Patents Issued in March 27, 2018
-
Patent number: 9925951Abstract: An actuator includes a housing section that houses a driving source and is mountable on a first mounting region and a deploying section that is mountable on a second mounting region and deployable with a driving force of the driving source. The housing section includes a case of metal and a securing member supporting the driving source and secured to the case inside the case. A mounting hole is formed through the case and securing member for receiving a pivot member connected to the first mounting region. A fixing hole is formed through the case and the securing member at a different position from the mounting hole for receiving a fixing member that fixes the securing member to the case. An inner circumferential plane of the mounting hole of the case is in contact with the pivot member on the region disposed towards a deploying direction of the deploying section.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.Inventors: Joji Aoyama, Hisashi Takaya, Takashi Sasaki, Takaki Fukuyama
-
Patent number: 9925952Abstract: A cutting mechanism (30) for a safety belt (10), the cutting mechanism (30) including a case (32), a passage (34) running through the case and making it possible to mount the cutting mechanism (30) on the belt (10) to be cut, and cutting elements (42) for the seatbelt (10), situated inside the case, the cutting elements (42) include a wire (44) and elements for heating (46) the wire. A process for cutting a safety belt (10), includes using a wire (44) and elements for heating (46) the wire in order to cut the belt with the heated wire.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: AGUILA TECHNOLOGIEInventors: Matthias Flegar, Laurent Dardinier
-
Patent number: 9925953Abstract: A system and method for providing access to a vehicle operation includes a first user-input interface, a second user-input interface, and a vehicle controller. The first user-input interface is configured to interact with a user via a swipe-up input. The second user-input interface is configured to interact with the user via an application independent of the swipe-up input. The vehicle controller is configured to control the vehicle operation in response to detecting a first swipe-type user-input via the first user-input interface and a second user-input via the second user-input interface within a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.Inventors: Mirko Pribisic, Timothy DeZorzi, Kurt M. Schatz
-
Patent number: 9925954Abstract: A method of providing access to a vehicle, including wirelessly and electronically discovering a personal electronic device disposed outside of the vehicle. A remote central controller is wirelessly instructed to wirelessly transmit a certificate to the personal electronic device. The certificate from the personal electronic device is wirelessly received within the vehicle. Validation from the a remote central controller that the certificate from the personal electronic device was transmitted from the remote central controller to the personal electronic device is wirelessly received within the vehicle. An electronic key to the vehicle is wirelessly transmitted from the vehicle to the personal electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North AmericaInventors: John Avery, Adeel Yusuf
-
Patent number: 9925955Abstract: In an on-board communication system, an on-board device transmits processing start signals and detection signals from a plurality of antennas provided in a vehicle, and a portable device receives the processing start signals and the detection signals and transmits a response signal that includes information corresponding to the received detection signals. Position detection of the portable device is performed based on the response signal. The processing start signals start reception processing of the detection signals by the portable device. The detection signals are successively transmitted from the plurality of antennas, at a different timing for each of the plurality of antennas. Various vehicle processing, such as engine start processing, may be performed based on the detected position of the portable device, such as whether the portable device is inside or outside the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Akiyo Watanabe
-
Patent number: 9925956Abstract: A remote function control system is for a vehicle including a data bus extending throughout the vehicle and coupled to a plurality of vehicle devices, and a wired vehicle electrical power system. A wireless data bus device may be coupled to the power system and include a wired interface coupled to the data bus, and a first wireless device coupled to the wired interface. A remote function device may be coupled to the power system and include a second wireless device to wirelessly communicate with the first wireless device, a third wireless device to wirelessly communicate with a remote control device, and a controller to permit communication between the remote control device and a vehicle device(s) coupled to the data bus. A wireless security sensor may be positioned within the vehicle and coupled to the power system, with the sensor being configured to wirelessly communicate with the second wireless device.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: OMEGA PATENTS, L.L.C.Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
-
Patent number: 9925957Abstract: The present invention relates to a windscreen wiper strip support and a windscreen wiper blade having the windscreen wiper strip support. The windscreen wiper strip support includes a longitudinal slot for housing a windscreen wiper strip. The windscreen wiper strip support has a back plate, a plurality of first lugs and a plurality of second lugs. The longitudinal slot is formed by the space encircled by the back plate, the plurality of first lugs and the plurality of second lugs. The back plate, the plurality of first lugs and the plurality of second lugs are all made of a metallic material to ensure that the entire windscreen wiper strip support has better strength and the production cost is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2012Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Inventor: Qinghuai Shen
-
Patent number: 9925958Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes at least one longitudinal groove, in which groove a longitudinal strip of the carrier element is disposed, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm can be pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the interposition of a joint part, with the special feature that the connecting device has a substantially H-shaped cross-section, wherein lower legs of the H-shaped cross-section are connected to the flexible material of the wiper blade on opposite sides thereof, and wherein upper legs of the H-shaped cross-section are adapted to receive the joint part.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Federal-Mogul S.AInventor: Sophie Genet
-
Patent number: 9925959Abstract: There is provided a system and method of cleaning surfaces of an interior cabin space of a contamination comprising a microbial and viral load. The method includes the steps of sealing the interior cabin space and placing water, and a solid or gel pack, into a container and generating a vortex the container by rotating an impeller. The agitation causes the solid or gel pack to release a gaseous cleaning agent. An air-borne spray exiting from the container spreads throughout the interior cabin space to coat the surfaces to be cleaned within the interior cabin space. The cabin is maintained closed for an effective time period while the coating from the air-borne spray dwells on the surfaces to eliminate or substantially reduce the load of the contamination.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: NUVINAIR, LLCInventors: Kyle Bailey, Ryan Wood
-
Patent number: 9925960Abstract: A portable electric car washer is mainly formed by a soft water bag (1), a change valve (2), a belt wheel outer box, an electronic water pump, a water gun, and a water discharging pipe (5). The soft water bag (1), the water discharging pipe (5) and water feeding and discharging openings of the water pump are all connected to the change valve (2). The switching of the change valve (2) can make water pass through the water discharging pipe (5), is filled into the water bag (1) or ejected out of the water bag (1). After all water is discharged from the soft water bag (1), the soft water bag (1) can be placed in the belt wheel outer box. The belt wheel outer box is provided with a castor to movably support the soft water bag (1). The belt wheel outer box is mainly formed by a box body (3) and a cover plate (4). The castor is mounted below the cover plate (4), and the cover plate (4) can be taken off and is cushioned and fixed on a bottom of the box body (3) to movably support the box body (3).Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Inventor: Zhixiang Qian
-
Patent number: 9925961Abstract: A device or tool for removing snow and other debris from vehicles, and other surfaces including a handle having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a scraper portion coupled to the first end, and a head coupled to the second end. One or more light emitting elements are incorporated into the head to provide for ease of use in low light situations. The head may be a laterally extended foam head that is non-abrasive, freeze resistant, and durable. The handle may include a telescopic extension to allow a reach of a user to be increased or decreased allowing the user to clear away snow and other debris from various sizes of vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: SNOW JOE, LLCInventor: Joseph S. Cohen
-
Patent number: 9925962Abstract: A vehicle stop maintaining system comprises an automatic transmission, an automatic stop-restart mechanism for automatically stopping and restarting an engine, a foot brake mechanism for braking vehicle wheels through hydraulic brake mechanisms, a brake force control mechanism having a pressurizer that increases hydraulic brake pressure applied to the hydraulic brake mechanisms, and for braking the wheels by controlling the pressurizer independently from brake pedal depression, a controller configured to maintain a vehicle stopped state by operating the automatic stop-restart mechanism to stop the engine and operating the brake force control mechanism to keep initial hydraulic brake pressure according to the brake pedal depression, and a drive force state determining module for determining a drive force stabilized timing.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Koichi Narahara, Atsushi Kanahori, Shigeyuki Uehara, Masaru Takase
-
Patent number: 9925963Abstract: Disclosed herein are an autonomous emergency braking system and a method of controlling the same, capable of autonomously performing emergency braking using information detected by a radar sensor. The autonomous emergency braking system includes a radar sensor and an ECU. The radar sensor transmits a radio wave and receives a wave reflected from an object in front of a vehicle, so as to detect the object in front of the vehicle. The ECU receives object detection information from the radar sensor, and stops or puts off autonomous emergency braking when the number of times the object is detected within a predetermined distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of times, based on the received object detection information.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Mando CorporationInventor: Hyung Jik Lee
-
Patent number: 9925964Abstract: A vehicle braking unit comprises an operating braking pressure inlet which receives an inlet braking pressure built up by a braking cylinder, and at least one operating brake pressure outlet at which an outlet braking pressure is provided for an operating brake modulator, which is upstream of the operating brake and provides anti-lock functionality. At least one connecting channel hydraulically connects the operating brake pressure inlet to the outlet. Brake fluid is supplied from a storage unit through the brake cylinder, the connecting channel and the operating brake modulator. The braking unit has a brake fluid inlet, through which the brake fluid is received from the storage unit, a brake fluid pump, by which the brake fluid is suctioned through the brake fluid inlet and a supply pressure is built up, and a valve unit that controls the outlet braking pressure and/or a parking brake release pressure by the supply pressure.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: WABCO GMBHInventors: Heiko Claussen, Jurgen Eickhoff, Volker Heinrich, Ralph-Carsten Lulfing, Wolfgang Strache
-
Patent number: 9925965Abstract: A method for operating a braking system, having a front and rear axle, the braking system including: a brake booster having a brake input element, coupled to an actuating travel sensor for providing a signal of a braking input; a brake master cylinder coupled to the brake booster coupled to a brake medium reservoir; fluid lines, in fluidic communication with the brake master cylinder and the brake medium reservoir, and with braking devices of the wheels via a system of valves, each of the wheels being coupled to a generator generating a braking torque, the method including: generating a hydraulic free travel with the valves and controlling valves with a control unit, a hydraulic pressure build-up for decelerating a wheel speed being prevented by generating free travel during actuation of the brake input element; and generating a regenerative braking torque for decelerating the wheel speed, based on the braking input.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Tobias Spoeri, Dirk Drotleff, Branimir Tokic
-
Patent number: 9925966Abstract: A brake master cylinder arrangement includes a housing with a cylindrical recess, a pressure piston moveable in the cylindrical recess along a longitudinal axis and guided in a sealing manner, and a reservoir for storing brake fluid that is fluidically connected via a fluid channel to the housing. The pressure piston and the housing enclose a pressure chamber that is connected to a fluid circuit of the brake system. Depending on the position of the associated pressure piston, the pressure chamber is either fluidically connected to the fluid reservoir or disconnected therefrom. In a region that axially spans the sealing arrangement in a starting position of the pressure piston, the outer circumferential surface of the pressure piston has profiling that provides a fluidic connection between the fluid reservoir and the pressure chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbHInventors: David Lopéz-Larequi, Hans-Martin Giese
-
Patent number: 9925967Abstract: Disclosed is a brake actuator which is able to adjust the operational states of a brake connection to the lower end of a push rod disposed movable upward or downward while passing through the lower end of a service brake housing in such a way that a diaphragm moves upward or downward a pressure plate in response to the elastic force of a compressive spring in a spring chamber and the adjustment of an air pressure in a pressure chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: MIRAEVC CO., LTD.Inventor: Han Joo Park
-
Patent number: 9925968Abstract: 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: March 27, 2018Assignee: BEIJINGWEST INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.Inventor: Barton Cann
-
Patent number: 9925969Abstract: A hot wheel protection valve arrangement including a hot wheel protection valve, the hot wheel protection valve including a body defining a passageway, a piston slidably positioned within the passageway, a bushing positioned on the piston and within the passageway, a first diaphragm provided on a first end of the piston, the first diaphragm defining a first chamber in the passageway, a second diaphragm provided on a second end of the piston, the second diaphragm defining a second chamber in the passageway, a third chamber being defined between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, and an exhaust port defined in the body and in fluid communication with the third chamber, a brake cylinder line that establishes fluid communication between a brake cylinder, the first chamber, and the third chamber; and an emergency reservoir line that establishes fluid communication between an emergency reservoir and the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies CorporationInventors: Edward W. Gaughan, William John Potter
-
Patent number: 9925970Abstract: An electrohydraulic pressure control device for vehicle brake systems, including at least one electronic control unit, at least one hydraulic unit and at least one electric motor for driving a hydraulic pump, wherein the electronic control unit is mechanically connected to the hydraulic unit and is sealed off from the outer environment in at least one connection zone to the hydraulic unit by a circumferential, in particular elastic sealing material, and the sealing material extends along an edge of the substantially cuboid-shaped hydraulic unit, wherein the edge is formed by a face of the cuboid-shaped hydraulic unit facing the electronic control unit and at least one face of the cuboid-shaped hydraulic unit not facing the electronic control unit, and the sealing material at least partially covers both cuboid faces in the connection zone and/or sealing zone.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHGInventor: Andreas Heise
-
Patent number: 9925971Abstract: There is provided a system for estimating or monitoring the temperature of brake fluid in a hydraulic brake mechanism, the system comprising a controller configured for: receiving data related to the temperature of a brake friction element of said hydraulic brake mechanism; and estimating the temperature of said brake fluid based upon said data. Aspects of the invention also relate to brake systems and vehicles comprising such systems, to related methods, and to suitable controllers and software.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover LimitedInventors: Daren Steward, Matthew Wraight
-
Patent number: 9925972Abstract: A method and a system for reducing driveline speed oscillations related to a driveline resonance frequency are described. Driveline speed oscillations may be reduced via slipping a driveline clutch or adjusting torque of a driveline motor/generator. The method and system may be activated during select vehicle operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Yuji Fujii, Felix Nedorezov, Marvin Paul Kraska
-
Patent number: 9925973Abstract: A control method and system are provided for preventing a motor from overheating when a TMED hybrid vehicle is driven to thus improve driving performance by operating an engine before limiting motor output based on a driving state while the vehicle is driven in an EV mode, and the current temperature of the motor. The method includes monitoring a motor temperature of a hybrid vehicle and operating an engine when the current motor temperature of the motor is a first motor temperature or greater when the vehicle is driven in an EV mode. In addition, motor output is limited when the current motor temperature is equal to or greater than a third motor temperature, which is greater than the first motor temperature, after the engine is operated.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Teh Hwan Cho, Jong Bum Oh, Dong Yeon Han, Seong Ik Park
-
Patent number: 9925974Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling hybrid vehicle engine operation, where the vehicle engine comprises one or more cylinders dedicated to recirculating exhaust to an intake manifold. In one example, during an engine cold-start event or other event where temperature of one or more exhaust catalysts are below a temperature needed for catalytic activity, fuel injection to the dedicated exhaust gas recirculation cylinder(s) is maintained shut off, while its intake and exhaust valves are maintained activated, thus enabling the dedicated exhaust gas recirculation cylinder(s) to route air to the intake manifold of the engine, resulting in exhaust gas lean of stoichiometry that may serve to heat the catalyst. In this way, during cold start events and other events where temperature of one or more exhaust catalysts are below a temperature for catalytic activity, combustion stability issues may be avoided, and exhaust catalyst(s) rapidly heated, thereby reducing undesired tailpipe emissions.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Leone, Kenneth James Miller, Douglas Raymond Martin
-
Patent number: 9925975Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for synergizing the benefits of an engine exhaust driven fuel reformer in a hybrid vehicle system. A vehicle controller may hold the engine in a narrow operating range where fuel reformer operation is optimal while using motor and/or CVT adjustments to address transients generated as driver demand varies. The controller may also adjust an operating range of temperatures of the reformer to enable extended fuel reforming even after the engine of the hybrid has been shutdown.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Leone, Kenneth James Miller, Douglas Raymond Martin
-
Patent number: 9925976Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle drive apparatus has a setting portion for setting a limit value of a driving torque that a motor outputs when driving a hybrid electric vehicle by the power of the motor only, based on a maximum torque that the motor enables to output and a starting torque used to start an internal combustion engine by the motor. The setting portion sets the limit value to a first value and sets the limit value to a second value which is greater than the first value when a vehicle speed of the vehicle does not increase even though an accelerator pedal position degree increases while the vehicle is being driven only by the motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideharu Takamiya, Akio Futatsudera, Mahito Shikama, Takashi Kon, Toshimi Kaneko
-
Patent number: 9925978Abstract: A vehicle includes: motor(s), steering, processor(s) configured to: (a) receive a current heading; (b) receive a desired heading; (c) calculate a first steering angle (FSA) based on (a) and (b); (d) move the vehicle, via the motor(s) and steering: (i) in a first direction based on the FSA; (ii) in a second, opposing direction, based on an opposite of the FSA.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Eric Hongtei Tseng, Li Xu, Kyle Simmons, Paul Theodosis, Douglas Blue
-
Patent number: 9925979Abstract: A collision avoidance system and method for a vehicle. The system includes a video camera and a distance sensor. The system includes a driver control, a vehicle control system, and a controller. The controller is communicatively coupled to the video camera, the distance sensor, the driver control, and the vehicle control system. The controller receives a first signal from the video camera indicative of the presence of the pedestrian and receives a second signal from the distance sensor indicative of the presence of the pedestrian. The controller determines a course deviation from a current path of travel of the vehicle and activates a timer. The controller resets the timer when the driver control receives an input from the driver that is above a threshold. When the driver input is below the threshold and the timer expires, the controller applies the course deviation using the vehicle control system.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Anup Deshpande
-
Patent number: 9925980Abstract: A collision avoidance system of a vehicle includes a sensor configured to be disposed at a vehicle for sensing exterior and forwardly of the vehicle. A processor is operable to process sensor data captured by the sensor to determine the presence of a pedestrian ahead of the vehicle and at or moving towards a path of travel of the vehicle. The processor determines a time to collision based on a determined distance to the pedestrian and determined speed of the pedestrian and speed of the vehicle. The collision avoidance system is operable to generate an alert to the driver of the vehicle at a threshold time before the determined collision with the pedestrian. Responsive to a parameter, the collision avoidance system adjusts the threshold time to generate the alert at an earlier time.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventor: Manuel Edo-Ros
-
Patent number: 9925981Abstract: A control unit for a vehicle comprises an automatic engine stop-and-restart unit for stopping the engine responsive to predefined stop conditions and for restarting the engine responsive to predefined restart conditions, and a following-cruise control unit for controlling the vehicle to follow a vehicle ahead responsive to predefined following-cruise conditions. The automatic stop-and-restart unit for stopping and restarting the engine is configured to modify at least one of the stop conditions and the restart conditions during the following-cruise control.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Masahiko Asakura, Hiroshi Yoneguchi, Tadayoshi Okada, Ryuji Sato, Kohei Hanada, Eisuke Horii, Yoshinari Sugita, Shunichi Kawasumi
-
Patent number: 9925982Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle drive train includes operating the vehicle drive train with a drive unit switched on, with the drive unit connected to an output by a transmission, and with a positive-locking shifting element open. In response to a coasting operating state request for the vehicle drive train and a rotational speed of a transmission output being greater than a threshold, the drive unit is switched off and power flow between the drive unit and the output is interrupted by opening at least one of a plurality of frictional-locking shifting elements. The method also includes closing the positive-locking shifting element during the coasting operating state and no later than a leave coasting operating state request.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventor: Peter Schiele
-
Patent number: 9925983Abstract: A system and method for limiting articulation between a front frame and a rear frame of an articulated machine are disclosed. The system and method receive steering signals and determine impending contact between the front frame and the rear frame based on the received steering signals. Additionally, an amount by which to reduce torque at a hitch coupled between the front and rear frames so as to limit an articulation characteristic of the front frame relative to the rear frame to a predetermined value is determined, responsive to determination of impending contact. Prior to contact, rimpull of the articulated machine is reduced based on the determined amount of torque.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Mitchell, Sameer S. Marathe, Mark A. Robinson, Wesley T. Payne
-
Patent number: 9925984Abstract: Provided are a vehicle approach detection device and a vehicle approach detection method that are capable of detecting an approach of another vehicle without installing a dedicated device on a road. At least one of a vehicle surrounding video for showing an observed area (for example, road surface) used to observe irradiation light (for example, headlight beam emitted from a headlight of another vehicle) from another vehicle and a vehicle surrounding environmental sound is detected as vehicle external information, and it is determined based on the detected vehicle external information whether or not another vehicle is approaching an own vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Yoichi Kato, Takahisa Aoyagi
-
Patent number: 9925985Abstract: A method for assisting a driver of a vehicle when driving on uneven terrain includes classifying a terrain unevenness situated ahead of the vehicle in the driving direction, and ascertaining a piece of information for driving the vehicle in relation to the terrain unevenness based on a result of the classification.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Jascha Freess
-
Patent number: 9925986Abstract: The driving assistance unit acquires distribution data (a steering angle prediction error) for the traveling state distributions (a first traveling state distribution, a second traveling state distribution). Next the driving assistance unit converts value of the distribution data (a steering angle prediction error) into their absolute values. Next, the driving assistance unit classify the absolute value of the distribution data (a steering angle prediction error) in different time ranges into bins as plural segmented data ranges, based on the distribution data (a steering angle prediction error) whose values are converted into their absolute values and calculates a frequency distributions of the distribution data (a steering angle prediction error) as plural traveling state distributions (the first traveling state distribution, the second traveling state distribution).Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takayuki Kondoh
-
Patent number: 9925987Abstract: A system for detecting abnormal driver behavior includes an input interface and a processor. The input interface is for receiving a sensor data of a vehicle. The processor is for determining a driving behavior based at least in part on the sensor data of the vehicle; determining whether the driving behavior is abnormal; and, in the event that the driving behavior is abnormal, indicating an abnormal driver behavior.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Lytx, Inc.Inventor: Vincent Nguyen
-
Patent number: 9925988Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a computer. The computer is programmed to command application of one of up to a predetermined steering torque value and up to a predetermined net asymmetric braking force value. Each predetermined force is selected to achieve a predetermined vehicle yaw torque that is at most the lesser of a first maximum yaw torque resulting from actuating a steering system and a second maximum yaw torque resulting from actuating a brake system.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: FLORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Timothy D. Zwicky, Shane Elwart, Michael Hafner, Xingping Chen, Paul James Novak, Jiyi Liu, Andy Chuan Hsia, Levasseur Tellis, Greg Blaisdell Stevens
-
Patent number: 9925989Abstract: A vehicle control method using an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) is provided. The method includes detecting whether a vehicle travels on a road having regulation information of a passing lane and determining whether a specific lane having driving restriction information is present while the vehicle travels on the road. Whether the vehicle travels in the passing lane is detecting and a warning is output to a driver based on a peripheral state of the vehicle when the vehicle travels in the passing lane.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Si Hyoung Lee
-
Patent number: 9925990Abstract: A cooling aeraulics device is for cooling an element of a rail vehicle. The aeraulics device is designed to be placed on a roof of the rail vehicle and includes a conduit, which extends substantially longitudinally in relation to the rail vehicle. The conduit includes, successively, a front portion equipped with a front opening for the intake of air, a central portion, in which is housed the element to be cooled, and a rear portion, equipped with a rear opening for the discharge of exhaust air. A surface of a transverse cross-section of the conduit evolves, from the front opening to the rear opening, so as to generate an acceleration of the flow of air in the conduit through the Venturi effect.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Alstom Transport TechnologiesInventors: Sébastien Nicolau, Denis Cornu
-
Patent number: 9925991Abstract: An apparatus for lifting and moving an axle of a rail vehicle includes a frame, a pair of rollers rotatably mounted to the frame to movably support the frame on a railroad track rail, and a pair of wedges mounted to the frame having mutually opposed ramped faces. The pair of wedges adjustable along the frame between a first position in which the ramped faces bracket, but do not contact, a rail vehicle wheel that rests on the track rail, and a second position in which the ramped faces engage the circumference of the wheel to support the wheel at a height above the railroad track rail. The apparatus further includes at least one jacking device for urging the wedges toward one another from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Suyu Hou, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Bret Dwayne Worden, Robert Michael Zirin, Jingjun Zhang, Dennis Richter
-
Patent number: 9925992Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating in a vehicle consist wirelessly communicate (using communication assemblies disposed onboard a vehicle consist) a movement control data message via a first wireless communication path between a lead vehicle and a remote vehicle of the vehicle consist. The vehicle consist includes the lead vehicle and the remote vehicle operably coupled with each other to travel along a route. A non-movement control data message also is wirelessly communicated, but via a different, second wireless communication path between the lead vehicle and the remote vehicle. The movement control data message is communicated to remotely control operation of the remote vehicle from the lead vehicle. The non-movement control data message is communicated to remotely report a status of a component onboard the remote vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jared Klineman Cooper, Eugene Smith
-
Patent number: 9925993Abstract: A train speed profiling system for use in connection with a train management system that can generate a virtual profile of a predetermined route having an estimated time of arrival at a destination based on data specific to the route and the actual train that will travel on the route. The virtual profile may be adjusted for any acceleration and any deceleration required by the train, and then optimized for reduced fuel consumption by reducing braking effort and improving coasting opportunities over the route if the estimated time of arrival is earlier than a desired time of arrival. The virtual profile may further be conformed so that the estimate time of arrival matches the desired time of arrival within a narrow threshold.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: New York Air Brake, LLCInventors: Wade Goforth, Roger B. Lewis
-
Patent number: 9925994Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a train may override wayside interface units (WIUs) and/or override wayside devices. An example control system may comprise a transceiver configured to receive a status from a WIU and an on board unit (OBU) coupled to the transceiver. The OBU may be configured to override the command from the WIU and ignore a status from another wayside device associated with the WIU. The OBU may enforce all positive train control commands other than commands from sources associated with the overridden WIU.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.Inventors: Remo Ferrari, Torsten Pannier, James R. Krietemeyer
-
Patent number: 9925995Abstract: A system for selectively disabling highway crossing equipment includes a timer for controlling a maximum out of service time for the highway crossing equipment, a switch for controlling disablement of the highway crossing equipment, and control circuitry responsive to the timer and the switch. The control circuitry disables the highway crossing equipment in response to an input received from the switch before the maximum out of service time has been reached and re-enables the highway crossing equipment in response to a subsequent input from the switch received before the maximum out of service time has been reached. The control circuitry places the highway crossing equipment in a failsafe condition when the maximum out of service time has been reached without receiving the subsequent input from the switch.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventor: Joseph Daniel Schnell
-
Patent number: 9925996Abstract: Dollies support steered skis of a snowmobile on wheels to enable the snowmobile to be moved along an underlying surface with carbides on the bottom surfaces of the skis free of contact with the underlying surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Inventor: Timothy J. Crynick
-
Patent number: 9925997Abstract: A method for reducing the operational weight of a means of transportation is provided. The method includes: providing a list of possible food selections to passengers of the means of transportation before the journey; collecting food selections of passengers before the journey; and supplying the means of transportation with food based on the food selection of the passengers.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Christian Wesselink, Frank Leuenberger
-
Patent number: 9925998Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for performing a consolidated pick and package process in a materials handling center. A computing environment may be employed to generate a batch of a plurality of items to be picked and packaged in fulfillment of a plurality of orders in the materials handling center. Shipping labels corresponding to items in the orders may be generated, wherein the shipping labels comprise pick information that aids a person in locating a corresponding one of the items in the materials handling center and packaging the corresponding one of the items in suitable packaging. A fulfillment cart may be employed by an operator in performing the consolidated pick and package process.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Neil Scott Ackerman, Bijal Satish Mehta, Balaji Nageswaran, Rohit Kumar Nathany, Adrian Dsouza, Nihar Shashank Nabar, Mark Wellington Bosley, Jayson Michael Jochim, Ingrid Rivera, Ashwin Philip Ollapally, Michael Canty
-
Patent number: 9925999Abstract: A power assist system for a wagon is provided. The power assist system provides a rotational force to one or more drive wheels under certain conditions to provide propulsion for the wagon. The power assist wagon preferably includes a drive system for providing the rotational force to the drive wheel, a control system for determining when the drive system should be activated and how much propulsion assist to provide to the drive wheel, and a power system for providing power to the drive system. The power assist wagon may also have a safety cut-off system to preclude the drive system from providing a rotational force to the drive wheel 16 even when the system is in the “on” mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: RADIO FLYER INC.Inventors: Matthew E. Young, Daniel R. Greenberg
-
Patent number: 9926000Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly comprises a telescopic shroud which comprises an outer tubular portion and an inner tubular portion where the overall length can be adjusted by relative movement of the two portions, a support bracket secured to a fixed part of a vehicle and a releasable clamp assembly which is movable between an unclamped position in which the shroud can be adjusted telescopically and a clamped position in which the outer tubular portion clamps onto the inner tubular portion thereby preventing telescopic movement of the shroud during normal use of the assembly. The outer tubular portion includes an elongated slot and two clamp rails, each located on a respective side of the slot and including an elongated opening through which a clamp bolt of the clamp assembly passes.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: TRW LimitedInventors: Colin Handy, Niclas Davies
-
Patent number: 9926001Abstract: A steering column for a motor vehicle may include a support element, an adjusting element that is displaceable relative to the support element for the rotatable mounting of a steering spindle, and a locking device for locking the adjusting element relative to the support element in a crash event. The locking device may include a blocking element disposed on the support element, which can be brought into engagement with an engagement part of the adjusting element. Further, a switching element may be provided for bringing about the engaging of the blocking element in the engagement part in a crash event. The switching element may bring about the engaging based on its mass inertia.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventors: Stefan Sawall, Daniel Kreutz, Sebastian Forte