Patents Issued in January 24, 2017
  • Patent number: 9550494
    Abstract: An apparatus for assisting in the driving of a vehicle determines, for a first vehicle, a first traveling track based on road infrastructure and a second traveling track based on the traveling track of a second vehicle that precedes the first vehicle. The apparatus stores information about the first traveling track and the second traveling track such that the deviation corresponds to the respective traveling positions of the vehicles. If a base for formation of a target track that the first vehicle is caused follow is switched between the first traveling track and the second traveling track when the apparatus forms this target track, the apparatus forms the target track based on the deviation information to decrease deviation between the first traveling track and the second traveling track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuaki Aso
  • Patent number: 9550495
    Abstract: Technologies for assisting vehicles with changing road conditions includes vehicle assistance data based on crowd-sourced road data received from a plurality of vehicles and/or infrastructure sensors. The crowd-sourced road data may be associated with a particular section of roadway and may be used to various characteristics of the roadway such as grade, surface, hazardous conditions, and so forth. The vehicle assistance data may be provided to an in-vehicle computing device to assist or facilitate traversal of the roadway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Igor Tatourian, Rita H. Wouhaybi, Hong Li
  • Patent number: 9550496
    Abstract: A travel control apparatus is configured to perform an overtaking travel on a host vehicle with a vehicle travelling ahead as an overtaking target vehicle during an autonomous driving of the host vehicle. In a case where the overtaking travel starts, the apparatus determines whether or not the overtaking target vehicle accelerates during the overtaking travel. In a case where it is determined that the overtaking target vehicle accelerates, the apparatus determines whether or not a front vehicle is present in front of the overtaking target vehicle. In a case where it is determined that the front vehicle is not present, the apparatus stops the overtaking travel of the host vehicle, and in a case where it is determined that the front vehicle is present, the apparatus continues the overtaking travel of the host vehicle under a predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ikuma Suzuki, Masaki Matsunaga, Tetsuya Taira
  • Patent number: 9550497
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a driving mode of a vehicle are provided to control the driving mode according to a short term driving tendency and a long term driving tendency. The apparatus includes a driving information detector that detects driving information to determine driving tendency and a controller that calculates a short term driving tendency index based on the driving. The controller operates at least one of an engine and a transmission based on the short term driving tendency index and calculates a middle term driving tendency index using the short term driving tendency index. A delay time is then determined using the middle term driving tendency index. The controller enters a sport mode based on the short term driving tendency index and releases the sport mode after delaying the delay time when the short term driving tendency index satisfies releasing conditions of the sport mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Byeong Wook Jeon
  • Patent number: 9550498
    Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one autonomous driving sensor configured to detect a traffic flow pattern relative to an intersection. An autonomous mode controller is configured to determine the state of the traffic control device. The autonomous mode controller may estimate when the state of the traffic control device is likely to change based on the traffic flow pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Meyer, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Patent number: 9550499
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes: a first control system that controls a traveling of a work vehicle; a second control system that controls the traveling of the work vehicle via the first control system by using set information; a first communication line used for communication between the first control system and the second control system; and a second communication line that transmits information to the first control system from the second control system, wherein the second control system generates information for controlling an engine of the work vehicle and information for controlling a brake device of the work vehicle, and transmits the information for controlling the engine and the information for controlling the brake device to the first control system via the second communication line by an information transmission system different from an information transmission system by the first communication line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Sakai
  • Patent number: 9550500
    Abstract: A driver assistance system of a vehicle where the driver assistance system is able to control the vehicle at least partially automatically, a method alerts the driver to retake control of the vehicle from the driver assistance system based on the distance between the current location of the vehicle and an end of the autopilot capable route section. An end of an autopilot route section in a route planned for the vehicle is determined and distance information is determined between a current position of the vehicle and the end of the autopilot route section. The distance information is compared to a first and a second threshold value, and a first or a second indication is output as a function thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AG
    Inventors: Linn Hackenberg, Lennart Bendewald, Ina Petermann-Stock
  • Patent number: 9550501
    Abstract: A vehicle system comprises an interface assembly and a controller both on board a first rail vehicle. The interface assembly comprises one or more mechanical couplers, fuel couplers, fluid couplers, and electrical connectors, to detachably couple the first rail vehicle to a separate, adjacent fuel tender vehicle, for the transfer of one or more of fuel (e.g., compressed natural gas) from the fuel tender vehicle to the first rail vehicle, heated fluid from the first rail vehicle to the fuel tender vehicle (e.g., for regasification of liquid natural gas stored in the fuel tender vehicle to the compressed natural gas), or electrical power and/or control signals between the first rail vehicle and the fuel tender vehicle. The controller is configured to at least partially control operations of the first rail vehicle in relation to interfacing with the fuel tender vehicle for fuel transfer, heated fluid transfer, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lamar K. Ledbetter, Kevin M. Fisher, Jared K. Cooper
  • Patent number: 9550502
    Abstract: A cover structure in a slide position detection device for a vehicle seat includes a magnetic detector disposed on a side of one of a fixed rail and a movable rail; a cover that covers the magnetic detector and that is disposed on the side of the one rail; and a detected portion disposed on a side of the other rail. The cover includes a lateral cover portion that covers a lateral portion of the magnetic detector, and a detection portion cover portion that faces and covers a detection portion of the magnetic detector; and the detection portion cover portion is provided with a ferromagnetic plate that faces the detection portion, the ferromagnetic plate being located at a position that is farther from the detection portion than a closest position of the detected portion relative to the detection portion, and the ferromagnetic plate shielding against magnetism from the magnetic detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignees: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA, SHIROKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hidekazu Kitou
  • Patent number: 9550503
    Abstract: A brake control device for a brake system for a rail vehicle, the brake system having at least one adhesion-type friction brake device. The brake control device receives brake actuation data, which are assigned to the at least one adhesion-type friction brake device, from a brake actuation sensor device of the brake system. The brake control device receives brake action data, which are assigned to the at least one adhesion-type friction brake device, from a brake action sensor device of the brake system, and to cause the adhesion-type friction brake device to effect a braking process, and to monitor and assign brake actuation data and brake action data to each other during a braking process. Also disclosed is a brake system, a rail vehicle and a method for operating a brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FÜR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventors: Marc-Gregory Elstorpff, Rainer Rau, Robert Haupt
  • Patent number: 9550504
    Abstract: A rail vehicle braking system includes a service brake (6) having a movable piston (8) delimiting with a body (2) of the system a service brake chamber (13) supplied by a first source, and a parking brake (7) having a blocking device (20) having a position in which it immobilizes the piston in a position, and a movable actuating device (23, 24) delimiting with the body a parking brake chamber (25) supplied by a second source and having a stable position in which it holds the blocking device in its position; the service chamber, when the actuating device is in its stable position, being supplied by the second source of which the pressure is greater than that of the first source in order to apply a greater braking force than the force applied when the piston is in its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: FAIVELEY TRANSPORT AMIENS
    Inventors: Gilles Boisseau, Claudino Goncalves
  • Patent number: 9550505
    Abstract: A system includes at least one application device, a control unit, at least one detection device, and at least one processor configured to be disposed on-board a vehicle system. The at least one application device is configured to be at least one of conductively or inductively coupled with at least one conductive track of a route traveled by the vehicle system. The control unit is configured to control the at least one application device to electrically inject at least one examination signal into the conductive tracks. The at least one detection device is configured to detect the examination signal passing through a test loop. The at least one processor is configured to identify a failure of the vehicle to adequately shunt electrical signals between the conductive tracks based upon the examination signal detected by the at least one detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joseph Forrest Noffsinger, Jeffrey Michael Fries
  • Patent number: 9550506
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a keg trolley including a movable catch for catching hold under a lip of a keg. Preferably, the catch is movable so as to engage under different lips at various heights, when kegs are of different heights or placed on different types of pallets. In the preferred embodiment, the keg can be readily repositioned on a pallet by engaging the catch and moving the keg, without the need to actually touch the keg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: James Nikora
  • Patent number: 9550507
    Abstract: A portable valet system and method of use that incorporates a basket for storing items for movement as well as a collapsible hanger assembly that can be used for hanging items while in use. The portable valet system and method of use is collapsible and on wheels for portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Annette Devers
  • Patent number: 9550508
    Abstract: An assembly for transporting containers and more specifically an ice chest cooler to a desired location is described. The assembly comprises a strap which has been sewn together to form the shape square in the center. On end of the square, the fabric extends out and contains a fastener to connect to the handle of the ice chest cooler. On the other end, the fabric extends to form a handle. Assembled to the fabric is a pair of axles. The two axles are coupled at their ends to a pair of wheels on the front and rear of the assembly while the cooler is positioned on top of the axles. One method of assembling the axles to the fabric is by puncturing precise holes in the fabric to pass the axle through the fabric and mate the fabric and axle to the inner side of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Jose Parra
  • Patent number: 9550509
    Abstract: A manually movable transporting apparatus that is nestable with like transporting apparatuses has a chassis equipped with longitudinal members, which carries a loading device which is mounted on the chassis so as to be movable about respective horizontal axes and rests on at least one support. A supporting element is provided at the front end of the loading device and at least one inclined deflector surface is arranged in the rear region of the apparatus, which drops obliquely towards the rear and being designed to receive the supporting element of a further identical transporting apparatus driven onto the surface. At least one clearance is formed next to each support, and wherein each deflector surface is located in a clearance. When two transporting apparatuses are nested, each deflector surface of one transporting apparatus takes up the clearance assigned to the deflector surface of the other transporting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Martin Eberlein
  • Patent number: 9550510
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a cart having an adjustable handle system, the cart having: a chassis supported on wheels; a horizontal work surface having a perimeter defined by at least a front edge, a rear edge, and two side edges; a stationary handle connected to, and extending along the perimeter of the horizontal work surface from an origination point located on the rear edge to a connecting point located on one of the two side edges; a moveable handle axially coupled to the stationary handle at the connecting point and extending along the perimeter of the horizontal work surface from the connecting point to an end point located on the front edge; and an adjustable connecting device connecting the moveable handle to the stationary handle at the connecting point and controlling the angular position of the moveable handle relative to the stationary handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: HOWARD INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Jared Huguet, David Schoenfeld, Tony Thornton
  • Patent number: 9550511
    Abstract: A height extender for a control arm skate has an upper face configured to receive a control arm of a vehicle and a lower face configured to engage with an upper face of an underlying control arm skate. Extenders may be stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: James R. Poynter
  • Patent number: 9550512
    Abstract: A simple device for transporting materials is formed of a sheet of a flexible plastics material of generally tear drop shape to define a front tapered converging portion connected directly to a rear semicircular cupping portion. A rope passes through a pair of transversely spaced holes at the front edge to define a forwardly extending handle portion. The rope extends rearwardly along each side of the front portion to a hole at or adjacent a rear edge of the side edge and is covered by a stiffening tube. The rope passes through holes at the rear cupping portion to define a rear portion of the rope outside the sheet across the rear covered by a stiffening tube engaged over the rear portion of the rope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas Schioler, Paul Bundy
  • Patent number: 9550513
    Abstract: Provided is steering column support construction that together with eliminating strong rubbing between the bottom surface of a vehicle-side bracket 23a and the top surface of a column-side bracket 22a, and keeping the absolute value and fluctuation in the break away load small, more completely protects the driver during a collision accident without lowering the freedom of design of the steering apparatus. An adjustment rod 27 for adjusting the position of a steering wheel is provided on the top side of a steering column 6b. During a secondary collision, a moment that is applied to the column-side bracket 22a is kept small, friction at the area of rubbing between the column-side bracket 22a and the vehicle-side bracket 23a is reduced, and the break away load is kept low. Moreover, the driver's knees are protected by eliminating the portion that protrudes further downward than the steering column 6b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Fujiwara, Toru Segawa, Takahiro Minamigata, Kiyoshi Sadakata
  • Patent number: 9550514
    Abstract: A steering column system includes a steering column shaft, a steering input device coupled to the steering column shaft, a column adjustment assembly configured to translate the steering column shaft between a retracted position and a driving position, and, an air bag operatively arranged with the steering input device, the air bag deployable to one of a first size and a second size, the second size greater than the first size. When the steering column shaft is in the driving position, the air bag is deployable to the first size, and when the steering column shaft is in the retracted position, the air bag is deployable to the second size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: John F. Schulz, Joen C. Bodtker, Richard K. Riefe
  • Patent number: 9550515
    Abstract: Construction is achieved wherein performing design for sufficiently maintaining the collapse stroke is simple regardless of whether or not there is a key lock cylinder, and support rigidity of the steering column 1a during normal operation can be adequately increased. A vehicle-side bracket 5a is provided with a stationary-side support plate section 17 on only one side in the width direction of the column-side bracket 4a. This column-side bracket 4a is supported by the stationary-side support plate section 17 so as to be able to displace in the forward direction due to an impact load during a secondary collision. The column-side bracket 4a is also supported by the vehicle-side bracket 5a by way of an installation plate section 21 that is provided in a portion on the opposite side in the width direction of the steering column 1a from the stationary-side support plate section 17 so as to be able to displace in the forward direction due to an impact load during a secondary collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Seiichi Moriyama
  • Patent number: 9550516
    Abstract: A core of a worm wheel has an axial end surface formed with a first annular recess and another axial end surface formed with a second annular recess. A rim portion has a first inner circumferential portion fixed to the first annular recess and a second inner circumferential portion fixed to the second annular recess. An outer circumferential wall surface of the second annular recess extends from a bottom surface of the second annular recess so as to be perpendicular to the bottom surface. A depth of the second annular recess is at least 0.1 mm but not deeper than half of a gate thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Haruhiko Kiyota, Takeshi Yamamoto, Fumiaki Mitsuhashi
  • Patent number: 9550517
    Abstract: A rear wheel steering apparatus for a vehicle includes: a housing connected via first and second connecting members to a suspension mechanism supporting rear wheels of a vehicle; an electric motor accommodated in the housing; a planetary gear mechanism having a sun gear connected to an output shaft of the electric motor, a ring gear non-rotatably supported inside the housing, a planetary gear meshing with the ring gear and the sun gear, and a carrier connected to the planetary gear, and reducing the output of the electric motor; and a linear motion mechanism having a nut member connected to the planetary gear mechanism and forming the carrier, and a rod screwed to the nut member and connected to the second connecting member, and converting the rotational motion of the nut member into the linear motion of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shimpei Fujii, Soichiro Kono
  • Patent number: 9550518
    Abstract: A rack drive assembly adapted for use in a vehicle electric power steering assembly includes a ball nut assembly operatively connected to a screw portion of a rack portion of a steering member of the power steering assembly for effecting axial movement of the steering member upon rotation of a vehicle steering wheel. According to one embodiment, the ball nut assembly includes a first bearing assembly disposed in the rack housing and carried by a ball nut, the first bearing assembly disposed on a first end of the ball nut adjacent a first side of the pulley; and a second bearing assembly disposed in the rack housing and carried by the ball nut, the second bearing assembly disposed on an opposite second end of the ball nut adjacent a second side of the pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: TRW AUTOMOTIVE U.S. LLC
    Inventor: James Wang
  • Patent number: 9550519
    Abstract: A method for operating an active steering system of a vehicle, in which a ratio between a wheel steer angle and a steering wheel angle specified by the driver can be modified by superimposition of a superimposition angle. The method comprises detecting an offset between a requested motor angle and an actual motor angle, and reducing the offset between the requested motor angle and the actual motor angle using a reduction rate that is selected as a function of at least one input variable specified by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jitendra Shah, Oliver Nehls, Lodewijk Wijffels, Sergio Codonesu
  • Patent number: 9550520
    Abstract: A rotating electric machine control device for controlling a rotating electric machine having a winding set with windings for multiple phases includes: an inverter having upper and lower arm elements connected to high and low potential sides, respectively, and converting an electric power of the rotating electric machine; a terminal voltage detection device detecting a terminal voltage of each phase; a resistor connecting each phase and a positive side of a power supply; and a control device having a signal generation device generating a control signal for the upper and lower arm elements and a failure detection device detecting a failure based on a sum of the terminal voltage in all phases when all control signals represents an off command, and a rotation speed of the rotating electric machine is lower than a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9550521
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering arrangement (1) is provided comprising a static steering unit (2) and an adjustable pressure source (3) connected to a pressure port (4) of said steering unit (2) and having a load sensing port (21). Such a steering unit should enable a fast reaction of the steering unit. To this end said pressure source (3) is a dynamic pressure source having an orifice (Adyn) outputting hydraulic fluid to said load sensing port (21), a load sensing line (22) connecting said load sensing port (21) and a low pressure port (11), a control valve (24) being arranged in said load sensing line (22) between said load sensing port (21) and said low pressure port (11), said control valve (24) being actuated by a control pressure within said steering unit (2) and throttling a flow through said load sensing line (22) depending on said control pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Danfoss Power Solutions ApS
    Inventors: Rene Andersen, Niels Arbjerg, Abdul Karim Rahimzai
  • Patent number: 9550522
    Abstract: A system and method for limiting a turning speed of a compactor is disclosed. The compactor includes a steering member configured to receive operator steering input. The system may comprise a speed sensor, and a controller in communication with the speed sensor. The speed sensor may be mounted on the compactor and configured to measure a travel speed of the compactor over a surface. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor, configured to measure a temperature of the surface, may be mounted on the compactor and in communication with the controller. The controller is configured to receive the travel speed and/or temperature, and to limit a turning speed of the compactor when a condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Alan Oetken, John Lee Marsolek
  • Patent number: 9550523
    Abstract: A system and a method of controlling a power steering system of a vehicle are provided. A control system includes a control module operable to receive sensor data and control the power steering system. The control module is configured to determine whether the vehicle is operating in a low surface friction condition based on a handwheel angle and one of a handwheel torque and a pinion torque. The control module generates a control signal based on the determination and sends the control signal to the power steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mariam Swetha George, Shrenik P. Shah, Farhad Bolourchi
  • Patent number: 9550524
    Abstract: A steering control device includes a steering reaction force control unit that applies a steering reaction force to a steering unit in accordance with a steering reaction force characteristic that is based on steering torque and steering angle of the steering unit in which the steering torque increases as the steering angle increases. A curvature detection unit detects a curvature of a white line. An offset unit calculates an offset amount that increases as the detected curvature increases and that offsets the steering reaction force characteristic such that a neutral point of the steering is moved in a curve direction according to a magnitude of the detected curvature. A lateral acceleration detection unit detects a lateral acceleration of a host vehicle. An offset suppression unit suppresses an increase in the offset amount more as an absolute value of the detected lateral acceleration increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuya Takeda
  • Patent number: 9550525
    Abstract: A steering wheel includes: a cylindrical slider which is disposed on an outer side of a support member so as to slide in a front-to-rear direction and which is biased to the rear; a cap member which covers at least respective rear end portions of the support member and the slider from the rear; a movable-side contact portion which is provided inside the cap member; an annular damper holder which is mounted inside the cap member; an annular elastic member which is interposed between the slider and the damper holder; a transmitting portion which is provided in an inner circumferential portion of the damper holder; and a movement catch portion which is provided on an outer circumferential portion of the slider so as to be positioned immediately before the transmitting portion and to which a forward movement of the damper holder is transmitted through the transmitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ishii, Osamu Hirose, Kenji Sasaki, Toshihito Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 9550526
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lane keeping control system, including: a target distance calculator configured to calculate a target distance by receiving a speed of a vehicle; and a target trace generator configured to generate coordinates of a target point separated by the target distance by receiving vehicle information and camera image information and generate a target trace to the target point as a circular trace. Accordingly, by variably calculating a target distance according to a speed of a vehicle, generating a target trace of a vehicle according to the target distance as a profile (curvature) in a form of a circular trace, and applying the generated profile (curvature) to a lane keeping control, smooth lane keeping control may be achieved and a sense of steering difference of a driver may be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eun Young You, Kwang Keun Joseph Shin
  • Patent number: 9550527
    Abstract: A “dead-band” range may be provided for automatically selecting between two-wheel and four-wheel steering for an agricultural machine. When the machine is being steered minimally within a first band (within the dead-band range), such as in a straightaway path, two-wheel steering may be automatically selected. However, when the machine is being increasingly steered thereby reaching a second band (beyond the dead-band range), four-wheel steering may be automatically selected. An operator may monitor the state of the machine steering via a touchscreen Human Machine Interface (HMI) in the cabin. The operator may also adjust the dead-band range by increasing or decreasing sensitivity via the HMI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Nathan Brooks
  • Patent number: 9550528
    Abstract: A vehicle computer is programmed to: receive data from the first vehicle sensor indicating at least one signal from a second vehicle. The computer is further programmed to determine that the signal is a permission for the first vehicle to change lanes, and to actuate a change of lane of travel of the first vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohannad Hakeem, Samer Abbas
  • Patent number: 9550529
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recognizing a driving field of a vehicle are provided. The apparatus includes a sensor that is configured to sense a location of a vehicle driving on a road and sense whether an object is adjacent to the vehicle. In addition, a controller is configured to detect whether the object is present and a lane of the road on which the vehicle is being driven is changed to detect a final lane candidate group on which the vehicle is positioned. The final lane candidate group is then displayed by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Young Chul Oh, Tae Sung Choi, Byung Yong You, Chang Young Jung, Su Rim Kwon
  • Patent number: 9550530
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a pair of side members, first and second cross members, a center member and a pair of connecting members. The first cross member extends in a widthwise direction and connects the side members each other. The center member is extends from a central portion of the first cross member in the widthwise direction to the front in a front-to-rear direction. The connecting members extend in the front-to-rear direction at a rear side of the first cross member and are connected to the center member at front ends thereof. Rear ends of the connecting members extend outwards in the widthwise direction towards the side members and are connected to the side members. The second cross member extends in the widthwise direction at the rear side of the first cross member and connects the connecting members each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Taichi Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 9550531
    Abstract: A vehicle body rear structure includes a rear parcel provided between left and right vehicle body side parts, a parcel cross member bonded to the rear parcel and constituting a first closed cross section, and a parcel member and parcel support bonded to the first closed cross section and constituting the main section of a second closed cross section. The first closed cross section is configured from the rear parcel and the parcel cross member. Furthermore, the first closed cross section continues through the main section of the second closed cross section to the left vehicle body side part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eiji Yamada, Harumasa Toyosawa
  • Patent number: 9550532
    Abstract: A roof bow for a vehicle is provided that has a “bow-tie” shape including a central portion flanked by two triangular portions. The triangular portions are joined to right and left roof brackets that are, in turn, joined to right and left roof rails. The bow-tie roof bow may be assembled from extruded tubular parts. The bow-tie roof bow may be assembled in a clamshell structure including an upper shell and a lower shell that are joined together by welding. The roof bow may be formed in one piece as a sheet metal stamping having side portions that are wider than the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Omar Faruque, Fubang Wu, Michael M. Azzouz, Yijung Chen, David Anthony Wagner, James Chih Cheng
  • Patent number: 9550533
    Abstract: A mud flap assembly is arranged behind a wheel of a vehicle to block mud, water, and/or debris from being thrown into the air. The mud flap assembly includes a bracket and a mud flap. The bracket couples the mud flap assembly with the vehicle. The mud flap extends downwardly away from the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Wabash National, L.P.
    Inventor: Andrzej Wylezinski
  • Patent number: 9550534
    Abstract: A framework such as a vehicle body is disclosed and includes at least two components of materials with different heat expansion coefficients fastened to one another on an elongated overlap zone. The overlap zone on a first component is subdivided by weak points oriented in its transverse direction into portions following one another in longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Marcus Lange
  • Patent number: 9550535
    Abstract: An aerodynamic control system includes a skirt assembly configured to be disposed between plural vehicles in a vehicle system formed from the plural vehicles with the vehicles separated by a spatial gap in the vehicle system. The skirt assembly can include a bladder configured to be inflated with a fluid by a fluid source disposed onboard the vehicle system to cause the skirt assembly to expand between the vehicles from a collapsed state to an expanded state such that the skirt assembly at least partially fills the spatial gap between the vehicles. The skirt assembly can reduce aerodynamic drag exerted on the vehicle system during movement of the vehicle system relative to the vehicle system moving without the skirt assembly in the expanded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Matthew John Malone, Gregory Wright
  • Patent number: 9550536
    Abstract: An idler group is disclosed for a mobile machine having a tracked undercarriage with an endless track. The idler group may include a retainer disposed on an axle and within an opening in an idler. The retainer may be configured to achieve an interference fit with the idler sufficient to hold the retainer within the opening of the idler during operation of the mobile machine. In another embodiment, a retaining ring may be disposed within a channel formed in the idler and may contact the retainer. In yet another embodiment, a swaged connection may be formed between the idler and the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric James Johannsen, Michael Dean Hasselbusch, Timothy Richard Hoyt
  • Patent number: 9550537
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for a link for a track chain in a ground-engaging track system. The link has an elongate link body including a first and a second crown. The elongate link body includes a shoe surface and a rail surface. The shoe surface is configured to contact a track shoe coupled to the elongate link body. The rail surface is opposite the shoe surface and has a first end section, a middle section, and a second end section. The first and second crowns on the rail surface each define a convex portion of the rail surface. The first crown is positioned on the first end section and the second crown is positioned on the second end section. The first and second crowns are configured to delay scallop formation in the rail surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Steiner, Caroline Brewer, Temitope Akinlua, Daniel Knobloch, Donovan Clarke, Timothy Nenne
  • Patent number: 9550538
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle has a seat post, an adjustment base, a seat, a sliding base, and two adjusting bolts. The seat post has a supporting base having a concave top surface and a passage. The adjustment base is attached to the concave top surface of the supporting base and has a convex bottom surface and an elongated through hole. The convex bottom surface matches and abuts the concave top surface of the supporting base. The seat is attached to the flat top surface of the adjustment base and has a sliding channel. The sliding base is mounted slidably in the sliding channel and has a slot and two holding rods respectively provided with a threaded hole. The adjusting bolts are mounted through the passage, the elongated through hole, and the slot, and are screwed respectively with the threaded holes in the holding rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: LEE CHI ENTERPRISES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Toby Henderson, Colin Esquibel, Chin-Hung Lai
  • Patent number: 9550539
    Abstract: A support for removably fastening a bicycle on-board device having an oblong shape along a bicycle oblong element is disclosed, wherein the support has at least one first opening configured to receive a shank of a first device for fastening to the oblong element, and a second opening configured to receive a shank of a second device for fastening to the oblong element, the first opening and the second opening being spaced along a longitudinal direction of the oblong element, the first opening being configured to receive the shank of the first fastening device alternatively in at least two first positions spaced apart in said first opening, the two first positions being spaced along a direction transversal to the oblong element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Massimo Dal Pozzo
  • Patent number: 9550540
    Abstract: A passenger vehicle for carrying a golf bag includes first and second front wheels and a rear wheel, a frame that may be folded into a compact position, gearing, and a steering mechanism. The frame includes a cross bar extending between the first and second front wheels, first and second front bars connected to a rear bar at a hinged connection, and a down tube connected to the cross bar, wherein the rear bar includes a receiving mechanism for releaseably receiving the down tube. The gearing includes a cassette secured to an axle extending through the cross bar. A steering mechanism for providing directionality includes a steering member within the rear bar. A first golf bag support is connected to the first and second front bars and a second golf bag support is connected to the cross bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Inventor: Yaguang Wang
  • Patent number: 9550541
    Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame, a plurality of ground-engaging members for supporting the frame, and an engine supported by the frame and operably coupled to the ground-engaging members. Additionally, the two-wheeled vehicle includes an upper and lower fairing assembly that cooperate together to define wind flow around the vehicle. Vents and deflectors are controllable to regulate the airflow to the rider. A vehicle control unit is operable to control the heated grips and the cruise control. A trunk is provided for mounting to the motorcycle and is electrically coupled to a harness running beneath the seat. The vehicle is further profiled to receive a hand held GMRS handset and smart phone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Indian Motorcycle International, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan P. Lenton, Donald W. Kahl, John M. Nutter, Neil P. Quade, Andrew J. Novak
  • Patent number: 9550542
    Abstract: A kit for an electric cycle includes a powertrain module including a case, a battery disposed in the case, an electric motor in communication with the battery and disposed in the case, and a connecting port on the case. The kit includes a first module including a frame member configured to releasably engage the connecting port and a wheel rotatably connected to the frame member, a second module including a frame member configured to releasably engage the connecting port, and a releasable locking feature on the connecting port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Dueñas Figueroa, Luis Alfonso Domínguez Victorio, Haydee Guadalupe Martinez Rivera, Raciel Cruz Ramirez, Ramón Jáuregui Ortiz, José Guillermo Saavedra Roman, Ana Laura Quintanar Meléndez, Daniel Amaury Menchaca Gonzalez, José de Jesús Martinez Colin
  • Patent number: 9550543
    Abstract: An adjustable assembly for a bicycle includes a first support having an interior surface and a second support slidably positioned within at least a portion of the first support. One of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a first bicycle portion, and the other of the first support and the second support is adapted to attach to a second bicycle portion. Further, the second support comprises an expansion portion configured to be moved between an expanded position and a retracted position. The expansion portion is configured to engage the interior surface of the first support when the expansion portion is in an expanded position. In addition, the first support is configured to be selectively moved relative to the second support when the expansion portion is permitted to assume a retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Specialized Bicycle Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McAndrews, Ron Powers