Patents Issued in June 7, 2012
  • Publication number: 20120143399
    Abstract: A vehicle control system obtains an index indicating a running condition of a vehicle on the basis of a vehicle parameter indicating a motion of the vehicle and then sets a running characteristic of the vehicle in accordance with the index. The vehicle control system includes a noise reduction unit that is configured to obtain the index on the basis of the vehicle parameter of which a fluctuating component that fluctuates because of a driver's driving operation or the influence of a running road surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shin Noumura, Ken Koibuchi, Keisuke Takeuchi, Toshio Tanahashi, Hiroyuki Hanamura, Yoji Takanami, Norimi Asahara, Kaiji Itabashi
  • Publication number: 20120143400
    Abstract: Among other things, an apparatus includes a wheelchair control device sensitive to motion and adapted to attach to a user's head, and includes a wheelchair interface device in communication with the wheelchair control device and adapted to manipulate a control system of a motorized wheelchair in response to communication from the wheelchair control device. Among other things, a method includes causing a motorized wheelchair to change velocity in response to changing a position of a head-mounted wheelchair control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: John Hinkel III
  • Publication number: 20120143401
    Abstract: A method and system for managing vehicles within a boundary is provided. Boundary units positioned at predetermined locations in a managing area define a boundary, within which multiple docking stations that secure the vehicles are positioned. Each docking station comprises a client component and a locking unit. The client component, in communication with a central server, allocates a vehicle to a user based on allocation criteria. The locking unit unlocks the allocated vehicle from a docking station. Each vehicle comprises a vehicle control unit, in communication with the boundary units, for determining proximity of the allocated vehicle to the defined boundary, and for restricting movement of the allocated vehicle when the allocated vehicle is in close proximity to the defined boundary. The central server, in communication with the boundary units, determines location of the allocated vehicle, when the allocated vehicle is in close proximity to and breaches the defined boundary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Suryaprasad Jayadevappa, Haseeb Arfath Syed, Srinidhi Sridhar
  • Publication number: 20120143402
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique for updating vehicle information using a wireless access point connected to a telematics server. More specifically, the system includes a wireless communication unit configured to connect to the wireless access point through, e.g., Wi-Fi network, to automatically receive an update data container(s), when the update data container(s) regarding the vehicle information is present in the telematics server; a control unit configured to store the update data container(s) received through the wireless communication unit and control the vehicle information and one or more devices corresponding to the vehicle information; and an update unit configured to update the vehicle information by using the update data container(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Sung Woo Kim, Ji Hyun Lim, Sung Woo Park, Geum Dan Jin
  • Publication number: 20120143403
    Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated inside mirror module that provides a reduction in the volume of a module package and that reduces manufacturing costs by integrating the individual modules in an inside mirror into one module using an integrated MCU. The integrated inside mirror module includes: an integrated MCU (Main Control Unit) configured to provide an integrated function of a home link controller, an RKE (Remote Keyless Entry) controller, and an ECM (Electronic Chromic Mirror) controller; and an integrated module that is controlled by the integrated MCU, whereinone or more selected from the group consisting of an integrated receiver transmitting a signal received by an integrated antenna to the home link and RKE controller, and an ECM module, are integrated on the same circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, SL CORPORATION, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jung Tae Cho, Suk Young Rho, Dae Sung Kim, Chang Kun Kwon, Jeong Hoon Kim, Han Taek Lim
  • Publication number: 20120143404
    Abstract: A method of configuring infotainment applications in a motor vehicle is provided. A control unit is configurable via a configuration interface such that the functional scope and/or a basic setting of the infotainment application is changed based on first configuration data from a first configuration data server. A service center stationarily arranged at a distance from the motor vehicle has a second configuration data server and a second configuration data bank. The service center has a first modification interface by which configuration data of the second configuration data bank is modifiable using first access rights and a second Internet-based modification interface by which the configuration data is modifiable using second access rights differing from the first. Modifications of the configuration data are recognized and the configuration data of the first configuration data bank is changed by using the configuration data from the second configuration data bank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sebastian ZIMMERMANN, Mikhail SMIRNOV
  • Publication number: 20120143405
    Abstract: A method (49) for synchronising flight information that comprises a step of connecting airborne components (21) of a flight information system (10) and ground-based components (24) of the flight information system (10), a step of comparing flight data stored with the airborne components (21) and content stored with the ground-based components (24), and a step of synchronising (66, 69) the airborne components (21) and the ground-based components (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: FLIGHT FOCUS PTE. LTD
    Inventor: Ralf CABOS
  • Publication number: 20120143406
    Abstract: An aircraft avionics system (10) for an aircraft, comprising a mission system (2), controlled by an open systems mission computer (OSMC) with a tactical communications system (320) and a tactical navigation system (220); a civil system (1), controlled by a flight management system (FMS) with a civil communications system (310) and a civil navigation system (210), wherein said mission system (2) is logically separated from the civil system (1) through separation of a navigation system (20) of the aircraft into civil navigation system (210) and tactical navigation system (220) and through separation of a communications system (30) of the aircraft (100) into said tactical communications system (320) and said civil communications system (310) and through the independence of the open systems mission computer (OSMC) from the flight management system (FMS), said separation allowing the civil system (1) to operate and be updated independently from the mission system (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel O'Connor, Bruno Cervia, Robert Milns, Paul Gibson
  • Publication number: 20120143407
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for train systems. One example system includes a rail vehicle, a mechanically-adjustable valve coupled in the rail vehicle having a plurality of positions, a pressure switch coupled to the mechanically-adjustable valve, an output of the pressure switch based on the position of the mechanically-adjustable valve, and a controller positioned in the rail vehicle and coupled to the pressure switch, the controller including code for setting an operational status of the rail vehicle in the train system based on the output of the pressure switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Srinand Sridhara MURTHY
  • Publication number: 20120143408
    Abstract: A steering assist system for a vehicle includes a turning device, a steering device, a steering sensor and an autopilot device. The steering device is operable to apply a first turning force to the turning device. The steering sensor detects a steering state of the steering device during which the steering device applies the first turning force. The autopilot device automatically navigates the vehicle to a desired heading of the vehicle. The autopilot device includes an actuator and a steering assist control section. The actuator is operable to apply a second turning force to the turning device. The steering assist control section controls the actuator to apply the second turning force to turn the turning device in the same direction that the first turning force is turning the turning device when the steering sensor detects the steering state of the steering device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: FURUNO ELECTRIC COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Tempei HOSOKAWA
  • Publication number: 20120143409
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a drive mode switch is provided that is configured to move in a rotary motion, a substantially fore-and-aft motion and a substantially cross-vehicle motion. The switch sends a signal that corresponds to each of the motions. A controller is provided that receives the signals from the switch and includes programmed software that correlates the signals to various vehicle motion outputs, such as forward and reverse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: APTERA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: James Anthony Curtis, Paul Thomas Geantil
  • Publication number: 20120143410
    Abstract: An interactive driver system is provided that alleviates range anxiety for the driver of an electric vehicle. The system includes: a range monitor module that determines range of the electric vehicle and identifies a given condition of the vehicle in which the range of the vehicle may be exceeded during ongoing operation of the vehicle; a load monitor module that identifies one or more electric loads being placed on a battery of the electric vehicle; and a driver notification module that presents suggestions on a display of the vehicle to the driver of the vehicle for reducing energy consumption by the vehicle upon occurrence of the given condition, where the suggestions relate to the identified electric loads. The suggestions presented to the driver preferably identify an action to be taken by the driver that reduces energy consumption and an associated change in the range of the vehicle if the action is taken by the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: APTERA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Lee Gallagher, Richard Lewis Fabini, Kurt Gordon Jensen
  • Publication number: 20120143411
    Abstract: A vehicular system including an electrical sub-system, an engine generating a first torque to drive a crankshaft, an electric machine applying a second torque to the crankshaft, and a mechanical accessory sub-system applying a third torque to the crankshaft. The vehicular system also includes a control sub-system having a processor and a tangible, non-transitory computer-readable medium, storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to (i) during idle operation of the vehicle, select a mode operation, of a plurality of system modes including a charge mode and a discharge mode, to stabilize a net torque being a sum of the first, second, and third torques, and (ii) control operation of at least one of the electric machine and the engine according to the selected mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC.
    Inventors: Kerem Koprubasi, William L. Aldrich III
  • Publication number: 20120143412
    Abstract: A method of starting an internal combustion engine of a vehicle with a hybrid-electric powertrain having an internal combustion engine, a generator, and a high-voltage battery pack, is provided. An internal combustion engine start input signal is received. A load on an electric motor and generator is determined. The internal combustion engine receives torque transmitted from the electric motor and generator when the load on the electric motor and generator is below a predetermined load threshold. The internal combustion engine receives torque from an exogenous starting device when the load on the electric motor and generator is above the predetermined load threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Jay E. Bissontz
  • Publication number: 20120143413
    Abstract: The prevent invention provides a device and a method for calculating a distance to empty of an electric vehicle which can reduce an initial error in estimating a distance to empty of an electric vehicle. The device and the method for calculating a distance to empty of an electric vehicle can provide more accurate DTE information from the start to the end of traveling by reducing the earlier error, in estimating the DTE from the amount of the presently remaining fuel (the amount of remaining capacity of a battery) of the electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Il Cho, Ki Taek Sung, Woo Sung Kim, Do Sung Hwang
  • Publication number: 20120143414
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling system for cooling a driving motor of a hybrid vehicle and a method for controlling the same which supplies suitable cooling flow according to temperature and temperature change rate of the driving motor. An exemplary embodiment may include: an electric oil pump to generate hydraulic pressure for cooling the driving motor; a switching valve to selectively transmit the hydraulic pressure to the driving motor; a solenoid valve to selectively supply control pressure to the switching valve so as to switch hydraulic lines in the switching valve; and a control portion controlling operations of the electric oil pump and the switching valve, wherein the control portion operates the electric oil pump by various operation amounts or stops the electric oil pump according to temperature of the driving motor and temperature change rate of the driving motor, and turns on or off the solenoid valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Gwang Seob Shin, Jong Hyun Kim, Youngchul Kim, Jang Mi Lee, Jaeshin Yi
  • Publication number: 20120143415
    Abstract: The present invention controls torque of a hybrid vehicle that calculates power and torque of each motor when the hybrid vehicle provided with two motors operates at a transient state are used. More specifically, target power of a battery is determined. Then calculations are performed to determine target torque of the first motor, target torque of the second motor, target torque of an engine, and target speed of the engine at a steady state. The torque of the first motor at a transient state is calculated from the target torque of the second motor at the steady state and speeds of the first and second motors. Finally, torque of the second motor at the transient state is calculated from the torque of the first motor at the transient state and the speeds of the first and second motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Joonyoung Park
  • Publication number: 20120143416
    Abstract: A method and a system for controlling acceleration torque of a hybrid vehicle that can give sufficient acceleration without imposing burden on a battery by changing a maximum torque of a vehicle according to environmental variables are disclosed. The method sets a creep torque as a minimum torque; calculates a maximum torque that can be output from an engine considering of engine environmental variables; calculates a maximum torque that can be output from a motor considering of motor environmental variables; calculating maximum torque of the vehicle by adding up the maximum torque that can be output from the engine and the maximum torque that can be output from the motor; and calculates acceleration torque by using a position of an accelerator pedal, the minimum torque, and the maximum torque of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Tae Wook Park, Jeongeun Kim
  • Publication number: 20120143417
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a failure diagnosis device of a hybrid vehicle that detects and diagnoses a failure of a power module of a motor control device of a hybrid vehicle, and a method thereof. More specifically, a failure diagnosis device of a hybrid vehicle, which is provided along with an engine and a motor as a power source, and a motor control device for controlling operating speed and torque of the motor according to driving demand, is provided. The motor control device may include a control portion that controls a phase transformation such that DC voltage of a battery is transformed to voltage/current having a variable frequency, a power module that is provided with power switch elements to perform the phase transformation by the control portion, and a diagnosis module that independently diagnoses the current of each phase that is outputted by the power module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Tae Young Chung, Tae Hee Jung
  • Publication number: 20120143418
    Abstract: An electricity generation control device calculates a virtual electricity generation efficiency where a transmission gear ratio of a continuously variable transmission is changed with a minute amount when an electricity generation condition by an engine drive is realized, changes the transmission gear ratio with a minute amount in a case where the virtual electricity generation efficiency is superior to a present electricity generation efficiency, calculates a virtual electricity generation efficiency where an engine drive torque and an electricity generation drive torque are changed with a minute amount, and changes the engine drive torque and the electricity generation drive torque in a case where the virtual electricity generation efficiency is superior to a present electricity generation efficiency, in which the minute amount change of the transmission gear ratio and the minute amount change of the engine drive torque and the electricity generation drive torque are alternatively performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kensuke HAYASHI, Satoshi WACHI, Nozomu KAMIOKA
  • Publication number: 20120143419
    Abstract: The present invention protects a high voltage battery in a hybrid electric vehicle. More particularly, it makes it possible to prevent a battery from being overcharged when a motor or an inverter system breaks, with the hybrid vehicle traveling. The technique for protecting a high voltage battery in a hybrid electric vehicle illustratively comprises: checking whether a motor functions properly; setting a virtual acceleration pedal value and keeping a present desired shifting map, when the motor breaks; determining a desired shifting stage according to the present desired shifting map based on the virtual acceleration pedal value; and, in certain embodiments, switching or keeping the engine control mode by comparing a value of a predetermined maximum engine speed region with the present engine speed in order to prevent high-speed rotation of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Seok Young Yun
  • Publication number: 20120143420
    Abstract: A system for controlling a mode of operation of a vehicle having a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS), an engine, and a drive motor coupled to the RESS and the engine, the drive motor selectively powered by at least one of the RESS and the engine includes a controller operable to adjust the vehicle to operate in a plurality of operating modes including a first mode in which the drive motor is powered by the RESS, a second mode in which the drive motor is powered more by the engine than the RESS, and a third mode in which the drive motor is powered by both the RESS and the engine. The third mode includes a plurality of braking modes adjusting the level of automatic brake power and manually requested brake power for providing resistance to the vehicle as the vehicle travels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Henrik FISKER, Thomas FRITZ, Paul E. BOSKOVITCH, Kevin WALSH
  • Publication number: 20120143421
    Abstract: A system and method for shifting a hybrid vehicle is provided which utilizes one or more controllers to release one or more clutches and brakes when a transmission is shifted into neutral or park and then prevents a rotational element from being rotated by controlling an engine and a motor/generator when the transmission is in neutral or park. Accordingly, shift shock or slip is minimized when a transmission is shifted from a park or a neutral to a drive or a reverse, thus improving a shifting feeling and safety of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Joonyoung Park
  • Publication number: 20120143422
    Abstract: A hybrid drive apparatus includes: a drive power source that includes an internal combustion engine, a first electric motor, and a second electric motor; a power transmission mechanism that includes a carrier, a sun gear, and a ring gear, and that is configured to rotate the output shaft of the internal combustion engine by the first electric motor; and plural bearings that each includes an outer ring member and an inner ring member fitted to the outer ring member through a rolling element, and that are provided apart from each other in an axial direction of the output shaft with the carrier being positioned between the bearings. An inner periphery of the outer ring member is positioned more inward in a radial direction of the ring gear relative to a meshing portion between inner teeth of the ring gear and outer teeth of one of the pinion gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi KITAHATA, Tatsuo OBATA, Takeshi KUWAHARA, Hiromichi KIMURA, Toru SAITO, Masahiro TANAE
  • Publication number: 20120143423
    Abstract: Method, system and device for determining quantities of power by registering on the vehicle side a quantity of power exchanged with a power point 12, transmission on the vehicle side of information concerning the first quantity of power, registering on the power point side of a total quantity of power formed from the sum of the first quantity of power and also a second quantity of power made available by the power point 12 independently of the electric vehicle 2, subtraction of the first quantity of power received by the vehicle 2 from the total quantity of power in order to determine the second quantity of power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: RWE AG
    Inventors: Thomas Theisen, Armin Gaul, Ingo Diefenbach, Christian Rehtanz, Willi Horenkamp, Johannes Rolink
  • Publication number: 20120143424
    Abstract: A motor system includes detecting a duration of idle stop by an idle stop end state detection unit when the idle stop mode of the fuel cell ends; estimating recovery time taken for total voltage of the fuel cell to reach voltage at the idle operation by a fuel cell stack total voltage recovery time estimation unit based on the detected duration; and correcting and reducing a changing rate of the drive motor request torque by the drive motor request torque reduction correction unit based on the estimated recovery time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Yuichi KOIKE
  • Publication number: 20120143425
    Abstract: When an accumulated charge amount of a first slave battery reaches a preset accumulated charge amount or less, the first slave battery is set as a used secondary battery, and when a master battery and a second slave battery are connected to sides of motors, accumulated charge amount differences of the master battery and the second slave battery are respectively set as allowable discharge electric energies E1 and E3, value 0 is set as an allowable discharge electric energy E2, and a sum of these allowable discharge electric energies is set as an EV priority allowable electric energy that is an electric energy that is allowed to be discharged as a whole of the master battery, and the two slave batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaya Yamamoto, Yuichi Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20120143426
    Abstract: In a drive controller for a vehicle including: a drive source configured to output a drive force to a first axle serving as one of front and rear wheel axles; an electric motor configured to output a drive force to a second axle serving as the other of the front and rear wheel axles; a one-way power transmission device disposed on a power transmission pathway between the second axle and the electric motor so as to transmit a power drive force from the electric motor to the second axle; a two-way power transmission device that transmits a rotation power from the second axle to the electric motor or transmits the power drive force and a regeneration drive force from the electric motor to the second axle, the drive controller includes: a first detector that detects a speed of the vehicle or a rotation speed of the second axle; a target rotation speed determination section that determines a target rotation speed of the electric motor based on the speed of the vehicle or the rotation speed of the second axle; a se
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akihiro Yamamoto, Tomokazu Katayama, Yoshihiro Kanamaru, Sei Shinohara, Nobuyuki Hiramatsu
  • Publication number: 20120143427
    Abstract: A method for transporting inventory items includes determining an assignment state of a mobile drive unit. The method also includes selecting a location for the mobile drive unit based on the assignment state of the mobile drive unit, in response to determining that the mobile drive unit is not currently completing a task. The method further includes transmitting information to the mobile drive unit identifying the selected location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Kiva Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew E. Hoffman, Michael T. Barbehenn, Michael C. Mountz, Peter R. Wurman, Raffaello D'Andrea
  • Publication number: 20120143428
    Abstract: A charging device of a robot cleaner is provided. The charging device of a robot cleaner according to the embodiment includes at least one cover forming an appearance of the charging device, a base which is coupled with the cover and includes a terminal unit for charging the robot cleaner, an induction signal generating unit disposed at a side of the cover or the base to transmit a return induction signal to the robot cleaner, and an induction signal guide member disposed at a side of the induction signal generating unit to enhance a docking performance of the robot cleaner by improving linearity of the induction signal. The charging device according to the embodiment can guide the path for the return of the robot cleaner and recharge the robot cleaner stably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Bong-Ju Kim, In-Bo Shim, Ji-Hoon Sung, Byung-Doo Yim, Sung-Guen Kim
  • Publication number: 20120143429
    Abstract: The different illustrative embodiments provide an apparatus that includes a computer system, a number of structured light generators, and a number of mobile robotic devices. The computer system is configured to generate a path plan. The number of structured light generators is configured to project the path plan. The number of mobile robotic devices is configured to detect and follow the path plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Noel Wayne Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120143430
    Abstract: A vision system includes a processor and a plurality of cameras, each of which is configured to be communicatively coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to select input from different combinations of the plurality of cameras based on a parameter that is associated with at least one of the status of a vehicle and a surrounding environment of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Alberto Broggi, Gary Schmiedel, Christopher K. Yakes
  • Publication number: 20120143431
    Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic apparatus using a microphone. More specifically, the diagnostic apparatus utilizes a first microphone, a second microphone, a first unit, a controller and second unit. The first microphone is positioned within an engine compartment and the second microphone is positioned within an interior of a vehicle to receive the noise. The second unit records the noise inputted through the first microphone or the second microphone or both and the controller analyzes and diagnoses a vehicle utilizing the noise recorded by the first unit to determine if a failure in the vehicle has occurred. When a vehicle failure is detected by the controller, the second unit then notifies a user of the location of a failed part in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, C&S TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sang Ki Kim, Suk Young Rho, Don Hyoung Lee, Jeong Hwan Hwang, Jeong Yeol Kim, Seong Il Kim
  • Publication number: 20120143432
    Abstract: Fault diagnosis logic of a fuel filter heater may include a microprocessor electrically connected with the fuel filter heater, applying ground voltage to a power supply terminal of the fuel filter heater when an ignition switch turns on and a fuel filter relay turns on, measuring resistance of the fuel filter heater, and determining whether or not the fuel filter heater fails according to whether a measured resistance of the fuel filter heater is within a predetermined range or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Sangil YOON, Jongkil LIM, Suyoung PARK
  • Publication number: 20120143433
    Abstract: A linkage control system for a machine having a linkage and a work implement is disclosed. The linkage control system has an operator input device configured to control the movement of the linkage, at least one actuator configured to respond to the operator input device to control the movement of the linkage, and at least one sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of sensor data on at least one actuator. The linkage control system has a controller in communication with at least one actuator, at least one sensor, and the operator input device. The controller is configured to calculate the position of the linkage, to detect anomalous sensor data from at least one sensor, and to predict the position of the linkage and work implement based on a last known accurate position, a last known accurate sensor data, and the operator input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Steven Conrad BUDDE, Rajeev Kumar
  • Publication number: 20120143434
    Abstract: A machine includes a frame and a dump body. An electronic controller is operably connected to the machine. At least one accelerometer is disposed to measure an acceleration of the frame and/or the dump body, and to provide an acceleration signal to the electronic controller. The electronic controller is disposed to receive and analyze the acceleration signal and provide a loading signal indicative of a severe loading condition to a remote control station and/or a loading machine performing the loading.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Aaron Donnelli, Andrew Whitten
  • Publication number: 20120143435
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for estimating a distance to empty (DTE) from the present amount of remaining fuel (the amount of remaining electricity) in an electric vehicle. In particular, the present invention provides a method for estimating a remaining travel distance of an electric vehicle, which can efficiently and accurately estimate a remaining travel distance by setting the relationship of a DTE with a state of charge (SOC) of a battery which changes in real time under various load conditions, in consideration of the present travel pattern, in addition to the SOC of a battery and accumulated fuel efficiency for the amount of remaining fuel of the electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Il Cho, Woo Sung Kim, Ho Gi Kim, Ki Taek Sung, Dong Gil Ha, Do Sung Hwang
  • Publication number: 20120143436
    Abstract: A device for monitoring aircraft equipment is adapted to be arranged on said equipment and to measure and memorize at least one operation parameter of said equipment. The monitoring device is configured to be activated only in the presence of one or more parameters, representative of said equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Albert Cornet, Nicolas Doucet, Philippe Langohr, Matthieu Droeller, Nicolas Raimarckers, Fabrice Haudry, Michel Saint-Mard, Rémy Leblond
  • Publication number: 20120143437
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle including an engine, a transmission, an exhaust gas heat recovery (EGHR) heat exchanger, and an oil-to-water heat exchanger providing selective heat-exchange communication between the engine and transmission. The method includes controlling a two-way valve, which is configured to be set to one of an engine position and a transmission position. The engine position allows heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger and the engine, but does not allow heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger and the oil-to-water heat exchanger. The transmission position allows heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger, the oil-to-water heat exchanger, and the engine. The method also includes monitoring an ambient air temperature and comparing the monitored ambient air temperature to a predetermined cold ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian L. Spohn, George M. Claypole, Richard D. Starr
  • Publication number: 20120143438
    Abstract: A vehicle communication system includes a fiber optic assembly and a cable assembly. The fiber optic assembly is configured to couple a controller to a plurality of vehicle components to enable communication of information between the controller and the vehicle components. The cable assembly extends from a vehicle power supply, with each of the vehicle components electrically coupling to a different respective location along the cable assembly to receive power from the vehicle power supply via the cable assembly. A portion of the fiber optic assembly and a portion of the cable assembly are mechanically coupled to each other such that the portion of the fiber optic assembly and the portion of the cable assembly collectively extend along the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: David HEIDEN
  • Publication number: 20120143439
    Abstract: A method controls an acceleration pedal of a vehicle that calls a driver's attention by causing vibration or increasing pedal effort in the acceleration pedal according to diversified driving situations. The method includes selecting a control mode of selecting, by a driver, a control mode given to the acceleration pedal, judging an eco red state of judging whether the vehicle is driven for a predetermined time in the eco red state, and executing the control mode of giving the control mode selected at the selecting of the control mode to the acceleration pedal when it is judged that the vehicle is driven for the predetermined time in the eco red state at the judging of the eco red state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, DONGHEE INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD., KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eunsik KIM, Yangrae Cho, Jongsang Noh
  • Publication number: 20120143440
    Abstract: An ISG (Idle Stop and Go) display device of an ISG vehicle may include a driving information detecting unit that detects driving information of the vehicle, a memory unit that stores notification about ISG of the vehicle, a control unit that executes the ISG and detects situations of an operation and an abnormality of the ISG by using the driving information of the vehicle which may be input from the driving information detecting unit, and receives the notifications about the ISG which correspond to the situations from the memory unit, and a display unit that may be controlled by the control unit to display the notifications about the ISG in accordance with the situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jiyong Yu, Sejun Kim, Chongah Gwon, Junghwan Bang
  • Publication number: 20120143441
    Abstract: An accelerator pedal apparatus includes a torque motor which generates operational reaction force corresponding to operation of an accelerator pedal, an accelerator pedal position sensor (APS) which detects an accelerator opening rate of an accelerator pedal and outputs the accelerator opening rate to an engine control unit (ECU) being an upper device, and a control unit which applies the operational reaction force as controlling driving of the torque motor. The control unit applies the operational reaction force as controlling driving of the torque motor based on the accelerator opening rate when being commanded to apply the operational reaction force by the ECU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: MIKUNI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeru YAMAZAKI, Hiromutsu TOUHACHI
  • Publication number: 20120143442
    Abstract: An automatic full-turn control method for MDPS includes determining if automatic Full-Turn conditions for the MDPS are satisfied, full turning the MDPS when the automatic Full-Turn conditions for the MDPS are satisfied, determining if automatic Full-Turn releasing conditions for the MDPS are satisfied and releasing the Full-Turn of the MDPS when the releasing conditions for the MDPS are satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jong Sung Kim, Dongheon Kwak
  • Publication number: 20120143443
    Abstract: A front wheel drive motorised vehicle controller comprises: a control signal interface receiving control signals from a user control device indicating at least a demanded forward speed; an acceleration measurement interface, receiving acceleration measurements from at least one vehicle-mounted acceleration sensor, providing a first and second acceleration measurements with respect to first and second axes, the motorised vehicle being configured to be driven in a plane defined by the first and second axes; an acceleration magnitude calculation unit calculating an acceleration magnitude in dependence on the first and second acceleration measurements; a speed modification unit calculating a forward speed reduction factor in dependence on the acceleration magnitude and applying the forward speed reduction factor to the demanded forward speed to produce an applied forward speed; and a motor control unit controlling the speed of the left and right drive wheels in dependence on the applied forward speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: PG Drives Technology Limited
    Inventor: Jason David Lewis
  • Publication number: 20120143444
    Abstract: A passenger detection system includes a passenger detecting part including a load detecting section that detects a load caused by a passenger seated on a seat of a vehicle, and a passenger detection controller including a passenger recognizing section, a movement detecting section and an activation determining section. The passenger recognizing section executes a passenger recognition based on a load detection signal outputted from the load detecting section. The movement detecting section detects whether the vehicle is moving based on the load detection signal. The activation determining section determines whether or not to activate an airbag apparatus based on a passenger recognition signal when a movement detection signal outputted from the movement detecting section indicates that the vehicle is stopped, and forgoes executing the determination and holds a determination result from a previous control cycle when the movement detection signal indicates that the vehicle is moving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: CALSONIC KANSEI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Mutsumi SORIMACHI
  • Publication number: 20120143445
    Abstract: A construction machine, in particular a crane or earthmover, comprising at least one mobile operating unit for monitoring and/or controlling the construction machine, wherein one or more transmission units are arranged at the construction machine which cooperate with the reading unit of at least one mobile operating unit, whereby a position-dependent monitoring function and/or control function of the construction machine is activated by means of the mobile operating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: LIEBHERR-WERK EHINGEN GMBH
    Inventor: Erwin Morath
  • Publication number: 20120143446
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an industrial truck control system (10) for influencing the driving operation of an industrial truck (A, B) according to irregularities along the route to be travelled by the industrial truck (A, B), the system comprising a sensor device (14) for recording irregularities along the route in assignment to the position of irregularities concerned, a memory device (16) for storing the data recorded by the sensor device, and means (16) for influencing the driving operation of the industrial truck (A, B) in dependence on the respective position of the industrial truck (A, B) and according to the data of the sensor device (14) stored in the memory device (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Bernd TÜSHAUS
  • Publication number: 20120143447
    Abstract: A power train subsystem for a motorized vehicle and methods of programming such power train controllers of the power train subsystem are disclosed. The power train subsystem may include a power train component, a controller, and a memory device. The controller may be coupled to the power train component to control operation of the power train component. The memory device may include boot code, application software, standard calibration parameters, and custom calibration parameters. The boot code provides an environment upon which the application software executes per the standard calibration parameters and custom calibration parameters. The standard calibration provides parameters which configure the controller for a range of vehicular applications. The custom calibration parameters provide parameters which configure the controller for a particular vehicular application in the range of vehicular applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventors: Christian M. Litscher, Jeanne O. Rues, Michael J. Howenstein
  • Publication number: 20120143448
    Abstract: In an automatic transmission with a speed changer having a plurality of engagement elements and configured to shift the speed changer into a selected one of a plurality of shift stages by switching engaged and disengaged states of the engagement elements, a first rotation sensor is provided for detecting input rotation of the speed changer and a second rotation sensor for detecting output rotation of the speed changer. Also provided is a transmission controller configured to determine whether a change in input torque inputted into the speed changer occurs. The transmission controller is further configured to determine that interlock has occurred in the speed changer, when there is no pulse signal output from the second rotation sensor though, during a vehicle stopped state, the input-torque change has occurred and the pulse signal from the first rotation sensor has been outputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Yutaka TOHYAMA, Hideharu Yamamoto, Masahiro Hamano, Hiroyasu Tanaka, Youhei Ishikawa