Patents Issued in December 21, 2017
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Publication number: 20170361840Abstract: Aftermarket control kits, systems, and methods are operable for use in a vehicle retrofitted with a non-original powertrain having an OEM engine control module and without an OEM body control module. A kit includes, for example, an aftermarket control module operably connectable to the non-original powertrain via a vehicle communication bus in the retrofitted vehicle without the body control module, and the aftermarket control module is adapted to receive control signals from a driver activatable control switch and provide data via the vehicle communication bus so that the non-original powertrain without the body control module is operable to operate the vehicle in response to the driver activatable control signals. The aftermarket control module may be an aftermarket cruise control module, an aftermarket manumatic transmission control module, or a combination aftermarket cruise control module and manumatic transmission control module.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventor: Robert VALENTINE
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Publication number: 20170361841Abstract: A travel control device for a vehicle includes a forward information acquirer, a following travel controller, and a preceding-vehicle start detector. The forward information acquirer acquires information ahead of the vehicle. The following travel controller causes the vehicle to travel following a preceding vehicle when capturing the preceding vehicle travelling immediately ahead of the vehicle. The preceding-vehicle start detector detects a start of the preceding vehicle. The following travel controller includes a turning following controller that controls a stop and a start of the vehicle when the vehicle follows the preceding vehicle and enters an intersection to turn toward an opposite lane. The turning following controller includes an oncoming vehicle approach estimator and a stop controller. The oncoming vehicle approach estimator obtains an acceleration after the preceding vehicle starts.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventor: Hiroshi KOJO
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Publication number: 20170361842Abstract: A propulsion system, control system, and method are provided for optimizing fuel economy, which use model predictive control systems to generate first and second predicted actual axle torques and first and second predicted actual fuel consumption rates based on first and second sets of possible command values, respectively. The sets of possible command values include commanded engine output torques and commanded transmission ratios. First and second costs are determined for the first and second sets of possible command values, respectively, based on a first predetermined weighting value, a second predetermined weighting value, the first and second predicted actual axle torques, respectively, the first and second predicted actual fuel consumption rates, respectively, an axle torque requested, an engine output torque requested, a transmission ratio requested, and a fuel consumption rate requested. One of the first and second sets of possible command values is selected and set based on the lower cost.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Christopher E. Whitney, Kevin C. Wong, Daniele Bernardini, Alberto Bemporad
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Publication number: 20170361843Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle by detecting a destination input by a motor vehicle occupant; and determining which residual range of the motor vehicle will be indicated at the destination. If the determined residual range is less than a predetermined threshold value, the motor vehicle is operated in a consumption optimizing mode during which the motor vehicle is operated to carry out automatic measures for reducing the consumption of the motor vehicle until reaching the destination.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: AUDI AGInventors: Tobias ATTENSPERGER, Moritz REIFF, Martin SORGE
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Publication number: 20170361844Abstract: A vehicle includes one or more laser scanners and an on-board vehicle computer system communicatively coupled to the laser scanners. The computer system uses information (e.g., coordinate points) obtained from the laser scanners to calculate a trailer angle (e.g., a cab-trailer angle) for the vehicle. The computer system may include a shape detection module that detects a trailer based on the information obtained from the laser scanners and an angle detection module that calculates an angle of the detected trailer relative to a laser scanner, calculates the orientation of the detected trailer based on that angle and dimensions (e.g., width and length) of the trailer, and calculates a cab-trailer angle based on the orientation of the trailer. The computer system may include an autonomous operation module configured to use the cab-trailer angle in an autonomous or computer-guided vehicle maneuver, such as a parking maneuver or backing maneuver.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: PACCAR IncInventors: William C. Kahn, A. Brent Hankins
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Publication number: 20170361845Abstract: A control system for a powertrain system includes an electronic control unit structured to receive ground speed data and load factor data. The electronic control unit determines an engine speed command to an engine and a torque command to a variable-torque transmission based upon an engine speed limit and a torque scale factor that can vary with ground speed and load factor. The commands produce an economy output of the powertrain to reduce fuel consumption.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jeremy Sharp, Suman Goli, Mark Rettig
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Publication number: 20170361846Abstract: A vehicle controller applies a braking force to wheels using a hydraulic braking force generating mechanism and sets a vehicle driving torque, which is generated by an engine, to a second torque which is smaller than a first torque in a normal state, when a switch is switched to an ON state in a state in which a vehicle is traveling and an accelerator is turned on. Then vehicle stops, the vehicle controller implements an EPB mechanical operating state using a mechanical parking brake mechanism. When the switch is switched to an OFF sate, the vehicle controller maintains the EPB mechanical operating state until an accelerator pedal operating level reaches “0,” and maintains the vehicle driving torque at the second torque. Then the accelerator pedal operating level reaches “0”, the EPB mechanical operating state is released and the vehicle driving torque is returned to the first torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Yoshiyuki Senba, Yoji Mizoguchi, Masashi Oishi, Satoaki Haruyama, Yoshikatsu Oda
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Publication number: 20170361847Abstract: A control system of a four-wheel drive vehicle and a gradient value setting device of the vehicle is provided so as to reliably control a wheel skid despite the vehicle facing an intersecting direction intersecting a maximum tilt line direction. The vehicle includes an engine, front and rear wheels, an electronic control 4WD coupling, and a control unit. The distribution amount of the driving force to the rear wheels is set by the electronic control 4WD coupling. The control unit determines whether or not the vehicle faces the intersecting direction on the inclined road, and if so, sets the driving force distribution amount so that the difference between the driving force distribution amount to the front wheels and to the rear wheels is smaller as compared with on a flat road, and commands the electronic control 4WD coupling to distribute the driving force by the distribution amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Tetsushi Marutani, Hideki Tani, Daisuke Kofu, Yasushi Yagi
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Publication number: 20170361848Abstract: A traveling assistance apparatus recognizes a travel road on which a vehicle is traveling, acquires a traveling state of the vehicle, and determines whether or not the vehicle will deviate from the travel road based on the recognition result of the travel road and the traveling state of the vehicle. The apparatus determines whether to perform, as a prevention method for preventing from the travel road, a method in which either of steering control and brake control of the vehicle is performed, or a method in which a period over which either of the steering control and the brake control is performed and a period over which both of the steering control and the brake control are performed are set. The apparatus sets a steering amount for the steering control and a brake amount for the brake control when the deviation prevention control is performed based on the prevention method.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Noriyasu NOTO, Masanobu YAMAGUCHI, Tetsuya TOKUDA, Yasuhiko MUKAI, Yosuke HATTORI
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Publication number: 20170361849Abstract: According to one embodiment, a code processing device includes an acquisition unit, a lane information generation unit, a code generation unit, and a display processing unit. The acquisition unit acquires traffic information indicating traffic conditions of a lane. The lane information generation unit generates lane information which indicates the traffic conditions of each lane based on the traffic information from each lane. The code generation unit generates a code which indicates the lane information. The display processing unit outputs the code.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventor: Shigeyuki Sakakibara
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Publication number: 20170361850Abstract: A traction loss warning system includes a warning controller configured to be disposed onboard a first vehicle and to determine a location on a route where a loss in traction of the first vehicle occurred and a vehicle controller configured to be disposed onboard a second vehicle, the vehicle controller configured to control movement of the second vehicle along the route. The warning controller also is configured to communicate a warning signal that notifies the second vehicle of the location where the loss in traction of the first vehicle occurred. The vehicle controller is configured to change the movement of second vehicle along the route during travel of the second vehicle over the location responsive to receiving the warning signal from the warning controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Thomas Michael Lavertu, Jennifer Lynn Jackson
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Publication number: 20170361851Abstract: This vehicle control device is provided with: a control unit for executing one-pedal control, that is, the control for accelerating a vehicle when a single pedal is depressed from a predetermined reference point of a pedal stroke, and for decelerating the vehicle when the pedal is released from the reference point; and a determination unit for determining whether or not a rate of change in a pedal operation amount when the pedal is released is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. The control unit performs control for increasing a braking force when the rate of change is equal to or greater than the first threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: ADVICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yusuke TAKEYA, Toshihisa KATO
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Publication number: 20170361852Abstract: A method for operating a control unit of a motor vehicle. A status inquiry is transmitted by a watchdog unit to a first monitoring unit, which is implemented on a first processor core of a multicore processor. A status response is ascertained by the first monitoring unit as a function of the status inquiry. A fault is ascertained by the watchdog unit as a function of the status response.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Jaroslaw Topp, Dieter Thoss, Margit Mueller, Thomas Hartgen
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Publication number: 20170361853Abstract: Systems and methods of operating an autonomous vehicle to perform an autonomous maneuver. One system includes a human machine interface and an electronic controller electrically coupled to the human machine interface. The electronic controller includes an electronic processor configured to detect at least one driving condition and determine the autonomous maneuver based on the at least one driving condition. The electronic processor is also configured to display, via the human machine interface, a maneuver notification before performing the autonomous maneuver. The electronic processor is further configured to control the autonomous vehicle to perform the autonomous maneuver.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2015Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Akos Nagy, Shetty Rajaram, Jeorg Vetter, Tatiana Mamaeva, Christian Kremer, Jan Becker
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Publication number: 20170361854Abstract: A coupler for a railway car including a coupler anchor, a coupler mechanism pivotable relative to the coupler anchor from an on-center position to an off-center position in a substantially horizontal plane, and a coupler positioning device for pivoting the coupler mechanism relative to the coupler anchor. The coupler positioning device includes a controller adapted for receiving signal information from a bogie relating to an angular position of the bogie relative to a body of the railway car, and at least one pneumatic cylinder for pivoting the coupler mechanism. The controller controls the operation of the at least one pneumatic cylinder in response to the signal information received from the bogie.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Jason Daniel Peckham, William Clay Swindler, Kevin Scott Brown
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Publication number: 20170361855Abstract: An energy absorbing device has a rod with a part, suitable for cutting by means of surrounding cutting tools mounted in a body sleeve and oriented to the inside. In addition, the rod has an angular guiding part passing into the part suitable for cutting and is pivoted in a support, wherein the body sleeve with the attached cutting tools is connected by breakable elements with the support.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2015Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Jan Kukulski, Leszek Wasilewski
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Publication number: 20170361856Abstract: A method for carrying out a test process relating to a rail vehicle achieves a fast-working, flexible, and in the event of a misdetection, precise monitoring environment, in particular without complex system or architectural adjustments to the rail vehicle. A stationary control unit and a simulation unit are provided on the land side. A data connection is established between the stationary control unit and the rail vehicle. A data connection is established between the stationary control unit and the simulation unit. The test process includes providing data traffic between the stationary control unit and the rail vehicle and the simulation unit. A device for carrying out a test process relating to a rail vehicle is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2015Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventor: HARALD FISCHER
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Publication number: 20170361857Abstract: Disclosed is a trolley with a limit structure, including: a base destined to carry articles and equipped with wheels; a trolley frame fixedly connected to the base and having a handle for hand holding; a first limit plate provided at one side of the base near the trolley head and destined to limit the movement of an article being carried; and a second limit piece provided at one side of the base near the trolley tail and destined to limit the movement of the article being carried, the second limit piece appearing as a slope element having a substantially triangular end surface, and the slope element having a bevel facing the first limit plate. Even the length of goods exceeds the base, the goods can still be obliquely placed in the bearing space formed by the first limit plate, the second limit piece and the base.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: CHIGOO INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Tao CHEN, Chuanrong PAN
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Publication number: 20170361858Abstract: A glass transportation assembly with a plurality of wheels, a lower glass-resting portion having a frame with the plurality of wheels coupled thereto, and an upper glass-resting portion having an upright member defining a glass-resting surface substantially orthogonal to a glass-resting surface on the frame having a glass-resting surface. The frame has a first and second plurality of discontinuous strap holders that are substantially aligned with one another and each define a channel with channel openings oriented in respective directions facing the rear and front ends of the frame, wherein the channel and channel openings sized to receive a 4? strap. The first and second plurality of discontinuous strap holders are disposed at respective left and right ends of the frame for lifting and transportation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventor: Christopher Allen Gorman
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Publication number: 20170361859Abstract: A wheel locking mechanism, suitable for locking a wheel of a pushchair, the mechanism comprising: a rotatable member, adapted to be mounted on the hub of a wheel, whereby the rotatable member is co-rotatable with, and by rotation of, the wheel, said rotatable member comprising a locking surface, and a non-rotatable member, comprising a locking pin adapted to selectively cooperate with the locking surface of the rotatable member, whereby the relative positions of the rotatable and non-rotatable members are lockable. Also disclosed is a pushchair comprising a chassis having a rear axle, at each end of which a wheel is mountable, wherein each end of the rear axle is provided with such a wheel locking mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Philip Taylor, Christopher Bird
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Publication number: 20170361860Abstract: A transport vehicle including one or more accessory connectors for releasably locking one or more vehicle accessories to the transport vehicle. An accessory connector may releasably lock a first accessory within a first slot defined by the accessory connector and a second accessory within a second slot defined by the accessory connector. In some embodiments, the accessory connector may simultaneously releasably lock the first accessory and the second accessory within the first and second slots, respectively. The accessory connectors facilitate simple, quick, and easy attachment and detachment of vehicle accessories so that the transport vehicle may be easily converted between different modes of use.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2015Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Wesley Justin FLEMING, Matthew STENGLER
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Publication number: 20170361861Abstract: A passenger transport carrier includes a lower frame having a first end and a second end, and an upper frame having a first channel defined therein, a first end, and a second end. The carrier also includes a rear frame extending from the second end of the lower frame to the second end of the upper frame. The carrier further includes a first upper seat support including a cross-member extending transversely across the carrier and having a first end and a second end, and a first elongate member extending from the first end of the cross-member of the first upper seat support and slidably received within the first channel of the upper frame. The first upper seat support is configured to move between a first seat position and a second seat position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2015Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Daniel William BRITTON, Matthew STENGLER, Paramjit SINGH
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Publication number: 20170361862Abstract: A steering column mechanism (10) comprises a lower body (14), an upper tube (16) that is movable depthwise relative to the lower body (14) along an extension and retraction path, in a direction of retraction and in a direction of extension opposite the direction of retraction, and a locking mechanism (34) for locking the upper tube (16) relative to the lower body (14), movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A retractable stop (58) is movable relative to the lower body (14) and relative to the locking mechanism (34) between an active position and a retracted position. In the active position, the retractable stop (58) limits the travel of the upper tube (16) in the direction of retraction to an adjustment stop position, whereas in the retracted position, it does not interfere with the upper tube (16). The retractable stop (58) is linked to the locking mechanism via an interlock (65) in such a way as to be in the active position when the locking mechanism (34) is in the unlocked position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2015Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: William Charvet, Jacques Bernier, Mickaël Sauquet
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Publication number: 20170361863Abstract: An extendable steering column assembly includes a steering shaft, an energy absorption device, and a self-locking telescope actuator. The steering shaft is configured to rotate about an axis, and includes a forward shaft portion mounted for rotation to a fixed support structure, and a rearward shaft portion mounted for rotation to a jacket. The rearward shaft portion is configured to axially translate with the jacket. The energy absorption device is engaged to the jacket. The telescope actuator includes a rod extending along a centerline, a nut threaded to the rod, and a casing in operable contact with the nut. Rotational motion along with axial translational motion is induced between the rod and the nut when at least in at least a power state.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventor: James E. Rouleau
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Publication number: 20170361864Abstract: A steering device according to the present invention has: a column pipe; a hanger bracket; an outer column that covers the column pipe in such a manner that the column pipe can move in a front-back direction; a fixed bracket that sandwiches the outer column; a fastening tool that has a bolt shaft and an operation lever portion, is inserted into a long hole of the hanger bracket, and locks and unlocks the outer column and the fixed bracket; a stopper member that is provided in the bolt shaft and swings as the bolt shaft rotates; and a telescopic regulating member that moves in the front-back direction together with the column pipe. The stopper member is capable of coming into abutment with the telescopic regulating member in an unlocked state but is not capable of coming into abutment with the telescopic regulating member in a locked state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Ryosuke TAKAHASHI, Isao FUJIU
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Publication number: 20170361865Abstract: A vehicle power steering assembly has a pinion housing comprised of first, second, and third housings. The first housing is a drawn tube formed from a first material. The second housing is a casting formed from a second material. The third housing is a stamping formed from a third material. The second housing is press fit into the first housing. The third housing is press fit and welded to the first housing. The second material has a lesser unit weight than each of the first and third materials. The first, second, and third housings together form the pinion housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: TRW Automotive U.S. LLCInventors: Gaurav Krishnaraj, Libin John
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Publication number: 20170361866Abstract: A rack ball nut assembly for a vehicle steering gear has a ball nut, a ball return tube, and a tube retention clip. The ball nut has first and second recesses and the ball return tube has first and second tube portions. There is a snap fit between the first and second tube portions. The tube retention clip has first and second retention tabs. The first tab is engaged in the first recess and the second tab is engaged in the second recess. The ball return tube is secured between the ball nut and the tube retention clip.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2015Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: TRW Automotive U.S. LLCInventors: Praful Bari, Jeffrey Beyerlein
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Publication number: 20170361867Abstract: A steer-by-wire assembly for a steering system in a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes a first shaft rotatable in response to a steering input, a second shaft adapted to rotate in response to rotation of the first shaft, a first gear (with a sensed element) that rotates in response to rotation of the first shaft, a second gear (with a sensed element) that rotates in response to rotation of the second shaft, a first sensing element adapted to sense the element carried by the first gear and provide an output associated with an angular position of the first gear, and a second sensing element adapted to sense the element carried by the second gear and provide an output associated with an angular position of the second gear. When the second shaft rotates relative to the first shaft, the outputs provide position and torque data associated with the steering input.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Joseph W. Lewis, Yuchen Chen, Steven P. Levesque, Brian D. Howe
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Publication number: 20170361868Abstract: A steering control system for a vehicle that considers the limitations of at least one of the vehicle and the environment is contemplated. The steering control system can receive a vehicle characteristic, an environmental condition, a desired amount of turning, and a desired velocity of the vehicle. Based on some, or all of these parameters, the steering control system can determine at least one of a wheel torque, a wheel angle, a wheel camber, and a wheel suspension for a desired vehicle path to enhance vehicle performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventor: Keith Alan Guy
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Publication number: 20170361869Abstract: Technical solutions are described for a motor control system, such as one used in a steering system, the motor control system including multiple controllers. In an example, the motor control system includes a first arbitration module associated with a first controller, and a second arbitration module associated with a second controller. The first arbitration module generates a first arbitrated input signal based on a first input signal directed to the first controller, and a second input signal directed to the second controller. The second arbitration module generates a second arbitrated input signal based on the first input signal and the second input signal. The first controller generates a first control output using the first arbitrated input signal, and the second controller generates a second control output using the second arbitrated input signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventor: Michael K. Hales
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Publication number: 20170361870Abstract: Embodiments are described for prognostication of real time operating system (RTOS) health. An example computer-implemented method includes monitoring, for a task from a plurality of tasks being executed by the RTOS, an execution time, an inter-arrival time, and a blocking time. The method further includes computing an RTOS state of health value based on the execution time, the inter-arrival time, and the blocking time of each task from the plurality of tasks. The method further includes, in response to the RTOS state of health value being less than a predetermined threshold, initiating performance of an error handling.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Vinod Shankar Naganathan, Lonnie Newton, Akilan Rathakrishnan
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Publication number: 20170361871Abstract: The invention relates to a method for compensating a stick-slip effect in the case of a recirculating ball steering system (20) having a steering housing (22), in which a steering piston (24) is supported between a first working chamber (34) and a second working chamber (36), wherein the steering piston (24) has a toothed region (26) on the steering-piston outer wall of the steering position, with which toothed region teeth (28) of a segment shaft (30) mesh, the steering piston (24) can he moved along a longitudinal axis X-X, the working chambers (34, 36) are connected to a control valve (39) by means of pressure-medium lines in order to provide steering assistance, the control valve (39) is connected to a processor unit (40), by means of which valves of the control valve (39) can be actuated, and the processor unit (40) is connected to a sensor (42), which determines rotation of the steering column both in a first direction of rotation and in a second, opposite direction of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2015Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Jens-Hauke MULLER, Olaf SCHULTE, Sven KIRSCHBAUM
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Publication number: 20170361872Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems are provided for steering a vehicle, for example, during autonomous operation. One exemplary method involves operating a locking system associated with a first set of one or more wheels of the vehicle to lock an angle of the wheel(s) and detecting a steering adjustment condition based on the angle during subsequent operation of the vehicle. In response to the steering adjustment condition, the locking system is operated in an intermediate mode, and then thereafter operated to relock the angle of the wheel(s) based on monitoring the angle of the wheel(s) during operation in the intermediate mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: PINAKI GUPTA, NIKHIL L. HOSKERI
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Publication number: 20170361873Abstract: The present invention provides a method of building a smart vehicle control model, and a method and apparatus for controlling a smart vehicle, wherein the method of building a smart vehicle control model comprises: acquiring sample data which comprise corresponding steering wheel turning angles under driving environments; extracting vehicle state features and road condition features from the sample data; using the extracted features to train a neural network model to obtain the smart vehicle control model. The method of controlling smart vehicle comprises: extracting vehicle state features and road condition features of a vehicle to be controlled; inputting the extracted features into the smart vehicle control model to obtain a steering wheel turning angle; controlling the vehicle to be controlled using the steering wheel turning angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: BAIDU ONLINE NETWORK TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) CO., LTD.Inventors: Li YU, Tianlei Zhang
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Publication number: 20170361874Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a joint of a connecting rod is provided. The joint couples a first segment of the rod to a second segment of the rod. The apparatus includes a body and a first leg having a first distal end for engaging the first rod segment to inhibit rotational movement of the first rod segment while permitting axial movement of the first rod segment relative to the first leg. The apparatus also includes a second leg for engaging the second rod segment. The second leg has a second distal end for inhibiting rotational movement of the second rod segment relative to the second leg. The apparatus further includes a clamp for selectively inhibiting axial movement of the second rod segment relative to the second leg.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventor: Douglas J. Duff
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Publication number: 20170361875Abstract: A plurality of metallic bulkheads fixed at predetermined intervals inside a side sill includes a partition wall portion partitioning an inner space of the side sill and a bonding flange portion formed to surround an outer periphery of the partition wall portion and bonded to an inner surface of the side sill and has an I-shaped cross-section. The partition wall portion of one bulkhead fixed to an upper curved portion is disposed to be substantially parallel to a radial direction passing through a curved center of the upper curved portion such that the partition wall portion is propped to prevent the upper curved portion from being crushed when a collision load in a front and rear direction is input to a pillar portion of the side sill to prevent the collapse deformation of the pillar portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Shotaro Ayuzawa
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Publication number: 20170361876Abstract: A vehicle styling bar is provided for a truck including a cab and an open cargo bed. The vehicle styling bar is made of plastic and formed into an integral U-shaped hollow piece adapted to be installed widthwise across the cargo bed, immediately next to the cab for blocking sunlight that may pass through a rear window of the cab. The vehicle styling bar has a reduced weight and can be installed more easily than existing vehicle styling bars.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: TAYIH LUN AN CO., LTD.Inventor: CHIH-YUAN YANG
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Publication number: 20170361877Abstract: A truck rack system includes a truck has a cab, a bed and a frame. The bed has a back end and a rack is hingedly coupled to the bed. The rack is positioned in an upright position having the rack is oriented perpendicular to the bed. Thus, the rack may support an object extending between the cab and the rack. The rack is positioned in a lowered position having the rack being oriented parallel to the bed and extending outwardly from the back end. Thus, the rack may support an object that is placed in the bed. The rack supports an object that has a length that is greater than a length of the bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventor: WIlliam Corona
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Publication number: 20170361878Abstract: An apparatus for extending a vehicle bed includes a tailgate for raising and lowering relative to the vehicle bed. The tailgate includes a retractable member adapted for extending vertically from the tailgate when lowered, and also for extending horizontally from the tailgate to form a handle. A ladder supported by the tailgate is adapted for moving from a lowered position for use in stepping into the vehicle bed using the handle to a raised position for connecting with the retractable member when oriented vertically from the tailgate, thus extending the effective length of the vehicle bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Pattrick Loew, Brian Robert Spahn
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Publication number: 20170361879Abstract: An active side vent system for a vehicle can include a housing disposed in a side vent opening defined by a recessed surface in a rear portion of a front fender of the vehicle, a set of louvers disposed in the housing and configured to pivot such that (i) in an open position, none of the set of louvers extends beyond an outer surface of the front fender and (ii) in a closed position, the set of louvers are substantially flush with the recessed surface of the front fender, and an actuator configured to control the pivoting of the set of louvers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: SRG Global Inc.Inventors: Rob Frayer, Patrick Ayoub, David Michael Dunford
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Publication number: 20170361880Abstract: The aerodynamic fairing assembly attaches to the existing hardware of the swinging doors of conventional trailers to improve the aerodynamics. The fairing assembly includes left and right folding fairing panels that mount to the existing door hinges and two sets of lock arms that mount to the existing bar lock mechanism of a conventional box style trailer. The folding fairing panels manually fold between stowed and deployed positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: R-N-R International, Inc.Inventor: Stewart E. Gardner
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Publication number: 20170361881Abstract: An aerodynamic drag reduction system includes a side panel configured to be coupled to a rear swing door to extend generally vertically at least partially along a height of a trailer and a top panel configured to be coupled to the rear swing door to extend generally horizontally at least partially along a width of the trailer. The drag system includes a cable system configured to connect the side and top panels to prevent upward movement of the top panel beyond its generally horizontal position. The cable system includes a first cable with a first end coupled to an inner surface of the side panel, and a second cable and a third cable each with a first end coupled to a bottom surface of the top panel. A second end of each of the first cable, the second cable, and the third cable is coupled together at a juncture.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Leonard W. Baker, Michael J. Courtney, James Andrew Sweet, Brian N. Haan
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Publication number: 20170361882Abstract: A vehicle substructure includes at least one wing device for producing at least one underflow and at least one overflow from inflowing air to improve a downforce, the at least one wing device having at least one air-guiding apparatus for dividing the inflowing air into at least one wing air flow for the underflow of the wing device and into at least one structure air flow for at least one vehicle component. The air-guiding apparatus includes at least one adaptable air-guiding element. A dividing ratio of the at least one wing air flow and the at least one structure air flow can be flexibly set by at least one adaptation of the air guiding element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Sebastian Weber, Tobias Posch, Nadine Abel
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Publication number: 20170361883Abstract: A crawler mechanism includes a frame, a track including a plurality of shoes coupled together and supported for movement relative to the frame along a direction of travel, a sprocket, and a guide rail. The frame includes a first end, a second end, a first side extending between the first end and the second end and proximate a support surface, and a second side. Each shoe includes an intermediate portion having a first hardness. The sprocket drives the plurality of shoes to move along the second side of the frame. The guide rail is coupled to the second side of the frame and includes a base having an outer surface and a coating bonded to the outer surface. The coating contacts the intermediate portion of the shoes as the shoes move along the second side of the frame, and the coating defines a second hardness less than the first hardness.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Adam Scheuerman, Joseph Brenny
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Publication number: 20170361884Abstract: A system comprises a track a track roller. In some examples, the track roller comprises an axle member and at least three flange members. The axle member defines a first axis. The at least three flange members extend from the axle member substantially perpendicularly to the first axis. A first portion of the axle member is disposed between a first pair of adjacent flange members of the at least three flange members. A second portion of the axle member is disposed between a second pair of adjacent flange members of the at least three flange members. Each of at least two of the at least three flange members and the first and second portions are configured to contact the track when the track is mounted on a vehicle suspension system including the track roller.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventor: Woo Young Jee
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Publication number: 20170361885Abstract: A method and assembly station (12) for assembling vehicle body doors (22) utilizes sensing of vehicle body hinge members (26) and door hinge members (28) with the door positioned by a robot (16) to provide assembly with reduced labor cost.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2017Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: UTICA ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: David A. MACRI, Mark A. SAVOY
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Publication number: 20170361886Abstract: A foldable training wheel device has an outer tube, an inner tube, a positioning module, and a training wheel. The inner tube is inserted in the outer tube, is rotatable in the outer tube, is up and down moveable in the outer tube, and has a riding position and a folded position. The positioning module is mounted on the outer tube and the inner tube to position the inner tube on one of the riding position and the folded position relative to the outer tube. The training wheel is mounted on a bottom of the inner tube. Therefore, the foldable training wheel device is provided with two using modes for users.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventor: TAI-CHIH WANG
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Publication number: 20170361887Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening and/or locking system for fastening and/or locking containers to a fastening device, in particular to a carrier such as a luggage rack, wherein at least one fastening element (securing element) is attached to the carrier or an accessory part for the carrier and engages in and is detachably locked to at least one receiving element (1), which is attached to a container and/or is connected to the container, wherein the receiving element (1) has a base plate (2) having a spring-loaded slide (3) that runs between the base plate and a cover plate (4), wherein the cover plate (4) has an upper elevation (11) and a lower elevation (10) [lit., “11”] and has a through-hole (12) from one side of the cover plate (4) to the other.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2015Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: ORTLIEB SPORTARTIKEL GMBHInventor: Günther BOAS
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Publication number: 20170361888Abstract: A quick-release rigid deflector for a motorcycle is a system with a rigid body (1), which deflects oncoming wind, debris, and rain from the motorcycle and rider(s). The system is mounted so that it can be quickly attached or removed without excessive time or effort immediately before riding at the discretion of the rider.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2016Publication date: December 21, 2017Inventors: Mark Lawrence, Steven Robert Lawrence
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Publication number: 20170361889Abstract: A cover fastening structure for a motorcycle, including a cover member around a headlight that can be made smaller in size and, at the same time, with highly accurate fastening. The cover fastening structure for the motorcycle includes: a headlight for lighting the front side of the motorcycle; middle cowls as exterior parts for covering lateral sides of the motorcycle; a headlight under cover disposed under the headlight such as to be continuous with the middle cowls; and a center upper cowl disposed rearwardly of the headlight under cover such as to cover the lower side of the headlight. The headlight under cover includes a rearward extending wall fitted to the center upper cowl, and the rearward extending wall is provided with a cutout. The center upper cowl is provided with a solid cylindrical fitting-receiving section. The cutout of the headlight under cover and the fitting-receiving section of the center upper cowl are fastened together by being fitted to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2015Publication date: December 21, 2017Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Nobuyuki KUROGI, Shin YOKOYAMA, Kenji MORITA