Patents Issued in December 31, 2015
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Publication number: 20150375745Abstract: When an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal are being simultaneously operated, an electronic control unit executes a driving power limiting process, in which the driving power is set less than that when only the accelerator pedal is operated. The electronic control unit executes the driving power limiting process after a predetermined time has elapsed from when simultaneous operation of the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal is performed. If the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal are simultaneously operated, the electronic control unit sets a target deceleration of the vehicle based on the vehicle speed before the start of the driving power limiting process and the operation amount of the brake pedal and then controls the driving power during execution of the driving power limiting process such that the deceleration of the vehicle matches the target deceleration.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2013Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventor: Hideaki YAGUCHI
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Publication number: 20150375746Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicle includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry calculates a target torque such that the greater the amount of brake operation is, the smaller the target torque becomes. The processing circuitry controls the drive motor such that the creep torque is smaller when brake operation is being performed by the driver than when the brake operation is not being performed by the driver. The control circuitry controls the brake device such that, when the brake operation is being performed by the driver, the brake torque approaches a target brake torque. The processing circuitry sets a decrease gradient of the creep torque to be smaller than a decrease gradient of the target torque when the brake operation amount is increased under a condition in which the creep torque is being output by the drive motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, ADVICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Masayuki NAITO, Tomokazu KATO, Kousuke BABA, Hiroaki NIINO, Masayoshi OOISHI
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Publication number: 20150375747Abstract: A control signal output unit (a drive control unit) executes control to retain a gear position corresponding to a motor generator during deceleration of a vehicle and regeneration executed by the motor generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicants: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, ADVICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yo SHISHIDO, Kyosuke Mori, Takeshi Tojo, Hiroki Saito, Masayuki Naito, Takuya Suko, Takanori IIda, Takuji Ishimoto
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Publication number: 20150375748Abstract: When a vehicle equipped with a driving support apparatus moves from an original traveling lane into a lane for passing in order to pass a preceding vehicle and an oncoming vehicle appears in the lane for passing, the safe passing of the preceding vehicle is determined to be impossible and the passing is interrupted even when the oncoming vehicle decelerates, in the case where a deceleration change amount the oncoming vehicle is smaller than a threshold. On the other hand, when the deceleration change amount of the oncoming vehicle is equal to or greater than the threshold, whereby safety with respect to surrounding vehicles can be confirmed, and it is determined the vehicle can be safely returned in front of the preceding vehicle, the passing of the preceding vehicle is performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Takayuki NAGASE, Koji MATSUNO, Shiro EZOE, Harunobu HORIGUCHI, Hajime OYAMA, Yasushi TAKASO, Masato MIZOGUCHI, Osamu TAKAHASHI
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Publication number: 20150375749Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having a transmission coupled to vehicle wheels, an internal combustion engine, a planetary gearset coupled to the engine and to a differential output shaft to drive the vehicle wheels, a traction motor coupled through gearing to the differential output shaft and the planetary gearset, a generator coupled to the planetary gearset and electrically coupled to the traction motor, a traction battery coupled to the generator and the traction motor, and at least one controller in communication with the engine, the traction motor, and the generator includes limiting engine speed in response to a wheel slip event to an engine speed limit based on motor speed and generator speed to prevent the generator speed from exceeding a corresponding threshold when the wheel slip event terminates.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Shunsuke OKUBO, Jonathan Andrew BUTCHER, Shailesh Shrikant KOZAREKAR
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Publication number: 20150375750Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission disposed in a vehicle driving system, the automatic transmission having an engaging clutch as a shift element, has a shift controller that performs a shift control of the automatic transmission. The shift controller is configured such that, during a shift control to release the engaging clutch in response to a first shift request and before determination of a complete release of the engaging clutch, when a second shift request to engage the engaging clutch is generated, the shift control in response to the second shift request is executed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2013Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryohey Toyota, Atsushi Tsukizaki, Toshifumi Hibi, Yutaka Kaneda
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Publication number: 20150375751Abstract: A method for determining a measure of energy utilisation during operation of a vehicle (100) which has a first power source (101) for generating a first motive force for propulsion of the vehicle (100) in a first direction of travel, and has at least one first brake system which acts against movement of the vehicle (100) in the first direction of travel. For a first period of time when demand for motive force from the first power source is interrupted, estimating energy consumption during operation of the vehicle (100) without demanding brake force from the first brake system, and using the estimated energy consumption during operation of the vehicle (100), without demanding brake force from the first brake system, as a basis for determining a measure of energy utilisation during operation of the vehicle (100).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Mathias BJÖRKMAN, Niklas PETTERSSON, Johan FALKHÄLL
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Publication number: 20150375752Abstract: The present disclosure relates to estimated road geometries used in vehicles, and in particular to a method and a control unit in a vehicle for determining a confidence level of an estimated road geometry. A method for determining a confidence level of an estimated road geometry is disclosed, the road geometry being estimated at least partly based on a position of a road object. The method comprises obtaining a reference position of the road object relative to the vehicle, updating a reach of a confidence zone of the vehicle, wherein a part of the estimated road geometry comprised within the confidence zone is associated with one or more reference confidence levels, and determining the confidence level of the estimated road geometry based on whether the reference position is comprised in the confidence zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Niklas CARLSSON, Joakim SORSTEDT
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Publication number: 20150375753Abstract: A method for determining the condition of the road ahead in a vehicle, according to which method the road surface is illuminated with sensor beams the sensor beams being reflected and absorbed in accordance with the condition of the road surface and the condition of the road being determined on the basis of the reflected sensor beams. The method is characterized in that the road surface in front of the vehicle in the direction of travel is illuminated. The invention also relates to a corresponding beam sensor module.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Sighard Schräbler, Bernd HARTMANN, Marc MENZEL, Hans MAGNUSSON
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Publication number: 20150375754Abstract: Described is a technology by which ambient data related to a vehicle is sensed and processed, for use in determining a state change related to external traffic awareness. Based upon the state change, an allowed level of interactivity with a user interface may be changed, and/or a notification may be output. Images and/or depth data may be sensed as part of determining whether a user who is interacting with a device in a stopped vehicle is to be made aware of the changed condition with respect to other vehicles, pedestrians and/or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Timothy S. Paek, Paramvir Bahl
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Publication number: 20150375755Abstract: A vehicle attitude angle calculating device finds a yaw angle of a vehicle with reference to a lane stably without using information on a road vanishing point even in the state where a vehicle pitch angle varies. The vehicle attitude angle calculating device includes: a dividing line detection unit that detects a dividing line from image information received from a vehicle-mounted imaging device, the image information being a captured image of an outside of a vehicle; a distance calculation unit that calculates a distance between the dividing line and the optical axis of the vehicle-mounted imaging device every predetermined processing period; and a vehicle angle calculation unit that calculates a dividing line angle based on the calculated distance between the dividing line and the optical axis of the vehicle-mounted imaging device and a vehicle proceeding distance where the vehicle proceeds during a predetermined processing period.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Masato IMAI, Hiroshi SAKAMOTO, Masao SAKATA
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Publication number: 20150375756Abstract: An approach is provided for determining vehicle accident risk. The approach determines a current vehicle state of the vehicle during operation of the vehicle. The current vehicle state is based on one or more intra-vehicle factors and one or more extra-vehicle factors that pertaining to the vehicle. The current vehicle state is compared to a number of historic accident-related vehicle states that correspond to a vehicle accidents previously recorded for a number of vehicles. Based on the comparison, the process detects an accident risk that pertains to the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle is then notified of the detected accident risk.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Lydia M. Do, Pamela A. Nesbitt, Eric Woods
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Publication number: 20150375757Abstract: An autonomous driving system for a vehicle includes: a computer unit which evaluates surroundings-related and vehicle-related data with the aid of sensors and carries out an automatic driving operation based on the data; a lead time calculator assigned to the computer unit and determining a lead time by evaluating the surroundings-related and vehicle-related data, the lead time requiring an intervention by the driver; and a comfort time calculator assigned to the computer unit and calculating a reaction time of the driver by evaluating driver-related data, the comfort time calculator continuously comparing the lead time with the reaction time and determining therefrom a comfort time which is determined by taking the difference between the lead time and the reaction time. When the comfort time reaches zero, a countermeasure including a prewarning of the driver and/or a mode change of the driving system is initiated.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Ulrich Schiek, Wolfgang Kopmann
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Publication number: 20150375758Abstract: A device that is movable along a track defined by a cable has a main frame including a pair of side walls and a transverse connector by which the side walls are joined together. A pair of pulleys is disposed between the side walls, with the pulleys being engagable with a cable and rotatable for movement of the device along the cable. A fitting by which handles are removably attachable to the main frame is secured between the side walls, and aligned receptacles in the side walls provide for reception of hardware to preclude disengagement of the cable from the pulleys during use.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventor: Philipp STRASSER
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Publication number: 20150375759Abstract: A system for increasing vertical clearance in an autorack includes an autorack comprising a plurality of decks. A first deck of the plurality of decks is positioned beneath a second deck of the plurality of decks. The second deck includes a clearance region proximate a center line of the second deck. A first portion of an underside surface of the second deck at the clearance region is higher than a second portion of the underside surface of the second deck not at the clearance region.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Robert J. Cencer, Andrew Brown, Kyle R. Coston, James R. Mitzenberg
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Publication number: 20150375760Abstract: A gondola car has a body for lading carried on an underframe. The underframe includes a center sill and cross-bearers. The car has deep side beams having top chords, side sills, and side sheets. The lower portion of the car includes tubs that seat between the cross-bearers. The car may have an internal volume of more than 8000 cu. ft. The car may have rotary dump claw sockets. The car has opposed internal and external stiffeners aligned at the longitudinal stations of the cross-bearers. The internal stiffeners may be triangular cantilevers extending upwardly inside the side sheets. The side sheet lies intermediate the stiffeners and their flanges. The top chords may be wider in cross-section than the side sills. The side sills may define torque tubes that co-operate with the sidewall stiffeners and the top chords to resist lateral deflection. The car may include a false deck, or dog-house at one end to accommodate the brake reservoir and brake valve, such that the car is longitudinally asymmetric.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventor: James W. FORBES
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Publication number: 20150375761Abstract: The invention relates to a covering system for covering an inlet formed in a hopper wagon body of a hopper wagon, whereby the covering system comprises a cover that is configured to close the inlet when it is arranged in a closed position and open the inlet when it arranged in an open position and hinge means that is configured to mount the cover on the hopper wagon body such that the cover is hinged to an outer portion the hopper wagon body, adjacent the inlet and the cover is rotatable in a substantially vertical plane between the closed position and the open position. The hinge means may be configured to mount the cover in spaced relation above the inlet such that there is a gap space between the cover and the inlet when the cover is arranged in at least the closed position. The gap space may be formed between a hinged edge region of the cover and an adjacent edge of the inlet. The cover may comprise a single leaf door. The cover may comprise a double leaf door.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Richard Peter GIBNEY, Stephen John JONES, Jonathan James BARLOW
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Publication number: 20150375762Abstract: A railway car coupler system includes a railcar coupler comprising a coupler head portion extending from a shank portion. The coupler head portion is configured to couple to a first coupler knuckle for coupling the railcar coupler to a second railcar coupler of an adjacent railcar. The coupler head portion comprises a coupler pivot pin hole for receiving a pivot pin for coupling the railcar coupler to the first coupler knuckle. The pivot pin hole has a longitudinal axis. The coupler head portion comprises top and bottom coupler pulling lugs each having a respective coupler pulling lug engagement face. At least one of the coupler pulling lug engagement faces of the top and bottom coupler pulling lugs is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: P. Scott Mautino, Joseph L. Gagliardino, Joseph Float
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Publication number: 20150375763Abstract: A brake unit for a vehicle has a brake cylinder, a brake piston guided axially in the brake cylinder and a device for adjusting a clearance. The device has two first stops, which strike against each other when the brake unit is opened, and two second stops, which strike against each other when the brake unit is closed. One of the first stops is formed on a blocking element functionally connected to the brake piston. One of the second stops is formed on the blocking element. A blocking member is in engagement with the blocking element under the force of a pre-stressing spring such that the blocking element is blocked by the blocking member when the first stops strike and can continue to latch in relation to the blocking member under the force of the brake piston when the second stops strike.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: MARKUS BILDSTEIN, ANTON GAILE, TONI SCHIFFERS
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Publication number: 20150375764Abstract: A wireless communication device of a vehicle system includes one or more antennas configured to be disposed onboard a first vehicle of the vehicle system, a first modem configured to be disposed onboard the first vehicle and to communicate a first wireless signal to one or more of a second vehicle of the vehicle system or an off-board device using the one or more antennas, and a second modem configured to be disposed onboard the first vehicle and to communicate a second wireless signal to the one or more of the second vehicle or the off-board device using the one or more antennas. The first modem is configured to communicate the first wireless signal via a first type of wireless communication link and the second modem is configured to communicate the second wireless signal via a different, second type of wireless communication link.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Santhanakrishnan RAJENDRAN, Praful Babuji VIHOL, Dibyajyoti PATI
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Publication number: 20150375765Abstract: A system for performing track maintenance operations is described. The system includes a lead vehicle for identifying sections of rail that have been pre-marked for track maintenance operations. The lead vehicle further includes a control system for receiving and transmitting coordinates of the pre-marked track sections. The system further includes at least one drone vehicle for receiving the coordinates from the control system and the drone vehicle has at least one workhead for performing track maintenance operations on the pre-marked track sections.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventor: John Mustard
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Publication number: 20150375766Abstract: An infant stroller apparatus includes a leg segment and a handle segment, a joint structure including a first and a second coupling hub that are respectively affixed with the leg segment and the handle segment and are pivotally connected with each other, a mount portion connected with the joint structure, a latch assembly having an actuation surface and arranged in the two coupling hubs, and a detachable seat having a connector and a release actuator arranged adjacent to each other. The latch assembly is movable between a first and a second position for respectively locking and unlocking the leg segment and the handle segment. The release actuator can push against the actuation surface for driving an unlocking displacement of the latch assembly when the seat is installed on the mount portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: WONDERLAND NURSERYGOODS COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Andrew J. TAYLOR, Robert E. HAUT, Curtis M. HARTENSTINE, Anthony V. RUGGIERO
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Publication number: 20150375767Abstract: The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle, wherein the steering column comprises a steering spindle bearing unit and a steering spindle mounted in the steering spindle bearing unit so as to be rotatable about a steering spindle longitudinal axis, and a support unit, which is provided in the motor vehicle for fixing the steering column and against which the steering spindle bearing unit is retained. The steering spindle bearing unit has a thread and can be adjusted by means of a motor along the steering spindle longitudinal axis relative to the support unit, wherein the steering spindle bearing unit, for adjustment thereof along the steering spindle longitudinal axis relative to the support unit, is connected by means of at least one drive belt or at least one drive chain to the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2013Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AGInventors: Thomas AGBOR, Thomas GEISELBERGER, Martin FLEISCHER
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Publication number: 20150375768Abstract: The steering column having a lug, a casing, an inner tube, an outer tube, a steering wheel end-piece, and at least one adjustment gear motor. The lug is axially movable and the column includes a gear motor controlling the lug. Having a movable lug makes it possible to increase the stowing length of the steering wheel. The range of movement is the sum of the movements of the lug and the adjustment gear motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2013Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Laurent Fevre, Mickael Sauquet
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Publication number: 20150375769Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for controlling the position of a steering column of a vehicle. The steering column is adjusted to position the steering wheel in the preferred position for operation of the vehicle by the driver. The device can control the locking mechanism, the vertical position, the depth position or all three features for the steering column. The adjustment for the steering column are made through the use of a human machine interface that allows the driver to use a touch screen or voice commands to control the adjustment features of the steering column.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Pierre Abboud, Ismail Dagli
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Publication number: 20150375770Abstract: A position lock for a steering column assembly is provided. The position lock includes an outer cam. Also included is an inner cam defining a slotted aperture to receive a rake bolt operatively coupled to the outer cam, the slotted aperture facilitating shuttling movement of the rake bolt therein. Further included is a tooth lock operatively coupled to the inner cam, the tooth lock rotatable between an unlocked position and a locked position. Yet further included is a pin extending through the inner cam and operatively coupled to the outer cam, and rotation of the outer cam facilitates movement of the tooth lock out of engagement with the rake lock tooth wall when rotating between the locked position and the unlocked position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Donald A. Buzzard, Michael P. Anspaugh, Melvin L. Tinnin
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Publication number: 20150375771Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a telescope stop assembly for a steering column having a jacket is provided. The assembly includes a cam having a cam surface, the cam rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, and a pin operatively associated with the cam. The cam surface acts on the pin to move the pin between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, an end of the pin is configured to extend into a telescope channel formed in the jacket to facilitate limited telescoping movement of the steering column, and in the retracted position, the end of the pin is located outside the telescope channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Melvin L. Tinnin, Donald A. Buzzard
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Publication number: 20150375772Abstract: An electric steering system includes a steering wheel and a first housing in which a steering shaft is arranged and rotatably mounted to a motor vehicle. A locking device is provided to lock the steering shaft at conclusion of a rotation as limitation of a steering angle input. The locking device includes a second housing which is connected in fixed rotative engagement with the first housing, and a locking bar configured for engagement in the steering shaft and arranged in the second housing such as to impact the steering shaft, when the steering shaft moves in relation to the second housing in the event of a crash, and to deform the first housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: AUDI AGInventors: Pfeiffer Ulrich, Koch Tilo, Wilding Werner, Tuschkan Alwin, Schulz Benjamin, Lorenz Stephan, Klinger Thomas, Nagl Martin
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Publication number: 20150375773Abstract: An energy absorbing device for a steering column assembly is provided. The device includes a first strap coupled to the steering column assembly, the first strap configured to absorb energy of an impact event on the steering column assembly, a second strap coupled to the steering column assembly. The second strap is also configured to absorb energy of an impact event on the steering column. A coupling device connects the second strap to the first strap such that both the first strap and the second strap absorb energy of a first impact event. The coupling device selectively uncouples the second strap from the first strap such that the only the first strap absorbs energy of a second impact event.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventor: Melvin L. Tinnin
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Publication number: 20150375774Abstract: A supporting apparatus for a steering bracket includes, a steering bracket supporting a steering column and including a first capsule-side hole and a second capsule-side hole, a separation capsule including a first bracket-side hole and a second bracket-side hole, a resin member straddling the first bracket-side hole and the first capsule-side hole, a shear pin straddling the second bracket-side hole and the second capsule-side hole, and a cam mechanism including a rotatable weight portion to pull out the shear pin from the second bracket-side hole, the weight portion constituted to rotate around the shear pin by inertia due to a primary collision and to move to a front of a vehicle, and the cam mechanism constituted to pull out the shear pin from the bracket-side hole by a rotation of the weight portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: NSK LTD.Inventors: Shinji OKADA, Yuuichi TOMARU
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Publication number: 20150375775Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that a motor frame (20), a housing (25) and a plate (21) are integrally formed in such a way as to be concentric with an output axle (28) of a motor (11) and in that at least one of the motor frame (20), the housing (25), and the plate (21) is formed of magnesium or magnesium alloy.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2013Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kohei USHIO, Yoshihito ASAO, Satoru AKUTSU, Akihiko MORI
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Publication number: 20150375776Abstract: Disclosed are an electric power steering system and a method for processing a fail-safe of an electronic control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventor: Seung Gyu HONG
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Publication number: 20150375777Abstract: Provided is a steering control device, including: an actuator for applying a steering assist torque to a steering system of a vehicle; a vehicle turning state detection section for detecting a state amount representing a turning state of the vehicle; a steering-holding determination section for determining a steering-holding state of the steering system; a storing section for storing, when the steering-holding determination section determines that the steering system is in the steering-holding state, the state amount detected by the vehicle turning state detection section as a steering-holding determination state amount; a steering assist torque calculation section for calculating the steering assist torque based on an absolute value of the steering-holding determination state amount; and an actuator control section for controlling the actuator based on the calculated steering assist torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2013Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Masaya ENDO, Yoshihiko KIMPARA, Kenji OGAWA, Taizo TODA
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Publication number: 20150375778Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for aligning a steering system of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining when the vehicle is driving a straight-line path; determining a steering wheel position error when the vehicle is driving the straight-line path; computing a rear wheel steering offset based on the steering wheel position error and a closed loop control method; and generating a control signal to a rear wheel steering system based on the rear wheel steering offset.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: STEPHEN R. PASTOR, PHANU AMATYAKUL, KEUN JAE KIM
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Publication number: 20150375779Abstract: A method for controlling a motor in an electrical power steering system is provided. The method generates a damping torque command for reducing an undesired torque to be generated by the motor. The method generates an assist torque command that specifies a desired torque to be generated by the motor. The method determines whether to send the damping torque command to the motor as a function of a hand wheel velocity and a hand wheel angle. The method combines the assist torque command and the damping torque command to send to the motor when it is determined that the damping torque command is to be sent to the motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Tejas M. Varunjikar, Anthony J. Champagne
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Publication number: 20150375780Abstract: A vehicle steering control device and a vehicle steering control method achieve an ideal steering feeling. A turning controller is configured to set as a target turning angle of a turning wheel an addition value obtained by adding a steady steer control amount that is a control amount depending on a steering angle and a differential steer control amount that is a control amount depending on a steering angular velocity. In this situation, when a driver is increasingly turning a steering wheel, the differential steer control amount is computed to be smaller than the differential steer control amount when the driver is not increasingly turning the steering wheel. Accordingly, the phase of the turning angle with respect to the steering angle in the steering returning operation can be delayed as compared to the phase in the steering increasing operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2013Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Yu wun CHAI, Kazuhiro IGARASHI
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Publication number: 20150375781Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an electric power steering system. In one embodiment, a method includes: storing a compensation table having compensation values that are associated with motor torque drive values; receiving a current motor torque drive signal; determining a compensation action the current motor torque drive signal; determining a compensation value based on the compensation action and the table; and generating a motor torque drive signal based on the compensation value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: KENNETH L. OBLIZAJEK, JOHN D. SOPOCI
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Publication number: 20150375782Abstract: A method for controlling steering of a vehicle (1) is provided, the vehicle (1) defining two or more steerable axes, and the vehicle (1) comprising a number of wheels (2), each of said wheels (2) being associated with one of said steerable axes in such a manner that steering of a given wheel (2) is obtained by steering the steerable axis associated therewith. The method comprises providing a first, a second and a third steering input. The first steering input defines a point of intersection between a virtual steering axis (4) and a longitudinal centre axis defined by the vehicle (1). The second steering input defines an angle between the virtual steering axis (4) and the longitudinal centre axis. The third steering input defines a position of a centre of rotation (5) along the virtual steering axis (4).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Poul Ennemark, Morten Hoeck Petersen
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Publication number: 20150375783Abstract: A motor power unit (9) is installed in a motor room (1). The motor power unit (9) is produced by integrally joining a motor (11) and a speed reduction gear unit (12) using, as a joining surface, one end surface of a motor case (11a) where a rotation shaft is provided, the speed reduction gear unit (12) including a speed reduction gear case (12a) in which a differential gear is installed together with a speed reduction gear. The motor (11) is placed above the differential gear installed in the speed reduction gear case (12a). The rotation shaft of the motor (11) is placed at the more front side of a vehicle body than a rotation center of the differential gear. With such arrangement, the length of the motor power unit (9) in a vehicle body longitudinal direction can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Tatsuyuki YAMAMOTO, Akira TAKAHASHI
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Publication number: 20150375784Abstract: A travel lane line determining unit determines a travel lane line to be used based on a predetermined selection criterion, from among the travel lane lines. A determining unit determines whether or not the own vehicle is going to depart from the travel lane line based on the determined travel lane line. A departure preventing unit outputs an alarm or controls steering of the own vehicle towards a direction in which the departure is avoided, when determined that the own vehicle is going to depart from the travel lane line. A parallel-driving control unit controls steering of the own vehicle such that the own vehicle travels along the determined travel lane line. The selection criterion determines a travel lane line from the travel lane lines which do not correspond to a predetermined exclusion condition, according to an execution state of the departure preventing unit or the parallel-driving control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Keiko Ogawa
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Publication number: 20150375785Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a steering system of a vehicle is provided. A detection unit is configured to obtain a compass heading, a global positioning system (GPS) heading, or both. A processor is coupled to the detection unit, and is configured to determine whether a vehicle is on a straight line path using the compass heading, the GPS heading, or both, and to selectively implement a feature of the steering system based on whether it is determined that the vehicle is not on a straight line path.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: KENNETH L. OBLIZAJEK, STEPHEN R. PASTOR, DAVID M. CALDWELL, JOHN D. SOPOCI
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Publication number: 20150375786Abstract: An automatic turning deceleration device for a mobility aid has a fixing base, a fixing unit, a turning sensor, a turning base, a linking unit, and a control module. The turning sensor is rotatably mounted on a side of the fixing unit. The turning base is mounted around the turning sensor. The linking unit is combined on the turning base and abuts the turning sensor. The control module is mounted on a side of the turning base and links between the fixing base and the turning base. Therefore, the automatic turning deceleration device can provide a stable and steady decelerating effect for the mobility aid.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventor: Shu-Chen CHAN
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Publication number: 20150375787Abstract: A rotating connector includes a movable housing and a steering angle sensor unit. The movable housing includes a cylindrical section through which a steering shaft penetrates and a main gear integrally molded with the movable housing on an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical section along a rotation direction. The steering angle sensor unit includes a fixed-side housing into which the cylindrical section of the movable housing is inserted, a satellite gear which is provided in the fixed-side housing and meshed with the main gear, and a rotation angle detection unit which is provided in the fixed-side housing and detects rotation of the satellite gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Hideki ADACHI, Norihito SUZUKI, Yuji MIGIMATSU
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Publication number: 20150375788Abstract: A subframe mounting bush my include an outer pipe provided in a subframe and divided into at least two or more outer divided parts in a vertical direction, an inner pipe inwardly spaced apart from the outer pipe by a predetermined gap and divided into at least two or more inner divided parts in the vertical direction, and a buffering rubber interposed between the outer pipe and the inner pipe and divided into at least two or more rubber divided parts in the vertical direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Young Dong YUN, Joon Soo Kim
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Publication number: 20150375789Abstract: A vehicle body front portion structure is equipped with a front side member that is disposed along a vehicle front and rear direction at a vehicle width direction outer side of a power unit disposed in a vehicle body front portion. A spacer is attached to an outside portion at the vehicle width direction outer side of the front side member. The spacer has a rear side attachment portion that is joined to the outside portion of the front side member, an outside front wall portion that is positioned at the vehicle front and rear direction front side and the vehicle width direction outer side of the rear side attachment portion, and a load transmitting rib that interconnects the outside front wall portion and the rear side attachment portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shintaro KITAKATA, Takanobu KANEKO
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Publication number: 20150375790Abstract: A roof bow for a vehicle is provided that has a “bow-tie” shape including a central portion flanked by two triangular portions. The triangular portions are joined to right and left roof brackets that are, in turn, joined to right and left roof rails. The bow-tie roof bow may be assembled from extruded tubular parts. The bow-tie roof bow may be assembled in a clamshell structure including an upper shell and a lower shell that are joined together by welding. The roof bow may be formed in one piece as a sheet metal stamping having side portions that are wider than the central portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Mohammed Omar Faruque, Fubang Wu, Michael M. Azzouz, Yijung Chen, David Anthony Wagner, James Chih Cheng
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Publication number: 20150375791Abstract: A floor pan for a body-in-white vehicle includes a front seat footwell portion and a rear seat footwell portion. The front seat footwell portion defines a front fluid passage hole for porting a surface treatment liquid during submersion of the floor pan in a surface treatment bath. The rear seat footwell portion defines a rear fluid passage hole for porting the surface treatment liquid during submersion of the floor pan in the bath.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Srinath VIJAYAKUMAR, David Edward PAUL, Elizabeth THEECK, Kamal FOANI, Azaz KHATRI
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Publication number: 20150375792Abstract: An automotive aluminum alloy component assembly includes a first vehicle component defining a first joint region and a first cutout. The assembly also includes a second vehicle component defining a second joint region. The assembly also includes a third vehicle component defining a third joint region. Portions of the first and third joint region sandwich the second joint region. A first self-piercing rivet is disposed within the second and third components and aligned with the first cutout.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Aindrea McKelvey CAMPBELL, Amanda Kay FREIS, Darrin Neil WAGNER, Srinath VIJAYAKUMAR
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Publication number: 20150375793Abstract: A frame portion for a vehicle includes a pillar component extending along a first direction and a beam component at least partially extending along a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The beam component has a rear end proximate the pillar component. The frame portion further includes a bracket coupled between the pillar component and the rear end of the beam component. The bracket spaces the beam component from the pillar component.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Edgar Edward Donabedian, Darrin Neil Wagner, Leonard Anthony Shaner, Fungtai Charles Ko, Dragan B. Stojkovic, Colleen Marie Hoffman
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Publication number: 20150375794Abstract: A hydro-formed body side rail is assembled by a bracket to a front header. The front header is an extruded cross-car structural support that is joined to the body side rail by a framed joint. A gap is defined between the body side outer panel and the hydro-formed side rail relative to a lateral end of a front header. Side impact test loads are applied initially to the body side rail and compress the bracket. Compression of the bracket closes the gap and the impact loads are applied to the cross-car structural support.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Christopher John May, Duncan Whipps, Darrin Neil Wagner, Fubang Wu, John Joyce