Patents Issued in February 1, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180029572
    Abstract: A braking system of a work machine includes a pressurized fluid supply, a base valve fluidly coupled to the supply, a proportional control valve fluidly coupled to the supply, and a fluid output configured to be fluidly coupled to a braking system of a trailer. A first fluid path is selectively fluidly coupling the supply to the fluid output via the base valve, and a second fluid path is selectively fluidly coupling the supply to the fluid output via the proportional control valve. The base valve includes a predefined fixed gain and the proportional control valve includes an adjustable ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Troy E. Schick, Ryan A. Pence, Brandon J. McMillen, Jordan Tagtow, Aaron M. Quinn
  • Publication number: 20180029573
    Abstract: A method for operating an automated parking brake in a motor vehicle, having a hydraulic actuator for producing a hydraulic force component and an electromechanical actuator for producing an electromechanical force component, includes superimposing the hydraulic force component and the electromechanical force component to obtain a total clamping force for a parking brake operation, and maintaining the total clamping force by self-locking of the parking brake. The method further comprises during the parking brake operation, setting at least one defined hydraulic pressure level using the hydraulic actuator, and locking-in a defined hydraulic pressure level with a valve when the at least one defined hydraulic pressure level is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Andreas Englert, Tobias Putzer
  • Publication number: 20180029574
    Abstract: A method for operating an automated parking brake in a motor vehicle with a hydraulic actuator for generating a hydraulic force component and an electromechanical actuator for generating an electromechanical force component, includes overlaying the hydraulic force component and the electromechanical force component to achieve a total clamping force for a parking brake process. The method further includes setting, on occurrence of a first condition, a first hydraulic pressure level, and setting, on occurrence of a second condition, a second hydraulic pressure level. The method also includes holding substantially constant the set first hydraulic pressure level with the hydraulic actuator until the occurrence of the second condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Edith Mannherz, Helmut Wolff
  • Publication number: 20180029575
    Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a dual acting plunger assembly. The dual acting plunger assembly comprises a housing, an anti-rotation tube secured to a ball screw assembly, and a torque coupler. The torque coupler is attached between the housing and anti-rotation tube, wherein the torque coupler allows rotation between the housing and the anti-rotation tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Daniel Ryan Malwitz, Blaise J. Ganzel, Gregory P. Campau
  • Publication number: 20180029576
    Abstract: Provided is a brake device capable of detecting abnormality condition of a subject valve without using a wheel pressure sensor and the vehicle brake device includes a valve which is configured to open and close a fluid passage connected to the master chamber and at the same time which is a subject valve for a subject of failure judgement and an abnormality judging portion which is configured to judge whether or not the subject valve is in an abnormal state based on an advancement amount of the master piston accompanying an opening of the subject valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicants: ADVICS CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsushi KOBAYASHI, Masaaki KOMAZAWA, Yusuke KAMIYA
  • Publication number: 20180029577
    Abstract: Methods for transitioning a braking system between primary and fallback modes are provided. A method in accordance with the present disclosure may include identifying a failure in the functionality of the primary braking system, and, upon identifying the failure, mitigating an abrupt increase in a pedal travel distance required to brake or otherwise decelerate the vehicle so as to provide smooth transition from a primary braking mode to a fallback braking mode. The mitigating the increase in the pedal travel distance may include initiating a transition to the fallback braking mode, activating at least one of a plurality of transition braking modes, and gradually increasing the pedal travel distance by deactivating at least one of the previously activated transition braking modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Brandon BEAUVAIS
  • Publication number: 20180029578
    Abstract: A low-pressure vehicle braking system and method of operation that controls the supply of brake fluid based on the pressure differential between left and right master cylinders associated with the different wheel brakes allowing for pressure harmonization between the left and right wheel brake circuits and a brake system module suitable for installation on an existing vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Guillaume Boulivan
  • Publication number: 20180029579
    Abstract: A master brake cylinder arrangement for a hydraulic motor vehicle brake system, comprising a master brake cylinder housing with a cylindrical recess and at least one substantially annular groove which is oriented transversally to a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical recess and which is axially delimited by a protruding housing portion. The master brake cylinder arrangement also comprises at least one pressure piston which can be displaced axially in the cylindrical recess of the master brake cylinder housing and which is guided in a sealed manner by means of at least one seal element arranged in the groove. The housing portion has an edge portion which faces the seal element and an edge portion which faces away from the seal element when viewed in the axis-containing longitudinal section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Wolf, Martin Struschka
  • Publication number: 20180029580
    Abstract: A vacuum brake booster for a motor vehicle brake system, comprising a displaceable force input member that is coupled to or can be coupled to a brake pedal, a chamber arrangement arranged in a booster housing having at least one working chamber and at least one vacuum chamber, which are separated from one another via at least one movable wall, a control valve assembly that can be actuated by the force input member, and a force output member for transmitting an operating force to a downstream brake system. The at least one working chamber can be fluidically connected optionally to a negative pressure source or the atmosphere by way of the control valve assembly. The control valve assembly comprises a control valve housing, in which an actuating piston that is coupled with the force input member s displaceably arranged, and a first valve seat, and a second valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: José Manuel CALVO MARTINEZ, Paul WARKENTIN, Kurt WINGENDER, Martin HOFMANN
  • Publication number: 20180029581
    Abstract: A brake clearing system useful for clearing mechanical components of one or more brake units provided on a freight trailer having an air storage reservoir. The system includes a flow controller, at least one delivery hose, and at least one discharge device. The flow controller is fluidly between the air storage reservoir and the auxiliary tank. The delivery hose is fluidly connected to an outlet of the flow controller and delivers pressurized air to the discharge device. The discharge device, in turn, is configured to direct pressurized air at components of one of the brake units. The flow controller can include an inflow control unit, an auxiliary tank, and an outflow control unit. In related embodiments, the auxiliary tank can include a heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Intouch Shipping Technology, Ltd.
    Inventors: Davis D. Freeman, Logan Dillinger
  • Publication number: 20180029582
    Abstract: A brake cylinder of a motor vehicle, in particular a pneumatically actuatable brake cylinder of a commercial vehicle, includes a first housing part and a second housing part. An actuation tappet actuates a brake lever of a brake application device, which actuation tappet protrudes from a spring chamber of the first housing part. A membrane, which divides an interior bounded by the first housing part and the second housing part into a pressure chamber and the spring chamber, is provided, as well as a return spring for returning the actuation tappet from a braking position to a non-braking position. The return spring is arranged in a loaded manner between a housing bottom of the first housing part and a plate, which is arranged on the spring chamber side of the membrane and is connected to the actuation tappet. The return spring is provided with at least one elongation-measuring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Johann EGLSEDER, Christoph KAISER, Roland KRISTL
  • Publication number: 20180029583
    Abstract: A method monitoring a pneumatically actuatable brake for motor vehicles, wherein an air gap of the brake is ascertained using measured position values provided by a brake wear sensor, includes ascertaining a reference position value of the brake wear sensor during unbraked travel, determining multiple value pairs of discrete position values and a current brake pressure P at a same point in time during a braking procedure, ascertaining a characteristic function interpolating the value pairs, determining a characteristic position value according to the characteristic function for a selected brake pressure, and determining an actual value of the air gap by subtracting the reference position value from the characteristic position value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas Dieckmann, Marcos Keller, Denis Kusin, Torsten Wallbaum
  • Publication number: 20180029584
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus that is mountable on a vehicle includes a planetary gear mechanism, a first motor generator, a second motor generator, and a stepped automatic transmission with parallel gears. The first motor generator and an output side shaft of the stepped automatic transmission are configured to be coupled to a power input shaft from an engine provided in the vehicle via the planetary gear mechanism. An input side shaft of the stepped automatic transmission is configured to be coupled to the power input shaft. The second motor generator is coupled to the output side shaft of the stepped automatic transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Masatoshi ISHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20180029585
    Abstract: A vehicle controller performs traveling control of a vehicle. The traveling control includes lane departure prevention control of turning the vehicle in a direction in which lane departure of the vehicle is avoided and roll stiffness control of changing a roll stiffness of the vehicle. The vehicle controller executes the roll stiffness control by coupling with execution of the lane departure prevention control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mitsutaka TANIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180029586
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a control system for a hybrid electric vehicle, the vehicle having a powertrain comprising at least one electric propulsion motor and at least one engine, the control system being operable to control the vehicle to operate in an electric vehicle (EV) mode in which the at least one engine remains switched off and the at least one electric propulsion motor is configured to deliver drive torque and a boost mode in which the at least one engine is switched on to provide additional power to drive the vehicle. When the vehicle is operating in EV mode the system is further operable to determine whether a boost location exists ahead of the vehicle being a location at which a gradient of a driving surface is sufficiently high to require selection of the boost mode, the control system being operable automatically to command starting of the at least one engine before the boost location is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Clement DEXTREIT, Mark ELLIS, Matt HANCOCK
  • Publication number: 20180029587
    Abstract: A control system is provided to account for differences in engine response times and motor response times during an upshift in a transmission. A vehicle includes a driveline that has an engine, a traction motor, and a transmission selectively connected in series. A control area network (CAN) connects a plurality of controllers. At least one of the controllers is programmed to, during an upshift in the transmission, output signals over the CAN to reduce torque of the traction motor. The controller also reduces the engine torque based on signal delays in the CAN.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Rajit JOHRI, Mark Steven YAMAZAKI, Jeffrey Allen DOERING, Bernard D. NEFCY
  • Publication number: 20180029588
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle battery system that comprises a plurality of cells that are electrically coupled to an electric motor of the vehicle is provided, the electric motor being mechanically coupled to a drive system of the vehicle. The battery system is configured to: determine a voltage requirement of the battery system at least partially based on a current operating mode or an anticipated operating mode; and adjust the configuration of the cells in order to increase or decrease the voltage of the battery system according to the requirement. A method of operating a hybrid vehicle is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Paspuleti Ashish Kumar Naidu, Allan Alimario, Peter George Brittle, Benjamin A. Tabatowski-Bush
  • Publication number: 20180029589
    Abstract: A method of controlling a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle including an electric propulsion system, an engine, and a catalytic converter associated with the engine, the method comprising: monitoring a state of charge of a battery of the vehicle when in a charge depletion mode; determining a rate of depletion of the state of charge; estimating from the rate of depletion a duration of a depletion period representing the time remaining until a minimum state of charge of the battery will be reached; determining a duration of a warming period of the catalytic converter; comparing the duration of the depletion period and the duration of the warming period; and activating the engine if the duration of the depletion period is less than or equal to the duration of the warming period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Clement DEXTREIT, David MCGEOCH, Michael ANDREWS, Kean HARRISON
  • Publication number: 20180029590
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle configured to promptly disengage a clutch for halting an engine is provided. A clutch device comprises a reciprocating member having tapered reciprocating teeth, and a rotary member having tapered teeth opposed to the tapered rotary teeth. A controller is configured to turn off an actuator to eliminate the electromagnetic attraction thereby allowing the engine to be started, and to apply a torque of the first motor to the clutch device after the actuator is turned off thereby disengaging the reciprocating teeth from the rotary teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroto HASHIMOTO, Hiroaki KIMURA, Tomohito ONO, Takuya IGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20180029591
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for vehicle remote park assist with occupant detection. An example disclosed vehicle includes range detection sensors and a remote parking unit. The example range detection sensors determine whether a target parking space is narrow. The example remote parking unit, in response to a request from a mobile device external to the vehicle, when the target parking space is narrow, scans, with occupant detection sensors, the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, the example remote parking unit, in response to detecting an occupant in the vehicle, sends a first notification to the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Publication number: 20180029592
    Abstract: A driver input representing a steering maneuver associated with non-autonomous operation of a host vehicle is detected. A first target vehicle in an adjacent lane relative to the host vehicle is identified. The steering maneuver is allowed when a second target vehicle is detected in an original lane relative to the host vehicle. The steering maneuver is prevented when no second target vehicle is detected in the original lane of the host vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Roger Arnold Trombley, Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Publication number: 20180029593
    Abstract: A driving control system for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a steering device, a steering operation amount sensor that detects a steering operation amount of the driver, and an abnormality determining device configured to determine whether the driver is in an abnormal state. The driving control system includes: an actuator configured to adjust a turning state quantity; and an electronic control unit configured to calculate a target turning state quantity of the vehicle based on the steering operation amount and control the turning state quantity adjusting device. The electronic control unit is configured to correct the target turning state quantity such that a magnitude of the target turning state quantity does not exceed a predetermined allowable range and to control the actuator based on the corrected target turning state quantity when the driver is in the abnormal state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoyuki KOZUKA
  • Publication number: 20180029594
    Abstract: Provided is a driving assist device 10 that recognizes an object in the vicinity of a moving body, and assists a driver in driving the moving body, the apparatus including: an object detecting unit 12 that detects the object in the vicinity of the moving body; a three dimensional object detecting unit 13 that detects a three dimensional object in the vicinity of the moving body; and an object recognition unit 18 that recognizes the object at a predetermined detection position as a non-obstacle when the object information storing unit 16 stores the position of the object, and the three dimensional object information storing unit 17 does not store the position of the three dimensional object at the predetermined position in which detection is performed by both of the object detecting unit 12 and the three dimensional object detecting unit 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiromitsu URANO, Katsuhiro SAKAI, Toshiki KINDO, Kentaro ICHIKAWA, Masahiro HARADA
  • Publication number: 20180029595
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle control device including an operation amount obtaining unit, a first setting unit, a second setting unit, and a third setting unit. The operation amount obtaining unit obtains a driver's driving operation amount. The first setting unit sets a first target value for vehicle travel control based on the driving operation amount obtained by the operation amount obtaining unit. The second setting unit sets a second target value for controlling the vehicle travel by automated control. The third setting unit sets a third target value for actually controlling the vehicle travel by synthesizing the first target value and the second target value based on the driving operation amount or the first target value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Liangchen PAN
  • Publication number: 20180029596
    Abstract: A power transmission system of a vehicle and a gear-shift control method are provided. The power transmission system includes a first drive assembly (101) and a second drive assembly (102). The first drive assembly includes a first automatic transmission (2) and a first motor (1) connected with the first automatic transmission (2) for outputting power to two wheels of the vehicle. The second drive assembly (102) includes a second automatic transmission (2000) and a second motor (1000) connected with the second automatic transmission (2000) for outputting power to the other two wheels of the vehicle. The first and second automatic transmission are configured to be shifted to a preset gear or a gear adjacent to the preset gear, such that when one of the first and second automatic transmission is shifted to the preset gear, the other one of the first and second automatic transmission is shifted to the preset gear or the gear adjacent to the preset gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: BYD COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Jintao ZHANG, Cailin FU
  • Publication number: 20180029597
    Abstract: A device and method for adjusting vehicle fuel efficiency to responsive to an altered vehicle surface area are disclosed. An operation of the method receives vehicle surface data, which indicates a transition from a first vehicle drag coefficient value relating to a vehicle surface area to a second vehicle drag coefficient value relating to the altered vehicle surface area. A second plurality of powertrain parameter values associated with the second vehicle drag coefficient value are determined, and the method operates to transmit the second plurality of powertrain parameter values for adjusting of the vehicle fuel efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Sergei I. Gage, Arata Sato
  • Publication number: 20180029598
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing perception of transitions from shifting a transmission from neutral to drive are described. In one example, the transmission is shifted from neutral to drive in response to brake pedal motion before the brake pedal is fully released so that timing of pressurizing clutches and engaging a forward gear is advanced to occur while the brake pedal is still applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Zhengyu Dai, Yang Xu, Sathish Atluri, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Publication number: 20180029599
    Abstract: A method of controlling coasting of a vehicle, may include a preparing step of measuring an interval between an objective vehicle and a foregoing vehicle traveling ahead of the objective vehicle. A starting step of calculating a distance moved by coasting for a first predetermined time from a current speed of the objective vehicle and of starting coasting when the calculated movement distance is larger than the interval measured in the preparing step. An ending step of calculating a distance moved by coasting for a second predetermined time from the current speed of the objective vehicle after coasting is started in the starting step, and of giving an instruction to end coasting when the calculated movement is larger than the interval measured in the preparing step, in which the time T1 is longer than the time T2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Tae Hyuck KIM, Jin Woo CHO, Jae Hoon CHO
  • Publication number: 20180029600
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, a hybrid system, a parking brake, a gear box and an electronic control system is provided. A method for controlling the method comprises charging the hybrid vehicle by receiving and storing electric energy, which enables a safe way of starting the internal combustion engine during the charging. An electronic control system is configured to: detect a starting attempt of the internal combustion engine during the receiving and storing of electrical energy; ensure that the hybrid vehicle is ready for a start of the internal combustion engine, which includes ensuring that the gear box is in a neutral gear and that the parking brake is applied; and thereafter start the internal combustion engine during the receiving and storing of electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Sjodin
  • Publication number: 20180029601
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a powertrain, comprising an internal combustion engine connected to a double clutch transmission having a first and a second partial transmission with at least one shiftable transmission stage. A first friction clutch is arranged between the internal combustion engine and the first partial transmission, and a second friction clutch is arranged between the internal combustion engine and the second partial transmission. An engine torque of the internal combustion engine is transmitted by the first and second friction clutches to the first or second partial transmissions to provide a drivetrain torque at the output of the double clutch transmission. The powertrain is monitored for an occurrence of juddering oscillations, wherein in response to juddering oscillations being detected a regeneration process of one of the first and second friction clutches is triggered, and a friction lining is removed in the regeneration process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Georg Göppert
  • Publication number: 20180029602
    Abstract: The present invention describes a control system, which is adapted and determined to identify motor vehicles driving in front. The control system is at least adapted and determined to detect another motor vehicle participating in the traffic with the at least one environmental sensor. The control system is at least adapted and determined to determine positions of the other motor vehicle for a predetermined time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Richard Altendorfer, Bjoem Oska
  • Publication number: 20180029603
    Abstract: A system and method for computationally estimating a directional velocity of a vehicle in real time under different configurations and road conditions for use in vehicle antilock braking, adaptive cruise control, and traction and stability control by correcting measured accelerations with respect to the estimated road angles. A time window is used to provide reliable mapped acceleration for the transient regions and maneuvers on gravel surfaces with high fluctuations in the acceleration measurement. Longitudinal and lateral accelerations are mapped from the vehicle's CG into the tire coordinates using the vehicle's geometry, lateral velocity, yaw rate, and the steering wheel angle to generate system matrices of the combined kinematic-force estimation structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: SeyedAlireza Kasaiezadeh Mahabadi, Ehsan Hashemi, Amir Khajepour, Shih-ken Chen, Bakhtiar B. Litkouhi
  • Publication number: 20180029604
    Abstract: An evacuation control apparatus includes a decrease detecting unit, a rear monitoring unit, and an evacuation control unit. The decrease detecting unit detects decrease in a consciousness level of a driver of an own vehicle. The rear monitoring unit monitors a state behind the own vehicle. The evacuation control unit outputs control information for making the own vehicle perform an emergency evacuation based on monitoring results of the rear monitoring unit, when the decrease detecting unit detects decrease in the consciousness level of the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Hiroaki NIINO, Masao OOOKA, Takeshi MIURA, Hitoshi WADA
  • Publication number: 20180029605
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for testing operation and control accuracy of a driving control system in an unmanned vehicle. The method comprises determining an operation and control track length when the unmanned vehicle is operated and controlled by the driving control system in the unmanned vehicle, based on obtained traveling data information; determining a standard operation and control distance when the driving control system operates and controls the unmanned vehicle, based on a preset operation and control accuracy test standard; and comparing the operation and control track length with the standard operation and control distance to determine a test result of the operation and control accuracy of the driving control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Yi WU
  • Publication number: 20180029606
    Abstract: Provided is an electromagnetic noise analyzing apparatus, a controlling apparatus, and a controlling method in each of which the continuous change of the running state of a vehicle or a railway vehicle is considered. The controlling apparatus includes: a vehicle running control section which outputs, on the basis of operation information of a vehicle, a vehicle driving parameter as a driving state of the vehicle; a signal converting section which converts the vehicle driving parameter into a noise parameter as an electric parameter; and an electromagnetic noise analyzing section which calculates, on the basis of the noise parameter, the amount of electromagnetic noise propagating in the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Aya OHMAE, Hiroki FUNATO, Keisuke FUKUMASU
  • Publication number: 20180029607
    Abstract: A controller includes a processor and a memory storing processor-executable instructions. The processor is programmed to control steering and at least one of propulsion and braking of a vehicle while following a route segment and, during the route segment, to activate a user interface at a frequency based on at least one of an elapsed duration of the route segment, an age of a user, a time of day, and a route-segment topology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ahmad Khalifeh, Levasseur Tellis
  • Publication number: 20180029608
    Abstract: This application discusses various ways to adjust the performance of a variable input control in accordance with previous use data. In some embodiments, the previous use data can be associated with particular users of the variable input control. In this way, a response provided by the user input control can be adjusted to accommodate particular patterns of use on a user by user basis. In some embodiments, the variable input control can take the form of an accelerator pedal of a vehicle. Performance of the accelerator pedal can be adjusted by changing an amount of engine power provided for a particular accelerator pedal position. The adjustment can arrange commonly utilized power settings in the middle of the accelerator pedal range of motion to make manipulation of the accelerator pedal more comfortable and convenient for each user of the accelerator pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Thunder Power New Energy Vehicle Development Company Limited
    Inventor: Sheng-Fu Lai
  • Publication number: 20180029609
    Abstract: A driver assistance system in a motor vehicle includes a map-based detection system for detecting upcoming events which lead to a change in the maximum permissible speed, and a functional unit which, when a relevant upcoming event is detected by the map-based detection system, at a defined time before the upcoming event is reached, initiates an output of a request indication to permit an automatic adjustment of the current maximum permissible speed to a new maximum permitted speed. When a manually triggered authorization confirmation or detected rejection is identified the functional unit, initiates a withdrawal of the request indication. The functional unit is configured to prompt a withdrawal of the output of the request indication after passing the relevant upcoming event when there is no detected authorization confirmation or no detected rejection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Stefan KNOLLER
  • Publication number: 20180029610
    Abstract: A method of autonomous driving includes evaluating information about an environment surrounding a vehicle, identifying a driving maneuver, and generating a driving plan for performing the driving maneuver based on the evaluation of the information about the environment surrounding the vehicle. Additionally, to apprise a user of a risk of performing the driving maneuver, the method includes visually simulating the driving plan by displaying, on a display, a sequence of actions associated with performing the driving maneuver. Further, the method includes outputting, at at least one interface, a query whether the user confirms the driving maneuver. When, in response to the query, a user response is received, at the at least one interface, that the user confirms the driving maneuver, the method includes operating vehicle systems in the vehicle to perform the driving maneuver according to the driving plan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: John-Michael McNew
  • Publication number: 20180029611
    Abstract: Provided is a method and device for providing feedback for constant acceleration in a vehicle, which includes sampling velocity data at sample rate during an increase in a velocity rate over time to produce a plurality of sampled velocity data. An acceleration parameter is generated based on a difference of the sampled velocity data over a respective time interval. A determination is made as to whether the acceleration parameter indicates a constant acceleration. When the acceleration parameter does indicate a constant acceleration, a near real-time feedback signal is produced and announced to advise of the constant acceleration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Sergei I. Gage, Arata Sato
  • Publication number: 20180029612
    Abstract: A safe driving behavior notification system includes: an obstacle detector to detect position of each obstacle existing around a subject vehicle; a first specifier to specify driving behavior to be carried out by a driver based on the detected position of each obstacle and information relating to the subject vehicle; a second specifier to specify driving behavior predicted to be carried out by the driver from the detected position of each obstacle and information on a travel state of the subject vehicle using a driving behavior model for the driver created based on past driving behavior of the driver; and a notificator to determine whether notification to the driver is necessary based on a degree of a difference between the driving behaviors specified by the first and second specifiers, and to notify the driver of information indicating action to be carried out when determining the notification is necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicants: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED, WASEDA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Masashi TSUYUNASHI, Harutoshi OGAI, Nan WU, Thatchaphol MOTANEEYACHART
  • Publication number: 20180029613
    Abstract: An aerial cableway system has at least two stations between which vehicles, such as gondola cars, travel as they are pulled by a cable. The stations include a boarding zone for passengers to board the vehicles and a disembarking zone, where passengers disembark from the vehicles. A sensor can be activated by a vehicle entering a station. At least one restricted area with at least one restrictor is located in the station and the restrictor has a controller which can be activated by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: ANDREAS NATTER, MARIO BENZER
  • Publication number: 20180029614
    Abstract: A railroad car includes a control system. In order to obtain a space-saving configuration of the control system of the railroad car, the control system includes a plurality of functional modules, each having a housing with at least one externally accessible electrical interface and being disposed decentrally with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: PETER MULL, IOSSIF TOKMAN
  • Publication number: 20180029615
    Abstract: A storage wagon (1) for bulk material (2) has, above the transfer end (9) of a bottom conveyor belt (4) and underneath a discharge end (15) of an auxiliary conveyor belt (14), a deflector plate (17) extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (3) of the wagon. The deflector plate (17) is designed to be pivotable about a pivot axis (18) relative to the loading container (5) for changing a deflection angle ? enclosed with a conveying plane (19) of the bottom conveyor belt (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: Plasser & Theurer Export von Bahnbaumaschinen Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventor: Manfred BRUNNINGER
  • Publication number: 20180029616
    Abstract: A chassis frame for a rail vehicle includes a plurality of longitudinal beams formed as I-beams, wherein each longitudinal beam includes a longitudinal beam top flange, a longitudinal beam bottom flange and a web, a box-shaped transverse beam interconnecting the plurality of longitudinal beams, each longitudinal beam having a central section in which the longitudinal beam is connected to the transverse beam, where each longitudinal beam forms at least one wheelset guide bushing for connection to a wheelset guide, where a stiffening rib is arranged in each longitudinal beam on both sides of the web, and where the stiffening rib extends outward from the web in a transverse direction on both sides of the web and is configured such that the force flow from the wheelset guide bushing is conducted into the transverse beam such that the shear stiffness and transverse stiffness of the chassis frame is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Markus HUBMANN, Radovan SEIFRIED
  • Publication number: 20180029617
    Abstract: An axle box suspension of a railcar bogie is configured to couple an axle box, accommodating a bearing supporting an axle, to a bogie frame and includes: an axle beam including an axle beam main body portion and an axle beam end portion, the axle beam main body portion extending from the axle box in a car longitudinal direction, the axle beam end portion being provided at a tip end of the axle beam main body portion and including a tubular portion that is open at both car width direction sides; a core rod inserted into an internal space of the tubular portion in a car width direction; an elastic bushing interposed between the tubular portion and the core rod; and a receiving seat provided at the bogie frame, both end portions of the core rod being connected to the receiving seat, the tubular portion being divided into a first semi-tubular portion and a second semi-tubular portion, the first semi-tubular portion being formed integrally with the axle beam main body portion, the second semi-tubular portion being
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasufumi OKUMURA
  • Publication number: 20180029618
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a railcar comprises an interior wall and guard strips magnetically coupled to the interior wall. Each of the guard strips comprises a cushioning material for absorbing impact. The guard strips are configured to prevent an object loaded in the railcar from contacting the interior wall. The railcar further comprises protected magnetic fastening systems coupling each of the guard strips to the interior wall. Each of the protected magnetic fastening systems comprises a magnet and a rod comprising a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the magnet, and the second end extends through the guard strip. The protected magnetic fastening system may further comprise a cup washer coupled to the second end of the rod and secured with a fastener. The cup washer partially surrounds the fastener to restrict objects larger than the cup washer from contacting the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Huck, Jonathan P. Aukes
  • Publication number: 20180029619
    Abstract: An evaluation unit 10 for a sensor arrangement for railway monitoring is described, the evaluation unit 10 comprising a connection to a position sensor 11 and a connection to a tracking sensor 12. The position sensor 11 is capable of detecting rail vehicles 19 passing over the position of the position sensor 11 on a railway track 14 and provides a position output signal 15. The tracking sensor 12 comprises a fibre optic sensor 16, which is capable of detecting the position of noise along the railway track 14 and the tracking sensor 12 provides a tracking output signal 18. The evaluation unit 10 provides an output signal 13 that depends on the position output signal 15 and the tracking output signal 18. Further, a sensor arrangement for railway monitoring and a method for evaluation of railway monitoring signals are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Martin ROSENBERGER, Michael THIEL
  • Publication number: 20180029620
    Abstract: A system for optimizing the control of a train that includes an interface for receiving data representing a set of operational parameters for a train that will traverse a predetermined route. A server is interconnected to the interface and programmed to generate a plurality of scenarios using the same set of operational parameters but different control parameters. A simulator is programmed to perform a simulation of the operation of the train as described by the operation parameters and control parameters. The server is programmed to review the results of the simulation and score how closely the simulations achieved one or more performance metrics, thereby identifying which control parameters should be used by the train and allowing the control parameters to be transmitted to the train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Applicant: NEW YORK AIR BRAKE, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Wesley Wait, Bradley Howard, Devon Robert Hall
  • Publication number: 20180029621
    Abstract: A wheeled shopping tote. The wheeled shopping tote includes a plurality of rods removably secured to one another. The wheeled shopping tote is configured to maintain an extended configuration during use and a collapsed configuration for storage. A handle is disposed on the uppermost rod. The handle is an open loop in one embodiment or a T-shaped member in an alternate embodiment. A plurality of fasteners such as hooks are disposed on the base. Each fastener is configured to secure an item to the wheeled shopping tote, such as a shopping bag filled with items. One or more wheels are rotatably secured to the lowermost rod. The wheeled shopping tote allows users to easily support and transport shopping bags or other items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Patricia Najdek