Patents Issued in September 17, 2019
  • Patent number: 10414363
    Abstract: An oil supply system of a vehicle includes: a first pump generating a first quantity of oil to cool a driving motor of a hybrid vehicle; a second pump generating a second quantity of oil to lubricate a friction lubrication element of the hybrid vehicle; a flow channel switching valve selectively switching a flow channel of the first quantity of oil and a flow channel of the second quantity of oil to connect the flow channel of the first quantity of oil to the friction lubrication element or connect the flow channel of the second quantity of oil to the driving motor; and a controller controlling an operation of the flow channel switching valve to supply a portion of the first quantity of oil to the friction lubrication element or a portion of the second quantity of oil to the driving motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Young Chul Kim, June Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 10414364
    Abstract: A bumper reinforcement includes a body part extending in a vehicle width direction, and a terminal part, which extends in the vehicle width direction, is attached to an end part of the body part in a longitudinal direction, and is joined to the body part in a state of being superimposed on the end part of the body part. Rigidity of the end part of the body part in the longitudinal direction is lower than rigidity of a center part of the body part in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Keikinzoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takanobu Kaneko, Hiroharu Iizuka, Kiyoichi Kita, Jun Shobo, Kyosuke Matsui, Tamaki Obayashi, Hirofumi Shibata
  • Patent number: 10414365
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a bumper assembly that includes a bumper cover, and a bumper cover retainer. The bumper cover retainer may further include an integrally formed fastening feature that is integral with the bumper cover retainer and that folds over the bumper cover to connect the bumper cover to the bumper cover retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Cory S. Davenport, Nora Arellano
  • Patent number: 10414366
    Abstract: A front vehicle body reinforcing structure may include a sub-frame mounting member combined to a lower side of a front end portion of the front side member and to an inside of a front end portion in a width direction of the fender apron member, wherein an inside surface in a width direction of a vehicle body of the front end portion of the fender apron member is connected to an outside surface in a width direction of the vehicle body of the front side member and to an outside surface in a width direction of the vehicle body of the sub-frame mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Hyunsik Kim
  • Patent number: 10414367
    Abstract: A bumper fascia having a tow hook opening and a tow hook cover is provided. The bumper fascia includes a perimeter surface surrounding the tow hook opening. A first shaped panel, a second shaped panel, a step surface, and a lip portion extend from the perimeter surface defining the tow hook opening. The shaped panels cooperate with a portion of the perimeter surface to define recessed chambers and two attachment notches. The shaped panels include elongated ribs sitting below the exterior surface of the bumper fascia. The tow hook cover includes a pair of wing segment having chamfered surfaces engageable with the step surface and a pair of L-shaped clips engageable with the attachment notches. The tow hook cover is pivotable about the elongated ribs to engage and disengage the tow hook cover from the bumper fascia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Uwe Allmann, Waldemar Appelhans, Sebastian Lukas
  • Patent number: 10414368
    Abstract: A method for determining an impact location of an object on a vehicle including reading in a first sensor signal value of a first sensor of the vehicle at a predefined first point in time, a second sensor signal value of the first sensor at a predefined second point in time following the first point in time, and a sample value of a second sensor of the vehicle at a third point in time following the second point in time. Additionally, an interpolation point is calculated from the first sensor signal value and the second sensor signal value by using the sample value, at least one component of the interpolation point corresponding to the sample value. A time lag between an interpolation instant assigned to the interpolation point, and the third point in time takes place. Finally, the time lag is used for determining the impact location of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Prakasha Taranagara Joga, Marlon Ramon Ewert, Gunther Lang
  • Patent number: 10414369
    Abstract: A headache rack is formed substantially from sheet metal, including left and right uprights as part of a framing portion supporting a screen. The forward edge of the uprights has a concave curvature facing the cab and providing a cantilever, and a folded rearward edge causing the uprights to be considerably wider where they contact the pickup truck bed walls than they are at their tops. The framing portion is provided in three separable sections, connectable by the user using fasteners such as nuts and bolts, with a removable screen in the center frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Curt Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Wolfe C. Parzyck, Robert G. Fehr, Joel D. Diller, Brennan Druckrey
  • Patent number: 10414370
    Abstract: An airbag includes a first panel and a second panel. A first wing is formed with one of the first panel and the second panel, the first wing being coupled to the other of the first panel and the second panel. At least a second wing is formed with one of the first panel and the second panel, the second wing being coupled to the other of the first panel and the second panel. The airbag includes a first depth that extends from the first panel to the second panel proximate the first wing and the second wing when the airbag is in the deployed position and at least a second depth extending from the first panel to the second panel proximate the first base, wherein the second depth is less than the first depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: David Schneider, Christina Morris, James Jacobson
  • Patent number: 10414371
    Abstract: An airbag apparatus includes an inflator and an airbag. The air bag is accommodated in a housing located in front of a seat arranged in a passenger compartment of a vehicle and configured to be deployed and inflated from the housing toward the seat by an inflating gas supplied from the inflator. The airbag includes at least three regular inflation portions arranged next to one another from the housing toward the seat, an upper connecting inflation portion that connects upper ends of adjacent ones of the regular inflation portions to each other, and a lower connecting inflation portion that connects lower ends of adjacent ones of the regular inflation portions to each other. The upper connecting inflation portion and the lower connecting inflation portion are alternately arranged from the housing toward the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ning Zhang, Shiro Ohara, Aviral Shrivatri
  • Patent number: 10414372
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back frame, an elastic installation supporting member installed in the seat back frame, and an airbag within a seat back, the vehicle seat causing the airbag to inflate and develop within the seat back. An inflator is attached to the seat back frame. An inflation and a development of the airbag in the seat back due to an operation of the inflator allows the airbag to elastically support an upper body of a seated person and to elastically receive an impact force which is applied to a rear of the seat back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Isamu Nagasawa, Yoshihiro Kamata
  • Patent number: 10414373
    Abstract: A child safety harness (100) is provided, for use in conjunction with a three-point adult seatbelt (200) that has a diagonally extending chest section (202) and a horizontally extending lap section (204). The harness (100) comprises a first coupling arrangement (116) and a second coupling arrangement (126). The first coupling arrangement (116) is provided at the rear of the harness (100) for removably coupling the harness (100) to a diagonally extending chest section (202) of an adult seatbelt (200). The second coupling arrangement (126) is provided at the rear of the harness (100) for removably coupling the harness (100) to a horizontally extending lap section (204) of an adult seatbelt (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Paul Osei-Owusu
  • Patent number: 10414374
    Abstract: A lockable device is arranged for blocking the control lever slot of a zero turn radius (ZTR) vehicle. In one embodiment, the lockable device includes a first portion and a second portion which adjust between a contracted position and an expanded position. The lockable device presents first and second projecting members which can be placed under the edges of a control lever slot of a ZTR vehicle. The lockable device may be contracted to be received by a ZTR control lever slot and then may be expanded so that the first and second projecting members of the lockable device are received under the edges of the control lever slot. The lockable device may also be integral within the vehicle. An integral lock or a padlock may be used to secure the lockable device in the expanded position in a control lever slot to prevent movement of a control lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: EXCEL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: Harlan John Bartel
  • Patent number: 10414375
    Abstract: Lock cylinder for an ignition starter switch or a wheel lock at a vehicle with a cylinder core which is at least pivotably received in a cylinder housing. At least one blocking member prevents a rotation of the cylinder core in the cylinder housing in a blocking position and in a releasing position releases a rotation in the cylinder housing. A key channel extends through the cylinder core in which a key is insertable and with which the blocking member is movable between the blocking position and the releasing position. At least two rotation positions can be occupied. In the off-position a key is insertable and detractable in the key channel and in the starting position a vehicle starter can be switched on. A mechanical resetting block prevents a resetting of the cylinder core from the starting position to the off-position by a simple rotation of the cylinder core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Huf Hülsbeck & Fürst GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Friedrich Pieper
  • Patent number: 10414376
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for providing discrete alerts to a user of the lock status of a vehicle. An example vehicle includes sensors, a communication system, and a processor. The processor is processor configured to receive a lock request from a remote device, responsive to determining that the remote device is within a threshold range, transmit a first alert to the remote device, and responsive to determining that the remote device is outside the threshold range (i) determine that a vehicle situational criteria is met, and (ii) transmit a second alert to the remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Brian Bennie
  • Patent number: 10414377
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for authorizing a user to access an access-controlled environment. The system includes a system server platform that communicates with mobile devices (e.g., smartphones) and on-board vehicle computing devices accessed by users. The embodiments enable a series of operations whereby a user accessing a vehicle is prompted to biometrically authenticate using the user's smartphone or on-board vehicle computer. In addition, the system can further authorize the user and electronically facilitate access to the vehicle as well as perform other authorized operations relating to the use of the vehicle. In addition the vehicle access system integrates with various computing devices and computer-based services accessible to the user. The systems and methods also facilitate active monitoring of the vehicle occupants and environmental conditions using optical sensors and the like so as to enhance security, convenience and safety of the occupants during use of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Veridium IP Limited
    Inventors: Hector Hoyos, Jason Braverman, Geoffrey Xiao, Jonathan Francis Mather, Scott Streit
  • Patent number: 10414378
    Abstract: A window assembly includes a polymeric interlayer provided between an inner pane of glass and an outer pane of glass. The inner pane and outer pane each have a first major surface and a second major surface. The second major surface of the outer pane and the first major surface of the inner pane face each other. The window assembly also includes a connector assembly. The connector assembly has a wire assembly. The wire assembly has a terminal connector. The terminal connector has a width and a height. The width is greater than the height. The terminal connector is attached to a busbar provided on the second major surface of either the inner pane or the outer pane. A potting layer is provided over the terminal connector. The potting layer separates the terminal connector from an electrically conductive portion of a vehicle adjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Pilkington Group Limited
    Inventor: Charles Sitterlet
  • Patent number: 10414379
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wiper blade, by balacing the opposite characteristics between the ease of operation and the cleaning force, the overall shape of the wiper blade is inclined laterally with elasticity in accordance with the moving direction of the blade mounting means for ease of operation , and the contact portion of the wiper blade for performing the cleaning is capable of maintaining an angle close to a right angle with respect to the cleaning surface, so that the wiper blade is also excellent in cleaning force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: KIMBLADE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hyungwoo Kim
  • Patent number: 10414380
    Abstract: A windshield wiper blade is provided, which includes a long elastic member extended longitudinally, a wiping lever member, a spoiler supported longitudinally by the elastic member, and having a deflection portion, on the upper side of the elastic member, which bends due to the wind pressure received when a vehicle is traveling, and a base portion, on the lower side of the elastic member, for fixing the wiping lever member, and an outer plug coupled to the longitudinal end of the spoiler. A part of the outer plug is attached to the deflection portion by being inserted longitudinally thereinto, and another part of the outer plug is attached to the base portion by being hooked to the longitudinal side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ALBEREE PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Albert Lee, Choon Bae Lee
  • Patent number: 10414381
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for optimizing the use and the income generated a service station or other service locations where different service related fluids are used by service providers and retail users, and more specifically to the coordination at both retail and an associated services station of fluids like window washing fluids using a multiple wall mounting dispensers. Also part of the system are HTML based tools for the management of the fluids and the management of information between the service station operators, the clients, and the service provider in charge of maintaining the system. Also included are methods of use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Hightech Solutions NYC, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley E. Parker, Peter Anthony Milazzo
  • Patent number: 10414382
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper device (100) for cleaning vehicle windows, with a wiper arm (10a-10d) and a wiper blade (1) able to be fastened to the wiper arm (10a-10d), with a cleaning arrangement (40a-40d) having at least one first spray nozzle (42, 43) for spraying a washing fluid, wherein the cleaning arrangement (40a-40d) is connected directly with the wiper arm (10a-10d), and with a fastening arrangement (2) for connecting the wiper blade (1) with the wiper arm (10a-10d), wherein the wiper arm (10a-10d) has a mount (21), having an at least substantially U-shaped cross-section, with two parallel side walls (19, 20), and wherein the cleaning arrangement (40a-40d) is constructed as a separate component from the fastening arrangement (2) for the wiper blade (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventor: Siegfried Waible
  • Patent number: 10414383
    Abstract: The invention provides an air and fluid cleaning system for propelling a cleaning fluid and air onto a vehicle vision device such as a vehicle camera system. The cleaning system comprises at least one fluid nozzle aimed at the camera; at least one cleaning fluid pump fluidly connected to both a fluid supply conduit and a cleaning fluid source; at least one air nozzle aimed at the vehicle camera; and at least one telescopic air jet fluidly connected to the air nozzle, hydraulically connected to the fluid supply conduit, and operated by the fluid pressure provided by the cleaning fluid pump; such that during a first operation time interval only cleaning fluid is propelled onto the vehicle camera and during a second operation time interval only an air jet burst is propelled onto the vehicle camera. The invention further includes a method for cleaning a vehicle camera exposed to ambient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: KAUTEX TEXTRON GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Chris Davies, Aaron Williams
  • Patent number: 10414384
    Abstract: A portable semi-trailer landing-gear motor system and method for use in raising and lowering landing gear on a variety of different semi-trailers by motorized turning of the various-sized drive shafts of the landing gears in appropriate opposing directions, providing motorized performance of an otherwise physically difficult procedure, providing transportability and easy storage within a tractor or truck for use on a variety of semi-trailers in various locations and under various conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventor: Lionel Smith, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10414385
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a chassis, a body including a cab and a rear assembly, the body coupled to the chassis, a sensor system, and a control system. The sensor system is positioned to acquire stability data regarding a stability characteristic of the vehicle at a current location. The stability characteristic includes at least one of a slope, a grade, and a jackknife angle of the vehicle. The control system is configured to determine whether the stability characteristic is within an operational range or a nonoperational range and provide (i) an indication that the vehicle is reconfigurable at the current location into a state whereby the vehicle is operable at the current location in response to determining that the stability characteristic is within the operational range or (ii) an indication that the vehicle is not operable at the current location in response to determining that the stability characteristic is within the nonoperational range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Eric R. Linsmeier, David W. Archer
  • Patent number: 10414386
    Abstract: A recreational vehicle braking system having a tether system, a controller system, and a brake. The controller system activates a slowdown timer upon removal of the tether system from the vehicle and then activates a stop timer upon expiration of the slowdown timer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Inventors: Michael E. Natoli, Robert G. Stanford
  • Patent number: 10414387
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle deceleration in a vehicle comprising an ABS braking system includes detecting a setpoint vehicle deceleration predetermined by a driver; establishing a maximum deceleration and a minimum deceleration, in each case as a function of the detected setpoint vehicle deceleration; detecting an actual vehicle deceleration; and controlling a brake pressure at wheel brakes of a vehicle axle to be controlled as a function of the detected actual vehicle deceleration by controlling ABS brake valves. Controlling the brake pressure at the wheel brakes of the vehicle axle as a function of the detected actual vehicle deceleration comprises: increasing the brake pressure at the wheel brakes when the actual vehicle deceleration is less than the minimum deceleration, and limiting the brake pressure at the wheel brakes when the actual vehicle deceleration is greater than the maximum deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: WABCO GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Boethel, Horst Eckert, Torsten Wallbaum
  • Patent number: 10414388
    Abstract: A system includes a controller configured to individually control brake force applied to steered wheels of a vehicle. The controller is configured to release a braking force from a first brake associated with a first steered wheel of the vehicle when the vehicle is stationary, and the controller is further configured to subsequently release a braking force from a second brake of a second steered wheel when the vehicle remains stationary after braking force is released from the first wheel. Methods relate to distributing braking force of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Soungjin Wou, Timothy Gerard Offerle
  • Patent number: 10414389
    Abstract: A method for haptic feedback on a brake pedal of a motor vehicle. A current stability index describing the current driving situation is compared to a stored critical stability index. A haptic feedback is imprinted on the brake pedal of the motor vehicle when the ratio between the current stability index and the critical stability index exceeds a previously defined limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Tobias Brok
  • Patent number: 10414390
    Abstract: A control apparatus is applied to an internal combustion engine. The engine comprises a water pump, and an oil pump. The apparatus makes a second motor to drive the water pump drive the oil pump, if the first motor to drive the oil pump malfunctions. Consequently, if the first motor malfunctions, the oil pump can be driven by the second motor. Thus, the possibility of seizing of the sliding portions of the engine can be reduced. Further, if the first motor malfunctions, the friction in the engine can be reduced, since the oil pump is not driven by the crank shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yusuke Morita, Takashi Koyama
  • Patent number: 10414391
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an engine stop/start control system for a vehicle comprising a first engine restart module configured to set a restart frequency and duration of an engine in response to a sensed ambient temperature, a second engine restart module configured to control the engine in response to a sensed characteristic temperature associated with the engine, a third engine restart module configured to control the engine in response to occurrence or non-occurrence of at least one expected charging event along a predefined route, a fourth engine restart module configured to control the engine in response to a state-of-charge of an energy storage device, and a route optimization module configured to set and adjust a proposed route to a destination that results in reduced engine usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Praveen C. Muralidhar, Martin T. Books, Jennifer K. Light-Holets
  • Patent number: 10414392
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. In one example, powertrain output is limited or constrained so that powertrain output variation is limited to a desired level at different altitudes. The powertrain output may be constrained based on a ratio of a threshold electric machine torque to a threshold engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chen Zhang, Mark Steven Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 10414393
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an oscillation of a vehicle. The system comprises a sensor configured to detect an oscillation of the vehicle, and an electronic controller configured to receive an oscillation signal from the sensor, compare the oscillation signal to a detection threshold, and in response to the comparison of the oscillation signal to the detection threshold, generate a signal to activate a braking system of the vehicle and generate a request to reduce torque in an engine of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Peter Ehmann
  • Patent number: 10414394
    Abstract: ECU 10 is configured to detect an object external to the vehicle 1, and determine a speed distribution area 40 for defining a distribution of an allowable upper limit of a relative speed of the vehicle 1 with respect to the object in a travelling direction, in a range from a lateral area to rearward and forward areas of the object in the travelling direction. The speed distribution area is determined such that the allowable upper limit is made lower as a lateral distance and a longitudinal distance from the object become smaller. When objects (8A, 8B) are detected, respective ones of the speed distribution areas (40A, 40B) for respective ones of the objects are set, the relative speed for each of objects is calculated, and an avoidance control is executed for restricting the relative speed from exceeding the allowable upper limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ohmura
  • Patent number: 10414395
    Abstract: Feature-based prediction is described. In an example, a vehicle can capture sensor data while traversing an environment and can provide the sensor data to computing system(s). The sensor data can indicate event(s), such as a lane change, associated with agent(s) in the environment. The computing system(s) can determine, based on the sensor data, a time associated with the event and can determine features associated with a period of time relative to the time of the event. In an example, the computing system(s) can aggregate the features with additional features associated with other similar events to generate training data and can train, based at least in part on the training data, a machine learned model for predicting new events. In an example, the machine learned model can be transmitted to vehicle(s), which can be configured to alter drive operation(s) based, at least partly, on output(s) of the machine learned model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Zoox, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin John Sapp, Daylen Guang Yu Yang
  • Patent number: 10414396
    Abstract: The apparatus includes: a frontward imaging unit configured to capture an image ahead of the moving body; a frontward division line detection unit configured to detect a shape of a division line of a road surface, from the captured image, and calculate reliability of a frontward division line shape; a periphery imaging unit configured to capture an image of a periphery of the moving body; a periphery division line detection unit configured to detect a shape of the division line on the road surface, from the captured image, and calculate reliability of a periphery division line shape; and a division line shape determination unit configured to determine the shape of the division line on the road surface where the moving body moves, by selecting one from or combining the frontward division line shape and the periphery division line shape, based on first reliability and second reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Noritaka Kokido, Takuya Taniguchi, Nariaki Takehara, Kunio Ueda
  • Patent number: 10414397
    Abstract: An operational design domain decision apparatus includes: a position estimation unit configured to estimate a vehicle position; a traffic map database in which a restriction related to a vehicle speed and a position are associated with each other; a rule acquisition unit configured to acquire the restriction; a required value calculation unit configured to calculate a required detection distance at which it is necessary for an object detection sensor equipped in the vehicle to have detected a moving object for execution of a predetermined automatic driving; a distance measurement unit configured to calculate a detectable distance based on a detection result of the object detection sensor; and a determination unit configured to determine that the automatic driving system is in the operational design domain, when the detectable distance is equal to or more than the required detection distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Toshiki Kindo
  • Patent number: 10414398
    Abstract: Provided is a vehicle travel control device capable of improving the usability of a following control by detecting dangerous behavior in a preceding vehicle, and differing the release timing of the following control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Isao Ochi
  • Patent number: 10414399
    Abstract: A method and a corresponding device are provided for preventing an undesired vehicle motion during an automatic switch-off process of a drive machine in a motor vehicle. An automatic switch-off process is initiated by a start-stop apparatus before the standstill is reached if the motor vehicle is braked because of a deceleration request and the speed of the vehicle is less than a specified first speed threshold. A brake pressure of suitable magnitude is caused to be locked-in in the brake system even before the vehicle reaches the standstill if a first signal indicating that the vehicle standstill will soon be reached and a second signal indicating that an inability of the drive machine to operate in a self-sustaining manner will soon be reached are acquired because of an initiated automatic switch-off process of the drive machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Sebastian Haerdtl
  • Patent number: 10414400
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle includes: an engine (10); an engine torque adjustment mechanism; and a PCM (50) configured to execute vehicle attitude control for, upon satisfaction of a vehicle attitude control executing condition that the vehicle is traveling and a steering angle-related value is increasing, reducing the engine torque to thereby generate deceleration of the vehicle. The PCM (50) is configured, upon satisfaction of a given terminating condition for terminating the vehicle attitude control, to control the engine torque adjustment mechanism to restore the reduced engine torque to an original state before the execution of the vehicle attitude control. The PCM (50) sets a rate of change in the engine output torque being restored, such that it becomes larger as the number of times of combustion per unit time becomes smaller, and restores the engine torque according to the rate of change set in the above manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keiichi Hiwatashi, Chikako Ohisa, Daisuke Umetsu, Osamu Sunahara, Koichi Kimoto, Yasunori Takahara, Daisaku Ogawa
  • Patent number: 10414401
    Abstract: A motor vehicle controller comprising data processing apparatus, the data processing apparatus configured to carry out the steps of: receiving a surface friction signal indicative of a coefficient of friction between a road wheel and a driving surface; receiving an accelerator position signal indicative of a position of an accelerator control with respect to an allowable range of positions; determining a powertrain torque limit value corresponding to an amount of powertrain torque at which slip of a driving wheel is expected to exceed a predetermined amount, the powertrain torque limit value being determined at least in part in dependence on the surface friction signal; and determining and outputting a powertrain torque demand signal corresponding to an instant amount of torque to be developed by a powertrain, the powertrain torque demand signal being determined in dependence at least in part on the accelerator position signal according to a predetermined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Fairgrieve, Jan Prins, Paul Beever, Nick Brockley, Charlotte Cook, Jon Parr
  • Patent number: 10414402
    Abstract: A method for controlling gear shifting of a working machine includes determining a representation of a first total tractive force of the working machine for the entire set of drive units; initiating a procedure for redistributing the tractive force while maintaining the first total tractive force, including decreasing, at least partly towards a level suitable for shifting gear, the torque and tractive force of at least the first drive unit down, and increasing, in a compensational manner, the torque and tractive force of at least one of the other drive units not subject to gear shifting; monitoring, during the redistribution procedure, a representation of a second total tractive force of the working machine for the other drive units not subject to gear shifting, and, provided that the second total tractive force exceeds a threshold limit that forms a function of the first total tractive force: decreasing the torque and tractive force of at least the first drive unit down to the level suitable for shifting gea
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Thomas Andersson, Mats Åkerblom
  • Patent number: 10414403
    Abstract: A control device that controls a vehicle drive device in which an input member, an engagement device, a shift input member, a transmission device, and an output member are disposed in this order on a power transmission path connecting an internal combustion engine and wheels, the control device includes an electronic control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kohei Tsuda, Shoichi Ishida, Norihiro Muto
  • Patent number: 10414404
    Abstract: A vehicle control system for at least one vehicle subsystem of a vehicle; the vehicle control system comprising a subsystem controller for initiating control of the or each of the vehicle subsystems in a selected one of a plurality of different subsystem control modes, each of which corresponds to one or more different driving conditions for the vehicle. Evaluation means are provided for evaluating one or more driving condition indicators to determine the extent to which each of the subsystem control modes is appropriate and for providing an output to the subsystem controller that is indicative of the control mode which is most appropriate. This may be an evaluation means for calculating the probability that the or each of the subsystem control modes is appropriate. Automatic control means may be operable in an automatic response mode to select an appropriate one of the subsystem control modes in dependence on the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Sam Anker, Dan Dennehy, Elliot Hemes, James Kelly, Andrew Fairgrieve
  • Patent number: 10414405
    Abstract: A method for determining a limit speed for driving, for a driver at a vehicle's steering wheel, includes a step of estimating a grip potential available at a given instant between a tire of the vehicle and a roadway on which a tire of the vehicle is running. The grip potential is estimated as a function of at least one of: a known influencing parameter, and a measured influencing parameter. The method also includes a step of determining a need for grip as a function of a driving situation of the vehicle and driving characteristics of the driver. The method further includes a step of determining a limit speed for driving as a function of the need for grip and the estimated grip potential. By virtue of the limit speed for driving, it is possible to prevent exceeding an estimate grip potential available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventors: Marc Duvernier, Antoine Paturle, Benjamin Levrard, Jean-Louis Linda
  • Patent number: 10414406
    Abstract: A method, executed by a computer, includes receiving movement data and distracting conditions data corresponding to one or more driving sessions for a user and identifying a potentially distracting condition for the user encountered during the one or more driving sessions. The method also includes determining one or more distraction-free intervals and one or more distraction-present intervals corresponding to driving during the one or more driving sessions. The method also includes comparing movement data corresponding to the one or more distraction-free intervals with movement data corresponding to the one or more distraction-present intervals to produce distraction effect information. A computer system and computer program product corresponding to the method are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Farrell, Jonathan Lenchner
  • Patent number: 10414407
    Abstract: One or more driving analysis computing devices in a driving analysis system may be configured to analyze driving data, determine driving behaviors, and calculate driver scores based on driving data transmitted using vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications. Driving data from multiple vehicles may be collected by vehicle sensors or other vehicle-based systems, transmitted using V2V communications, and then analyzed and compared to determine various driving behaviors by the drivers of the vehicles. Driver scores may be calculated or adjusted based on the determined driving behaviors of vehicle drivers, and also may be calculated or adjusted based on other the driver scores of nearby vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventor: Mark V. Slusar
  • Patent number: 10414408
    Abstract: Real-time feedback may be generated during a driving session from status data collected via one or more sensors. This feedback data may include various metrics related to a student's driving skills, which may be utilized to generate tagged driving events. A user may also manually enter tagged driving events. The tagged driving events may include real-time information based on the collected status data, such as acceleration, braking, cornering data, descriptions entered by the user. The location of these tagged driving events may be mapped in real time. Sensors used to collect this data may be integrated within the device displaying the feedback or located on another device, in which case the status data may be communicated to the device displaying the feedback. The displayed real-time feedback may be viewed by an instructor to assess a student's driving skills in real time and to calculate a driver feedback score.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian Mark Fields, Steve Roberson, Abhishek Harish, Hyunji Lim, Matthew James Waughtel
  • Patent number: 10414409
    Abstract: The present invention determines at least one dangerous driving indicator by use of a physical model based on the dynamics of a vehicle. According to the invention, a dynamic model of the vehicle determines a slip parameter of the vehicle, which deduces a representative dangerous driving indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLES
    Inventors: Laurent Thibault, Philippe Moulin
  • Patent number: 10414410
    Abstract: A system and method for adjusting engine settings and/or calibrations is based on engine and/or vehicle parameters, and/or environmental conditions, and is further based upon a forecasted drive cycle, forecasted driving condition, vehicle vocation, vehicle geographic location, vehicle load, type of operation, season of the year, vehicle system or subsystem condition and/or operation, and/or other factors. An engine of the vehicle has an ECU configured to store and implement an engine control map. At least one algorithm is operable to determine an engine control map specific to an engine operating parameter, a vehicle operating parameter, an environmental condition, and/or an expected range of settings and calibrations. At least one device is configured to wirelessly upload to the vehicle the specific engine control map, and then load or flash the specific engine control map to the ECU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Vishnu Vijayakumar
  • Patent number: 10414411
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayuki Kuroda, Mitsuo Shimotani
  • Patent number: 10414412
    Abstract: A traction box of a railway vehicle includes pieces of electric equipment; and a cooling device including a first and second fluid circuits, respectively crossing first and second heat exchange areas with the pieces of electric equipment; and first and second of heat exchangers, respectively crossed by the first and the second fluid circuits and allowing heat exchange between the fluid and a first air flow. The fluid circuits include a first common conduit for fluid circulation, crossing the first exchanger, and then connected to the second and to a third parallel conduits, the second conduit belonging to the second fluid circuit and first crossing the second exchanger and then the second heat exchange area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ALSTOM TRANSPORT TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventor: Christophe Audemar