Patents Issued in February 19, 2019
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Patent number: 10207701Abstract: A method is provided to start a hybrid powertrain to optimize fuel consumption, wherein such hybrid powertrain comprises a combustion engine; a gearbox with input shaft and output shaft; a first planetary gear, connected to the input shaft and a first main shaft; a second planetary gear, connected to the first planetary gear and a second main shaft; first and second electrical machines respectively, connected to the first and second planetary gears; one gear pair connected with the first main shaft; and one gear pair connected with the second main shaft. The method comprising: ensuring that the moveable parts of each of the first and second planetary gears are respectively disconnected from each other; bringing the combustion engine to a predetermined engine speed (nice); and controlling the first and the second electrical machine in such a way that a desired torque (TDrv) is achieved in the output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Scania CV ABInventors: Mathias Björkman, Niklas Pettersson, Johan Lindström, Mikael Bergquist
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Patent number: 10207702Abstract: A system and a method of controlling a hybrid electric vehicle shift are disclosed. The system includes an engine and a drive motor operating as power sources and a transmission receiving driving torque from one of the engine and the drive motor. A data detector detects a state data for operating the transmission. A vehicle controller calculates a creep torque and an engine setting torque using the state data, determines whether a shift control condition is satisfied based on a position value of an accelerator pedal, calculates an available motor torque using a motor speed at an actual shift start point and a target motor speed when the shift control condition is satisfied, and calculates a first shift input torque using the creep torque, the engine setting torque, the available motor torque, and a first torque apply ratio. The transmission is operated based on the first shift input torque.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Jongbum Oh, Hye Kil Hwang, Kyung Hun Hwang, Sang Don Lee, Hongchul Shin, Kwonchae Chung
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Patent number: 10207703Abstract: At the time of starting up an engine (9) using an assist motor generator (10), a main controller (28) lowers a lower limit value in a charge/discharge range of an electricity storage device (19) from a first lower limit value (min1) to a second lower limit value (min2) through an energy management control part (28B). The main controller (28) heightens the lower limit value in the charge/discharge range of an electricity storage device (19) from the second lower limit value (min2) to the first lower limit value (min1) when the start of the engine (9) is completed. Further, the main controller (28) displays engine stop prohibition information on a display device (30) when the start of the engine (9) is completed and when an SOC of the electricity storage device (19) falls below the first lower limit value (min1).Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsumasa Uji, Yuichiro Morita, Kouichi Shibata
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Patent number: 10207704Abstract: A method for autonomously parking or un-parking a motor vehicle includes the steps of locating the motor vehicle within a parking area, setting a destination location within the parking area, generating and setting a path from the location of the motor vehicle to the destination location, and autonomously driving the motor vehicle along the path. The path is generated by (a) generating a first set of nodes from the location of the motor vehicle, (b) assigning a cost to each node in the first set of nodes, (c) selecting a lowest cost node from the first set of nodes, (d) generating another set of nodes from the selected node, (e) assigning a cost to each of the newly generated nodes, (f) selecting a lowest cost node from all of the nodes, and (g) repeating steps (d)-(f) until a lowest cost node is located at the destination location.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: DURA OPERATING, LLCInventors: Arda Kurt, Umit Ozguner, Gordon Thomas, Keith Redmill
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Patent number: 10207705Abstract: A collision avoidance system includes a plurality of cameras disposed at a vehicle, and an electronic control unit that includes an image processor operable to process image data captured by the cameras. A plurality of other sensors sense at least one of rearward and sideward of the equipped vehicle and capture sensor data. The collision avoidance system may determine imminence of collision with the equipped vehicle by another vehicle present exterior the equipped vehicle responsive at least in part to (a) image processing by the image processor of image data captured by a forward-viewing camera, a rearward-viewing camera, a driver side-viewing camera and/or a passenger side-viewing camera, and (b) radar data sensed by the plurality of other sensors, lidar data sensed by at least one lidar sensor of said plurality of other sensors and/or information transmitted to or from the equipped vehicle via a car2car (v2v) communication system.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Johannes Wolf
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Patent number: 10207706Abstract: A system for detecting a lane line of a road and a method thereof is disclosed. An image-retrieving device retrieves an image in front of a vehicle to generate a picture, and transmits the picture to a processing device. The processing device transforms one or two lane lines on the picture into a plurality of characteristic values, processes the characteristic values to generate one or two prediction lane lines, and uses them to dynamically predict and complete the lane lines, thereby forming a lane line prediction model. The processing device uses the lane line prediction model to determine whether the vehicle deviates, and transmits the picture and the lane line prediction model to a display device to display. When the vehicle deviates, the display device warns. The present invention can improve to recognize an unclear lane line, a single lane line and a far lane line.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Automotive Research & Testing CenterInventors: Hung-Pang Lin, Ming-Fang Chang, Li-You Hsu
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Patent number: 10207707Abstract: There is provided a driving assistance device configured to be equipped in a subject vehicle. An imaging unit is configured to acquire an image of a preceding vehicle running in front of the subject vehicle equipped with the driving assistance device. A cargo-falling predicting unit is configured to predict whether a cargo loaded on a loading platform of the preceding vehicle will fall off, from change with time in an image of the cargo or an image of an accompanying object of the cargo on the basis of the image acquired by the imaging unit. An information providing unit is configured to provide information on falling of the cargo if the cargo-falling predicting unit predicts that the cargo will fall off.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Koji Kurata
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Patent number: 10207708Abstract: A system and method for minimizing shift cycling for low speed engine operation with a vehicle cruise control. A vehicle control system operating in a cruise control mode determines a deficiency in vehicle speed between a measured vehicle speed and a cruise set speed. The deficiency is determined by comparing the vehicle speed to the cruise set speed, and includes using the compared value to find a cruise speed margin, which is continuously updated. While the cruise control system is active, the control system logic determines the time at which a transmission upshift occurs based on the cruise speed margin. The vehicle speed, at which the upshift is made, is determined as a function of the updated cruise speed margin. An upshift is not made, if a likely drop in vehicle speed would result in the event a downshift would occur once the upshift is made.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.Inventor: Stephen West
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Patent number: 10207709Abstract: A method of applying a brake force to all four wheels of a motor vehicle to stop the vehicle while torque continues to be applied to its driven wheels; and preventing wheel slippage of the driven wheels by reducing the applied torque when the vehicle is stopped or nearly stopped from moving in a forward direction. In this way, unintentional lateral movement of the vehicle due to creep torque applied to the driven wheels on slippery surfaces can be prevented or corrected.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
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Patent number: 10207710Abstract: Apparatus for providing hydraulic line pressure and vacuum pressure to the braking and steering subsystems of a wheeled motor vehicle comprises one or more battery powered electric motors which drive one or more of a hydraulic pump and a vacuum pump. When the engine is stopped while the vehicle is moving, to save fuel, the electric motor(s) drive the pumps, so that hydraulic pressure and vacuum are provided, for safe operation of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Inventor: Kurt Daims
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Patent number: 10207711Abstract: Methods for controlling vacuum within a brake booster by modifying powertrain operation include determining an intake manifold vacuum in response to actuation of a brake pedal. Increasing the intake manifold vacuum if the brake booster vacuum is less than a desired brake booster vacuum. In some embodiments, the transmission is downshifted to increase engine speed and intake manifold vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Dale Scott Crombez, Moses Alexander Fridman
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Patent number: 10207712Abstract: Control system, which is adapted for application in a vehicle and intended to detect following vehicles on the basis of environmental data which are obtained from one or several environmental sensors disposed on the vehicle. The environmental sensors are adapted to provide an electronic controller of the control system with the environmental data which reflect the area in front of, laterally next to and/or behind the vehicle. The control system is at least adapted and intended to detect one or several other vehicles participating in traffic behind the own vehicle with the environmental sensors. A lane associated with each other vehicle, in which the other vehicle(s) drive(s), is detected. An occupancy of the own lane and/or of at least one adjacent lane by the other vehicle(s) is determined.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbHInventors: Monika Schaper, Hrachia Grigorians, Karl-Heinz Glander
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Patent number: 10207713Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for performing vehicle traction control. Time intervals between points of rotation of a rotating vehicle output shaft are measured. Indicators of shaft rotation rate are generated using, for each generated indicator, a set of one or more of the time intervals. The generated indicators of shaft rotation rate are used to determine a value indicative of a rate of change of shaft rotation rate. An indicator of a maximum allowable output shaft rotation rate is computed. A current indicator of output shaft rotation rate is determined to exceed the maximum allowable output shaft rotation rate. In response to determining that the current indicator exceeds the maximum allowable output shaft rotation rate, a signal to trigger application of a traction control mechanism is output.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Davis Intellectual Properties LLCInventor: Shannon R. Davis
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Patent number: 10207714Abstract: Control device for continuously variable transmission has continuously variable transmission mechanism (CVT) transmitting power with belt (7) wound around primary and secondary pulley (5, 6); torque convertor (2) having pump impeller (20), turbine runner (21) and lock-up clutch (2a); and control unit (10) controlling lock-up clutch (2a) to predetermined engagement state and controlling the CVT to predetermined transmission ratio, according to travelling condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignees: JATCO LTD, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Seiichiro Takahashi, Hiroki Iwasa, Hironori Miyaishi, Sunghoon Woo, Takaaki Matsui, Tomoaki Honma, Yoshio Yasui, Yuta Suzuki, Masayuki Mannen, Susumu Saitou
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Patent number: 10207715Abstract: An automatic transmission control device implements a downshift by disengagement of a clutch that is engaged in a gear position before the downshift. It is determined whether an engine state is in a predetermined region in which a change of an engine torque per a change of an accelerator pedal opening is smaller than that in another region, and the engine torque is within a predetermined range, and an engine rotational speed is within a predetermined range. It is determined whether an operating state is in a predetermined state of accelerator operation in which the accelerator pedal opening is larger than a predetermined value, and an accelerator pedal opening change rate has an absolute value smaller than a predetermined value. The downshift is inhibited in response to determination that the engine state is in the predetermined region and the operating state is in the predetermined state of accelerator operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignees: JATCO Ltd, NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Takashi Koguchi, Sho Okutani, Makoto Komatsu, Toshiaki Noda, Takuichiro Inoue, Yuuji Nagase, Hiroyasu Tanaka, Hideshi Wakayama
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Patent number: 10207716Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring conditions associated with a vehicle or an occupant of the vehicle are disclosed. The methods may include receiving, via a receiver, data relating to an internal condition of the vehicle. The methods may also include displaying, on a display panel, information related to the internal condition based on the received data. The display panel is physically integrated with the receiver and detachable from the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2018Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: SHANGHAI XIAOYI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Yi Liu
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Patent number: 10207717Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments for a coasting timer for predictive acceleration. In an embodiment, a system for predictive acceleration of a vehicle is described. The system may comprise an accelerator pedal; a sensor coupled to the accelerator pedal, the sensor configured to measure depression of the accelerator pedal; and an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU may be configured to: determine a current coasting map; determine a coasting interval duration based, at least in part, on the current coasting map; determine the coasting interval duration has started based, at least in part, upon a measurement received from the sensor; and activate one or more subsystems of the vehicle prior to the end of the coasting interval duration, the one or more subsystems determined based, at least in part, on a predicted acceleration type.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Geoffrey David Gaither
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Patent number: 10207718Abstract: A method causes a self-driving vehicle (SDV) to warn passengers of an upcoming maneuver, and to explain why the SDV will be making the upcoming maneuver. One or more processors receive sensor readings that describe a condition of a roadway upon which a self-driving vehicle (SDV) is traveling, where the sensor readings are from roadway sensors that detect water on the roadway. The processor(s) reroute the SDV due to the water on the roadway, and provide an explanation to an occupant of the SDV that describes the water on the roadway as a reason for rerouting the SDV.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2018Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael S. Gordon, Clifford A. Pickover, Maja Vukovic
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Patent number: 10207719Abstract: A microcontroller-based method and apparatus are described for measuring motions signals (301) with a plurality of inertial sensors (302-304) contained within a device package housing and validating (420) a first measured motion signal (e.g., ?X) by generating at least a first estimated value ?X for the first motion signal (e.g., 419) based on at least a second measured motion signal (e.g., AY) and for comparing the first estimated value for the first motion signal (419) to the first measured motion signal ?X in order to validate the first measured motion signal ?X.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.Inventor: David A. Hayner
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Patent number: 10207720Abstract: A device (1) to drive at least an output shaft (3) of a rail vehicle with a drive engine (4). The at least one output shaft (3) can be brought into an operational connection with a wheel (2), and a transmission assembly (6) is positioned on the drive side of the at least one output shaft (3). At least two gear ratios can be presented in the area of the transmission assembly (6). In addition, a method is described for operating such a device (1).Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Martin Fellmann, Bernd Somschor, Kazutaka Iuchi, Marton Kurucz
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Patent number: 10207721Abstract: A bogie frame for a rail vehicle that includes two longitudinal supports formed as open and closed hollow profiles, and at least one transverse support, wherein the hollow profile of the longitudinal support is formed by wall elements having a defined thickness, wherein in order to reduce the weight of bogie frames in comparison to conventional bogies frames and to save on production costs, the longitudinal supports, in the region at which the at least one transverse support engages, is respectively provided in a wall element with at least one area having a reduced thickness.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Siemens AG ÖsterreichInventors: Markus Hubmann, Radovan Seifried
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Patent number: 10207722Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing and/or reconditioning side frames and bolsters for railway cars includes at least one robot adapted to access positions along the length of the part. A map of the part dimensions, which may be obtained by a probe or scanner on the robot(s), allows a processor to determine where welding and machining are required to meet certain dimensional tolerances, leveraging novel reference surfaces on the part which cannot be leveraged using conventional gauges. The robot(s) may locate and mount welding and material removal tools to carry out the welding and material removal operations determined by the processor.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: STRATO, INC.Inventors: Thomas R. Berg, Christopher J. Clark, Thomas J. Heyden, Kevin P. McGarvey, Michael Fortier
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Patent number: 10207723Abstract: A suspension system for a railway vehicle includes a hub assembly configured to travel along a track, a suspension element coupled to the hub assembly and configured to provide a suspension force, a regulator coupled to the suspension element and configured to selectively adjust the suspension element, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to determine a target configuration for the suspension element using a characteristic of the track at a target position, the target position selected based on a location of the railway vehicle, and engage the regulator based on the target configuration such that the suspension force applied by the suspension element is based on the location of the railway vehicle and the characteristic of the track.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 10207724Abstract: A method is provided for operating a vehicle having a drive unit, a driving-data determination unit, a consumer set, and a power management unit for managing the consumer set. The driving-data determination unit identifies or determines driving curve data and the drive unit is controlled on the basis of the driving curve data. The method achieves an optimization with regard to a defined quality criterion while also taking the consumer set into account, in that the power management unit receives consumer data from the consumer set, the power management unit determines anticipatory load profile data at least on the basis of the consumer data, determination or identification data are transmitted to the driving-data determination unit in accordance with the load profile data, and the driving-data determination unit determines or identifies the driving curve data in accordance with the determination data.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Thorsten Frenzke, Sascha Giebel
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Patent number: 10207725Abstract: A method and a device for transmitting signals among compartments of a train are provided. The method comprises: receiving a first signal transmitted via a jumper cable, and extracting first data carried in the first signal; receiving a second signal transmitted wirelessly corresponding to the first signal, and extracting second data carried in the second signal; and determining whether the first data is identical with the second data, and outputting the first signal in a case that it is determined that the first data is identical with the second data, or outputting the second signal in a case that it is determined that the first data is not identical with the second data. The method and the device improve the reliability of transmission of signals among compartments of a train.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: CRRC QINGDAO SIFANG CO., LTD.Inventors: Miao Wang, Jianying Liang, Huiqing Zhang, Qing Tian, Qingjun Han, Chanjuan Xiao, Mingkun Liu, Baoqiang Shan, Xiaojie Yu
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Patent number: 10207726Abstract: A rail worker protection system having a first device configured to generate and send an identification code, a second device configured to transmit a request to the first device and to transmit a signal to one or more remote devices, and the remote device able to issue alarms to rail workers upon reception of the signal from the second device.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: HARSCO TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Peter Michael Bartek, Michael Stephen Davis
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Patent number: 10207727Abstract: A system is provided having a vehicle. The vehicle includes a chassis, and a first network bus extending from internally in the chassis to a first network port attached externally to the chassis at a first side of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a second network bus extending from internally in the chassis to a second network port attached externally to the first chassis at a second side of the vehicle. The first network bus has a first electrical configuration and the second network bus has a second electrical configuration that is different than the first electrical configuration.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: GE GLOBAL SOURCING LLCInventors: Mark Bradshaw Kraeling, Patricia Sue Lacy
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Patent number: 10207728Abstract: A medical device, such as an intra-aortic balloon pump or carrier with an extendable wheel track and handle configured to be removably carried and integrated with a cart. The wheel track is configured to extend upon extension of the handle and to return to its original position upon retraction of the handle.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: MAQUET CARDIOVASCULAR LLCInventors: Yefim Kaushansky, Zina Kaushansky, Edmund Pacenka, Robert Hamilton
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Patent number: 10207729Abstract: A folding type collapsible wagon comprises a frame assembly, a tow bar assembly and wheels, wherein the tow bar assembly is arranged in front of the frame assembly, and each side frame comprises coplanar X-shaped cross tube assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Blue Ridge Recreational Gear, LLC.Inventor: Benlong Sun
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Patent number: 10207731Abstract: An expandable child carrier includes a base frame, a pivot frame, at least one first wheel unit and at least one second wheel unit. The pivot frame is pivoted to the base frame. The first wheel unit is mounted to the base frame. The second wheel unit is mounted to the pivot frame. A distance between the second wheel unit and the first wheel unit is adjusted upon the pivotal movement of the pivot frame relative to the base frame.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AGInventors: Andrew J. Taylor, Curtis M. Hartenstine, Robert E. Haut
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Patent number: 10207732Abstract: A steering column switch for a vehicle includes a switching lever that operates by pivoting in relation to a housing. The lever has a locking pin which assumes a stable position on a switching gate when the lever is not operated and is guided into an unstable position by operation of the lever. The switching gate guides the pin back into the stable position when operation of the lever ceases. A permanent magnet on a body of the lever is brought against an electromagnet on the housing by pivoting the lever into the unstable position. The lever is held in the unstable position by magnetic attraction between the magnets for a time in which a function associated with the lever being actuated into the unstable position is active. Afterwards, the electromagnet produces a counter magnetic field which interrupts the magnetic attraction so that the lever returns to the stable position.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Benjamin Schlanzke, Klaus Hirschfeld
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Patent number: 10207733Abstract: The present invention provides a rotational angle detection apparatus and a power steering apparatus capable of preventing or reducing distortion of a detection member and improving detection accuracy. A welded plate and a yoke holder are fixedly welded to each other with a pair of yokes sandwiched between the welded plate and the yoke holder.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventor: Osamu Yoshida
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Patent number: 10207734Abstract: A behavior control apparatus for a vehicle, comprising a control unit that controls braking/driving forces of wheels so that the magnitude of a deviation between a steering angle and a steering angle conversion value of a yaw rate decreases when it is determined that the deviation exceeds a threshold value in magnitude and the vehicle is in an understeer state; the vehicle has a steering device including a variable gear ratio type rack bar; and, when the sign of the steering angle is the same as the sign of the offset amount and the zero point offset amount exceeds a reference value in magnitude, the control device corrects at least one of the threshold value and the magnitude of the deviation according to the steering angle and the zero point offset amount so that it becomes difficult to determine that the magnitude of the deviation exceeds the threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Ryochi Watanabe
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Patent number: 10207735Abstract: A steering system and method is described for a vehicle having steerable front and rear wheels, and a steering input device for receiving manual steering input. Front and rear hydraulic steering devices may be coupled, respectively, to the front and rear wheels. Front and rear valve assemblies may be configured, respectively, to steer the front and rear wheels. In a manual steering mode, the front valve assembly may be disabled with respect to the front steering device, and the front hydraulic steering device may steer the front wheels based upon the manual steering input. In a rear steering assist mode, a rear steering command may be determined based upon the manual steering input, and the rear wheels steered based upon the rear steering command. In an automated steering mode, the front and rear wheels may be automatically steered based upon a target path of travel for the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Thomas D. Bebernes, Thomas A. Nichols, David V. Rotole, Walter C. Wright
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Patent number: 10207736Abstract: A steering control device (20) for a working vehicle includes an electric motor device (34) that generates an assistance torque to a steering column (33), and an inverter (43). The steering control device (20) includes a load torque sensor (39) that is attached between the electric motor device (34) and a load portion of a steering mechanism unit (21) to detect a load torque applied on a steering system, a steering load torque calculating section (41) that calculates a steering load torque based upon an output value of the load torque sensor (39), and an assistance torque calculating section (42) that adds the steering load torque outputted from the steering load torque calculating section (41) and a target steering torque input from an exterior to calculate an assistance torque to command the electric motor device (34) and command the inverter (43).Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masanori Ichinose, Shinjiro Saito
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Patent number: 10207737Abstract: A steering knuckle (18) is provided for use in association with a vehicle steering assembly (10). The steering knuckle (10) includes a knuckle body (20) having a generally vertical face (26) and an upper yolk arm (22) having a generally vertical face (54). The generally vertical faces (26, 54) of the steering knuckle body (20) and the upper yolk arm (22) are connected to each other. The generally vertical face (54) of the upper yolk arm (22) includes a camshaft bore (62) extending therethrough and configured to receive a camshaft (64). The generally vertical face of the knuckle body may be welded to a spindle (24), with a portion of the spindle being cut away to allow for a complete circular weld between the knuckle body and the spindle.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.Inventors: Michael J. Gottschalk, Scott Kohler, Mark Dankow, Andrew Westnedge
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Patent number: 10207738Abstract: An apparatus for compensating a steering angle signal and motor angle signal of an MDPS system may include: a motor torque compensator configured to compensate for mechanical deformation; an angular speed compensator configured to compensate for a difference between a steering angle and a motor angle; a sensor characteristic compensator configured to compensate for a steering position error of the steering angle sensor; and a hysteresis compensator configured to compensate for a hysteresis characteristic of the MDPS system.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.Inventors: Cheon Kyu Kim, Ji Hoon Yoo
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Patent number: 10207739Abstract: A vehicle (100) for use in the field of visual effects is provided, which has at least one adjustable dimension. The vehicle comprises a frame (101) and a plurality of wheels (110, 120, 130, 140), the wheels being adjustably attached to the frame such that the distance between a pair of wheels can be adjusted either manually or automatically. This adjustment may be a continuous adjustment. The vehicle may also comprise tracking markers which generate data in order to facilitate the production of a digital model. The vehicle may also comprise a camera (155) having a 360 degree field of view. The data captured by the camera can be used in the digital effects process to create realistic reflections of the surrounding environment on the digital model.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Alistair Thompson, Ben Smith, Angus Kneale, Elia Popov
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Patent number: 10207740Abstract: A vehicle rear body structure 10 includes a left rear frame 13 that is formed to have a closed section. The left rear frame 13 has a lower member 22 that is formed to have a thickness dimension larger than an upper member 23 thereof. The left rear frame 13 has a first soft zone 24, a second soft zone 25, and a third soft zone 26. The first to third soft zones 24, 25, and 26 are portions with lower strength. The second soft zone 25 is provided in a ring shape throughout the circumference of the left rear frame 13. The first soft zone 24 and the third soft zone 26 are arranged in a lower half part of the left rear frame 13.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Takashi Yamada, Hirokazu Nishiami
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Patent number: 10207741Abstract: A vehicular radar assembly includes a radar mount positioned proximate an engine compartment within a vehicle. A radar carriage is slidably coupled to the radar mount and having a radar module coupled thereto. A biasing mechanism biases the radar carriage away from the radar mount toward a use position. Imposition of an impact force against the radar module temporarily overcomes the biasing mechanism and biases the radar carriage toward the radar mount.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2018Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aaron Peter Klop, Robert Vasbinder
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Patent number: 10207742Abstract: A vehicle structure includes: a framework member; an outer panel disposed at the outer side of the framework member, and that configures a design face of the vehicle; a foamed member disposed as a reinforcing material between the framework member and the outer panel, and that is formed from a material foamed at a first temperature from a precursor state and then solidifies at a second temperature lower than the first temperature; and a reinforcement member that is interposed between the outer panel and the foamed member in a state in which the outer panel and the foamed member are respectively joined together so as to fix the foamed member to the outer panel, and that is configured from a material having a smaller shrinkage ratio than a shrinkage ratio of the foamed member when the temperature is lowered from the first temperature to the second temperature.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Fumihiko Kishima, Koji Amemiya
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Patent number: 10207743Abstract: The automotive vehicle structural part (30) includes at least a main panel (40) and a wheel casing (42), the main panel (40) and the wheel casing (42) being made of two distinct three-dimensional parts made of different materials attached to each other by welding.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: ArcelorMittalInventor: Nicolas Schneider
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Patent number: 10207744Abstract: Drag reducing systems for tractor-trailer combination vehicles are provided. In one aspect, a drag reducing assembly generally includes a stowable mud flap rotatably coupled to a mounting bracket and a linkage. The linkage is configured to transition the mud flap between a first, deployed position, to a second, stowed position. The mud flap is generally positioned adjacent a wheel and tire of the vehicle, downstream of airflow. In the first position, the mud flap may be deployed at an angle of about 90° to the ground. In the second position, the mud flap may be stowed at an angle of about 90° from the first position.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2018Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: PACCAR IncInventor: Jeffrey P. Smith
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Patent number: 10207745Abstract: A rear vehicle body reinforcement structure may include side seal members disposed in the left and right sides of the vehicle along a width direction of the vehicle; rear floor side members extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and assembled with the side seal members respectively by being disposed in the left and right of the vehicle along the width direction of the vehicle, a center floor panel and a rear floor panel, assembled to the side seal members; center floor side members extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and assembled to the center floor panel; a tunnel portion that is provided in the center floor panel and protrudes upward along the height direction of the vehicle; and tunnel side members that extend along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and assembled to the tunnel portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Log Won Do
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Patent number: 10207746Abstract: A floor pan assembly is disclosed that includes a side sill extending in a longitudinal direction that has a lower portion and a top surface. The floor pan may include a weld flange having a height H1 that is welded to the lower portion along a full length of the floor pan and an extended weld flange having a height H2 that is higher than H1 and welded to the top surface of the side sill along a limited length of the floor pan. The floor pan may also include a corrugated area integrally provided in the floor pan that includes a plurality of furrows and ridges that extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Herbert Yang, Sean Timothy Ryan, John Michael McGuckin, Pratyaksh Kamath, Praveenmanickam Renganathan
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Patent number: 10207747Abstract: A reinforcement member is provided and includes a reinforcement unit that has a pair of reinforcement unit bodies. Each of the reinforcement unit bodies has a protruding surface protruding from a middle part of the reinforcement unit body relative to a longitudinal direction of the reinforcement unit body. The protruding surfaces of the reinforcement unit bodies are in contact with each other while opposing each other, and opposite end parts of the reinforcement unit have rectangular cross sections when cutting the reinforcement unit perpendicularly to a longitudinal direction of the reinforcement unit. A plurality of reinforcement units are arranged and the cross sections of the opposite end parts of the reinforcement units form columns and rows of the reinforcement member.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Hoon Chang, Dong Keun Yoo, Huen Sick Min
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Patent number: 10207748Abstract: A longitudinal member arrangement of a body of a motor vehicle is designed such that, in the event of a collision of the motor vehicle, the longitudinal member arrangement progressively fails, absorbing collision energy, with a first longitudinal member element which is formed from a fiber composite, and with a second longitudinal member element which is formed from a fiber composite and is arranged behind the first longitudinal member element. The first longitudinal member element and the second longitudinal member element are connected to each other by a connecting element. The longitudinal member arrangement is designed such that, in the event of the collision of the motor vehicle, the second longitudinal member element begins to fail after the first longitudinal member element has failed.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Balazs Fodor
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Patent number: 10207749Abstract: A method of making a polymeric engine hood assembly for use in a vehicle can include applying heat to a first polymeric sheet, applying heat to a second polymeric sheet, stacking the first polymeric sheet and the second polymeric sheet, placing the stacked sheets between a first mold half and a second mold half, closing the first mold half and second mold half, applying vacuum to the space between the first polymeric sheet and the first mold half and between the second polymeric sheet and the second mold half, wherein the first polymeric sheet forms an exterior panel and wherein the second polymeric sheet forms a reinforcing structure; and attaching an exterior panel to a fender skin at a junction surface, wherein the reinforcing structure includes a connecting ridge extending transversely across the reinforcing structure, wherein the connecting ridge is configured to accept the junction surface of the exterior panel and the feeder skin.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES B.V.Inventors: Jeroen Krijnen, Geert Jan Schellekens, Claire Marie-Annick Martin
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Patent number: 10207750Abstract: A vehicle in which separation of airflow from a vehicle surface can be prevented without causing disfigurement is provided. A vehicle body is insulated from a road surface, and positive static charges accumulate on the vehicle body during propulsion. The vehicle comprises a charge control device adapted to decrease the positive potential of a separation point at which positively charged airflow flowing along a vehicle surface deviates from the vehicle surface during propulsion by applying negative ions to an inner surface of the separation point.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshio Tanahashi, Yoji Kanehara, Koshi Yamada
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Patent number: 10207751Abstract: A motor gearbox assembly is provided for a vehicle having two wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle. The assembly includes two independent drive systems that each include an electric motor and an associated gear train, each drive system being configured to independently drive one of the wheels. The assembly further includes a common housing that receives the motors and the gear trains such that the gear trains are at least partially positioned between the motors. Furthermore, at least portions of the drive systems have generally inverse orientations in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle when the motor gearbox assembly is mounted on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2016Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: NIKOLA MOTOR COMPANY LLCInventors: Trevor R. Milton, Kevin M. Lynk, Anthony A. Heaton, Morgan Mackelprang, Steve Jennes, Adrian Hawkins