Patents Issued in August 14, 2018
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Patent number: 10046746Abstract: A method allows piloting a braking system of a vehicle, the braking system including at least a pair of coupled brake actuators, that includes a pneumatic actuator supplied with a compressed air tank pressurized by a compressor, and an electric actuator.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Volvo Truck CorporationInventors: Lionel Farres, Jean Sebastien Carle
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Patent number: 10046747Abstract: Braking systems and methods having above atmospheric pressure applied to the working hydraulic fluid of the braking system. In certain preferred arrangements, the braking system includes at least one source of pressure, which pressurizes a fluid. The pressurized fluid acts on respective pressure surfaces of the master plunger(s) and the slave piston(s) that are opposite the active or working surfaces of the master plunger(s) and the slave piston(s).Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: RG3 INPROP, LLCInventor: Robert W. Henricksen
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Patent number: 10046748Abstract: A vehicle includes a brake pedal, a master cylinder, a braking circuit with a wheel cylinder, and a brake pressure generator. A pedal feel simulator is coupled to the master cylinder through a switchable valve. An isolation valve is provided to isolate the braking circuit from the master cylinder and the simulator circuit. A controller is programmed to couple the simulator circuit to a pressure sensor positioned in the braking circuit at a designated diagnostic time during which the brake pedal is depressed to generate a brake pedal input while the vehicle is positively parked. Increased fluid pressure from the brake pedal input is observed with the sensor in the braking circuit. The controller checks whether the pressure-increase to brake pedal input relationship indicates efficacy of the simulator circuit for continued operation of brake-by-wire operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Rosalin Irwan, Quingyuan Li, Wenguang Zhou
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Patent number: 10046749Abstract: A vehicle braking system includes a brake pedal, master cylinder, a braking circuit with a wheel cylinder, and a brake pressure generator. A pedal feel simulator is coupled to the master cylinder output side through a switchable valve, the pedal feel simulator providing a reaction force. An isolation valve closes to isolate the braking circuit from the master cylinder and the simulator circuit. A primary pressure sensor generates a braking request signal responsive to the brake pedal. A controller activates the brake pressure generator to apply a braking force to the wheel cylinder based on the braking request signal. The controller identifies an abnormal value from the primary pressure sensor and couples the pedal feel simulator with a secondary pressure sensor within the braking circuit to determine whether the abnormal value indicates a primary pressure sensor malfunction or a malfunction of the pedal feel simulator or the switchable simulator valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Rosalin Irwan, Quingyuan Li, Wenguang Zhou
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Synchronizing clutch apply state with continuous ratio shift in a continuously variable transmission
Patent number: 10046750Abstract: A continuously variable transmission, a control system, and a method is provided for synchronizing a clutch application state change and a continuous upshift in a motor vehicle propulsion system having a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The control system and method are configured to determine whether a continuous upshift of the CVT is impending. The continuous upshift is defined as a pulley ratio change exceeding a predetermined threshold for a predetermined pulley ratio change period. If a continuous upshift is impending, the control system and method are configured to alter a clutch engagement state after a predetermined delay period to synchronize the change in clutch engagement state with an engine speed change.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Inventors: James L Abington, Christopher J Weingartz -
Patent number: 10046751Abstract: An electromotive vehicle includes: an electrical storage device; a rotary electric machine; a transmission device; an engine; and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to, when decelerating force acts on the vehicle due to engine brake force of the engine and upshift control is executed in the transmission device and when an upper limit value of input electric power that is allowed at the time of charging the electrical storage device is smaller than a threshold, control the rotary electric machine such that torque of the rotary electric machine gradually increases by the time the upshift control completes, at which the decelerating force that acts on the vehicle becomes decelerating force reduced as a result of the upshift control.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shun Sato, Takahiko Tsutsumi, Toshio Sugimura
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Patent number: 10046752Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle carries out, when a vehicle travels in a downhill control section or a congestion control section, pre-charge/discharge control of changing a target state of charge (SOC) SOCcntr from a standard SOC SOCcntr-n to a specific SOC, and is within a permissible range, in a period in which the vehicle travels from a control start point (Ds) to at least a start point (Dk) of a subject downhill section or a subject congested section. Further, the control device is configured to inhibit, when return control is carried out while the pre-charge/discharge control is being carried out, the pre-charge/discharge control from a start time point (D5) of the return control to a time point (D9) at which the vehicle has passed through the control section. As a result, fuel efficiency can be improved when the return control is carried out during the pre-charge/discharge control.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuki Ogawa, Keisuke Morisaki
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Patent number: 10046753Abstract: A vehicle hybrid system includes a transmission mechanically coupled with an engine, a drive shaft mechanically coupled with the transmission, a rotation-transmitting part coupled with the drive shaft, a power connecting-disconnecting part coupled with the drive shaft via the rotation-transmitting part, a motor generator mechanically coupled with the power connecting-disconnecting part, and a directional power transmission part for transmitting power in a direction from the motor generator to the engine to drive the engine and for not transmitting power in a direction from the engine to the motor generator to drive the motor generator. This vehicle hybrid system has high efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventor: Junichi Yukawa
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Patent number: 10046754Abstract: A method is provided to control a hybrid powertrain comprising engaging gears corresponding to a first gear pair connected with a first planetary gear in a gearbox with a first coupling device connecting two rotatable components in the first planetary gear; activating a second electrical machine to generate a propulsion torque on the output shaft via a second gear pair connected with a second planetary gear and the output shaft; disconnecting the first gear pair from the countershaft, by controlling the first electrical machine and a combustion engine connected with the first planetary gear to achieve a substantially zero torque state between the first gear pair; connecting the first gear pair to the countershaft, by controlling the combustion engine to achieve a synchronous rotational speed between the first gear pair; and activating the combustion engine and/or the first electrical machine to generate a propulsion torque on the output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Scania CV ABInventors: Johan Lindström, Mathias Björkman, Niklas Pettersson, Mikael Bergquist
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Patent number: 10046755Abstract: When a kickdown switch is turned off, a target rotation speed of an engine is set on the basis of a vehicle speed and a gear and the engine, the first motor, and the second motor are controlled such that the smaller driving force of an upper-limit driving force based on the target rotation speed and a required driving force is output to a drive shaft and the engine rotates at the target rotation speed. On the other hand, when the kickdown switch is turned on, the target rotation speed is set to be higher than that when the kickdown switch is turned off on the basis of the vehicle speed and the gear and the engine, the first motor, and the second motor are controlled such that the required driving force is output to the drive shaft and the engine rotates at the target rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shunya Kato, Masaya Sugai
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Patent number: 10046756Abstract: A method for accelerating a vehicle driving forward, in which the vehicle has a propulsion system including a combustion engine with an output shaft (2a), a gearbox (3) with an input shaft (3a), an electric machine (9) comprising a stator and a rotor, and a planetary gear comprising a sun gear (10), a ring gear (11) and a planet wheel carrier (12). When accelerating the vehicle the torque of the electric machine is controlled and the rotational speed of the combustion engine is controlled until the components of the planetary gear have the same rotational speed and may be interlocked.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2013Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: SCANIA CV ABInventors: Niklas Pettersson, Mikael Bergquist, Johan Lindström, Anders Kjell, Mathias Björkman
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Patent number: 10046757Abstract: A system for a driving mode conversion of a vehicle is provided. The system includes a driving information detecting unit that detects driving information based on a vehicle driving using sensors within the vehicle. A driving propensity determining unit determines a driving propensity based on average vehicle speed and a position variation of accelerator and brake pedals. A predicting unit learns an acceleration and deceleration prediction model based on the driving information, and generates a near future intention prediction value to which a vehicle driving environment and the driving propensity are reflected utilizing the prediction model. A controller determines whether an engine starting is performed by calculating current required power of a driver based on a pedal position value, and determines whether the engine starting is performed by comparing the near future acceleration and deceleration intention prediction value with the position value of the pedal.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Joonyoung Park
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Patent number: 10046758Abstract: The invention relates to a method to start a combustion engine in a hybrid powertrain by a) disconnecting rotatable components of a first planetary gear from each other, b) disconnecting rotatable components of a second planetary gear from each other, c) preventing rotation of at least one gear pair, which is connected with the first planetary gear and an output shaft and at least one gear pair, which is connected with the second planetary gear and the output shaft, prevent rotation of the output shaft, and e) activating a first electrical machine connected to the first planetary gear, and/or a second electrical machine connected to the second planetary gear, so that the combustion engine starts.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Scania CV ABInventors: Johan Lindström, Mathias Björkman, Niklas Pettersson, Mikael Bergquist
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Patent number: 10046759Abstract: While coolant is used to cool a motor inverter and a generator inverter included in a power drive unit configured to invert power between a battery and a motor/generator in both directions, an EV travel mode and a power generation travel mode are switched according to detection values from sensors in an electrically driven vehicle and including a switching device temperature sensor for a switching device of the inverters and a coolant temperature sensor, thereby controlling the vehicle. A failure of the coolant temperature sensor is detected according to a detection value from the coolant temperature sensor, and, in the EV travel mode, a detection value detected by the switching device temperature sensor for the switching device of the generator inverter is set as a detection value of a temperature of the coolant when the failure of the coolant temperature sensor is detected.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Osamu Ishikawa, Yasufumi Ogawa
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Patent number: 10046760Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide systems and methods for autonomously valet parking a vehicle based on images obtained from a plurality of plenoptic (light field) cameras. An example vehicle includes a plenoptic camera to obtain an image external to the vehicle and a controller. The controller is to autonomously navigate a vehicle toward a parking space identified as unoccupied and generate, based on the image, an occupancy map indicating occupied regions in a plurality of concentric regions. The controller also is to determine whether the parking space is available based on the occupancy map and send, in response to determining the parking space is unavailable, an error message to a driver.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Larry Dean Elie, Douglas Scott Rhode
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Patent number: 10046761Abstract: To determine an activation criterion for outputting brake signals to a vehicle brake system at least one object in the environment of the vehicle is detected. A determination is made whether the vehicle is on a collision course with the object. If so, at least one avoidance criterion is determined, wherein an S-shaped avoidance trajectory of the vehicle is determined, from which at least one extreme value of a lateral acceleration of the vehicle is determined. The extreme value is compared with at least one threshold value. The avoidance criterion is met if the associated extreme value falls below the threshold value, and the activation criterion for the brake application is not met as long as the avoidance criterion is met.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2013Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: WABCO GmbHInventors: Rudiger Meyer, Dirk Sandkuhler, Christian Sulzbacher
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Patent number: 10046762Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a vehicle steering system, an actuator configured to control the steering system, a first controller, and a second controller. The first controller is in communication with the actuator. The first controller is configured to communicate an actuator control signal based on a primary automated driving system control algorithm. The second controller is in communication with the actuator and with the first controller. The second controller is configured to, in response to a first predicted vehicle path based on the actuator control signal deviating from a desired route by a threshold distance, control the actuator to maintain a current actuator setting. The second controller is also configured to, in response to the first predicted vehicle path not deviating from the desired route by the threshold distance, control the actuator according to the actuator control signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Padma Sundaram, Keun Jae Kim, Brian N. Siskoy, Andrew H. Leutheuser
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Patent number: 10046763Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes an imaging device; a co-ECU to limit the travel speed of the vehicle; and an ECU to set the speed limit, that recognizes the speed limit value on a road while traveling, and sets the recognized speed limit value in the co-ECU. If the elapsed time since the speed limit value has been set reaches a predetermined time, the ECU estimates the speed limit value on the road while traveling, and if receiving a switch command, switches the speed limit value set in the co-ECU to the estimated speed limit value so as to avoid limiting the vehicle speed by a speed limit value that is different from the actual speed limit value on the road.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takashi Inoue, Sokfan Yee, Tetsuya Taira, Keiji Yamashita, Nobuyuki Tomatsu, Takato Masuda
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Patent number: 10046764Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a limiter device, and a setting device to set an upper speed limit on the limiter device, based on speed limit values extracted from image information. The setting device includes a derivation unit to derive a condition to raise display priority for each speed limit value; an obtainment unit to obtain determination information for determining whether the condition is satisfied; a calculation unit to raise the display priority of the speed limit value that corresponds to the condition determined satisfied with the determination information, among the speed limit values extracted from the image information; a display control unit to display the speed limit values in descending order of the display priority; and a setting unit configured to set the upper speed limit on the limiter device, based on one of the displayed speed limit values, selected by an occupant of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takato Masuda, Takashi Inoue, Tetsuya Taira, Keiji Yamashita, Nobuyuki Tomatsu, Sokfan Yee
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Patent number: 10046765Abstract: A method is provided to control an engine braking operation of a vehicle provided with a dual clutch transmission. The dual clutch transmission is adapted to be set into different gear-combinations, each including an active gear selection through which torque can be transmitted, and a passive gear selection through which no torque can be transmitted. In a pre-set number of gear-combinations, the first input shaft and the main shaft have a synchronised rotation. When an engine braking operation is performed when the transmission is set in one of the pre-set number of gear-combinations modifying said engine braking operation such that a damaging load upon said spigot bearing is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2013Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Volvo Truck CorporationInventors: Klas Bergström, Lars Karlsson, Johan Bjernetun, Lennart Brusved
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Patent number: 10046766Abstract: A traction loss warning system includes a warning controller configured to be disposed onboard a first vehicle and to determine a location on a route where a loss in traction of the first vehicle occurred and a vehicle controller configured to be disposed onboard a second vehicle, the vehicle controller configured to control movement of the second vehicle along the route. The warning controller also is configured to communicate a warning signal that notifies the second vehicle of the location where the loss in traction of the first vehicle occurred. The vehicle controller is configured to change the movement of second vehicle along the route during travel of the second vehicle over the location responsive to receiving the warning signal from the warning controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Michael Lavertu, Jennifer Lynn Jackson
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Patent number: 10046767Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program the apparatus comprising: processing circuitry (5); and memory circuitry (7) including computer program code (11); the memory circuitry and the computer program code configured to, with the processing circuitry, cause the apparatus at least to perform: obtaining information from a plurality of sensors wherein the plurality of sensors are located on a plurality of vehicles; analyzing the obtained information to determine whether at least one vehicle is exposed to risk; and if it is determined that at least one vehicle is exposed to risk, enabling one or more of the plurality of vehicles to activate a defensive mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: HERE Global B.V.Inventors: Marko Tuukkanen, Jerome Beaurepaire, Ari Aarnio
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Patent number: 10046768Abstract: In order to reduce drivetrain component wear and tear, a machine monitors for an impending downshift and automatically slows the machine to a speed that keeps engine rpm below a target engine rpm before the downshift is completed. A controller in the machine determines the current speed of the machine and then slows the machine to a new speed associated with the target rpm in the new gear. The controller may simply apply the brakes to slow the machine to the new speed independently of the process of changing gears or may actively delay the gear change until the new speed is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Matthew Michael Tinker, Randy T. Anderson, Michael D. Anderson
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Patent number: 10046769Abstract: A control method for carrying out a gear shift in a transmission provided with a dual-clutch gearbox, so as to shift from a current gear to a following gear. The control method comprises the steps of; receiving a gear-shift command; filling with oil, always supplying the maximum possible oil flow rate, a second clutch associated with the following gear after receiving the gear-shift command; completely closing the second clutch at the maximum possible speed as soon as the oil filling ends; and completely opening a first clutch associated with the current gear A at the maximum possible speed as soon as the oil filling in the second clutch ends.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventors: Alessandro Barone, Barbara Prina, Francesco Marcigliano
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Patent number: 10046770Abstract: Systems and methods for independently estimating a road surface friction coefficient value and a vehicular lateral velocity value are provided. In one example, the system includes: a self-aligning torque coefficient estimating module configured to obtain sensor signals from an electronic power steering (EPS) system and an inertial measurement unit and estimate a first self-aligning torque coefficient value based on the sensor signals using a recursive least square algorithm; a road surface friction coefficient value estimating module configured to obtain the estimated first self-aligning torque coefficient value and estimate a first road surface friction coefficient value based on the estimated first self-aligning torque coefficient value; and a feature control module configured to generate one or more control signals configured to control features of a vehicle based on the estimated first road surface friction coefficient value.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Yadollah Sabri
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Patent number: 10046771Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for testing operation and control accuracy of a driving control system in an unmanned vehicle. The method comprises determining an operation and control track length when the unmanned vehicle is operated and controlled by the driving control system in the unmanned vehicle, based on obtained traveling data information; determining a standard operation and control distance when the driving control system operates and controls the unmanned vehicle, based on a preset operation and control accuracy test standard; and comparing the operation and control track length with the standard operation and control distance to determine a test result of the operation and control accuracy of the driving control system.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: BEIJING BAIDU NETCOM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Yi Wu
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Patent number: 10046772Abstract: A vehicle control device including a manipulating unit that is manipulated by a user and a vehicle having the same are provided. The vehicle control device includes a manipulating unit having an object detecting unit configured to detect an object in a noncontact manner and a pad disposed above the object detecting unit and having elasticity. In addition, a controller is configured to generate a control signal for operating a vehicle based on an output signal of the manipulating unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Seung Hwan Lee, Gee Hyuk Lee, Sun Jun Kim, Jae Hyun Han
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Patent number: 10046773Abstract: A notification device (1) includes a sweep signal generator (3) that generates a sweep signal by changing the frequency of a predetermined wave at a constant speed in a frequency band which allows exciters (EX1, EX2, EX3, EX4) to generate a vibration, a sweep signal divider (4) that divides the sweep signal into a higher-band sweep signal in a higher-frequency band including an overlap frequency band and a lower-band sweep signal in a lower-frequency band including the overlap frequency band, a signal output determination unit (2) that determines from which exciters the higher-band sweep signal and lower-band sweep signal should be outputted, and an output signal adjuster (9) that makes an adjustment for outputting the higher-band sweep signal and lower-band sweep signal from the exciters determined.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: CLARION CO., LTD.Inventors: Takeshi Hashimoto, Kenji Kono, Tetsuo Watanabe, Yasuhiro Fujita
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Patent number: 10046774Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed that includes a monorail (or other vehicle) along a column-supported rail and a movable weight system that repositions and/or accelerates a movable weight with respect to the movable weight's rail to counterbalance a moment associated with the weight and/or a centrifugal force of the monorail relative to the column, where some embodiments also mitigate resonance. Also disclosed is a linear induction motor (LIM) system that enables the LIM to tilt and thereby remain close to the rail, which mitigates potential thrust losses and/or air losses. Further disclosed is an air bearing system where the air bearing has a compliance and a resilience that minimizes air loss between the rail and the bearing. Additionally disclosed is a rotatable wedge system that essentially expands and/or contracts automatically to maintain an adjacency between two rail portions, where some embodiments also mitigate resonance.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Inventor: Gonzalo Duran Ariza
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Patent number: 10046775Abstract: A fall protection system that is easy to assemble, up to international safety standards, and allows fluid progression. The system includes an at least engagement hook, an at least one bifurcating plate, an at least one cable tensioning anchor, and an at least one T-shaped anchor plate. The engagement hook includes a C-shaped body, a first stud, and a second stud. The first stud and the second stud are integrated through the C-shaped body, on either side of an interlocking gap of the C-shaped body. The user is attached to the engagement hook by a tether attachment hole of the C-shaped body. The bifurcating plate includes a cross-shaped body and a plurality of third studs. Each of the third studs is integrated through a corresponding leg of the cross-shaped body. The bifurcating plate, the cable tensioning anchor, and the T-shaped anchor plate are tethered by a system of cables.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: AMERICAN ADVENTURE PARK SYSTEMSInventor: Yvan Buron
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Patent number: 10046776Abstract: A structure having at least one flexible material structured and arranged to withstand a tensile load, at least one support structure configured to support the flexible material and structured and arranged to withstand a compressive load, and at least one enclosed volume at least partially defined by the at least one flexible material, the at least one enclosed volume being configured to be maintained as a low-pressure environment.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: HYPERLOOP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: James T. Coutre, Joshua Giegel, Brogan Bambrogan, Filip Finodeyev, Casey Handmer, David Dehaan
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Patent number: 10046777Abstract: A vehicular suspension device has: a pair of primary support parts for respectively and elastically supporting elastic tires on a sub frame, the tires being located on both vehicle-widthwise sides; and a secondary support part for integrally and elastically supporting the pair of primary support parts and a car body via the sub frame, the secondary support part being located between the sub frame and the car body.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Kousuke Katahira, So Tamura, Mitsuaki Hoshi
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Patent number: 10046778Abstract: A communication system uses a vehicle system controller to control operation of a vehicle system. An electronic air brake (EAB) controller and an electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake controller control operation of a brake of the vehicle system. One or more network connections communicate data packets between the vehicle system controller and the brake controllers to allow the vehicle system controller to control the brake of the vehicle system using data packets communicated between or among two or more of the vehicle system controller, the EAB controller, or the ECP controller to allow the vehicle system controller to control the brake of the vehicle system.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Stephen Michael Crane, David Bardo, Serkan Gitmez, Todd Yarrington, Phil Tullai, Misty Chambers, Chris Pallo
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Patent number: 10046779Abstract: A wireless sensor device includes: an energy harvester configured to convert vibration generated from a broadband vibration source into electricity, an elastic member arranged to receive the vibration and a communication unit fixed by the elastic member, supplied with the converted electricity from the energy harvester, and configured to transmit sensing information obtained by sensing a measurement target. The elastic member operates as a mechanical filter configured to limit a frequency range and an acceleration magnitude of the vibration to be transferred to the communication unit for stabilizing the performance of the communication unit, and the communication unit is arranged to receive vibration passing through the elastic member.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: KOREA RAILROAD RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventor: Jaehoon Kim
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Patent number: 10046780Abstract: A method for operating a rail vehicle includes, at least to some extent, using a secondary ETCS device which travels along with the rail vehicle but is not used for its operation, if a fault occurs in a primary ETCS device. A secondary EVC takes over the role of a primary EVC and, in many applications, at least some train control functions. The advantage is that train control can, at least in some fault cases, be continued in an automated way in the case of a failure of a component of the primary ETCS device. A rail vehicle and an apparatus for the operation of a rail vehicle are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2013Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Markus Dymek, Carsten Hasselkuss, Udo Rabeneck, Christian Wilke
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Patent number: 10046781Abstract: A wheelbarrow for carrying materials is described herein, and may include a main frame having first and second spaced-apart elongate longitudinal arms and a support structure configured to engage the ground when the wheelbarrow is in a stationary position, a load carrying container for receiving a load therein, the load carrying container being mounted to and supported by the main frame and configured for supporting a load, an axle mounted to the main frame and below the container, and a ground engaging wheel rotatably mounted on the axle for moving the wheelbarrow in a mobile position. A hollow interior of the load carrying container may have an upper region and a lower region, the upper region located above the ground engaging wheel and extending along a substantial portion of a width of the container.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: ERGO MATE PTY LTDInventors: Philip John Dumas, Benjamin Mark Green
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Patent number: 10046782Abstract: A dump cart includes a frame; a pair of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame by at least one axle; a bed frame pivotally coupled to the frame so that the bed frame may be pivoted relative to the frame between a lowered, hauling position and a raised, dumping position; a bed attached to the bed frame for receiving and hauling objects; a removable tow bar having a first end that may be attached to the frame and a second end that may be attached to a towing vehicle so that the towing vehicle may pull the dump cart; and a wheelbarrow attachment accessory that may replace the removable tow bar to convert the dump cart to a wheelbarrow.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: OXCART PRODUCTS, LLCInventor: Todd Francis Dechant
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Patent number: 10046783Abstract: A shopping cart deflection measurement system and associated methods are described. The shopping cart deflection measurement system includes a shopping cart, a sensor, and a processing device equipped with a processor. The shopping cart includes a frame, a basket portion pivotably mounted to the frame so as to enable deflection of at least one edge of the basket portion downward in the direction of gravity following a weight being placed in the basket portion, and a lower rack portion mounted to the frame and disposed below the basket portion. The processing device can be configured to execute instructions to measure deflection of the basket portion relative to the lower rack portion of the shopping cart using data acquired by the sensor. The measured deflection can be indicative of a fullness of the basket portion with one or more products.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLCInventors: Nicholaus Adam Jones, Robert James Taylor, Aaron James Vasgaard, Matthew Allen Jones
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Patent number: 10046784Abstract: Trailer hitch attachable coolers are disclosed. Methods of making trailer hitch attachable coolers, and methods of using trailer hitch attachable coolers are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: BIG KAT BUGGY, LLCInventors: Richard Kevin Rackleff, Roy Elmer Blackburn
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Patent number: 10046785Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a child transport cover according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a child transport, such as a stroller, and a flexible outer cover coupled to a structural system. The structural system may comprise a main frame disposed on an interior portion of a cover. The main frame may comprise a rigid support portion and a flexible support portion, as well as a plurality of fasteners coupled to the main frame. Each fastener may comprise a mechanism adapted to secure the fastener to the child transport device.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Inventor: Moshe Atkins
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Patent number: 10046786Abstract: Various implementations relate to an operator monitoring system (OMS). Certain implementations include an OMS coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. For example, the OMS may include an imaging unit, such as a camera, that is coupled to a central hub portion of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view directed toward one or more occupants in the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area in the field of view. The imaging area can be configured to encapsulate an expected position of one or more vehicle occupants. The OMS also includes one or more processing units in electrical communication with the imaging unit that receives and processes the image signal from the imaging unit to determine an occupant state and, in some implementations, provide feedback based on the determined occupant state.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLCInventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Len Cech, Valerie Gardner
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Patent number: 10046787Abstract: A steering wheel for a vehicle is provided. The steering wheel includes a steering wheel rim with an operating member formed as a ring segment of the steering wheel rim and has an exterior shell with at least a first shell part and a second shell part. The exterior shell is configured to at least partially rotate from an initial position around a framework structure. At least one first switch is switchable to at least partially rotate the exterior shell from the initial position around the framework structure. The exterior shell is in the initial position, at least one of the first shell part and the second shell part are actuated toward or away from the framework structure to switch at least one second switch.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Marquardt GmbHInventors: Firat Tapti, Volker Prescher, Daniel Gruler, Lutz Bauer, Lucian Vulcu, Florin Adrian Similie
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Patent number: 10046788Abstract: A steering column may comprise a body-side holder with two fastening elements that each comprise a fastening portion for fastening the fastening element to a vehicle and a holding portion for holding a casing unit supporting a steering spindle rotatably about an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may be arranged between the two holding portions, and the fastening and holding portions may be integral with a connecting portion disposed integrally there between. The connecting portion may be connected to the fastening portion via a first line of intersection, and the connecting portion may be connected to the holding portion via a second line of intersection. The first and second lines of intersection can define an intermediate plane with a surface normal. The second line of intersection together with a fastening point of the holding portion to the casing unit define a holding plane with another surface normal.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AGInventor: Michael Siewert
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Patent number: 10046789Abstract: A tilt spring (72) is provided in a state being bridged between an upper bracket (17a) and an adjusting rod (24a). An upward biasing force is exerted on the adjusting rod (24a). A pair of rollers (63) are rotatably supported by the adjusting rod (24a). The force from the tilt spring (72) is transmitted to an outer column (11a) via the pair of rollers (63).Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventor: Suguru Sugishita
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Patent number: 10046790Abstract: An electric power steering apparatus includes a torque control system to calculate a current command value and a current control system to control a motor current value passing through a motor based on the current command value. A first calculation period of the torque control system is equal to or longer than a second calculation period of the current control system. The current control system includes a specific frequency band removing section that attenuates a frequency component which multiplies at least one natural number by an approximate half of a calculation frequency of the torque control system to the current command value. The specific frequency band removing section includes notch filters that set an attenuation frequency or includes the notch filters and a phase delay filter that has a cutoff frequency, which is set to a lower frequency side than a frequency which is attenuated by the notch filters.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: NSK LTD.Inventor: Takahiro Tsubaki
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Patent number: 10046791Abstract: A recessed portion is formed in an inner wall surface of a lower portion of a reduction gear housing (a lower wall in FIG. 2) in the direction of gravity and between a bearing 44 and an outer wall of the reduction gear housing (a right side wall in FIG. 2). The recessed portion is formed to have such a depth that the recessed portion does not penetrate the reduction gear housing. The recessed portion is formed in the reduction gear housing within a given range in a circumferential direction with respect to the axis of a rack shaft serving as the center. A moisture sensor is mounted in the recessed portion to detect water infiltrating into a housing. The moisture sensor has a transmission circuit that operates using a water battery as a power supply source. The water battery generates power when water flows into the water battery.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Toshihiro Asakura, Keisuke Ogawa, Hiroyuki Toyoda
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Patent number: 10046792Abstract: The present invention relates to an electromechanical motor vehicle power steering mechanism for assisting steering of a motor vehicle by conferring torque generated by an electric motor to a steering mechanism. A steering controller receives at least signals representative of the vehicle velocity and the torque applied to a steering wheel and a rotor position signal to determine a target motor torque, a motor controller which receives the target motor torque from the steering controller and transfers it into target voltages expressed in a coordinate system fixed to the stator and a motor driver which transforms the target voltages into motor currents, at least one current measurement unit which measures the motor currents, wherein the mechanism further comprises a current estimation unit which estimates the target currents and a diagnostic unit which compares the estimated target currents to the measured motor currents in order to identify and remedy occurring faults.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: thyssenkrupp AGInventors: Ádám Sóti, Ferenc Illés
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Patent number: 10046793Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a driving feature for an automated driving system are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving a first sensor signal from a first sensor; receiving a second sensor signal from a second sensor; selectively determining a driver intent based on at least one of the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal; and controlling the driving feature based on the driver intent.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Charles A. Green, Kenneth L. Rosol, Michael P. Turski, Jeremy A. Salinger
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Patent number: 10046794Abstract: The present invention provides a rack assist type electric power steering apparatus that may include: a ball nut configured to be coupled to the outer circumferential side of a rack bar through balls that are coupled to a screw thread formed on the inner circumferential surface; a nut pulley configured to be coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the central portion of the ball nut in the axial direction; and a rotational support member configured to be coupled between the outer circumferential surface of the ball nut and the rack housing while supporting both side ends of the nut pulley.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventors: Jae Hoon Bae, Dae Hee Jung
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Patent number: 10046795Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting assembly for a vehicle for coupling, to a chassis, a housing in which a steering device is mounted, the mounting assembly including: a first bush that is configured to be coupled to a mounting hole that is formed in the housing, and is configured to have a coupling groove formed therein; a second bush that is configured to be provided between the housing and the chassis, and is configured to have a through hole formed to lead to the coupling groove; and a bolt that is configured to fix the housing to the chassis, wherein the second bush is inserted into the bottom of the first bush to then be coupled, and the bolt is engaged with the coupling groove by passing through an assembly hole that is formed in the chassis and by passing the through hole.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Gi Hyung Lee