Patents Issued in January 24, 2019
  • Publication number: 20190023256
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes a combustion engine, and an electric machine and storage battery coupled to one or more controller(s) configured to respond to various signals from a driver and vehicle components. In response, such controller(s) enable an automatic or auto ICE start stop capability that is managed for optimal HEV lifecycle operation, and fuel economy and efficiency. The controller(s) automatically start and stop the ICE in response to one or more of a torque demand signal, a vehicle speed signal, a steering torque power signal, and a brake signal. The controller(s) inhibit automatic stop of ICE responsive to the steering torque power exceeding a stop threshold, and in contrast initiate or enable automatic start responsive to the steering torque power exceeding a start threshold. The start threshold is calibrated and adjusted to exceed the stop threshold by a stability factor that is predetermined and/or adjusted by the controller(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Hafiz Shafeek KHAFAGY, Hussam MAKKIYA, Jonathan Edward GUNGER, Kirt ESCHTRUTH, Ahmed AWADI
  • Publication number: 20190023257
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, and a transmission are described. In one example, accelerator pedal position provides a basis for requesting vehicle acceleration and vehicle wheel torque is determined from the requested vehicle acceleration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Jason Meyer, Yanan Zhao, David H. Schmitt, Xiaoyong Wang, Bradley Dean Riedle
  • Publication number: 20190023258
    Abstract: A method for controlling the drivetrain for hybrid electric vehicles and a corresponding drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Bernhard KARL
  • Publication number: 20190023259
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling charging of an environment-friendly vehicle, a system including the same, and a method thereof; the apparatus comprises a controller including a processor communicatively connected to the controller and configured to form: a predicted state of charge (SOC) calculating module configured to calculate a predicted SOC predicted to be consumed when the vehicle travels until the vehicle reaches a destination; a current SOC calculating module configured to calculate a current SOC of the vehicle; a mode start control module configured to determine a first mode in which the vehicle travels through driving of an electric motor and a second mode in which the vehicle travels through driving of an electric motor even though the current SOC is not more than a reference SOC, by using the predicted SOC and the current SOC; and an SOC adjusting module configured to adjust a minimum SOC use area when the vehicle starts the second mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Jee Wook HUH, Kyoung Cheol OH
  • Publication number: 20190023260
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an engine speed in a hybrid vehicle system during steady-state conditions and in response to transient acceleration and/or deceleration requests. In one example, an engine speed is controlled to an optimal engine speed for fuel economy during steady-state conditions, and in response to an acceleration or deceleration request, a target engine speed is obtained from a rate-limited optimal engine speed to vehicle speed ratio, and the engine is controlled to the target engine speed provided the target speed is below a threshold difference from optimal engine speed. In this way, the vehicle system may simulate a fixed ratio transmission during accelerations and decelerations, while maintaining optimal engine speed for fuel economy at steady state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Alan Robert Dona, Shunsuke Okubo, Carol Louise Okubo
  • Publication number: 20190023261
    Abstract: There is provided a hybrid vehicle comprising a mode selection device configured to select one drive mode among a plurality of drive modes according to a user's operation. The plurality of drive modes include a first drive mode in which the hybrid vehicle is driven with power from a motor with stopping rotation of an engine and a second drive mode in which the hybrid vehicle is driven with rotation of the engine. On satisfaction of filter regeneration conditions that an accumulated amount of particulate matter accumulated on a filter is equal to or greater than a predetermined accumulated amount and that a temperature of the filter is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the hybrid vehicle is driven in the second drive mode even when the first drive mode is selected by the mode selection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi KANAYAMA, Eiji YANAGIDA, Koichi ICHIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20190023262
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle and method for operating such a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, an electric storage device, and a control system. The method includes determining a power currently available of the electric storage device by the control system when a current state of charge of the electric storage device is less than a charge threshold value; activating the internal combustion engine when the determined power currently available from the electric storage device exceeds a first power threshold; and determining the power currently available from the electric storage device by the control system when the determined power currently available from the electric storage device is less than the first power threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Markus PASSATH, Christian PONGRATZ, Manfred POSCH
  • Publication number: 20190023263
    Abstract: A behavior control apparatus for a vehicle having a control unit for controlling a braking device and controlling a behavior of a vehicle by controlling braking forces of wheels. When the vehicle is in the non-braking state, the control unit acquires information on a lateral acceleration of the vehicle; calculates, based on the lateral acceleration of the vehicle, a target yaw moment of a feedforward control for reducing a rate of decrease of the vehicle's yaw gain accompanying with an increase in an absolute value of a lateral acceleration of the vehicle, and controls braking forces of the wheels by controlling the braking device so that at least a yaw moment corresponding to the target yaw moment is applied to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takuya SHOJI, Yosuke HASHIMOTO
  • Publication number: 20190023264
    Abstract: A leaning posture control device controls a leaning posture of a left-right-inclined-wheel-equipped leaning vehicle. The leaning posture control device controls a torque of at least one of a left inclined wheel or a right inclined wheel arranged in a left-right direction of the vehicle so as to suppress a change in a lean of the lean body frame in a left direction or right direction of the vehicle while the lean body frame is leaned, based on a physical quantity concerning side-slip, in the left direction of the vehicle or in the right direction of the vehicle, of the left inclined wheel, the right inclined wheel, and another inclined wheel disposed ahead of or behind the left inclined wheel and the right inclined wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takaaki MIZUTANI
  • Publication number: 20190023265
    Abstract: A push cart includes a wheel, a motor, an obstacle detector, and a controller. The motor is configured to generate a rotational force that rotates the wheel. The obstacle detector is configured to detect an obstacle. The controller is configured to execute, in response to detection of the obstacle by the obstacle detector, avoidance control to control driving of the motor such that a movement of the push cart is limited. The controller is configured to disable execution of the avoidance control in response to a determination that a specified disabling condition is satisfied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kouichi TAKEDA, Itsuku KATO, Jiro SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20190023266
    Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to three-dimensional mapping and more particularly to creating and using three-dimensional feature maps to improve vehicle safety. Features of a road and surrounding area are identified from imaging and telemetry data. One or more constraints such as dimensions or distances of each feature are estimated from the telemetry and imaging data. A feature map is derived from the constraints and the identified features. Some example applications include using the feature map in automatic emergency braking systems or forward collision warning systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: lvl5, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Kouri, George Tall
  • Publication number: 20190023267
    Abstract: A surroundings monitoring apparatus obtains the position of an object from a captured image of a region in a heading direction of a vehicle, and obtains a position obtainment accuracy. When the distance between the object and the vehicle becomes relatively short, the position obtainment accuracy increases. However, the distance between the object and the vehicle becomes shorter, the position obtainment accuracy may decrease. Therefore, if collision avoidance control is performed for an object selected on the basis of the position obtainment accuracy, there is a possibility that the collision avoidance control is not performed for an object which is most likely to collide with the vehicle. In view of this, the apparatus obtains, for each object, a required deceleration which is the magnitude of acceleration necessary for stoppage at a position before the object, and performs the collision avoidance control for an object which is the largest in the required deceleration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshihiro TAKAGI, Yuki MINASE
  • Publication number: 20190023268
    Abstract: A method for ascertaining the danger potential of a lane change of an ego vehicle from the currently used traffic lane to an adjacent traffic lane, a detection range in the external space of the ego vehicle being monitored, and the effect of objects identified in the detection range on the danger potential is evaluated, and based on positions and speeds of internal other vehicles identified in the detection range, it is determined whether external other vehicles located outside the detection range are able to reach a target region in which the ego vehicle is located following the intended lane change. A method for the at least partially automated control of an ego vehicle, in which in the case of an intended lane change, the danger potential of this lane change is evaluated, and the lane change is prevented if external other vehicles are able to reach the target region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Oliver Pink, Oliver F. Schwindt
  • Publication number: 20190023269
    Abstract: The technology relates to determining a future heading of an object. In order to do so, sensor data, including information identifying a bounding box representing an object in a vehicle's environment and locations of sensor data points corresponding to the object, may be received. Based on dimensions of the bounding box, an area corresponding to a wheel of the object may be identified. An orientation of the wheel may then be estimated based on the sensor data points having locations within the area. The estimation may then be used to determine a future heading of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventor: Jens-Steffen Ralf Gutmann
  • Publication number: 20190023270
    Abstract: A vehicle control system mounted in a vehicle, including a plurality of sensor devices each configured to perform at least one of detection of behaviors of the vehicle and detection of an object around the vehicle with predetermined detection timing and a vehicle control apparatus configured to perform driving aid control of the vehicle based on detection information detected by the plurality of sensor devices. The plurality of sensor devices include a first sensor device and second sensor devices other than the first sensor device. The first sensor device is configured to, with transmission timing of first detection information detected by the first sensor device, group the first detection information and second detection information acquired from the respective second sensor devices with the predetermined detection timing of the first sensor device and transmit the first and second detection information grouped together to the vehicle control apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Koji HAYASHI, Takatoshi TOSA, Yohei MASUI
  • Publication number: 20190023271
    Abstract: A method includes reducing automatically a speed of an engine from a first speed value to a second speed value in response to both the first speed value being at or above a first speed threshold value and a rate of change of one or both of (i) engine power and (ii) the engine speed is substantially zero for a designated period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventor: Henry Todd Young
  • Publication number: 20190023272
    Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a start-stop feature on a vehicle powered at least in party by an internal combustion engine are described. The method includes receiving, at an electronic control unit (“ECU”) of the vehicle, an indication that the vehicle is in line at a drive-thru. The method further includes determining, by the ECU, a number of start-stop events anticipated during the drive-thru. The method includes determining, by the ECU, an approximate stop time for each of the number of start-stop events. The method further includes determining, by the ECU, that a battery of the vehicle has enough remaining charge to power a plurality of vehicle components during implementation of the start-stop feature. The method includes implementing, by the ECU, the start-stop feature in which the internal combustion engine is turned off for at least a portion of the time when the vehicle is stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin T. Books, John P. O'Brien, Praveen C. Muralidhar, Jaideep Prasad, Randal L. Bergstedt, Ian N. Alsman, Jagdeep I. Singh, Rajan S. Kalirai, Rima Salve, Jeffrey S. Rauch
  • Publication number: 20190023273
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a recognition unit that recognizes positions of nearby vehicles traveling around a host vehicle, a respective lane speed specification unit that specifies a first vehicle speed related to a vehicle traveling in a host lane in which the host vehicle is traveling and a second vehicle speed related to the nearby vehicle traveling in a lane that is a lane change destination of lane change to be performed by the host vehicle, a target position setting unit that sets a lane change target position on the lane that is the lane change destination on the basis of a comparison result between the first vehicle speed and the second vehicle speed, and a control unit that causes the host vehicle to move to the target position by lane change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventor: Atsushi Ishioka
  • Publication number: 20190023274
    Abstract: A vibration damping control apparatus which has a control unit that calculate a pitch damping driving torque based on a pitch angular velocity of a vehicle body, and control an engine based on at least the pitch damping driving torque. The control unit stores a vehicle speed corresponding to a phase difference of ?180° in a relationship between a phase difference and a vehicle speed as an upper limit reference vehicle speed, the relationship being derived by obtaining phase characteristic of a wheelbase filter function for various vehicle speeds and obtaining a relationship between the phase difference of vertical displacements of the vehicle body at positions of front and rear wheels and a vehicle speed with respect to a pitch resonance frequency of the vehicle, and reduces the pitch damping driving torque when a vehicle speed is not higher than the upper limit reference vehicle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yanqing LIU
  • Publication number: 20190023275
    Abstract: A method is described for controlling the automatic starting of a motor vehicle comprising an electronically controllable locking differential, uphill in a split mu situation. The method comprises the following steps: determining the positive gradient of the underlying surface; defining an initial locking torque on the basis of the determined positive gradient and on the basis of a component of the torque which the vehicle requires to travel uphill with only the first driven wheel powered; calculating the slip ratio SRxx for the first driven wheel xx according to SRxx=(Vxx?VRef)/VCrit if the reference velocity VRef is between 0 and a critical velocity VCrit, and according to SRxx=(Vxx?VRef)/VRef if the reference velocity VRef is higher than the critical velocity VCrit; and defining the locking torque of the electronically controllable locking differential on the basis of the slip ratio of the first driven wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Cyril COERMAN, Lucian LIPPOK, Robert Barend TER WAARBEEK, Georg Johann MAURER
  • Publication number: 20190023276
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system and method for determining responsiveness of a driver of a vehicle to feedback regarding driving behaviors. The system may include a sensor configured to generate output signals conveying first driving behavior information, which may characterize operation of the vehicle by the driver. The system may include one or more processors configured to obtain the first driving behavior information. The one or more processors may effectuate provision of feedback defined by feedback information based on the first driving behavior. The sensor may be configured to output signals conveying second driving behavior information, which may characterize operation of the vehicle by the driver during and/or subsequent to the provision of the feedback. The one or more processors may be configured to obtain the second driving behavior information and assess responsiveness of the driver to the feedback based on the second driving behavior information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Jason Palmer, Mark Freitas, Daniel A. Deninger, David Forney, Slaven Sljivar, Alekh Vaidya, Jeffrey Griswold
  • Publication number: 20190023277
    Abstract: An electronic control unit includes a signal input circuit configured to receive a sensor signal from a radar sensor or from a lidar Sensor and a processing circuit configured to determine a first condition based on a first representation of the sensor signal, and to generate an activation signal in response to the first condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Andre Roger, Farhan Bin Khalid, Romain Ygnace
  • Publication number: 20190023278
    Abstract: A portable electronic device for repositioning adjustable fixtures in vehicles. The portable electronic device includes a communication module, a processor, and a memory that stores computer program instructions that cause the processor to receive a first configuration setting that is specific to the first vehicle, the first configuration setting describing a preferred position of a first adjustable fixture in the first vehicle, translate the first configuration setting into a second configuration setting that is specific to a second vehicle, and transmit, to the second vehicle using the communication module, the second configuration setting to the second vehicle for use in moving a second adjustable fixture in the second vehicle from an initial position to an adjusted position that is based on the preferred position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas Ethan Lowry
  • Publication number: 20190023279
    Abstract: A method for detecting and characterizing a driving behavior of a driver or an autopilot in a transportation vehicle which has at least one acceleration sensor used to record data points which indicate a lateral acceleration and a longitudinal acceleration of the transportation vehicle over a time interval, and a control unit used to generate an image space as a GG diagram from the data points of at least one sub-section of the time interval. The image space is transformed by the control unit by a transformation into a parameter space and coordinates of accumulation points in the parameter space are acquired by the control unit. From the coordinates of the accumulation points, by using a classification algorithm, the control unit determines a classification value and/or a classification profile relating to the driving behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventor: Samuel SCHACHER
  • Publication number: 20190023280
    Abstract: A method is disclosed to operate a motor vehicle using a driver assistance system. The driver assistance system includes, for at least one driver assistance system function, at least one criterion relating to a vehicle environment. The at least one criterion is defined for an adaptation of the driver assistance system function, a number of features of the environment of the vehicle are detected, a probability of the occurrence of at least one criterion is estimated on the basis of a combination of the detected features, and the driver assistance system function is adapted on the basis of the estimated probability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin MAUS, Reid James STEIGER, Andreas MEYER, Manuel MERZ, Guido WEITKUS
  • Publication number: 20190023281
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle control device for controlling the motion of a vehicle, the device including: an operation detecting unit for detecting an operation on a vehicle; an information presenting unit for presenting pre-notification information for pre-notifying the motion accompanying the operation detected by the operation detecting unit to the outside of the vehicle; and a motion control unit for controlling the motion accompanying the operation detected by the operation detecting unit. This allows for preventing occurrence of a dangerous situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Shinsaku FUKUTAKA, Reiko SAKATA, Akiko IMAISHI
  • Publication number: 20190023282
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a notification control apparatus and a notification control method capable of previously notifying a passenger of a change of a motion of a vehicle travelling automatically. A notification control apparatus according to the present invention includes: a processor to execute a program; and a memory to store the program which, when executed by the processor, performs processes of, acquiring travel condition information which is information indicating a future travel condition of the vehicle, generating a sound image pattern based on the travel condition information, and generating a notification sound in accordance with the sound image pattern and, controlling the output of the notification sound, wherein the travel condition information includes information of a future course of the vehicle, and when the course is changed, the sound image pattern in accordance with the course being changed is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki KURODA, Mitsuo SHIMOTANI
  • Publication number: 20190023283
    Abstract: A recreational apparatus is provided having an elevated railway system with a vehicle suspended therefrom. The vehicle includes a drive mechanism that is responsive to energy input in order to advance the vehicle along the elevated railway system. The drive mechanism is capable of efficiently motivating the vehicle along straight and curved sections of the elevated railway system with minimal stress on moving parts, and minimal frictional losses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Skyride Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Olson, Michael Guethling
  • Publication number: 20190023284
    Abstract: A system for supplying power to a trolley chain. The system includes: a trolley chain, consisting of at least two trollies coupled with one another, wherein the trolley chain has a closed bus; and a stationary energy conductor along the track of the trolley chain. The stationary energy conductor consists of one or more successive segments, which are spaced apart from each other. The closed bus has several transmission heads, which are designed to supply the closed bus with electricity from the stationary energy conductor without contacting the stationary energy conductor, if they are within a pre-determined distance to the stationary energy conductor. During a journey of the trolley chain along the track, at each moment in time, at least one of the transmission heads supplies the closed bus with electricity from the stationary energy conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Winfried Kemker, Martin Sliwka, Marc Hilgenstock
  • Publication number: 20190023285
    Abstract: A track switching arrangement for a track-based guided transportation system, wherein the track switching arrangement forms diverging pathways and enables vehicle-side switching of a vehicle in the guided transportation system. The track switching arrangement includes an upstream pathway; two downstream pathways; and a path switching transition region having the diverging pathways between the upstream pathway and the two downstream pathways. Each of the pathways includes track elements configured to interact with one or more respective bearings of the vehicle to provide levitation to the vehicle and/or guidance for the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Hyperloop Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Irfan USMAN, Alex JEDINGER, Mario HANSL
  • Publication number: 20190023286
    Abstract: An adaptive inspection carriage for inspecting the rails of a railroad by one or more detectors supported by the carriage. The carriage includes a frame having a generally rectangular configuration with oppositely disposed side members and transverse members. The side members may be in an operative position extending parallel to a respective rail to be inspected. The transverse members may be in an operative position extending in a direction transverse to the rails. Each transverse member may be connected at one end with a side member by means of a swivel coupling having one swivel axis perpendicular to the plane of the generally rectangular frame and another swivel axis parallel to the side member, and connected at the other end to another side member by a swivel coupling having one swivel axis perpendicular to the plane of the rectangular frame and no swivel axis parallel to the second side member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Jan Kocur, Daniel Morehouse
  • Publication number: 20190023287
    Abstract: A rail vehicle has a bogie, which is covered in such a way that a bogie cavity exists, which is formed in the under floor region of the rail vehicle by a cover assembly and walls adjacent to the bogie. A device for producing pressurized air is connected, with respect to flow, to an air inlet device in the walls of the bogie cavity in such a way that the air can be blown into the bogie cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: ANDREAS GRZONA, MARTIN KRAUSE, THOMAS WEISS
  • Publication number: 20190023288
    Abstract: A bogie (100) for a rail vehicle. The bogie (100) comprises a frame (10) that is mounted on one or more wheel axles (20). The bogie (100) comprises at least one support surface for a vehicle body (40). At least one liftable surface on the bogie (100) is designed in such a way that its vertical distance, from the support surface, can be modified by a lifting element (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventor: Alberto CORTESI
  • Publication number: 20190023289
    Abstract: A railway freight car bogie includes a side frame, a bolster and a friction damper. The friction damper includes a wedge, a constant friction damping spring, a variable friction damping spring and an ejector rod. The variable friction damping spring in the middle and below the wedge is deviated at a distance in a direction away from a center of the bolster with respect to damping springs at two sides of the variable friction damping spring. An axis of each of the constant friction damping spring and the ejector rod is coincident with an axis of the variable friction damping spring in the middle and below the wedge. The bogie not only has an ideal relative friction coefficient in both an unloaded condition and a loaded condition, a large diamond resistant rigidity, a better vertical dynamics performance and a better transverse dynamics performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: CRRC QIQIHAR ROLLING STOCK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhenming Liu, Shifeng Xu, Xinqiang Liu, Shanchao Xu, Weigang Kong
  • Publication number: 20190023290
    Abstract: The current invention relates to a triggering monitoring device for a deformation tube having two tube parts which can slide into each other against resistance in a coupling, in particular a train coupling, having a housing that includes a connection for connecting to the deformation tube and at least one working surface for action of one tube part during its movement relative to the other tube part of the deformation tube part, wherein the housing can be deformed through the action of the tube part on the working surface. The triggering monitoring device according to the invention is characterized in that a sensor is provided in or on the housing which detects deformation of the housing and which is moreover equipped to transmit detection of a deformation to an evaluation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Prill, Michael Ahrens, Matthias Homann, Bernd Lauter, Tobias Seeberger
  • Publication number: 20190023291
    Abstract: A railway vehicle parking brake that can provide the appropriate tension to the braking system using a motor, a brake chain drum interconnected to the motor to take up or release a brake chain, a load arm deflects in response to tension in the brake chain, and a switch that is closed by the load arm when it deflects. A movable sheave interconnects the brake chain and the load arm and is positioned between the brake chain drum and a fixed sheave over which the brake chain is looped. A control method considers the position of the first switch to determine whether to the motor off when applying the brakes and the amount of current being drawn by the motor to determine whether to the motor off because of a system failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: NEW YORK AIR BRAKE, LLC
    Inventors: Derick Call, Carl Banks, Nicholas Van Derzee, Steven Michael Barnhart, James Lewis Vendlinski
  • Publication number: 20190023292
    Abstract: An information transmission system includes a ground system provided to a track and an onboard system installed in a train. The ground system includes two (M=2) track antennae selected from N types of track antennae with different resonance frequencies. The two track antennae are arranged side by side in a left and right direction relative to a traveling direction of the train. When the train passes through a position where the ground system is provided, the onboard system detects the two track antennae at once and can determine the resonance frequencies of the track antennae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Akira ASANO, Yuichirou SHIMIZU, Tomonori ITAGAKI, Tetsuya TAKATA, Hideo NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20190023293
    Abstract: A first antenna group includes one first antenna disposed at one end of a leading car, and another first antenna disposed at one end of a following car. A second antenna group includes one second antenna disposed at the one end of the leading car, the position where the one second antenna is disposed being different from the position where the one first antenna is disposed in a direction orthogonal to a travel direction of the leading car, and another second antenna disposed at the one end of the following car. A measurement unit measures radio wave strength between a pair of first antennas during communication via the first antenna group. A controller is enabled to make a switch from the first antenna group to the second antenna group when the radio wave strength is less than a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Nobuhiko ARASHIN, Takuji MAEDA
  • Publication number: 20190023294
    Abstract: A train communication system is configured to perform wireless communication between two cars coupled to each other by using low power radio. The train communication system includes: a first device disposed on one coupling surface of two coupling surfaces facing each other between two cars; a second device disposed on the one coupling surface; a third device disposed on another coupling surface of the two coupling surfaces; and a fourth device disposed on the other coupling surface. The first device and the third device are disposed to face each other. The second device and the fourth device are disposed to face each other. When no wireless connections are established among the first device, the second device, the third device, and the fourth device, the first to fourth devices each perform at least one of switching of communication channels used for wireless communication among the first to fourth devices and switching of a master device or a slave device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Takuji MAEDA, Nobuhiko ARASHIN
  • Publication number: 20190023295
    Abstract: A method and system for identification of obstacles near railways and for providing alarm to an operator of a train if obstacles constitute threat to the train are disclosed. The system comprise IR sensor disposed at the front of the train facing the direction of travel. The IR sensor receives images of the rails in front of the train. The system comprises pre-stored vibration profile of the train's engine that is used to eliminate influence of the engine's vibrations on the accuracy of the received images. Presence of rails in the received frames is detected based on inherent differences of temperature between the rails and the substrate in the rails' background, such as the railway sleepers and the materials underneath it. The system may detect defects in an electric conductor system of a train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: RAIL VISION LTD
    Inventors: Elen Josef KATZ, Yuval ISBI, Shahar HANIA, Noam TEICH
  • Publication number: 20190023296
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a railway vehicle component group for generating an electronic life history of a machine component. The railway vehicle component group includes a machine component having a storage unit arranged in or on the machine component, and at least one control unit suitable for bidirectional communication with the machine component, wherein operating data is configured to be generated in the control unit. The storage unit is suitable at least for bidirectional communication with the control unit, wherein a storage of the operating data generated via the control unit is provided during the operation of the machine component by at least the bidirectional communication in order to generate an electronic life history of the machine component. The storage unit also has an electronic type label of the machine component. The disclosure also relates to a method for generating a life history of a machine component, as well as a service method for maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Bernd Köhler, Olaf Körner
  • Publication number: 20190023297
    Abstract: The lifter for stacked trays is a motorized lifting device for stacked trays, such as bread trays, and includes a substantially U-shaped base and a vertical frame. A moveable frame assembly is slidably mounted on the vertical frame. The moveable frame assembly includes a horizontal frame member and a pair of engaging swing arms. Rear ends of the engaging swing arms are respectively pivotally secured to a pair of horizontally opposed ends of the horizontal frame member. A motor selectively raises and lowers the moveable frame assembly. A pair of vertical rods are respectively mounted to the pair of engaging swing arms adjacent the rear ends thereof. When a stack of trays engage the pair of vertical rods, to rearward movement of the stack of trays causes the pair of engaging swing arms to rotate inwardly to contact the side edges of the adjacent tray in the stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventor: MARK EDWARD TORRISON
  • Publication number: 20190023298
    Abstract: A multipurpose mobile utility lifting ergonomic cart consists of a structural frame, a platform, at least one insert, a plurality of wheels, and a height-adjustable arm. The height-adjustable arm extends from the structural frame and is connected to the platform so that the platform can be positioned at varying heights. The platform provides workspace for the user by being attached to the at least one insert that can be, but is not limited to, a dish drying rack, a podium insert, or a house cleaner rack. The structural frame can be used for holding items such as boxes or cleaning supplies. The plurality of wheels allows the user to move the apparatus from one location to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventor: Alexander Louis Carzola
  • Publication number: 20190023299
    Abstract: This invention is for an improved combination chaise lounge and tote cart and especially to an chaise lounge and tote cart which can be folded to a storage position and can be quickly converted between a tote cart and a chaise lounge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Stanley R. Simmons, Leon F. Wasson
  • Publication number: 20190023300
    Abstract: A foldable wagon is provided that converts from a use configuration to a folded configuration for storage and transportation. The foldable wagon has a collapsible frame, a foldable floor assembly and a linkage assembly. The foldable wagon may also have a flexible housing over a portion of the frame. The flexible housing may have a retractable sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Jason Fitzwater, Cameron Eckert, Michael Boyle
  • Publication number: 20190023301
    Abstract: A wheel reversing mechanism, a cart frame, and an apparatus are provided. The wheel reversing mechanism includes a frame, a wheel assembly and a linkage assembly provided within the frame. The linkage assembly includes a locking mechanism and an actuator cooperated with the wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a wheel joint and a wheel connected to the wheel joint. The wheel joint is rotatably connected to a lower end of the frame, the actuator is connected to the wheel joint. The locking mechanism is locked to the wheel joint. The linkage assembly is acted by an external force, such that the locking mechanism is unlocked from the wheel joint, and further, the actuator controls the wheel joint to rotate relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicants: SHANGHAI BAOTUNG TECH. CO., LTD., BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shuming YAN
  • Publication number: 20190023302
    Abstract: The present application provides a baby carrier with a convertible seat frame which includes a stroller frame, a stroller frame mount, the resting member, and the seat frame. The seat frame is pivotally mounted to the stroller frame mount so as to pivot between a seat mode and a lay-flat mode relative to the stroller frame. By fixing the resting member to the stroller frame mount mounted to the stroller frame to form a firm integral, the resting member does not pivot along with the seat frame pivoting. The resting member stays at a designated horizontal position when the seat frame pivots independently of the resting member. Therefore, the resting member does not intervene between caregivers and the child in the baby carrier so that a space substantially above the seat frame is kept clear for ease access to the child in the baby carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventor: Andrew Horst
  • Publication number: 20190023303
    Abstract: A collapsible steering column assembly comprises a telescopic steering shaft that is supported within a steering column shroud. The telescopic steering shaft comprises a first shaft having a hollow end with an inwardly facing wall and a second shaft that has an end that is located within the hollow end of the first shaft. A damper device is located at the end of the second shaft that is located within the hollow end of the first shaft and includes a contact member defining a contact part that contacts the inwardly facing wall. A portion of the inwardly facing wall tapers away from the open end of the hollow end so that in the event of a collapse of the steering column assembly the damper device is forced to move along the tapered portion whereby it is increasingly deformed radially thereby to provide a resistance to further collapse of the steering column assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: TRW Steering Systems Poland Sp. z.o.o.
    Inventors: Artur Wojtalik, Pawel Ponikiewski, Slawomir Kwasny
  • Publication number: 20190023304
    Abstract: A control system and method of operating a vehicle having an active driver assistance system includes receiving, from a steering wheel torque sensor, a measured torque applied to a steering wheel of the vehicle by a driver of the vehicle, obtaining a steering torque request for an active steering feature of the active driver assistance system, determining a steering torque request limit for the active steering feature based on the measured steering wheel torque, wherein an increase in the steering wheel torque corresponds to a decrease in the steering torque request limit and vice-versa, limiting the steering torque request based on the steering torque request limit, wherein the limited steering torque request is greater than zero, and commanding a steering actuator as part of the active steering feature based on the limited steering torque request, the steering actuator being configured to control steering of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventor: Scott L Radabaugh
  • Publication number: 20190023305
    Abstract: A heat radiation base body extending in a direction of a rotation shaft of an electric motor close to the rotation shaft is provided at an end surface of a motor housing accommodating the electric motor. A board of one electronic control unit of a redundant system is fixed to the heat radiation base body along the direction in which heat radiation base body extends with thermal conduction allowed. A board of the other electronic control unit of redundant system is fixed to the heat radiation base body along a direction in which the heat radiation base body extends, so as to face the board of one electronic control unit, with thermal conduction allowed. A cover covering these is fixed to an end surface of the motor housing without a bolt. Thus, a housing accommodating the electronic control unit is not necessary. A sealing part is only the connecting portion between the motor housing and cover, thereby eliminating additional structure of the sealing part, sealing component required for seal and bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems , Ltd.
    Inventor: Masao FUJIMOTO