Patents Issued in November 8, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180319367
    Abstract: A detachable steering wheel includes a steering wheel body, an electric sleeve, a fixing mechanism, a controlling module and an identifying module. The steering wheel body includes a direction grip and a connection shaft. The connection shaft is inserted into a steering column. Moreover, plural indentations are formed in the connection shaft. The electric sleeve is movably sheathed around the steering column. The fixing mechanism includes plural rolling balls and plural openings. The plural openings are penetrated through the corresponding openings and connected with the corresponding indentations. The controlling module is installed in the steering column and electrically connected with the electric sleeve. The identifying module is installed in the direction grip and electrically connected with the controlling module. Due to these structures, the intelligent anti-theft purpose is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Kuan-Pao Ting
  • Publication number: 20180319368
    Abstract: A method for regulating vehicle access comprises receiving, from an electronic device of a user, a request to access a vehicle. The vehicle can be disposed at a designated geographic location. Next, geographic information of the user is received from the electronic device. The geographic information is determined with the aid of the electronic device of the user. The user is then provided access to the vehicle if, based on the received geographic information, a geographic location of the user is within a given distance from the designated geographic location of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Keating, J. Loren Passmore, Peter R. Russo
  • Publication number: 20180319369
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a control method of using an article, apparatus and system, and an article. The method comprises the following steps: providing an article in a free-to-use state; starting a timer to count down when the article undergoes an event indicating that it is used by a user; providing an article identifier in a short-range communication manner and determining a user identifier corresponding to a user who uses an article corresponding to the article identifier to trigger an acquisition of an authentication result of using the article; and when the authentication result of using the article is not acquired or the authentication fails before the end of countdown, allowing the article to be transformed from the free-to-use state to a disabled state. According to the present invention, the user may use the article prior to executing the authentication operation. Therefore, the user experience is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Weiwei HU, Hongdu JIN, Yujie YANG
  • Publication number: 20180319370
    Abstract: A smart key configured to control a plurality of vehicles includes: a first communication unit configured to exchange information with the plurality of vehicles; an information acquisition device configured to acquire user information associated with a user of the smart key; at least one processor; and a computer-readable medium coupled to the at least one processor having stored thereon instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform operations including: based on the user information, selecting, as a vehicle to enter, at least one vehicle among the plurality of vehicles based on the user information and based on information associated with the plurality of vehicles; and exchanging, through the first communication unit, a signal with the selected at least one vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Janghwan KIM, Sunbin KANG, Leesak KIM, Sewon PARK, Youngsok LEE, Hyeoncheol CHO
  • Publication number: 20180319371
    Abstract: Provided is a fog removing device including a sensor configured to detect fog to generate sensing data, a heater configured to generate heat to remove the fog, and a control unit configured to supply a power to the heater by using the sensing data. The sensor includes a substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode, which are provided on the substrate and electrically disconnected from each other, and a recess region defined between the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Woo-Seok CHEONG, Chan Hwa HONG
  • Publication number: 20180319372
    Abstract: A windscreen wiper device (1) of the flat blade type, includes an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade (2) of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped. The wiper blade includes at least one longitudinal groove (3), in which groove at least one longitudinal strip (4) of the carrier element is disposed. A connecting device (6) for an oscillating arm (7), is pivotally connected about a pivot axis near one end thereof. An electrically conductive coating (12) is provided on at least a part of the longitudinal strip along at least a portion of its length in order to transfer electrically generated heat to the wiper blade upon applying a voltage to the electrically conductive coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: OLIVIER BOULANGER
  • Publication number: 20180319373
    Abstract: A windscreen wiper device (1) of the flat blade type, particularly for automobiles, includes an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade (2) of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped. The wiper blade includes at least one longitudinal groove (3), in which groove at least one longitudinal strip (4) of the carrier element is disposed. A connecting device (5) is connected to the flexible material of the wiper blade by at least one pin (14), that cooperates with a recess (21) provided along an exterior edge of the longitudinal strip in order to limit any movement of the wiper blade in longitudinal direction thereof relative to the longitudinal strip at the location of the interconnection of the connecting device and the wiper blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: DANIEL BOUDJENAH, XAVIER BOLAND
  • Publication number: 20180319374
    Abstract: A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighbouring ends of the longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connecting piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating arm, wherein the oscillating arm is pivotally connected to the connecting device about a pivot axis near one end, with the interposition of a joint part, with the special feature that the joint part is detachable connected to the connecting device by engaging protrusions of the connecting device, at the location of the pivot axis, in recesses provided in the joint part, and wherein the protrusions are provided with co-axial through holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Xavier BOLAND
  • Publication number: 20180319375
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a system and method for processing fluid captured from a vehicle surface and routing the fluid to one or more fluid reservoirs of the vehicle. The system includes one or more reservoirs for storing captured fluid and one or more reservoirs for storing chemical based fluids such as antifreeze fluids. The system is operationally configured to convey chemical based fluid to the captured fluid reservoir(s) according to one or more preset ambient temperatures of the system prior to routing fluid to one or more fluid reservoirs of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: James K Weigle
  • Publication number: 20180319376
    Abstract: Methods and system for monitoring and evaluating irregularities on a sensor lens of a vehicle sensor are disclosed. One embodiment of a method includes the steps of providing the vehicle with an actuator configured to move the sensor lens and a controller in electronic communication with the actuator, receiving sensor data corresponding to at least one characteristic of a vehicle environment from the at least one sensor, evaluating the sensor data to determine if the sensor data indicates an irregularity on the sensor lens of the at least one sensor, classifying the irregularity, storing irregularity data corresponding to the classified irregularity in a non-transient, computer-readable data medium, and, in response to the classified irregularity, automatically controlling the actuator to move the sensor lens from a first position to a second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Frank J. Dusina, Scott W. Damman, Aaron S. Pfau
  • Publication number: 20180319377
    Abstract: A system includes a dome, a wiper assembly, a position sensor and a control device. The wiper assembly includes a wiper blade configured to rotate around the dome. The position sensor may be configured to send a signal to a control device when a wiper blade passes the position sensor. The control device may include one or more processors configured to receive the signal from the position sensor and determine a location of the wiper blade relative to the dome based on the received signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Graham Doorley, Paul Thomas Hansen Karplus, Peter Avram
  • Publication number: 20180319378
    Abstract: A lighted dryer assembly for a vehicle wash system including a housing portion, having a head portion, a body portion, and an outlet portion. The head portion includes an air inlet portion for drawing air into the head portion and an outlet for passing the air to the body portion. The outlet portion has a plurality of exit nozzles that are configured to emit high velocity air therefrom for removing water from an exterior surface of a vehicle while disposed in a vehicle treatment area. The body portion includes an upper portion where air is received from the head portion and a lower portion disposed remote from the upper portion. A light source is disposed within the housing portion and configured to emit light that can be seen by a vehicle disposed in the vehicle treatment area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Michael J. Belanger, Barry S. Turner, David L. Tognetti
  • Publication number: 20180319379
    Abstract: A vehicle safety device (200) for preventing an unoccupied vehicle moving uncontrollably. The device comprises a control module (201) and a brake module (203). The device (200) is configured to detect when a driver leaves said vehicle. The device (200) is also configured to activate, through the brake module (203), a braking system when the device detects that said driver has left the vehicle. The device may improve the safety of a vehicle in which it is fitted. A system (300) comprising the device (200) and a vehicle (400) comprising the system (300) are also described. A method of preventing an unoccupied vehicle moving is also described. The device, system, vehicle and method are particularly useful for preventing accidents in large commercial vehicles caused by a driver leaving the vehicle without engaging a parking brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Nigel Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20180319380
    Abstract: A control system is provided for a vehicle including an autonomous emergency braking system, characterized in that the control system includes: a brake control arrangement adapted to apply a friction-estimating braking when the autonomous emergency braking system has initiated a possible intervention; a brake force capacity estimation arrangement adapted to estimate the brake force capacity of the vehicle as a function of longitudinal wheel slip based on the applied friction-estimating braking; a road information arrangement adapted to obtain information about road curvature ahead of the vehicle; a lateral tyre force prediction arrangement adapted to predict lateral tyre force needed during autonomous emergency braking based on the obtained information about road curvature; and a brake strategy adaptation arrangement configured to adapt the brake strategy of the autonomous emergency braking system based on the estimated brake force capacity and the predicted lateral tyre force needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Leo LAINE, Fredrik SANDBLOM
  • Publication number: 20180319381
    Abstract: An anti-lock braking system for an autonomous vehicle includes a memory storing instructions relating to braking control, a detection system for detecting an event necessitating braking of the autonomous vehicle, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the detection system and is configured to execute the instructions to receive detection and identification of the event, determine a vehicle deceleration rate based on the identification of the event, and operate the anti-lock braking system in a selected mode of a plurality of different predetermined operating modes based on the vehicle deceleration rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Andy Vitale, Joshua Struble, Ananth Kini, Kevin Davis
  • Publication number: 20180319382
    Abstract: A control system is provided for an articulated vehicle including a towing vehicle, a trailer and an autonomous emergency braking system, wherein the control system includes: a brake control arrangement adapted to apply a friction-estimating braking; a brake force capacity estimation arrangement adapted to estimate the brake force capacity of the vehicle as a function of longitudinal wheel slip based on the applied friction-estimating braking; an axle load estimation arrangement adapted to estimate the normal force on each wheel axle of the vehicle; a friction estimation arrangement adapted to estimate a friction coefficient based on the estimated brake force capacity and at least one of the estimated normal forces; and a brake strategy adaptation arrangement configured to adapt the brake strategy of the autonomous emergency braking system by adjusting the brake force for at least one wheel axle of the Vehicle based on the estimated friction coefficient and the at least one wheel axle's estimated normal force
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Leo LAINE, Fredrik SANDBLOM
  • Publication number: 20180319383
    Abstract: The vehicle braking device performs a control which makes an actual value of physical quantity associated with a braking force follow a target value thereof when the actual value is outside a dead zone and a control which suppresses a change of the actual value when the actual value is within the dead zone and includes a judging portion which judges whether or not the actual value passes through the dead zone with a value beyond the upper limit threshold value and a setting portion which sets a second upper limit threshold value more closely approximated than a first upper limit threshold value when the actual value is judged not to pass through the dead zone, as the upper limit threshold value, when the actual value is judged to pass through the dead zone by the judging portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicants: ADVICS CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Okano, Daisuke Nakata
  • Publication number: 20180319384
    Abstract: This electric braking device for a vehicle imparts to the wheels of the vehicle a braking torque in accordance with the output of an electric motor. A vehicle body-side electronic control unit calculates a command value for the output of the electric motor on the basis of the amount of operation performed on a braking operation member. A wheel-side electronic control unit adjusts the output of the electric motor on the basis of the command value. The vehicle body-side electronic control unit calculates the vehicle body speed on the basis of the wheel speed. The wheel-side electronic control unit adjusts the output of the electric motor so as to prevent an increase in slippage of the wheels on the basis of the vehicle body speed and the wheel speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicants: ADVICS CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki YASUI, Naoki YABUSAKI
  • Publication number: 20180319385
    Abstract: A pressure-limiting valve has a valve housing, a piston, a pressure-limiting adjustment spring, at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The piston can assume an open position in which the inlet and the outlet are connected to each other and a closed position which separates the inlet and outlet. A first piston ring has a sealing surface and has a small pneumatic active surface relative to a second piston ring. Between the first and second piston rings the piston has a substantially truncated cone-like portion which tapers toward the first piston ring. In the closed position, the sealing surface of the first piston ring is sealingly drawn against a housing collar by a pneumatic force acting counter to the force of the pressure-limiting adjustment spring. A pneumatic passage for creating a safety valve function closable by a spring-loaded safety valve body is provided in the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: Isa AYDEMIR
  • Publication number: 20180319386
    Abstract: A method for tractive force interruption-free shifting of a hybrid drive comprising combustion engine (21), electric engine (2), main gear (HG) comprising two parallel connected partial gears, output shaft (3), and first and second planetary gears (PG1, PG2). Each partial gear having either first hollow gear input shaft (4) or second solid gear input shaft (5). The first planetary gear (PG1) is connected to the main gear (HG) as the range group, with main gear (HG) comprising at least five gear planes (R1-R5) and at least four shifting elements (S1-S4). The electric engine (2) is connected to carrier (ST1) of the range group (PG1) and the output shaft (3) so that the electric engine (2) supports tractive force while the range group (PG1) is shifted, and the fifth gear plane (R5) is connected to carrier (ST1) of range group (PG1) and thus can be shifted under load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Johannes KALTENBACH, Johannes GLÜCKLER, Stefan RENNER, Rayk GERSTEN
  • Publication number: 20180319387
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to active vibration control of a hybrid electric vehicle. One form provides a method that may include setting up a period of fast Fourier transform (FFT) and performing FFT of an engine speed or a motor speed corresponding to the period of the FFT from a reference angle signal; setting up a reference spectrum; extracting vibration components to be removed based on information of the reference spectrum; selecting and adding a removal object frequency from the vibration of each frequency and performing inverse FFT; determining a basic amplitude ratio according to the engine speed and the engine load; determining an adjustable rate which decreases an anti-phase torque as a change amount of the engine speed is decreased; and performing active vibration control of each frequency based on the information of the basic amplitude ratio, the adjustable rate, and the engine torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sung Jae Kim, Jeong Soo Eo
  • Publication number: 20180319388
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for active vibration control of a hybrid electric vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jeong Soo Eo, Sung Jae Kim, Byunghoon Yang
  • Publication number: 20180319389
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a drive device (3, 203) of a hybrid vehicle (1, 201), wherein a performance-oriented mode or a consumption-oriented mode can be selected for the drive apparatus, wherein the method for a selected consumption-oriented mode in the case of a first condition comprises: controlling the drive device in a parallel boost hybrid operation in which the internal combustion engine (5, 205) and additionally the first electric engine and/or the second electric engine brings about a drive torque until a criterion is fulfilled, depending on the time duration of the operation and/or the energy conversion in the parallel boost hybrid operation, and in the event the criterion is fulfilled, switching to a serial hybrid operation in which the drive torque is brought about by means of the second electric engine (11, 211) and the internal combustion engine (5, 205) drives the first electric engine (9, 209) for generating electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Christian FELSCH, Jörg RIELING, Michael ZILLMER
  • Publication number: 20180319390
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid drive system for a road vehicle provided with at least a pair of drive wheels; the hybrid drive system comprises: an internal combustion heat engine, which is designed to transmit the motion to the drive wheels and is provided with a turbocharger equipped with a turbine; a first electric machine, which is able to transmit the motion to the drive wheels; and a second electric machine, which is mechanically connected to the turbine of the turbocharger. In a possible operating mode, the internal combustion heat engine is controlled to pursue a target torque by completely opening a throttle valve, operating the second electric machine as an electric generator and the first electric machine as a motor, and varying the electric power generated by the second electric machine so as to adjust the flow rate of fresh air fed to the cylinder of the internal combustion heat engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Giovanni Gaviani, Ignazio Dentici, Marco Panciroli
  • Publication number: 20180319391
    Abstract: A control system has at least one electronic control unit for controlling an internal combustion engine in a hybrid vehicle, which records at least the vehicle speed and the driver's desired driving performance and the driving performance specified by a safety control system or a driver assistance system. The control unit is designed such that, below a pre-defined vehicle speed threshold and/or in the event of recognition of an urban area, while in a purely electric driving mode, it only engages the internal combustion engine when the current desired driving performance exceeds a pre-defined upper threshold, preferably once the maximum tractive force at the wheel for purely electric driving is at least reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Ferdinand WIESBECK, Michael ETZEL, Andreas RANK, Jochen SCHROEDER, Christian GLATZ
  • Publication number: 20180319392
    Abstract: An obstacle detection system includes a controller configured to receive a first signal from a first sensor assembly indicative of presence of an obstacle within a field of view of the first sensor assembly. The controller is configured to receive a second signal from a second sensor assembly indicative of a position of the obstacle within a field of view of the second sensor assembly in response to presence of a movable object coupled to the work vehicle within the field of view of the first sensor assembly. The controller is configured to determine presence of the obstacle within the field of view of the first sensor assembly based on the position of the obstacle, and the controller is configured to output a third signal indicative of detection of the obstacle in response to presence of the obstacle within the field of view of the first sensor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: John Henry Posselius, Christopher Alan Foster, Taylor Chad Bybee, Bret Todd Turpin, Michael G. Hornberger
  • Publication number: 20180319393
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle according to the present disclosure includes detecting an object in a target region proximate the vehicle. The method additionally includes anticipating a collision with the object based on a relative position, relative velocity, and relative acceleration of the object. The method further includes activating a collision preparation mode in response to anticipating the collision.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Youssef P. Najjar, Sachin K. Pindolia
  • Publication number: 20180319394
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fail-safe system for vehicle proximity including, in some embodiments, an autonomous-vehicle control system onboard a vehicle, a brake system of the vehicle, and at least one onboard transceiver onboard the vehicle. An autonomous-vehicle control-system module can be configured with collision-determining logic. A brake-system module can be configured to slow down or stop the vehicle upon receiving a braking-process instruction from the control-system module. A transceiver module can be configured to receive signals from at least one external transmitter moving toward or away from the vehicle. The transceiver module can be configured to send to the control-system module proximity information for the external transmitter as it moves toward or away from the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew Robert Phillipps, Aaron Jacob Melzer
  • Publication number: 20180319395
    Abstract: A saddle-ride vehicle includes a forward travel sensor a brake that decelerates the vehicle by actuation of a rider-operable brake control. A controller identifies a trigger for an autonomous braking event for the brake. A rider sensor system is in electrical communication with the controller and includes one or both of: a rider cognition sensor operable to detect parameters of rider cognition and report rider cognition status to the controller, and a rider physical sensor operable to detect parameters of a physical engagement between a rider and the vehicle and report rider physical engagement status to the controller. The controller is programmed to perform one or both of the following in response to the identification of the autonomous braking event trigger: checking for a positive cognitive engagement of the rider with the rider cognition sensor, and checking for a positive physical engagement of the rider with the rider physical sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Brian Ginther, Cindy Ann Miller, Matthew David Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20180319396
    Abstract: An obstacle detection system for a work vehicle includes a controller having a memory and a processor. The controller is configured to receive a first signal indicative of a position of an obstacle relative to the work vehicle, to determine whether the position of the obstacle corresponds to a position of a movable object coupled to the work vehicle, and to output a second signal indicative of detection of the obstacle in response to determining that the position of the obstacle does not correspond to the position of the movable object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Christopher Alan Foster, Taylor Chad Bybee, Bret Todd Turpin, Chad Brian Jeppesen, Brad Abram Baillio
  • Publication number: 20180319397
    Abstract: When a driver demand torque is not greater than a target braking/driving torque, the acceleration/deceleration of the vehicle is controlled depending on the target braking/driving torque, when the driver demand torque exceeds the target braking/driving torque, the acceleration/deceleration is controlled depending on the driver demand torque, when the accelerator pedal operation amount decreases after the driver demand torque exceeds the target braking/driving torque, the driver demand torque is decreased depending on the decrease in the accelerator pedal operation amount, the decrease rate of the driver demand torque depending on the decrease in the accelerator pedal operation amount is set to be smaller than the decrease rate for a case where the driver does not set a travelling speed, and the acceleration/deceleration is controlled based on the set driver demand torque, and when the accelerator pedal operation amount becomes zero subsequently, the acceleration/deceleration is controlled depending on the tar
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Mitsunori Ohta, Naoki Miyashita, Yuuki Shiozawa
  • Publication number: 20180319398
    Abstract: A work vehicle (1) including: a hydraulic stepless transmission (500) that shifts a speed of a driving force from an engine (5); a gear shift pedal (41) that performs an acceleration/deceleration operation of a shifted output from the hydraulic stepless transmission (500); a control section (813) that controls the engine (5) and the hydraulic stepless transmission (500) based on an operation amount of the gear shift pedal (41); and acceleration/deceleration switches (65b, 65c) that increase and reduce a vehicle speed in performing an auto-cruise mode. The control section (813) stores a set maximum vehicle speed. In a case where the acceleration/deceleration switches (65b, 65c) are operated in the auto-cruise mode, the control section (813) increases and reduces the vehicle speed stored in shifting to the auto-cruise mode based on the amount of change in accordance with the maximum vehicle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouhei OGURA, Toshiyuki MIWA, Kenta IKENORI
  • Publication number: 20180319399
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing perception of transitions from shifting a transmission from neutral to drive are described. In one example, the transmission is shifted from neutral to drive in response to brake pedal motion before the brake pedal is fully released so that timing of pressurizing clutches and engaging a forward gear is advanced to occur while the brake pedal is still applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Zhengyu Dai, Yang Xu, Sathish Atluri, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Publication number: 20180319400
    Abstract: A method for a semi-automatic or automatic controller of a transportation vehicle during starting to prevent an accordion effect when starting the transportation vehicle in a queue of transportation vehicles. A driving intention message is received from a further transportation vehicle which displays information relating to a planned starting process of the further transportation vehicle. It is also determined whether the further transportation vehicle is located directly in front of the transportation vehicle. If it is determined that the further transportation vehicle is located directly in front of the transportation vehicle, a parameter for the semi-automatic or automatic controller of the transportation vehicle is determined based on the received driving intention message.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Sandra KLEINAU, Teodor BUBURUZAN, Bernd LEHMANN, Bernd RECH, Monique ENGEL, Stefan GLÄSER, Hendrik-Jörn GÜNTHER
  • Publication number: 20180319401
    Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle-trailer unit includes recording, with an electronic control unit for a trailer assist system, a plurality of maneuvers of the vehicle-trailer unit as each maneuver is executed in an original direction of travel. The method also includes retrieving the recorded plurality of maneuvers in response to an initiating of a tight spot reversal feature for the trailer assist system. The method further includes instructing vehicle systems to perform the retrieved recorded plurality of maneuvers in the reverse order and direction of travel in which they were recorded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon Herzog, Jeremy McClain, Ibro Muharemovic
  • Publication number: 20180319402
    Abstract: Embodiments include a vehicle system comprising a display capable of displaying a message indicating automatic activation of a driver assistance feature; at least one electronic control unit configured to determine whether preset driving conditions are met; and a processor configured to cause the display to display the message upon receiving a notification indicating satisfaction of the conditions, initiate a countdown, and automatically activate the driver assistance feature upon completion of the countdown. Embodiments also include a method of activating a driver assistance feature in a vehicle. The method includes receiving, at a processor, a notification indicating satisfaction of preset driving conditions; in response, displaying, on a display, a message indicating automatic activation of the driver assistance feature; initiating a countdown, using the processor; and automatically activating the driver assistance feature, using the processor, upon completion of the countdown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Aaron L. Mills, John Shutko, Shane Elwart, Timothy D. Zwicky, Nitendra Nath, Justin Teems
  • Publication number: 20180319403
    Abstract: Methods and vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems for determining a gap in traffic between two transportation vehicles for a lane change of a transportation vehicle. The method includes identifying the gap in traffic based on a first detection operation and based on a second detection operation. The first detection operation is based on at least one vehicle-to-vehicle status message of at least one other transportation vehicle. The second detection operation is based on an on-board sensor system of the transportation vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Teodor BUBURUZAN, Monique ENGEL, Bernd RECH, Stefan GLÄSER, Bernd LEHMANN, Sandra KLEINAU, Hendrik- Jörn GÜNTHER
  • Publication number: 20180319404
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for computing a friction estimate between a road surface and a tire of a vehicle. The method comprises applying a controllable torque to at least one of wheel of the vehicle and determining a vehicle velocity when the controllable torque is applied. Estimate a present tire force acting on the first tire when the torque is applied. Based on a vehicle velocity, estimate the present slip of the tire. Determining a present gradient of the tire force with respect to the slip based on the present tire force and the value indicative of the present slip. When the present gradient exceeds a predetermined first gradient threshold value and is below predetermined second gradient threshold value, compute the friction estimate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mats JONASSON, Anton ALBINSSON, Fredrik Hans BRUZELIUS
  • Publication number: 20180319405
    Abstract: A method for controlling functions in a transportation vehicle wherein a driving behavior of a driver is determined. To be able to classify the driving behavior of the driver, a driving behavior of other drivers is also provided. The driving behavior of the one driver is evaluated based on the driving behavior of the other drivers for at least one specific driving situation, and functions in the transportation vehicle are actuated based on the evaluation thereby achieving a comfortable adjustment of the functions for the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Theodor HEINZE, Thomas BENSCHEID, Jochen ADAMEK, Jens FLIEGNER
  • Publication number: 20180319406
    Abstract: A method includes detecting, based on a first location of a vehicle and weather data, a condition for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the vehicle. The first location is a current location of the vehicle. The process further includes determining that a level of VOCs in the vehicle is greater than a predetermined level. A second location is selected to expedite removal of the VOCs, and the vehicle is navigated to the second location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Publication number: 20180319407
    Abstract: The disclosed method is stored as computer readable instructions and carried out by a processor that is part of a disclosed occupant monitoring system (OMS). The method starts with the receipt of an external signal by the processor. The external signal can be the starting of the vehicle engine, an indication of semi-autonomous or autonomous driving mode, or an indication that the occupant is seated, is in contact with a steering wheel, and/or is in contact with at least one dashboard control. The receipt of the external signal causes the processor to capture an image, analyze the image to determine if at least one monitoring condition is met, generate an adjustment signal if the monitoring condition is not met, and communicate the adjustment signal to at least one VCS, and repeating the monitoring loop. In some implementations, multiple images are captured and analyzed during the cycling of a monitoring loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Len Cech, Blaine Dolcetti
  • Publication number: 20180319408
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle using an apparatus to prompt the driver for an interaction, the motor vehicle having the ability to be operated at least in one operating mode with semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicle guidance and in an operating mode with vehicle guidance controlled by the driver, a reaction of the driver with respect to a prompt for an interaction being checked during operation of the semi-autonomous or autonomous vehicle guidance. The method is includes that a viewing direction of the driver and/or a vocal utterance by the driver is/are considered when checking the reaction of the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicants: Robert Bosch GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter HOETZER
  • Publication number: 20180319409
    Abstract: A power system for a locomotive includes a dynamic brake (DB) grid, at least one chopper circuit, and a controller. The locomotive includes at least one traction motor to power one or more loads during a braking of the locomotive. The DB grid includes at least one resistor bank and is configured to dissipate at least a portion of the power generated by the traction motor. The chopper circuit includes a three-phase inverter module, and selectively disables an electrical communication between the resistor bank and the traction motor. The controller is coupled to the chopper circuit and the loads. The controller determines a magnitude of the loads, and controls the chopper circuit to disable an electrical communication between the resistor bank and the traction motor for a predetermined duration to control a portion of the power dissipated by the DB grid to meet the magnitude of the loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Progress Rail Locomotive Inc.
    Inventor: Madan M. Jalla
  • Publication number: 20180319410
    Abstract: The manual release mechanism described herein enables a passenger to attempt to manually open the transit door but delays opening until the vehicle is no longer moving. A motion transfer device (14) moves to an unlocking position of the door lock (10) only when the manual release mechanism is activated to release store energy in a mechanical energy storage device (40) and an electromechanical device (26) is de-energized to release the motion transfer device (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Andre Stojc, Daniel Filion
  • Publication number: 20180319411
    Abstract: A railcar steering bogie includes: a bogie frame supporting a bolster such that the bolster is swingable relative to bogie frame about a vertical axis; two wheelsets; axle box suspensions including respective axle beams coupling corresponding axle boxes to bogie frame, the axle boxes accommodating respective bearings supporting corresponding axles; and a steering mechanism steering at least one of the two wheelsets in accordance with the bolster's swinging relative to the bogie frame. The steering mechanism includes: a steering lever configured to turn relative to the bogie frame about fulcrum axis; a coupling link coupling the bolster and steering lever and configured to operate in conjunction with the bolster's swinging relative to the bogie frame; and at least one steering link coupling steering lever and axle beam and configured to steer the corresponding wheelset by displacing corresponding axle box through the corresponding axle beam in conjunction with steering lever's turning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takehiro NISHIMURA, Yoshi SATO, Yukitaka TAGA, Yousuke TSUMURA, Keiichiro KAMURA, Fumikazu KOUNOIKE, Koichi MURATA, Francois Olivier UCHIDA, Yuta YOSHIMATSU
  • Publication number: 20180319412
    Abstract: A method operates a rail vehicle along a railway line. Accordingly, a trip of the rail vehicle has a travel section along the railway line, which travel section ends before or at a hazard point of the railway line. The rail vehicle, in a protection mode, is braked starting from a first speed during a braking phase at the start of the travel section. During the braking phase, a kinetic quantity of the kinetic energy amount of the rail vehicle is absorbed by an energy absorption unit. The braking phase is followed by an energy dissipation phase, in which part of the absorbed energy is discharged. The travel section is defined such that an energy state parameter representative of a vehicle energy amount, which energy state parameter takes into account the energy amount present in the energy absorption unit, satisfies a condition at the hazard point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventor: STEPHAN HORN
  • Publication number: 20180319413
    Abstract: A method of railroad track control includes partitioning a physical track block into a plurality of virtual track blocks, the physical track block defined by first and second insulated joints disposed at corresponding first and second ends of a length of railroad track. The presence of an electrical circuit discontinuity in one of the plurality of virtual track blocks; is detected and in response a corresponding virtual track block position code indicating the presence of the discontinuity in the one of the plurality of virtual track blocks is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Jerry Wade Specht, Ralph E. Young, Kent Robert Shue, Mitchell Wayne Beard
  • Publication number: 20180319414
    Abstract: Railyard management system for managing, assembling, disassembling and validating train consists and monitoring railcars in the railyard. The system provides for the collection of data and the movement of data from lower processing levels to higher processing levels, where an inference engine draws inferences regarding the current state of railcars and train consists within the railyard. The inferences are assigned confidence levels based on the methods and available data used to draw the inferences. The system can be used to track the location and orientation of railcars in the railyard and to validate order and orientation of assets in a train consist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: William Lefebvre, Matthew Bonnes, Darren Dragish, Andrew Martin, Thomas P. Fuhs
  • Publication number: 20180319415
    Abstract: A safety method is provided for a railway network that is divided into track sections by track elements, and can be travelled by vehicles in accordance with data from components of a track atlas. The vehicles request steps, from selections of the track elements, for assignment as a travel path element, and in which each of the selected track elements automatically assigns itself as a travel path element for each vehicle that requests the steps for assignment as a travel path element, under predetermined conditions. In order to optimize the loading of the track atlas relating to each vehicle, the data at least of one of the components of the track atlas is stored locally by the track elements in parts relating to the track elements in the form of datasets. A safety system for the railway network implements the safety method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Sven ADOMEIT, Uwe DEICHMANN, Norbert GEDUHN, Carlos DEL POZO
  • Publication number: 20180319416
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to ground transportation systems, and more particularly to a fixed guideway transportation system that achieves a superior ratio of benefits per cost, is lower in net present cost and thus more easily justified for lower density corridors, and can provide passenger carrying capacities appropriate for higher density corridors serviced by mass rapid transit systems today.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Eugene Iwao NISHINAGA, Kevin Kohei NISHINAGA, Harry BURT, Neil SINCLAIR, Dexter VIZINAU