Patents Issued in January 28, 2014
  • Patent number: 8639408
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for controlling and coordinating multiple vehicles. In one illustrative embodiment, machine behaviors are assigned to multiple vehicles performing a task. The vehicles are coordinated to perform the task using the assigned behaviors and a number of signals received from other vehicles and the environment during performance of the task. In another illustrative embodiment, a role is identified for each vehicle in a group of vehicles. A number of machine behaviors are assigned to each vehicle depending upon the identified role for the vehicle. The machine behaviors are selected from coordinating machine behaviors stored in a behavior library. Each vehicle is then coordinated to perform the task according to the role and machine behaviors assigned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Noel Wayne Anderson
  • Patent number: 8639409
    Abstract: A system for managing electrical power requirements between at least two power grids including a number of automotive vehicles each of which has an electric motor which propels the vehicle at least partly during its operation. An electric battery is contained in each vehicle as well as a wireless transmitter. A processor contained within each vehicle communicates with the wireless transmitter to transmit information to a base station indicative of the state of charge of the battery, vehicle identification information, and vehicle destination. The base station or upstream entity processes the data from the multiple vehicles to estimate the geographic power requirements necessary to recharge the batteries and then redirects power among at least two different power grids in order to meet those geographic power requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd
    Inventors: Deepak Ramaswamy, Sujit Phatak
  • Patent number: 8639410
    Abstract: A system for facilitating assistance requests may comprise at least one subsystem that receives an assistance request from a requester, at least one subsystem that identifies a current location of the requester, and at least one subsystem that identifies members of an assistance network that are within a particular area relative to the current location of the requester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventor: Bradly J. Billman
  • Patent number: 8639411
    Abstract: Methods for diagnosing a fault of an oil piston cooling jets valve of an internal combustion engine are provided. A method includes sensing a pressure value in a main oil gallery and checking whether the oil piston cooling jets valve is commanded in a state for opening a communication between the main oil gallery and an auxiliary oil gallery or in a state for closing the communication. A pressure value in the auxiliary oil gallery is checked to as to whether it exceeds a predetermined threshold value thereof, above which a jet nozzle of the auxiliary oil gallery automatically opens. A fault of the valve is identified if the pressure value in the main oil gallery exceeds the predetermined threshold value by a predetermined quantity and if a pressure value in the auxiliary oil gallery is different than expected on a basis of the state of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Morena Bruno, Michele Bilancia
  • Patent number: 8639412
    Abstract: A road surface friction coefficient estimating device includes a braking/driving force detecting section for detecting the braking/driving force of a wheel during traveling, a slip ratio detecting section for detecting the slip ratio of the wheel during traveling, and a road surface ? calculating section for estimating the relationship between the detected braking/driving force and the detected slip ratio on the basis of the ratio between the detected braking/driving force and the detected slip ratio, the correlation between the braking/driving force and the slip ratio in the case of the reference road surface, and at least either the detected braking/driving force or the detected slip ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuki Shiozawa, Hiroshi Mouri, Masaaki Nawano
  • Patent number: 8639413
    Abstract: A power supply system comprises a chargeable power storage device; a charging device configured to perform external charging for charging the power storage device using alternating-current power supplied from an external power supply; an air conditioner receiving electric power from the charging device and the power storage device and air-conditioning a compartment in a vehicle; an auxiliary machinery load; and an ECU. The ECU controls at least one of the charging device and the auxiliary machinery load so as to increase the electric power output from the power storage device in a case where overcharging of the power storage device is expected when the air conditioner is intermittently operated during external charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Endo
  • Patent number: 8639414
    Abstract: An operation apparatus includes image capturing device capable of capturing images of a plurality of mark members provided in assembled members in a compartment; determining device capable of determining individually whether each of the mark members is or is not shielded on the basis of the image data taken and outputted by the image capturing device; and operation instructing device configured to output an operation command to on-board devices in accordance with a result of the determining by the determining device. Accordingly, it is easy for an operator to understand operational steps, thereby effectively preventing an erroneous operation due to the operator's misunderstanding. Furthermore, it is possible to simplify a determination logic of the operation instructing device, and also possible to easily provide a retrofitted option.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Access Corp.
    Inventors: Yukihiko Suzaki, Yasuo Ooishi, Toshiaki Hosogai, Atsuki Kakinuma, Takeo Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 8639415
    Abstract: A method for compensating inertial sensor measurement outputs for mounting locations that are not coincident, nor orthogonal, with the vehicle center of gravity. The method further utilizes vehicle angular rate measurements, data, or estimates to determine the discrete acceleration components of the composite inertial sensor measurement output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S., LLC
    Inventors: Mark Haller, Patrick Hartman, Gary M. Kempen
  • Patent number: 8639416
    Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. Alternative aspects include multiple-antenna GNSS guidance methods for high-dynamic roll compensation, real-time kinematic (RTK) using single-frequency (L1) receivers, fixed and moving baselines between antennas, multi-position GNSS tail guidance (“breadcrumb following”) for crosstrack error correction, guiding multiple vehicles and pieces of equipment relative to each other, and snow grooming equipment and method applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: AgJunction LLC
    Inventors: Keith R. Jones, John A. McClure, Andrè C. Roberge, Walter J. Feller, Michael L. Whitehead
  • Patent number: 8639417
    Abstract: A method regulates the position and/or speed of a device which can be moved along a predefined course using an electric motor. The regulating operation is carried out continuously in such a manner that targeted fluctuation of the controlled variables of position and/or speed around their desired values is respectively achieved within a predefinable tolerance range by selecting a manipulated variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Matthias Illg, Berthold Hellenthal
  • Patent number: 8639418
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a power system. The method includes receiving an operator request for a propulsion direction change. The method also includes directing power into a power source and reducing a supply of fuel to the power source while directing power into the power source. The method further includes basing a first threshold speed on a speed of the power source produced by directing power into the power source and increasing the supply of fuel to the power source when the speed of the power source falls below the first threshold speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Paul Bertsch, Bruce Henry Hein, Jeremy Joe Wilson, Timothy Allen Goldammer
  • Patent number: 8639419
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a continuously variable transmission by means of which torque is transmitted from an engine to drive wheels of the vehicle, a braking system for applying a braking force to the drive wheels and a controller for setting the transmission ratio of the transmission. Additionally, means are provided for applying to the controller a signal indicative of the engine applied torque, and means for supplying to the controller a signal to indicate application of wheel brakes. The controller is operative when the brakes are applied to discontinue setting the transmission ratio in dependence upon the speed of the drive wheels and to set the transmission ratio instead in such a manner as to minimize the absolute value of the engine output torque or the torque transmitted through the transmission or to follow a desired torque setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Francesco Roli, Eugenio Sereni, Riccardo Morselli
  • Patent number: 8639420
    Abstract: A worksite-management system includes a display component and one or more information-processors. The one or more information-processors may be configured to acquire information about a history of travel of one or more non-compactor mobile machines across a terrain surface of a worksite. The one or more information-processors may also be configured to process the acquired information to generate a digital map indicative of compaction of the terrain surface as a function of the history of travel of the one or more non-compactor mobile machines across the terrain surface. Additionally, the one or more information-processors may be configured to present on the display component information related to the compaction of the terrain surface as a function of the history of travel of the one or more non-compactor mobile machines across the terrain surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Thomas Corcoran, Allen John DeClerk, Katherine Christine Braddy
  • Patent number: 8639421
    Abstract: Industrial truck with an electric travel drive and controls that can switch the electric travel drive to regenerative operation to brake the industrial truck, wherein an eddy current brake is provided that can be controlled or regulated by the controls during regenerative operation to brake the industrial truck, wherein the controls control or regulate the eddy current brake depending on the rpm of the electric travel drive, and wherein the controls control or regulate the eddy current brake in a manner such that the braking torque of the travel drive is supplemented at high rpms by the braking torque generated by the eddy current brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Carsten Harnisch, Dominik Plachta, Hendrik Geilsdorf
  • Patent number: 8639422
    Abstract: When temperature is low, a low-temperature mode is selected, followed by the activation of the heating mode functionality 25a of a PCU 25. Specifically, the PCU 25 sets the ratio of energy recovered by a capacitor 23 to be equal to or greater than the largest value of the energy recovery ratios of the capacitor 23 in a normal mode (e.g., assist motor 22:capacitor 23=2:8). Thus, more energy is stored on the capacitor 23 than in the normal mode, helping the capacitor 23 generates heat. As a result, the liquid temperature of the coolant is increased, and its viscosity is reduced accordingly. As above, the invention provides a simple cooling system to be mounted on a hybrid working machine, which is capable of preventing decreases in energy efficiency at low temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasunori Ota, Satoshi Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 8639423
    Abstract: A variable power split device having radially inner and outer races, each comprising at least two axially spaced parts. A plurality of planetary members are arranged for rolling contact between the races and a planet follower carrier engages the planetary members. A first rotatable power element spindle connects with the planet follower to couple power between the planet follower carrier and a first power element. A second rotatable power element spindle connects with the inner race to couple power between the inner race and a second power element. A third rotatable power element spindle connects with the outer race to couple power between the outer race and a third power element. Means for adjusting axial separation adjust separation of the axially spaced parts of at least one of the races to vary a power split ratio between the first, second and third rotatable power element spindles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Orbital Traction Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Schaaf, Sam Akehurst
  • Patent number: 8639424
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to enable an automatic stop-start mode of operation based on vehicle conditions. In addition, the system and method is configured to selectively actuate an accumulator to prime the transmission for a smooth restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Carlos E Marin, Casie M. Bockenstette, Zhen J. Zhang, Paul G. Otanez, James B. Borgerson
  • Patent number: 8639425
    Abstract: A method for making the synchronization process in automatic transmissions more robust and shortening the same, while at the same time taking the noise comfort into consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ulrich Neuberth, Frank Bast, Bjoern Stehle
  • Patent number: 8639426
    Abstract: A GPS/IMU safety sensor platform is proposed, consisting of data fusion Processors, GNSS Signal Acquisition and Tracking Processors, MEMS IMU sensors, one or multiple accelerometers able to provide orientation information, optional V2V communication modules, and optional V2I communication modules. The data fusion processors provide interface ports to GNSS/IMU processors, odometers, video (Visual/Infrared) cameras installed in the vehicle, V2V relative positioning sensors (laser, radar or any other distance measuring), and V2V and V2I communication modules. The data fusion processors are interfaced to a driver warning system and optionally to the vehicle controls for providing safety warning messages to drivers, or for automatic control the vehicle for preventing and reducing accidents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: George C Dedes, Kyriakos C Mouskos
  • Patent number: 8639427
    Abstract: A motion control device for a vehicle includes a braking means for applying a brake torque to each of a plurality of wheels of the vehicle, an avoidance control means for calculating a first target quantity, used for an avoidance control for applying the brake torque to each wheel via the braking means in order to avoid an emergency state of the vehicle, a stabilization control means for determining a target wheel, to which the brake torque is applied, out of the wheels and calculating a second target quantity used for a stabilization control for applying the brake torque to the target wheel in order to ensure a vehicle stability, and a brake control means for controlling the brake torque applied to a non-target wheel based on the first target quantity and controlling the brake torque applied to the target wheel based on the first and second target quantities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Yasui
  • Patent number: 8639428
    Abstract: An electromechanical brake system and an associated method with a failsafe energy supply, have a first to fourth brake module with at least one control unit and brake actuation unit. In order to supply the modules with electrical energy, the control unit and the brake actuation unit are each connected to at least one main energy supply unit via independently fed lines. In order to supply additional electrical energy to the modules, a first emergency energy supply unit is connected to the control unit and brake actuation unit of the first and fourth brake module and a second emergency energy supply unit is connected to those of the second and third brake module, respectively via additional independently fed lines, wherein the selection of the energy supply unit is made via switches actuated at least partially separately from one another via at least one central control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Jörgen Holzwarth
  • Patent number: 8639429
    Abstract: A tractive force control part of a wheel loader reduces the maximum tractive force when determination conditions are satisfied during tractive force control. The determination conditions include that the work phase is excavation, that the working implement is in the raising hydraulic stall condition and that drive circuit pressure is greater than or equal to a predetermined pressure threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Shirao
  • Patent number: 8639430
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for conserving energy used by an energy consuming device. In certain embodiments, an energy conservation system can be configured to deliver energy to the energy consuming device for a period, followed by a period where energy delivery is dampened and/or cut. By cycling the delivery of energy in this fashion, the energy conservation can achieve a pulsed efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fuel Saving Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Yu, James W. Hill, Gregory W. Davis
  • Patent number: 8639431
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying alcohol content of a fuel in an engine. In one example approach, a method comprises adjusting fuel injection to the engine based on fuel alcohol content identified from crankshaft acceleration. For example, the crankshaft acceleration may be generated by modulating an air/fuel ratio in a selected cylinder across a range of air/fuel ratios while keeping the engine at stoichiometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Roy Jentz, John Eric Rollinger, Brandon M. Dawson, Michael Igor Kluzner
  • Patent number: 8639432
    Abstract: When a maximum value of vibration intensity (maximum vibration intensity)(Vmax) acquired from a vibration sensor (33) in a low engine speed/high engine load (operating region (R)) is equal to or greater than a given threshold value (X), a spark timing of a spark plug (16) is shifted from a point set in a normal state on a retard side with respect to a compression top dead center, farther toward the retard side. Then, when a maximum vibration intensity (Vmax2) acquired after the spark timing retard is greater than a maximum vibration intensity (Vmax1) acquired before the spark timing retard, it is determined that preignition occurs. This technique makes it possible to reliably detect preignition using the vibration sensor, while distinguishing the preignition from knocking. An in-cylinder pressure sensor for detecting an in-cylinder pressure of an engine may be used to determine the presence or absence of the preignition, in the same manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Naoya Matsuo, Kouji Shishime, Motoo Hayakawa, Hiroki Morimoto, Mikinori Ohashi
  • Patent number: 8639433
    Abstract: To support a driver in guiding a road vehicle, the lane markings of the road, traffic signs and/or vehicle license plates are detected by an environment sensor system, which produces corresponding image data, which is evaluated by an image evaluation system by comparison to stored country-specific data. From that evaluation, at least one country estimation signal is generated in an image processor, and then a country signal indicating the current location of the vehicle is generated from the at least one country estimation signal by a microprocessor. The country signal correspondingly activates a driver information device outputting country-specific information for guidance of the vehicle and/or the country signal is fed to a driver assistance system that supports the guidance of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Urban Meis, Christoph Wiedemann, Wladimir Klein, Axel Roth, Mari Joan Hilario, Steen Kristensen, Matthias Zobel
  • Patent number: 8639434
    Abstract: A collaborative sharing workgroup comprising a plurality of assets is disclosed. An integrated manager module is fixedly coupled with each asset, the integrated manager module comprising an asset systems monitor; a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) position information monitor; and an environment information monitor. In addition, a communications module is fixedly coupled with each asset. The communications module automatically shares information from each integrated manager module to each of the plurality of assets in the workgroup and similarly receives the shared information from each of the plurality of assets in the workgroup. A user guidance module is also coupled with each asset. The user guidance module utilizes the shared information to automatically update guidance information for an asset. Moreover, the user guidance module operates independently on each asset in a workgroup without utilizing a central managing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: Jeroen Snoeck, Jeffrey A. Hamilton, John F. Cameron, Benedict J. G. Atkins, Jeffrey H. Drake
  • Patent number: 8639435
    Abstract: By means of the method according to the invention, a vehicle is detected when it drives into and out of a specified section of a roadway, the detection time is acquired, and an image recording in which the vehicle registration plate of the vehicle is detected is produced so as to be associated with each detection time. The image recordings in which the same vehicle registration plate was determined are correlated, and an average speed is determined from the difference of the associated detection times and the known length of the section of road and is compared with a specified maximum speed. If a speeding violation is determined, a high-resolution image recording of the driver of the vehicle is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Jenoptik Robot GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Fliegen
  • Patent number: 8639436
    Abstract: Systems and methods of vehicle fuel quantity management are provided to assist in determining an optimal quantity of fuel to carry on-board a vehicle. Certain routes are sufficiently short so to not require a completely filled fuel tank to traverse. Additionally, most routes have an abundance of vehicle fueling stations that provide ample refueling opportunities, thus permitting an operator to carry less fuel than might be required to complete a route. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure balance initial fuel loading and fuel stops to optimize the amount of freight weight that can be carried for a given route. The benefit is increased freight efficiency in transporting cargo from source to destination while maintaining drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Phani Vajapeyazula, Kenneth Follen, An Wu, Barty L. Moffett, Howard R. Frost
  • Patent number: 8639437
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a back-propagating intersection collision avoidance (ICA) system for preventing two or more vehicles from colliding at an intersection. The ICA system can calculate predicted positions of the two or more vehicles in the near future, and both the current and future positions can be broadcast to surrounding vehicles using vehicle-to-vehicle communication. For each vehicle, a set of states, for example position, speed, acceleration, and the like, where a collision is imminent can be identified using state information for a local vehicle, a remote vehicle, and a known collision zone for the intersection. If the current states of the vehicles are determined to be in danger of entering the collision zone, the ICA system can control the vehicles to perform evasive driving maneuvers and/or alert the drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Lorenzo Caminiti, Evan Quisenberry, Christopher Peplin, Domitilla Del Vecchio, Rajeev Verma
  • Patent number: 8639438
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assisting in the driving of a vehicle during a braking test on said vehicle on a track, said track being divided into a plurality of adjacent strips (Z1, . . . , Zn) mainly extending lengthwise in the track, the width (Iz) of each strip being greater than or equal to the width of the tires of the vehicle, each strip being worn on each braking of the vehicle on said strip. The assistance method comprises a step of selecting at least one strip out of the plurality of strips of the track, said strip being selected according to its level of wear. The assistance method also comprises a step of determining a theoretical trajectory of the vehicle, such that, by following said theoretical trajectory, the vehicle is able to brake on the selected strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Establissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Denis Martin, Jeremy Buisson
  • Patent number: 8639439
    Abstract: A transportation information management method using an electronic device sets a departure location and a destination, detects a current location of the electronic device using a navigation device of the electronic device in real time, and determines whether a distance between the current location and the destination is less than a predetermined distance. If the distance is less than the predetermined distance, the electronic device generates a first notification to inform the user to prepare to disembark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hou-Hsien Lee, Chang-Jung Lee, Chih-Ping Lo
  • Patent number: 8639440
    Abstract: A method for guiding a shopper in a store, including: receiving one or more recommended products identified for the shopper based on a set of one or more sought products; calculating a route through the store to a location of each of the sought products based on the store product map; and including a waypoint in the route corresponding to a location of each of the one or more recommended products. The route is then sent to an augmented reality device for presenting the route to the shopper in conjunction with a representation of a current view of the shopper in the store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Robert B. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 8639441
    Abstract: A vehicle navigation system includes a Kalman filter having a first filter receiving satellite positioning data and a second filter receiving vehicle sensor data. The first filter generates a first state vector estimate and a corresponding first state error covariance matrix. The second filter generates a second state vector estimate and a corresponding second state error covariance matrix. A third filter receives the first and second state vector estimates and the first and second state error covariance matrices, and generates a combined state vector estimate and a corresponding combined state error covariance matrix. A prediction processor generates a predicted state vector estimate and a predicted state error covariance matrix from the combined state vector estimate and the combined state error covariance matrix. The predicted state vector estimate and the predicted state error covariance matrix are provided to the first filter, the second filter, and the third filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Koba Natroshvili, Cornelius Buerkle
  • Patent number: 8639442
    Abstract: A method for processing seismic data. The method may include (1) receiving seismic data acquired by an ith seismic sensor of a plurality of seismic sensors and (2) determining an ith value to represent an ith power spectral density curve that corresponds to the seismic data. The method may then repeat steps (1)-(2) for each seismic sensor. The method may then include generating an expected value curve based on the ith value for each power spectral density curve. The method may then compare each ith value to the expected value curve and identify invalid seismic sensors based on the comparison. After identifying the invalid seismic sensors, the method may process the seismic data without seismic data acquired by the invalid seismic sensors to determine one or more locations of hydrocarbon deposits in subterranean geological formations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ahmet Kemal Ozdemir, Bent Andreas Kjellesvig
  • Patent number: 8639443
    Abstract: A microseismic monitoring system includes a seismic sensor positioned proximate to a wellbore traversing a formation; an orientation source producing an orientation shot; a hydraulic apparatus operationally connected with the formation to produce a fracture in the formation; a computer control system operationally connected with a database of known spectral attributes for event categories; and a computer readable medium that carries instructions executable by the computer control system that, when executed: receive data from the seismic sensor; select an event of interest from the data received; determine a spectral estimate of the selected event of interest; compare the determined spectral estimate of the selected event of interest to the known spectral estimates; and select from the data received by the seismic source the orientation shot for orientation of the seismic sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Herve Le Calvez, Stewart Thomas Taylor
  • Patent number: 8639444
    Abstract: A method for performing chrono-stratigraphic interpretation of a subterranean formation. The method includes obtaining a seismic volume containing stratigraphic features of the subterranean formation deformed by structural events, performing structural restoration of the seismic volume to generate a restored seismic volume by removing deformation due to the structural events, performing a chrono-stratigraphic interpretation based on the restored seismic volume to generate chrono-stratigraphic objects each associated with a respective relative geologic age, and displaying the chrono-stratigraphic objects in a chrono-stratigraphic space according to the respective relative geologic age of each of the stratigraphic objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Randolph E. F. Pepper, Agnes Dubois, Manoj Vallikkat Thachaparambil, Philippe Paul Jacques Marza, Renchu Wu
  • Patent number: 8639445
    Abstract: Data clustering is described for determining related components of the data. In one example, information on biomolecules may be clustered into groups in which the biomolecular data in a clustered group may indicate data that shares a relationship. For example, monomers of a protein molecule or a nucleic acid molecule may be mapped to an evolutionary or phylogenetic tree. Candidate groupings of the information may be obtained based on evolutionary relationships among sequences corresponding to the molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Stuart Ozer
  • Patent number: 8639446
    Abstract: An apparatus, and related method, for identifying one or more association variables that are associated with a trait are described. During the method, the apparatus may calculate statistical relationships corresponding to a pattern of occurrence of the trait in a group of life forms and patterns of occurrence of compound variables in a set of biological variables of the group of life forms. Then, the apparatus may determine a ranking of a number of occurrences of biological variables in at least a subset of the compound variables that have statistical relationships greater than a statistical confidence value. Next, the apparatus may identify one or more of the biological variables in the set of biological variables as the one or more association variables based on the ranking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Trigeminal Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Elliot Stupp
  • Patent number: 8639447
    Abstract: A method for identifying peptides using tandem mass spectrometry takes the spectrum for a peptide to be analyzed and uses a scoring function to score a match between the spectrum and each candidate peptide in a peptide database. The scoring function has a value corresponding to a number of fragment peaks in the spectrum that match fragment peaks in a spectrum of the candidate peptide. Using the match scores, a generating function of the spectrum is computed to determine the number of peptide reconstructions at each value of the scoring function. The generating function is then used to determine the number of candidate peptides for each match score and the probability of a peptide having a given match score to the spectrum. A spectral probability can be determined by calculating the total probability of all peptides with scores equal to or larger than the given match score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Sangtae Kim, Nitin Gupta, Pavel A. Pevzner
  • Patent number: 8639448
    Abstract: A method for recognizing an object that has a plurality of expressions of abstract object characteristics, and is associated with an object characteristic class of a hierarchical system of object characteristic classes stored in a first memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Hiebl
  • Patent number: 8639449
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanocrystal compound and probe are described. The compound is capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. The compound comprises (1) one or more semiconductor nanocrystals capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy, and (2) one or more linking agents, having a first portion linked to the one or more semiconductor nanocrystals and a second portion capable of linking to one or more affinity molecules. One or more semiconductor nanocrystal compounds are linked to one or more affinity molecules to form a semiconductor nanocrystal probe capable of bonding with one or more detectable substances in a material being analyzed, and capable of, in response to exposure to a first energy, providing a second energy. Also described are processes for respectively: making the semiconductor nanocrystal compound; making the semiconductor nanocrystal probe; and treating materials with the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Shimon Weiss, Marcel Bruchez, Paul Alivisatos
  • Patent number: 8639450
    Abstract: Systems and methods for rapidly analyzing cell containing samples, for example to identify morphology or to localize and quantitate biomarkers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Yale University
    Inventors: David L. Rimm, Robert L. Camp
  • Patent number: 8639451
    Abstract: The present invention provides a highly-safe information processing system that is capable of effectively using nucleotide sequence information differences between individual organisms to offer semantic information useful for each individual organism while properly preventing leakage and illegal use of nucleotide sequence information. Further, the present invention includes steps a and b. Step a is performed to acquire either encrypted nucleotide sequence-related information or cryptographic key that corresponds to positional information indicating a position within a nucleotide sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation, Hitachi Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takamasa Katoh, Takeo Morimoto
  • Patent number: 8639452
    Abstract: The invention is applied to an internal combustion engine in which fuel cut control is performed. The internal combustion engine has an exhaust gas recirculation system including: an exhaust gas recirculation passage that connects an intake and exhaust passage of the engine; and an exhaust gas recirculation valve that changes a cross section of the exhaust gas recirculation passage. A correlation, which holds during a predetermined period of time immediately after fuel cut control is stopped, between engine rotation speed NE and an index value indicating the amount of burned gas contained in the recirculated exhaust gas that passes through the exhaust gas recirculation valve (S101 to S104). The correlation is stored in an electronic control unit in advance (S105). Immediately after the fuel cut control is stopped, the index value indicating the burned gas amount is computed from the correlation stored in the electronic control unit based on the engine rotation speed NE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuya Ohshima, Takahiro Anami, Kazuhiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 8639453
    Abstract: A self-sufficient structural health monitoring system that can monitor a structure without need for external power input. Embodiments of the invention provide a structural health monitoring system with a power supply integrated within, so that the system relies on itself for operational power. Systems with such an on-board electrical power source, independent of an external power source (and in particular, independent of the power system(s) of the structure being monitored), are much more self-contained and self-sufficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Acellent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xinlin Qing, Irene J. Li, Chang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8639454
    Abstract: A method of efficacy anticipation and failure examination for an apparatus is disclosed. The method first establishes an anticipation model, and then trains the anticipation model by calibrating the same using errors obtained between a realistic data and an anticipated data, so as to use the calibrated anticipation model to estimate the performance efficacy of an apparatus or any component in the apparatus, and also to acknowledge if there is any abnormality occurred during the operation of the apparatus or the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chun-Chieh Wang, Yu-Liang Chung
  • Patent number: 8639455
    Abstract: A foot pad device and a method of obtaining weight data from a force sensor in a foot pad worn by a user engaging in a footstep, including placing the force sensor under the ball of the foot of the user and/or the heel of the foot of the user; receiving an entered patient weight value for the user; collecting force data from the force sensor; calculating a weight value based on the collected force data and a scaling and/or offset parameter; comparing the calculated weight value to the entered patient weight value; comparing the calculated weight value to zero; adjusting the scaling and/or offset parameter; and repeating the steps periodically. The method may include comparing the collected force data to a functionality indication range, flagging the force sensor if the collected force data is outside the functionality indication range, and disregarding force data from the flagged force sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: AlterG, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Horst, Robert L. Jardine, Jonathan Smith, Edith Arnold
  • Patent number: 8639456
    Abstract: Technology enabling a user to easily acquire the result of calculating the consumption of fluid used in a fluid discharge device is provided. A fluid consumption calculation device that calculates consumption of a fluid includes an input unit that receives information related to an output object; a discharge control unit that generates discharge data for a fluid used to form the output object using a fluid discharge device; an analysis unit that analyzes the discharge data; a calculation unit that uses information acquired from the analysis unit to calculate consumption of the fluid used to form the output object; and an output unit that generates and outputs output information using information acquired from the calculation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Tsuchiya, Junji Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8639457
    Abstract: A method for ascertaining and monitoring the fill level of a medium in a container via a field device, wherein transmission signals are transmitted toward the medium and are received as reflection signals. The transmission signals and the reflection signals are registered by means of data points in an envelope curve dependent on travel time or travel distance. Disturbance echo signals are registered by means of data points in a masking curve, the data points are connected with one another via connecting functions An evaluation curve is ascertained from the envelope curve; wherein, by means of a reduction algorithm, the number of data points in the masking curve and/or in the evaluation curve is reduced; and wherein, by an echo search algorithm, by means of the reduced masking curve and/or reduced evaluation curve, at least one wanted echo signal in the current envelope curve is ascertained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Hammer, Alexey Malinovskiy, Edgar Schmitt, Herbert Schroth, Dietmar Spanke