Patents Issued in January 31, 2017
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Patent number: 9555799Abstract: In a control device for a hybrid vehicle, the charge/discharge setting unit sets a charge/discharge demand for an electricity storage device during a limp home mode, and the operation control unit controls an engine and a motor generator such that the electricity storage device receives/outputs a power in accordance with the charge/discharge demand set by the charge/discharge setting unit. In the case where a charge/discharge amount X input/output to/from the electricity storage device when the engine is operated to generate a required driving force is smaller than a charge/discharge amount Y based on the charged state of the electricity storage device, the charge/discharge setting unit sets, as the charge/discharge demand, the smaller one of the charge/discharge amount Y and a charge/discharge amount Z based on the upper-limit rotation speed of the engine set in accordance with a torque transmitted by a drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuki Hayakawa
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Patent number: 9555800Abstract: A method of servicing a hybrid system is disclosed wherein the hybrid system includes a detected fault. As a result of the detected fault the hybrid system has been disabled. The hybrid system includes a controller and a service detection interlock (SDI). The method steps include first powering up the controller and then assessing a special fault flag status. If a special fault flag is set, the next step is to check to see if the SDI is removed. If the SDI is removed then the special fault flag is cleared while the hybrid system remains disabled. The controller is then powered down with the key-off input and with the next key-on input, the hybrid system can be enabled.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: William J. Hynes, Steven Morey
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Patent number: 9555801Abstract: The present teachings provide for an active steering system for controlling a vehicle. The system can include at least one sensor and a control module. The at least one sensor can be configured to detect a leading obstacle. The control module can be configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor, to determine a steering profile, and to execute a lane change maneuver based on the steering profile. The steering profile can include a plurality of steering angles and corresponding vehicle positions for maneuvering the vehicle from a current lane to an adjacent lane. The steering angles can be calculated to not increase the acceleration of the vehicle above an occupant comfort threshold value and to not cause the vehicle to cross an outer boundary of the adjacent lane.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignees: Denso International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: John Yester, Hans Riparip, Bo Sun, Hiroshi Hattori, Katsuhiko Akamatsu
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Patent number: 9555802Abstract: A driving support device includes: a preceding vehicle recognizer that recognizes a preceding vehicle; a lane mark recognizer that recognizes a lane mark; a path following controller that controls the own-vehicle; and a lane maintaining controller that controls the own-vehicle when a vehicle speed of the own-vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined speed. The driving support device further includes a prediction unit that predicts a shift of the own-vehicle to a running state with the predetermined speed or greater, and while the own-vehicle is under control of the path following controller, when the preceding vehicle ceases to be an object recognized by the preceding vehicle recognizer, the vehicle speed is less than the predetermined speed, and the prediction unit (control management unit) predicts the shift of the own-vehicle to the running state with the predetermined speed or greater, the lane maintaining controller controls the own-vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2016Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomoyoshi Aoki, Sachio Kobayashi
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Patent number: 9555803Abstract: A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a forward-viewing camera disposed in a windshield electronics module attached at a windshield of the vehicle and viewing through the windshield. A control includes a processor that, responsive to processing of captured image data, detects lane markers on a road being traveled by the vehicle. The processor determines curvature of the road being traveled by the vehicle and detects another vehicle that is present exterior of the equipped vehicle and determines that the detected other vehicle is in the same traffic lane as the equipped vehicle or is in an adjacent traffic lane. The processor processes captured image data to determine distance from the equipped vehicle to the detected other vehicle that is present exterior of the equipped vehicle and within the exterior field of view of the forward-viewing camera. The processor processes captured image data for vehicle speed control.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2016Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: John A. Pawlicki, Martha A. McMahon, Steven G. Chinn, Joel S. Gibson
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Patent number: 9555804Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying the hand of traffic applicable to a subject vehicle (3). The subject vehicle (3) travels in a first direction and has a first side and a second side. The method comprises tracking at least a first object vehicle (V) on the first side of the subject vehicle (3), and/or detecting the presence or absence of at least a first stationary target (T) on the first side of the subject vehicle (3). A direction of travel of each first object vehicle (V) is determined in relation to the subject vehicle (3). The hand of traffic is identified based on the direction of travel of each first object vehicle (V), and/or the presence or absence of each first stationary target (T). The invention also relates to a method of implementing Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) using the hand of traffic information. The invention also relates to a control unit (1) for determining the hand of traffic.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventors: Ian Blake, James Smith
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Patent number: 9555805Abstract: A method of releasing a stuck vehicle, in which a stuck situation is recognized and a rocking-free process is initiated and continued until the rocking-free process is suppressed. The rocking-free process is suppressed either after the activation of a parking brake of the vehicle, which was inactive at the beginning of and during the rocking-free process, for a predetermined time interval, or after the registration of a limit value of a deflection of a drive pedal of the vehicle and after the limit value of the deflection of the drive pedal is maintained or exceeded for a predetermined time interval, or after a vehicle speed falls to almost zero km/h, a minimum actuation of a drive pedal of the vehicle is registered, the vehicle speed is maintained for a predetermined time interval and the minimum actuation is maintained for the predetermined time interval.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Roland Mair, Marcus Haug, Florian Schneider, Andreas Heinzler
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Patent number: 9555806Abstract: A method for controlling rollback of a work vehicle may include receiving a signal indicating that a pedal of the work vehicle has been depressed, wherein the work vehicle is initially traveling in a first direction up an inclined surface such that at least one clutch of the transmission is engaged. In addition, the method may include reducing a pressure within the at least one clutch after receiving the signal in order to decelerate the work vehicle in the first direction and engaging a parking brake of the work vehicle as the work vehicle reverses direction and travels in a second direction down the inclined surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Garth Harvey Bulgrien, Peter J. Dix, Pawel Kuros
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Patent number: 9555807Abstract: A system for automated operation of a host-vehicle includes a controller configured to operate the host-vehicle during automated operation of the host-vehicle. The controller is configured to do so in accordance with a parameter stored in the controller. The controller is also configured to determine when an operator of the host-vehicle uses a vehicle-control-input to override the controller and thereby operate the host-vehicle in a manner different from that which is in accordance with the parameter. The controller is also configured to modify the parameter in accordance with the manner of the operator.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael H. Laur, John P. Absmeier, Tory P. Smith
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Patent number: 9555808Abstract: A method for operating a powertrain of a motor vehicle with two vehicle axles which can be driven by separate drive assemblies, wherein at least one of the two vehicle axles can be driven by an electromotive drive assembly, and wherein the at least one vehicle axle has two wheels and at least three axle portions, wherein a first axle portion has a first wheel, wherein the first and a second axle portion are coupled by a differential gear, wherein the second and a third axle portion are arranged so they can be connected together by a clutch, and wherein the third axle portion has a second wheel. During drive mode of the motor vehicle with the clutch open, the electromotive drive assembly is held at a standby rotation speed under active regulation by an electric drive control unit, wherein the standby rotation speed tracks a synchronization rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN AG & CO KGInventor: Markus Kohlbock
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Patent number: 9555809Abstract: A tractor is disclosed having an engine fitted with a speed governor, drive wheels, a transmission connecting the engine to the drive wheels, a controller serving to select the effective transmission ratio, and an engine driven power take-off (PTO) shaft for driving ancillary equipment connected to the tractor. When in a part load operating mode in which the PTO shaft is connected to drive an implement and the tractor is moving, the governor is set to maintain the engine working point to follow a selected speed governor line on the speed/load map of the engine. The controller is operative to initiate a change in the transmission ratio when the engine speed cannot be maintained within the specified tolerance of the desired engine speed.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Eugenio Sereni, Rocco Petrigliano
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Patent number: 9555810Abstract: A motorcycle's transmission control device is provided in which, in a case of a clutchless shift operation, disengagement of a fit of gears of a transmission and the fit of subsequent gears thereof can be smoothly achieved. A throttle operation unit controls the degree of opening of a throttle valve to become a first throttle opening-degree when a clutchless shifting unit determines that a clutchless down-shift operation can be implemented, and controls the degree of opening of the throttle valve to become a second throttle opening-degree when the clutchless shifting unit determines that a fit between shift gears is disengaged by the clutchless down-shift operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Mitsuaki Shirasaki, Kenichi Yamagata, Masahiko Nomura
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Patent number: 9555811Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method for providing an analysis index of a roadway section based on road and traffic conditions. The method may include calculating a traffic light density of a roadway section using a number of traffic lights installed in the roadway section, calculating road shape information based on at least one of a curvature and a gradient of the roadway section, calculating a speed variation of the roadway section using a change of speed in the roadway section, and calculating an analysis index of the roadway section using the traffic light density, the road shape information, and the speed variation.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2012Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: THINKWARE CORPORATIONInventors: Hyung Min Jin, Deuk Yeong Seong, Tae Hyeon Park
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Patent number: 9555812Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a roadway of a vehicle including at least the following steps: generating a light signal and emitting the light signal onto a lit area of the roadway, receiving retroreflected radiation of the lit area and generating an image signal, evaluating the image signal. For this purpose, it is provided that the light signal having light structures is generated, the image signal is evaluated as a two-dimensional light pattern, a detection of pattern characteristics corresponding to the light structures being carried out in the light pattern during the evaluation of the image signals, a signal strength of the image pattern being evaluated in a space-resolved manner and a reflecting behavior of the lit area being inferred therefrom, and a roadway surface being inferred from the reflecting behavior.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Marzieh Asadeh Parchami
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Patent number: 9555813Abstract: A method of preventing instability in a vehicle-trailer combination (10) is provided. The method comprises monitoring relative movement between the vehicle (20) and the trailer (30) using optical sensing means; determining a trailer yaw condition in dependence on a signal output from the optical sensing means; comparing the determined trailer yaw condition to a predetermined threshold yaw condition; and when the determined trailer yaw condition is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold yaw condition, outputting an alert signal indicative of the onset of instability in the vehicle-trailer combination.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventor: Giovanni Strano
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Patent number: 9555814Abstract: A vehicle system may include a thermal sensor; and a vehicle connectivity module in communication with the thermal sensor and a plurality of vehicle systems configured to receive an indication, from the thermal sensor, indicative of detection of a thermal event external to the vehicle, and responsive to the detection, utilize at least one of the plurality vehicle systems to perform at least one assistance feature to provide notification of the thermal event. A computer-implemented method may include activating a vehicle connectivity module responsive to detection of a thermal event external to the vehicle by a vehicle thermal sensor, confirming, by the vehicle connectivity module, the detection of the thermal event by utilizing other thermal sensor inputs of the vehicle, and responsive to the confirmation, commanding a vehicle system to perform at least one assistance feature to provide notification of the thermal event to a user.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Cynthia M. Neubecker, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, Brad Alan Ignaczak, Brian Bennie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
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Patent number: 9555815Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electric power conversion device includes an inverter which converts DC power into AC power and supplies the AC power to electric equipment of a railway vehicle, a battery capable of storing DC power, and a converter which converts the AC power into DC power and charges the battery. The battery supplies electric power to the inverter when the electric power is not supplied to the inverter from an external power source.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Michiaki Ishikawa, Hiroaki Otani
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Patent number: 9555816Abstract: The present invention relates to wheel chock apparatuses. Specifically, the wheel chock apparatuses of the present invention are utilized on railcars having automobile racks, known as “auto-rack railroad cars,” to hold in place a tire of an automobile thereon, restricting movement of the same during railroad transport of the same. The wheel chock apparatuses comprise a base, a ramp abutment at a front end thereof, lateral restraints at a front end thereof, and a floor grating engaging mechanism at a rear end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Holland, L.P.Inventor: Erik Johnsen
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Patent number: 9555817Abstract: End members (202, 204) dimensioned for securement to an associated flexible wall (206) of a rail spring assembly (200) can include an end member body formed from a polymeric material and can have a longitudinal axis (AX). The end member body can include an end wall (232) that extends transverse to the longitudinal axis. An outer side wall (234) can extend longitudinally from along the end wall. An outer peripheral wall (264) can extend from along the outer side wall and can be dimensioned to abuttingly engage the associated flexible wall. A plurality of support walls (272) can extend between and operatively interconnect the outer side wall and the outer peripheral wall and thereby buttress at least the outer peripheral wall against loads applied by the associated flexible wall. Gas spring assemblies including one or more of such end members and suspension systems for rail vehicles including one or more of such gas spring assemblies are also included.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLCInventor: David D. Jackson, Jr.
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Patent number: 9555818Abstract: An improved leaf spring side bearing assembly for railway freight cars is provided that achieves improved tracking and curving by the limitation of rock of the railway freight car. The side bearing comprises a base with two raised end sections. A leaf spring assembly is provided on the base that extends to the underside and support channel of the freight car. A top wear plate and a bottom travel stop are also included with the leaf spring side bearing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Amsted Rail Company, Inc.Inventors: Paul Wike, Zachary Harris
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Patent number: 9555819Abstract: A guided vehicle includes a guidance unit having first and second V-mounted guide pulleys resting on first and second running surfaces of a guide rail. The running surfaces are on sides of a median longitudinal plane of the guide rail and each pulley has a flange for freely gripping the guide rail. A device and method protecting against loss of vehicle guidance include a section with longitudinal height fixed along its length to a guide rail part, between running surfaces, the section having a cross-section guiding the unit during derailment or loss of guidance thereof with the section fixed to the guide rail part. The cross-section geometry holds the first pulley flange on the side of the median plane including the first pulley running surface and the second pulley flange on the side including the second pulley running surface. A device fixes the section to the guide rail.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: SIEMENS S.A.S.Inventor: Luciano Consoli
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Patent number: 9555820Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical contact coupling (10) for a track-borne vehicle, wherein the electrical contact coupling (10) comprises a coupling housing (11) having at least one frontal housing opening (23, 33). In order to achieve the current or data-carrying cables of the electrical contact coupling (10) not needing to move relative to the electrical contact coupling (10) when said electrical contact coupling (10) is being coupled and thus reduce the mechanical wear on the external current or data-carrying cables/cable harnesses which realize a relative movement to the coupling during the coupling process, the invention provides for a first contact holder (20) having a plurality of electrical contacts (32) to be arranged in the coupling housing (11) as well as a contacting support (40) having a plurality of contact tabs (42).Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Voith Patent GmbHInventors: Sascha Ende, Andreas Heinisch
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Patent number: 9555821Abstract: A control arrangement for a rail vehicle, having at least one control device which is or can be connected for the purpose of receiving sensor signals, wherein the sensor signals each represent at least one speed, and having at least one bus connection which is used or can be used to connect the control device to a data bus of the rail vehicle for interchanging data. The control device creates a standstill signal on the basis of the sensor signals and transmits the standstill signal onto the data bus. Also disclosed is a standstill determination device which can receive standstill signals via the data bus, wherein the standstill determination device determines, on the basis of standstill signals received via the data bus, whether the rail vehicle is at a standstill. Also disclosed is a rail vehicle and a method for determining a standstill of a rail vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEGUE GMBHInventor: Achim Vollmer
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Patent number: 9555822Abstract: A transport device has a carriage and at least three wheels mounted at a minimum of two axles. One of the axles is a driven axle which carries only a single, centrally mounted, electrically driven wheel. A support unit is configured to accommodate an elongated load, such as a golf bag. A guide component on a control side has a handle area. When the cart is in the operational position, the drive axle at the carriage is on hand at the control side, and the support unit substantially protrudes in the direction of the control side laterally across the drive axle.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2012Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Aurotec GmbHInventors: Ernst Rauch, Stefan Zikeli
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Patent number: 9555823Abstract: An infant seat support assembly is disclosed for supporting an infant seat relative to a structure, such as a shopping cart.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Inventor: Rachel Dehmer
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Patent number: 9555824Abstract: A method for assisting a driver of a vehicle during operation by providing the driver with a desired steering feel, involves detecting a first steering angle for an output shaft, which first steering angle indicates the position of ground engaging members; detecting a second steering angle for an input shaft, which second steering angle indicates the position of a steering device; comparing the first and second steering angles and determining a current state of a steering arrangement; and controlling a first actuator connected to the output shaft and a second actuator connected to the input shaft in response to the detected first and second steering angles, in order to achieve a desired state of the steering arrangement; and applying a torque to the steering device proportional to the angular difference between the output shaft and the input shaft using a resilient portion in an interconnection. An arrangement is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Volvo Truck CorporationInventor: Stefan Preijert
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Patent number: 9555825Abstract: A steering column comprises (a) an upper column assembly and (b) a bevel gear box assembly. The bevel gear box assembly is attached to the upper column assembly to form an integrated structure. The bevel gear box assembly also is operatively coupled to the upper column assembly such that rotational movement is transferred from the upper column assembly to the bevel gear box assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLCInventors: Zachery R. Volmering, Robert Geyer, Richard J. Eckhart
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Patent number: 9555826Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety apparatus for a steer-by-wire. The present invention can ensure the safety of a steer-by-wire using a simple and compact structure and achieve a manufacturing-cost reduction effect.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Kwon Ho Lee
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Patent number: 9555827Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric motor and an electric power steering apparatus including the same. According to an embodiment of the present invention, problems such as a malfunction of an electric motor, damage to a component of the electric motor, and lowering of an output of the electric motor can be solved by preventing penetration of foreign substances into the electric motor, so that a steering stability of a vehicle can be improved.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Mando CorporationInventor: Jun Ho Sin
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Patent number: 9555828Abstract: In an electronic control unit, high-heat-generating devices are mounted on a first surface or a second surface of a board, a heat-dissipating member is located facing the first surface of the board, and a heat-conducting member is located between the board and the heat-dissipating member. The heat-conducting member is in contact with the high-heat-generating devices to transfer heat of the high-heat-generating devices to the heat-dissipating member. A ratio of the number of the high-heat-generating devices mounted on the board to the number of the high-heat-generating devices arranged inside a first limited region of the first surface or a second limited region of the second surface is greater than a predetermined ratio. The second limited region is located at a position corresponding to the first limited region.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Tsuyoshi Tashima, Jyunichi Oogoshi, Takayuki Uchida, Katsuhiko Hayashi, Shinsuke Oota
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Patent number: 9555829Abstract: Provided is a method for operating a power steering system and to such a power steering system. A motor torque is computed by an electronic processor and is established by suitable motor actuation, wherein a plausibility check of the computed motor torque is carried out, taking a measured manual torque into consideration. A value of the additional torques of at least one special function is further considered in the plausibility check.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbHInventor: Michael Sprinzl
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Patent number: 9555830Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle includes an axle having opposite axle ends and a pair of axle hubs. The axle assembly has a pair of double kingpin hinge arrangements, each including a first pivot pin connected with a respective one of the axle ends, a second pivot pin operatively associated with a respective axle hub, and a knuckle interconnecting the first pivot pin and the second pivot pin. At least one steering cylinder is associated with each double kingpin hinge arrangement. Each steering cylinder is interconnected between the axle and the knuckle or the axle hub.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Sam Reubens, Jean-Pierre Vandendriessche, Carlos J. A. Verheye, Tom A. De Lathauwer
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Patent number: 9555831Abstract: A tractor-trailer for hauling a load is provided which is convertible from a conventional steering arrangement to a stinger steering arrangement to maneuver relatively long loads around tighter corners, roundabouts and other obstacles. The tractor-trailer includes a rear wheel assembly with a telescoping reach and a towing tractor including a chassis and a stinger to selectively attach to the telescoping reach of the rear wheel assembly. The stinger is movably coupled to the chassis to move between a stowed configuration for conventional steering and a deployed configuration for stinger steering.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Inventor: Gale Dahlstrom
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Patent number: 9555832Abstract: A display system for a vehicle and trailer is disclosed. The system comprises an interface configured to receive a directional input and a controller in communication with the interface and a screen. The controller is operable to receive a hitch angle and determine a heading direction of the trailer. The controller is further operable to determine a predicted heading of the vehicle aligned with the trailer based on the hitch angle. The predicted heading of the trailer is then displayed by the controller on the screen.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Dean Smit, Matthew Y. Rupp, Roger Arnold Trombley, Thomas Edward Pilutti, John Shutko, Douglas Scott Rhode
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Patent number: 9555833Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes: a straight-ahead cruising determining unit that determines whether or not a vehicle is in a straight-ahead cruising state; a detecting unit that detects a target object that meets a predetermined condition related to at least either of a current positional relationship or a future predicted positional relationship with the vehicle, among objects ahead of the vehicle, when the vehicle is determined to be in the straight-ahead cruising state; an operation control unit that makes the vehicle perform a predetermined operation related to the detected target object; and a condition setting unit that sets the condition to be applied to the left side in relation to a center line of the vehicle to differ from the condition to be applied to the right side, based on a cruising trajectory of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Akitoshi Minemura, Masayoshi Takeda
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Patent number: 9555834Abstract: A motor vehicle body includes a longitudinal beam, a bumper cross member, which is fixed to one end of the longitudinal beam, wherein an end section of the bumper cross member protrudes over the longitudinal beam in the transverse direction, and a cantilever beam, which protrudes into a space between a wheel mount and the bumper cross member. The cantilever beam and the end section of the bumper cross member are disposed so as to cooperate with each other such that, during a frontal collision, in particular during a frontal collision with small overlap, the end section of the bumper cross member deformed by the frontal collision impacts an end face of the cantilever beam and can be supported at this end face so that further deformation of the end section of the bumper cross member is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Karlheinz Volz, Hans-Peter Eck
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Patent number: 9555835Abstract: The invention relates to a body structure, in particular a floor structure, for a motor vehicle, comprising support components that form defined load paths for crash situations. According to the invention, at least some of the support components located in the region of at least one defined load path, in particular a head-on collision load path and/or a side collision load path and/or a rear collision load path, are formed by high-strength support components, preferably by fully through-hardened or at least partially through-hardened high-strength support components which are made of a hot-formed or shape-hardened sheet steel and which are directly or indirectly, preferably directly, connected to each other, in particular connected to one another non-positively and/or positively and/or by bonding.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Bernard Lohmann, Werner Krauth, Thorben Bösche, Gwendolin Schifferli, Martin Steinrücken, Stefan Thiele, Jürgen Hillmann
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Patent number: 9555836Abstract: In a vehicle, a gusset is provided at a lower end portion of a front pillar, a body wall portion of the gusset is joined to the front pillar, and a bottom wall portion of the gusset is joined to an upper wall portion of a rocker outer reinforcement. Thus, when the front pillar is about to collapse rearward, the upper wall portion supports the bottom wall portion of the gusset from below the vehicle. Therefore, the front pillar is restrained from collapsing. Besides, the rocker outer reinforcement receives, on a surface thereof, a load input from the gusset. Therefore, the load input to the rocker outer reinforcement is dispersed, so the load can be restrained from concentrating.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yohei Yamamoto, Koui Hata, Yujiro Kaji
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Patent number: 9555837Abstract: A vehicle hood structure includes a hood outer panel and a hood inner panel. The hood outer panel includes at least one character line extending substantially in a vehicle front-rear direction. The character line intersects a central line that extends in a vehicle width direction and that passes through a central point where a center of the hood outer panel in the vehicle front-rear direction and a center of the hood outer panel in the vehicle width direction are superposed on each other. The character line intersects the central line at an intersection point positioned within a region extending from the central point by 300 mm or less in the vehicle width direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2016Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Masatoshi Yoshida, Hiroko Kashima
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Patent number: 9555838Abstract: A number of variations may include a rocker system using tunable parts to satisfy a number of load cases. A number of variations may include a rocker system including a vehicle rocker and at least one reinforcement attached to a first side wall or a corner of the rocker.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Robert N. Saje, Terry A. Swartzell, Robert M. Kielbik
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Patent number: 9555839Abstract: An extruded aluminum section insert, for use as a vehicle jacking point, comprises an inside wall spaced apart from an outside wall and adapted to abut internal side walls of a vehicle sill box structure. It has a floor wall and a ceiling wall, each spanning the gap between the side walls and connecting thereto. One or more reinforcing fillet walls interconnect either the floor and ceiling walls, between the inside and outside walls, or vice versa. A depending flange from the floor wall, on the underneath, opposite side thereof from the inside and outside walls and ceiling wall, provides the jacking point. The depending flange is adapted to be engaged by a jack and transmit vehicle weight loads through the floor wall, into the inside, outside and ceiling walls and to the side walls of the sill when connected thereto.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventors: Alex Lakic, Mark Maher
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Patent number: 9555840Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a structural reinforcement system. The system reinforces hollow cavities within various products to increase the structural rigidity of the product. The system generally includes a rigid carrier, a bonding material, and an insert. The rigid carrier provides the primary structural reinforcement within the cavity, and also serves as a substrate to carry the bonding material. The insert is provided to increase the structural rigidity of the reinforcement system.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: SIKA TECHNOLOGY AGInventors: Vincent Belpaire, Dominique Mellano, Yves Vandenberg
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Patent number: 9555841Abstract: Disclosed are improved lightweight rear fairings that automatically retract when the rear doors of the trailer are opened. The fairings preferably each include rearwardly extending arms that stretch back from the hinged trailer doors to sheet rollers. The sheet rollers apply tension to fairing sheets that are secured to both the rollers and the sides of the trailer. The arms are able to rotate relative to the rear doors of the trailer, however rotation limiters restrict the amount that each of the arms may rotate towards the hinge of their respective door. Rotation of the arms away from the door hinges is not limited such that the arms may be rotated away from the hinges until they are flush with their respective doors. The fairing sheets are secured to the sides of the trailer at positions that are substantially forward of the rear doors such that even when the rear doors have been fully opened the rollers are still located rearward of the forward attachment points of the fairing sheets.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Vanguard National Trailer CorporationInventor: Mark Roush
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Patent number: 9555842Abstract: An adapter bracket assembly is configured to allow a tractor to operatively connect to a different, otherwise incompatible utility component. The adapter bracket assembly includes an attachment member configured to securely connect to an attachment bracket that is compatible with the tractor, and a component-engaging member that is configured to securely connect to the different utility component in order to securely and operatively connect the different utility component to the tractor.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Westendorf Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: Neal Walter Westendorf
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Patent number: 9555843Abstract: Disclosed is a work vehicle having a weight that can be attached to a vehicle body frame. The weight is attached in such a manner that, over an entire length in a front/rear direction of the vehicle body and in a vertical direction of the vehicle body, an upper end portion of the weight is disposed in a same position as or upwardly of a lower end portion of the vehicle body frame, and at the same time in a same position as or downwardly of an upper end portion of the vehicle body frame.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Kubota CorporationInventors: Hiroo Fujimoto, Tatsuyuki Kashimoto, Yutaka Inubushi
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Patent number: 9555844Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly includes a vehicle frame rail, a slide rail extending longitudinally along the vehicle frame rail and slidably adjustable thereto, a support bracket extending downwardly from the slide rail, a trailing arm pivotably coupled to the support bracket, a spring member positioned between the trailing arm and the slide rail, and an elastically resilient coupling arrangement coupling the slide rail to the vehicle frame rail, wherein the coupling member is configured to elastically deform during vertical displacement of the vehicle frame rail with respect to the slide rail.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND, Inc.Inventor: William J. Hicks
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Patent number: 9555845Abstract: A roller device includes a shaft, a bushing, a roller shell, a retainer, and a seal. The roller shell is fitted over the outer circumference of the bushing. The retainer is fixed detachably to an end of the bushing, and fitted in an end of the roller shell on a radially outer side. The seal is disposed on the outer circumference of the shaft so as to seal a gap between the shaft and the bushing. The seal includes a first seal member attached to the bushing and a second seal member attached to the shaft. The first seal member is rotatable relative to the second seal member. The second seal member has an outer circumferential end disposed on an inner side with respect to an inner circumferential end of the retainer.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.Inventor: Naoaki Kita
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Patent number: 9555846Abstract: A robot assembly including, a back member, a pelvis base with a first side and a second side; wherein the pelvis base is rotatably connected to the back member between the first and second sides of the pelvis base, and rotatable around a back x-axis, a first hip member rotatably connected to the first side of the pelvis base and rotatable about a first hip x-axis, a first intermediate extension rotatably connected to the first hip member and rotatable about a first hip z-axis, and a first leg member rotatably connected to the first intermediate extension and rotatable about a first hip y-axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: John Aaron Saunders, Christopher Everett Thorne
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Patent number: 9555847Abstract: A suspension assembly transport device is configured for transporting a suspension assembly having hubs on both sides, wherein the device includes attachments for being attached to the hubs, receiving members that support the attachments so that the attachments do not move horizontally, left and right arm members on the bottom of which the receiving members are provided, and that are configured to move the receiving members in the width direction of the vehicle, and a transport mechanism that transports the attachments, the receiving members, and the left and right arm members together.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshihisa Shimoda, Isamu Ishizaki
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Patent number: 9555848Abstract: The embodiments disclose a ground sliding type flexible framing system, comprising a vehicle body transport system, welding systems, framing fixtures, a splicing system, a fixture storage system and a fixture switching system. The fixture storage system comprises a plurality of bidirectional sliding rails arranged in parallel, storage positions for storing framing fixtures are formed on the bidirectional sliding rails, and the fixture switching system comprises a left and a right sliding table transport rail which are led to two sides of the splicing system from two ends of the bidirectional sliding rails, fixture transport rails led to the left and the right sliding table transport rail from two sides of the splicing system, respectively, sliding tables capable of running on the left and the right sliding table transport rail and a transport mechanism capable of pulling the framing fixtures positioned on the bidirectional sliding rails and the fixture transport rails.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: GUANGZHOU MINO AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT CO. LTD.Inventors: Meng Yang, Weibing Yao, Bangchao Qiu, Junhui Li, Zhilin Zhang, Yi He