Patents Issued in May 1, 2018
  • Patent number: 9956956
    Abstract: A vehicle system for a vehicle can include sensors and a controller. The sensors can detect a position and speed of the vehicle and a position and speed of an object adjacent to the vehicle's lane. The controller can determine an operational state based on input from the sensors. The controller can operate the vehicle in an autonomous mode, wherein the controller controls the speed of the vehicle and a spacing between the vehicle and the object. The controller can switch from the autonomous mode to a learning mode in response to a driver taking control of the vehicle's speed or steering. In the learning mode, the controller can learn a preferred spacing between the vehicle and the object and a preferred speed relative to the object. The controller can control the vehicle in the autonomous mode based on the preferred spacing and speed during similar operational states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Syed Ali, Masayuki Imanishi
  • Patent number: 9956957
    Abstract: Regulation of a longitudinal acceleration of a main vehicle (10), particularly a truck, includes: detecting a driving behavior of vehicles traveling in front of a preceding vehicle that is traveling immediately in front of the main vehicle (10), regulating the longitudinal acceleration of the main vehicle (10) based on an evaluation of the driving behavior of the vehicles in such a way as to minimize energy consumption of the main vehicle (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SCANIA CV AB
    Inventors: Simon Steinmeyer, Marc-Michael Meinecke, Pär German, Jon Andersson
  • Patent number: 9956958
    Abstract: A vehicle driving control device includes a target speed calculation unit configured to calculate a target speed on the basis of a target lateral acceleration and a curve radius; a speed control unit configured to control the speed of a vehicle on the basis of the target speed and a vehicle speed; and a lane determination unit configured to determine whether a lane on which the vehicle is driving is an overtaking lane on the basis of image information. The target lateral acceleration setting unit sets the target lateral acceleration to be higher than the target lateral acceleration when it is determined that the lane on which the vehicle is driving is not the overtaking lane in a case where it is determined that the lane on which the vehicle is driving is the overtaking lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Eiji Sakaguchi, Tomoyuki Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 9956959
    Abstract: A method for controlling a deceleration device of a motor vehicle, wherein a control apparatus receives a request signal from a vehicle component for vehicle deceleration. Protection against mistriggering of the deceleration device is provided. Also provided is an integrity level of the vehicle component to be ascertained, a time profile for a deceleration performance of the deceleration device obtained during a braking process to be ascertained, for different times, a respective current minimum integrity level that is at least necessary for the time profile ascertained hitherto to be ascertained, and performance limiting to be performed for the request signal if the current minimum integrity level is higher than the integrity level of the vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignees: VOLKSWAGEN AG, AUDI AG
    Inventors: Marc Blumentritt, Martin Schwindl, Stefan Jilg
  • Patent number: 9956960
    Abstract: The device that generates the friction braking force to decelerate the vehicle estimates the disturbance torque acting on the vehicle. When the accelerator operation amount is equal to or less than the predetermined value and the vehicle is just before the stop of the vehicle, the control device for vehicle causes the friction braking amount to converge to the friction braking amount to the value decided on the basis of the disturbance torque estimated value Td in conjunction with the reduction in the motor rotation speed (speed parameter) proportionate to the traveling speed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Komatsu, Ken Ito, Takashi Nakajima, Yuji Katsumata, Akira Sawada
  • Patent number: 9956961
    Abstract: An in-vehicle system includes a vehicle position detection unit and a vehicle position calculation unit that detect a vehicle position, a road condition prediction unit that predicts a road condition at a position in front of the detected vehicle position, an automatic driving continuation determination unit that determines whether or not the vehicle automatic driving can be continued at the position in front of the vehicle based on the road condition predicted by the road condition prediction unit, and an automatic driving cancellation warning unit that warns of cancellation of the vehicle automatic driving when the automatic driving continuation determination unit determines that it is difficult to continue the vehicle automatic driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ALPINE ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Shota Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9956962
    Abstract: A method and a device for determining a reaction time of a vehicle driver of a vehicle includes a display device displaying at least one visual stimulus; and processing circuitry using a view recognition device to observe the direction of view of the vehicle driver, and determining the reaction time starting from the displaying of the visual stimulus, the reaction time corresponding to a specified time span if the direction of view of the vehicle driver is not recognized within the specified time span as running in the direction of the visual stimulus, or the reaction time corresponding to a time span in which the direction of view of the vehicle driver is recognized within the specified time span as running in the direction of the visual stimulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Esther-Sabrina Wacker
  • Patent number: 9956963
    Abstract: A system for analyzing driver fitness to drive with consideration given to any of various conditions such as driver drowsiness, fatigue, and anxiety. The system includes a processing hardware unit, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage device comprising various modules to determine if the driver is impaired. The modules include an input interface module that, when executed by the processing unit, receives sensor data indicating a present driver health factor. A database module includes pre-established driver-profile data particular to a driver. And the modules include an activity module that, when executed by the processing unit, obtains the driver-profile data and the sensor data, and determines, based on the present health factor and the pre-established driver-profile data, fitness of the driver to drive. The disclosure relates in various embodiments to a computer-readable storage device, separately, and processes performed by the system and device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Vivek Vijaya Kumar, Donald K. Grimm, Raymond J. Kiefer
  • Patent number: 9956964
    Abstract: A method and device for estimating the operating time of a motor vehicle in autonomous mode for at least one route between a departure point and an arrival point. The estimating device is connected to an identifying element and to an element for characterizing portions of roads approved for the operation of the vehicle in autonomous mode, along the at least one route. The estimating device includes a unit for calculating the time during which the vehicle is eligible to operate in autonomous mode depending on the characterization of approved portions of road.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Francois Desnoyer, Sabine Langlois, Jean-Francois Forzy
  • Patent number: 9956965
    Abstract: In various example embodiments, a system and method for determining a tongue weight of a vehicle with a trailer and its load is disclosed. A method includes: providing predetermined calibration settings relating force to engine speed for a vehicle travelling at various speeds, altering accelerometer data based on filtered vehicle pitch and roll data, determining that one or more vehicle performance parameters fall within a threshold range, storing a plurality of data pairs that include longitudinal acceleration and drive force, and determining a slope of a line that linearly approximates the plurality of data pairs, the slope indicating a total weight, the total weight comprising a weight of the vehicle and a weight being hauled by the vehicle, determining tongue weight from vehicle weight, total weight and delta pitch, and transmitting the tongue weight to a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Hall, Seth Myer
  • Patent number: 9956966
    Abstract: A method of vehicle and operator guidance by pattern recognition begins with collecting data on vehicle and operator patterns through sensors. The collected data is combined and analyzed with a pattern recognition algorithm. The combined and analyzed data is compared with patterns in a pattern database. If data matches a pattern in the pattern database, the pattern can be selected. If the data does not match a pattern in the pattern database, a new pattern can be created and selected. Based on the selected pattern, a determination is made to passively assist the operator, selectively assist the operator or passively and actively assist the operator. The determined action is then implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Dana Limited
    Inventors: Mark R. J. Versteyhe, Thibaut E. Duchene
  • Patent number: 9956967
    Abstract: A method is provided for selecting a plurality of program functions for providing repeatedly implemented functions, e.g., in a vehicle, ship or in an aircraft. The method includes determining a first total performance value based on recorded first single performance values and recorded first dependencies, determining a first total performance value based on determined second single performance values and recorded second dependencies, determining a cluster performance from the first total performance value and from the second total performance value, and the cluster performance value or at least one value determined from the cluster performance value is used for selecting the program functions or of other program functions for providing the repeatedly implemented functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Michael Armbruster, Andreas Zirkler
  • Patent number: 9956968
    Abstract: The invention relates to a railway car truck incorporating an interconnection between a side frame and a bearing adapter. The bearing adapter may receive a reduced coefficient of friction surface member in a recess on a top surface of the bearing adapter, facilitating a reduced lateral spring rate of the wheelset. Alternatively, or in combination, an adapter plate is received in the pedestal jaw on the bearing adapter to retain the reduced coefficient of friction surface member above or below the adapter plate. The adapter plate may be provided with surfaces about perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral axes of the side frame to support elastomeric members, which may provide different longitudinal and lateral spring rates in response to a load applied to the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: STRATO, INC.
    Inventors: David Yuh-Shyang Lin, Thomas J. Heyden, Thomas R. Berg, Christopher J. Clark, Kevin P. McGarvey
  • Patent number: 9956969
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing structure and a magnetic assembly. The magnetic assembly is configured to slide within the housing structure in a first direction associated with a direction of travel of the housing structure and in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction. The magnetic assembly includes a first pole plate having a first polarity and a second pole plate having a second polarity that is opposite of the first polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Deborah A. Beron-Rawdon, Robert J. Atmur, Douglas C. Cameron, Jr., William P. Sargent
  • Patent number: 9956970
    Abstract: A brake control device for a brake system, wherein the brake system has at least one electromagnetic track brake device, which can be supplied with current at variable amperage according to the brake control device to create a braking force, and wherein the brake control device is designed to actuate the at least one electromagnetic track brake device at a cleaning amperage during travel in order to clean a rail. Also disclosed is a brake system having such a brake control device, a rail vehicle, and a method for cleaning a rail by means of an electromagnetic track brake device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventor: Marc-Gregory Elstorpff
  • Patent number: 9956971
    Abstract: A rail vehicle braking system includes a service brake having a movable piston (8) which with a body (2) of the system delimits a service brake chamber (13) supplied by a first source, a piston rod (21) disposed in that chamber and fastened to a second side (32) of the piston turned towards that chamber, and a parking brake (7) disposed in the body and including a blocking device (20) disposed in that chamber and movable to act on the rod, and a movable actuating device (23, 24) which with the body delimits a parking brake pressure chamber (25) supplied by a second source; the blocking and actuating devices being configured to immobilize/unblock the rod so as to block/unblock the piston in a position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: FAIVELEY TRANSPORT AMIENS
    Inventors: Denis Gerber-Papin, Damien Beauvois, Claudino Goncalves
  • Patent number: 9956972
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the dynamic train-to-rail shunting performance of a train as it is moving along the rails of a railroad track. The systems and methods use portable equipment temporarily installed at a site where it is desired to test the shunting of one or more trains or the electrical equipment installed at the track. The systems and method use sensor plates and a high speed recording system to simultaneously capture measured train-to-rail shunting characteristics and the positioning of a train's axles and any rail conditions impacting the measurements. The captured information can be used to fine tune the train, the electrical equipment installed at the track and/or to design new devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SIEMENS INDUSTRY, INC.
    Inventor: Brian Harp
  • Patent number: 9956973
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for generating vital messages on an on-board system of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes generating a plurality of vital messages with each processor of a plurality of different processors of the on-board system based on train data available to each processor, transmitting the plurality of vital messages from the plurality of different processors to a separate processor, and generating, by the separate processor, a final vital message based on at least two vital messages of the plurality of vital messages. A system and an apparatus for implementing the aforementioned method includes appropriately communicatively connected hardware components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kristofer M. Ruhland, Kendrick W. Gawne, James L. Fenske
  • Patent number: 9956974
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining data relating to operation of a first vehicle in a vehicle consist that includes the first vehicle and a second vehicle communicatively coupled with each other by a communication channel. The first vehicle includes a first electronic component performing functions for the first vehicle using the first data. The method also includes communicating the first data over the communication channel from the first vehicle to a second electronic component disposed onboard the second vehicle responsive to the first electronic component being unable to perform the one or more functions for the first vehicle using the first data. The method further includes performing the functions of the first electronic component with the second electronic component using the first data that is received from the first vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jared Klineman Cooper, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Eugene Smith, Nick David Nagrodsky, William Cherrick Schoonmaker, Todd William Goodermuth
  • Patent number: 9956975
    Abstract: The monitoring system comprises an axle traveled distance module connected to at least one transport unit monitoring system and adapted to determine, for each of the axle identifiers detected by at least one of the transport unit monitoring systems, an axle traveled distance increment during a corresponding acquisition time period in function of transport unit traveled distance increments during this acquisition time period of the at least one transport unit monitoring system that detected this axle identifier during this acquisition time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SPACE2M NV
    Inventor: Frederick Ronse
  • Patent number: 9956976
    Abstract: An all-purpose, all-terrain cart for transporting objects across rugged terrain and tranformable into a bench with a backrest. The all-purpose, all-terrain cart includes a housing assembly including a base housing having a bottom wall, side walls, a front wall, a back wall and an open top, and including cover members removably disposed upon the open top; a support assembly in communication with the base housing and including racks adjustably and removably mounted to the base housing; and a drive assembly including wheels for moving the base housing upon a ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Jason K. Akre
  • Patent number: 9956977
    Abstract: A pushcart according to the present disclosure provides a warning on the basis of a first weight at a position outside a region between a shaft of front wheels and a shaft of rear wheels when viewed from the vertical direction and a predetermined weight. For example, the predetermined weight is the weight on a mounting portion located between the shaft of the front wheels and the shaft of the rear wheels when viewed from the vertical direction. When the first weight is larger than the predetermined weight, an informing unit can provide a warning by using a sound, light, and the like and enable a user to recognize that there is a possibility that the pushcart will turn over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Kubo, Yoshitaka Hane
  • Patent number: 9956978
    Abstract: An insulated caddy includes a tray disposed above a frame with a wheel secured beneath each corner of the frame. A plurality of accessory rails is disposed about the exterior sides of the frame. An adjustable shelf is secured to the handle. A metallic rack is secured in the back of the tray and is perpendicular to the tray bottom. A plurality of hooks is disposed adjacent the top edge of the tray. A mesh bag with a fastener is centered within the metallic rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Andrea M. Worley
  • Patent number: 9956979
    Abstract: A support device is provided that can attach to or be integrated with a baby stroller, that combines a mirror, a charging apparatus, an electronic device support and a remote control system in a manner that allows simultaneous charging of the electronic device, accessing of electronic device content and two way interaction between the user and the baby seated in the forward facing stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Patrick Fernsten
  • Patent number: 9956980
    Abstract: A stroller in accordance with the present disclosure includes a rolling frame and a juvenile seat coupled to the rolling frame. A seat cover is coupled to a seat bottom and back of the juvenile seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Nygren, Joseph D. Langley, Walter S. Bezaniuk
  • Patent number: 9956981
    Abstract: A canopy assembly is provided for a ride-on vehicle including a canopy and a canopy frame assembly. The canopy frame assembly has a housing, a release member connected to the housing, a canopy support extending through the housing, and a connector connected to the canopy support. The canopy support has a first stop adjacent a first end of the canopy support and a second stop adjacent a second end of the canopy support. The release member engages the canopy support at the first stop to maintain the canopy support in the first position, wherein the canopy support is retracted, and at the second stop to maintain the canopy support in the second position, wherein the canopy support is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Radio Flyer Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Fitzwater, Collin Ostergaard
  • Patent number: 9956982
    Abstract: A ski includes a longitudinal ski body having an upper surface and a lower snow-contacting surface. A longitudinal slot extends from the upper surface to the lower surface. A longitudinal keel, having at least a portion selectively extending in the slot, is adapted to connect pivotably to a ski leg of the snowmobile. The ski body is connected to the keel and adapted thereby to connect to the ski leg. At least a portion of the ski body is selectively movable with respect to the keel. The ski body is thereby selectively disposed in any one of a plurality of ski body positions, each of the plurality of ski body positions being defined at least by a position of the slot with respect to the keel. A fastener retains the ski body in any one of the ski body positions. Ski assemblies and snowmobiles having the ski are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Pascal Gagnon, Nicolas Bedard, Stuart Santry, Jose Boisjoli
  • Patent number: 9956983
    Abstract: A steering wheel position adjustment device includes a displacement bracket fixed to a steering column, a pair of support plate parts for interposing the displacement bracket, an adjustment rod inserted in a through hole in the displacement bracket and in through holes in the support plate parts, a pair of pressing parts provided at both ends of the adjustment rod, an adjustment lever provided to one end of the adjustment rod and configured to expand and contract an interval between the pressing parts, and a rotating friction plate. The rotating friction plate is interposed between the displacement bracket and the support plate parts and/or between the support plate parts and the pressing parts. The rotating friction plate has a base end portion rotatably supported by a rotation support shaft, and a tip half portion formed with a long guide hole with which the adjustment rod is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Seiichi Moriyama
  • Patent number: 9956984
    Abstract: A column jacket includes a pair of facing portions facing each other, and a stepped portion which extends in a direction that intersects with a column axial direction and at which an outer surface of the corresponding facing portion projects outward halfway toward an end side of the column jacket. Tilt grooves are formed in respective side plates of an upper bracket fixed to a vehicle body. A clamping mechanism including a clamping shaft inserted through the tilt grooves clamps the side plates to bend the side plates such that an end of each side plate on the extending direction upper side is displaced toward the corresponding facing portion. The stepped portion is located between a fulcrum portion serving as a fulcrum when the corresponding side plate is bent by being clamped by the clamping mechanism and the corresponding tilt groove, in an extending direction of the side plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoki Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 9956985
    Abstract: A steering shaft assembly is disclosed with an outer shaft operatively connected to a one of a steered member or a steering control. The outer shaft has an open end and a receiving chamber associated with the open end. The steering shaft assembly also includes an inner shaft operatively connected to another of the steered member or the steering control. The inner shaft has an engaging portion axially slideably received in the outer shaft receiving chamber. The inner shaft engaging portion also includes a polymer coating disposed on an outer surface of the inner shaft engaging portion. The coating has an outer surface that slideably engages with a surface of the outer shaft receiving chamber, and which has comprises projections and recesses along the coating outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: STEERING SOLUTIONS IP HOLDING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory D. Brzezinski, Terry E. Burkhard
  • Patent number: 9956986
    Abstract: An automobile steering system for controlling the steering of left and right front wheels of an automobile, a left support shaft being provided on the left front wheel, and a right support shaft being provided on the right front wheel, the automobile steering system having a steering wheel, a steering transmission device, a left rotary table, a right rotary table and a steering device, wherein the steering wheel is connected to one end of the steering transmission device, and the other end of the steering transmission device is jointed with the steering device; the left and right rotary tables are respectively located at two ends of the steering device, the left rotary table being connected to the left support shaft, and the right rotary table being connected to the right support shaft; and the steering device has a left steel wire rope, a right steel wire rope and a synchronous belt, two ends of the left steel wire rope are respectively wound around the left rotary table and the synchronous belt, and two end
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SHENZHEN ZHILUN DRIVING TECHNOLOGY FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shugang Gong, Lingliang Hu, Jigao Zhao, Jinjun He, Xiurong Wu
  • Patent number: 9956987
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a bar component including a pipe made of a carbon fiber reinforced resin and an internal metal member having an outer peripheral surface in contact with an inner peripheral surface of an end portion of the pipe in an axial direction is provided. The method includes: preparing a core including a metal mandrel extending in the axial direction and the internal metal member having the outer peripheral surface subjected to surface roughening process; winding a prepreg sheet obtained by impregnating carbon fibers with resin around an outer peripheral surface of the core; forming the pipe having the end portion fitted onto and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the internal metal member by baking and curing the prepreg sheet wound around the outer peripheral surface of the core; and removing the mandrel from the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Kunishima
  • Patent number: 9956989
    Abstract: An inverter includes a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, upper-arm switching elements and lower-arm switching elements, and a voltage divider that supplies partial voltages of a voltage between the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal to a gate and a drain, respectively, of the lower-arm switching element. The lower-arm switching element includes an HEMT. In the voltage divider, the partial voltages are set to turn the lower-arm switching element off when a positive electrode and a negative electrode of a DC power supply are reversely connected to the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kitamoto
  • Patent number: 9956990
    Abstract: A lane keeping assist apparatus has a vehicle speed responsive adjustment section which receives a target steering angle and a vehicle speed, sets a vehicle speed adjustment coefficient on the basis of the vehicle speed, multiplies an FF target steering torque by the vehicle speed adjustment coefficient, and outputs the resultant value as an adjusted FF target steering torque. The vehicle speed adjustment coefficient is set to 0 when the vehicle speed is lower than a first set vehicle speed and to 1 when the vehicle speed is higher than a second set vehicle speed. An adding section adds the adjusted FF target steering torque and an FB target steering torque together and outputs the resultant value as a final target steering torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuji Okuda, Hidenobu Kinugasa
  • Patent number: 9956991
    Abstract: A push arm is coupled to a vehicle frame proximate an intersection of a first side member and a first cross-member. A rear surface of the push arm is located adjacent to a front suspension structure with a gap defined therebetween. The push arm extends forward and laterally outward such that a front surface of the push arm is located outboard of and spaced apart from a front end of the first side member. A energy absorbing structure is positioned within the gap and is attached to the rear surface of the push arm. The energy absorbing structure is spaced apart from the front suspension structure in a non-impacted state. The energy absorbing structure is configured such that in response to an off-center impact event, impact force to the energy absorbing structure pushes the energy absorbing structure into contact with the front suspension structure, such that the energy absorbing structure deforms and absorbs impact energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Takemi Nishikawa, Kazunori Iimi, Takao Tani, Hideo Aimoto, Naoki Kamizawa, Patrick Dean Grattan, Perry McConnell
  • Patent number: 9956992
    Abstract: An off-center impact reinforcement structure includes a push arm and a first diagonals structure installed to elements of a frame of a vehicle structure. The push arm is coupled to the frame proximate an intersection of a first side member and a first cross-member and extends in a forward and laterally outboard direction from the intersection. The first diagonal structure extends rearward and laterally inboard from proximate the intersection toward a section of a second side member rearward of the first cross-member. The off-center impact reinforcement structure is configured such that during an off-center impact event in which a stationary barrier impacts against a front surface of the push arm during forward movement of the vehicle frame, impacting forces from the impact event are transferred through the push arm to the vehicle frame at the intersection and from the intersection to the first diagonal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazunori Iimi, Takemi Nishikawa, Takao Tani, Hideo Aimoto, Naoki Kamizawa, Christopher Robert Hartley, Patrick Dean Grattan, Joseph Bruno Buratto, Perry McConnell, David James Wozniak, Michael James McGory, Gunnar Mason, Matthew Michael Gapinski
  • Patent number: 9956993
    Abstract: A vehicular radar assembly includes a radar mount positioned proximate an engine compartment within a vehicle. A radar carriage is slidably coupled to the radar mount and having a radar module coupled thereto. A biasing mechanism biases the radar carriage away from the radar mount toward a use position. Imposition of an impact force against the radar module temporarily overcomes the biasing mechanism and biases the radar carriage toward the radar mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Peter Klop, Robert Vasbinder
  • Patent number: 9956994
    Abstract: An auxiliary device is provided in a space below a portion of a floor panel which is positioned between a floor frame and a tunnel side member which extend in a longitudinal direction, members which extend in a vehicle width direction and straddle the floor frame which is positioned on the side of the auxiliary device and a tunnel side member which is positioned on the opposite side to the auxiliary device, and a yield strength of the vehicle width direction of tunnel corresponding portions, in a width direction, of the members which correspond to a tunnel portion is set to be lower than that of auxiliary-device corresponding portions, in the width direction, of the members which correspond to the auxiliary device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kageyama, Junichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9956995
    Abstract: A tailgate assembly is provided for a vehicle having a cargo area disposed between first and second bedsides. A tailgate having at least one step is pivotally supported on the first and second besides. A tailgate latch assembly releasably retains the tailgate in a stowed position. First and second swing links are pivotally connected to first and second close faces of the tailgate. First and second swing link latch assemblies releasably retain the first and second swing links in a stored position. First and second support cables are connected to the first and second swing links to limit rotation of the tailgate between the stowed position and a first open position when the first and second swing links are in the stored position and to limit rotation between the first open position and a second open position when the first and second swing links are in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Neighbors, Jeffery E Long, Jereme A Berube, Jimmy L Suder
  • Patent number: 9956996
    Abstract: A cargo bed extension assembly includes a tailgate structured to be movable between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration. The tailgate includes a cavity formed therein. An extension mechanism is positioned within in the cavity. The extension mechanism includes an extension member coupled to the tailgate so as to be movable between a stowed configuration and an extended configuration, and so as to enable rotation of the extension member from the extended configuration to a raised configuration. The mechanism also includes a cover portion coupled to the extension member so as to be movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration in which the cover portion covers at least a portion of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Logan R. Astrike
  • Patent number: 9956997
    Abstract: A converter dolly is provided for use with a tractor-trailer wherein the converter dolly additionally comprises dolly fairings which are located in front of the wheels of the converter dolly. The dolly fairings are preferably made of fibreglass, and improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the converter dolly, and thus reduce fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: LAYDON COMPOSITES LTD.
    Inventors: Brian P. Layfield, James D. Haws
  • Patent number: 9956998
    Abstract: An active front deflector assembly having a deflector panel, actuator, and linkage assemblies each with a predetermined geometry and ratio of links to each other for movement of the active front deflector assembly between at least a deployed position and a retracted position. The deflector panel is positionable at multiple heights. The assembly deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, redirects the air flow in the front of the vehicle to improve the vehicle aerodynamics for either fuel economy or performance characteristics. Additionally, it allows for the deflector panel to retract so the vehicle meets ground clearances, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. A drive shaft transmits the drive from one side to the other side. The deflector is both rigid and semi rigid to absorb impact energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffry J. Zielinski, Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews, Jeffrey B. Manhire
  • Patent number: 9956999
    Abstract: A wiper module assembly for a vehicle lift gate having an inner panel with a spoiler formed as a one-piece part of an outer panel. The outer panel of the lift gate is connected to the inner panel to form an exterior surface of the lift gate. A cavity is formed in part of the spoiler and receives a carrier forming a removable module connected to the cavity of the vehicle lift gate. The carrier includes a wiper, motor and drive assembly for operating a wiper for a window on the lift gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael William Crane, Brian Christopher Sansoterra, Norman Guschewski
  • Patent number: 9957000
    Abstract: An automobile diffuser is the upwardly-ramped surface at the rear of the vehicle's underbody. Aerodynamic downforce and drag are generated as airflow travels underneath and along the ramped surface of the diffuser. However, with a moderate drag penalty, the downforce-producing effect of the diffuser can be further enhanced by an arrangement of aerodynamic devices along the ramp surface and within the diverging flow channel of the vehicle's diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Obinna Hyacinth Ehirim
  • Patent number: 9957001
    Abstract: A ballast assembly for a work vehicle. The ballast assembly includes a frame, a ballast weight, and a lift. The frame is included in an underside of the work vehicle. The ballast weight has a first portion and a second portion. The lift has an upper end pivotally coupled to the frame and a lower end releasably coupled to the ballast weight. The first and second portions are configured to engage with a ground surface and the frame, respectively, when the ballast weight is loaded onto the work vehicle. The first and second portions are configured to engage with the frame when the ballast weight is loaded onto the work vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven A. Duppong, David Rix, Gary S. Keys, II, Kendall L. Giesmann, Eric M. Forbes, Nicholas Taylor, Razvan Platon, Andrew W Keenan
  • Patent number: 9957002
    Abstract: A mobile platform intended for civilian, industrial, research or other use. An ambulation system or mobile platform such as for traveling over uneven terrain includes one or more leg arrangements attached to a main body or chassis. In an embodiment, a leg arrangement comprises one or more legs, such as legs that rotate in the same and singular direction around their respective rotary joints when the vehicle is moving in a single direction. The rotational axis for both legs is located near each other and preferably coaxially and allows ground contact of two or more legs at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Genesis Robotics LLP
    Inventor: James Brent Klassen
  • Patent number: 9957003
    Abstract: A device for generating a desired ZMP trajectory for a mobile robot includes a polynomial function coefficient group determining section (53a) which determines, by regarding the desired ZMP trajectory as a trajectory expressed by a polynomial function, a desired coefficient group composed of desired values of coefficients in respective terms of the polynomial function. The polynomial function coefficient group determining section uses a quadratic evaluation function including square values of the coefficients included in the desired coefficient group as variables and a plurality of constraint conditions each configured by a linear equality or linear inequality about the coefficients, to determine the desired coefficient group, by a solution method for a quadratic programming problem, in such a way as to minimize a value of the evaluation function while fulfilling the constraint conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takumi Kamioka
  • Patent number: 9957004
    Abstract: A cargo bay construction includes a floor and a wall that is slideable along the floor, whereby, below the wall facing surfaces of the floor, a drive slide is arranged and is connected with the wall that is slideable along the floor over a developed guide opening in the floor, characterized in that the guide opening is covered by an elastic deformable cover overlying the floor, whereby the cover in the area of the drive slide is lifted from the floor under elastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Inventor: Josef Fliegl, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9957005
    Abstract: In order to provide a fastening device for fastening a workpiece (104) to a moving device (116) for moving the workpiece, this fastening device having a small space requirement and enabling the workpiece to be securely fastened to the moving device, it is proposed that the fastening device should include a receiving element (110) for receiving the workpiece and a locking device (122) for releasably fixing the receiving element on the moving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Dürr Systems AG
    Inventors: Michael Kincses, Edgar Blum
  • Patent number: 9957006
    Abstract: A stability attachment for a personal transportation vehicle includes a frame, a clamp mechanism and a pair of training wheels. The frame includes a first support arm and a second support arm. The first and second support arms are interconnected by the clamp mechanism. Each of the training wheels is situated on opposite sides of the frame and vertically adjustable thereon. The frame is selectively mounted to the main body of the personal transportation vehicle on which the operator stands by the clamp mechanism. The clamp mechanism is adjustable so that the stability attachment can be mounted to personal transportation vehicles of various sizes. Each of the support arms includes at least two telescoping members so that the overall length of the support arm can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: VOXX International Corporation
    Inventor: Prapan Paul Tinaphong