Patents Issued in March 31, 2015
  • Patent number: 8996199
    Abstract: A vehicle accident history recorder is provided. The vehicle accident history recorder comprises: a collision detection sensor for detecting a collision of a vehicle; a collision determination section for determining an occurrence of the collision based on a detection result of the collision detection sensor; a yaw rate sensor for detecting a yaw rate of the vehicle; a damaged portion determination section for determining a damaged portion of the vehicle in the collision based on the detection result of the collision detection sensor and a detection result of the yaw rate sensor when the collision determination section determines the occurrence of the collision; and a storage device for storing a determination result of the damaged portion determination section in a readable form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Shingo Wanami
  • Patent number: 8996200
    Abstract: In-vehicle functions are implemented using a location device disposed in a vehicle, a central controller of the vehicle, and logic executable by a computer processor of the central controller. The location device includes a wireless communications interface. The logic receives a unique identifier of the location device. The unique identifier identifies a location in the vehicle in which the location device is disposed. The logic also validates the location device and an end user device in response to activation of the location device by the end user device via the communications interface. The logic further receives a request from the end user device to implement end user-configured settings for an electronic component that services the location in the vehicle corresponding to the unique identifier and activates the electronic component based on the end user-configured settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Neeraj R. Gautama, Amanda J. Kalhous
  • Patent number: 8996201
    Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for exchanging data between a technical management system of an aircraft and a mission management system of the aircraft, in order to permit one of the systems to determine the consequences of an event detected in the other of the systems. After at least one event has been detected in one of the technical management and mission management systems of the aircraft, at least one information item pertaining to the detected event is transmitted to the other of the technical management and mission management systems of the aircraft. The consequences of the event detected in the other of the technical management and mission management systems of the aircraft are then determined. The adaptation of at least one datum of the other of the technical management and mission management systems of the aircraft is evaluated in response to the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS
    Inventor: Jean-Sebastien Vial
  • Patent number: 8996202
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for presenting notices used to operate an aircraft. A notice containing information in a text format is received. A category for the notice is identified in response to receiving the notice containing the information. An icon for the notice associated with the category identified for the notice is identified. The icon is displayed for the notice in a location on a map presented on a display device. The location is selected using the information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Cindy Dorfmann
  • Patent number: 8996203
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying a location illuminated by an onboard searchlight on a vehicle are presented. A location of interest is illuminated at an illuminated location illuminated by the onboard searchlight, and a vehicle position of the vehicle and the onboard searchlight is determined. A vehicle orientation of the vehicle is determined based on a pitch, roll, and yaw of the vehicle, and an azimuth and an elevation of the onboard searchlight light is recorded to provide a recorded azimuth and elevation data. A pointing coordinate for the onboard searchlight illuminating the illuminated location is computed based on the vehicle orientation, the vehicle position, and the recorded azimuth and the elevation data, and the illuminated location is calculated based on the pointing coordinate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Jungwirth, Gregory A. Campbell, Emilio Quezada, Robert D. Moss
  • Patent number: 8996204
    Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting target approach speed for use in a “Too Fast” approach to landing condition. An exemplary system stores predefined maximum wind setting and a predefined reference speed and a pilot set bug speed value. A processing device sets a target speed equal to the bug speed, if the bug speed is less than the reference speed plus a value associated with a predefined maximum wind setting, and sets the target speed equal to the reference speed plus the max wind added value, if the manual bug speed is not less than the reference speed plus the max wind added value. An output device outputs an alert if the received aircraft speed is greater than the set target speed plus a predefined error value when the received aircraft location is within a threshold value of a touchdown point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuo Ishihara, Steve Johnson
  • Patent number: 8996205
    Abstract: A method for regulating an actuator for a control surface is provided, which actuator has an angular position controlled by an autopilot on an aircraft with mechanical flight control. When the value of the torque exerted by the actuator is less than a threshold torque value, the actuator is regulated in terms of position and the maximum speed of movement of the control surface is limited to a value that is dependent on the torque value. When the value of the torque exerted by the actuator is greater than the threshold torque value, the actuator is regulated in terms of torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Romain Pierre, Arnaud Bonnaffoux, Caroline Adamski
  • Patent number: 8996206
    Abstract: An aircraft power plant (2) having at least two engines (3, 4), each co-operating with respective control means (5) including respective memories (6), each memory (6) containing information for causing said engine (3, 4) to operate with a plurality of distinct utilization envelopes at iso-damage. Said power plant (2) includes determination means (10) for determining a first utilization envelope (101) for application during a takeoff stage of flight and a second utilization envelope (102) for application during a cruising stage of flight following the takeoff stage of flight, and a third utilization envelope (103) for application during a landing stage of flight following the cruising stage of flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventors: Jean Philippe Evrard, Alban Corpron
  • Patent number: 8996207
    Abstract: A method for autonomous landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising: obtaining sensor data corresponding to one or more objects outside of the aircraft using at least one onboard sensor; using the sensor data to create a three dimensional evidence grid, wherein a three dimensional evidence grid is a three dimensional world model based on the sensor data; combining a priori data with the three dimensional evidence grid; locating a landing zone based on the combined three dimensional evidence grid and a priori data; validating an open spots in the landing zone, wherein validating includes performing surface condition assessment of a surface of the open spots; generating landing zone motion characterization, wherein landing zone motion characterization includes characterizing real time landing zone pitching, heaving, rolling or forward motion; processing the three dimensional evidence grid data to generate flight controls to land the aircraft in one of the open spots; and controlling the aircraft acco
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Emray Rein Goossen, Yunqian Ma
  • Patent number: 8996208
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable medium may be provided for train monitoring. Track circuit data may be received including an indication of a shunted track circuit on a train track. The received track circuit data and shunted track circuit may be analyzed. A train may be tracked on the train track based on the received track circuit data. A loss in physically expected track circuit occupancy in a path of the train may be detected. A graph may be generated showing the at least one shunted track circuit over time. The graph may indicate losses or abnormalities in physically expected track circuit occupancy in the path of the train, velocity of the train, acceleration of the train, and/or a size of the train. An alert with the severity and track circuit identifier may be generated and transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMTA)
    Inventors: Timothy Shoppa, Johann B. Glansdorp
  • Patent number: 8996209
    Abstract: A method for operating a railway section that includes section elements, which are each actuated by a processor that is reliable in terms of signaling and cyclically carries out a test routine. A railway section is configured for carrying out the method. In order to save energy and cost, the processor is operated selectively in active mode or sleep mode. From the sleep mode the processor is switched to the active mode for the duration of the test routine by way of a timer logic element that is reliable in terms of signaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rudolf Temming
  • Patent number: 8996210
    Abstract: A vessel monitoring and control system. Data indicative of operational conditions for vessel systems is transmitted from the vessel to one or more remote sites and commands are received from the one or more remote sites for controlling the vessel systems. Multiple transmitting and receiving components are available on the vessel for communicating with a variety of different communications systems at the remote sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sea-Watch Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Loretta Kish, Lamar McBryde
  • Patent number: 8996211
    Abstract: A method for controlling regenerative braking of an automobile micro-hybrid system is disclosed. The system includes at least a rotary electrical machine and an electrochemical battery. The method includes a step, when the electrochemical battery has a first predetermined energy state, which corresponds to an initial optimum charging state, of commanding a reduction of the first energy state, to a second energy state corresponding to an intermediate charging state, so as to make a charging capacity available in the electrochemical battery during a subsequent opportunity for recovery of electrical energy during, for example, a braking phase of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventors: Ertugrul Taspinar, Daniel Benchetrite, Paul-Eric Chupin, Oussama Rouis, Cyrille Corniglion, Jean-François Duguey, Ryadh Ben Omrane, Hajar Hercouet, Benoit Soucaze-Guillous
  • Patent number: 8996212
    Abstract: A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collects, charges and distributes portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Vehicle diagnostic data of a vehicle using the portable electrical energy storage device is stored on a diagnostic data storage system of the portable electrical energy storage device during use of a respective portable electrical energy storage device by a respective vehicle. Once the user places the portable electrical energy storage device in the collection, charging and distribution machine, or comes within wireless communications range of a collection, charging and distribution machine, a connection is established between the collection, charging and distribution machine and the portable electrical energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Gogoro Inc.
    Inventors: Ching Chen, Hok-Sum Horace Luke, Matthew Whiting Taylor, Yi-Tsung Wu
  • Patent number: 8996213
    Abstract: A charge control system for charging a battery in an electric motor vehicle includes a travel history database, a route information acquisition unit, a power consumption estimation unit, and a charge control unit. The travel history database stores data of actual travel history from a plurality of electric motor vehicles. The route information acquisition unit determines a planned travel route toward a destination specified by a user, and the power consumption estimation unit calculates an estimated power amount of the battery for the travel of the electric motor vehicle along the planned travel route. The charge control unit controls a charge of the battery based on the estimated power amount. The estimated power amount is based on data in the travel history database from a same-type vehicle as the electric motor vehicle and a same travel route as the planned travel route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akihito Ishikawa, Ichiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8996214
    Abstract: A hybrid working vehicle comprises an engine, a drive wheel, a power take-off (PTO) shaft, and a power transmission system for transmitting power from the engine to the drive wheel and the PTO shaft. The power transmission system is bifurcated at a bifurcating point into a traveling drive train for driving the drive wheel and a PTO drive train for driving the PTO shaft. A continuously variable transmission is provided on the traveling drive train, and a motor generator is provided on the power transmission system between the engine and the bifurcating point. The motor generator functions as a generator by power of the engine and functions as an electric motor for driving the power transmission system. The hybrid working vehicle includes a controller for controlling an output rotary speed of the motor generator functioning as the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Norihiro Ishii
  • Patent number: 8996215
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a torque generating device, a transmission, and a controller. The transmission has one or more clutches. The controller executes a method, which includes measuring an amount of slip across an identified offgoing clutches and determining whether the offgoing clutches have slipped prior to a modeled clutch torque capacity reaching zero. A status is assigned indicating that the offgoing clutches are released if the offgoing clutch has slipped prior to the modeled clutch capacity reaching zero. The controller induces slip across the identified offgoing clutches to a calibrated low, non-zero level after recording the value, including by enforcing the low, non-zero slip value using one or more acceleration profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pinaki Gupta, Lawrence A. Kaminsky, Sean W. McGrogan, Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 8996216
    Abstract: An electrical system of a vehicle includes at least one energy store, the vehicle having an internal combustion engine and electric machine mechanically coupled thereto, an actuatable accelerator pedal for predefining a torque to be output, an engine controller for injection of fuel, and an actuatable brake pedal, using which a controller is activated at least in a first partial range of its actuation, subject to first external operating conditions, so that recuperative power of the electric machine is generated at the same time that energy is fed into the electrical system. To increase the recuperation potential, the electric machine is switched to recuperative power by the controller in an operating phase in which a driver request is inferred due to actuations of the accelerator pedal, resulting in a braking power of the vehicle, the injection of the internal combustion engine being maintained due to second internal operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8996217
    Abstract: A start operation is continuously performed until the internal combustion engine starts even when an accelerator pedal opening decreases between initiation and termination of the start operation of the internal combustion engine, and an EV mode is selected again. A motor/generator is controlled such that a torque of the motor/generator exerting to reduce a slippage of the second clutch increases as the accelerator pedal opening decreases during control of the second clutch to start the internal combustion engine, compared to a case where the accelerator pedal opening does not decrease during mode switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaori Tanishima, Hiroaki Kawamura
  • Patent number: 8996218
    Abstract: A hybrid drive control device for a hybrid motor vehicle includes a control or regulation unit having a hybrid operating module that predictively controls or regulates at least a state of charge of an energy store as a function of at least one route parameter. The control or regulation unit has at least one speed control operating module that predictively controls or regulates a motor vehicle speed as a function of the at least one route parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Ottmar Gehring, Felix Kauffmann, Juergen Elser, Christophe Veber
  • Patent number: 8996219
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a low-voltage DC/DC converter (LDC) of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) includes performing a trial starting comprising steps of: trying ignition start, performing an immobilizer authentication process, and turning on a main relay of a high-voltage battery. The LDC is controlled after the trial starting, so that an operating voltage is applied from the LDC to an electric load including various kinds of controllers, thereby allowing starting of the HEV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dae Ro Park, Ji Yeol Park, Seok Min Jeong
  • Patent number: 8996220
    Abstract: A torque control device for use in a hybrid vehicle equipped with a generator driven by an internal combustion engine has a command value calculator that calculates an engine torque command value and a rotation speed command value of the generator based on a target generation power of the generator set in accordance with a running state of the hybrid vehicle, a generator torque command value calculator that calculates a generator torque command value to cause a rotation speed calculation value to match the rotation speed command value, a generator controller that controls the generator based on the generator torque command value, a rotation speed detector that detects a rotation speed detection value of the generator, and a pulsation removal filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sho Ohno, Yuji Katsumata
  • Patent number: 8996221
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a drive unit with at least one electric machine (14, 15) and a control system for traction control. The control system has an ESP control unit (18) that determines a setpoint slip in a manner dependent on the driving situation for each driven axle (10, 11) or each driven wheel (12, 13), and controls the drive unit in a manner dependent on the setpoint slip. The ESP control unit (18) determines a motor setpoint rotational speed for the respective electric machine (14, 15) in a manner dependent on the setpoint slip. An electronic power system (21, 22) of the respective electric machine (14, 15) controls operation of the respective electric machine (14, 15) based on the respective motor setpoint rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Schmalholz, Andreas Erban
  • Patent number: 8996222
    Abstract: The inventive concept is directed to a “COMPEL” system. The word compel is an acronym of the words “compressed air and electricity”. The compel system is a system of mechanical devices aligned together to propel a vehicle without employing any fossil fuel and creating very little or no detectable pollution. The motion source is a single electric engine that drives the vehicle by way of a transmission. The source/s for producing the electricity originate in two different manners. One source is of the motion of the vehicle itself and responsible for the action of the second source. Conversely, the second source provides the energy to propel the vehicle, Thus, each source is generally dependent upon the other. However, the holding reserve capacity of the fuel tank allows for the compressed air engine source to mobilize the vehicle from a dead stop and thereby re-engage the other generating source/s. The other energy generating sources are elements driven by the axle of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Fred F. Penrod
  • Patent number: 8996223
    Abstract: The invention relates to an engine operation start control device of a hybrid vehicle comprising a power output device having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. In this hybrid vehicle, an intermittent control for intermittently operating the engine can be performed and when the operation of the engine is started during the intermittent control being performed, a cranking of the engine is performed until the engine speed reaches a target engine speed. According to the invention, in case that the operation of the engine is started when the speed of the hybrid vehicle is higher than or equal to a predetermined speed and a power required for the power output device is larger than or equal to a predetermined power, the engine speed, which increases as the speed of the hybrid vehicle increases, is set as the target engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Kamatani, Kenta Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8996224
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle may determine that a speed of the autonomous vehicle is less than or equal to a threshold speed, and that the autonomous vehicle has not detected a traffic control signal. The autonomous vehicle may identify a cause C for the speed to be less than or equal to the threshold speed. The autonomous vehicle may start a timer T that is based on the cause C. After the timer T expires, the autonomous vehicle may determine whether the cause C remains as a cause for the speed to be less than or equal to the threshold speed. After determining that the cause C remains the cause for the speed to be less than or equal to the threshold speed, the autonomous vehicle may send an assistance signal indicating a stuck condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Seth Herbach, Nathaniel Fairfield
  • Patent number: 8996225
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling an unmanned vehicle. The system includes a base station configured to transmit operational commands and an unmanned vehicle including a cellular communication interface and a controller. The cellular communication interface communicates with the base station through cellular communication. The controller communicates with the communication interface and operates the unmanned vehicle based on operational commands received from the base station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Spura
  • Patent number: 8996226
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to generating roadgraphs for use by autonomous vehicles. A computer may receive input defining aspects of a roadway including an intersection with another roadway, one or more traffic control features, and one or more locations at which a vehicle is required to observe at least one traffic signal before entering the intersection. A user may identify the intersection, for example, by tracing a perimeter around the intersection. In response, for each particular location of the one or more locations, the computer may identifying a route through the intersection from the particular location and determine, based on the boundary of the intersection and the particular location, a set of the one or more traffic control features must be observed by the vehicle before entering the intersection. This information may then be used to generate a roadgraph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Chatham, Christopher Paul Urmson
  • Patent number: 8996227
    Abstract: A power control system for controlling a power network of a hybrid electrical vehicle, is provided. The power control system includes a power generating unit, one or more energy storage units coupled to a power converting unit, an electrical load. The power control system further includes a control logic module for controlling the power generating unit and the power converting unit. The control logic module is configured to identify a power demand from the electrical load and to select the power generating unit or one of the one or more energy storage units to control a voltage level of the power network based on the identified power demand, based on electrical characteristics of the power generating unit, of the power converting unit, and of the electrical load, and based on a current mode of operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Brian C. Sisk, Qi Zhang
  • Patent number: 8996228
    Abstract: Methods and systems for construction zone object detection are described. A computing device may be configured to receive, from a LIDAR, a 3D point cloud of a road on which a vehicle is travelling. The 3D point cloud may comprise points corresponding to light reflected from objects on the road. Also, the computing device may be configured to determine sets of points in the 3D point cloud representing an area within a threshold distance from a surface of the road. Further, the computing device may be configured to identify construction zone objects in the sets of points. Further, the computing device may be configured to determine a likelihood of existence of a construction zone, based on the identification. Based on the likelihood, the computing device may be configured to modify a control strategy of the vehicle; and control the vehicle based on the modified control strategy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: David Ian Ferguson, Dirk Haehnel, Ian Mahon
  • Patent number: 8996229
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and a method for information management of a construction machinery using a communication terminal mounted on the construction machinery. To this end, the information management system of the construction machinery of the present disclosure includes: a control server managing information of the construction machinery; a memory unit storing driving information of the construction machinery when the construction machinery is in a starting off state; and a communication terminal reading the corresponding information from the memory unit and transmitting the information to the control server when receiving a request for predetermined information from the control server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung Mug Shin
  • Patent number: 8996230
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for translating diagnostic trouble codes which are generated in response to faults in the performance of motor vehicles are characterized by the use of a diagnostic code translator which receives diagnostic trouble codes and other information relating to the operating parameters of the vehicle at the time of a fault and analyzes the information to generate messages relating to the fault. The messages are transmitted to the vehicle driver so that corrective action may be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: American Automobile Association, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Lorenz, John Nielsen, Dwayne Shumate
  • Patent number: 8996231
    Abstract: An administrating device that administrates a plurality of units for test used for a test of a mobile object such as a vehicle or a constituting component of the mobile object comprises a recognizing part that recognizes an assembly of one or more units for test as a group for test and an assembly of one or more group for test as a device for test, and an administrating body part that conducts a predetermined batch operation command or a predetermined batch setting for a unit for test that belongs to the designated one or more groups for test and/or that conducts a predetermined batch operation command or a predetermined batch setting on a unit for test that belongs to the designated one or more device for test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Uratani, Koji Watanabe, Hiroshi Nakamura, Tsutomu Misogi
  • Patent number: 8996232
    Abstract: Various embodiments include methods, systems, and computer-program products for wireless vehicle servicing. Instructions for performing a vehicle servicing operation may be received at a servicing terminal. Further, vehicle servicing operation data based on the instructions and data communication rules for communicating data to a vehicle computing system may be received. Servicing request data stored in computer-readable media may be generated and may include the vehicle servicing operation data and the one or more data communication rules. The servicing request data may be transmitted to the vehicle computing system and servicing return data may be received. Servicing status information may be presented on the servicing terminal based on the servicing return data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Joseph Dwan, Kenneth Dorony, Darren Peter Shelcusky, Henry Thomas Ubik, Timothy Brian DeBorde, Radhakrishnan Swaminathan
  • Patent number: 8996233
    Abstract: A vehicle control device controls a vehicle including a first oil pump adapted to be driven by power generated by a first drive source, automatically stop when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and supply oil to a power transmission unit and a second oil pump adapted to supply oil to the power transmission unit when the drive source is in an automatically stopped state, and includes a control unit adapted to continue an automatic stop until it is determined to restart the first drive source based on a parameter with which a reduction in drive force responsiveness to a drive force request from a driver, not including the stop of the first drive source, can be determined after an automatic stop command of the first drive source is output and if there is an abnormality in the second oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Kousuke Waku, Hideshi Wakayama, Noritaka Aoyama
  • Patent number: 8996234
    Abstract: A system for determining driver performance based on vehicle geolocation comprises one or more onboard vehicle sensors, one or more processors, and a memory. The one or more onboard vehicle sensors are configured to detect driving data of a moving vehicle. The one or more processors are configured to determine driver performance based at least in part on the driving data. The driver performance is normalized for a vehicle geolocation. The memory is coupled to the one or more processors and configured to provide the processor with instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Lytx, Inc.
    Inventors: Roni Tamari, Joshua Donald Botnen
  • Patent number: 8996235
    Abstract: A vehicle repair assist system for repairing a vehicle fault in a vehicle. A symptom input module is provided for entering vehicle symptom information relating to the fault. A diagnostic code module retrieves diagnostic trouble codes from the vehicle. The diagnostic trouble codes are generated in response to a fault occurrence. A knowledge-based fault module identifies potential causes of the vehicle fault based on at least one of the symptom information and diagnostic trouble codes. A repair assistant module identifies recommended repair parts and repair procedures for repairing the cause of the vehicle fault. The repair assistant module communicates with the knowledge-based fault module for obtaining a prioritized listing of the recommended repair parts and repair procedures for repairing the vehicle fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Satnam Singh, Steven W. Holland, Pulak Bandyopadhyay, Pattada A. Kallappa, Robert J. Casper, Jeremy Krall, Joseph M. Martinez, Brian W. Quinn
  • Patent number: 8996236
    Abstract: A method for detecting offset for a pedestrian protection device, in which sensor data are ascertained and evaluated for determining an impact point of an object. In the event of a collision with an object, characteristics are extracted for determining the offset of the impact point using the sensor data from at least two sensors, absolute values and/or differential values and/or composite values and/or maximum values and/or minimum values of the sensor data from the at least two sensors being determined in the characteristics extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Mack
  • Patent number: 8996237
    Abstract: A diagnostic tool that can communicate with a computing device such as smart phone is provided. The diagnostic tool can include a power management system that allows the dynastic tool to enter lower power state in order to prevent the power drain of vehicle battery. The diagnostic tool can also AutoID a vehicle or use a “fingerprinting” process to identify the vehicle. A crediting system is provided that can be used to credit a 3rd party for software purchased for use by the diagnostic tool or smart phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Bertosa, Michael Gessner, Alfred L. Lancki
  • Patent number: 8996239
    Abstract: A tread wear indicator is affixed to a respective tire tread element. The indicator is constructed as a plurality of radially stacked sensor elements operatively configured and located to sequentially sacrificially abrade and change in electrical resistance responsive to a progressive tread wear of the respective tread element. The sensor elements are connected by circuitry that communicates a data signal from the sensor elements to a data processor indicative of a change in cumulative resistivity of the sensor elements. The data processor receives the data signal from the sensor elements and determines a radial wear level of the tread element based on the data signal. Multiple tread wear indicators may be mounted to respective tread lugs across the tread to derive a tread wear status based upon the tread wear profiles of the respective lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Piotr Orlewski
  • Patent number: 8996240
    Abstract: Vehicle event recorders are arranged with integrated web servers to provide a simple user interface and control mechanism which may be address with commonly available hardware and software. A vehicle event recorder of these inventions couples to a network having a workstation node. The workstation having either of the many available web browsers can be used to view, address, control, perform data transfer, et cetera, by way of data exchange in accordance with simple IP protocols. A vehicle equipped with these systems returns to a household to make a network connection. A local server is used to see all exposed system controls as provided by predefined web pages provided by a web server integrated as part of the vehicle event recorder unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: SmartDrive Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: James Plante
  • Patent number: 8996241
    Abstract: A vehicle battery diagnosis system diagnoses the state of degradation of a battery of a vehicle equipped with the battery as a motive power source. The system includes: an information accumulation portion that accumulates degradation information regarding the battery; an information processing portion that reads information from the information accumulation portion, and that creates a plurality of types of screen information that are different from each other in display format, for a plurality of information recipients; a display portion that displays a screen that corresponds to at least one of the types of screen information created by the information processing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatoshi Uchida
  • Patent number: 8996242
    Abstract: Described are airbag control units having a radio-frequency identification transceiver, at least one battery pack, at least one inflator driver electrically connected to an airbag module, and one or more processors in communication with the radio-frequency identification transceiver, the battery pack, and the inflator driver. Alternatively, the airbag control unit includes signal conditioning hardware in communication with the radio-frequency identification transceiver, the battery pack, and the inflator driver. The airbag control unit retrieves a signal from the battery pack, analyzes the signal to determine battery status and/or voltage, transmits a signal to the inflator driver to perform an airbag status check, detects and analyzes the signal from the inflator driver to determine a status of the airbag module, and transmits the results to the radio-frequency identification transceiver for communication to a radio-frequency identification reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Zodiac Cabin Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Susanne Glueck, Martin Tischmann, Jeroen Willem Kurvink, Christian Dieling
  • Patent number: 8996243
    Abstract: A track brake includes at least one vertically movable, more particularly lowerable, braking element and an inclination sensor disposed in such a manner that a respective position of the at least one vertically movable braking element can be determined on the basis of at least one measurement value of the inclination sensor. A method for determining the position of at least one vertically movable, more particularly lowerable, braking element of a track brake is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Sven Skibbe
  • Patent number: 8996244
    Abstract: A robot system (50) includes a control system (101) having a control interface grip (102). The robot system includes a macro robotic arm (54) and a micro robotic arm (60). The robot system is arranged such that the macro robotic arm will respond, in a first control system state, to movement of the control interface grip. In particular, the macro robotic arm will move in a plurality of directions responsive to corresponding movement of the interface grip. The micro robotic arm will respond, in a second control system state, to movement of the control interface grip. In particular, the micro robotic arm will move in a plurality of directions responsive to corresponding movement of the interface grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew D. Summer, Paul M. Bosscher, John B. Rust
  • Patent number: 8996246
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a haptic feedback method and apparatus for a vehicle. The haptic feedback apparatus an accelerator pedal sensor unit, a control unit, and an output unit. The accelerator pedal sensor unit measures the angle of a vehicle accelerator pedal. The control unit determines whether the haptic feedback is required, using the measured angle of the vehicle accelerator pedal. The output unit deliver the haptic feedback to a user depending on the results of the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventor: Young-Back Kim
  • Patent number: 8996247
    Abstract: The equipment comprises a digital processor implementing an operating system requiring a previous boot before the equipment is in an operational state. A start module is operable, when the device is initially in a power-off state, for: producing a triggering signal upon detection (32) of a vibration by a sensor incorporated in the equipment, and activating (34) the processing means so as to initiate the boot of the operating system, but without activating the lighting means of a front display of the equipment, and finally activating these lighting means upon reception (36) of a vehicle start signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Parrot
    Inventor: Guillaume Pinto
  • Patent number: 8996248
    Abstract: A virtual sensor network system is provided that includes a virtual sensor node that stores sensor data collected from a sensor mounted within a vehicle in time synchronization therewith and provides the stored sensor data in time synchronization therewith, in addition, a master node performs a control on the virtual sensor node and executes an algorithm used in an intelligent vehicle using the sensor data. The master node receives the sensor data stored in the virtual sensor node as the virtual sensor data in time synchronization therewith, without inputting actual sensor data from the sensor mounted within the vehicle when executing the algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan University
    Inventors: Jinhak Kim, Hui Sung Lee, Hyoung Geun Kwon, Yoonho Jang, Yo Han Lee, Jin Ho Kim, Jae Wook Jeon
  • Patent number: 8996249
    Abstract: A method for controlling an active suspension is disclosed. The method includes steps of determining a dimension of a road abnormality ahead of the vehicle; comparing the dimension with a vehicle dimension; responsive to the comparison, classifying the abnormality as one type of a plurality of predetermined types; responsive to a dimension of the abnormality, further classifying the abnormality as having a severity of one type of a plurality of predetermined types; and controlling the suspension responsive to the abnormality type and severity type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jianbo Lu, Dimitar P. Filev, Davor Hrovat, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Uwe Hoffmann, Simon Baales, Michael Seeman
  • Patent number: 8996250
    Abstract: A control system for an electric power steering system is provided. The system includes a motor and a control module in communication with the motor. The control module provides a compensation command to the motor. The control modules includes a frequency dependent damping module for determining a frequency dependent damping (FDD) coefficient based on a base assist command and a vehicle speed. The control module includes a coefficient module for determining a plurality of filter coefficients. The filter coefficients are based on the FDD coefficient, the vehicle speed, and an inertia compensation coefficient. The control module includes a filter module for determining the compensation command based on the plurality of filter coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Michael K. Hales, Steven D. Klein