Patents Issued in September 15, 2016
  • Publication number: 20160264098
    Abstract: A vehicle security system includes a vehicle and a control unit positioned within the vehicle. An actuator is positioned within the vehicle and the actuator is in communication with the control unit such that the actuator is actuatable to turn the control unit on and off. A video recording unit is positioned within the vehicle and the video recording unit records a video of activity within the vehicle. The video recording unit is in communication with the control unit such that the control unit stores the video. A remote unit is in communication with the control unit such that the remote unit turns the control unit on and off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Waletta Joyce-Harris
  • Publication number: 20160264099
    Abstract: A low-profile ventilation system is provided for a motor vehicle. That low-profile ventilation system includes an inlet duct having an inlet-free top wall, a sidewall and a bottom wall. A recirculating air inlet is provided in the sidewall. A fresh air inlet is also provided in the sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Robert Steven Sawyer
  • Publication number: 20160264100
    Abstract: A positive temperature coefficient heating assembly includes a heating core including a first metal electrode plate, a second metal electrode plate and a plurality of PTC ceramic chips; an insulating layer coated on the heating core; and a metal tube; the PTC ceramic chip includes a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, and a ceramic sintered layer; a plurality of first limit grooves are formed in the first metal electrode plate, a plurality of second limit grooves are formed in the second metal electrode plate, a first end of each of the PTC ceramic chips is embedded in one of the first limit grooves, and a second end of each of the PTC ceramic chips is embedded in one of the second limit grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: QING GONG, XINPING LIN, HUI WU, XIAOFANG LI, MAOLIN REN, SHUMIN WANG, MENGXIANG WU, TIANYOU DENG, HUAITONG WEN, WEIFENG ZHANG, HONGMEI QIU
  • Publication number: 20160264101
    Abstract: A wiper blade includes blade rubber, a holder body, and a clip. The clip is pivotally connected to the holder body. The clip has an elastic piece and an engagement protrusion. The engagement protrusion engages with an engagement hole provided in a wiper arm. The elastic piece section has a long piece section, a turned-back section, a first bending axis, and a second bending axis. The long piece section extends through a position to a side of the engagement protrusion. The turned-back section extends so as to change the direction of the long piece section in order to connect the front end of the long piece section to the engagement protrusion. The first bending axis and the second bending axis extend so that the engagement protrusion is located between the first bending axis and the second bending axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicants: ASMO CO., LTD., NIPPON WIPER BLADE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Isao OHTA, Takao YOSHIMOTO, Masahiro OHTA
  • Publication number: 20160264102
    Abstract: A washer apparatus 50 is provided to a coupling portion CN between a blade rubber 20 and a holder member 30, and has a length in a longitudinal direction of the blade rubber 20, which is set to be shorter than that of the blade rubber 20 in the longitudinal direction, and inner-peripheral-side-oriented injection nozzles 53a and 55a and an outer-peripheral-side-oriented injection nozzle 54a have openings oriented to respective ends of the blade rubber 20 in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Masayuki Shimoyama, Masayuki Arima, Daisuke Kobayashi, Takeshi Sasaki, Tatsuya Ohmaru, Taisuke Goto, Hiroki Fujiya
  • Publication number: 20160264103
    Abstract: A wheel roller for a chain conveyor of an automated carwash has a direct connection of the wheels to the carrier link. The wheel roller contains a carrier link and a roller frame supported by the carrier link. The roller frame has a plurality of pins rigidly connected to the carrier link. A plurality of wheels is supported by the pins of the roller frame. Because the roller frame is rigidly connected (e.g. welded) to the carrier link, the wheels cannot rotate about the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: PAUL FAZIO, ANTHONY ANALETTO
  • Publication number: 20160264104
    Abstract: A vehicle wash system having an entrance end, an exit end, and a vehicle treatment area. The system including a dryer element disposed on a frame adjacent the exit end. The dryer element includes an air inlet, a plurality of air outlets, and a housing constructed of a translucent material. The dryer element includes light source disposed in the housing and configured to emit light in a plurality of different colors. The light source has a plurality of modes each corresponding to a different system condition. The system also includes a controller in communication with the light source and configured to enable the plurality of modes in response to a detected system condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Belanger
  • Publication number: 20160264105
    Abstract: A rotary brush assembly for use in a vehicle wash system, including a base portion, a linkage portion in rotational communication with the base portion and a treatment portion moveable between a first position extended into the vehicle treatment area for engagement with an exterior of a vehicle and a second position retracted from a vehicle treatment area. The treatment portion includes a brush assembly configured to rotate about an axis of rotation. The brush assembly has a backing member, a plurality of media elements secured to the backing member, and a plurality of spray nozzles encapsulated within the plurality of media elements. A plurality of pockets formed on the brush assembly where none of the first plurality of media elements are disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Belanger, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Jerry A. Kotrych, David Tognetti
  • Publication number: 20160264106
    Abstract: A vehicle integrated jack device provides independent extension of separate jack arms controlled from an interior of a vehicle. The assembly includes a vehicle having a frame and a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame. Each of a plurality of jack arms is coupled to and extendable from the frame of the vehicle. Each of the jack arms is positioned proximate an associated one of the wheels. A control unit is positioned in an interior of the vehicle. Each of the jack arms is operationally coupled to the control unit such that each jack arm is independently extendable by operation of the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Alain Pierre
  • Publication number: 20160264107
    Abstract: A height-adjustable support for a vehicle having an outer support pipe, an inner support pipe displaceably supported in the outer support pipe and deployable out of and retractable into the outer support pipe by a drive spindle, a gear unit arranged in the outer support pipe and a drive unit for driving the gear unit for moving the inner support pipe relative to the outer support pipe, wherein the drive unit has a motor arranged outside the cross section of the outer support pipe and a transmission unit, wherein a rotation axis defined by a motor shaft extends outside the outer support pipe and the transmission unit is configured to transmit a torque from the motor shaft to the gear unit, and wherein the transmission unit has a housing and a drive pinion protruding out of the housing and engaging the gear unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: SAF-HOLLAND GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhold RIEDL
  • Publication number: 20160264108
    Abstract: A collision avoidance apparatus for a vehicle includes an object sensor that detects one or more objects around the vehicle; and an electronic control unit that (i) determines a likelihood for the vehicle to collide with the object, based on at least one of a distance between the vehicle and the object, and a relative speed of the object with respect to the vehicle; and (ii) starts executing a drive support to avoid the collision between the vehicle and the object when the likelihood of the collision is greater than or equal to a first level. A value of the first level is reduced in a case where a number of objects detected by the object sensor is less than or equal to a predetermined number than in a case where the number of the objects is greater than the predetermined number.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoaki HARADA
  • Publication number: 20160264109
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the contact patch parameters of a tire while rolling on deformable surfaces, such as during a hydroplaning event, are provided. More particularly, a piezoelectric sensor configured to provide a piezoelectric sensor output signal indicative of the time-varying curvature of a rolling tire can be mounted in a tire. The piezoelectric sensor output signal can be analyzed to detect a signal perturbation corresponding to the hydroplaning event. One or more characteristics of the contact patch during the hydroplaning event can be analyzed based on the signal perturbation. For instance, a parameter indicative of the shape of the contact patch during the hydroplaning event can be assessed based on the signal perturbation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: David Alan Weston
  • Publication number: 20160264110
    Abstract: A brake system includes a brake activator which controls, when a slipping condition is detected at a central rear wheel based on a signal detected by a central rear detector, the operating condition of a central rear brake based on the signal detected by the central rear detector so as to reduce a braking force on the central rear wheel lower than a braking force which is obtained as a result of operation of an input member. In this state, when an operation quantity of the input member increases as a result of operation of the input member, changing the operating conditions of both a right front brake and a left front brake, the brake activator increases the braking forces in both a right front wheel and a left front wheel according to an operation quantity of the input member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Hiroaki SETO, Kunihide OHASHI, Takeshi YAMAMURA, Yoshinori TSUJI, Hideki TAKADA, Kunio KAJIHARA, Masato TERASAKA, Yutaka HAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20160264111
    Abstract: Motor-generators are arranged both at front and rear wheels so as to be capable of using all of four wheels for regeneration. The horizontal axis indicates deceleration of a vehicle, and the vertical axis indicates braking forces for the front and rear wheels, respectively above and below the horizontal axis. A setting value indicates a limit braking force for the rear wheels to be locked. A frictional braking force and a regenerative braking force at the rear wheels are controlled so that the total braking force for the rear wheels does not exceed the setting value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Shigeru DOI, Akio SHIMODA, Hisanori YANAGIDA
  • Publication number: 20160264112
    Abstract: A distributor valve system for a railway vehicle including a brake pipe, a relay valve, an auxiliary reservoir in line between the brake pipe and the relay valve to establish fluid communication between the brake pipe and the relay valve, and a brake cylinder in fluid communication with the relay valve. The relay valve has a plurality of positions corresponding to different amounts of pressurized air applied to the brake cylinder. The relay valve may include a plurality of chambers that are filled with pressurized air according to the amount of air pressure needed for the brake cylinder. A change-over device may be configured to switch the relay valve between the different positions, wherein the change-over device may be in line between the auxiliary reservoir and the relay valve. A railway vehicle may be in fluid communication with the distributor valve system via the brake pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Wabtec Holding Corp.
    Inventors: Stojce Smileski, Filip Hadzi-Nurev
  • Publication number: 20160264113
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake system includes a brake actuating element, a simulation device with a detector for detecting brake actuation by a driver. No mechanical and/or hydraulic operative connection between the brake actuating element and the wheel brakes is provided. A pressure medium reservoir, an electrically controllable pressure source for actuating the wheel brakes can be connected to each of the wheel brakes, electrically actuable wheel valves assigned to the wheel brakes for setting wheel brake pressures, and at least one electronic control and regulating unit for actuating the pressure source and wheel valves. The pressure source includes at least one piston which is sealed in a housing by a first sealing element and a second sealing element. In the case of a leak of the first sealing element, a pressure build-up is carried out at the wheel brakes by the pressure source with use of the second sealing element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Hans-Jörg FEIGEL
  • Publication number: 20160264114
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a brake apparatus capable of highly accurately detecting a stroke amount of a brake pedal. According to an aspect of the present invention, a brake apparatus includes a master cylinder unit and a stroke sensor. The master cylinder unit includes therein a piston configured to carry out a stroke via a rod axially actuated according to an operation performed by a driver on a brake pedal, and an oil passage through which brake fluid flows after flowing out according to the stroke of the piston. The stroke sensor is attached to an outer wall of the master cylinder unit and configured to detect an axial stroke amount of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Ryohei Maruo, Chiharu Nakazawa
  • Publication number: 20160264115
    Abstract: Methods and systems of validating a vehicle safety function. In one implementation, a plurality of vehicle safety function software programs are developed. A first one of the software programs is installed in a memory of a vehicle controller. The program is run on the controller without delivering at least one vehicle actuator output of the controller generated as a result of running the program. Activation data for the safety function is recorded and the steps of installing, running, and recording with a second one of the plurality of vehicle safety function software programs are repeated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Oliver F. SCHWINDT, Maria Eugenia GARCIA BORDES, Jean-Francois PELOSSE, Moritz DECHANT
  • Publication number: 20160264116
    Abstract: Brake actuators for a motor vehicle braking system, braking systems including the brake actuators, and motor vehicles including the brake actuators are provided. A brake actuator includes a chamber enclosing a volume configured to hold a quantity of brake fluid, a piston, a piston actuator, and a compressible medium. The piston actuator may be coupled to the piston and configured to actuate the piston. The compressible medium may be positioned relative to the chamber such that the compressible medium is subjected to a force due to pressurization of the brake fluid in the chamber. A volume of the compressible medium may be configured to be changed by the force due to the pressurization of the brake fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon BEAUVAIS, Tim JURKIW, Dale Scott CROMBEZ
  • Publication number: 20160264117
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic brake (EHB) system of a vehicle, the vehicle is equipped with brake pedal, brake pushrod, wheel cylinders, brake pedal sensors, on-board vehicle sensors. The EHB system includes a manual boost cylinder, an electric power assist assembly and a master cylinder. The manual boost cylinder includes a sliding cylinder body, a large piston and a small piston. The manual boost cylinder also include interlocking means that selectively operate on locking or unlocking between the sliding cylinder body, the small piston and the large piston based on a plurality of positions of the small piston within the manual boost cylinder body. The electric power assembly includes an electric motor, a pinion gear and a rack and a master cylinder. The master cylinder includes a first piston, a second piston and limiter means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Weiwen Deng, Nenggen Ding
  • Publication number: 20160264118
    Abstract: An air dryer assembly with manifold system provides increased drying capacity for pressurized air systems, such as vehicle braking systems. A manifold connected to the supply ports of two adjacent air dryers allows parallel flow of air through the separate air dryers. An identical manifold connects to the delivery ports of the two air dryers to combine the clean, dry air from the delivery ports. Similar manifolds connect the control and purge ports of the dryers to allow simultaneous regeneration of the desiccant canisters. An assembly combining two air dryers, two pretreatment units, and manifolds connecting the supply, delivery, control, and purge ports of two air dryers is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: HALDEX BRAKE PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: ANDREW W. ADAMS, MICHAEL R. JENKINS
  • Publication number: 20160264119
    Abstract: A method and system for management of a vacuum pump connected to a braking system of a motor vehicle, and use of an electronic control unit connected to the vacuum pump. At least one differential pressure threshold associated with the vacuum pump, selected from a first differential pressure threshold controlling stopping of operation of the vacuum pump, a second differential pressure threshold controlling starting of the vacuum pump, and a third differential pressure threshold, lower than the second threshold and signalling alerts representative of operating faults, is determined by taking into account a first set of data representative of the detection or otherwise of a repetitive braking situation and/or a second set of data representative of altitude of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventors: Frederic PERAIN, Pierre GARNIER, Sophie CONSTANT, Borhen FELAH
  • Publication number: 20160264120
    Abstract: A brake monitoring system and method determine one or more characteristics of a conduit in a first air brake system of a first vehicle system, compare the one or more characteristics of the first air brake system with one or more designated waveform signatures, and distinguish between communication of a brake application signal that is propagated along the vehicle system through the conduit as a decrease in pressure in the conduit and a change in the pressure in the conduit that is not representative of the communication of the brake application signal based on comparing the one or more characteristics with the one or more designated waveform signatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Andrew Kellner, David Michael Peltz, Eugene Smith
  • Publication number: 20160264121
    Abstract: An inflatable vehicle incorporating an air cushion is provided. The inflatable vehicle includes a main body defining therein a cavity and configured to be inflated. The vehicle also includes an inflatable, flexible skirt positioned below the main body, the skirt defining therein another cavity and including apertures to allow air to escape. The vehicle also includes a blower configured to blow air, the blower being supported by the main body when inflated. The vehicle also includes a duct system configured to be in fluidic communication with the blower, the cavity of the main body and the cavity of the skirt. The duct system includes valves to control the flow of air from the blower to inflate the main body and subsequently inflate the skirt to form the air cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Mauricio Ricardo DEZEN, Qing HAN
  • Publication number: 20160264122
    Abstract: A vehicle and methods of braking the vehicle on a downhill grade as automatically implemented by a computing device are disclosed. One method includes detecting application of a vehicle brake and detecting acceleration of the vehicle while the vehicle traverses the downhill grade. Based on detection of the application of the vehicle brake and detection of the acceleration of the vehicle, the method also includes sending a command to downshift a transmission of the vehicle. If, after the downshift of the transmission, the application of the vehicle brake is not detected for a threshold time, the acceleration of the vehicle falls below a threshold acceleration, or the downhill grade falls below a threshold grade, the method can further include sending a command to upshift the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher T. Gauthier
  • Publication number: 20160264123
    Abstract: A method for preventing the stalling of the engine of a hybrid vehicle (1) equipped with an auxiliary motor (4), generally an electric motor, and with related equipment, namely wheels (R1 to R4), pistons (2a to 2d), tank (3), axle (5), drive shaft (6), gearbox (7), connections (8a, 8b), and computer (9). The method uses an estimate of the predicted instantaneous speed of the main engine (2) at its next top dead center, for the purpose of assisting the main engine in a stall situation, via the auxiliary motor which can supply sufficient power to it on a one-off basis to prevent it from stopping. The method defines two levels of instantaneous speed. If the predicted instantaneous speed is located in the intervention zone between the two levels, the auxiliary motor assists the rotation of the main engine to enable it to rotate in the same direction, without stalling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Damien VERDIER, Benjamin MARCONATO, Jerome LACHAIZE
  • Publication number: 20160264124
    Abstract: The electronic control unit sets a target value of a charging amount of the electrical storage device and increases the charging amount to the target value during traveling on the freeway. The electronic control unit computes a first travel cost being cost per unit travel distance of fuel used when the EV travel is made by using the electric power charged in the electrical storage device at a time when the HV travel is made on the freeway, and the second travel cost being cost per unit travel distance of the electric power used when the EV travel is made by using the electric power charged in the electrical storage device by the charging mechanism at the destination. The electronic control unit sets the target value on the basis of a comparison result between the first travel cost and the second travel cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Makoto Hotta
  • Publication number: 20160264125
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a first charge controlling device configured to maintain output of an internal combustion engine at a predetermined value or more, and to charge a power storing device with an output excess with respect to an output request for the internal combustion engine. The control apparatus includes a second charge controlling device configured to charge the power storing device with an output increment caused by upshift of a gear shifting device. The control apparatus further includes a transmission time changing device configured to extend an execution time of the upshift or to delay start timing of the upshift, in order to prevent charge power for the power storing device from exceeding an input limit value for the power storing device, if the control time of the output reduction request overlaps the control time of the upshift request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihito KANNO, Gohki KINOSHITA, Hiroki MORITA
  • Publication number: 20160264126
    Abstract: A method manages energy of a hybrid vehicle. The vehicle includes a heat engine, one or more electric traction motors, a high-voltage traction battery, a low-voltage on-board battery for accessories of the vehicle, a current inverter to transform direct currents into alternating currents for the electric motor, and a reversible current transformer to convert high-voltage current into low-voltage current of the on-board battery and to use a stock of energy available in the low-voltage battery to not draw energy from the high-voltage battery when it has a relatively low level of charge. The method includes determining an operating point of the vehicle involving a minimum fuel consumption in the heat engine by imposing on the electric motor a torque that minimizes a criterion of total fuel consumption by the consumption of the heat engine, power consumed in the traction battery, and power consumed in the on-board battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Ahmed KETFI-CHERIF, Karima NAIR, Maxime DEBERT
  • Publication number: 20160264127
    Abstract: A method to control a hybrid powertrain (2) in a vehicle, the powertrain including a combustion engine (3), an electric machine (4) and a gearbox (6) with an input shaft (10) and output shaft (18), wherein the combustion engine (3) and the electric machine (4) are connected to the input shaft (10). The method includes the steps of controlling the gearbox (6) to a neutral position; controlling the speed of the electric machine (4) to a predetermined speed, corresponding to a target speed for the input shaft (10) according to the next selected gear; engaging a gear in the gearbox (6); controlling the electric machine (4), so that the electric machine (4) accelerates or decelerates depending on a requested driving torque for the vehicle (1); detecting when a control signal for the electric machine (4) corresponds to a predetermined signal value; and controlling the electric machine (4) to the requested driving torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Mattias NILSSON, Fredrik SUNDÉN, Mats LIWELL, Afram KOURIE
  • Publication number: 20160264128
    Abstract: A vehicle control system for reducing shocks resulting from restarting an engine under EV running mode. The vehicle control system is applied to a vehicle including an engagement device that selectively connect the engine with the powertrain, and a motor adapted to generate a drive force and connected with the powertrain. In the vehicle, a first mode is selected to propel the vehicle by the motor while interrupting the torque transmission between the engine and the powertrain and stopping the engine, and a second mode is selected to propel the vehicle by the motor while allowing the torque transmission between the engine and the powertrain and stopping the engine. The vehicle control system selects the second mode if a control response of at least any of the engagement device and the motor is estimated to be out of a predetermine range when the vehicle is running while stopping the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA, Toshiki KANADA, Tooru MATSUBARA, Yasuhiro HIASA
  • Publication number: 20160264129
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and a rotary electric machine. The internal combustion engine includes a variable valve actuating device configured to change an operation characteristic of an intake valve. The rotary electric machine is configured to generate driving force for propelling the hybrid vehicle. A controller for the hybrid vehicle includes a traveling control unit and a valve actuation control unit. The traveling control unit executes traveling control for causing the hybrid vehicle to travel by using the driving force of the rotary electric machine while stopping the internal combustion engine. The traveling control unit starts up the internal combustion engine while executing the traveling control. The valve actuation control unit controls the variable valve actuating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshikazu KATO, Ryuta TERAYA, Yoshikazu ASAMI
  • Publication number: 20160264130
    Abstract: An adaptive control adjusts thresholds in a vehicle stability control in response to video camera data, GPS data and weather data indicating that vehicle road conditions are not ideal. Video data determines mue (coefficient of friction) and type of road. Weather data includes temperature, visibility, precipitation and wind velocity. A human machine interface manually overrides the adaptive control in response to a user input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Willy Klier, Ravi Bhadange
  • Publication number: 20160264131
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an occupant monitoring system and a processing circuit coupled to the occupant monitoring system. The occupant monitoring system is configured to acquire occupant data regarding an occupant of the vehicle. The processing circuit is configured to receive the occupant data; determine a vehicle operation command based on the occupant data, the vehicle operation command configured to affect operation of the vehicle while the vehicle is in a robotic driving mode; and provide the vehicle operation command to a vehicle system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Alistair K. Chan, Tom Driscoll, Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, David R. Smith, Clarence T. Tegreene
  • Publication number: 20160264132
    Abstract: A system and method of retrieving a vehicle includes generating a path from a final destination to a starting position, receiving a command to retrieve the vehicle, and autonomously operating the vehicle along the path from the final vehicle destination to the starting vehicle position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Brian D. Paul, Walter M. Lazar, II, Andrew Wassef
  • Publication number: 20160264133
    Abstract: A transporter vehicle includes: a traveling device changing a traveling direction so that one state of a linear movement state and a non-linear movement state changes to the other state thereof; a setting unit setting a determination value related to a change amount in the traveling direction from the linear movement state; a collision prevention system including an object detection device detecting an object in front of the vehicle and a collision determination unit determining a possibility of a collision with the object based on a detection result of the object detection device, the collision prevention system performing a process for reducing damage caused by the collision with the object; and an invalidation unit invalidating at least a part of a process of the collision prevention system based on the determination value and a detection value of the change amount in the traveling direction from the linear movement state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru Ohsugi, Shinji Mitsuta
  • Publication number: 20160264134
    Abstract: A transporter vehicle includes: a vehicle; a vessel that is provided in the vehicle; a traveling state detection device that detects a traveling state of the vehicle; an object detection device that detects an object in front of the vehicle; and a collision determination unit that determines a possibility of collision with the object based on a loading state of a load of the vessel, a detection result of the traveling state detection device, and a detection result of the object detection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Shigeru Ohsugi, Motohide Sugihara, Shinji Mitsuta
  • Publication number: 20160264135
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle movement control system which does not cause a discomfort feeling at a normal time and securely assists a driver at the time of emergency avoidance steering. The vehicle movement control system includes: a risk potential estimation unit which estimates a risk potential of a vehicle based on input environmental information and vehicle information; a vehicle longitudinal movement control unit which generates a longitudinal movement control command of the vehicle based on a lateral jerk of the vehicle and a predetermined gain; a vehicle yawing movement control unit which generates a yawing movement control command of the vehicle based on the lateral jerk of the vehicle and the predetermined gain; and a ratio adjustment unit which adjusts a ratio between the longitudinal movement control command of the vehicle and the yawing movement control command of the vehicle, wherein the ratio adjustment unit adjusts the ratio based on the risk potential estimated by the risk potential estimation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Makoto YAMAKADO, Keiichiro NAGATSUKA, Mitsuhide SASAKI, Mikio UEYAMA
  • Publication number: 20160264136
    Abstract: A method for automatically controlling a vehicle includes giving a reference local path and a potential speed of the vehicle. The method also includes calculating a stirring angle automatic setpoint that makes it possible to calculate a lateral acceleration proportional to the square of the potential speed of the vehicle, making the vehicle describe an arc of a circle including a point of intersection with the reference local path at a distance from the vehicle. A speed setpoint is generated and set to a value equal to that of the potential speed when the lateral acceleration has a value lower than a maximum permissible lateral acceleration value and the value of the potential speed is decreased when the lateral acceleration has a value higher than or equal to the maximum permissible lateral acceleration value so as to calculate a reduced lateral acceleration by repeating the calculating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventor: Nicoleta MINOIU ENACHE
  • Publication number: 20160264137
    Abstract: A vehicle, a vehicle speed control system, and a method of controlling vehicle speed are provided. The vehicle may include a powertrain and a controller. The controller may be programmed to reduce a powertrain output based on a braking comfort parameter such that a speed becomes less than a threshold speed associated with the parking maneuver prior to completion of the parking maneuver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Publication number: 20160264138
    Abstract: A method of an auto cruise control of a vehicle includes detecting, based on a torque difference, a time at which a torque limitation is released. The torque difference is defined as a difference between a calculated torque ur and a torque u in a torque command. A target speed of a vehicle is dynamically adjusted using an adjusted value determined based on the torque difference and a proportional-integral (PI) control gain at the time at which the torque limitation is released. An auto cruise control and an auto cruise control system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Jae Won JUNG, Hyeon Seob KIM, Sae Kwon CHANG
  • Publication number: 20160264139
    Abstract: A vehicle and methods of proximity-based engine control for a vehicle as automatically implemented by a computing device are disclosed. One method includes determining a distance between the vehicle and a preceding obstacle. If the distance between the vehicle and the preceding obstacle is below a threshold distance, the method further includes determining whether a vehicle brake is being applied. If the vehicle brake is not being applied, the method further includes detecting a throttle position for an engine throttle. If the throttle position is above a threshold throttle position, the method further includes sending a command to modify the throttle position to a restricted throttle position. If the throttle position is above the threshold throttle position, the method can optionally include sending a command to modify ignition timing for a vehicle engine or sending a command to apply the vehicle brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher T. Gauthier
  • Publication number: 20160264140
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a controller configured to perform: ignition starting of an engine when a detected crank angle is within a first area in which the ignition starting of the engine may be performed with probability not smaller than a first predetermined value; and the ignition starting of the engine while increasing an engine speed by engaging a clutch to transmit torque of a drive wheel to a crankshaft when the crank angle is within a second area in which the ignition starting of the engine may be performed with probability not smaller than a second predetermined value smaller than the first predetermined value and smaller than the first predetermined value, the instruction is output based on a signal indicating that a braking unit is turned on, and a gear of a transmission is not in neutral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koki MATSUSHITA
  • Publication number: 20160264141
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train, comprising: providing a primary drive machine, a working machine, a hydrodynamic clutch, and a temperature detection device; wherein at least in the case of a change from a load state and/or an operating state of the drive train thereby creating a new load state and a new operational state, the temperature of the hydrodynamic clutch is detected at the time of the change; wherein on the basis of the detected temperature and the new load state and/or the new operational state of the drive train, an expected temperature progression is calculated; and wherein a warning signal and/or a stop signal is issued for the primary drive machine if a temperature of the calculated temperature progression exceeds a predetermined maximum temperature within the expected duration of the new load state and/or the new operational state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Brunner, Frank Hellinger
  • Publication number: 20160264142
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device, in particular a control and evaluation unit, for recognizing a water passage or a high water level for a vehicle, which has, as a drive, an internal combustion engine having an exhaust train, in which the functionality of an emission control system is monitored or controlled by at least one exhaust sensor and the exhaust sensor is operated at least intermittently at high temperatures and has thermal shock susceptibility by design. According to the invention, a water recognition criterion is determined based on one or a plurality of distance sensors and, at critical values of the water level which are predicted or have already been reached, protective measures are initiated for the emissions control system of the vehicle or in for the exhaust sensor or exhaust sensors arranged in the exhaust duct. Damage to exhaust sensors or to components of the emissions control system as a result of the severe cooling upon contact with water can thus be minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Ariel Di Miro, Andy Tiefenbach, Markus Becker
  • Publication number: 20160264143
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining if a vessel is experiencing a drive-off event, identifying a subsystem causing the drive-off event, and controlling a vessel to correct the drive-off event are disclosed. The determining may include processing, with a processor of the dynamic positioning control system, a modeled vessel motion and a measured vessel motion to determine whether there is a discrepancy between the modeled vessel motion and the measured vessel motion. The dynamic positioning (DP) control system may then take action to control vessel motion based, at least in part, on the processing of the modeled vessel motion and the measured vessel motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Trenton Martin, David Hollier
  • Publication number: 20160264144
    Abstract: A method controls regenerative braking of a motor vehicle provided with an electric or hybrid powertrain. The method includes determining that a driver is pressing neither a throttle pedal nor a brake pedal of the vehicle. The method also includes determining a correction coefficient as a function of a torque supplied by a motor of the powertrain, of a speed and an angular velocity at a wheel of the vehicle, of a gradient, of a mass of the vehicle, and of friction. Next, the method includes determining a setpoint for regenerative braking without pressure on the brake pedal as a function of the correction coefficient and of two maps of torque as a function of a rotational speed of the powertrain, for a substantially zero gradient and a vehicle mass substantially equal to a reference mass of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Laurent FONTVIEILLE, Emmanuel BUIS, Benoit VERBEKE
  • Publication number: 20160264145
    Abstract: A method for shifting in a vehicle (1) with a hybrid powertrain (2), the powertrain includes: a combustion engine (3), an electric machine (4), a gearbox (6) with an input shaft (10) and a main shaft (14), wherein the combustion engine (3) and the electric machine (4) are connected to the input shaft (10); and a lay shaft (16), via gear sets (50, 52 and 58, 60, 62) is connected to the input shaft (10) and the main shaft (14), so that they form a split gear unit (13) and a main gear unit (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Mattias NILSSON, Fredrik SUNDÉN, Mats LIWELL, Afram KOURIE
  • Publication number: 20160264146
    Abstract: A method of controlling a dual clutch transmission power on up shift including an on-coming clutch and an off-going clutch. The method includes implementing a prep phase comprised of decreasing torque on the off-going clutch, monitoring the off-going clutch speed to determine a slip point, and adding a bump torque to the off-going clutch when the off-going clutch reaches the slip point. The method implements a torque phase transferring torque from the off-going clutch to the on-coming clutch by increasing torque on the on-coming clutch towards an engine torque, decreasing torque on the off-going clutch, and simultaneously keeping the combination of torques greater than the slip point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Dunfee, II, Andrew Hart, Simon Fitzgerald, Michael Gallion
  • Publication number: 20160264147
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle, and to a control device for carrying out the method and a computer program product having program code for carrying out the method. In order to improve the safety of use of the motor vehicle, it is provided that functions of the motor vehicle are enabled as a function of stored data relating to the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Alexander Mueller, Thomas Kropf