Patents Issued in January 19, 2017
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Publication number: 20170015268Abstract: Method for producing a weakened decorative composite from at least one decorative material (25) and a spacer fabric (11), in particular for producing coverings of airbags in motor vehicles, which spacer fabrics (11) have an upper cover layer (12) and a lower cover layer (13) and a layer (15) having spacer threads (14) is located between the cover layers (12, 13), wherein the weakenings in the spacer fabric (11) are blind holes (16) which are introduced into the lower cover layer (13) of the spacer fabric (11), wherein the blind holes (16) substantially pass through the lower cover layer (13) and the layer (15) having the spacer threads (14) and the upper cover layer (12) is substantially not weakened.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Felix Dorn, Jennifer Topp, Karlheinz Kaeppeler
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Publication number: 20170015269Abstract: An airbag apparatus for a panorama roof includes: an inflator generating gas; a gas guide connected to the inflator so as to receive the gas discharged from the inflator; a tether guide arranged along the longitudinal direction of the panorama roof; an airbag having one side connected to the gas guide so as to receive the gas discharged from the gas guide, arranged at the gas guide in a state where the airbag is folded, and connected to the tether guide so as to shield the panorama roof while being unfolded along the tether guide; a moving member connected to the other side of the airbag, and moved along the tether guide; and a driving unit connected to the moving member, and moving the moving member to fold or unfold the airbag.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Byung Ho MIN, Seok Min Lee, Hae Kwon Park
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Publication number: 20170015270Abstract: A vehicle airbag device of the present disclosure includes an airbag provided inside a front passenger seat side of an instrument panel. The airbag includes: a first bag inflated and deployed from the instrument panel toward the front passenger seat side; and a second bag inflated and deployed at a vehicle width direction center side of the first bag. The second bag is disposed, in side view, at a vehicle rear side of a vehicle cabin interior component, and is disposed, in side view, obliquely at a vehicle lower side and rear side of an inner mirror. The second bag is inflated and deployed from the first bag toward the vehicle width direction center side on being supplied with gas from the first bag that has been inflated and deployed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Ohno, Shinichi Ishida
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Publication number: 20170015271Abstract: An airbag can include a first cushion portion that defines a first inflatable chamber and a second cushion portion that is connected to the first cushion portion and defines a second inflatable chamber. The first inflatable chamber can receive inflation gas from an inflator to expand the first cushion portion, and the second cushion portion can receive inflation gas from the first inflatable chamber to expand the second cushion portion. A one-directional valve permits inflation gas to flow from the first inflatable chamber to the second inflatable chamber and restricts backflow of inflation gas from the second inflatable chamber to the first inflatable chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicants: Autoliv ASP, Inc., FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Donald James Paxton, Jamel Belwafa
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Publication number: 20170015272Abstract: An occupant protection device is provided including (1) an airbag that covers the head of the occupant, and that has (i) a front deployment section that is housed in a headrest, and that is deployed at a seat forward direction with respect to the head of a seated occupant, and (ii) a pair of left and right lateral deployment sections that are inflated and deployed at seat sides with respect to the head of the seated occupant, (2) a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the vehicle seat, and (3) a controller that uses the lifting mechanism to lower the vehicle seat to an airbag deployable height in cases in which a vehicle collision has been determined to be unavoidable and a height of the vehicle seat is higher than the airbag deployable height, and that inflates and deploys the airbag after lowering the vehicle seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Mitsuyoshi OHNO, Shinichi ISHIDA
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Publication number: 20170015273Abstract: The present invention provides an inflator including a rupturable plate closing between the ignition device chamber having a gas discharge port and the pressurized gas chamber filled with a pressurized gas; a partition wall provided with a rod axially separating an interior of an ignition device unit housing, corresponding to the ignition device chamber, into two chambers; a combustion chamber provided on the side of a first end of the ignition device unit housing and provided with an igniter, and a diffuser chamber having the gas discharge port and provided on the side of a second end, which is an opposite end to the first end, the rupturable plate being circular and having, a circumferential edge fixing portion and a circular non-fixing portion on an inner portion other than the circumferential edge fixing portion, a fragile portion formed by not less than three grooves provided on a first surface facing the bottle, the grooves extending from a circumference of the circular non-fixing portion or from poType: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: DAICEL CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoharu KOBAYASHI, Masayuki YAMAZAKI, Kenji FUKUMOTO
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Publication number: 20170015274Abstract: There is provided an acceleration sensor enabling precise positioning of a sensor lever of the acceleration sensor, for ensuring a stable operation of the acceleration sensor, and a seat belt retractor including the acceleration sensor. Shafts of a sensor lever projects from a base. The sensor lever is supported between supports of a sensor holder so as to be rotatable and shiftable in a rotation axis direction. The sensor lever is rotated by displacement of an inertia mass. A limiting portion of the sensor holder is brought into contact with contact portions of the sensor lever. The limiting portion limits shifting of the sensor lever in the rotation axis direction, so as to avoid contact between the base and the supports.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: ASHIMORI INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Insu CHOI, Satoshi SUMINAKA, Kenichi SHIGESATO
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Publication number: 20170015275Abstract: A prelock prevention device for use with a web retractor in a vehicle restraint system is described herein. The web retractor can include a sidewall adjacent a rotatable spool with a web wound thereon. A prelock prevention device configured in accordance with aspects of the present technology can include a base having a first flange portion spaced apart from a second flange portion to define a space therebetween. At least one of the first flange portion or the second flange portion is resiliently biased toward the other of the first flange portion or the second flange portion to grip an edge portion of the retractor sidewall sandwiched therebetween. The prelock prevention can further include an arm resiliently supported by the base and having a contact surface configured to compress the web against the spool during rotation thereof to reduce web retraction velocity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventor: John Clark
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Publication number: 20170015276Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system for preventing an unauthorized person from stealing a user's vehicle. The vehicle anti-theft system includes a vehicle unit to be installed within a vehicle and a remote unit to be carried by the user. When a user is not utilizing the vehicle, the user can activate the vehicle unit which determines if the vehicle is moving. If the vehicle is moving while the vehicle unit is activated, the vehicle unit's alarm system will produce an audible alert, and the vehicle unit's deactivation unit will disable the vehicle to prevent the unauthorized person from further driving the vehicle. The remote unit is provided to activate and deactivate the vehicle unit and further can be used to remotely trigger the alarm system and the deactivation unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventor: Adel Ghadhban
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Publication number: 20170015277Abstract: An identification kit includes a first tag member and a second tag member. The first tag member is for mounting onto a rearview mirror of a vehicle and has at least one first visual identifier displaying a unique identification code and a first passive RFID tag. The second tag member for mounting onto a vehicle key and has at least one second visual identifier displaying the unique identification code and a second passive RFID tag.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventor: Marco LISI
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Publication number: 20170015278Abstract: The current specification discloses a method, system and devices for detecting a theft of a car. A use of the car and a current location of the car are detected. A car identifier and location information indicative of a location of the car is sent to a network server over a wireless connection. A token device is determined that is associated with the car identifier and a location request is sent from the network server to the token device. Location information indicative of a current location of the token device is derived and the received location of the car is compared with the derived location of the token device. If a position mismatch between the location of the car and the location of the token device is detected, a warning message is sent to a pre-determined device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2014Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventor: Kung Leng YAP
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Publication number: 20170015279Abstract: The present invention relates to a device including a wiper blade having a length measured from a first end of the wiper blade to a second end of the wiper blade that is adjustable without removal of material of the wiper blade and a housing removably connected to the wiper blade. The present invention also relates to a method of adjusting a length of a wiper blade including providing a wiper blade having a first length and adjusting said wiper blade to have a second length different than the first length without removal of material of the wiper blade.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Martin William Rosas, Travis Shane Hill, Kenneth Henry Teal
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Publication number: 20170015280Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper blade assembly comprising a hinge shaft coupled to a wiper arm, wherein the wiper arm is directly coupled to the hinge shaft. The present invention can provide a wiper blade assembly in which a beginner can also easily engage and disengage the wipe arm and the wiper blade assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: CAP CORPORATIONInventors: SEUNG CHUL HYUN, Tae Hun KIM
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Publication number: 20170015281Abstract: Element (26) for a connection system between a windscreen wiper brush and a driving arm of said brush, said element being configured to be fixed selectively to terminal pieces of a plurality of arms, such that the element comprises at least one first bearing surface (48a, 48b) and one first locking means (27) configured to cooperate with a first arm, and it further comprises at least one second bearing surface (60a) and one second locking means (27?) configured to cooperate with a second arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: Valeo Systèmes d'EssuyageInventors: Guillaume Mouleyre, Vincent Gaucher
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Publication number: 20170015282Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove a longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm can be pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the interposition of a joint part, with the special feature that the connecting device has a substantially H-shaped cross-section, wherein lower legs of the H-shaped cross-section are connected to the flexible material of the wiper blade on opposite sides thereof, and wherein upper legs of the H-shaped cross-section are adapted to receive the joint part.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: Federal-Mogul S.A.Inventor: Sophie Genet
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Publication number: 20170015283Abstract: In a washing nozzle for a window washing system, a spring element of a check valve is supported on a jet insert. A valve seat of the check valve is designed as a constricted cross-section of a washing fluid duct. This allows the check valve and the jet insert to be mounted in a particularly simple manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBHInventor: Heiko WEITZEL
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Publication number: 20170015284Abstract: A window wiper includes an elongated profile of waterproof flexible material having a base extending under weather stripping for a side vehicle window, a support connected along the base to extend above the weather stripping, a cover connected along the support and extending over the base for covering at least some of the weather stripping and a wiper portion connected along the support and having a resilient wiper area for pressing against the window. A length of adhesive tape is connected along the profile and extends over the base for adhering to the weather stripping to fix the window wiper to the weather stripping.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventor: Edwin PHILLIP
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Publication number: 20170015285Abstract: A leveling and stabilizing jack includes an intermediate member joining first and second lifting sections. Each lifting section includes a cross beam, a leg, a brace, a foot, a motor and a drive screw. The motor powers the drive screw, which is operably associated with the leg, to cause the leg to extend away from or retract toward the cross beam depending on the motor's direction of rotation. A motor control can control the motor of each of the lifting sections independently in a manner that results in leveling of the jack when deployed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventor: Michael Warren NEBEL
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Publication number: 20170015286Abstract: A travel limiter for landing gear extension legs which employs a pair of mechanically-operable cross-port valves fluidly coupled to the hydraulic circuit, and a pair of supplemental electronic limit switches electrically coupled to the drive motor of the hydraulic circuit, that are operably synchronized for mechanical actuation based on movement of the telescoping upper and lower leg assemblies of the landing gear between respective extend and retract travel stop limit positions. Upon reaching a travel stop limit position, a cross-port valve partially diverts the system's fluid flow away from the drive motor until a limit switch is actuated to cut electrical power and stop fluid flow through the drive motor. If the limit switch fails, the valve completes the fluid flow bypass, thereby permitting all fluid flow to bypass the drive motor and disable the landing gear prior to reaching its final mechanical stop.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventor: Paul L. Klassy
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Publication number: 20170015287Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle braking arrangement for a vehicle with wheels contacting the ground during normal running. The vehicle braking arrangement includes an emergency brake control unit, a first emergency braking system including non-reversible braking means arranged to operate independently of the vehicle wheels, at least one acceleration detector, and a wheel brake anti-locking system. The emergency brake control unit is arranged to input acceleration data (a) when the wheel brake anti-locking system is active, and to calculate the coefficient of friction (?) between the wheels and the ground. The emergency brake control unit is arranged to determine if the first emergency braking system should be activated in dependence of a first plurality of parameters, where one of these parameters is the coefficient of friction (?).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: Autoliv Development ABInventors: Ulrich Sander, Christian Svenson
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Publication number: 20170015288Abstract: A safety stoppage device and method for safety stoppage of an autonomous vehicle including control networks and sensors for monitoring the autonomous vehicle surroundings and motion includes a brake-control unit for a brake system including wheel brakes of the autonomous vehicle, and a signaling processing system for processing sensor signals enabling an autonomous drive mode thereof. Where a drivable space exists is predicted based on data from the sensors and sensor fusion, and a safe trajectory to a stop within the drivable space is calculated and sent to the brake-control unit and stored therein. The brake-control unit is shielded against electromagnetic compatibility problems and configured to monitor if the control networks are operational and, if determined incapacitated, control the autonomous vehicle to follow the most recently calculated safe trajectory to a stop within the drivable space using differential braking of the wheel brakes thereof in order to effectuate steering.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Erik COELINGH, Leif KINDBERG
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Publication number: 20170015289Abstract: A brake control system is provided for a vehicle having steerable front wheels, left and right brake units for braking left and right rear wheels, and a single manually operated brake input device. A main brake valve has a supply port, a return port, an outlet and a valve spool for controlling communication therebetween. The valve spool is coupled to brake input device. A normally open left turn valve controls communication between the outlet and the left brake unit. A normally open right turn valve controls communication between the outlet and the right brake unit. A normally open balance valve controls communication between the left and right brake units. The system includes brake input device sensor, a turn angle sensor and a vehicle speed sensor. A control unit controls the left and right turn valves and the balance valve as a function of signals from the sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventor: Troy E. SCHICK
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Publication number: 20170015290Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a brake apparatus capable of acquiring a stable brake performance. A brake apparatus includes a master cylinder configured to be activated according to a brake operation performed by a driver, a reservoir tank divided into at least a first chamber connected to a wheel cylinder via the master cylinder and a second chamber connected to a hydraulic source configured to increase a pressure of brake fluid and transmit the brake fluid to the wheel cylinder, a brake control unit configured to perform brake control of transmitting the brake fluid to the wheel cylinder, and a fluid level detection unit configured to detect a fluid level of the brake fluid in the reservoir tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Toshiya OOSAWA, Asahi WATANABE
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Publication number: 20170015291Abstract: Disclosed herein are a safety brake device and method for safety braking using a hydraulic brake system including hydraulic wheel brakes of an autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle further having an electrical power supply and signaling system for enabling an autonomous drive mode. The method comprises pressurizing a pressure storage canister containing brake fluid, monitoring electrical power supplies and signaling of the autonomous vehicle, and releasing brake fluid into the hydraulic brake system of the autonomous vehicle to activate the wheel brakes thereof upon determining loss of at least one of electrical power and signaling of the autonomous vehicle. Disclosed herein is also an autonomous vehicle comprising a safety brake.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventor: Leif KINDBERG
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Publication number: 20170015292Abstract: In order to improve a transmitter unit, especially for a hydraulic brake system, comprising a housing body, a piston which is arranged in the housing body able to move between a starting disposition and a pressure disposition, a pressure chamber bounded by the housing body and the piston, a reservoir for the supply of hydraulic fluid connected by a connection channel to the pressure chamber, a valve unit, which in an open position allows the connection between the reservoir and the pressure chamber and in a closed position breaks this connection, as well as a connection opening for the routing of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pressure chamber for example to connected hydraulic brake cylinder, so that an escaping of air bubbles from the pressure chamber is more easily possible, it is proposed that in a functional orientation of the transmitter unit, the connection channel opens into a highest end region of the pressure chamber in regard to a direction of gravity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventor: Stefan Ruckh
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Publication number: 20170015293Abstract: A system comprises: pump (hydraulic pressure source) that uses brake fluid supplied from reservoir tank (reservoir) to generate hydraulic pressure in first hydraulic line, thereby generating hydraulic pressure in wheel cylinder; piston configured to move axially in cylinder under the action of hydraulic fluid supplied from master cylinder, piston dividing cylinder into at least two chambers (positive pressure chamber and backpressure chamber); stroke simulator for generating reaction force to a driver's brake operation by moving piston; second hydraulic line provided between positive pressure chamber in stroke simulator and master cylinder; and third hydraulic chamber provided between backpressure chamber and first hydraulic chamber to transmit brake fluid from backpressure chamber to first hydraulic chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2014Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Hideaki YAGASHIRA, Hiroki SONODA, Asahi WATANABE, Toshiya OOSAWA
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Publication number: 20170015294Abstract: A method of transmitting power of an inching clutch of a working machine, the power transmitted by the inching clutch is determined and the transmitted power exceeds a predefined inching clutch power, first the rotational speed of the drive engine is reduced and then the torque, that can be transmitted by the inching clutch, is reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventor: Hans HÖFLER
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Publication number: 20170015295Abstract: A motorcycle including a frame to which an internal combustion engine is associated, from which internal combustion engine at least one exhaust pipe of combusted gases departs, the exhaust pipe having an open terminal, the frame mounted on a front wheel and a rear wheel, a control board or unit included, for controlling torque produced by the engine and other parameters such as velocity of the vehicle and spatial position thereof with respect to the road surface. The motorcycle including a system to verify when the front wheel of the motorcycle detaches from the road surface during acceleration. The system includes a choke for partialising the section of the exhaust gases outlet area from the exhaust pipe, during partialisation. The partialisation obtained as a function of the torque produced by the engine and the position of the front wheel with respect to the road surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: DUCATI MOTOR HOLDING S.p.A.Inventors: Davide BARANA, Federico MALDINI, Leonardo MOSSALI
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Publication number: 20170015296Abstract: According to the embodiments described herein, a smart notification system can include a vehicle, a mobile communication device, and a wearable processing device. A wearable processor or the wearable processing device, a mobile processor of the mobile communication device, a vehicular processor of the vehicle, or a combination thereof can execute machine readable instructions to monitor ambient conditions of the vehicle with a sensor. A notification can be provided upon a wearable display of the wearable processing device. The notification can be indicative of the ambient conditions of the vehicle. A command can be detected with physical input of the wearable processing device. A command signal can be received with vehicle communication hardware of the vehicle. The command signal can be indicative of the command detected by the physical input of the wearable processing device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Samuel T. Haberl, Charan Lota
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Publication number: 20170015297Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission, a clutch, and a controller. The clutch is configured to couple the engine and transmission during engine starts. The controller is programmed to alter an engine start torque apply schedule for the clutch such that the actual engine start time is less than the upper threshold time for a next engine start event. The controller may be further programmed to, in response to the actual engine start time being less than a lower threshold time for the engine start event, alter the engine start torque apply schedule for the clutch such the actual engine start time is greater than the lower threshold time for a next engine start event.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Alexander O'Connor GIBSON, Felix NEDOREZOV, Jeffrey Allen DOERING, Xiaoyong WANG, Walter Joseph ORTMANN
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Publication number: 20170015298Abstract: A control apparatus for an electrically driven vehicle includes a electronic control unit and a dynamic power transmission mechanism. The electronic control unit is configured to control the dynamic power transmission mechanism to execute a slip control such that the speed of an electric motor is a higher speed than a speed of the electric motor at a time point and speed of a relative rotation in the fluid coupling increases, in a case of determining that the operating state of the electric motor enters the operating state in which the value of the heat load is the predetermined value or greater, the time point being a time point when the operating state of the electric motor enters the operating state in which the value of the heat load is the predetermined value or greater.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tatsuya IMAMURA, Atsushi TABATA, Koichi OKUDA, Tooru MATSUBARA, Yasuhiro HIASA, Keita IMAI, Takeshi KITAHATA
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Publication number: 20170015299Abstract: A method is provided to control a hybrid powertrain that comprises: a combustion engine; a gearbox with input and output shafts; a first planetary gear connected to the input shaft and a first main shaft; a second planetary gear, connected to the first planetary gear and a second main shaft; first and second electrical machines, respectively connected to the first and second planetary gears; one gear pair connected with the first planetary gear and output shaft; and one gear pair connected with the second planetary gear and output shaft. The method comprises: disconnecting a first planetary wheel carrier and a first sun wheel or disconnecting a second planetary wheel carrier and a second sun wheel from each other; b) controlling the combustion engine to a predetermined engine speed; and c) controlling the first and second electrical machines so that a desired torque is achieved in the output shaft, while a requested total power consumption of the first and the second electrical machines is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Mathias BJÖRKMAN, Niklas PETTERSSON, Johan LINDSTRÖM, Mikael BERGQUIST
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Publication number: 20170015300Abstract: A method is provided to control a hybrid powertrain to achieve gear shifts without torque interruption, comprising a gearbox with input shaft and output shafts; a first planetary gear connected to the input shaft and a first main shaft; a second planetary gear connected to the first planetary gear and a second main shaft; first and second electrical machines respectively connected to the first and second planetary gears; a first gear pair and a third gear pair between the first main shaft and a countershaft; and a second gear pair between the second main shaft and the countershaft, which is connected with the output shaft via a fifth gear pair.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Johan LINDSTRÖM, Mathias BJÖRKMAN, Niklas PETTERSSON, Mikael BERGQUIST
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Publication number: 20170015301Abstract: A hybrid vehicle control device is provided with at least one controller that controls the outputs of the engine and of the motor according to the driving state, the engagement and disengagement of the clutch, and the transmission ratio of the continuously variable transmission. The at least one controller is programmed to start the engine and forcibly downshift the continuously variable transmission to a transmission ratio with which it is possible to start on an uphill road upon determining that the vehicle is on an uphill road while in an electric vehicle mode in which it is possible to travel by the drive force of the motor with the clutch released and the engine stopped.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Akihiro YAMAMOTO, Morihiro NAGAMINE, Akira TAKANO, Shintaro OSHIO, Yoshihisa KODAMA, Takuro HIRANO, Yukifumi OTSUKA
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Publication number: 20170015302Abstract: A driving system is provided for a vehicle that includes an engine, a driving motor connected to the engine and generating a driving force, and a transmission that receives a driving force generated from the driving motor and changes a direction of the driving force. Additionally, a clutch selectively connects between the driving motor and the transmission and a controller operates the driving motor and the transmission. The controller determines whether a direction inversion shifting condition is satisfied and performs a direction inversion shifting using the driving motor when the direction inversion shifting condition is satisfied.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Teh Hwan Cho, Jungeol Song
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Publication number: 20170015303Abstract: A method is provided to start a hybrid powertrain to optimize fuel consumption, wherein such hybrid powertrain comprises a combustion engine; a gearbox with input shaft and output shaft; a first planetary gear, connected to the input shaft and a first main shaft; a second planetary gear, connected to the first planetary gear and a second main shaft; first and second electrical machines respectively, connected to the first and second planetary gears; one gear pair connected with the first main shaft; and one gear pair connected with the second main shaft. The method comprising: ensuring that the moveable parts of each of the first and second planetary gears are respectively disconnected from each other; bringing the combustion engine to a predetermined engine speed (nice); and controlling the first and the second electrical machine in such a way that a desired torque (TDrv) is achieved in the output shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Mathias BJÖRKMAN, Niklas PETTERSSON, johan LINDSTRÖM, Mikael BERGQUIST
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Publication number: 20170015304Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a hybrid powertrain, comprising a combustion engine; a gearbox with input and output shafts; a first planetary gear connected to the input; a second planetary gear connected to the first planetary gear; first and second electrical machines capable of operating each other and respectively connected to the first planetary gear and to the second planetary gear; one gear pair connected with the first planetary gear and the output shaft; and one gear pair connected with the second planetary gear and the output shaft. The method comprising, while the combustion engine is operating: ensuring that gears are engaged in the one gear pair connected with the first planetary gear and the one gear pair connected with the second planetary gear, and activating the first and second electrical machines so that total emitted electrical power is zero and a torque is generated in the output shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Mathias BJÖRKMAN, Niklas PETTERSSON, Johan LINDSTRÖM, Mikael BERGQUIST
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Publication number: 20170015305Abstract: A method is provided to control a hybrid powertrain to achieve a desired engine speed in a combustion engine, said powertrain comprising: a gearbox with input and output shafts with the combustion engine connected to the input shaft; a first planetary gear connected to the input shaft and a first main shaft; a second planetary gear connected to the first planetary gear and a second main shaft; first and second electrical machines respectfully connected to the first and second planetary gears; first gear pair connected with the first main shaft; and second gear pair connected with the second main shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Mathias BJÖRKMAN, Niklas PETTERSSON, Johan LINDSTRÖM, Mikael BERGQUIST
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Publication number: 20170015306Abstract: A method is provided to control a hybrid powertrain, comprising a combustion engine; a gearbox with an input shaft connected to the combustion engine and an output shaft; a first planetary gear connected to the input shaft a second planetary gear connected to the first planetary gear; first and second electrical machines respectively connected to the first and second planetary gears; first gear pair connected with the first planetary gear and the output shaft; and second gear pair connected with the second planetary gear and the output shaft. The method comprises: a) engaging gears corresponding to the first gear pair and to the second gear pair; and b) connecting a second sun wheel, arranged in the second planetary gear and a second planetary wheel carrier with each other, with the use of a second coupling device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Mathias BJÖRKMAN, Niklas PETTERSSON, Johan LINDSTRÖM, Mikael BERGQUIST
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Publication number: 20170015307Abstract: A method is provided to control a hybrid powertrain, comprising a combustion engine; a gearbox with input and output shafts, which combustion engine is connected to the input shaft; a first planetary gear connected to the input shaft; a second planetary gear connected to the first planetary gear; first and second electrical machines respectfully connected to the first and second planetary gears; first gear pair connected with the first planetary gear and output shaft; and second gear pair connected with the second planetary gear and output shaft. The method comprises: a) engaging gears in the first and second gear pairs; and b) connecting two rotatable components in the second planetary gear with a second coupling device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Mathias BJÖRKMAN, Niklas PETTERSSON, Mikael BERGQUIST, Johan LINDSTRÖM
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Publication number: 20170015308Abstract: A vehicle may include a transmission having an electric machine, an engine, and a controller. The engine may be selectively coupled with the transmission via a disconnect clutch. The controller may be programmed to, in response to an anticipated engine start request, command a disconnect clutch pre-stroke to couple the engine to the transmission prior to an actual engine start request while operating the vehicle in electric mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Walter Joseph Ortmann, Todd McCullough, Brandon R. Masterson, Kimberly Trice
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Publication number: 20170015309Abstract: Method is disclosed to start a combustion engine in a hybrid powertrain, comprising a gearbox with input and output shafts; a first planetary gear connected to the input shaft and a first main shaft; a second planetary gear connected to the first planetary gear and a second main shaft; first and second electrical machines respectively connected to the first and second planetary gears; a gear pair connected with the first main shaft, first planetary gear, and output shaft; and a gear pair connected with the second main shaft, second planetary gear and output shaft. The method comprises: determining a desired torque in the output shaft and a torque in a combustion engine output shaft required to start the combustion engine and controlling the first and second electrical machines such that the desired torque in the output shaft and the torque required in the combustion engine output shaft is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Johan LINDSTRÖM, Mathias BJÖRKMAN, Niklas PETTERSSON, Mikael BERGQUIST
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Publication number: 20170015310Abstract: A method is provided to start a combustion engine in a hybrid powertrain, comprising a gearbox with input and output shafts; a first planetary gear, connected to the input shaft and a first main shaft; a second planetary gear connected to the first planetary gear and a second main shaft; first and second electrical machines respectively connected to the first and second planetary gears; one gear pair connected with the first main shaft, and therefore with the first planetary gear and the output shaft; and one gear pair connected with the second main shaft. The method comprises: a) connecting an output shaft of the combustion engine with the input shaft of the gearbox, via a coupling device arranged between the output shaft and the input shaft; and b) controlling the first and second electrical machines to start the combustion engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Mathias BJÖRKMAN, Niklas PETTERSSON, Johan LINDSTRÖM, Mikael BERGQUIST
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Publication number: 20170015311Abstract: A vehicle control system includes: a non-inertial sensor arrangement configured to detect a parameter indicative of a radius of turn for the vehicle that is desired by a driver of the vehicle; a speed detection arrangement operable to detect the forward speed of the vehicle; a friction estimation arrangement, configured to provide an estimated value for the coefficient of friction between at least one tire of the vehicle and a surface over which the vehicle is driven; and a processor connected to receive signals from the non-inertial sensor arrangement, the speed detection arrangement and the friction estimation arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2014Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Alessandro Zin, Long Ying
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Publication number: 20170015312Abstract: A parking assist system of a vehicle includes a plurality of sensors disposed at a vehicle and having respective fields of sensing exterior of the vehicle. A vehicle control is operable to determine a target parking space responsive to the processor. The control (i) uses two intersecting lines, with one passing through a start node and one passing through an end node, (ii) uses circles that are tangent to respective ones of the intersecting lines, with each circle having a radius that approximates a minimum turning radius of the vehicle, and (iii) determines possible paths of travel using straight path sections tangent to one or more of the circles and curved path sections that follow a curvature of one or more of the circles. The control selects a target path of travel in accordance with a plurality of objectives for the path of travel of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventor: Ralph Latotzki
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Publication number: 20170015313Abstract: Systems and methods relating to the operation of an autonomous vehicle relative to forward objects in an external environment are described. At least a forward portion of the external environment can be sensed to detect an object therein. A size adjustment factor can be determined to predict a laterally innermost point of the detected object relative to the autonomous vehicle. A driving maneuver for the autonomous vehicle can be determined based at least partially on the predicted laterally innermost point of the detected object relative to the autonomous vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Xue Mei, Naoki Nagasaka, Bunyo Okumura
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Publication number: 20170015314Abstract: A hybrid ECU reads mode information during regenerative braking, and gradually decreases regenerative braking force when a friction braking force control in accordance with a preparatory mode is started. Thereby, sudden change of deceleration of a vehicle can be prevented. The hybrid ECU 50 makes regenerative braking force disappear immediately when a friction braking force control in accordance with a collision avoidance braking mode is started during regenerative braking. Thereby, the vehicle can be slowed down with a deceleration for collision avoidance.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masayasu TANASE, Wataru IKE
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Publication number: 20170015315Abstract: A vehicle movement state determination device includes: a yaw rate determination unit configured to determine a yaw rate based on at least one of a detection yaw rate detected by a yaw rate sensor and a calculation yaw rate calculated by a yaw rate calculation unit; and a yaw rate reliability determination unit configured to determine whether a reliability of the detection yaw rate is low. The yaw rate determination unit determines the detection yaw rate as the yaw rate at the time the yaw rate reliability determination unit does not determine that the reliability of the detection yaw rate is low, and determines the yaw rate based on the calculation yaw rate at the time the yaw rate reliability determination unit determines that the reliability of the detection yaw rate is low.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tsutomu HATTORI, Hiroshi ONUMA, Akira NAGAE
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Publication number: 20170015316Abstract: A driving assist apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a curve detection unit that detects a curve ahead of a vehicle, a driving operation assistance unit that, based on the curve detection result, provides driving operation assistance to enable the vehicle to properly pass through the curve, a diversion determination unit that determines whether the vehicle position is diverted from the curve during curve passage, a diversion-confirmed curve storage unit that, when the vehicle position is diverted from the curve, memorizes the curve as a diversion-confirmed curve, and an assistance suppression unit that, when the curve detected by the curve detection unit is the diversion-confirmed curve, suppresses the driving operation assistance by the driving operation assistance unit. When the vehicle position returns to the curve after diverting from the curve, the diversion determination unit determines that the vehicle position is not diverted from the curve.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Hiroshi SEKINE, Yutaka MOCHIZUKI, Takuji HARAYAMA, Hirotaka TAKIGUCHI, Daisuke KONDO, Kiyoshi TSURUMI
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Publication number: 20170015317Abstract: A method for image-based vehicle localization includes measuring, at a vehicle, a position and a heading of the vehicle; capturing, at an image capture system of the vehicle, road surface image data of a road surface; processing the road surface image data to correct for distortion in the road surface image data due to pitch and roll of the vehicle; performing feature detection on the processed road surface image data to detect lane markers on the road surface; generating a local map based on the detected lane markers; wherein generating the local map comprises identifying a lane demarcated by the detected lane markers; and controlling the vehicle according to the local map.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: Cruise Automation, Inc.Inventors: Juan Fasola, Stuart Glaser, Elliot Branson, Kyle Vogt