Patents Issued in May 3, 2016
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Patent number: 9327731Abstract: A method of controlling a brake system for a vehicle. A foundation brake may be applied to provide a foundation brake torque. Vehicle speed data, vehicle inclination data, and foundation brake pressure data may be obtained. A foundation brake torque profile may be determined that includes a set of vehicle speed values, a set of foundation brake pressure values, and a set of foundation brake torque values.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2012Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Christopher Keeney, Jeff Lloyd
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Patent number: 9327732Abstract: An exemplary method includes adjusting a proportion of engine braking used to achieve a target deceleration of a vehicle to change an amount of thermal energy generated from engine braking. An exemplary assembly includes a friction brake to selectively provide friction braking to a vehicle, an engine brake to selectively provide engine braking to the vehicle, and a controller configured to adjust a proportion of the engine braking used to achieve a target deceleration of the vehicle to change an amount of thermal energy generated from engine braking.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kenneth James Miller, Douglas Raymond Martin, William Paul Perkins, Daniel Mark Schaffer
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Patent number: 9327733Abstract: A method of controlling a clutch-to-clutch power-on upshift of a transmission includes defining a possible engine torque as a latched possible engine torque value. An on-coming clutch torque phase target value is defined as a latched on-coming clutch torque value, and held constant until a final ramp. A commanded engine torque is reduced and maintained to a maximum torque reduction value until a shift completion ratio is achieved. The commanded engine torque is increased until the commanded engine torque is equal to a restore ramp target value. Both the on-coming clutch torque and the commanded engine torque are simultaneously increased at a final ramp rate, such that the increase in the on-coming clutch torque parallels the increase in the commanded engine torque, until an actual engine torque is substantially equal to the possible engine torque, to complete the shift.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James L. Abington, Matthew Kempeinen, Paul R. Peterson, Matthew D. Whitton, Craig J. Hawkins
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Patent number: 9327734Abstract: A vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous mode can obtain sensor data from one or more sensors observing one or more aspects of an environment of the vehicle. At least one aspect of the environment of the vehicle that is not observed by the one or more sensors could be inferred based on the sensor data. The vehicle could be controlled in the autonomous mode based on the at least one inferred aspect of the environment of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Peter Lombrozo, Eric Teller, Bradley Templeton
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Patent number: 9327735Abstract: A method for assessment of driver behavior during driving by continuously characterizing (S1) the driver's braking processes by determining (S2) the cause of a chosen braking process such as a camera view, map and location data, evasive maneuvers, ambient conditions, road conditions, and assessing (S3) whether the chosen braking process is the appropriate response. Also a system for assessment of driver behavior during driving, a motor vehicle with the system and a computer program for performing the process.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: SCANIA CV ABInventors: Linus Bredberg, Jonny Andersson
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Patent number: 9327736Abstract: A method of manufacturing a vehicle body frame including a roof structure, side structures that face each other, and a floor structure is provided. The method includes a primary joining step of butt-joining only a first set of face plates among inner face plates and outer face plates of a plurality of panel boards that form the side structures, and manufacturing intermediate bodies of the side structures; a structure joining step of joining the roof structure, the floor structure, and the intermediate bodies; and a secondary joining step of joining, after the structure joining step, a second set of face plates among the inner face plates and the outer face plates of the plurality of panel boards that form the intermediate bodies to complete the side structures.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Yoshinori Kato
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Patent number: 9327737Abstract: A plate spring bogie includes: a cross beam supporting a carbody of a railcar; a pair of front and rear axles sandwiching and respectively arranged in front of and behind the cross beam in a railcar longitudinal direction to extend in a railcar width direction; bearings respectively provided at both railcar width direction sides of each of the axles and rotatably supporting the axles; axle boxes respectively accommodating the bearings; plate springs extending in the railcar longitudinal direction to respectively support both railcar width direction end portions of the cross beam and each including both railcar longitudinal direction end portions respectively supported by the axle boxes; and an auxiliary supporting mechanism supporting the railcar width direction end portion of the cross beam in a case where the railcar width direction end portion of the cross beam is displaced downward beyond a predetermined elastic deformation range of the plate spring.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takehiro Nishimura, Shunichi Nakao, Takeyoshi Kusunoki
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Patent number: 9327738Abstract: A brake control device for a brake system of a rail vehicle, wherein the brake control device detects strain during a braking process on at least one friction brake device actuated during the braking process, the brake control device further stores wear data based on the detected strain in a memory device. Also disclosed is a brake system for a rail vehicle having such a brake control device, a rail vehicle having such a brake system and/or such a brake control device, and a method for operating a brake control device for a brake system of a rail vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBHInventors: Marc-Gregory Elstorpff, Marco Nock, Miriam Van De Löcht
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Patent number: 9327739Abstract: A slack adjuster having a single, unitary housing that changes in length to compensate for brake pad wear in a rail car braking system. A threaded tension rod extends a variable length from the housing depending on rotation of the tension rod relative to the housing. A clutch assembly enclosed within a rod guide controls rotation of the tension rod and an overtravel assembly positioned in the single housing controls whether the clutch assembly will allow or prevent rotation of the threaded rod. A control rod and actuating tube transmit the controlling forces to the overtravel assembly so that the tension rod will be retained in a new length when the slack adjuster needs to take up slack in the braking system.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: New York Air Brake, LLCInventors: Howard E. Huber, Jr., Ann Gibson
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Patent number: 9327740Abstract: A method includes defining a pre-load zone that has reliable communication along a route. The pre-load zone is associated with a trip of a vehicle traveling along the route. A starting location of the trip is located outside of the pre-load zone. The vehicle is configured to enter the pre-load zone and exit the pre-load zone prior to reaching the starting location of the trip. The method includes receiving a trip request message that identifies the pre-load zone from the vehicle after the vehicle enters the pre-load zone and prior to the vehicle exiting the pre-load zone. The method also includes sending a trip response message to the vehicle that the vehicle receives prior to exiting the pre-load zone. The trip response message includes trip data specific to the trip that is selected based on the association between the pre-load zone and the trip.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Brian Terence Murren, Daniel Keith Pagano, Samuel William Golden, Brian Smith, Jared Klineman Cooper
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Patent number: 9327741Abstract: A method and system for identifying cargo-carrying vehicles (CCV) to be included in a vehicle system that are non-propulsion-generating vehicles scheduled to depart from a vehicle yard and travel to one or more destination locations at a predetermined departure time. Further includes, calculating a minimum tractive effort threshold required by one or more propulsion-generating vehicles (PGV) to propel the vehicle system to the one or more destination locations along a route within a predetermined time period. And selecting a set of one or more PGV from a larger group of PGV within the vehicle yard to be included in the vehicle system. The set of one or more PGV produce a tractive effort of at least the minimum tractive effort threshold, and having at least one of a lower fuel consumption or lower emissions than selecting one or more of the remaining PGV from the larger group of PGV, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Samuel Golden, Jared Cooper, Robert Foy, David Peltz
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Patent number: 9327742Abstract: An in-vehicle information display system includes a plurality of display devices each of which operates by receiving supply of alternating-current power obtained by converting power from a wiring or of direct-current power output from a power storage device and each of which performs guidance display to passengers, and a terminal device that operates by receiving supply of direct-current power from the power storage device and that distributes guidance display information used for the guidance display toward the display devices. The terminal device directly transmits the guidance display information to a part of the display devices, each of the display devices acquires the guidance display information from the terminal device either directly or via another display device, and the display device that acquires the guidance display information directly from the terminal device among the display devices operates by receiving supply of direct-current power from the power storage device.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Takayoshi Ookita, Ryota Saito
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Patent number: 9327743Abstract: A system comprises a speed detector, a marker sensor, a controller, a sensor unit, and a processor. The speed detector is configured to generate speed data associated with a movement of a vehicle. The marker sensor is configured to generate marker data based on a detection of an object along a wayside of a guideway. The controller is configured to calculate a distance the vehicle moved, generate location information, and generate an indication the vehicle is stationary. The sensor unit comprises an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer. The sensor unit is configured to generate sensor data based on information gathered by one or more of the accelerometer, the gyroscope, or the magnetometer. The processor is configured to process the sensor data to determine a vehicle position based on the sensor data and the location information. The controller is further configured to compare the location information with the vehicle position.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Thales Canada IncInventors: Alon Green, Rodney Ignatius, Firth Whitwam, Walter Kinio, David Dimmer, Mircea Georgescu
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Patent number: 9327744Abstract: Train detection security system and method for detecting a moving train are provided. The train detection security system includes one or more sensor units fixed to a rail of a rail track. The sensor units are arranged for detecting a first signal induced by a moving train and propagated through the rail. The system further includes a control unit including a signal processor arranged for receiving first sensor output signals representing the first signals from each of the one or more sensor units, processing the first sensor output signals and generating a train warning signal representing characteristics of the moving train based on envelope characteristics of the first sensor output signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: WAVETRAIN SYSTEMS ASInventors: Fredrik Lingvall, Tron Danielsen, Richard Aaroe, Torsten Amundsen, Orjan Sommerseth
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Patent number: 9327745Abstract: A handcart includes a handle, a cart frame and combination members. The handle and the cart frame are firmly combined together by the combination members, which are respectively composed of two combination seats, two fixing seats and an adjustment member. The combination seats and the fixing seats, which are made of metallic or non-metallic material, are firmly fixed in position by the combination members, and the adjustment member can be operated to have two retractable rods retracting inward and extending outward; therefore, the handle of the handcart of this invention is extensible and can be stably combined together with the cart frame, able to reinforce the structure of the handcart.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Inventor: Haiming Tsai
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Patent number: 9327746Abstract: The present invention relates to a residential-sized waste disposal roll-out cart that includes a latch that automatically latches a lid in the fully opened position with the lid in close proximity to the side of the bin. When the bin is tilted on to the wheels to be rolled, the lid remains in close proximity to the side of the bin, rather than hanging down towards the ground. In this way, the lid remains out of the space where a user might step. A lid reinforcement structure may be used to increase the strength and wear of the lid where it engages the latch.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Brokaw Industries, Inc.Inventor: Kim C. Brokaw
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Patent number: 9327747Abstract: The apparatuses and methods disclosed herein may be pushed by hand or pulled by a motor vehicle. Thus, implementations of the transport device disclosed herein may have functions akin to a wheelbarrow or a dumping trailer yet may provide easier and/or more efficient transportation and dumping functions over prior art wheelbarrows and dumping trailers. Implementation of the transport device disclosed herein also may be easier to push over an elevation or up a hill. Furthermore, in some implementations, the transport device disclosed herein includes four wheels and therefore can function like a cart. Still further, in some implementations, the transport device disclosed herein can have the functions of a wagon. In some implementations, the transport device includes a work bench.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Inventor: Charles Dwight Jarvis
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Patent number: 9327748Abstract: A supporting bracket is suitable for standing on a working platform and adapted to hold an electronic device having a screen and provide illumination. The supporting bracket includes a base, a supporting arm apparatus, and a lighting device. The base is suitable for being fixed to the working platform. The supporting arm apparatus has a first segment and a second segment. One end portion of the first segment is connected to the base. The first segment is able to rotate relative to the base. One end portion of the second segment is connected to the other end portion of the first segment. The other end portion of the second segment serves to hold the electronic device. The second segment is able to rotate relative to the first segment. The lighting device is fixed to the supporting arm apparatus to provide illumination.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: MELTEN corporationInventors: Fang-Chi Wu, Yu-Min Cho, Jian-Yuan Lai
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Patent number: 9327749Abstract: A foldable wagon is provided having a collapsible frame that converts the wagon from a use configuration to a folded configuration for storage and transportation. The foldable wagon has a collapsible frame positonable in an open position and a collapsed position, a plurality of wheels coupled to the collapsible frame, a plurality of substantially rigid seats pivotally coupled to the collapsible frame, and a flexible housing about the collapsible frame to form a sidewall for the wagon. The substantially rigid seats each having a substantially rigid seat back and a substantially rigid seat bottom hingedly coupled to the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.Inventors: Matthew E. Young, Randall A. Sandlin, Thomas K. Schlegel, Cameron Eckert
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Patent number: 9327750Abstract: The present invention provides a stroller frame adapted for a stroller and the stroller with the stroller frame. The stroller frame includes a handle, a front foot pivoted to the handle, a bottom pipe pivoted to the front foot, and a linking mechanism pivoted with the handle, the front foot and the bottom pipe. Thus, the present invention provides the stroller frame and the stroller therewith capable of being folded easily and with simple structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company LimitedInventors: Ze-Hua Yi, Fangming Li
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Patent number: 9327751Abstract: Assemblies and methods for the handling, transporting and/or positioning component parts include a jig assembly for supporting a component part is provided with an elongate spar assembly, a plurality of rib assemblies attached to the spar, and a plurality of tensionable strap assemblies operatively associated with the rib assemblies for capturing and holding the component part against the rib assemblies. The strap assemblies may include a strap ratchet mechanism and a strap, so that operation of the strap ratchet mechanism allows strap slack to be removed thereby tensioning the strap. The jig assembly may be positioned and oriented by suspension cables and a hoist mechanism to allow it to be removably connected to a moveable transport dolly.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: EMBRAER S.A.Inventors: Lallo Kametada Nou, Marcelo Andrey de Albuquerque Bonifacio
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Patent number: 9327752Abstract: The object of this patent is a device for fitting seats to the chassis of baby carriages. It comprises an anchoring mechanism at each side of the seat for securing the seat in corresponding recipient elements on the chassis of the baby carriage, characterized in that the recipient element is composed of a junction box into which the anchoring mechanism fits. This box rotates around a transverse shaft and has means to limit said rotation. The device can incorporate seats requiring a specific inclination for correct folding.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: JANE, S.A.Inventor: Manuel Jane Santamaria
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Patent number: 9327753Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a bottom base fixed with an axle, a wheel assembled to a bottom end of the bottom base, and a mounting base fixed with a mounting sleeve. The axle protrudes out of a top end of the bottom base, and is inserted into the mounting sleeve to assemble the bottom base to the mounting base. A resilient buffering member is sleeved on the axle and is clamped between the mounting sleeve and the bottom base. The resilient buffering member has at least one protruding portion that projects downward from a bottom surface thereof and that abuts against the bottom base.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company LimitedInventors: Zheng-Wen Guo, Wan-Quan Zhu
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Patent number: 9327754Abstract: A hauling tarpaulin for landscaping and similar uses is composed of a flexible first sheet of fiber-reinforced plastics material and a flexible second sheet of plastics material. The first and second sheets are connected to each other with the top face of the second sheet in facing contact with the bottom face of the first sheet. The second sheet has smooth bottom face, a thickness greater than the thickness of the first sheet, and a flexibility allowing both sheets to be rolled or folded for storage. The sheets are secured to each other by rows of stitching, and the stitching is protected from abrasion by protective strips. The stitching passes through intermediate strips to which the protective strips are secured by an adhesive layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: MC Inventors, Inc.Inventors: Robert Mastromatto, Frank Cerminara, Jr.
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Patent number: 9327755Abstract: A steering device includes: a steering shaft and a column jacket that are telescopically adjustable in an axial direction; a lock member that advances to an advance position at which the lock member is engaged with one of holes of a lock plate and that retreats to a retreat position at which the lock member is disengaged from the hole of the lock plate; an operation member that is mechanically separated from the lock member; a biasing member that constantly biases the lock member toward the advance position; and a transmission member that moves the lock member to the retreat position against a biasing force of the biasing member in accordance with operation of the operation member.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignees: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, FUJI KIKO CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshihito Yoshihara, Tomonori Sugiura, Yuji Takahashi, Atsumune Nagatani, Tatsuro Kubota, Shigeru Hoshino, Yota Uesaka
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Patent number: 9327756Abstract: Steering column for a motor vehicle having a column tube for rotatably mounting a steering spindle and having a carrier body which engages around the column tube, at least in certain areas, wherein the column tube is mounted in the carrier body so as to be slidable at least in a longitudinal direction of the steering spindle, wherein the steering column has at least one leaf spring which presses against a cylindrical-column-shaped section of the column tube, in a transverse direction orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the steering spindle, wherein the leaf spring has at least two support faces which are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction (10) of the column tube, with which supports faces said leaf spring presses against the column tube directly or with the interposition of at least one bearing body, wherein both during the direct pressing and during pressing with the interposition of the bearing body, the leaf spring presses against the column tube exclusiveType: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Adrian Rauber, Thomas Raich
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Patent number: 9327757Abstract: An energy-absorbing deformable tube having a first end, a second end, and a reduced portion there between, a proximate tube portion between the reduced portion and the first end and a distal tube portion between the reduced portion and the second end, where a first cross section dimension in the reduced portion is smaller than a corresponding second cross section dimension in the proximal tube portion, distal tube portion, or both, and a cover spanning the reduced portion connected to the proximal tube portion and the distal tube portion, the cover provided over at least a portion of the reduced portion, the distal tube portion or the proximal tube portion or both moves relative to the cover after the deformable tube receives an axial force exceeding a predetermined threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: A&P Technology, Inc.Inventor: David J. Kehrl
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Patent number: 9327758Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a motor, a rack shaft, a belt transmission mechanism that is provided with a drive pulley connected to the motor, a driven pulley, and a belt wrapped around the drive pulley and the driven pulley, and a converting member that is provided to extend along an axial direction of the rack shaft and that converts a rotational force of the driven pulley into a movement force in the axial direction of the rack shaft. The driven pulley is fastened and fixed to the converting member by a bolt, and the steering apparatus further includes a retaining member that prevents detachment of the bolt by restricting movement of a head of the bolt.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATIONInventors: Naomasa Watanabe, Shinichi Sakaida
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Patent number: 9327759Abstract: In a control unit, a control part is operated by electric power from an ignition power supply, and controls operations of relays and inverters. A first end of a boosting part is electrically connected between at least one relay and a corresponding inverter. A second end of the boosting part is electrically connected to the control part. The boosting part boosts a voltage at the first end, and outputs the voltage boosted from the second end. An abnormality detecting portion detects an abnormality of the boosting part. When the abnormality detecting portion detects an abnormality of the boosting part, the control part controls the at least one relay to which the first end of the boosting part is connected to shut off a flow of electric power from a main power supply to the boosting part and to the inverter corresponding to the at least one relay.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Toshihisa Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9327760Abstract: There is provided an electric power steering system that makes it possible to improve the driver's steering feel, and that includes a controller that controls driving of a motor. The controller computes a first assist component based on a steering torque. The controller computes a torque command value based on a basic drive torque that is the sum of the steering torque and the first assist component, and computes an assist compensation component through feedback control based on the torque command value. The controller computes a steered angle command value based on a value obtained by adding the assist compensation component to the basic drive torque, and computes a second assist component through feedback control based on the steered angle command value. The controller controls driving of the motor based on an assist command value that is the sum of the first assist component and the second assist component.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Terutaka Tamaizumi, Hirozumi Eki, Masayuki Kita, Isao Namikawa, Jun Hasegawa, Akihiko Nishimura
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Patent number: 9327761Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus including: a steering angle control section that calculates a motor current command value and a switching section that inputs the motor current command value to switch. The steering angle control section has a feedback control section that generates a feedback control current command value; an SAT compensating section that generates an SAT compensation current command value; and an output section that generates the motor current command value from the feedback control current command value and the SAT compensation current command value. The switching section is switched depending on a switching command of an automatic steering mode and a manual steering mode, a motor is drive-controlled based on the motor current command value in the automatic steering mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventor: Takahiro Tsubaki
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Patent number: 9327762Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a motor drive torque in an EPS system having a motor and a steering assembly. The method includes receiving a torque signal from the steering assembly; processing the torque signal in accordance with a steering perception program to produce a motor control signal; and controlling the motor drive torque based on the motor control signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Kenneth L. Oblizajek, John D. Sopoci, Stephen R. Pastor
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Patent number: 9327763Abstract: A safety device on a vehicle includes a cable system provided for each one of front wheels of the vehicle, the cable system including a traction cable fastened on a first fastening point on a component of the vehicle body and on a second fastening point on one of the front wheels, at least one deflector arranged between the first and second fastening points, and a self-inhibiting device which includes a cable slack and a lock, wherein in a deactivated state of the cable system the lock releases the cable slack to permit a steering movement of the front wheel, and in an activated state locks the cable slack so that in case of a frontal collision a penetrating obstacle actuates the traction cable in dependence on an overlap of the frontal collision, thereby pivoting the affected front wheel from a starting position into a protective position in which the front wheel is turned with its outside in the direction of the obstacle and with its inside in the direction of an end wall of the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: AUGI AGInventor: Hans-Peter Maier
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Patent number: 9327764Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus that controls a vehicle provided with a steering force applying device capable of applying steering force to induce a change in a steering angle of a steered wheel to the steered wheel, includes a difference detecting device that detects a positional difference that determines a relative positional relationship between a target running path to be maintained and the vehicle; a determining device that determines a control amount of the steering force applying device based on the detected positional difference; a controller that maintains a running path of the vehicle on the target running path by controlling the steering force applying device according to the determined control amount; a steering input detecting device that detects a steering input to a steering input device by a driver; and a correcting device that corrects a determining reference of the control amount of the steering force applying device such that, when a steering input is detected while the running path is maintaType: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignees: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Theerawat Limpibunterng, Yoshiaki Tsuchiya, Hirofumi Nitta, Shoji Asai
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Patent number: 9327765Abstract: A steering control device includes a steering reaction force control unit that applies a steering reaction force to a steering unit in accordance with a steering reaction force characteristic that is based on steering torque and steering angle of the steering unit in which the steering torque increases as the steering angle increases. Upon applying the steering reaction force to the steering unit, an offset amount is calculated that is greater as a curvature of the white line increases, and a suppression offset amount is calculated that applies a predetermined limit to a change rate of the offset amount. When the steering torque that is opposite of the curvature is detected upon offsetting the steering reaction force characteristic, the predetermined limit is changed to a greater limit than the predetermined limit to suppress an increase in the offset amount.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuya Takeda
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Patent number: 9327766Abstract: A pin assembly for a retractable pin mechanism of a slider box of a heavy-duty vehicle includes a pin guide attached to the slider box. A pin is connected to a retraction mechanism and engages the pin guide. The pin includes an integral inboard and outboard stop. The integral inboard and outboard stops of the pin limit movement of the pin with respect to the pin guide and serve as a positive stop for the pin during retraction and extension of the pin when the retraction mechanism is activated or deactivated by the operator of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventors: Thomas J. Long, John J. Ramsey
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Patent number: 9327767Abstract: A structure against a side impact has a side wall of a vehicle body, the side wall including a pillar within which a reinforcement is provided, a seatback frame, and a load receiving member disposed on the seatback frame to contact with the side wall of the vehicle body and to receive an impact load when the side wall of the vehicle body is moved toward a vehicle cabin by a side impact. A high-strength area reinforced by the reinforcement to have high strength is formed in the side wall of the vehicle body. An upper area of the pillar reinforced by the reinforcement includes a lower area having a strength lower than the strength of the high-strength area is formed beneath the high-strength area. A lower area that is not reinforced by the reinforcement is formed beneath the upper area.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Taiji Ikeda, Tatsuzo Tomita, Masato Sakurai, Toshiya Sagara
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Patent number: 9327768Abstract: A vehicle having a roof panel connectedly extending inwardly from a body structure and a tether connectedly extending between the roof panel and body structure. The vehicle may be a pickup truck having a side body structure with an aluminum alloy internal panel and roof panel connected together to make up a portion of a passenger compartment of a cab. The tether assembly may have a mounting component adhesively connected to the roof panel and a tether rope connected to the mounting component and to the internal panel. The mounting component of the tether assembly may be taped to the roof panel. The mounting component may have a heat curing adhesive. The connector of the tether assembly may be fastened to the side body structure using a threaded fastener. The heat curing adhesive may be activated with an oven to secure the mounting component to the roof panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Edgar Edward Donabedian, Darrin Neil Wagner, Mark Keller, Bruno M. Barthelemy, Ali Jammoul
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Patent number: 9327769Abstract: Vehicles having internal body cavity seals and methods of assembling the same are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a vehicle structural member, an exterior vehicle body panel that is coupled to the vehicle structural member and is spaced apart from the vehicle structural member at an internal body cavity, and a compressible sealing member that is positioned in the internal body cavity such that the compressible sealing member is concealed from an exterior of the vehicle. The compressible sealing member is coupled to at least one of the vehicle structural member or the exterior vehicle body panel and is compressed from an uninstalled thickness such that the compressible sealing member contacts both the vehicle structural member and the exterior vehicle body panel.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: James R. Kane, Sagar V. Kulkarni
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Patent number: 9327770Abstract: A center pillar reinforcement unit for a vehicle may include: a plurality of reinforcement beams disposed on an exterior circumference of a center pillar inner panel in a height direction; an upper bracket disposed on an upper end portion of the center pillar inner panel and a roof rail, and fixing an end portion of the plurality of reinforcement beams; a center bracket disposed on a center portion of the center pillar inner panel, and fixing a center of the plurality of reinforcement beams; a lower bracket disposed on a lower portion of the center pillar inner panel, and fixing a lower portion of the plurality of reinforcement beams; and a gusset bracket formed inside of a side sill seal so that the lower portion of the plurality of reinforcement beams is assembled.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: SUNGWOO HITECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Yongwoo Jung, Do-Hoi Koo, Mun Yong Lee
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Patent number: 9327771Abstract: An adjustable vehicle tailgate device adjusts to multiple positions including pivoting both outwardly and inwardly to lay flat within the vehicle bed. The device includes a vehicle having a bed defined by a bottom wall and a pair of spaced sidewalls. A tailgate has a pair of opposite ends. Each of a pair of hinge pins extends from an associated opposite end of the tailgate proximate a bottom of the tailgate such that the tailgate is pivotable between the sidewalls. Each of a pair of latch pins extends from an associated opposite end of the tailgate proximate a top of the tailgate. Each latch pin engages an associated sidewall holding the tailgate in a static position. Each of the opposite ends of the tailgate is positioned in spaced relationship to an associated one of the sidewalls wherein the tailgate is pivotable inwardly towards the bed.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Inventor: Valentin Mantchev
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Patent number: 9327772Abstract: A cabin is mounted on a device frame, and hydraulic equipment is placed on a pedestal of the device frame. In this configuration, an attachment body of a front lower part of the cabin is disposed and attached onto an installation part on a front part of the pedestal; providing a front cover between the front part of the pedestal and the front lower part of the cabin for covering forward and outward of the hydraulic equipment; and providing a front plate on the front lower part of the cabin for supporting a lower edge of a front glass. A vertically intermediate portion of an inner surface of the front plate is fixed to the attachment body, and a lower part of the front plate is placed on an upper side of the cover to thereby cover forward and upward of the installation part of the pedestal.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATIONInventors: Masaaki Ueda, Kenichi Saiki
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Patent number: 9327773Abstract: A base has a second bracket extending toward a back panel. A controller main body is arranged between the base and the back panel, and fixed to the second bracket. In a plan view, at least a part of the controller main body is arranged between the base and the floor portion so as to overlap with the base, and a bolt fixing the controller main body to the second bracket is arranged between a rear end of the base and the back panel.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.Inventors: Norihiro Iwahashi, Akihide Namura, Masashi Hoshino
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Patent number: 9327774Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting a cab enclosure incorporating a ROPS therein to a frame of a construction machine allowing accessibility thereto from inside the cab enclosure. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a mounting structure for a cab enclosure incorporating a ROPS, the mounting structure including an isolation mount therein, the mounting structure providing desired structural rigidity to the ROPS while providing desired vibration damping characteristics to the cab enclosure and while allowing accessibility for service thereto.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Micheal Valerio, Eric Ogden, Florin Smeu, Jason Forck
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Patent number: 9327775Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body having a first body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow when the vehicle is in motion relative to a road surface, and also having a second body end opposite of the first body end. The vehicle also includes first and second lateral body sides disposed generally parallel to one another. The vehicle additionally includes first and second side panels mounted to the vehicle body and configured to selectively deploy into ambient airflow aft of the second body end to become positioned along the respective first and second lateral body sides and retract from the ambient airflow. The first and second side panels provide an active lengthening of the vehicle body aft of the second body end to thereby reduce aerodynamic drag when both side panels are deployed and positioned along the respective first and second lateral body sides.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Jason W. Guenzel
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Patent number: 9327776Abstract: A rear spoiler device (10) for a vehicle (1) has at least one rear door (8, 9), wherein the rear spoiler device (10) has at least one side spoiler (16, 17) with at least one side air guide element (32), which can be moved between a driving position for contour extension and aerodynamic air guidance when the rear door (8, 9) is closed, and a base position when the rear door (8, 9) is open. The side spoiler (16, 17) furthermore has a swing arm (30) with a first pivot joint (31) for pivotable fixation to the rear door (8, 9), the side air guide element (32) is mounted pivotably on the swing arm (30) via at least one second pivot joint (34), and the side air guide element (32) has a locking arrangement on its front end region (32a) for releasable and lockable fixation to the truck (1).Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: WABCO GmbHInventors: Thomas Dieckmann, David Inkermann, Christopher Neumann, Rouven Petzold, Ralf Wokoeck, Frank Zielke
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Patent number: 9327777Abstract: A boundary layer control system includes a boundary layer separating portion that separates a boundary layer of an airflow at an underside of a body of a moving object from a main flow of the airflow, and an ejecting portion that ejects fluid in a state different from that of the boundary layer and the main flow, between the boundary layer and the main flow that have been separated by the boundary layer separating portion. This boundary layer control system is characterized in that boundary layer and the main flow are reliably separated by the fluid in a state different from that of the boundary layer and the main flow, so the percentage of the main flow that is slowed down (i.e., reduced in velocity) by the boundary layer is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yukihide Kimura
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Patent number: 9327778Abstract: A motor vehicle (1) has a device (5) that projects into the wheel house (3) to reduce the flow of air into the wheel house (3) while the motor vehicle (1) is moving. The device (5) may extend from an underbody panel (4) of the motor vehicle (1) and may be pivotable about a longitudinal axis (6) of the motor vehicle (1) on a side of the underbody panel (4) that faces the wheel house (3). Alternatively, the device (5) is connected to a chassis component (7) of a wheel (2) arranged within the wheel house (3).Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2014Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Thomas Wolf
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Patent number: 9327779Abstract: A removable front spoiler for a vehicle includes a body member, a fastener and a clip. The body member has a shape configured to disrupt airflow, the body member including a horizontal mounting member extending in a car forward direction and being configured to mount directly to an underside of a vehicle body part, and a vertical wind deflection member adjacent the horizontal mounting member and being configured to face in a direction away from the vehicle body part. The horizontal mounting member includes an opening extending through the horizontal mounting member. The fastener is configured to extend in a vertical direction through the opening and into the vehicle body part. The clip is configured to couple to the fastener so as to couple the body member to the vehicle body part.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Chiray Wey, Alfredo Dimichele, Christopher Prisby
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Patent number: 9327780Abstract: A center deflector for a front bumper of a truck or tractor vehicle includes a thickened portion extending upward from the inner deflector surface and extends laterally across a deflector section, preferably spanning substantially an entire width of the deflector section thereof. The thickened portion comprises a cross-sectional shape having a height that gradually declines from an intermediate maximum height to a reduced height along a rear edge thereof, and preferably resembles an airfoil. The thickened portion may include a hollow interior containing a pressurized gas.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: James Daniel Bird, Cory Borghi, Anders Hedkvist Mauritsson, Raja Sengupta, Bo Philipsen