Patents Issued in December 7, 2017
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Publication number: 20170349167Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a steering system and a steering wheel configured to control the steering system. The vehicle additionally includes a dynamic vehicle balance control system configured to modify a yaw rate of the vehicle during a drive cycle to modify understeer behavior. The vehicle also includes a sensor configured to detect an operator force applied to the steering wheel. The vehicle further includes a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a detected operator force applied to the steering wheel, command the dynamic vehicle balance control system to modify the yaw rate of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Jason D. Fahland, Joshua R. Auden, Christopher J. Barber
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Publication number: 20170349168Abstract: A path of a target object is predicted. A path of a non-moving host vehicle is predicted based on at least one of a predetermined host vehicle acceleration and a predetermined host vehicle speed. A threat number for the target is determined based at least in part on the predicted path of the host vehicle, the threat number indicating a probability of a collision between the target and the host vehicle. A brake is actuated when the threat number is above a threat number threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Matthew Joseph Meinhart, Alex Maurice Miller, Roger Arnold Trombley, Gang Song, Ahsan Qamar, Fangjun Jiang
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Publication number: 20170349169Abstract: A collision avoidance system and method for a vehicle. The system includes a video camera and a distance sensor. The system includes a driver control, a vehicle control system, and a controller. The controller is communicatively coupled to the video camera, the distance sensor, the driver control, and the vehicle control system. The controller receives a first signal from the video camera indicative of the presence of the pedestrian and receives a second signal from the distance sensor indicative of the presence of the pedestrian. The controller determines a course deviation from a current path of travel of the vehicle and activates a timer. The controller resets the timer when the driver control receives an input from the driver that is above a threshold. When the driver input is below the threshold and the timer expires, the controller applies the course deviation using the vehicle control system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventor: Anup Deshpande
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Publication number: 20170349170Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus 10 is provided with an object detecting means detecting an object in a travel direction of a vehicle 30, a restraining means restraining a drive force of the vehicle when the object detecting means detects an object, and a jerk acquiring means acquiring a jerk in a travel direction on the basis of a behavior of the vehicle. When the accelerator of the vehicle is actuated while the vehicle is in a state in which the drive force of the vehicle is restrained, and the speed of the vehicle is lower than a predetermined value, the restraining means increases the drive force, and decreases a post-increase drive force on the basis of the jerk acquired by the jerk acquiring means.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2015Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Mototsugu SAWADA, Motonari OHBAYASHI, Akihiro KIDA, Hironobu ISHIJIMA
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Publication number: 20170349171Abstract: A method for controlling a motor vehicle including steps of determining a position of the motor vehicle; determining topographical surroundings of the position; and controlling, based on the determined topographical surroundings, a protection device on board the motor vehicle if a collision of the motor vehicle with another object is imminent.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Ruediger Jordan, Steffen Waeldele, Thomas Maurer
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Publication number: 20170349172Abstract: A travel control device includes an acquisition section configured to acquire, as surroundings in formation while a vehicle itself is traveling, at least information regarding a first other vehicle ahead in a traveling direction and information regarding lane markings of a first lane in which the vehicle itself is traveling. The travel control unit further includes a travel control section ECU configured to compute from the information acquired by the acquisition section a separation between the first other vehicle and the lane markings, and to control travel of the vehicle itself based on the separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Daisuke Kubota, Haruhiko Nishiguchi, Satoshi Fujii, Ryohsaku Arakawa, Kei Oshida
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Publication number: 20170349173Abstract: In a vehicle or a lane change timing determination method, when a distance from a vehicle to a nearby vehicle is outside of a first distance threshold value, lane changing is determined to be permitted. When the distance is within the first distance threshold value, lane changing is determined not to be permitted. After determining lane changing to be not permitted, lane changing not being permitted is switched to lane change being permitted when the nearby vehicle decelerates or accelerates to move further away from the vehicle than a second distance threshold value, even if the distance is still within the first distance threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Haruhiko Nishiguchi, Satoshi Fujii, Ryohsaku Arakawa, Daisuke Kubota, Kei Oshida
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Publication number: 20170349174Abstract: A vehicle and an adaptive cruise control system (ACC) is provided. The ACC comprises a steering wheel system with a steering wheel arranged to allow the provision of manual steering input to the steering system of the vehicle and a steering angle sensor, wherein the steering system is configured to identify a specific momentary manual steering wheel actuation by comparing data from the steering angle sensor with predetermined thresholds, and to select a next one of the moving or stationary objects in the surroundings in front of said vehicle to control the speed of said vehicle in relation to, based on the direction of the specific momentary manual steering wheel actuation indicated by the steering angle sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventor: Magnus Brandin
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Publication number: 20170349175Abstract: A vehicle and an adaptive cruise control system, ACC, is provided. The ACC system includes a control unit configured to control a steering angle of said vehicle in relation to detected road lanes and/or road markings. The ACC system further includes a steering wheel arranged to allow the provision of manual steering input to the steering system of the vehicle and a steering angle sensor. The steering system is configured to identify a steering wheel jerk, performed as a clockwise- and counter-clockwise actuation of the steering wheel within a predetermined time range and to steer the host vehicle from a first, current, road lane to a second road lane based on the identified jerk as indicated by the steering angle sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Magnus Brandin, Mohammad Ali
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Publication number: 20170349176Abstract: A method for optimizing inter-vehicle order and distance includes communicating vehicle characteristics representative of a first and at least one second vehicle as the first vehicle approaches the at least one second vehicle. Based on the vehicle characteristics, a position in a driving order of the first vehicle with respect to the at least one second vehicle is selected and executed. A real-time fuel economy is recorded as the vehicle in the trailing position moves from a maximum following distance to a minimum following distance from the vehicle in the lead position. Based on at least the recorded real-time fuel economy, an optimal inter-vehicle distance between the vehicles in the lead and trailing positions is selected and executed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Jeffrey M. Alden, Andrew R. Camden, Matthew Allen Dzurka, Soheil Samii, Chen Zhou
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Publication number: 20170349177Abstract: A method (400) and a control unit (310) in a vehicle (100) having an ACC system (500) for adjusting a variable time gap (t) to be kept to a preceding vehicle (110), based on a road slope (?). In the method (400): determining (401) geographical position of the vehicle (100); determining (402) driving direction (105) of the vehicle (100); determining (403) the road slope (?) of the road (120) in front of the vehicle (100) in the determined (402) driving direction (105); and adjusting (408) the variable time gap (t) based on the determined (403) road slope (?) of the road (120) in front of the vehicle (100) by: increasing the variable time gap (t) when the road slope (?) is negative, indicating downhill; or decreasing the variable time gap (t) when the road slope (?) is positive, indicating uphill.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Håkan ANDERSSON, Bas OREMUS
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Publication number: 20170349178Abstract: A target vehicle speed generating device basically includes a determination unit and a correction unit. The determination unit determines whether or not a sudden change point is present in the target vehicle speed contained in the corrects the target vehicle speed so as to eliminate the sudden change point upon determining that the sudden change point is present by the determination unit. The sudden change point corresponds to a point at which acceleration changes in excess of a predetermined condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2015Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasuhiro SUZUKI
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Publication number: 20170349179Abstract: A method for improving operation of a vehicle that includes an engine, a transmission, and a torque converter clutch is disclosed. In one example, the method assesses whether or not driver braking is expected and adjusts driveline braking accordingly. The method freewheels the driveline to extend vehicle coasting when driver braking is not expected and the method increases or decreases driveline braking based on a closing distance between the vehicle and an object in the vehicle's path.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
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Publication number: 20170349180Abstract: The drive system from the engine (1) to the drive wheels (7) of a vehicle is equipped with a torque converter (2), which has a lock-up clutch (3), and a variator (4). Said engined car is provided with a lock-up control means for controlling the engagement/disengagement of the lock-up clutch (3) and a gear change mode switch-controlling means (FIG. 8) for performing control to switch between a “continuously variable gear change mode” and a “DSTEP gear change mode.” While traveling, the gear change mode switch-controlling means (FIG. 8) prohibits gear change by the “DSTEP gear change mode” when the detected oil temperature is at or below a lock-up engagement-permitting threshold for permitting engagement of the lock-up clutch (3) and allows gear change by the “DSTEP gear change mode” when the detected oil temperature is higher than the lock-up engagement-permitting threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2015Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: JATCO LtdInventors: Tomoaki HONMA, Akihiro TANABE, Tomoko SASAKI
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Publication number: 20170349181Abstract: A lane management system for operating an automated vehicle includes a navigation-device, a vehicle-detector, and a controller suitable for use on a host-vehicle. The navigation-device is used to determine a preferred-route to a destination of the host-vehicle. The vehicle-detector is used to determine a relative-location of an other-vehicle proximate to the host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the navigation-device and the vehicle-detector. The controller is configured to determine an alternate-route when the relative-location is such that a preferred-lane of the preferred-route is obstructed whereby the host-vehicle is unable to follow the preferred-route. Alternatively, the controller is configured to determine an initiate-time to perform a lane-change necessary to maneuver the host-vehicle into a preferred-lane of the preferred-route so the host-vehicle can follow the preferred-route, wherein the initiate-time is determined based on the relative-location.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: JUNQING WEI, WENDA XU, JONG HO LEE, GAURAV BHATIA, JUNSUNG KIM
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Publication number: 20170349182Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention utilize mobile devices to provide information on a user's behaviors during transportation. For example, a mobile device carried by a user can be used to detect and analyze driving behaviors during trips in vehicles. The mobile device can further be used to assign and display scores relating to the driving behaviors, scores for individual trips, and an overall driving score for the particular user.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: TRUEMOTION, INC.Inventors: Brad Cordova, Rafi Finegold, Dan Shiebler, Sam Cecala
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Publication number: 20170349183Abstract: A vehicle control system comprises one or more content reproduction part for reproducing a content based on operation of an occupant of a vehicle, an automated driving control part for executing automated driving for automatically performing at least one of speed control and steering control of the vehicle, and a reproduction control part for controlling the content reproduction part based on the condition of the automated driving which is executed by the automated driving control part, in such a manner as to stop the reproduction of the content in the content reproduction part when the reproduction of the content is restricted, and thereafter to automatically resume the reproduction of the content in the content reproduction part when the restriction on the reproduction of the content is released.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoto Sen, Masahiko Asakura
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Publication number: 20170349184Abstract: A system, for determining autonomous-driving-vehicle actions associated with a group of autonomous-driving-vehicle passengers. The system includes an input-interface module that, when executed by a processing unit, obtains, from at least a first autonomous-driving-vehicle passenger of the group of autonomous-driving-vehicle passengers, an autonomous-vehicle-passenger input relating to the group. The system also includes at least one collaboration module. Example collaboration modules include an extra-vehicle-collaboration module that, when executed by the processing unit, determines, based on the autonomous-vehicle-passenger input, an extra-vehicle function to be performed at least in part outside of the vehicle. Another example collaboration module is an intra-vehicle-collaboration module that, when executed by the processing unit, determines, based on the autonomous-vehicle-passenger input, an intra-vehicle function to be performed at the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Eli Tzirkel-Hancock, Ilan Malka, Ute Winter
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Publication number: 20170349185Abstract: A computing system for a vehicle includes one or more processors for controlling operation of the computing system, and a memory for storing data and program instructions usable by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to determine required driver behaviors, determine a persistent sound indicative of the required driver behaviors, and generate a notification including the sound.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventor: John-Michael McNew
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Publication number: 20170349186Abstract: A vehicle system includes a processor and a memory accessible to the processor and storing instructions executable by the processor. The instructions include detecting a handoff request indicating a transition of a host vehicle from an autonomous mode of operation to a non-autonomous mode of operation and assessing driver competency. The handoff request is approved if the driver competency exceeds a predetermined threshold. Likewise, the handoff request is denied if the driver competency fails to exceed the predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kenneth James Miller, William Paul Perkins
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Publication number: 20170349187Abstract: A propulsion system includes plural inverters configured to be onboard a vehicle and to convert direct current into an alternating current, and plural motors configured to receive the alternating current from the inverters. The motors also are configured to be operably coupled with axles of the vehicle to rotate the axles. The inverters are configured to be coupled with and control the motors that rotate non-neighboring axles of the axles in the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Marc Flammia, Geraldo Alwin Griese, Leonardo Cezar de Faria Pessoa, Felipe de Oliveira Bottosso
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Publication number: 20170349188Abstract: A manway assembly for a railroad tank car features a nozzle defining a central opening and having a sidewall, a cover, a hinge attaching the cover to the nozzle, and a seal assembly to seal the cover to the nozzle. The seal assembly may include a circumferential seal and a circumferential seal channel. The circumferential seal may include a top portion, a bottom portion opposite the top portion, and a side portion between the top portion and the bottom portion. An underside edge portion of the cover may be provided with the circumferential seal channel. The circumferential seal may be positioned within the circumferential seal channel. The circumferential seal may have a C-shaped cross section and may be positioned in the circumferential seal channel such that the top portion of the seal is seated against a top wall of the circumferential seal channel and the bottom portion of the seal is seated against a circumferential ledge of the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Dan Schmidt, Gary C. Walter
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Publication number: 20170349189Abstract: A bogie includes: a plate spring extending in a car longitudinal direction in a state where a first end portion of the plate spring is supported by the first axle box, and a second end portion of the plate spring is supported by the second axle box, the plate spring supporting the pressing member from below so as to be displaceable relative to the pressing member; a first upper link connected to the cross beam and the first axle box and including a first end portion elastically coupled to the first axle box; a first lower link connected to the cross beam and the first axle box and including a first end portion elastically coupled to the first axle box; a second upper link connected to the cross beam and the second axle box and including a first end portion elastically coupled to the second axle box; and a second lower link connected to the cross beam and the second axle box and including a first end portion elastically coupled to the second axle box, a coupling point where the first end portion of the first uType: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2015Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shunichi NAKAO, Takeyoshi KUSUNOKI
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Publication number: 20170349190Abstract: This system utilizes autonomous rail cars that automatically couple and uncouple to and from a primary moving train. The primary train travels along a given route but never needs to stop at intermediate stations. Instead, autonomous rail cars gather passengers or goods at designated station locations and then automatically depart in order to meet up with the primary train. When the autonomous rail cars couple to the primary train, the contents of the autonomous rail car are transferred to the primary train. Likewise, contents that are already aboard the primary train which need to depart will be loaded onto this autonomous rail car. When the primary train approaches the next station, the autonomous rail car will detach and stop at the station while the primary train continues to travel on. This process repeats for each station on the route.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Andrew Deutchman, Rosa Melillo, Vincent Anthony Cascella, Andy Chau, Timothy Choma
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Publication number: 20170349191Abstract: A train wireless system includes a train detecting apparatus on the ground and a controller on a train. The detecting apparatus includes a detector and a calculator. The detector detects that the train is on rails in a block. The calculator measures an on-rail time during which the detector detects the train in the block, and calculates an on-rail detecting time during which the train has been on the rails in the block. The controller includes a distance measurer, a time measurer, a recorder, and a train-length calculator. The distance measurer measures a travelling distance of the train from a beginning of the block, the time measurer measures an elapsed time since the distance measurer starts the measurement, the recorder records the elapsed time and the travelling distance, and the train-length calculator searches the recorder based on the detecting time, and calculates the train length using a selected travelling distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2015Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Shingo HAMADA, Masahiro CHIKAMORI, Takashi MIYAUCHI
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Publication number: 20170349192Abstract: A railroad sign holder. The railroad sign holder provides a device for securing to a rail to display a signage member to oncoming trains and surrounding individuals. The railroad sign holder has a rod member, and a base member, the base member including an elongated section. The rod member has a signage member. The elongated section includes a rail clamp configured to removably affix to a rail. The rail clamp has a first arm and a second arm, each arm slidably disposed to a clamp bolt. Each of the first arm and the second arm includes a channel, the channel of the first arm facing the channel of the second arm. Each of the channels configured to receive a flange of the rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventor: Douglas Murdaugh
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Publication number: 20170349193Abstract: A method for establishing communication and for transmitting data between sensor units in a rail vehicle uses a communication network which has multiple network nodes. An advantageous communication network and/or an advantageous data transmission can be achieved if the sensor units independently form an ad hoc network with a network topology for transmitting data in the rail vehicle, configure the network, and change the network topology over the course of the data transmission and/or if the communication network is an ad hoc network and the network nodes are sensor units. A rail vehicle including a communication network which has multiple network nodes is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2015Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventor: Harald FISCHER
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Publication number: 20170349194Abstract: A positive train control may comprise a plurality of different sensors coupled to a processor that determines whether there is an anomaly of a track way, and if there is, provides an alert and/or a train control action. The plural sensors may include a visual imager, an infrared imager, a radar, a doppler radar, a laser sensor, a laser ranging device, an acoustic sensor, and/or an acoustic ranging device. Data from the plural sensors is geo-tagged and time tagged. Some embodiments of the train control employ track monitors, switch monitors and/or wayside monitors, and some employ locating devices such as GPS and inertial devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Kevin Kwong-Tai Chung, Albert Han-Ping Chung, Yulin Huang, Dexi Zhu
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Publication number: 20170349195Abstract: In a method or apparatus for transporting bulk goods by rail cars on a rail network to a rail car handling terminal where the handling terminal includes a loading and/or unloading system with a metering device for measuring an amount of the bulk goods loaded or unloaded. At the terminal there is a center control data hub connecting to a plurality of portable hand held field computers and a communication system for communication with the rail network to obtain a Car Location Message (CLM), a way bill and mechanical data for each of the rail cars. The center control hub generates data indicating a current stage of each of the railcars and a signal indicative that a rail car can be transferred from one stage to another stage to the portable computers to control transfer of the rail car from one stage to the next stage.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventor: Albert James Benedict
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Publication number: 20170349196Abstract: A cart is disclosed which is capable of being wheeled to a vehicle and mounted thereon through a mount secure coupling attached to the cart and a secure receiver attached to the vehicle. Upon secure attachment to the vehicle, the carts undercarriage assembly including wheels are capable of being retracted into the top deck assembly of the cart. Therefore, the vehicle maintains clearance from the road even after the cart is attached. Upon reaching a destination, the undercarriage of the cart is lowered and the cart is detached from the vehicle. The cart is then able to be wheeled away.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Kenneth Camarco, Jonathan Albert, Eric Chang
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Publication number: 20170349197Abstract: A lift-truck having a height adjustable load engagement means and a lifting/lowering unit and a support wheel and a climbing wheel and comprising a detection sensor arranged to detect a pallet located in front of the load engagement means and in a control unit to control the lifting/lowering unit, in response to a signal indicative of a detected pallet, to move the load engagement means to place the climbing wheel at a first predetermined height over the ground surface and, control the lifting/lowering unit to lower the load engagement means to place the climbing wheel at a second predetermined height over the ground surface when an operational parameter, indicative of movement of the lift-truck, equals a predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Mikael Jonasson, Markus Karlsson
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Publication number: 20170349198Abstract: A cart with lifting assistance is provided. The cart includes a forward frame having a top end and a bottom end. The forward frame makes up a front end of the cart. The cart further includes a rearward frame having a top end and a bottom end. The rearward frame makes up a rear end of the cart. Wheels are secured to the bottom ends of the forward frame and the rearward frame. A handle frame extends from at least one of the top ends of the forward frame and the rearward frame, and disposed towards the rear end around a waist height of a user. A pivoting frame is pivotally connected to the front end of the cart and pivots from the front end to beyond the front end. A latch is secured to the pivoting frame and is operable to releasably connect to a bin or container.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventor: James Anthony DePadro
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Publication number: 20170349199Abstract: A slab cart comprising: a castor frame including: four castors rotatably mounted to an underside of the castor frame; a primary upright member emanating upward from each end of the castor frame; two or more secondary upright members emanating upward from each end of the castor frame; a pivoting member engaged to the primary upright member and the secondary upright members; a platform frame engaged to the pivoting member and the primary and secondary upright members wherein the platform frame may pivot from a substantially vertical orientation to a substantially horizontal orientation; a support member secured to the platform frame which is used to aid in the retention of slabs; and a lift mechanism operationally associated with the castor frame, the upright members and the platform frame wherein the lift mechanism may raise or lower the platform frame relative to the castor frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventor: Augusto P. Septimio
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Publication number: 20170349200Abstract: A mobile phone holder is mounted to a seat back or a similar support surface of a shopping cart. The holder is a generally S-shaped clip with one bend (a mounting bend) that engages the top edge of a panel of a shopping cart and another bend (a holding bend) that receives an object to be held, such as a phone. A cutout window reveals the microphone of the held phone and/or control or home button. A back of an intermediate panel includes a horizontal flange to maintain the holder at a viewing angle relative to the seat back.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Herschel B. Winton, Denise Joy Winton
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Publication number: 20170349201Abstract: A stroller pull handle system that selectively attaches or built into a four or three wheel stroller that allows a stroller to be pulled by a person walking in front of the stroller. In one embodiment, the handle system includes a transversely aligned support bar that extends between stroller's frame members. In another embodiment, the handle member is U-shaped with two legs that that attach to pegs that extend perpendicular from the stroller's frame member. In a third embodiment, the handle member is attached to a peg attached to a clip that attaches to the stroller frame. The handle member may be longitudinally aligned and stacked over the stroller frame when not in use. In a fourth embodiment, the handle member is made of an upper section and a lower section pivotally attached. The upper section can be rotated in a rearward direction and used for pushing or rotated forward for pulling.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventor: Greg Diep
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Publication number: 20170349202Abstract: A steering wheel includes: a boss part; a ring part that is located at an outer circumferential side of the boss part; a plurality of spoke parts that connect the boss part and the ring part; and a core including: a core boss part; a core ring part that is located at an outer circumferential side of the core boss part; and core spoke parts that connect the core boss part and the core ring part, wherein: the plurality of spoke parts include true spoke parts having the core spoke parts, and a pseudo spoke part that does not have the core spoke parts; and the pseudo spoke part is mounted on the core ring part, and includes a separate retaining member that retains a shape of the pseudo spoke part.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventor: Yoshiteru BANNO
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Publication number: 20170349203Abstract: A steering column assembly includes an energy absorption assembly, an adjustment lever, and a rocker member. The energy absorption assembly has an energy absorption strap and a cam member. The adjustment lever is operatively connected to at least one of the upper jacket assembly and the lower jacket assembly. The rocker member has a rocker member body that extends between a first end connected to the adjustment lever and a second end configured to engage the cam member.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Michael P. Anspaugh, Donald A. Buzzard, James C. Russell, Randy W. Jones
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Publication number: 20170349204Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a clutch provided on a power transmission path extending from a steering wheel to steered wheels, a reactive-torque motor configured to apply a steering reactive torque to the steering wheel, a steering operation motor configured to steer the steered wheels, and a clutch engagement controller configured to engage the clutch when a steered angle of the steered wheels has reached a steered angle limit value and the steering wheel is rotated by an amount equal to or greater than a first prescribed value in a direction opposite to a direction toward a steering neutral position, with respect to a first steering angle that is a steering angle of the steering wheel at a time when the steered angle reaches the steered angle limit value, in a case where the clutch is in a disengaged state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventor: Masahiko SAKAMAKI
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Publication number: 20170349205Abstract: A rack housing and a reduction drive housing accommodate a ball screw mechanism and a reduction drive. Within the rack housing and the reduction drive housing, a gap is provided between the left end of a nut and the rack housing, and a gap is provided between the right end of the nut and the rack housing. A groove serving as a communication path in communication with the gaps on both axial sides of the nut is provided in the outer circumferential surface of the nut. The groove is provided so as to avoid a recirculation path provided in the nut. The groove is provided axially and rectilinearly from the end of the nut that is located on the side opposite to a flange, to the flange and is provided along the flange.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2015Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Tetsuya KANEKO, Masayoshi ASAKURA, Satoshi FUJITA, Ryuji SHIBATA, Masashi YAMAGUCHI
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Publication number: 20170349206Abstract: An integrated electric power steering apparatus in which a control unit 1 or 101 for controlling a motor 2 is disposed inside a housing, the control unit 1 or 101 is disposed so as to be coaxial to an output shaft 21 of the motor 2, and in which the control unit 1 or 101 and the motor 2 are integrated, wherein: the control unit 1 or 101 includes a circuit board 4 and an intermediate member 36; main parts are mounted to the circuit board 4; wiring is disposed on the intermediate member 36; the circuit board 4 and the intermediate member 36 are stacked; the parts are mounted to first and second surfaces of the circuit board 4; and a portion of the housing and first surfaces of the parts are placed in direct contact or are placed in contact so as to have a heat-transferring member interposed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2015Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Yoshihito ASAO, Akihiko MORI
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Publication number: 20170349207Abstract: A motor drive device includes a plurality of control systems that individually supply drive currents to a plurality of coil groups included in a motor. The motor drive device independently sets the current command values for the respective control systems. Based on the set current command values, drive instructions are supplied to drive circuits of inverters with respect to the respective control systems, thereby supplying drive currents from the inverters to the coil groups. The motor drive device detects a failure in any of the inverters and the coil groups with respect to each control system, and stops only the failed control system or causes only the failed control system to fall back. The motor drive device further includes a main computing device, and an auxiliary computing device. Consequently, if the auxiliary computing device is normal even in case the main computing device fails, driving of the motor can be continued using one or some of the control systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2015Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: Nidec CorporationInventor: Osamu MAESHIMA
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Publication number: 20170349208Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes: a current command value determining section that determines a current command value based on steering torque and vehicle speed; a vibration extracting filter that extracts a first vibration component having a predetermined amplitude and first predetermined frequency range depending on motor angular velocity; a vibration extracting section that extracts a second vibration component having a second predetermined frequency range depending on motor angular acceleration; a first compensation value calculating section that calculates a first vibration suppression compensation value based on the first vibration component extracted by the vibration extracting filter; and a second compensation value calculating section that calculates a second vibration suppression compensation value based on the second vibration component; and suppresses vibrations of the motor by feeding back the first vibration suppression compensation value and the second vibration suppression compensType: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2015Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: NSK LTD.Inventors: Takayoshi SUGAWARA, Yousuke IMAMURA, Masahiro MAEDA
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Publication number: 20170349209Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a steering assist unit of a vehicle. The method includes receiving first accelerometer data, second accelerometer data, and third accelerometer data then comparing and calculating differences between the first accelerometer data, second accelerometer data and the third accelerometer data to determine a relative movement values for the second and third locations. The relative movement value represents the contraction or expansion of separate systems as they independently move at or near the second and third locations. The method further includes outputting a control signal to control the travel of the steering assist unit based on the relative movement values.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: SCOTT R. KLOESS, MICHAEL C. GAUNT, TERREL D. JOHNSON
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Publication number: 20170349210Abstract: A cowl cross bar for a vehicle comprising a main cross bar disposed in front of a driver's seat in a transverse direction of the vehicle, a sub-cross bar disposed in front of a passenger seat in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and a center supporter configured to couple the main cross bar and the sub-cross bar to each other such that diametric centers thereof are disposed eccentrically relative to each other, the center supporter may include a main center support bracket provided with a connector to which a longitudinal end of the sub-cross bar is fixed, and a sub-center support bracket fixed to the main center support bracket, and having an insert hole through which a longitudinal end of the main cross bar is fixed to the sub-center support bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Byung Seok KONG, Jung Yoon JANG
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Publication number: 20170349211Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a rotational angle detection apparatus and a power steering apparatus capable of detecting a rotational angle of a rotational shaft eve when a failure has occurred in a magnetic detection portion. One aspect of the present invention is a rotational angle detection apparatus including a first magnetic detection portion provided on a rotational axis and configured to detect a change in a magnitude or a direction of a magnetic field, and a second magnetic detection portion provided on the rotational axis and disposed at a position offset from the first magnetic detection portion in a direction along the rotational axis. The second magnetic detection portion is configured to detect the change in the magnitude or the direction of the magnetic field.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2015Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventor: Kohtaro SHIINO
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Publication number: 20170349212Abstract: An RDM controller executes RDM control (steering suppression control). However, the RDM controller does not execute RDM control in cases in which lane changing has been determined to be possible by a LC determination section and a torque sensor has detected a steering input of a predetermined amount or greater.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kei Oshida, Haruhiko Nishiguchi, Satoshi Fujii, Daisuke Kubota, Ryohsaku Arakawa
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Publication number: 20170349213Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an expected trajectory module and an electronic display. The expected trajectory module determines an expected forward drive trajectory of a vehicle and determines an expected forward drive trajectory of a trailer being towed by the vehicle. The electronic display displays the expected forward drive trajectories of the vehicle and the trailer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Akram M. ABDEL-RAHMAN, Ephraim C. YUEN, Grant L. MEADE, Caroline CHUNG, Sepehr Pourrezaei Khaligh
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Publication number: 20170349214Abstract: The present application discloses a wheel beam type axleless vehicle frame that comprises five sections in sequence from front to back, including a front hanging rack, a front wheel carrier, an intermediate coupling rack, a rear wheel carrier, and a rear hanging rack. Every two adjacent sections amongst the five sections are manufactured and connected in a unified and standardized integrated mode; a modular combination structure is used; and the five sections, which are independent respectively, may be assembled and adjusted according to requirements, and have sufficient strength and stiffness as well as completely independent interchangeability. The vehicle frame has the advantages that match with the needs of an electric vehicle, and thus may be used as the optimum configuration frame for the electric vehicle; and the vehicle frame may be improved according to requirements to be applicable to various fuel and hybrid electric passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2015Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: SHANGHAI LUNLIANG MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL SCIENCE-TECHNOLOGY CO., LTDInventors: Yu Shi, Yanqi Xing, Jiatao TIAN, Hui LIU, Taifeng LIU, Bingwen YAN, Tongchao HAN, Guoxiang SHI
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Publication number: 20170349215Abstract: The invention relates to an axle support for a multi-track motor vehicle, having a first side member, a second side member, and at least one cross member connecting the first side member and the second side member to one another, wherein at least one control arm is articulated at bearing points of the first side member and of the second side member to connect a wheel carrier for a wheel of the motor vehicle. In doing so, a provision is that each of the bearing points is arranged in a bearing connection area of the corresponding side member, in which the side member has less stiffness perpendicular to its longitudinal extension than away from the bearing connection area.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2017Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: AUDI AGInventor: Christian ISAKIEWITSCH
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Publication number: 20170349216Abstract: A structural member for a vehicle includes an outer panel defining a U-shaped channel. The outer panel is formed from a first material. The structural member further includes a reinforcement panel defining a U-shaped channel. The reinforcement panel is formed from a second material different than the first material and is formed to attach to the outer panel. The structural member also includes an inner panel defining a U-shaped channel. The inner panel is formed from a third material different than the first and second materials and is formed to attach to the reinforcement panel such that the outer panel, reinforcement panel, and the inner panel are oriented along an axis and span an entire length of each of the U-shaped channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2016Publication date: December 7, 2017Inventors: Shaikh AKHLAQUE-E-RASUL, William Moore SHERWOOD, Zhenyan GAO, Cheng LUO