Patents Issued in February 13, 2018
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Patent number: 9889811Abstract: A foldable roll-over protection structure is provided for use on a vehicle movable in a generally fore-and-aft direction. The foldable roll-over protection structure includes a frame comprising a base section and an upper section. The base section is connectable to the vehicle. The upper section is swingable relative to the base section between a forward position in which the upper section projects forwardly from the base section, a rearward position in which the upper section projects rearwardly from the base section, and an upright position positioned between the forward and rearward positions. A hinge assembly swingably interconnects the sections of the frame. The hinge assembly is configured to releasably secure the upper section in each of the positions of the upper section.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2017Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Full Vision, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth G. Schlup, Jr.
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Patent number: 9889812Abstract: A side-curtain airbag assembly includes a body structure including a roof rail and a pillar extending downwardly from the roof rail. The roof rail has an upwardly extending side portion and a first ramped surface extending inwardly from the side portion at a downward angle. An airbag is mounted to the side portion above the first ramped surface. A trim component is mounted to the pillar below the first ramped surface and has a face, a top, and a second ramped surface extending outwardly from the top at an upward angle towards the side portion. The first and second ramped surfaces are arranged to form a ramp that guides the airbag during deployment of the airbag. The first ramped surface has a higher yield strength than the second ramped surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: William Charles Bauer, Jason Richard Nagy, Jeffrey Charles Paddock, Mahesh Bhattacharyya, Salvatore Joseph Moceri, Kattya Gabriela Miranda Quintana
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Patent number: 9889813Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an automotive interior component and a method for manufacture thereof are provided. The method includes providing a first and second layer of the automotive interior component. The method includes providing an apparatus comprising a first press component and a second press component, the first press component including a pressure chamber configured to receive a protrusion of the first layer. The method includes inserting the first layer into the first press component, such that the protrusion is received by the pressure chamber of the first press component. The method includes coupling the first layer and the second layer, wherein coupling comprises moving at least one of the first press component and second press component toward the other and introducing a first fluid into the pressure chamber of the first press component such that the fluid applies a fluid pressure to the first layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Inoac USA, Inc.Inventor: Gregg S. Evans
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Patent number: 9889814Abstract: An airbag, especially for a vehicle occupant restraint system, in the inflated condition includes a front side (112) forming the occupant impact surface and an opposite rear side (114), wherein the cover portions (102a, 102b, 102c) forming the front side (112) and the rear side (114) are interconnected at their longitudinal edges (110). Along a center line (M) of the respective side extending in the longitudinal direction of the airbag (100) the front side (112) is longer than the rear side (114) so that in the inflated condition the airbag (100) takes a curved shape. The front side (112) and, resp., the rear side (114) includes at least one connecting line (108) substantially extending transversely to the center line (M) at which two cover portions (102a, 102c) are interconnected, wherein at least one of the cover portions (102a) in the cut includes a boundary contour (104) concavely or convexly extending transversely to the center line (M).Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbHInventors: Werner Freisler, Tomasz Pys
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Patent number: 9889815Abstract: A protective device is provided to reduce an occurrence of injury in the case of a far-side side impact of a vehicle. The protective device has an airbag attached to a side of a seat closer to the center of the vehicle. The air bag has a first airbag element attached to the seat back to extend in the region of the thorax and a second airbag element attached to the seat frame to protect the pelvis in the case of the far side impact.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Adriano Morozini de Lira
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Patent number: 9889816Abstract: A non-coated woven fabric for air bag according to the present invention comprises a synthetic fiber containing 90% by weight or more of Nylon 66, characterized in that crimping rate of warp of the fabric is 10.0 to 13.0% while crimping rate of woof of the fabric is 6.0% or less, relative viscosity of Nylon 66 constituting the synthetic fiber in sulfuric acid is 3.15 to 3.7, the synthetic fiber contains 40 ppm to 200 ppm of phosphorus component and, when dynamic air permeability of the fabric is measured at a maximum pressure of 80±5 kPa based on ASTM D 6476 under the environment of 20° C.×65% RH, biaxial elongation strain hysteresis of the fabric during a transition from increased pressure to reduced pressure at 50 kPa is 0.69% to 1.0%.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: TOYOBO CO., LTD.Inventors: Hirokazu Nishimura, Toshio Owari, Shingo Sogabe, Miho Yamamoto, Yusuke Kojyo, Yoshihiro Matsui, Kenichi Funaki
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Patent number: 9889817Abstract: A steering lock device includes a lock bar attached to a case member, a motor having an output shaft, a driving gear member which is attached to the output shaft of the motor and which is rotatable together with the output shaft, a driven gear member which is assembled in a state of being meshed with the driving gear member, and which is rotatable in a direction corresponding to a rotation direction of the driving gear member, and a feed screw member which is connected coaxially with the lock bar, which has a male thread screwed with a female thread of the driven gear member and which is capable of causing the lock bar to advance or retreat in an axial direction by the rotation of the driven gear member. The motor, the feed screw member and the lock bar are accommodated in parallel within the case member.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: ASAHI DENSO CO., LTD.Inventors: Michiyuki Suzuki, Yusuke Sawaki
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Patent number: 9889818Abstract: The present disclosure provides an information processing method and an information processing system. The information processing method is used for controlling a vehicle door, which includes: detecting an action of a vehicle door controlled by an user and feedbacking the action to a processing module through a detecting module; transmitting a control command to a control module according to the detected action through the processing module; and performing the control command to select at least one vehicle door from all vehicle doors and operate the selected vehicle door through the control module. In the technique scheme of the present disclosure, the processing module transmits the control command to the control module according to the detected action; the control module performs the control command to select at least one vehicle door from all vehicle doors and operate the selected vehicle door, thereby increasing the convenience of operating the vehicle door.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: LEAUTO INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) CO. LTD.Inventors: Wenrui Li, Yong Xu, Yu Zou, Kunsheng Chen, Wei Lin, Peng Liu, Dan Li
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Patent number: 9889819Abstract: A smart key system includes a first transmitting unit, a first receiving unit, and a certification unit that are mounted on a vehicle, and a second receiving unit and a second transmitting unit that are mounted on a portable device. The certification unit performs certification processing of the portable device when the first receiving unit has received a reply signal. The first transmitting unit transmits the polling signal at a transmission timing that is later or earlier than a transmission timing based on the polling signal before the predetermined manipulation is performed, by a predetermined time shorter than a predetermined transmission cycle, when the predetermined manipulation has been performed in a situation where the certification unit does not certify the portable device.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2017Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shigeki Nishiyama, Tomoyuki Funayama
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Patent number: 9889820Abstract: The current specification discloses a method, system and devices for detecting a theft of a car. A use of the car and a current location of the car are detected. A car identifier and location information indicative of a location of the car is sent to a network server over a wireless connection. A token device is determined that is associated with the car identifier and a location request is sent from the network server to the token device. Location information indicative of a current location of the token device is derived and the received location of the car is compared with the derived location of the token device. If a position mismatch between the location of the car and the location of the token device is detected, a warning message is sent to a pre-determined device.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventor: Kung Leng Yap
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Patent number: 9889821Abstract: Provided is a wiper blade wherein: a pair of accommodation sections are disposed in both sides in the short direction of a holder main body (31) so as to sandwich a holding section (31a) therebetween; a pair of vertebrae that elastically deform a blade rubber (20) to match the curvature of a front glass are accommodated in each accommodation section; an insertion opening (O) capable of inserting a main body section (21) is disposed between an end cap (60) and the holder main body (31); and a guiding section (61e) that guides the main body section (21) towards the holding section (31a) is disposed on the end cap (60) side where the insertion opening (O) is formed.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2011Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignees: Mitsuba Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaru Fujiwara, Hiroyuki Sase, Naomi Sase, Kouji Okabe, Hisaaki Naruse, Hiroyuki Ikeno, Akira Takayama
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Patent number: 9889822Abstract: Novel connectors and wiper blade assemblies including same for securing windshield wiper blades and arms are described, including those that accommodate side-saddle wiper arms. A wiper blade connector may have a mounting portion comprising a wiper blade securing element, the wiper securing element being capable of securing a wiper blade, and a side-saddle portion comprising two side walls, a top wall and a bottom surface, defining a receiving cavity, said top wall having a cantilever with a locking tab.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Pylon Manufacturing Corp.Inventors: Vambi Raymundo Tolentino, Robert Peter Peers
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Patent number: 9889823Abstract: A hydraulic connector for a wiper system includes an end part of an arm extending in a longitudinal direction, a blade, a mechanical connector fixed to the blade for attaching the blade to the arm, and at least one pipe for conveying a liquid to the blade via the mechanical connector and at least one button intended to connect the hydraulic connector to the end part in a standby position. The button is retractable so as to allow movement of the hydraulic connector with respect to the end part.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'EssuyageInventors: Giuseppe Grasso, Florent Delfosse
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Patent number: 9889824Abstract: An electronic interface control system for a pneumatic vehicle safety lift system has a computer that receives sensor inputs, presents outputs, and receives commands from a user. The computer has its power from an automobile and operates an air compressor for air hoses. The computer operates a pneumatic jack upon an automobile. The computer reads sensors related to jack position and triggers indicators to the user so the jack raises the vehicle after a footplate rests below it in a safe manner. The system lifts a vehicle stuck or undergoing repair. The computer checks that a certain number of jacks, preferably one, activate at once. The computer checks by inquiring of the sensors and switches deployed upon a vehicle and within a carrying case. The carrying case has a safety strut for the jack and a torque gun for a user.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Inventor: Clinton L. Jackson, Sr.
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Patent number: 9889825Abstract: In described embodiments, a trailer jack mount includes a first hinge plate mountable onto a frame of a vehicle. The first hinge plate has a first side hinge knuckle extending along a side of the first hinge plate and a first rear hinge knuckle extending along a length of the first hinge plate. A second hinge plate has a second side hinge knuckle hingedly connected to the first side hinge knuckle and a second rear hinge knuckle extending along a length of the second hinge plate. A locking bolt is removably insertable through the first rear hinge knuckle and the second rear hinge knuckle. The second hinge plate is rotatable between a first position wherein the second hinge plate is facing the first hinge plate and a second position wherein the second hinge plate is rotated away from the first hinge plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2017Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Inventor: George Kehder
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Patent number: 9889826Abstract: Provided herein is a variable ratio pedal assembly for a vehicle for operating a push rod of a brake system, for example. The assembly includes at least one activation link connected via a pivot tube to an elongated lever structure of the pedal arm, an input link for connection to the push rod to activate the brake system that is operatively connected to the activation link, and an intermediate link connected to the input link and a vehicle bracket. The intermediate link pivots relative to the input link and the vehicle bracket, resulting in a variation in angle between the input link and the intermediate link. The variation in angle between the input link and the intermediate link creates a ratio that varies as the pedal arm is moved.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Ventra Group Co.Inventors: Ramesh Periasamy, Dusit Sukonthapanich, Steve Jarjoura
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Patent number: 9889827Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preventing vehicle roll. In one embodiment, a method includes: determining a first switch state; determining a second switch state; evaluating the first switch state and the second switch state to determine whether a condition of a mechanical linkage between a range selection device and a transmission has occurred; and selectively generating at least one of a control signal to control an electronic park brake and a notification message based on the determination.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David A. Provenza, Michael A. Van Camp, William A. Arnold
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Patent number: 9889828Abstract: There are provided a deceleration end location storage system that can appropriately store a deceleration end location at which a vehicle ends deceleration in decelerating action even for a road on which the content of the decelerating action tends to vary because of a disturbance such as a road with a large amount of traffic, and a drive assist system, a drive assist method, and a computer program that can provide appropriate drive assistance for a vehicle on the basis of stored deceleration end locations. In the case where a vehicle performs decelerating action, a deceleration end location at which the vehicle ends deceleration in the decelerating action is specified. A variation range that matches the road type of a road on which the deceleration end location is provided is set.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignees: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshiaki Niwa, Takashi Fukukawa, Tomoki Kodan, Kuniaki Tanaka
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Patent number: 9889829Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a brake system onboard a vehicle, a first actuation component, an automatic control system, and a second actuation component. The first actuation component is operably coupled to the brake system and is configured to cause actuation of the brake system to brake the vehicle when the first actuation component is activated. The automatic control system is onboard the vehicle and is configured to generate a first control signal for controlling the first actuation component to activate to upon occurrence of one or more designated conditions. The second actuation component is operably coupled to the brake system and is configured to cause actuation of the brake system to brake the vehicle upon receipt of one of the first control signal or a second control signal generated by the automatic control system.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2013Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIESInventors: Jess Austin Backes, Tim Rolbiecki, Michael Scott Mitchell, Kelly Nichols, Kristopher Smith
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Patent number: 9889830Abstract: In a vehicle braking system for stabilizing vehicle behavior: a motor control unit determines whether or not the motor control unit receives a drive forbid signal from a yaw-moment control unit, when the motor control unit receives a drive instruction signal from a vehicle-behavior stabilization control unit. The motor control unit receives the drive forbid signal when the yaw-moment control unit performs yaw-moment control. The motor control unit forbids prepressurization using a slave cylinder, when the motor control unit receives the drive forbid signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazutaka Ohmura, Takeshi Kojima, Tomoyuki Futamura
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Patent number: 9889831Abstract: A vehicle brake control device generates rear wheel braking torque by an electric motor by pressing a friction member against a rotating member rotating together with the rear wheel, reduces rear wheel braking torque by controlling the electric motor based on a target energization amount calculated from a slip state quantity of the rear wheel, and rapidly stops electric motor rotation motion based on an adjusted target energization amount calculated from the target energization amount and a slip state quantity of a front wheel.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2013Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignees: ADVICS CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yoshiyuki Yasui, Hiroyuki Kodama, Takuya Hirano, Naoki Yabusaki, Takayuki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9889832Abstract: A master cylinder apparatus includes: an input piston that can be moved forward by operating a brake operating member; a pressure piston provided in front of the input piston to be capable of moving relative to the input piston; and a stroke velocity ratio modification device capable of modifying a stroke velocity ratio, which is a ratio between a stroke velocity of the pressure piston and a stroke velocity of the input piston, in at least two stages within a range not greater than a predetermined value larger than 1.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2013Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroshi Isono
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Patent number: 9889833Abstract: A parking brake actuator for a disc brake caliper. The parking brake actuator includes a tapered collet having an axial bore, the tapered collet slidably positionable within a bore of the disc brake caliper; an actuator rod having a first end and a second end, the actuator rod slidably positionable within the axial bore of the collet; means for receiving a force for placing the parking brake actuator in a non-actuated condition; and a first biasing means structured and arranged to apply a force sufficient to place the parking brake actuator in an actuated condition when the force for placing the parking brake in a non-actuated condition is reduced or eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: PERFORMANCE FRICTION CORPORATIONInventors: Donald L. Burgoon, Mark Wagner, Darin Cate
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Patent number: 9889834Abstract: A hydraulic brake assist vacuum maintenance system includes a vacuum source, a vacuum booster/master cylinder interfacing with the vacuum source, a brake pedal interfacing with the vacuum booster/master cylinder, a brake control unit interfacing with the vacuum booster/master cylinder, wheel brakes interfacing with the brake control unit and a hydraulic brake assist interfacing with the brake control unit and adapted to hydraulically operate the wheel brakes upon reduction or cessation of vacuum pressure from the vacuum source to the vacuum booster/master cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Dale Scott Crombez
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Patent number: 9889835Abstract: A vehicle includes a brake system. The brake system includes a hydraulic brake line having a line pressure. The vehicle additionally includes a vacuum reservoir. The vacuum reservoir is selectively fluidly coupled to the hydraulic brake line. The vacuum reservoir is configured to, when fluidly coupled to the hydraulic brake line, reduce the line pressure during a drive cycle.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: David B. Antanaitis, Kevin D. Connor, Douglas N. Reed
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Patent number: 9889836Abstract: An electromechanical braking device for a braking system including a master brake cylinder including an electric motor, an adjustable output rod, and a gear, the electric motor being connected to the output rod at least via the gear so that a power transmission path is present via which a motor output is at least partially transmittable to the output rod so that the output rod is adjustable, the electromechanical braking device including at least one elastic component situated within the power transmission path which is configured so that the at least one elastic component is not compressible below a control point of the electromechanical braking device, but during the occurrence of pressure peaks in the master brake cylinder which are above the control point of the electromechanical braking device, the at least one elastic component is compressible. Also described is a braking system for a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Dirk Mahnkopf, Andreas Schlichenmaier, Stefan Seitz, Otmar Bussmann, Bertram Foitzik, Thomas Eichhorn
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Patent number: 9889837Abstract: A brake booster assembly is provided. The assembly includes a rack including a plurality of rack teeth extending therefrom and moveable and extending along a first axis. A sensor is coupled with the rack for sensing force and axial displacement of the rack and outputting a signal proportional to the sensed force and the sensed displacement. A planetary gear subassembly is disposed about a second axis transverse to the first axis and is coupled with the rack for moving the rack along the first axis in response to rotation of the planetary gear subassembly about the second axis. A pair of motors are coupled to the planetary gear subassembly for rotating the planetary gear subassembly and moving the rack along the first axis. A controller is electrically connected to the sensor and to the motors for controlling rotation of the planetary gear subassembly in response to the signal from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: BEIJINGWEST INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.Inventor: Barton Cann
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Patent number: 9889838Abstract: A method for controlling valve timing for an engine includes: classifying a plurality of control regions depending on an engine speed and an engine load; applying a maximum duration to an intake valve and controlling an exhaust valve to limit a valve overlap in a first region; controlling the intake valve and the exhaust valve to maintain the maximum duration in a second region; advancing an intake valve closing (IVC) timing and an exhaust valve closing (EVC) timing in a third region; approaching the IVC timing to a bottom dead center (BDC) in a fourth region; controlling a throttle valve to be fully opened, advancing an intake valve opening (IVO) timing before a top dead center (TDC), and controlling the IVC timing to be a predetermined value after the BDC in a fifth region; and controlling the throttle valve to be fully opened and advancing the IVC timing in a sixth region.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: In Sang Ryu, Kyoung Pyo Ha, You Sang Son, Kiyoung Kwon
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Patent number: 9889839Abstract: There is provided a vehicle engine control system that includes engine and transmission control functions and enables evacuation driving to be readily performed. A monitoring control circuit unit and an error processing circuit unit monitors controlling operation of a main control circuit unit; when the occurrence frequency of valve-opening control abnormality becomes larger than threshold value, a first storage circuit stores the occurrence frequency, and driving of an intake valve control motor is stopped to set to fixed opening degree; when transmission-control abnormality is occurs, power supply to automatic transmission is stopped to set to the third speed fixation ratio; when an abnormality occurs, evacuation driving is implemented using fixed opening degree and automatic transmission ratio, variable rotation speed and fixed transmission ratio, or fixed opening degree and fixed transmission ratio.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Yuki Iwagami, Koji Hashimoto
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Patent number: 9889840Abstract: A method for improving fuel-efficiency during a temporary stop may include dividing, by an engine control apparatus, a neutral control condition into a neutral control entry and a neutral control release during a D-stage temporary stop, determining, a neutral control entry D-stage target RPM at a time of the neutral control entry, and a neutral control release D-stage target RPM at a time of the neutral control release, and RPM shifting the neutral control entry D-stage target RPM to a speed gradient conforming to a transmission clutch release time of a transmission control apparatus at a time of a neutral control after the neutral control entry and RPM shifting the neutral control release D-stage target RPM to a speed gradient conforming to a clutch coupling time of a transmission by the transmission control apparatus at a time of a neutral control after the neutral control release.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Dong-Hoon Jeong, Hyun-Seung Suh, Myong-Chan Kim, Woo-Jin Chang, Moo-Suk Kim, Kyoo-Ho Lee, Hyun-Ku Lee, Sang-Bum Baek
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Patent number: 9889841Abstract: A method for starting an engine of a hybrid vehicle is provided. The method includes: detecting a speed of the hybrid vehicle when receiving an instruction to start the engine; and outputting an inertia torque generated by a transmission of the hybrid vehicle to a crankshaft of the engine to start the engine when the speed is larger than or equal to a predetermined speed. Further, a system for starting an engine of a hybrid vehicle and a hybrid vehicle including the system are provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Changjiu Liu, Guorui Liu, Xiaowei Zhou, Heping Ling, Shibin Xie, Yubo Lian
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Patent number: 9889842Abstract: A controller of a hybrid vehicle is configured to operate the internal combustion engine with ignition timing of the internal combustion engine during the execution of the first warm-up control for operating the internal combustion engine at a first operating point further on a retard side than ignition timing of the internal combustion engine during the execution of the second warm-up control for operating the internal combustion engine at a second operating point, regardless of the driving force required for traveling after the execution of the first warm up control. The controller is configured to set the output of the internal combustion engine and the operation characteristic of the intake valve in accordance with a predetermined characteristic relationship in which the output of the internal combustion engine and the operation characteristic of the intake valve correspond to each other during the execution of the second warm-up control.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshikazu Asami, Toshikazu Kato, Ryuta Teraya
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Patent number: 9889843Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing a shut down in limphome driving are provided. The apparatus includes an engine clutch and a hybrid control unit (HCU) that is configured to operate a vehicle by dualizing a driving of the vehicle into a normal driving control and a limphome driving control. When the driving of the vehicle is in the limphome driving control, the HCU is configured to reduce a vehicle speed and perform a control right shift based on a status of the engine clutch. In addition, an engine control unit (ECU) is configured to compare a current engine revolution per minute (RPM) with a targeted engine RPM based on the control right shift to operate the engine to adjust the engine RPM to reach the targeted engine RPM.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Yong-Hyun Kim, Sang-Hwan Kim, Tae-Jin Kim
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Patent number: 9889844Abstract: Systems and methods to adjust the operation of various vehicle control systems to improve performance based on detection of a condition in which the vehicle is in an unloaded or reduced normal force state. In one embodiment, the system includes a vehicle control system, a sensor module, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive sensor values from the sensor module. The controller is further configured to determine vehicle motion characteristics based on the sensor values. The controller is further configured to determine that an unloaded state exists when the values of the vehicle motion characteristics exceed threshold values. The controller is further configured to activate countermeasures when the controller determines that the unloaded state exists.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Jesus M. Mateo Artieda, Vaughan Scott, Celeste M. Cauley, Mandeep Singh Sangha
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Patent number: 9889845Abstract: A straddled vehicle includes a front wheel, a rear wheel, an engine which generates a driving force and rotates the rear wheel with the driving force, a front wheel brake and a rear wheel brake which lowers the rotation speed of at least the rear wheel, a first detector which acquires and outputs a pitch rate, a second detector which detects and outputs information concerning rotation of the front wheel, and an ECU including a front wheel lift determination circuit which monitors respective outputs from the first detector and the second detector to determine whether a front wheel lift exists based on at least one of the pitch rate and information concerning rotation of the front wheel. When the front wheel lift exists, the ECU controls the driving source or the braking device so that the driving force is lowered or the rotation speed of the rear wheel is lowered.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazuya Hieda, Shogo Nakamura
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Patent number: 9889846Abstract: The vehicle behavior control device is designed to control a behavior of a vehicle having steerable front road wheels. The vehicle behavior control device comprises a PCM configured to perform control to reduce a torque for the vehicle according to a steering speed of the vehicle, and acquire an understeer-causing state of the vehicle which is a factor causing understeer, wherein the PCM is further configured to perform control to, after reducing the torque, increase the torque at a change rate decided based on the understeer-causing state of the vehicle acquired by the PCM.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Osamu Sunahara, Daisuke Umetsu
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Patent number: 9889847Abstract: A method for driver assistance for a first vehicle includes monitoring, using a detection arrangement provided with the first vehicle, a predefined area surrounding the first vehicle, identifying a road condition ahead of the first vehicle and within the predefined area, the road condition fulfilling a predetermined risk criteria, identifying a second vehicle initiating a maneuver for overtaking the first vehicle, and determining a collision risk level for the first and/or second vehicle during the overtaking maneuver.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Volvo Truck CorporationInventor: Murtaza Rangwala
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Patent number: 9889848Abstract: A lane keeping assistance system (LKAS) is a system that detects a lane through a sensor and prevents a vehicle from deviating from the lane by changing positional information of the detected lane to a torque value. Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for controlling lane keeping of a vehicle that start or cancel a lane keeping function based on driving state of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eun Young You, Tae Hun Hwang
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Patent number: 9889849Abstract: A speed limit value that is set for a road where a vehicle is travelling is used to limit a driving force of the vehicle. If a new speed limit value is acquired, which differs from a currently used speed limit value, and the vehicle is in a state where the driving force is limited based on the currently used speed limit value, a switching screen page enabling an occupant of the vehicle to input a switching instruction to switch the speed limit value used to limit the driving force is displayed. Then, if the occupant inputs the switching instruction in response to the switching screen page being displayed, the speed limit value used to limit the driving force is switched to the new speed limit value.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yusuke Nakade
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Patent number: 9889850Abstract: A perception system for an autonomous machine to be hauled by a towing vehicle includes sensors that are configured to determine characteristics of an environment associated with the machine. Such characteristics associated with the machine include at least structural characteristics of the towing vehicle. The sensors are further configured to detect a presence of the towing vehicle on a job site, an orientation of the towing vehicle on the job site, and a loading end of the towing vehicle. The perception system further includes a controller that is communicably coupled to each of the sensors. The controller is configured to actuate movement of the machine in relation to the towing vehicle based on the characteristics of the environment determined by the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Nicolas François-Xavier Christophe Vandapel
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Patent number: 9889851Abstract: A first control unit executes a valve stop inertial running including stopping an intake valve and an exhaust valve in a closed state during rotation of an output shaft, stopping supply of fuel to an engine, and setting a clutch in an engaged state to drive pistons of the engine by a rotational force from driving wheels. A second control unit executes a valve operation running including operating the intake valve and the exhaust valve during the rotation of the output shaft, and supplying the fuel to the engine based upon an intake conduit pressure. When a cancellation request is made during execution of the valve stop inertial running, a transient control unit operates the intake valve and the exhaust valve, and controls a throttle valve to an idling opening or less, thereby supplying a negative pressure to an intake passage.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hideyuki Nishida
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Patent number: 9889852Abstract: An approach is provided in which a powertrain synchronizer analyzes condition data that corresponds to impending conditions external to a vehicle. The powertrain synchronizer predicts a driver's future action in response analyzing the condition data and adjusts the vehicle's powertrain subsystem based upon the predicted driver action.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tamer E. Abuelsaad, Gregory J. Boss, Brent Hodges, John E. Moore, Jr.
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Patent number: 9889853Abstract: The system is provided with a controller that controls the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle according to the operation quantity of an accelerator pedal, and a state detector that determines whether a wheel is in a slippery state. The controller sets a deceleration region corresponding to a relatively small amount of operation and an acceleration region corresponding to a relatively large operation quantity regarding the operation quantity, and controls such that, in at least partially, the deceleration of the vehicle is increased as the operation quantity decreases, while in at least a part of the acceleration region, the acceleration of the vehicle is increased as the operation quantity increases. When the state detector detects a slippery state, the controller decreases the maximum deceleration that can be produced in the deceleration region.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yusuke Yamaoka, Noriaki Suzuki
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Patent number: 9889854Abstract: A transmission assembly for a self-propelled machine includes a transmission housing fitted with an input shaft and an output shaft, a so-called drive shaft linked to the input shaft by an endless belt transmission and, arranged between the drive shaft and the output shaft, transmission elements including a control mechanism for reversing the rotational drive direction of the output shaft, and a clutch control mechanism, the direction reversing and clutch controls carried by the housing being mounted respectively movable, one between at least three positions: a neutral position, a forward position and a reverse position, the other between at least an engaged position and a disengaged position. The direction reversing control forms, in the neutral position, an element for blocking the clutch control in the disengaged position, and the clutch control forms, in the engaged position, an element for locking the direction reversing control in the forward or reverse position.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: FRANCE REDUCTEURSInventors: Sebastien Bray, Robert Blanchard
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Patent number: 9889855Abstract: A method for determining an incline in a road that is some distance ahead of a motor vehicle relative to the section of road that is currently being driven on by the motor vehicle, wherein images of the road that is ahead of the motor vehicle are recorded by a camera, road path lines are identified ahead of the motor vehicle in the recorded images and the relative incline is calculated with reference to the differences in the courses of the road path lines at different distances.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christoph Arndt, Uwe Gussen, Frederic Stefan
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Patent number: 9889856Abstract: The present application discloses a method and apparatus for controlling an unmanned vehicle. The method may comprise: collecting image information and vital sign information of a person in an unmanned vehicle, and origin information and destination information of the unmanned vehicle; generating action characteristic information of the person based on the image information; generating emotional characteristic information and physical state information of the person based on the action characteristic information and the vital sign information; determining a route and an operation mode of the unmanned vehicle based on the emotional characteristic information, the physical state information, the origin information and the destination information; and controlling the unmanned vehicle based on the determined route and operation mode. The implementation achieves automatic control of an unmanned vehicle based on the emotion and physical state of a person in the unmanned vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: BEIJING BAIDU NETCOM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Zhao Zhang
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Patent number: 9889857Abstract: One way to improve fuel efficiency of a vehicle is to detect the vehicle operational shortcomings related to fuel consumption by determining whether fuel used during operation of the vehicle is normal fuel use or wasted fuel use. Considerations of idling, speeding and inappropriate gear shifts are some ways to measure the amount of fuel wasted due to operator shortcomings. Communicating this information to the operator in real-time so adjustments can be made will improve vehicle fuel efficiency. These techniques are applicable to tracking employment of other driving best practices as well.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Vnomics Corp.Inventors: David Charles Chauncey, Edward Charles McCarthy, Peter Joseph Roth, Nicholas Allen Elliott
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Patent number: 9889858Abstract: The invention relates to a driving assistance system including a prediction subsystem in a vehicle. According to a method aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of accepting an environment representation; calculating a confidence estimate related to the environment representation based on applying plausibility rules on the environment representation, and providing the confidence estimate as input for an evaluation of a prediction based on the environment representation.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: HONDA RESEARCH INSTITUTE EUROPE GMBHInventor: Jens Schmüdderich
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Patent number: 9889859Abstract: Various systems and methods for implementing dynamic sensor range in advanced driver assistance systems are described herein. A system for managing an autonomous vehicle comprises a vehicle control system in a vehicle to detect a speed of the vehicle and adjust a forward-facing camera array based on the speed of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Igor Tatourian, Rita H Wouhaybi, Peter C. Brink
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Patent number: 9889860Abstract: A system includes a multi-passenger ride vehicle configured to accommodate two or more passengers. The ride vehicle includes a plurality of user input devices configured to generate feedback in response to input from passengers of the ride vehicle. The system also includes a controller configured to control one or more operations of the ride vehicle based on feedback from one or more of the user input devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Universal City Studios LLCInventors: Ross Alan Osterman, Justin Michael Schwartz