Patents Issued in October 4, 2016
  • Patent number: 9457772
    Abstract: A repair device and method comprising a canister having an internal cavity, an input connecting valve, an output connecting valve, and an output hose for purposes of inflating a pneumatic device such as a flat tire. The utility of this device is as a readily available bridge to connect a deflated tire with any available air source such as an inflated tire. A sealing mixture may be stored in the internal cavity of the canister for injection into a leaking or flat tire to effect repairs by sealing any leaks. When attached between an inflated tire and a flat tire, the sealing mixture is injected into the flat tire by the pressure of the inflated tire and the flat tire may then be inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Paasch Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Paasch
  • Patent number: 9457773
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for use on a support winch includes a stator unit, a rotor unit and a locking unit, wherein the rotor unit has a shaft element and a crank element, wherein the crank element is pivotably arranged in relation to the shaft element, wherein the shaft element is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis, and secured to prevent displacement transverse to the rotation axis relative to the stator unit, wherein the locking unit secures the crank element in a first axial position when the crank element is in an idle position to prevent displacement along the rotation axis in at least one direction, and wherein the locking unit secures the crank element to prevent swiveling movement relative to the shaft element when the crank element is in an operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND GmbH
    Inventor: Katja Müller
  • Patent number: 9457774
    Abstract: A technique for determining an actuating force applied to a vehicle brake is described, wherein the vehicle brake is equipped with an electromechanical brake actuator, and wherein a first actuating-force component is generated mechanically by actuating the electromechanical brake actuator and a second actuating-force component is generated hydraulically by actuating a hydraulic pressure source. A method aspect comprises the steps of detecting a first parameter relative to the electromechanical brake actuator and indicating the first actuating-force component, determining a second parameter indicating the second actuating-force component from a progression of the detected first parameter, and determining the actuating force applied to the vehicle brake from the first and the second parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Knechtges
  • Patent number: 9457775
    Abstract: A control unit of a vehicle brake system has a receive circuit for tapping and processing a digital signal provided by an active speed sensor for speed measurement on a vehicle wheel. The signal includes information concerning the speed of a pole wheel, which is arranged in front of the sensor, spaced therefrom by an air gap, and which rotates along with the wheel. The signal also includes an actual air gap value digitized in stages and comprising several bits. The control unit also has a comparator circuit for comparing the actual air gap value to a reference air gap value and for determining whether the actual air gap value exceeds the reference value by more than a defined tolerance value. An information circuit of the control circuit generates early warning information when the comparator circuit determines that the actual air gap value exceeds the reference value by more than the tolerance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Goers, Marco Michel, Otmar Struwe
  • Patent number: 9457776
    Abstract: In brake control based on commands of a plurality of systems, an adjustment valve adjusts fluid supplied from a fluid source to a predetermined pressure to output the pressure-adjusted fluid. An output valve switches opening and closing based on a switching command. A skid detector detects whether a car is skidding or not and notifies a brake controller. The brake controller determines a pressure of fluid output by a control valve and issues a command to solenoid valves provided in the control valve. The brake controller issues a command to a discharge valve to discharge fluid from the discharge valve when a skid is detected. A relay valve adjusts pressure of fluid from the fluid source based on a higher pressure between a pressure of fluid output by the output valve and a pressure of fluid output by the control valve, to output the pressure-adjusted air to a brake cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION, CENTRAL JAPAN RAILWAY COMPANY, MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoki Watanabe, Yoshiya Watanabe, Takahisa Inui
  • Patent number: 9457777
    Abstract: A system for applying regenerative braking during high friction coefficient braking of a vehicle includes at least one controller; at least one braking sensor interfacing with the at least one controller; a vehicle powertrain interfacing with the at least one controller; a brake pedal interfacing with the at least one controller; vehicle friction brakes interfacing with the at least one controller; and the at least one controller applies anti-lock braking torque to the vehicle brakes and simultaneously applies regenerative braking torque to the vehicle powertrain responsive to input from the at least one braking sensor. A method for applying regenerative braking during high friction coefficient braking of a vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. Gabor, Dale Scott Crombez
  • Patent number: 9457778
    Abstract: A braking device for agricultural machines includes a body which supports in a sliding way at least two thrust elements operatively connectable to relative valves for the braking of a right wheel and a left wheel of a vehicle and associable with respective braking pedals operable by an operator, the thrust elements being mobile along a sliding direction between an idle configuration and a maximum braking configuration. The device includes at least a connection element having at least two connection areas, each being associated in a rotating way with a relative thrust element to connect them reciprocally and to allow the independent operation of the braking pedals, and abutment elements suitable for contacting the connection element during the translation of both the thrust elements to limit their forward movement towards the maximum braking configuration, the connection element and the abutment elements being reciprocally mobile along the sliding direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: STUDIO TECNICO 6 M S.R.L.
    Inventors: Eronne Mamei, Enrico Mamei, Andrea Mamei
  • Patent number: 9457779
    Abstract: A primary piston component for a master cylinder of a hydraulic brake system includes a primary piston housing and an additional piston component, which is configured to be at least partially movable into a cavity of the primary piston housing. An inner piston body extends through the cavity along a central line of the primary piston component. A braking force applied on a brake actuating element is transferable at least partially on the inner piston body, and further on the primary piston housing. The additional piston component is at least partially movable into the cavity between the inner piston body and the primary piston housing, and a brake booster force is transferable at least partially on the additional piston component, and via the inner piston body on the primary piston housing. A method of operating a hydraulic brake system is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Laurent Lhuillier, Bastien Cagnac, Masaki Shiwa, Alain Benoit
  • Patent number: 9457780
    Abstract: Provided is a negative pressure type booster device, in which a diaphragm of a movable partition wall has, in a penetration portion through which a tie rod bolt hermetically penetrates, a tubular guide portion that abuts against an annular flange portion provided on the tie rod bolt during forward movement of a power piston, and an annular sealing portion that is provided in the rear of the guide portion to block communication between a negative pressure chamber and a variable pressure chamber. The guide portion is provided with a communication portion through which a negative pressure chamber side space exposed by the front surface of the sealing portion communicates with the negative pressure chamber, even in a state in which the guide portion abuts against the annular flange portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Yasui
  • Patent number: 9457781
    Abstract: A braking device, for a motor vehicle brake system. The braking device has at least one movable activation element, at least one device for monitoring the position and movement of at least one activation element, and at least one compressible, electrically conductive device spring which is elastically prestressed between two abutments, wherein at least one of the abutments is of movable design, and the movement of the abutment is coupled at least partially to a movement of at least one activation element. The device spring is provided for moving at least one of the abutments into its unactivated release position. The invention proposes that the device spring be assigned a sensing function for monitoring the position and movement of at least one activation element. A degree of compression of the device spring can be sensed, and the device spring is arranged in an electrically insulated fashion between the two abutments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventor: Jürgen Faller
  • Patent number: 9457782
    Abstract: A brake system and a method of control. An air gap between a brake friction member and a brake pad assembly may be indirectly estimated. The air gap may be adjusted when the estimated air gap exceeds a desired air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Yixin Yao
  • Patent number: 9457783
    Abstract: A disk brake is configured as a brake apparatus provided with an electric parking brake function capable of holding braking of a vehicle by driving an electric actuator. A parking brake control apparatus, which controls the electric actuator, actuates the electric actuator so as to release holding of the braking upon determining that the vehicle is in a running state. More specifically, if a speed of the vehicle is maintained at a speed higher than 0 km/h for a predetermined time period, the parking brake control apparatus actuates a rotation/linear motion conversion mechanism by the electric actuator so as to release the holding of the piston of the disk brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Kotake, Wataru Yokoyama, Kenichiro Matsubara
  • Patent number: 9457784
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a brake hydraulic pressure generating device, including: a master cylinder, a stroke simulator and an on/off valve. The on/off valve opens/closes a branch hydraulic pressure passage, which branches from a main hydraulic pressure passage. The on/off valve includes a first valve mechanism including a first valve portion and a first valve seat, and a second valve mechanism including a second valve portion and a second valve seat. The first valve seat is formed in the second valve portion. A pressure receiving area in which brake hydraulic pressure acting from the stroke simulator side is received is set to be higher in the second valve portion than in the first valve portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AUTOLIV NISSIN BRAKE SYSTEMS JAPAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Tokoi, Kouji Sakai
  • Patent number: 9457785
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a heat-exchange dryer apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, a heat-exchange dryer apparatus includes a desiccant cartridge comprising desiccant material, a purge-air reservoir secured to the desiccant cartridge, and a compressed-air conduit disposed inside the purge-air reservoir. In another embodiment, a vehicle air-brake system includes an air compressor, a desiccant cartridge comprising desiccant material, and a heat exchange dryer apparatus disposed between the compressor and the desiccant. The temperature of the compressed air is decreased while the temperature of the purge air is increased and the desiccant adsorbs a greater amount of contaminants form the compressed air for improved drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: David W. Howell, Fred W. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 9457786
    Abstract: A measuring arrangement for brake application force measurement of a disc brake, includes two components of the disc brake which can be displaced relative to each other along a travel path when a brake application force is applied, at least one brake application force sensor with a housing; a measurement object which can be permanently connected to one or the other of the two components and having at least one element or at least one target object which has at least one such element for contact-free interaction with the brake application force measurement sensor; and an evaluation unit. The brake application force sensor is designed for the detection of a displacement of the measurement object along the path with the evaluation unit for the conversion of the detected displacement in a measurement variable as a measurement for the brake application force. The brake application force sensor and the measurement object can be mounted with each of the two components in a removable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Johann Baumgartner, Alexander Werth, Matthias Seidenschwang
  • Patent number: 9457787
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle having an electric traction motor coupled to a transmission by a clutch include modifying traction motor torque in response to the difference between rotational speed of a driveline component and the filtered rotational speed of the driveline component to reduce driveline oscillation when the clutch is locked. The traction motor torque may be modified in response to a vehicle event that may otherwise induce driveline oscillations, such as a transmission ratio change or regenerative braking, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Marvin Paul Kraska, Daniel Scott Colvin, Christopher Alan Lear
  • Patent number: 9457788
    Abstract: An electromotive drive device including a small motor and a small-capacity battery more effectively improves the fuel economy of an engine-driven vehicle. An electromotive drive device includes: a motor for driving a vehicle; a battery storing electrical energy to rotate the motor; an inverter; a converting mechanism transmitting rotation of the motor to a drive shaft at a predetermined conversion ratio independently of a conversion ratio at which an engine is driven; and a control unit controlling an operation of the inverter. The control unit is configured so that upper vehicle speed limits, to which the motor is allowed to operate, can be set separately during powering and during regeneration, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Junichi Yukawa, Yoshihide Nii
  • Patent number: 9457789
    Abstract: A fuel control module, based on an engine torque request, fuels N cylinders of an engine using a first fuel system. N is an integer greater than zero. A throttle control module, based on the engine torque request and the fueling of the N cylinders using the first fuel system, opens a throttle valve to a predetermined wide open throttle (WOT) position. A cost module, when the engine torque request is greater than a predetermined torque: determines a first cost value for fueling at least one of the N cylinders of the engine using a second fuel system; and determines a second cost value for adjusting at least one operating parameter other than fueling of the engine. An adjustment module, based on, the first and second cost values, one of: initiates the fueling of the at least one of the N cylinders using the second fuel system; and adjusts of the at least one operating parameter other than fueling of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Tameem K. Assaf, Louis A. Avallone
  • Patent number: 9457790
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes: a planetary gear mechanism; a first rotary machine connected to a sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism; an engine and a one-way clutch that are connected to a carrier of the planetary gear mechanism; a second rotary machine and a drive wheel that are connected to a ring gear of the planetary gear mechanism; and a parking device connected to the ring gear. The power transmission device is configured to positively rotate the first rotary machine at a time a command to disengage the parking device is received and thereafter disengage the parking device, and a direction of the positive rotation is a rotational direction of the carrier rotary-driven by the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirotatsu Kitabatake, Yosuke Suzuki, Yuji Iwase
  • Patent number: 9457791
    Abstract: A vehicle charging cable is disclosed configured to charge a vehicle battery on a vehicle from a utility power source, the cable comprising: a vehicle connector and a control module. The vehicle connector is connected to a power cable configured to supply power for charging the vehicle battery. The vehicle connector is configured to connect to a charging port on the vehicle. The control module is connected to the power cable. The control module is configured to receive utility data from the utility power source and to receive vehicle data from the vehicle, and to adjust the power supplied to the vehicle battery based on the utility data and the vehicle data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Vitale, Jonas Bereisa, Raymond A. Beaufait, Gery J. Kissel, Craig R. Markyvech
  • Patent number: 9457792
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a drive train having a manual transmission. An internal combustion engine is coupled to the manual transmission via a clutch. The vehicle is retrofitted so that auxiliary devices operate auxiliary systems of the vehicle, a battery energizes electric drivers for the auxiliary devices, a power exchange unit is coupled to the manual transmission via a power takeoff port, an electric generator is coupled to the power exchange unit, and the internal combustion engine drives the electric generator via the power exchange unit. The battery is energized by the electric generator via a battery charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Clean Emissions Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill C. Bradley, Joel Craig Diehl, Dan Warner Harris, Warner Olan Harris, Wayne Turnbow
  • Patent number: 9457793
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicle information processing system for assisting a driver in a specified assistance area. The vehicle information processing system includes an operation pattern setting part for setting an operation pattern in the assistance area on the basis of driving operation information of the driver when the driver enters the assistance area and an assistance information determining part for determining assistance information for assisting the driver in the assistance area on the basis of the operation pattern in the assistance area which is set by the operation pattern setting part. According to this structure, it is possible to assist the driver using high-accuracy assistance information corresponding to the operation pattern and thus perform assistance suitable for the driver with high accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Satoshi Uno
  • Patent number: 9457794
    Abstract: The hybrid vehicle control device includes: a transfer-torque-capacity command-value correcting section configured to execute a correcting processing such that a transfer-torque-capacity command value for a second clutch is corrected at the time of execution of a minute slip processing; an engine start control section configured to execute an engine start control such that an engine is started by slipping the second clutch and increasing drive torque of a motor/generator; a start-time slip control section configured to execute a slip-in processing such that a transfer torque capacity of the second clutch is controlled to a predetermined slip-in torque when the second clutch starts to slip by the engine start control; and a correction limiting section configured to execute a correction limiting processing such that a correction amount is limited if a torque reduction given by the slip-in processing interferes with a torque reduction given by the correcting processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Shimoyama, Hiroki Matsui
  • Patent number: 9457795
    Abstract: A vehicle control device is configured to select a single motor running, a multiple motor running and an engine running, such that a level of a charging capacity of an electric storage device in which the multiple motor running is selectable is higher than a level of the charging capacity in which the single motor running is selectable. During the single motor running performed with the charging capacity being equal to or greater than a first threshold value, the control device is configured, upon increase of the drive force requested by a driver of the vehicle, to select the multiple motor running when the charging capacity is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is higher than the first threshold value, and to select the engine running when the charging capacity of the electric storage device is less than the second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keita Imai, Tatsuya Imamura, Kouichi Okuda, Tooru Matsubara, Takeshi Kitahata, Kenta Kumazaki, Yasuhiro Hiasa, Shunya Kato, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 9457796
    Abstract: A vehicle includes: an engine; a first electric motor capable of inputting or outputting power; a power split mechanism including a sun gear, a ring gear and a planetary carrier rotatably revolvably supporting pinion gears meshing with the sun and ring gears. The planetary carrier, the sun gear and the ring gear are respectively coupled to an engine output shaft, a first electric motor rotary shaft and a drive wheel. The vehicle further includes a second electric motor capable of inputting or outputting power to or from the drive wheel; and a control device setting an engine operation range determined by a limit value of a rotation speed of the pinion gears. To increase durability of the pinion gears the limit value is higher at a high engine rotation and low vehicle speed side than at a low engine rotation and high vehicle speed side. Engine operation is controlled on the basis of the set engine operation range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaaki Saiko, Isao Sato, Ryo Watanabe
  • Patent number: 9457797
    Abstract: A vehicle control system to control operation of a vehicle includes a powertrain system operable according to a plurality of operating modes that drive the vehicle. A sensor is mounted to the vehicle to detect a quality of air surrounding the vehicle. A vehicle control module is configured to select an operating mode of the powertrain system. The operating mode is selected to reduce at least one emission exhausted from the vehicle that contributes to a low air quality measure by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: James R. Kozloski, Clifford A. Pickover, Robert W. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 9457798
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle determines whether or not the drive mode thereof is shifted from a series drive to an engine direct coupled drive with a power transmission engaging/disengaging portion applied, derives a rotational speed at a drive wheel side of the power transmission engaging/disengaging portion which corresponds to a driving speed as an applying rotational speed of an internal combustion engine at which the power transmission engaging/disengaging portion is applied, and applies the power transmission engaging/disengaging portion by controlling the operation of the internal combustion engine when a difference in rotational speed between the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine and the applying rotational speed becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined value after the shift to the engine direct coupled drive is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akio Futatsudera, Youichirou Fukao, Toshimi Kaneko, Masanori Matsushita, Naoyuki Tanaka, Hideaki Tsukahara, Yohei Takeda, Yuichiro Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9457799
    Abstract: A hybrid drive for a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine and a transmission. The transmission is a multi-stage shifting transmission having first and second subtransmissions which have first and second input shafts, respectively, and share a common output shaft. The first and second input shafts can be coupled selectively to the common output shaft via form-locking shift elements of the subtransmissions. The first input shaft of the first subtransmission can be coupled to the electric machine via a first clutch, and the second input shaft can be coupled to the internal combustion engine via a second clutch. A drive shaft of the electric machine can be connected to the second input shaft via a form-locking shift element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Johannes Kaltenbach, Uwe Griesmeier
  • Patent number: 9457800
    Abstract: A method for driving a motor vehicle includes selecting a drive mode. The motor vehicle has a hybrid drive including an internal combustion engine and an electric machine for providing a drive torque (t) for driving the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is drivable by a torque of the internal combustion engine, by virtue of the internal combustion engine being started, or by a torque of the electric machine. The method includes detecting an amount of running activity (tB) of the internal combustion engine. The drive mode is selected based on the detected amount of running activity (tB).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Marcus Heck
  • Patent number: 9457801
    Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle for use in a hybrid vehicle in which a first clutch, a rotary electric machine, and a second clutch are disposed on a power transfer path from an engine to wheels sequentially from the engine side. After power generation control in which the engine is driven with the first clutch directly engaged and with the second clutch disengaged is suspended on the basis of detection of the starting request from a state in which the vehicle is stationary with the power generation control performed, the second clutch control means controls the second clutch from a disengaged state to a slip engagement state, the first clutch control means controls the first clutch from an engaged state to a slip engagement state, and the rotary electric machine control means reduces the target revolving speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Onouchi, Kohei Tsuda
  • Patent number: 9457802
    Abstract: A vehicle executing a turn will most likely be slowed down before the turn and when a driver activates a turn signal to indicate the turn, a vehicle internal controller uses this information to engage regenerative braking for energy recapture while slowing down the vehicle for the pending turn. Since the turn signal is usually activated very early in the turn event, and turns are an ongoing, frequent part of driving, a greater overall vehicle efficiency can be realized without special effort from the driver. Implementation is relatively simple for the manufacturer and adds no cost since the controllers and sensors are already installed on nearly all roadworthy vehicles. Fuel mileage and vehicle driving ranges are improved on a large scale and brake system wear is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Richard Louis Ponziani
  • Patent number: 9457803
    Abstract: In a method for activating a driver assistance system in a vehicle, a check is performed after an activating request for a driver assistance system from a driver as to whether the driver of the vehicle is suitable for utilizing the requested driver assistance system, and the activation of the requested driver assistance system is carried out depending on the suitability of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Nordbruch
  • Patent number: 9457804
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle braking/driving force control apparatus for securing travel stability of a vehicle by priority when a slip occurs on a wheel for generating a braking/driving force while a plurality of motions are controlled. An electronic control unit identifies a slipping wheel having the maximum slip ratio (Si (i=fl, fr, rl, rr)) among wheels. The unit determines to increase or decrease a target roll moment (KmxMx) and a target pitch moment (KmyMy) for controlling a roll motion and a pitch motion, which are motions on the body in the vehicle vertical direction, so that the driving force on the slipping wheel has a direction to eliminate the slip state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Etsuo Katsuyama
  • Patent number: 9457805
    Abstract: An electronic control unit may include input channels configured to receive signals indicative of a power to a steering system and signals indicative of an operating mode of the vehicle, and output channels configured to provide a command to redistribute current from an electrical load to the steering system. The electronic control unit may further include control logic configured to, in response to the power falling below a threshold value and the operating mode being of a pre-defined type, generate the command to increase the power to the steering system to meet the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Patrick Brombach, James Michael Weinfurther, David J. Dainelis, Michael J. Irby
  • Patent number: 9457806
    Abstract: Based on a parking frame certainty degree indicative of a degree of certainty about a presence is a parking frame in the travel direction of the vehicle and a parking frame entering certainty degree indicative of a degree of certainty about whether the vehicle enters the parking frame, a total certainty degree indicative of a total degree of the certainty of the parking frame certainty degree and the parking frame entering certainty degree is calculated. Acceleration of the vehicle is controlled depending on a manipulation amount of an accelerator pedal manipulated by a drive to instruct a driving force and is suppressed in a higher suppression degree as the total certainty degree is higher. Furthermore, the acceleration of the vehicle is suppressed in a lower suppression degree as the vehicle speed of the vehicle is higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Hayakawa, Takuya Inoue, Takeshi Sugano, Toshimichi Gokan, Osamu Fukata, Daisuke Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9457807
    Abstract: A method for automated lane centering and/or lane changing purposes for a vehicle traveling on a roadway that employs roadway points from a map database to determine a reference vehicle path and sensors on the vehicle for detecting static and moving objects to adjust the reference path. The method includes reducing the curvature of the reference path to generate a reduced curvature reference path that reduces the turning requirements of the vehicle and setting the speed of the vehicle from posted roadway speeds from the map database. The method also includes providing multiple candidate vehicle paths and vehicle speeds to avoid the static and moving objects in front of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Jin-Woo Lee, Upali Priyantha Mudalige, Tianyu Gu, John M. Dolan
  • Patent number: 9457808
    Abstract: A method for supporting a driver of a motor vehicle during a driving maneuver, including the following: (a) determining a driving path in which the motor vehicle moves when the driving maneuver is carried out and automatically or semi-automatically carrying out the driving maneuver; (b) detecting the surroundings of the motor vehicle during the driving maneuver; (c) stopping the motor vehicle if an object is detected in the driving path and resuming the driving maneuver as soon as the object has left the driving path and/or decelerating the motor vehicle and slowly resuming the driving maneuver if an object is detected outside the driving path. Also described is a device for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Florian Raisch, Hans-Peter Huebner
  • Patent number: 9457809
    Abstract: A collision possibility determination apparatus includes: an identifying part configured to detect an object and identify a location of the object; a first analysis part configured to predict a future location of the object based on information relating to the object output from the identifying part and generate first information indicating a possibility of colliding with the object based on the predicted future location of the object; a second analysis part configured to generate second information indicating a possibility of colliding with the object based on the location of the object identified by the identifying part; and a determination part configured to determine a possibility of colliding with the object based on both of the first information and the second information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoji Sasabuchi
  • Patent number: 9457810
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing traffic flow instabilities and increasing vehicle throughput by monitoring the distances and velocities of motor vehicles leading and following a center vehicle and controlling the velocities of the vehicles to maintain a steady relative distance between the center vehicle and the leading and following vehicles. Using distance and speed information derived from both leading and following vehicles reduces the loop gain of feedback needed below one (1) and diminishes traffic instabilities caused by “car following.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Berthold K. P. Horn
  • Patent number: 9457811
    Abstract: A method for restarting an engine of a vehicle stopped on a grade, comprising the steps of engaging a gear of a transmission through which the engine and wheels of the vehicle are driveably connected mutually, using brake pressure to engage wheel brakes and produce a road gradient wheel torque that holds the vehicle stationary on the grade, initiating an engine restart, operating the engine to produce wheel torque equal to or greater than the road gradient wheel torque, and releasing the brake pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Hai Yu, Ryan A. McGee, Ihab S. Soliman, Mathew A. Boesch
  • Patent number: 9457812
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a control system for a motor vehicle, the system being operable in a manual operating mode selection condition in which a user may select a required system operating mode by means of user-operable mode selection input means, and an automatic mode selection condition in which the system is configured to select automatically an appropriate system operating mode, wherein when operating in the manual condition and a change from the manual condition to the automatic condition is made the system is configured to select a prescribed automatic mode selection condition vehicle ride-height independently of the selected operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Fairgrieve, Dan Dennehy, Elliot Hemes, James Kelly, Sam Anker
  • Patent number: 9457813
    Abstract: An assessment of whether a roadway is directional is provided. The assessment includes stipulating a dimension if not previously calculated, and receiving of an output from an apparatus for environment recognition for a vehicle, which output is based on recognition of an environment of the vehicle at one instant. The assessment also include associating a factor with the output, wherein the factor is based on a speed of the vehicle at the instant associated with the output. The output is mapped into a rating value in accordance with a predefined mapping specification, and the factor is associated with the rating value. The dimension is then calculated based on a sum that is based on the rating value weighted with the associated factor, and on the previously calculated or stipulated dimension, after which the dimension can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marcus Hoerwick, Loren Schwarz, Martin Buchner
  • Patent number: 9457814
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling driving a vehicle based on driver's fatigue includes a first information collector to collect biological information of a driver, a second information collector collect road condition information, a route calculator configured to calculate a desired route from a current position of the vehicle to a destination, a fatigue index calculator to divide a route, and to calculate a fatigue index for each section, a predicted fatigue index calculator to calculate a predicted fatigue index corresponding to the desired route, and a function provider configured to calculate a compensation value according to the predicted fatigue index, and to calculate a final operation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Seon Su Kim, Seung-Chang Park
  • Patent number: 9457815
    Abstract: The processor-implemented control system for automotive vehicles assigns master control functionality separately to each controlled direction of motion. Within each master control, a multi-layered control architecture is implemented. At control level 0 multiple localized actuators associated with the controlled motion direction are monitored to ensure integrity but are otherwise allowed to operate on their own. At control level 1 the master control plays a supervisory role, coordinating behavior of the multiple actuators. At levels 2 and 3 the master control assesses trustworthiness of the driver and factors that trustworthiness into the control equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: e-AAM Driveline Systems AB
    Inventors: Johan O. Hägnander, Sven E. Johansson, P. Stefan Elgåfoss
  • Patent number: 9457816
    Abstract: An in-vehicle computer is programmed to determine that a driver's hands are at least one predetermined location in the vehicle, the at least one predetermine location including a location on a steering wheel, determine that a vehicle passenger is in a safe position with respect to a human-machine interface; and provide passenger access to the human-machine interface such that the passenger may access operations of the computer that are inaccessible to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Leonard Van Wiemeersch, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Patent number: 9457817
    Abstract: A railcar shove light for attachment to a railcar rear coupler, the railcar shove light incorporating a turbine; a turbine case having a compressed air input port and an air output port, the turbine being rotatably mounted within the turbine case; an electrical alternator; a rotary drive linkage interconnecting the turbine and the electrical alternator; an array of electrical light emitters; electrical wires interconnecting the electrical light emitters and the electrical alternator; a light case housing the turbine, the turbine case, the alternator, the drive linkage, and the light emitter; and incorporating a brake line connectable air conduit for supplying and driving the turbine; the light case being mounted to a support post having lower end coupler engaging pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Terry D. Smith
  • Patent number: 9457818
    Abstract: A screen creating unit selects component contents for displaying a station name array, in which a plurality of station names on a route are arrayed in order of arrival, from a component-content storing unit, moves, according to component arrangement definition data and component motion definition data, the component contents little by little in an array direction from a state in which only a part of station names on a starting station side among the station names are arranged in a scroll display region to a state in which only a part of station names on a terminal station side are arranged, and creates an image of only a portion in the scroll display region without creating the image of a portion outside the scroll display region among the component contents to thereby create a plurality of frames continuous in time series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryota Saito, Kazunari Morimoto, Hiroshi Asaoka, Satoshi Yamazaki, Masahito Chihira, Masao Oki
  • Patent number: 9457819
    Abstract: A method for operating a locating device having a waveguide laid along a stretch of track to locate a rail vehicle on the stretch of track includes injecting electromagnetic pulses into the waveguide in succession or series and receiving and evaluating backscattering patterns produced by backscattering of the electromagnetic pulse for each emitted pulse. A vibration device located in the region of the stretch of track at a known position is activated at a predefined activation time and a vibration causing backscattering of the electromagnetic pulse is thereby produced at the known position, the duration between the activation time and the receipt of the backscattering pattern indicating the vibration is measured, and the measured duration is used to check the functionality or operation of the locating device or to calibrate the locating device. A locating apparatus for locating a rail vehicle along a stretch of track is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Horst Ernst, Bernhard Evers
  • Patent number: 9457820
    Abstract: A speed profile generation apparatus includes: an input unit that receives train performance, route information, information regarding a landmark, a starting position and ending position of generating a speed profile, and a starting time and target ending time of the speed profile; and a speed profile generator that generates the speed profile based on the information inputted to the input unit, the speed profile switching a traveling mode of a train by taking a position of the landmark as a reference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Sae Kimura, Satoru Takahashi, Kenji Ueda
  • Patent number: 9457821
    Abstract: A method and system for verifying trackside conditions in safety critical railroad applications by reporting the status of trackside signals and switches to a remote train control system. The system comprises at least one sensor for providing trackside conditions electrically connected to a circuit for providing trackside conditions to a railroad, said sensor being powered by voltage applied to the circuit such that the sensor is energized only when said electrical component is engaged. The system and method further comprises a method and system which is failsafe and which enables the control system to independently verify signals from each sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francois Pretorius, David L. Hill, Charles A. Wisniewski, Lawrence Deloss Lowe, III