUSHIKI KAISHA, MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akira Mino, Seiichi Inukai
  • Patent number: 9146561
    Abstract: The robotic leader-follower navigation and fleet management control method implements SLAM in a group leader of a nonholonomic group of autonomous robots, while, at the same time, executing a potential field control strategy in follower members of the group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignees: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS, KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Omar Salem Al-Buraiki, Sami A. El Ferik
  • Patent number: 9147389
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling noise of a vehicle body may include a reinforcement member movably installed in a vehicle body frame, an accelerator pedal detection unit for detecting whether an accelerator pedal is operated, a controller for determining whether a vehicle accelerates or decelerates based on a signal from the accelerator pedal detection unit and outputting a control signal to move the reinforcement member to be in contact with or to be spaced apart from a cross member of the vehicle body frame in accord with acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle, and a driving apparatus for moving the reinforcement member according to the control signal of the controller. By selective movement of the reinforcement member, the apparatus modifies a noise generated by the cross member differently according to the acceleration or the deceleration of the vehicle and thus improves sound quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Tae Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 9146126
    Abstract: One or more systems, devices, and/or methods for providing and/or using a navigation/geographic feature are disclosed. For example, a method of operation of a navigation system may include providing a graphics user interface. A data representation of a geographic object, such as a path sign or icon, text, or character thereof, is provided in the graphics user interface. The data representation of the path sign may be provided as a feature of a navigation display. Input identifying a portion of the data representation of the geographic object is received. A navigation-related function is provided based on receiving the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Matei Stroila, James D. Lynch
  • Patent number: 9127951
    Abstract: An interactive dynamic cloud navigation system includes a server including a database having a map; and a plurality of navigation terminals, wherein each navigation terminal includes a data collecting and storing module, a data transmitting module and an outputting module. The data collecting and storing module includes a GPS chip. The data transmitting module is for transmitting data between the navigation terminal and the server. The data includes geographic positions of the navigation terminal and map data correspondent to the geographic positions. The server is for initiating a mission according to a request from at least one user, so as to provide personalized and customized data service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Inventor: Junhua Xue
  • Patent number: 9110169
    Abstract: A collision mitigation system is proposed which makes use of forward mounted long range ladar sensors and short range ladar sensors mounted in auxiliary lamps to identify obstacles and to predict unavoidable collisions therewith, and a duplex radio link in communication with secondary vehicles, and a number of external airbags deployable under the control of an airbag control unit, to reduce the forces of impact on the host vehicle, secondary vehicles, and bipeds and quadrupeds wandering into the roadway. A suspension modification system makes use of headlight mounted long range ladar sensors and short range ladar sensors mounted in auxiliary lamps to characterize the road surface, identify road hazards, and make adaptations to a number of active suspension components, each with the ability to absorb shock, elevate or lower the vehicle, and adjust the spring rate of the individual wheel suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Scientific Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Stettner, Patrick Gilliland, Barton Goldstein, Andrew Duerner
  • Patent number: 9098087
    Abstract: A system for controlling movement of a machine includes a drive system, a position sensor, and a communications system. A controller is configured to determine the position of the machine and determine a signal transmission threshold based at least in part upon the position of the machine. The controller may stop movement of the machine upon an interruption in signal transmission from a remote system exceeding the signal transmission threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Friend, Jean-Jacques Clar, Brian G. Funke, Troy K. Becicka
  • Patent number: 9090285
    Abstract: A method for providing a lanekeeping assistance for a vehicle includes determining road lane characteristics such as a road lane curvature. A vehicle velocity and a vehicle position with respect to a road lane are also determined. A desired steering angle is determined as a function of at least the road lane characteristics. A lanekeeping torque acting on the steering system of the vehicle in order to keep the vehicle on a desired path is determined as a function of at least the desired steering angle. The lanekeeping torque is generated by modifying at least one mechanical steering torque such as a jacking torque, an aligning torque, an inertia torque and a damping torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Switkes, Arne Stoschek
  • Patent number: 9092724
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for decision support of a first combat aircraft in a duel situation with a second combat aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Anders Lundqvist, Vibeke Kensing
  • Patent number: 9082243
    Abstract: A driving style evaluation system (1) for a motor vehicle (2), configured to receive and process motor vehicle-related data and motor vehicle mission-related data to compute a Driving Style Evaluation Index (DSEI) indicative of the driving style of a motor vehicle driver during a motor vehicle mission in relation to a motor vehicle fuel consumption, based on the following summary index: Fuel Economy Index (FEI), which is indicative of the driving style of the motor vehicle driver from the fuel saving perspective, and is computed based on pre-summary indices computed based on respective partial indices in turn computed based on a combination of the following physical quantities which affect the motor vehicle fuel consumption: time interval, ending with a motor vehicle stop, during which the motor vehicle speed reduction is mainly due to a combination of a gas pedal release and a gear downshift, possibly with operation of at least one motor vehicle braking system only during the final part of the maneuver; engi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignees: C.R.F. Societa′ Consortile per Azioni, IVECO S.p.A.
    Inventors: Domenico Gostoli, Stefano Salio, Claudio Ricci, Silvio Data, Maurizio Miglietta, Mario Gambera, Andrea Secondi
  • Patent number: 9072219
    Abstract: A robotic mower navigation system includes a plurality of sensors on a robotic mower that detect strength and polarity of a magnetic field from an electric current through a boundary wire. An electronic control unit receives data concerning the magnetic field from the plurality of sensors as the robotic mower follows the boundary wire, tracks the data provided by the sensors, compares the data with a reference pattern that defines at least one specified feature of the boundary wire, and provides commands to the robotic mower based on the comparison. The electronic control unit may command the robotic mower to follow a second boundary wire to a remotely located charging station instead of the first boundary wire based on detected features of the boundary wire such as sharp corners or crossings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Francisco O Da Rocha, Sven Hahnenkamp, Mark Foley
  • Patent number: 9073530
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for parking brake systems for use in, for example, an aircraft. In this regard, a system is provided comprising a parking brake system for an aircraft comprising an electric motor coupled to a high gear ratio transmission, a first clutch for engaging the electric motor to a propulsion transmission, and a second clutch for engaging propulsion transmission to an aircraft wheel. The high gear ratio transmission has a gear ratio sufficient to maintain the aircraft wheel in a stationary position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Cahill
  • Patent number: 9074536
    Abstract: An adaptive cruise control (ACC) system for a vehicle. The ACC includes a vehicle speed sensor, a user interface, a steering angle sensor, a forward facing sensor, and an engine control unit (ECU). The vehicle speed sensor is configured to detect a speed of the vehicle and output an indication of the detected speed. The steering angle sensor is configured to provide an indication of the direction a driver is steering the vehicle. The forward facing sensor is configured to detect objects in front of the vehicle and to provide an indication of the objects. The ECU includes an adaptive cruise control (ACC) and is configured to receive the indications from the sensors, and to determine whether to continue following a target vehicle or to release the target vehicle and accelerate the vehicle to a cruising speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Oliver F. Schwindt
  • Patent number: 9068650
    Abstract: A machine has a power train including a prime mover connected to a transmission having two or more selectable gear settings, and a user interface providing an operator selection of at least two gear identifiers of a whole number. Each whole number gear identifiers corresponds to high idle speeds for respective gear settings. The user interface provides a signal indicative of selected gear identifier to an electronic controller, which also receives and transmits signals indicative of machine parameters. The electronic controller contains computer executable instructions which determine an optimal gear setting and whether a gear shift should be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Weber
  • Patent number: 9063543
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for performing cooperative autonomous driving between a vehicle and a driver. For this, a cooperative autonomous driving apparatus according to the present invention includes a driver state determination unit for determining a state of a driver and calculating the state of the driver as a risk index. An autonomous driving control unit classifies section characteristics of respective sections included in a path to a destination corresponding to the driver based on section data stored in a database (DB), and controls autonomous driving of a vehicle in which the driver is riding, based on a driving environment recognized for the path to the destination corresponding to the driver. A driving control determination unit determines driving modes of the respective sections included in the path based on the state of the driver and the section characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Kyoung-Hwan An, Woo-Yong Han
  • Patent number: 9059655
    Abstract: A method for fault recognition in an electric machine controlled by an inverter in a motor vehicle, in which the phase currents of the electric machine are ascertained, in particular ascertained by measuring, and a fault is recognized if at least one of the phase currents or a variable derived therefrom, exceeds a predefined upper threshold value, the upper threshold value being established as a function of operating parameters of the motor vehicle, in particular of the electric machine and/or of the inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Trunk, Alexander Becker