Patents Examined by Thomas Black
  • Patent number: 8706364
    Abstract: A traction force control section of a wheel loader, when the determination conditions are satisfied during traction force control, increases the maximum traction force. The determination conditions include that the aspect of operation is excavation, that the vehicle speed is less than or equal to a prescribed speed threshold value, that the amount of operation of the accelerator operating member is equal to or more than a prescribed accelerator threshold value, and that the amount of operation of the inching operating member is less than or equal to a prescribed inching operation threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Shirao
  • Patent number: 8706341
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle has a steering system providing steering signals and including an imaging device for imaging surroundings of the vehicle and an image processing device, the steering system operates to provide by the imaging device an image of the field, analyze the image to obtain texture information, assign to a plurality of areas of the image probability-values reflecting the likelihood that the respective area relates to a specific structure, assume at least one geometric property of the specific structure, and establish a most possible position parameter of the specific structure taking into account the probability-values and the assumed geometric property; and to provide a steering signal in accordance with the position parameter thus established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: CLAAS Agrosystems KGaA mbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Tommy Ertbolle Madsen, Morten Rufus Blas, Mogens Blanke
  • Patent number: 8706392
    Abstract: A collision determination ECU (1) includes: a first information generation section (101) that acquires time information from a timer (4) every predetermined time period PA, and associates own vehicle time information representing an own vehicle time, which is the acquired time information, with own vehicle identification information, to thereby generate first output information; a transmission control section (102) that transmits the generated first output information by broadcasting; a reception control section (103) that receives own vehicle time information representing an own vehicle time and own vehicle identification information, which are included in first output information from an other vehicle VCB, as other vehicle time information representing an other vehicle time and other vehicle identification information, respectively; a reception time acquisition section (104) that acquires reception time information representing a reception time from the timer (4), when the first output information is receiv
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shin Koike
  • Patent number: 8706395
    Abstract: A cam actuated hydraulic brake system and an in plane tensioner pulley belt drive system may be used on autonomous vehicles, such as dynamic motion elements for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. The brake system utilizes a cam driven by a servo to push the piston push rod of a hydraulic master brake cylinder, thus distributing pressurized brake fluid throughout the brake system. The pulley drive system uses an articulating arm for the driven pulley, and that arm may also have connected to it one or two tension pulleys, each of which is in contact with the belt. Because the drive pulley and the tensioner pulleys pivot about the same pivot axis, the needed belt length remains nearly constant across the entire range of the articulating arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Dynamic Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Kelly, Peter Broen, Jordan Silberling, John Zellner
  • Patent number: 8706373
    Abstract: An aftermarket amplifier of acceleration signal (FIG. 2, box A), which is mounted between the potentiometer of the acceleration pedal (FIG. 2, box B) and the electronic control unit (FIG. 2, box C) and is programmed to control and to modify the signals from the accelerator pedal. The amplifier improves the acceleration of a car and overcomes the problems occurring during overreacting. The amplifier measures the signals from the acceleration pedal, calculates the change of the angle of the potentiometer of acceleration speed (angular speed) and multiplies the signals from the acceleration pedal by a value which is determined by the angular speed of the potentiometer of the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the amplifier includes a function of a cruise control, which can be controlled with a single control switch (FIG. 2, box F).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventors: Stamatios Boulekos, Dimitrios Panagopoulos
  • Patent number: 8706331
    Abstract: A two wheeled vehicle with a first wheel and a second wheel includes a first electrical motor operable to drivingly rotate the first wheel and a second electrical motor operable to drivingly rotate the second wheel. The vehicle also includes a controller operable to independently control the first and second electrical motors to drive rotation of the first and second wheels independent of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: BOXX Corp.
    Inventor: Eric Vaughn Meyers
  • Patent number: 8706402
    Abstract: In a vehicle control, a future travel locus of a vehicle is computed by using an evaluation function, and travel road surface information regarding a travel road surface on which the vehicle travels is stored. According to the travel road surface information stored, a convergence criterion for the evaluation function is variably set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Suzuki, Koji Nakai
  • Patent number: 8706301
    Abstract: Methods of and a system for providing force information for a robotic surgical system. The method includes storing first kinematic position information and first actual position information for a first position of an end effector; moving the end effector via the robotic surgical system from the first position to a second position; storing second kinematic position information and second actual position information for the second position; and providing force information regarding force applied to the end effector at the second position utilizing the first actual position information, the second actual position information, the first kinematic position information, and the second kinematic position information. Visual force feedback is also provided via superimposing an estimated position of an end effector without force over an image of the actual position of the end effector. Similarly, tissue elasticity visual displays may be shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenyi Zhao, Tao Zhao, David Q. Larkin
  • Patent number: 8706366
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling engine using height information capable of preventing an engine from stopping according to a position of a vehicle. An apparatus for controlling an engine of a vehicle using height information includes: a height information management unit storing a plurality of height information; and an idling controller that extracts one or more height information according to a position of the vehicle from the height information management unit to determine a slope of the vehicle and controls the idling of the vehicle according to the determination result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jae-Chul Kim, Seong-Ho Lee, Yoon-Seop Chang, Jae-Jun Yoo, Sun-Rae Park
  • Patent number: 8706378
    Abstract: The vehicle described herein employs a mu logic module. The mu logic module monitors vehicle operating conditions, and based on those operating conditions determines a road surface mu in response to a wheel slip event. The road surface mu is then used to determine a drive force to minimize or control the wheel slip event. The mu logic module continually monitors and adjusts the drive force provided to at least one of the wheels to maximize the applied drive force, while stabilizing and controlling wheel slip events to ensure safe operation of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jordan Choby
  • Patent number: 8706358
    Abstract: A braking control system includes sensors for detecting pressure applied to a brake pedal. The system can also include a pressure sensor capable of detecting the hydraulic pressure of the braking system. The system can also include a position sensor for detecting a position of the brake pedal. The pressure applied to the brake pedal is compared to either the hydraulic pressure or the pedal position. If the resulting measurements are not correlated properly, braking countermeasures are applied. Braking countermeasures can include engine braking, regenerative braking, hydraulic assist, and brake pad assist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David S. DeWitt
  • Patent number: 8700258
    Abstract: A park assist system for providing guidance to park a vehicle into a parking area is disclosed. The park assist system includes an imaging device, at least one indicator, and a control module. The imaging device acquires image data representative of a field of view (FOV). The indicator provides feedback to guide the vehicle into the parking area. The control module is in communication with the imaging device and the at least one indicator. The control module includes control logic for monitoring image data representative of the viewable area. The control module includes control logic for determining if a specific predetermined object is located within the FOV. The specific predetermined object indicates the presence of the parking area. The control module includes control logic for activating the at least one indicator to provide feedback regarding the parking area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward D. Tate, Jr., Alan G. Holmes, Hsiu-Pang Chan, Donald Eng, Fred W. Huntzicker
  • Patent number: 8700310
    Abstract: Mobile device for communicating arrival information at a waypoint, communicating that information to a server, receiving a set of tasks (statically assigned or dynamically assigned) for the user (for example, from the server or from another user), displaying the set of tasks to the user, receiving a completion response (successful or unsuccessful) from the user, and proceeding to the next waypoint along a route/trip plan. In one embodiment, a coordination server facilitates communication of a list of tasks assigned to a user to be performed at a specified location. The list of tasks is delivered to the user of the first mobile device by the coordination server (if such tasks exist) when the coordination server receives notification from the first mobile device indicating arrival at a specific location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Madhavi Jayanthi
  • Patent number: 8700266
    Abstract: A data recording apparatus for a vehicle equipped with an occupant protection device includes main and safing sensors for detecting acceleration of the vehicle, a temporary memory section for storing main and safing calculation values respectively calculated from detection results of the main and safing sensors, a control section for controlling the occupant protection device based on the main and safing calculation values and for determining whether a predetermined condition associated with the acceleration is satisfied, and a recording section for recording the main calculation value upon determination of the control section that the condition is satisfied. The recording section records the main calculation value for a first period before the determination and records the main calculation value for a second period after the determination. The recording section further records the safing calculation value for the second period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Kiribayashi
  • Patent number: 8700230
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for tracking and controlling shopping carts and other types of human propelled vehicles. The system includes a wheel assembly that attaches to a cart. The wheel assembly includes a brake unit for inhibiting cart motion, and includes wireless communication circuitry. The wheel assembly is capable of activating the brake unit in response to one or more conditions, such as the receipt of an RF signal or command. In some embodiments, the system also includes a display unit that displays information to a user of the cart, including information regarding the cart's proximity to a lock zone in which the brake unit will become activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Hannah, Scott J. Carter, Jesse M. James
  • Patent number: 8700239
    Abstract: A machine for addition of motive force to a vehicle, with rotor-plate, rotor-arms, rotor permanent magnets, stator-plate, stator columns, stator electromagnets, and battery, cell, or other energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Charles Hampton Perry, Paul Walter Martin, III
  • Patent number: 8700237
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for communicating a dataset in a consist, the dataset having a critical data portion. The system includes a first transceiver configured to communicate a first data signal indicative of at least the critical data portion of the dataset over a first communication line, and a second transceiver configured to communicate a second data signal indicative of at least the critical data portion of the dataset over a second communication line. The system includes a processor configured to receive the first data signal and the second data signal, to compare the first data signal with the second data signal to determine whether the first data signal or the second data signal includes a more accurate signal, and to determine at least the critical data portion of the dataset based upon the more accurate signal. The critical data portion is associated with the operability of the consist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel
    Inventors: Lawrence Stanley Przybylski, Tom Otsubo
  • Patent number: 8700298
    Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a method for generating an integrated aircraft clearance. Flight information, preference information, environmental information, and constraints are retrieved from a number of sources. The flight information includes at least one of flight plan information, flight scheduling information, flight status information, and environmental information. The flight information is processed against the preference information, the environmental information, and the constraints. A clearance solution is generated for an aircraft based on the flight information, the preference information, the environmental information and the constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Suzanne Elise Meador, Robert W. Mead, Ferdinando Dijkstra, Christie Marie Maldonado, Gregory T. Saccone, Bradley David Cornell
  • Patent number: 8700244
    Abstract: System for providing information on power consumption amount of electric vehicle includes receiving means for receiving departure point of the electric vehicle and destination of the electric vehicle from a terminal device; a database which stores a plurality of power consumption amounts required to move between respective two sections, corresponding to combinations of two sections, the combinations including a combination of a first section in a predetermined area including the departure point and the destination, and a second section including a second point in the predetermined area; extracting means which retrieves the database to thereby extract a power consumption amount required to travel from the departure point to the destination; and transmitting means for transmitting information on the power consumption amount extracted by the extracting means to the terminal device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzuru Fukuda, Masaki Hasunuma
  • Patent number: 8700233
    Abstract: A method of controlling wing position and velocity for a flapping wing air vehicle provides six-degrees-of-freedom movement for the aircraft through a split-cycle constant-period frequency modulation with wing bias method that generates time-varying upstroke and downstroke wing position commands for wing planforms to produce nonharmonic wing flapping trajectories that generate non-zero, cycle averaged wing drag and alter the location of the cycle-averaged center of pressure of the wings relative to the center of gravity of the aircraft to cause horizontal translation forces, rolling moments and pitching moments of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: David B. Doman, Michael W. Oppenheimer