Patents Examined by Sze-Hon Kong
  • Patent number: 10845207
    Abstract: A user device can receive boundary information that identifies a restricted region; identify one or more map boundaries of the restricted region based on the boundary information; identify traversing roads of the restricted region based on geographic information survey (GIS) information; flag the traversing roads for exclusion from route determination; receive a navigation request identifying at least one of an origin or a destination; determine a route that does not include a flagged traversing road; and provide navigation information identifying the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Burgess, Peter J. Lear, Victor J. Rehorst
  • Patent number: 10839401
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method comprises: receiving data, automatically generated in an unqualified system, configured to at least one of: control a vehicle management system in a vehicle, and obtain data from the vehicle management system; verifying integrity of the data; if the integrity of the data is verified, then qualifying the data; and if the data is qualified, then providing data to at least one qualified system in the vehicle management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Sreenivasan Govindillam K, Kalimulla Khan, Jagannadha Rao Poluri, Sreekumar Thekkuttu Pisharam
  • Patent number: 10829354
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for generating a cloud of points (1A) representative of the real outer shape of a human transportation vehicle (1) located in a building (4) and for determining the position and orientation of said human transportation vehicle (1) in said building (4) and for determining the relative position and orientation of at least one movable work platform (2), the position and orientation of said human transportation vehicle (1) and the position and orientation of said movable work platform (2) being referenced with respect to at least one known building (4) reference point (R1), said apparatus being for preventing collisions between the movable work platform (2) and the human transportation vehicle (1), said apparatus comprising: at least one known building reference point (R1) being the origin point of a 6 degrees of freedom coordinate system and serving as a central common reference point, and at least one three-dimensional scanning means (3) for determin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: CTI SYSTEMS S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: François Lesquir
  • Patent number: 10829128
    Abstract: A pre-collision control ECU performs a pre-collision control in order to preventing a collision between the own vehicle and the object when a control start condition is satisfied. The ECU acquires a velocity threshold Vsth corresponding to a region in which the own vehicle travels based on information to specify the region. When an allowance condition has been satisfied before a timing at which the control start condition is satisfied, the ECU performs the pre-collision control. When the allowance condition has not been satisfied before the timing, the ECU does not perform the pre-collision control. The allowance condition is a condition that an accelerator operation amount is equal to or greater than an operation amount threshold and a vehicle velocity is equal to or lower than the acquired velocity threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuma Hoshikawa, Wataru Ike
  • Patent number: 10821942
    Abstract: A vehicle computer includes a memory and a processor. The processor is programmed to execute instructions stored in the memory. The instructions include determining a vehicle speed, selecting at least one actuator to vibrate a sensor housing based on the vehicle speed, and commanding the at least one actuator to vibrate the sensor housing in accordance with the vehicle speed to remove debris from the sensor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alfred Green, David Karl Bidner
  • Patent number: 10810892
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for air traffic control (ATC) flight management are described herein. One device includes a memory, and a processor to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to receive airport information associated with an airport, generate, using the airport information, an ATC flight management analysis that includes an airport map showing locations of aircraft at the airport and a card panel including a number of flight cards, where each respective one of the number of flight cards corresponds to a different respective one of the aircraft at the airport, and a user interface to display the ATC flight management analysis in a single integrated display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek Kalyan, Ankita Sinha, John Joyson, Andrea Antonini, Maksood Kadike, Dinesh Ramalingam
  • Patent number: 10803679
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method for guided vehicle evaluation includes executing on a computer processor the step of receiving a vehicle identification number (VIN) for a vehicle and analyzing maintenance items and repair items for the vehicle from anonymized vehicle data identified by the VIN which identifies deviations from normal maintenance items and repair items identified by a decoded VIN. The anonymized vehicle data includes repair items and maintenance items performed on the vehicle and a vehicle mileage for each repair item and for each maintenance item. Expected service needs for the vehicle are computed based on the identified deviations from normal of maintenance items and repair items, and the expected service needs for the vehicle are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tamer E. Abuelsaad, Gregory J. Boss, John E. Moore, Jr., Randy A. Rendahl
  • Patent number: 10800310
    Abstract: A trailer tipper features multi-use tilt sensors for automating leveling and tipping operations. In an example, a computerized method for controlling operation of a trailer tipper is disclosed. The trailer tipper includes a frame at least partially supported relative to a ground surface by a set of outriggers. The trailer tipper further includes a tipping platform that is rotatable relative to the frame about a hinge axis. The computerized method includes a plurality of operations that may be used to at least partially automate leveling and tipping operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Columbia Trailer Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Williams
  • Patent number: 10794046
    Abstract: A hydraulic excavator (1) includes a controller (40) for generating, when the tip of a work implement (1A) is approaching a target surface (60) due to the pilot pressure output from an operating device (45a, 45b, 46a), a control signal for a boom cylinder (5) such that the tip of the work implement moves along the target surface and controlling the work implement (1A) by outputting the generated control signal to the flow control valve (15a) of the boom cylinder (5). The controller calculates the positional information of a finished shape (97) formed by the work implement, based on the topographic information input from a topographic measurement device (96) that measures the topography near the work machine and corrects the control signal based on the positional information of the finished shape such that the finished shape gets closer to the target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shinya Imura, Kouji Ishikawa, Hiroshi Sakamoto, Yasuhiko Kanari
  • Patent number: 10778008
    Abstract: As the density of Electric Vehicle deployments in residential neighborhoods increase, demand on local power grids may exceed the local utility power supply causing local brown outs or transformer failure. The invention describes a method and process which enables the acquisition and efficient RF transmission of data that enables utility customers, utilities and/or other controlling entities to collaboratively regulate the timing and rate of Electric Vehicle battery charging in a manner that avoids peak-load related transformer failures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventors: Paul S. Levy, Edward Butler, John C. Thomas
  • Patent number: 10773814
    Abstract: A control system for an in-flight engine restart system of a rotorcraft includes an engine control unit that controls and detects status of an engine. The control system also includes a flight control computer that communicates with the engine control unit, an engine operation control system, and a pilot interface including pilot controls. The engine operation control system includes a processor that initiates a health check of the in-flight engine restart system to determine an in-flight engine restart system status. The engine operation control system processes engine mode of operation commands to establish an engine mode of operation, and delivers commands to aspects of the in-flight engine restart system including the engine control unit based on processing of the engine mode of operation commands. The engine operation control system reports the in-flight engine restart system status and results of the engine mode of operation commands to the flight control computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Peter Strauss, Michael Joseph DeVita, Mark Denton Bystry, Jr., Joseph Lawrence Simonetti, Carl A. Palmer
  • Patent number: 10766627
    Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided an aerial vehicle that is operable to fly, the aerial vehicle having at least a first and second subsystem that are operably connected, wherein the first subsystem comprises a first flight module, first one or more effectors that are selectively operable to generate a first force sufficient to cause the aerial vehicle to fly; and the second subsystem comprises a second flight module, second one or more effectors that are selectively operable to generate a second force sufficient to cause the aerial vehicle to fly; such that the first or second subsystem can be selectively used to fly the aerial vehicle not relying on the one or more effectors of the other subsystem. There is further provided a corresponding method for controlling an aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Verity Studios AG
    Inventors: Markus Hehn, Markus Waibel, Luca Gherardi, Raffaello D'Andrea
  • Patent number: 10766751
    Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for a public standard interface including a Battery Management System that allows for communication between an alternative energy source and a material handling vehicle. The alternative energy source may be a Lithium Ion Battery, a fuel cell, or another non-lead acid based battery. The Battery Management System is coupled with a CAN bus that allows for communication between the material handling vehicle and the alternative energy source. The CAN bus communicates information such as a type of the energy source, energy output limits, electric current limits and information such as an energy demand profile of the vehicle. Also included is an interface between the Battery Management System and Charger Control System.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventors: John Bryant Kirk, Dean Harvey, Rick Day, Arlan Purdy, Richard C. Miller, III, Brian Moorhead
  • Patent number: 10759523
    Abstract: An aircraft assembly having landing gear with a known deployment value, apparatus for permitting landing gear deployment, down-lock sensing apparatus, a navigation system, a landing gear control system, a flight control system, and a deployment controller. The deployment controller is configured to: calculate a touch down value using the aircraft position and speed information provided by the aircraft navigation system; command the landing gear control system to provide the deploy signal when the touch down value reaches a deployment threshold value which is greater than the landing gear deployment value; and command the flight control system to execute a landing abort sequence if the controller does not receive the down-lock signal from the landing gear sensing apparatus within a deployment value window which is greater than or equal to the known deployment value for the landing gear but less than the touch down value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Safran Landing Systems UK LTD
    Inventor: Robert Kyle Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10747217
    Abstract: A group or swarm of vehicles may be configured to move together in a predetermined formation. Each vehicle may include a navigation and communication system configured to provide communication and to determine accurate relative position, navigation, and time information for each vehicle in the group. Each vehicle may include a second radio frequency transceiver configured to receive and transmit in the high frequency (HF) or lower radio frequency band, and to measure and control the timing of the reception and transmission of the HF signals in relation to the timing of the reception and transmission of the HF signals with the other vehicles in the group to form an antenna propagation pattern to communicate over beyond line-of-sight distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven E. Koenck, Anders P. Walker
  • Patent number: 10744940
    Abstract: A vehicular control system includes a camera, a controller having a processor that processes captured image data, and an exterior temperature sensor. Responsive, at least in part, to a temperature input from the temperature sensor, the controller switches processing of captured image data between (a) a normal processing mode and (b) a cold weather processing mode. Responsive to the temperature input being indicative of the exterior temperature being below a first threshold temperature, the controller processes captured image data in the cold weather processing mode to enhance blockage detection of frost or snow or ice at the camera. When the controller is operating in the cold weather processing mode, the controller switches processing of captured image data to the normal processing mode responsive to the temperature input being indicative of the exterior temperature being above a second threshold temperature that is greater than the first threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Higgins-Luthman
  • Patent number: 10737658
    Abstract: An apparatus detects a vehicle/pedestrian impact event by sensing impact events near a forward location of a vehicle using both acceleration sensors and pressure sensors and providing associated signals indicative thereof, determining metric values for each of the sensor signals, and determining if a vehicle/pedestrian impact has occurred in response to the determined metric values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Chek-Peng Foo, Huahn-Fern Yeh, Ying-chang Lee
  • Patent number: 10731720
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for non-contact brake pad wear determination of one or more brake pads associated with a vehicle are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hall
  • Patent number: 10717430
    Abstract: A method of controlling vehicle stopping is provided. The method includes dividing an open space from a closed space, in which a gate is connected to the ground, to apply an open space stop control mode to the open space and to apply a closed space stop control mode to the closed space. Additionally, spatial division stop control is performed in which a control condition for each of an engine power, a vehicle interior temperature, and a battery state of charge (SOC) is varied between the open space stop control mode and the closed space stop control mode when a vehicle enters the closed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jee-Wook Huh, Dong-Jin Sohn, Chun-Hyuk Lee, Kyoung-Choel Oh
  • Patent number: 10717412
    Abstract: A message is received that a mobile device is in proximity to a vehicle. For example, a cloud system may receive a message that the mobile device is in proximity to the car of a specific person. Based on the mobile device being in proximity to the vehicle, sensor information is received from one or more sensors on the vehicle. For example, an array of cameras on the vehicle may be used to detect a gesture. The received information from the one or more sensors on the vehicle is processed to identify one or more actions to implement on the vehicle. One or more commands are then sent to implement one or more actions on the vehicle. For example, the one or more commands may be to open a specific door on the vehicle and to turn on a specific heating system in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Infantdani Abel Rayan, Karthick Kumar Malli Raghavan, Xiaochen Jia