Patents Issued in March 1, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180056998
    Abstract: A method generates a time-series signal indicative of a variation of the environment in vicinity of the vehicle with respect to a motion of the vehicle and determines, using the time-series signal, a trajectory of the vehicle to a location different from a current location of the vehicle, the trajectory of the vehicle is a function of time. The method transmits the trajectory of the vehicle to a remote vehicle and controls a motion of the vehicle according to the trajectory of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Mouhacine Benosman, Srikumar Ramalingam, Ulugbek Kamilov
  • Publication number: 20180056999
    Abstract: Operating a host vehicle is described as including identifying remote vehicle information indicating at least a geospatial state for a remote vehicle and identifying host vehicle information indicating at least a geospatial state for the host vehicle. For a sequence of sampling points, a distance between the remote vehicle and the host vehicle within a transportation network is determined based on the remote vehicle information and the host vehicle information, an angle from a centerline extending from the host vehicle for the distance is calculated, the angle varying as a function of the distance, and a conically-shaped zone is determined using the angle. Responsive to the remote vehicle being located within the conically-shaped zone, the host vehicle is operated based on the remote vehicle being in a lane in which the host vehicle is traveling. The host vehicle is behind the remote vehicle in a direction of travel. A method, vehicle, and apparatus are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew Damiani, Roy Goudy, Neal Probert
  • Publication number: 20180057000
    Abstract: A vehicle and a control method are provided to adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle changes lanes using a safety distance to a preceding vehicle traveling in the vehicle lane, speed of the preceding vehicle, and a safety distance to a preceding vehicle traveling in a target lane. The vehicle includes a speed sensor that senses the vehicle speed, a speed controller that adjusts the vehicle speed, and a distance sensor that detects a distance between the vehicle and a first target vehicle and the vehicle and a second target vehicle. A controller determines a first safety distance between the vehicle and the first target vehicle and a second safety distance between the vehicle and the second target vehicle, based on the sensed distances, and operates the speed controller to adjust the driving speed of the vehicle based on the first safety distance and the second safety distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: KyoungJun Lee, Changho Kim
  • Publication number: 20180057001
    Abstract: A vehicle engine system includes a combustion engine configured to provide a propulsion torque to satisfy a propulsion demand in response to a driver input. The engine system also includes a controller programmed to receive data indicative of at least one upcoming driving event, and issue a command to impart a predetermined velocity profile based on the upcoming driving event. The predetermined velocity profile is arranged to optimize a performance attribute of the combustion engine and preempt the driver input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Yiran Hu, Steven E. Muldoon, Jun-mo Kang, Chen-fang Chang, Dongxu Li, Junfeng Zhao, Jay H. Sim
  • Publication number: 20180057002
    Abstract: A vehicle and a control method are provided to adjust vehicle speed when the vehicle changes lanes using a safety distance to a preceding vehicle traveling in the vehicle lane, speed of the preceding vehicle, and a safety distance to a preceding vehicle traveling in a target lane. The vehicle includes a speed sensor that senses the vehicle speed, a speed controller that adjusts the vehicle speed, and a distance sensor that detects a distance between the vehicle and a first target vehicle and the vehicle and a second target vehicle. A controller determines a first safety distance between the vehicle and the first target vehicle and a second safety distance between the vehicle and the second target vehicle, based on the sensed distances, and operates the speed controller to adjust the driving speed of the vehicle based on the first safety distance and the second safety distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Kyoungjun Lee, Changho Kim
  • Publication number: 20180057003
    Abstract: An autonomous driving method includes: recognizing a target vehicle; determining a first slope of a host vehicle and a second slope of the target vehicle; correcting a result of the recognizing of the target vehicle based on the first slope and the second slope; and controlling the host vehicle based on the corrected result of the recognizing of the target vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoonsuk HYUN
  • Publication number: 20180057004
    Abstract: A vehicle is described, and includes a drivetrain system including an internal combustion engine and a geartrain, an accessory device, and a route monitoring system. A controller includes an instruction set to monitor operation of the accessory device, and a request to operate the accessory device. When the request to operate the accessory device includes a request to activate the accessory device based upon not exceeding a limit for an operating parameter of the accessory device, the instruction set executes to determine a horizon for the vehicle based upon the projected path for the vehicle, determine a projected road load and a speed constraint based upon the horizon for the vehicle, and determine a projected axle torque command based upon the projected road load. A first routine determines a first command for operating the accessory device that minimizes fuel consumption and meets the projected axle torque command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven E. Muldoon, Dongxu Li, Yiran Hu, Jun-mo Kang, Chen-fang Chang
  • Publication number: 20180057005
    Abstract: A method for shifting between a low speed range and a high speed range for a two-speed transfer case in a four-wheel drive vehicle includes determining a target transmission gear ratio and a desired transfer case range based on the current vehicle speed and the initial transfer case range. The transmission is shifted to the target transmission gear ratio when it is determined that the vehicle speed is in an appropriate range. The transfer case input torque is reduced to a minimum value, and the transfer case is shifted to neutral. The method further includes adjusting the engine speed and transmission gear setting to control the transmission output shaft speed to a desired range. The transfer case is shifted from neutral to the desired transfer case range when the transmission output shaft speed is within the desired range of transmission output shaft speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Peter J. Giles, Shaun D. Hoffman, Anthony Capobianco
  • Publication number: 20180057006
    Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided to allow an autonomous vehicle to promptly launch after picking up a passenger. A controller comprises a drive controller for controlling a drive motor, and electric power is supplied to the drive motor from a power source. A main switch is manipulated by the controller to selectively connect and disconnect the drive controller to/from the power source. The controller is configured to propel the vehicle autonomously to a pickup location to pick up a passenger, and to turn on the main switch if the passenger is detected within a predetermined area at the pickup location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yushi SEKI, Kensei HATA, Takahito ENDO, Yasuhiro OSHIUMI, Yasuyuki KATO, Katsuya IWAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20180057007
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine comprises providing a vehicle having an internal combustion gasoline engine including multiple cylinders and wherein the engine is operating in a deactivated cylinder mode, receiving a torque request if a cylinder reactivation torque smoothing mode is active, setting a variable torque ratio to 1.0 if the torque request is greater than a fast exit threshold torque, setting the variable torque ratio to 0.0 if the torque request is less than a slow exit threshold torque, setting the variable torque ratio to a value between 0.0 and 1.0 if the torque request is between the fast exit threshold torque and slow exit threshold torque, and calculating a component of final engine output torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Chad D. Kromrey, Zhong Li, Nigel K. Hyatt, Andrew J. Harkenrider
  • Publication number: 20180057008
    Abstract: A vehicular control device includes a control unit that controls an electrical component, a wake-up circuit that wakes up the control unit on the basis of a wake-up signal from a switch for operating the electrical component, and a wake-up stop circuit that interrupts the wake-up signal supplied from the switch to the wake-up circuit after a predetermined length of time has elapsed from a wake-up instruction. The vehicular control device is put to sleep by forcibly interrupting the wake-up signal in the wake-up stop circuit, regardless of the state of the switch after the predetermined length of time has elapsed from the wake-up instruction, and thus it is possible to prevent a wake-up state from being maintained even in a case where the switch is fixed in an on-state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki UTAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20180057009
    Abstract: An ECU includes a deviation calculating circuit an assist control circuit, an automatic steering control circuit including an intervention determination switching circuit, an adder, a current command value calculating circuit The intervention determination switching circuit includes a count amount calculating circuit, an adder, an immediately-preceding count amount output circuit, a switching determination circuit, and an output switching circuit. The count amount calculating circuit calculates a count amount having a positive value or a negative value based on a steering torque absolute value calculated by an absolute value switching circuit. The adder calculates a total count amount that is the total sum of a presently calculated count amount and an immediately-preceding count amount calculated in an immediately-preceding calculation cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shingo MAEDA, Terutaka TAMAIZUMI, Jun HASEGAWA, Masayuki KITA, Gempei NAKASONE, Hiromasa TAMAKI
  • Publication number: 20180057010
    Abstract: A method of controlling a dual clutch transmission (DCT) for a vehicle includes steps to reduce objectionable noise present during particular driving conditions and when the vehicle is operated using certain driving habits. A DCT engages at least two gear ratios at a time; one gear ratio for the current desired gear and a second gear ratio for the next likely gear. The method detects when conditions are favorable for the objectionable noise and takes action to remove the cause of the objectionable noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jayson S. Schwalm, Glenn W. Hoefflin, Daniel J. Wickman, John William Boughner
  • Publication number: 20180057011
    Abstract: An in-vehicle apparatus is provided which is installed in a vehicle including a power supply. The apparatus includes at least one drive circuit that is driven by DC voltage supplied from the power supply, and a positive electrode side line that electrically connects a positive electrode terminal of the power supply and a high-electric potential side electrical path of the drive circuit. A negative electrode terminal of the power supply and a low-electric potential side electrical path of the drive circuit are electrically connected to a body ground of the vehicle. The apparatus includes an auxiliary line that has a first end electrically connected to the positive electrode terminal or the negative electrode terminal and a second end connected to the high-electric potential side electrical path or the body ground, and that is arranged along the positive electrode side line or the body ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji SOGO, Takashi NAOI, Makoto TANAKA, Kazutoshi SHIOMI, Ichiro AKAHORI
  • Publication number: 20180057012
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for speed-based window control. An example disclosed vehicle includes a speed sensor and a body control module. When a side window is open, the body control module monitors, via the speed sensor, a speed of the vehicle. In response to the speed of the vehicle satisfying a first speed threshold, the body control module closes the side window and then, after the side window is closed, activates an air conditioner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: David Delgado, Kevin Amper, Juan Esteban Rivera, Victor Christian Jaime, Brian Jashel Covarrubias
  • Publication number: 20180057013
    Abstract: A system and method are provided and include at least one sensor and a controller. The at least one sensor generates data related to indoor air conditions of an autonomous vehicle. The at least one sensor includes at least one of a smoke sensor and an odor/air quality sensor. The controller is in communication with the at least one sensor and controls at least one vehicle system of the autonomous vehicle based on the data related to indoor air conditions of the autonomous vehicle received from the at least one sensor. The at least one vehicle system includes at least one of an HVAC system and a window actuator system. The controller controls the at least one vehicle system to purge and/or exhaust at least one of smoke and an odor detected within the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Reilly Patrick MULLETT
  • Publication number: 20180057014
    Abstract: A controller for a vehicle includes: a control target value deriving unit configured to derive a control target value of an electric motor for travel which is mounted in a vehicle; a reference value deriving unit configured to derive a reference value serving as a reference for providing information to an occupant based on the control target value derived by the control target value deriving unit; a theoretical value deriving unit configured to derive a theoretical value related to an output of the electric motor; a selection unit configured to compare the reference value derived by the reference value deriving unit and the theoretical value derived by the theoretical value deriving unit with each other and to select the value having the smaller absolute value; and a control unit configured to control an information providing device based on the value selected by the selection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co.,Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshito TERAYAMA, Xiang LIU
  • Publication number: 20180057015
    Abstract: Method for operating a motor vehicle having at least one sensor for detecting a user state and/or at least one parameter from which the user state can be deduced, wherein a function and/or a device of the motor vehicle is automatically controlled by a control device, depending on a detected user state and/or a detected change in the user state, a level of autonomy which specifies to what extent a function and/or a device of the motor vehicle is controlled automatically by a control device of the motor vehicle or is manually controlled by a user, changes at least one function and/or at least one device of the motor vehicle and the function and/or the device is controlled according to the level of autonomy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventors: Alexander BARKE, Christian NIEMEIER
  • Publication number: 20180057016
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method, system, and/or computer program product controls a driving mode of a self-driving vehicle (SDV) when a driver receives a telecommunication message on a telecommunication device. An SDV on-board computer within the SDV detects that the SDV is currently being operated in manual mode by a human driver. The SDV on-board computer detects that a telecommunication device located within the SDV is receiving a telecommunication message. In response to detecting that the telecommunication device within the SDV is receiving the telecommunication message, the SDV on-board computer transfers control of the SDV to the SDV on-board computer in order to place the SDV in autonomous mode, where the SDV is in the autonomous mode when steering, braking, throttle control, and obstacle avoidance by the SDV are all controlled by the SDV on-board computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Michael S. Gordon, James R. Kozloski, Ashish Kundu, Peter K. Malkin, Clifford A. Pickover
  • Publication number: 20180057017
    Abstract: A method and system for managing settings on a single vehicle/implement system and across a fleet of vehicle/implement systems. Each vehicle/implement system includes a plurality of Embedded Systems having configurable settings, a Precision Agriculture Server having configurable settings, and a Telematics Server having configurable settings. All of the servers are connected by a plurality of vehicle data busses. The Telematics Server is connected to Cloud-Based Servers via the Internet. Vehicle/implement system settings are managed by the Precision Ag Server and shared with other vehicle/implement systems via the Cloud-based Server. Flexibility for different vehicle/implement models and options is provided by a distributed system using Client Software in the Precision Ag Server or Client Software in the Embedded Systems and by a settings identification and versioning schema.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Steven R. PROCUNIAR, Peter J. JENSEN, Benjamin NEERMANN, Sarah L. SCHINCKEL, Jeffrey R. FOX, Sean MCKAY, Margaux M. PRICE, Robert J. MEEGAN, Hans Juergen NISSEN
  • Publication number: 20180057018
    Abstract: The Glider Guideway System (also referred to as Terreplane Transportation System) is a ground-based transportation comprised of flying vehicles pulled by a propulsion line. An important design feature of the most preferred system is that the propulsion line only experiences longitudinal forces during flight making low-cost propulsion lines possible. A propulsion carriage engages the propulsion line to create acceleration. The system include novel embodiments for linear motor stators that travel on cable guideways, a method to connect cable guideways without obstructing the path of the linear motor stators, suspended post embodiments that reduce propulsion line tension and reduce required support tower heights, and novel open loop coils for use with cable guideway armatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Suppes Family Trust
    Inventor: Galen Suppes
  • Publication number: 20180057019
    Abstract: High speed rail transportation systems are provided for improving transportation costs, speed and convenience for passengers, owners and operators. The high speed rail transportation system may include a high speed propulsion segment assembly, a segment of rails and a load station for transporting vehicles independent from each other and at high speed. In an embodiment, the high speed propulsion segment assembly may include a propulsion cylinder, a free cylinder and a cable assembly movably connected to the propulsion cylinder and the free cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Jordan Kinkead
  • Publication number: 20180057020
    Abstract: A method for operating a consist is disclosed. The consist includes a number of locomotives. The method includes selecting a power setting in a lead locomotive of the consist to generate an overall power request by an input device. Thereafter, a controller determines a power setting in each locomotive based on the overall power request. Next, the controller modulates a power output of one or more locomotives according to a difference between a measure of the overall power request and a measure of a combined power output of all locomotives according to the power setting determined by the controller, such that the combined power output matches the overall power request by keeping the power setting, determined by the controller, of each of the one or more locomotives unchanged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac Suwa Traylor, Benjamin Arthur Raeder
  • Publication number: 20180057021
    Abstract: A cable stay transport vehicle and inspection system having an upper frame coupled to a spaced apart lower frame. The transport vehicle is configured to be secured around a cable stay. The transport vehicle includes left upper and lower sets of wheels secured between left side upper and lower frames, and right upper and lower sets of wheels secured between right side upper and lower frames. In addition, a left steering device is coupled between the left upper and lower sets of wheels and includes a left steering gear, and a right steering device coupled to the right upper and lower sets of wheels and comprising a right steering gear. Left and right driving gears are coupled to the left and right steering gears, respectively, and are configured to engage the respective steering gear to turn the transport vehicle when activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: William SEAVEY
  • Publication number: 20180057022
    Abstract: A vehicle includes at least two cars being interconnected by an open passageway connection and each having an air conditioning system. A detection device detects failure of a climate control function of one of the air conditioning systems. The detection device signals failure of a climate control function of an air conditioning system to a control device. Upon receiving the signal, the control device actuates an exhaust air device of the car affected by the failure of the air conditioning system so that an exhaust air volumetric flow is increased, actuates exhaust fans of the car adjacent the affected car so that the exhaust air volumetric flow thereof is reduced, and actuates the air conditioning system of the adjacent car so that the fresh air component of the conditioned inflowing air is increased. A method for emergency operation of air conditioning systems in such a vehicle is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2015
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: MATTHIAS PELZNER
  • Publication number: 20180057023
    Abstract: An air handling system (1) for a land transport vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle (M) is disclosed. The system includes: one or more air handling units (2) distributed within the vehicle (M); a cooling machine (4) that supplies frigories to the air handling units; and a frigories storage unit (8) that is capable of being loaded by the cooling machine and of supplying frigories to the air handling units when the vehicle is travelling in an enclosed or partially enclosed space. When the vehicle (M) is travelling in the open air, the cooling machine (4) supplies frigories to the air handling units (2) and loads the frigories storage unit (8) if a surplus of frigories is produced, by discharging into the exterior of the vehicle (M) the heat extracted from an interior volume of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Alstom Transport Technologies
    Inventors: Rami ABOU-EID, Philippe CHEVALIER, Alexandre HEUZE
  • Publication number: 20180057024
    Abstract: A block, towing system, and a method for towing rail cars is provided. The block includes a first channel, a second channel, a third channel and a fourth channel. The first channel is located on a first side of the block. The second channel is located adjacent to the first channel on the first side of the block. The third channel is located on an opposite side of the block from the first channel. The fourth channel is located adjacent to the third channel on the opposite side of the block from the second channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Sean Vosahlo
  • Publication number: 20180057025
    Abstract: A self-locking anti-slip rail braking device is provided. The rail braking device includes a ladder-shaped support, a lifting unit, a roller-and-wedge plate mechanism, a roller support, and a rail clamping unit. The ladder-shaped support is connected under a surface of a balance beam of a port facility, and is connected at a middle part thereof with the lifting unit. A lower end of the lifting unit is hinged to two sides of the roller support. The roller support is provided on an upper end surface thereof with the roller-and-wedge plate mechanism, and is provided at a middle part thereof with the rail clamping unit. An upper end of the rail clamping unit serves as a force application end and is configured to match the roller-and-wedge plate mechanism, and a lower end of the rail clamping unit serves as a rail clamping end corresponding to two lateral sides of a rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Zhong YANG, Yongzhi Li, Lei Wang, Zhihui Hu, Jianmin Yuan, Gongxian Wang
  • Publication number: 20180057026
    Abstract: A deadhead return control system for a locomotive or a control car similar to a locomotive having a deadhead stop and a piston valve with the connection status of the piston valve being controlled by the status of the deadhead stop. A first end of the deadhead stop is connected to a pilot end of the piston valve, a second end of the deadhead stop is connected to the atmosphere, a third end of the deadhead stop is connected to the external main air pipe. When the deadhead stop has a closed status, the first end of the stop is connected to the second end of the stop and when the stop has an open status, the first end of the stop is connected to the third end of the stop to allow for the air from said main air pipe to flow into the piston valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Knorr-Bremse Systems For Rail Vehicles (Suzhou) Co ., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zili HUANG, Minye ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20180057027
    Abstract: An automatic parking brake for a truck mounted brake cylinder. The automatic parking brake includes rod that is interconnected to a piston of the brake cylinder and can prevent the piston from returning to the brakes releases position. The rod is controlled by locking nut that will rotate if the rod moves axially through the locking nut and a locking sleeve that is moveable between a locked position, where the locking sleeve engages the locking nut and prevents from the nut from rotating, and a released position, where the locking sleeve is disengages from the locking nut and the locking nut is free to rotate. A spring provides a force biasing the locking nut into the locked position, and brake pipe pressure biases the locking sleeve into the released position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: NEW YORK AIR BRAKE, LLC
    Inventors: Howard Huber, JR., Keith Parnapy, Robert Neulieb
  • Publication number: 20180057028
    Abstract: A long distance transit system for transferring passengers at a high rate of speed, the transit system comprises at least one mainline train, at least one station train, a rail system having at least one station with at least one mainline track and at least one station line. At least one mainline train travels exclusively on the at least one mainline track and the at least one station train travels on at least one station line. At least one mainline train travels at a consistent speed on at least one mainline track. At least one station train travels from at least one station to at least one mainline track reaching a speed substantially equal to that of the at least one mainline train and traveling adjacent thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph Parsley
  • Publication number: 20180057029
    Abstract: A track geometry measurement system includes a plurality of wheels, a frame, an inertial measurement unit, a global positioning system, and a processor. The plurality of wheels are operable to trail over rail track. The frame is coupled to the wheels. The inertial measurement unit (IMU) is coupled to the frame. The global positioning system (GPS) is coupled to the frame. The processor is configured to determine a relative position of a portion of the frame based on data from the GPS and data from the IMU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Peter Maurice, Joseph Palese, Sergio DiVentira, James Resio
  • Publication number: 20180057030
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for real time machine vision and point-cloud data analysis are provided, for remote sensing and vehicle control. Point cloud data can be analyzed via scalable, centralized, cloud computing systems for extraction of asset information and generation of semantic maps. Machine learning components can optimize data analysis mechanisms to improve asset and feature extraction from sensor data. Optimized data analysis mechanisms can be downloaded to vehicles for use in on-board systems analyzing vehicle sensor data. Semantic map data can be used locally in vehicles, along with onboard sensors, to derive precise vehicle localization and provide input to vehicle to control systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Shanmukha Sravan Puttagunta, Fabien Chraim, Anuj Gupta, Scott Harvey, Jason Creadore, Graham Mills
  • Publication number: 20180057031
    Abstract: A mobile storage device comprises an exterior frame and an interior storage area within the exterior frame. The exterior frame comprises a seat for sitting on when the mobile storage device is not being rolled or moved. In some embodiments, the seat is movable from a closed position to an open position to access the interior storage frame. A flexible storage bag comprising one or more pockets is able be configured to fit within the interior storage area. In some embodiments, the exterior frame is adjustable to adjust a size of the interior storage area. In some embodiments, the exterior frame is collapsible for storing the mobile storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Bruce E. Kinnee
  • Publication number: 20180057032
    Abstract: A pallet mover intended to lift and move pallets. The pallet mover including a first deck, a second deck and a locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes three crescent shaped brackets with elongated slots therein. The two outermost brackets pivot to lift the first deck to raised position, and position the handle upright and at the 45-degree angles (for pushing or pulling the unit). The center bracket includes an aperture to receive the spring-loaded locking pin which locks the deck and handle portion in either the up or down position. The present pallet mover is manually driven thus having increased maneuverability and lower manufacturing cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Magline, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Brewer, Chad Winters, Dara Hopewell
  • Publication number: 20180057033
    Abstract: An order fulfillment cart including a first frame portion, the first frame portion including a first plurality of support members, a second frame portion positioned a distance from the first frame portion, the second frame portion including a second plurality of support members, and a connector, the connector operably coupled to the first frame portion and the second frame portion, wherein the connector extends diagonally from the first frame portion to the second frame portion, wherein the first plurality of support members and the second plurality of support members are configured to support a plurality of containers between the first frame portion and the second frame portion, is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey Green, David Carr
  • Publication number: 20180057034
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for controlling a vehicle. The method includes monitoring received input from one or more proximity sensor, approximating a user's lateral and longitudinal positions behind the vehicle based upon the monitoring, and controlling the vehicle based upon the approximate lateral and longitudinal positions of the user with respect to the vehicle to continuously re-center the vehicle with respect to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Anup S. Deshpande, Manini G. Deshpande, Akshay S. Deshpande
  • Publication number: 20180057035
    Abstract: Provided herein is an infant wagon having improved convenience of use, wherein the infant wagon includes a front frame, a rear frame, a support frame, side frames, a front handle frame, and a rear handle frame, and is configured such that the axial distance between front wheels and rear wheels thereof is reduced, whereby it is possible to reduce the burden applied to the arms of a caregiver when the infant wagon is moved or when the direction of the infant wagon is changed, such that the radius of rotation of the infant wagon is reduced, whereby it is possible to easily change the direction of the infant wagon, such that, when the infant wagon is pushed from the rear thereof to move the infant wagon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Yejin CHOI
  • Publication number: 20180057036
    Abstract: A telescopic latch apparatus of a steering column for a vehicle is provided, wherein supporting force against a collision load is more constantly maintained while the steering column collapses, by structurally increasing the supporting force during the initial period of the collapse, in respect to a telescopic structure of the steering column, and thus increasing the amount of collision load (collapse load) initially absorbed by the steering column, and reducing a difference between the supporting force during the initial period of the collapse and the supporting force during the middle and late periods of the collapse after the initial period of the collapse at the time of a vehicle collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Beom Soo KIM, Dong Han LEE
  • Publication number: 20180057037
    Abstract: A steering device includes a column pipe, an outer column A, a fixed bracket, a stopper bracket, and a tightening tool. The stopper bracket has a first suspended plate-like portion and a second suspended plate-like portion. A telescopic long hole and an impact absorbing long hole into which a bolt shaft can be inserted from the front side toward the rear side are formed in each of the first and second suspended plate-like portions. A first collapse portion that is bent by colliding with the bolt shaft is provided between the telescopic long hole and the impact absorbing long hole of either the first suspended plate-like portion or the second suspended plate-like portion. A second collapse portion is provided as an inclined side on either the top sides or the bottom sides of the impact absorbing long holes of the first and second suspended plate-like portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Tatsuya ABE, Takuya Aiba
  • Publication number: 20180057038
    Abstract: A steering column assembly comprises a first support bracket, a second support bracket, a shroud, and an energy absorbing device. The energy absorbing device comprises a laminated strap having discrete first and second layers, each formed from a separate elongate strip of material that is free to slide over the other strip along a major portion of its length, a portion of the laminated strap being coiled into a spiral, a free end portion of the laminated strap passing through passing through an opening in the second support bracket or the shroud, the free end of a first one of the strips having an opening through which a fastener passes that secures the laminated strap to the first support bracket, and the free end of a second one of the straps being connected to the first strip in a region distal from the free end of the first strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: TRW Limited
    Inventors: Harry Kingston-Jones, Niclas Davies
  • Publication number: 20180057039
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle support structure and a steering linkage. The vehicle support structure includes a dash wall. The dash wall separates an engine compartment and a passenger compartment. The dash wall has an energy absorption member supported by the support structure on an engine compartment side of the dash wall. The steering linkage extends through an opening of the dash wall between the engine compartment and the passenger compartment. The steering linkage includes a steering column in the passenger compartment. The steering linkage further includes an abutment. The abutment is positioned and configured to contact the energy absorption member upon a frontal impact of the vehicle to transfer energy from the steering linkage to the energy absorption member and to limit a rearward displacement of the steering linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew GAPINSKI, Gunnar MASON, Travis James PARAK, Jeffrey MAZUR, Yayoi OKUMURA
  • Publication number: 20180057040
    Abstract: A control apparatus of an MDPS system may include: a current supply unit configured to drive a motor by injecting a preset frequency and magnitude of current to the motor; a torque sensor configured to sense a torque of a steering shaft; a hall sensor fault determination unit configured to determine whether a fault has occurred in a hall sensor; a torque signal processing unit configured to process a signal outputted from the torque sensor and calculate the magnitude of a torque signal; an encoder fault determination unit configured to determine whether a fault has occurred in an encoder, using the torque signal outputted from the torque signal processing unit; and a motor control unit configured to acquire a position of a motor rotor according to the determination results of the hall sensor fault determination unit and the encoder fault determination unit, and control the operation of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Moon Su KIM, Ji Hoon YOO
  • Publication number: 20180057041
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle steering apparatus capable of predicting failure while protecting a clutch device. The vehicle steering apparatus includes a turning device for turning steered wheels of a vehicle, and a steering device having a steering reaction force actuator for providing reaction force to assist user's steering of a steering wheel. A clutch device is provided between the steering device and the turning device to perform operation to mechanically cause a connection state or a disconnection state between the steering device and the turning device. Further, between the steering reaction force actuator and the clutch device, a mechanical fuse is arranged that twists and deforms by an input of an excessive load to prevent the load from being transmitted to the clutch device. A scribing line is drawn on the side surface portion of this mechanical fuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Kenichi Nakajima, Kenichi Kirihara, Katsuhiro Saito
  • Publication number: 20180057042
    Abstract: A method for operating an electric power steering system of a motor vehicle, wherein a steering wheel angle is specified by a steering handle as a measurement for a desired wheel steering angle for at least one steerable wheel of the motor vehicle, wherein an electric servo drive having an electric motor provides steering assistance, and wherein an additional restoring force is provided to compensate for increased internal friction in the power steering system based upon temperature, wherein the additional restoring force is reduced based upon a desired steering direction that is detected at the steering handle. Also disclosed is an associated electric power steering system, an associated computer program, and an associated control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Jens ZIENTEK, Johannes Maria SCHÄFER
  • Publication number: 20180057043
    Abstract: A steering control device includes a feedback processing portion configured to control a current flowing through a motor to a current command value; an end determination processing portion configured to determine whether a turning angle of steered wheels has reached a limit angle; and an end-time limit processing portion configured to limit a magnitude of the current command value to a magnitude of a limited current value or smaller, when the end determination processing portion determines that the turning angle has reached the limit angle. The limited current value is a value obtained by performing correction to decrease a magnitude of a detected value of the current flowing through the motor at a time when the end determination processing portion determines that the turning angle has reached the limit angle, based on a degree of a decrease in a magnitude of a rotational speed of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicants: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro TOKO, Hiromasa TAMAKI, Jun HASEGAWA, Shohei FUJITA, Kohei YANAI, Tatsuya SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20180057044
    Abstract: An independent steering mechanism of controllable hydraulic locking type for left and right wheels is provided. The independent steering mechanism includes a power steering mechanism, a steering drive mechanism, a hydraulic locking mechanism and an electronic control unit. Power of the left and right steering motors flows through the worm, the worm gear, the gear to drive left and right racks to translate. Outer ends of the left and right racks are connected to left and right tie rods via spherical hinges respectively. Inner ends of the left and right racks are connected to a piston rod and a cylinder barrel via spherical hinges respectively. A left chamber and a right chamber in the hydraulic cylinder are connected to an oil reservoir via an electro-hydraulic valve. The left and right steering motor controllers for the left and right steering motor and the electro-hydraulic valve controller are communicated via CAN bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Jilin University
    Inventors: Bingzhao Gao, Haitao Ding, Hong Chen, Jianwei Zhang, Weinan Tao, Mengjian Tian
  • Publication number: 20180057045
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, a vehicle control system includes a memory including computer-readable instructions stored therein and a processor. The processor configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to receive information corresponding to, a yaw rate of a vehicle, a lateral position of the vehicle and a heading angle of the vehicle, determine a stability indicator indicating an estimate of a stability of the vehicle based on the received information, and adjust one or more gains of a steering system of the vehicle based on the determined stability indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Alex NYKAMP
  • Publication number: 20180057046
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, a vehicle guidance system includes a memory including computer-readable instructions stored therein and a processor. The processor is configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to estimate a wheel angle of a vehicle based on at least a first value, the first value being a hand wheel based estimate of the wheel angle, and adjust steering commands for steering the vehicle based on the estimated wheel angle to permit the vehicle to move along a set path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Alex NYKAMP, Joshua LAWSON
  • Publication number: 20180057047
    Abstract: A steering control device includes a command value setting processing portion configured to set a current command value based on a detection value of steering torque; a feedback processing portion configured to control a voltage applied to a motor so as to control a current flowing through the motor to the current command value, based on an output value of an integral element obtained by using a difference between the current and the current command value; an end determination processing portion configured to determine whether a turning angle of steered wheels has reached a limit angle; and an end-time limit processing portion configured to perform correction to increase a magnitude of the difference, based on a degree of a decrease in a magnitude of a rotational speed of the motor when the end determination processing portion determines that the turning angle has reached the limit angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicants: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahiro TOKO, Hiromasa TAMAKI, Jun HASEGAWA, Shohei FUJITA, Kohei YANAI, Tatsuya SUZUKI, Tatsuya MIYAKE, Takashi SUZUKI