Patents Issued in December 20, 2018
  • Publication number: 20180362049
    Abstract: The driver's driving behavior will be recorded and a signature will be created either on vehicle or on a cloud data center. The driver signature can be accessed using secure authentication by any vehicle he will be driving. The data collection is a continuous process monitoring driving behavior of the driver. The guidelines from OEM are used to compare driver signature with ideal driving characteristics. Changes are pushed to the vehicle controller to modify controls of individual automotive components to adjust the efficiency of vehicle and improve the ride comfort for the driver. The changes to be made can be decided on a remote cloud system or on the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Prashanth AVIREDDI, Heming CHEN
  • Publication number: 20180362050
    Abstract: A mobile object management apparatus includes a processor programed to execute a process. The process includes obtaining image data generated by an imager by capturing an image of an object; recognizing first traffic information indicated by the object based on the image data; when second traffic information sent from a transmitter and indicated by the object has not been received, evaluating a driving characteristic of a driver of a mobile object based on the first traffic information and traveling status information indicating a traveling status of the mobile object corresponding to an instance where the image data is obtained; and when the second traffic information has been received, evaluating the driving characteristic of the driver of the mobile object based on the second traffic information and the traveling status information indicating the traveling status of the mobile object corresponding to an instance where the second traffic information is received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takahiro ASAI
  • Publication number: 20180362051
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus of monitoring a sensor of a driverless vehicle, a device and a storage medium, wherein the method comprises: monitoring a physical state of a to-be-monitored sensor; monitoring a data transmission state of the to-be-monitored sensor; monitoring output data of the to-be-monitored sensor, and using predetermined data to perform cross-validation for the output data; when any monitoring result gets abnormal, determining the to-be-monitored sensor as getting abnormal, and giving an alarm. The solution of the present disclosure may be applied to improve safety of the driverless vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: BAIDU ONLINE NETWORK TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Taiqun HU
  • Publication number: 20180362052
    Abstract: There is provided a driving assistance device for supporting driving of a vehicle equipped with the driving assistance device such that if a driver starts a driving-related operation in the course of self-driving, switching from self-driving to manual driving is performed. An acquiring unit configured to acquire conditions of the driver. A determining unit configured to determine to invalidate switching to manual driving in the case where the conditions of the driver acquired when the operation was started represents a non-waking state, and determine to continue the invalidation for a predetermined period if the driver changes from the non-waking state to a waking state when the invalidation is being performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: DENSO TEN Limited
    Inventor: Hiroshi MATSUMOTO
  • Publication number: 20180362053
    Abstract: The present invention includes: a visual perception target determination unit for determining a visual perception target by using a saliency model for determining that an object to be visually perceived at a glance is a visual perception target, a surprise model for determining that an object behaving abnormally is a visual perception target, and a normative model for determining that an object to be visually perceived by a viewing action of a driver serving as a norm is a visual perception target; and a visual guidance unit for determining whether or not an overlooked visual perception to which a line-of-sight direction detected by a line-of-sight detection unit is not directed is present, and guiding a line-of-sight of a driver toward the overlooked visual perception target, when the overlooked visual perception target is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tadashi ISA, Masatoshi YOSHIDA, Richard VEALE, Yusaku TAKEDA, Toshihiro HARA, Koji IWASE, Atsuhide KISHI, Kazuo NISHIKAWA, Takahide NOZAWA
  • Publication number: 20180362054
    Abstract: Disclosed is a safety footboard for a rail transit platform. The safety footboard for a rail transit station comprises a fixed frame base (401), a sliding frame (402), and a footboard member (403), the footboard member (403) being fixed in the front of the sliding frame. The sliding frame (402) is arranged within the fixed frame base (401), being in sliding connection with the fixed frame base, and horizontally extending from and retracting to the fixed frame base (401) with the guidance of guide rails and guiding means. A driving motor (404) is fixed on the fixed frame base (401), and racks (405) are fixed on the sliding frame (402), the racks (405) being driven by the driving motor, pushing or pulling the sliding frame (402) to extend from or retract to the fixed frame base (401). The safety footboard can effectively avoid potential safety hazards brought by a gap between a platform and a train door, and does not form obstruction to a moving train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Heping SHI, Xianao YIN, Chaoying ZHANG, Jinliang ZHU
  • Publication number: 20180362055
    Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods providing a slip gear for an industrial cart. One embodiment includes a slip gear that includes a track gear for engaging with the track, a stabilizing bar, and a motor gear for engaging with a drive motor and the track gear. The slip gear may also include a stabilizing bar that is rotatably coupled to the track gear and the motor gear. In some embodiments, when the drive motor rotates the motor shaft, the motor gear rotates with the motor shaft to cause rotation of the track gear to propel the industrial cart. In response to an object pushing the industrial cart along the track, the stabilizing bar rotates to disengage the track gear from the track, thereby reducing friction between the industrial cart and the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Gary Bret Millar
  • Publication number: 20180362056
    Abstract: A covered hopper railcar includes a roof portion and a plurality of side portions coupled to the roof portion. The plurality of side portions and the roof portion at least partially define a longitudinal centerline axis and a transverse centerline axis that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline axis. The covered hopper railcar also includes a bottom assembly coupled to the side portions. The bottom assembly includes a plurality of bottom side sheets and a trough assembly coupled to the plurality of bottom side sheets. The trough assembly is substantially parallel to and substantially aligned with the longitudinal centerline axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Michael R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20180362057
    Abstract: A collision avoidance system obtains movement indicative data of plural vehicles included in separate vehicle systems. The movement indicative data can be obtained from sensors onboard the vehicles. The system determines an identification of which of the vehicles are included in the separate vehicle systems based on the movement indicative data that are obtained and determines a collision risk between two or more vehicle systems of the separate vehicle systems based on the movement indicative data that are obtained and the identification of which of the vehicles are in the separate vehicle systems. The system automatically changes movement of at least one of the two or more vehicle systems responsive to determining the collision risk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Samuel William Golden, Jason William Brown, Scott Dulmage, David Eldredge
  • Publication number: 20180362058
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for rail vehicle signal enforcement and separation control. A vehicle-mounted system for managing operation compliance of a vehicle may include a communication subsystem that includes one or more transponders and one or more communication circuits, configured for communicating signals, and a processing subsystem, that includes at least one processor. The communication subsystem may be configured to communicate signals with one or more fixed reporting stations, with the signals including ultra-wideband (UWB) signals, and with at least some of the signals carrying data pertinent to evaluating vehicle operation compliance. The processing subsystem may be configured to evaluate vehicle operation compliance based on information obtained from at least one signal communicated with at least one reporting station. The processing subsystem may determine a rule for evaluating compliance of the vehicle, and may monitor operation of the vehicle to evaluate compliance with the rule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Richard C. Carlson, Kurt A. Gunther, Marc W. Cygnus
  • Publication number: 20180362059
    Abstract: A utility handcart for transporting equipment, materials, goods, supplies, animals, and people during or after a natural or man made disaster. The handcart includes a solid body and integrated body/frame design increasing durability to withstand constant use over long distances on rough terrain. An ergonomic placement of side-rails, adjustable height, and low rolling resistance through use of modern no-flat wheels with precision bearings, eases burdens and energy demands which are placed on humans when transporting various items. Materials are selected to reduce or eliminate regular service or maintenance. A kickstand aids the loading and unloading of the handcart, and positions the handcart ready for use. A ratcheting uphill assist prevents rolling backwards. The handcart may be assembled or disassembled without tools and components compactly arranged for storing and transporting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Dennis Draleau
  • Publication number: 20180362060
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods described herein relate to arm carts for transporting and securing a robotic arm to a surgical table. In some embodiments, an arm cart may include an arm support having two joints that can be manipulated to move an arm into a position in which a coupler of the arm is engageable with a coupling site of a surgical table. In some embodiments, an arm cart may include an arm support that is rotatable and translatable to permit movement of an attachment area for receiving and attaching a coupling site of a surgical table to a coupler attached to an arm. In some embodiments, an arm cart may include an arm support that releasably couples to a middle segment of the arm positioned at least two segments away from an end of the arm having a coupler for coupling to a coupling site of a surgical table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: Verb Surgical Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. SCHALLER, Brendan C. REESE, Luke W. CLAUSON
  • Publication number: 20180362061
    Abstract: A panel handling device, has a wheeled portion, having plural wheels at a bottom section thereof, and having a plurality of teeth along a section thereof, said teeth being at different heights relative to the wheeled portion, and a second handle portion, separable from the first wheeled portion, but selectively attachable there to, said handle portion having a handle at one end, and having a slot at the other end, into which slot a surface of the wheeled portion is received, and having a panel handling tray at said other end, the panel handling tray having a surface for holding a panel, and the second handle portion having a teeth holding portion, which holds a position between said first handle portion and said second handle portion by holding into the teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Gabi Chahine
  • Publication number: 20180362062
    Abstract: A universal support clip for coupling a mobile electronic device to a shopping cart comprises a bar clamping member, which comprises a first end; a second end having a base portion constructed and arranged to accommodate a plurality of different device mount interfaces; and a body portion between the first and second ends, the body portion including a curved interior wall for receiving a portion of a handlebar of the shopping cart from the first end in an open state and for securing to the portion of the handlebar when the first end is in a closed state
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Yurgis Mauro Bacallao
  • Publication number: 20180362063
    Abstract: A docking station to be fastened in a motor vehicle is provided to receive a stroller, such as for example a baby carriage. A stroller, which is compatible with the docking station, is additionally provided. The docking station includes an electrical connection, and the stroller is able to be connected, via the electrical connection, to an on-board power supply of the motor vehicle. The docking station is configured to provide the motor vehicle with information about a mounting status and/or docking status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Carsten STARKE, Thomas BARANOWSKI, Markus FRANZEN, Stefan WOLTER
  • Publication number: 20180362064
    Abstract: A mounting and latching arrangement is provided for locking and unlocking a cart relative to a support structure. The mounting and latching arrangement includes an elongated mounting channel having opposed ends configured with mounting bracket assemblies adapted to be secured to the support surface, and one of engagement structure and latching structure located between the mounting bracket assemblies and configured for selective engagement and disengagement with the cart for enabling locking and unlocking thereof relative to the elongated mounting channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: Cannon Equipment LLC
    Inventors: Keith Edward Jackson, Clemance Bernard Finstad
  • Publication number: 20180362065
    Abstract: A cart, at least a folding joint mechanism disposed among an upper frame, a bottom frame and a rear wheel frame, comprising a bottom frame joint having a first arc-rack, an upper frame joint having a second arc-rack, a rear wheel frame joint, and a linkage gear unit disposed between the upper and bottom frame joints, the linkage gear unit having a first and a second gears rotating coaxially and engaging with the first and second arc-rack respectively, and the first and second gears having the numbers N1 and N2 of gear teeth respectively, and wherein N1 and N2 are greater than or equal to 6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Cheng
  • Publication number: 20180362066
    Abstract: A stroller includes a frame, a first locking mechanism, a folding mechanism and a second locking mechanism. The frame is configured to be folded and unfolded between a folded state and an unfolded state. The first locking mechanism is disposed on the frame and for locking the unfolded frame and restraining the frame from being folded when the frame is in the unfolded state. The folding mechanism is movably disposed on the frame and connected to the first locking mechanism for driving the first locking mechanism to allow the frame to be folded. The second locking mechanism is disposed on the folding mechanism and separably abuts against the frame for restraining the folding mechanism from driving the first locking mechanism so as to lock the unfolded frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Zhi-Ren Zhong
  • Publication number: 20180362067
    Abstract: A single vehicle steering arrangement is provided. The steering arrangement includes a steering wheel and at least one human machine interface configured to allow a human to steer the vehicle, the human machine interface being a component separate from the steering wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: John F. Schulz, Richard K. Riefe
  • Publication number: 20180362068
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering column for a vehicle comprising a lower column (2), an upper column (4) connected the lower column by a pivot connection, a locking mechanism including a tooth segment (6) fixed with respect to one of the lower and upper columns, and a tooth hook (8) pivotably mounted with respect to the other one of the lower and upper columns and biased to an engaged position meshing with the tooth segment (6) to lock the columns in an adjusted tilt position, and an actuator for pivoting the tooth hook (8) out of engagement with the tooth segment (6) characterized by a memory hook (20) connected to the same of the lower and upper columns as the tooth hook (8) and adapted to cooperate with the tooth hook so that the tooth hook gets engaged by the memory hook (20) when the tooth hook is moved to the disengaged position, a striker (30) fixed to the other of lower and upper column than the memory hook (20) and arranged such that it acts on the memory hook (20) when the upper colum
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Mattias Johansson
  • Publication number: 20180362069
    Abstract: A steering device includes a column shaft, a column jacket, a fastening mechanism including a fastening shaft having a first flat portion, a first tooth member, a second tooth member, an energizing member, and a release member including: a cylindrical portion having a second flat portion; and a release portion, wherein: the release member is configured to cause the release portion to be engaged with the second tooth member; and a projecting portion formed on at least one of the first flat portion and the second flat portion is elastically engaged with the other one of the first flat portion and the second flat portion and restrain backlash between the first flat portion and the second flat portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicants: JTEKT CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomonori SUGIURA, Kentaro KIKUIRI, Shoji ISHIMURA, Naohiro OOSONO, Yuuji ISHII, Kosuke ITO, Shigeru HOSHINO
  • Publication number: 20180362070
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an autonomous vehicle steering mechanism are provided. In one example embodiment, a computer implemented method includes obtaining, by a computing system that includes one or more computing devices, data associated with a steering mechanism of an autonomous vehicle. The method includes identifying, by the computing system, a rate of change associated with the steering mechanism of the autonomous vehicle based at least in part on the data associated with the steering mechanism. The method includes determining, by the computing system, that the rate of change exceeds a rate limit associated with the steering mechanism of the autonomous vehicle. In response to determining that the rate of change exceeds the rate limit, the method includes adjusting, by the computing system, the steering mechanism of the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Nicholas G. Letwin
  • Publication number: 20180362071
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring steering gear overtravel in rack and pinion steering systems. The provided systems and methods introduce a change in the length of the fastener that attaches an inner tie rod ball joint housing within a steering gear rack bar. The provided systems and methods also monitor the disengagement of that fastener (also referred to as overtravel and as rack travel) to generate flags and provide them to the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: JOHN T. ZUZELSKI, DAVID JUAREZ
  • Publication number: 20180362072
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering device hydraulically connects a steering cylinder to a supply system, wherein the supply system can be operatively connected hydraulically to the steering cylinder via a steering valve in order to configure a main flow connection, and the supply system can be operatively connected hydraulically to the steering cylinder via a flow control valve arrangement in order to configure an auxiliary flow connection which bypasses the main flow direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: HYDRAULIK NORD FLUIDTECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Erhard BERGMANN, Toralf KÄCKENMEISTER, Markus DE LA MOTTE, Steffen JANETZKI
  • Publication number: 20180362073
    Abstract: In a vehicle, an amount of change of a turning angle of a turning mechanism to an amount of change of a steering angle of a steering input device is defined as a transfer ratio, the turning mechanism is rotationally driven by a turning drive unit, and a driver's body posture parameter is detected by a body posture parameter detector. An apparatus for steering the vehicle includes a controller that executes an automatic steering mode that determines a target value for the turning angle of the turning mechanism based on a travelling condition of the vehicle and/or information about a road on which the vehicle is travelling, and controls the turning mechanism to adjust the turning angle of the turning mechanism to the target value. A transfer ratio adjuster adjusts the transfer ratio in accordance with the body posture parameter during execution of the automatic steering mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Yosuke HIRATE, Daiji WATANABE, Hisaya AKATSUKA
  • Publication number: 20180362074
    Abstract: An electronic control unit for a steer-by-wire vehicle steering system includes a data storage component that stores a desired lateral acceleration versus steering angle profile with regard to a range of vehicle speeds and a processor operably and electronically coupled with a steering wheel angle sensor and a yaw sensor. The data storage component includes electronic instructions that causes the processor to receive steering wheel angle data over a range of vehicle speeds, receive vehicle yaw data over the range of vehicle speed correlated to the steering wheel angle data, generate an observed lateral acceleration versus steering angle profile with regard to the range of vehicle speeds, and generate a steering ratio correction based on a comparison of the desired lateral acceleration versus steering angle profile and the observed lateral acceleration versus steering angle profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: IBRAHIM A. BADIRU
  • Publication number: 20180362075
    Abstract: Vehicles and steering systems for vehicles are provided. An exemplary steering system is provided for an automotive vehicle that includes road wheels and a rack mechanically coupled to the road wheels and laterally displaceable to change an orientation of the road wheels. The steering system includes a steering wheel mounted on a steering column and rotatable by a driver for inputting a steering command. The steering system also includes a lower column coupled to the rack. In the steering system, lateral displacement of the rack causes a rotational torque on the lower column. The steering system further includes a magneto-rheological coupling interconnected between the steering column and the lower column. The magneto-rheological coupling selectively communicates a desired portion of the rotational torque on the lower column to the steering column to provide haptic feedback to the steering column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: JIN-WOO LEE, BAKHTIAR B. LITKOUHI, CHANDRA S. NAMUDURI
  • Publication number: 20180362076
    Abstract: Vehicle systems are disclosed. A vehicle system includes one or more sensors, a steering wheel, an accelerator pedal, a steering wheel actuator, an accelerator pedal actuator, and a controller. The controller is communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors and the steering sensitivity adjusting unit. The controller includes at least one processor and at least one memory module storing computer readable and executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to detect an object based on output from the one or more sensors, and send to the steering sensitivity adjusting unit an instruction for adjusting a sensitivity of the steering wheel in response to detecting the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: Toyota Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd J. Rowell, Michael L. Elkins
  • Publication number: 20180362077
    Abstract: A omnidirectional power steering system which can be used on wheeled vehicles that can travel on land without relying on tracks, the device comprises horizontal steering motors (1), teeth (2), bearing balls (3), a horizontal rotary disc (4), brake discs (5), a space for rotation of the extended brake discs (6), a rotating shaft (7), fixing members (8), an inner layer of the wheel hub motor (9), a tyre (10), a wheel hub (11), a space for tyre rotation (12), an operation space for replacing the tyre (13), a housing (14), brake calipers (15), an outer layer of the wheel hub motor (16), an A-arm (17), a control box (18), single chip microcomputers (19), a control panel (20), sensors (21), connecting rods (22), each tyre (10) can rotate to any angle independently, and can also be matched with other tyres to rotate a specific angle, the horizontal rotary disc (4) is a horizontal large gear, a wheel hub (11) is arranged in the middle space, and a wheel hub motor is mounted in the wheel hub (11), and the wheel hub mo
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Sentai CHEN
  • Publication number: 20180362078
    Abstract: A stabilizer comprises a damper having a housing and a piston rod. An inner adapter is associated with the damper for securing a first end of the damper to one of a first component or a second component. An outer adapter assembly is coupled to a distal end of the piston rod for coupling to the other of the first and second component. A one-piece spring seat is coupled to the housing of the damper so as to be held axially stationary relative to the housing. A coil spring is supported by the one-piece spring seat and the outer adapter assembly. The one-piece spring seat enables the coil spring to return the stabilizer to a neutral position regardless of whether the coil spring is under tension or compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Katie URBANSKI, Anthony J. MORR, Michael GOLIN
  • Publication number: 20180362079
    Abstract: A steering system for an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The steering system includes, in some embodiments, a steering shaft, a steering column jacket encircling at least a portion of the steering shaft, an emulator enclosed within a housing, the emulator coupled to the steering shaft, and a travel limiter assembly enclosed within the housing and coupled with the steering shaft, the travel limiter assembly comprising at least one rotational member having a pin and a groove configured to receive the pin, the groove including a stop portion. In some embodiments, the at least one rotational member and at least a portion of the steering shaft rotates within the housing and the pin travels within the groove until the pin encounters the stop portion after a predetermined degree of rotation of the steering shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: John T. Zuzelski, David Juarez
  • Publication number: 20180362080
    Abstract: In a cruise assist system, a turning angle controller executes at least one of an automatic cruise control task that automatically controls a turning angle of the vehicle, and an assist control task that controls the turning angle of the vehicle in accordance with an occupant's operation of the steering wheel. A holding determiner includes an input detector detecting an occupant's physical input to a steering shaft via a steering wheel based on at least one of a first type physical quantity and second type physical quantities. Each of the first and second physical quantities depends on rotational movement of the steering shaft. The first type physical quantity contains the occupant's physical input, and a disturbance input, which is different therefrom, to the steering shaft. The second type physical quantities have a physical relationship therebetween, which is changed depending on the occupant's physical input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Shun SHIMIZU, Yosuke HIRATE, Daiji WATANABE, Toshiya KABAYAMA, Hisaya AKATSUKA
  • Publication number: 20180362081
    Abstract: A method for operating a lane-keeping assistance system of a vehicle includes: detecting at least two lane markings in a traffic space ahead of the vehicle using a sensor system; recognizing the separation of a primary lane into a first secondary lane and a second secondary lane based on the at least two detected lane markings; selecting one of the secondary lanes, including detecting and analyzing a signal representing an instantaneous driver intention; calculating a target trajectory of the selected secondary lane; activating a steering device of the vehicle for guiding the vehicle along the calculated target trajectory of the selected secondary lane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Chengxuan Fu
  • Publication number: 20180362082
    Abstract: A parking assistance management system and method for assisting a parking of a vehicle based on a customized egress requirements is provided. The method includes the steps of identifying a user entering a vehicle, calculating a minimum egress space of the user, required for an egress of the user from the vehicle, detecting a parking space proximate at least one object, determining a viability of the parking space based on the minimum egress space, verifying that a distance between the vehicle and the at least one object is greater than the minimum egress space, when the vehicle is parked in the parking space, and broadcasting the minimum egress space to be received by other vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Evelyn R. Anderson, Michael Bender, Rhonda L. Childress, Ea-Ee Jan
  • Publication number: 20180362083
    Abstract: A driving state warning method is used for judging a driving state by a vehicle path of a vehicle. An image recognizing step is for providing an image capturing device to capture an image and recognize a lane marking of a vehicle lane according to the image. A vehicle speed judging step is for providing a vehicle speed capturing device to judge an actual vehicle speed. A crossing lane judging step is for providing a processing unit to judge whether or not the vehicle is crossing the lane marking according to the image. A consciousness judging step is for calculating a displacement of the vehicle according to the image by the processing unit and comparing whether or not the displacement is greater than a threshold value for judging consciousness of the driver. Therefore, the present disclosure can easily perform installations without any directional light detecting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Yi-Feng SU, Chan-Wei HSU, Hsueh-Lung LIAO
  • Publication number: 20180362084
    Abstract: A lane-keeping system for an automated vehicle includes a lane-detector, an object-detector, and a controller. The lane-detector indicates which lane of a roadway is occupied by a host-vehicle. The object-detector detects objects proximate to the host-vehicle. The controller is in communication with the lane-detector and the object-detector. The controller is configured to operate the host-vehicle to follow a first-lane using the lane-detector when no object is detected by the object-detector in the first-lane that warrants a lane-change and no lane-change from the first-lane is initiated by an operator of the host-vehicle, and allow a lane-change to a second-lane when initiated by the operator. The controller is also configured to initiate a lane-change to the first-lane from the second-lane after a first-time-interval after the lane-change to the second-lane that was initiated by the operator when the first-lane is available for unimpeded travel by the host-vehicle for greater than a second-time-interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew R. Smith, Walter K. Kosiak
  • Publication number: 20180362085
    Abstract: A driving support device comprises a steering wheel 30, a protection window 211, a camera 21 for photographing a region around the own vehicle through the protection window, a display unit 50, a driving support unit 10, and a washer for washing the protection window. The driving support unit has the washer wash the protection window, when a magnitude of a steering angle of the steering wheel changes a value smaller than a threshold wash angle to a value equal to or greater than the threshold wash angle. The driving support unit has the display unit start, a display of a turn screen (530 and 550), when the magnitude of the steering angle changes from a value smaller than a threshold display angle which is greater than the threshold wash angle to a value equal to or greater than the threshold display angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Kosuke Shichino, Kayo Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20180362086
    Abstract: A motor vehicle assembly includes a front end module, a front suspension and a SORB structure connected to the front end module and the front suspension. That SORB structure includes a cross member, a first crush horn, a second crush horn, a first support bracket and a second support bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Scott J. Bell, Jeffrey A. Walesch, Jayanth Kumar Basavalingiah, Richard F. Huddleston, III
  • Publication number: 20180362087
    Abstract: Provided is a front side frame 2, comprising: a main frame 201; and reinforcing members 30, 40, 50 disposed inside the main frame 2, wherein the reinforcing member 30 includes partition wall portions 31b, 32d, 32e dividing a main closed cross-section C_m of the main frame 201 into a plurality of sub closed-cross sections c, the first to third partition wall portions 31b, 32d, 32e being respectively formed with compression-side ridges 31s, 32s, 32u vertically facing each other and able to come into contact with each other in a deformation of the front side frame 2, and tension-side ridges 31t, 32t, 32v arranged in the same manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuki KODAMA, Masanori HONDA, Chikara KAWAMURA
  • Publication number: 20180362088
    Abstract: A vehicle underbody assembly may include a pair of front rails, a pair of hinge pillars, a pair of crush cans, a pair of bumper supports, and a bumper. Each of the front rails includes a front portion, a mid-portion, and a backup portion. Each of the hinge pillars may be attached to one of the backup portions. Each of the crush cans may be attached to one of the front portions. Each of bumper supports may be secured to one of the crush cans. The bumper may be attached to the bumper supports. The front portions and the backup portions may be heat treated to have a higher strength than the mid-portions. Each of the front portions and the backup portions may be heated to define a hard strength zone and the mid-portion may be heated to define a medium strength zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Raj Sohmshetty, Saied Nusier, Rohit Telukunta, Sridhar Santi Boyina
  • Publication number: 20180362089
    Abstract: A vehicle rear body structure containing a rear rail extending in a longitudinal direction and a rear bumper beam, extending transversely to the longitudinal direction, the rear rail having a rear end and a front end, spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, the rear end being connected to the rear bumper beam and the rear rail extending towards the front of the vehicle from its rear end, wherein the rear rail comprises at least a front portion, an intermediate portion and a rear portion, the front portion being intended for extending alongside a fuel tank of the vehicle, the resistance to plastic deformation of the front portion being greater than the resistance to plastic deformation of the intermediate portion, which is itself greater than the resistance to plastic deformation of the rear portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Ivan Viaux
  • Publication number: 20180362090
    Abstract: A vehicle underbody assembly including a pair of rockers, a pair of side rails, a first cross member, a second cross member, and a fuel tank is provided. Each of the pair of side rails is secured to a rearward portion of one of the rockers. The first cross member extends between the side rails and is thermally treated to form a first central hard strength zone between two first soft strength zones. The second cross member is arranged with the pair of side rails and the first cross member to form a rectilinear frame and is thermally treated to form a second central hard strength zone between two second soft strength zones. The fuel tank is secured between the pair of side rails so that the fuel tank is located within a rectilinear frame formed by the pair of side rails and the cross members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Raj Sohmshetty, Sridhar Santi Boyina, Rohit Telukunta, Saied Nusier, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche
  • Publication number: 20180362091
    Abstract: A front side member of a vehicle includes: a front side member body disposed at right and left sides along a width direction of the vehicle while being formed to extend along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and having a closed cross-sectional formed inside, wherein the closed cross-sectional is divided by at least one rib, and wherein two or more flow paths that are not fluidically-communicate with each other are formed, reducing a weight and a part number of the vehicle and improving a layout of the engine compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Mun Soo CHA
  • Publication number: 20180362092
    Abstract: A trailer frame is disclosed that comprises a panel with a plurality of inserts installed at certain hard point locations where external components and equipment may be attached. In one embodiment, the inserts are two-piece formed hard points, whereas in other embodiments, the inserts are one piece solid hard points. In some embodiments, the panel is a sandwich panel. The inserts may be installed in the panel in a variety of manners, for example, they may be set flush within shallow pockets machined or routed into the panel's outer skins. Also, brackets may be utilized to interconnect components or equipment to the hard point inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Bernard F. GARCEAU
  • Publication number: 20180362093
    Abstract: A structural beam which comprises a first beam and a reinforcement to be attached to it. The first beam has a substantially U-shaped cross-section along at least a first portion of its length and comprises a bottom wall and two sidewalls wherein the bottom wall comprises a substantially flat first joining region. The reinforcement of the structural beam has a substantially flat second joining region which may be welded to a first joining region. Both parts of the structure are made of hardened UHSS. Methods for manufacturing such beams are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Sergi MARQUEZ DURAN, Xavier CANALES LARIOS, Jordi CASTILLA MORENO
  • Publication number: 20180362094
    Abstract: A vehicle frame structure includes a front pillar having an internal space defined by a forward wall, a rear wall, an outer lateral side wall, and an inner lateral side wall. The internal space is partitioned by longitudinally extending first and second ribs connecting inside faces of the forward and rear walls and a laterally extending third rib connecting an inside face of the inner side wall and the first rib. The first, second and third ribs separate the front pillar into a plurality of interior hollow portions. Two laterally adjacent hollow portions define an outer lateral portion of the front pillar and two longitudinally adjacent hollow portions define an inner lateral portion of the front pillar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Edward W. Bach, Adam J. Rompage, Hirokazu Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20180362095
    Abstract: A vehicle body has an inner body structure and an outer body skin, wherein the body structure has, in the region of a vehicle front end, a left supporting carrier and a right supporting carrier and a left suspension strut cup and a right suspension strut cup for accommodating respective suspension struts belonging to the chassis of the vehicle. Each suspension strut cup lies on the side of the associated supporting carrier facing the longitudinal center plane of the vehicle. The body skin has, in the region of the vehicle front end, a left front body side part, a right front body side part, and a front hood arranged between said front body side parts. The left front body side part covers the left suspension strut cup. The right front body side part covers the right suspension strut cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Thorsten HAAS, Gerhard FICHTINGER
  • Publication number: 20180362096
    Abstract: A vehicle underbody assembly including a pair of rockers, a pair of rear rails, a first cross member, and a second cross member is provided. Each of the pair or rear rails extends from one of the rockers and each includes a rear portion, a first mid-portion, a second mid-portion, and a forward portion. Each of the forward portions is secured to one of the rockers at one of a first joint and a second joint. The first cross member extends between the rear rails at a transition region between the second mid-portion and the forward portion. The second cross member extends between the rear rails at locations adjacent the first and second joints. Each of the rear rails is thermally treated so that the second mid-portions form a hard strength zone. The hard strength zone may further be defined as a zone having a fully martensitic microstructure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Saied Nusier, Raj Sohmshetty, Rohit Telukunta
  • Publication number: 20180362097
    Abstract: A vehicle tailgate includes a laterally extending internal panel, laterally extending external panel, laterally extending support beam, and patches of anti-flutter adhesive. The laterally extending internal and external panels are spaced apart relative to each other. The laterally extending support beam is disposed between the internal and external panels, is secured to the internal panel, and has a plurality of spaced apart embossments that extend toward the external panel. The patches of anti-flutter adhesive are disposed between adjacent embossments and are secured to each of the support beam and external panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventor: Jeffrey GRAY
  • Publication number: 20180362098
    Abstract: A self-propelled multipurpose vehicle with a chassis including an engine driving one or more hydraulic pumps, and a platform with a driver seat and one or more controls for a driver. The platform is rotatably mounted to the chassis, and the platform is provided with hydraulic power from at least one of said one or more hydraulic pumps. The vehicle may hold a workstation for carrying a tool, with the workstation being connected to the chassis at a position next to the rotatable platform, and with the workstation being provided with hydraulic power from the hydraulic pump(s). The vehicle may also hold a working boom for carrying a tool, where the working boom is supported by the rotatable platform and powered by hydraulic power from the hydraulic pump(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: STAAL INDUSTRIES IVS
    Inventor: Martin STAAL