Patents Issued in October 15, 2019
  • Patent number: 10442431
    Abstract: An intelligent dynamic speed limiting system for use with a motor vehicle is disclosed. The system may have a processor, a memory in communication with the processor, a source of map information that provides posted speed limit information for roads in a geographic region, and a speed set control. The speed set control may be configured to enable a user to select a speed increase value by which a speed of the vehicle may exceed a posted speed limit. The processor may read the speed increase value set by the user and limit the vehicle speed to that of a posted speed limit for a road that the vehicle is travelling on, plus an additional speed increment determined by the processor by using the user set speed increase value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventor: Richard Chutorash
  • Patent number: 10442432
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for lead vehicle monitoring for adaptive cruise control. An example vehicle includes a communication module for V2V communication, a camera, a sensor, and an adaptive cruise control unit. The adaptive cruise control unit is to determine an acceleration oscillation value of a lead vehicle based upon measurements collected via at least one of the camera and the sensor and send, via the communication module, an instruction to the lead vehicle to activate cruise control responsive to determining the acceleration oscillation value exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. Makled, Michael McQuillen, Jeremy Ferack, Ali Ahmad Ayoub
  • Patent number: 10442433
    Abstract: An override system of a vehicle includes a command module configured to: receive a concentration of a chemical in a driver's body measured using a chemical measurement device of the vehicle; and when the concentration of the chemical is greater than the predetermined concentration of the chemical, prevent movement of the vehicle. An override module is configured to, in response to receipt of user input indicative of an override request while the concentration of the chemical is greater than the predetermined concentration of the chemical, selectively generate a command to override the prevention of movement of the vehicle. The command module is further configured to, in response to the command, selectively allow movement of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: William A. Biondo, David T. Proefke, Fred W. Huntzicker
  • Patent number: 10442434
    Abstract: A coasting control method of an eco-friendly vehicle includes steps of acquiring deceleration event information and road gradient information in front of a vehicle during driving, by a controller in the vehicle, determining target vehicle speed in a deceleration event in consideration of road gradient based on the deceleration event information and the road gradient information, by the controller, determining expected vehicle speed while the vehicle is decelerated in a coasting state, based on current vehicle speed, by the controller, determining a start location for starting coasting based on target vehicle speed in consideration of current vehicle speed of the vehicle and the road gradient and expected vehicle speed at a target location as a deceleration event location, by the controller, and operating an information provider for coasting guidance and coasting induction to a driver at a start location, by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jee Wook Huh, Dong Jin Sohn, Do Hee Kim
  • Patent number: 10442435
    Abstract: In one embodiment, when speed control command (e.g., throttle, brake commands) is issued based on a target speed, a first feedback parameters is determined based on an expected speed and an actual speed of the ADV in response to the speed control command. A second feedback parameter is determined by applying a speed control parameter adjustment (SCPA) model to a set of input parameters that are captured or measured at the point in time. The set of input parameters represents a driving environment of the ADV at the point in time. One or more control parameters of a speed controller of the ADV is adjusted based on the first feedback parameter and the second feedback parameter, where the speed controller is configured to generate and issue speed control commands. Subsequent speed control commands can be generated based on the adjusted speed control parameters of the speed controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: BAIDU USA LLC
    Inventors: Qi Luo, Fan Zhu, Sen Hu, Qi Kong, Xiang Yu, Guang Yang
  • Patent number: 10442436
    Abstract: A vehicle driving device includes an engine, a continuously variable transmission, and a controller. The controller controls the engine and the continuously variable transmission such that an operating point determined by a rotation number and an output torque of the engine follows at least one operating line. In a region where the rotation number of the engine is smaller than a predetermined value, the operating line is set on an optimum fuel efficiency line. In a region where the rotation number equals to or larger than a predetermined value an increasing amount of the output torque relative to an increasing amount of the rotation number in the operating line is larger than the increasing amount of the output torque relative to the increasing amount of the rotation number in the optimum fuel efficiency line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akio Natori
  • Patent number: 10442437
    Abstract: A control device of a vehicle including a multi-speed transmission having gear positions switched by executing release of a release-side engagement device out of a plurality of engagement devices and engagement of an engagement-side engagement device out of the plurality of engagement devices, and an engine of which a power is transmitted through the multi-speed transmission to drive wheels, the control device performing a shift of the multi-speed transmission by using a predefined shift model for determining control operation amounts of a torque at an input rotating member of the multi-speed transmission, a torque capacity of the release-side engagement device, and a torque capacity of the engagement-side engagement device, the control operation amounts achieving shift target values that are a target value of a torque at an output rotating member of the multi-speed transmission and a target value of angular acceleration of the input rotating member of the multi-speed transmission, the control device comprisi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norihiro Tsukamoto, Tomohiro Asami
  • Patent number: 10442438
    Abstract: In a method for detecting and assessing reflections on a road (7), a camera (2) produces at least two digital images of at least one point (3) of the road, respectively from different recording perspectives (A, B) of the camera (2). Diffuse reflection and specular reflection of the road (7) are then detected by assessing differences in the appearances of the point (3) of the road in the at least two digital images using digital image processing algorithms. Road reflections are preferably assessed using an approximative approach. An item of road condition information is determined based on the detected reflection, preferably an item of road condition information which states whether the road is dry, wet, snow-covered or icy. Also provided are an apparatus (1) for carrying out the above-mentioned method, and a vehicle having such an apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Stefan Fritz, Bernd Hartmann, Manuel Amthor, Joachim Denzler
  • Patent number: 10442439
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems and methods for obtaining real-time road friction coefficient estimations. In one embodiment, a regression function is learned using a training data set which correlates input data measurements arriving from onboard system sensors and coefficient estimations arriving from an extension system. In another embodiment, the learned regression function can be retrieved to obtain real-time road friction coefficient estimations while the system is in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: YoungWoo Seo, Randol Aikin, Kshitiz Garg
  • Patent number: 10442440
    Abstract: In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a cutoff duration estimation system for a vehicle includes a vehicle model module having a vehicle profile model of the vehicle, a front vehicle detection module having a front vehicle deceleration model operable to determine a rate of close between the vehicle and a front vehicle, and a cutoff duration estimation system operable to determine an amount of time an engine of the vehicle will be operating in an overrun condition based on the vehicle profile model and the front vehicle deceleration model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Davide Tricarico
  • Patent number: 10442441
    Abstract: An embodiment of a control system includes a sensing element configured to detect a gesture from at least one user in a vehicle including a handwheel, and a gesture control module configured to receive gesture information from the sensing element and control at least one of the handwheel and the vehicle based on the gesture information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy W. Kaufmann, Frank P. Lubischer, Patrik M. Ryne
  • Patent number: 10442442
    Abstract: A periphery monitoring system includes an operation instruction output unit which outputs an operation instruction to a warning device provided in a work vehicle based on detection data of an object detection device detecting an object in a periphery of the work vehicle, an invalidating unit which invalidates the operation instruction based on an invalidating instruction output from a cancel operation device provided in a driving room of the work vehicle, and a validating unit which validates the invalidated operation instruction based on detection data of a boarding state detection device detecting a specific boarding state of a passenger in the driving room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Komatsu LTD.
    Inventors: Masaaki Imaizumi, Masataka Ozaki, Takeshi Kurihara
  • Patent number: 10442443
    Abstract: Technical solutions are described for providing a driver performance feedback to a driver of a vehicle. An example method includes receiving, by a controller, a first maneuver control from an automated driving system of the vehicle. The method further includes receiving, by the controller, a second maneuver control from the driver. The method further includes, in response to the first maneuver control being different from the second maneuver control, generating a driver notification that is indicative of the first maneuver control from the automated driving system, and operating the vehicle using the second maneuver control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Shifang Li, Donald K. Grimm, Yuchen Zhou, Brent N. Bacchus, Lawrence A. Bush
  • Patent number: 10442444
    Abstract: A mobile network device is provided and includes a memory and a control module. The memory is configured to store a driver assistance application. The control module is configured to execute the driver assistance application and when executing the driver assistance application the control module is configured to: receive mobile sensor signals from a plurality of sensors in the mobile network device; normalize the mobile sensor signals to generate normalized signals; translate the normalized signals to a plurality of time sequences representing vehicle behavior; concatenate the plurality of time sequences to generate pseudo-vehicle behavior signals; and generate driver assistance signals based on the pseudo-vehicle behavior signals to assist a driver of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignees: DENSO International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Bando, Hideaki Misawa
  • Patent number: 10442445
    Abstract: A system includes a railcar, a first side screen, a second side screen, and an adjustment system. The railcar includes a roof section. The first side screen is coupled to a side of the railcar. The second side screen is coupled to the side of the railcar. The second side screen overlaps a portion of the first side screen. The adjustment system is coupled to the railcar and is operable to adjust a vertical position of the roof section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: TRINITY NORTH AMERICAN FREIGHT CAR, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Huck, Victor M. Mankarious, Jerry W. Vande Sande, Caglar Ozerdim, Christopher C. Harkey, Hiten Y. Mehta, Kyle R. Coston, Brant R. McGhee
  • Patent number: 10442446
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an auto-rack bridge plate locking assembly including a support bracket, a support block, a guide tube, a slidable locking pin partially positioned in the guide tube, a handle removably attachable to the locking pin by a removable roll pin, a fixed pivot pin partially positioned in the guide tube, and a spring positioned in the guide tube between the pivot pin and the locking pin. The present disclosure also provides an auto-rack railroad car bridge plate including a plate configured to extend from one auto-rack railroad car to an adjacent auto-rack railroad car, and such locking assembly connected to the plate and configured to pivotally attach the plate to one of the auto-rack rail road cars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Standart Car Truck Company
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Walter J. Peach, Edward L. Vechiola
  • Patent number: 10442447
    Abstract: A head monorail car having a front end and a rear end comprises a body, a front load wheel proximate the front end, a rear load wheel proximate the rear end and a seat installed in a passenger area. The front load wheel and the rear load wheel are laterally centered in the body and at least partially protrude through the floor in the passenger area. The first seat is longitudinally installed at least partially between the front end of the monorail car and a spinning axis of the front wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION GMBH
    Inventors: Peter Timan, Scott Finlayson
  • Patent number: 10442448
    Abstract: A secondary suspension system for a railcar comprises a chassis, a primary spring, a levelling actuator, a first hydraulic circuit and a secondary spring. The levelling actuator is adapted to be connected to the carbody. A piston shoulder, located at the lower portion of the piston and below an opening in the chassis, reaches farther than the opening so as to be capable of catching the chassis. The secondary spring is at least partially positioned underneath the piston shoulder. The piston is operative to adopt a high position inside the body under a pressure of a hydraulic fluid injected in a lower chamber below a piston head. This makes the piston shoulder abut against the chassis, thereby compressing the primary spring between the body and the chassis without compressing the secondary suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION GMBH
    Inventors: Mario Monette, Louis Dumoulin, Benoit Lussier
  • Patent number: 10442449
    Abstract: An on-board monitoring system for bogies or railroad trucks monitors components over time. The system is modular comprising a first modular device for mounting on the vehicle next to a component to be monitored and passing data on to one or more further modular devices. Focussed data acquisition and ongoing monitoring of a component becomes possible. Data transmission and analysis is also considered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Rail Vision Europe Ltd.
    Inventor: Sameer Singh
  • Patent number: 10442450
    Abstract: Example edge support devices for a dolly are described. The edge support devices include a body including first and second body sections angled relative to each other, a first engagement assembly extending from a bottom surface of the first body section, and a second engagement assembly extending from a bottom surface of the second body section. The first and second engagement assemblies each include a central protrusion and pairs of side protrusions configured to be inserted into openings in the supporting surface of the dolly. The pairs of side protrusions of the first and second engagement assemblies engage the respective openings of the dolly to detachably couple the body of the edge support devices to the dolly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Tawfeek Abohammdan, Jeffrey D. Green, Dorita S. Mericle
  • Patent number: 10442451
    Abstract: A mobile child support and entertainment device includes a base panel having roller elements for rolling support along a support surface, an upper support body having a seat positioned generally centrally therein for receiving a child, and at least one support leg extending between the base panel and the upper support body. The device allows a caregiver to move the child in the device from location to location, and provides entertainment and activity for the child. Embodiments of the device are configured for ease of maneuverability and access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: KIDS II, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Burns, Jacob Sclare
  • Patent number: 10442452
    Abstract: A transport vehicle including one or more accessory connectors for releasably locking one or more vehicle accessories to the transport vehicle. An accessory connector may releasably lock a first accessory within a first slot defined by the accessory connector and a second accessory within a second slot defined by the accessory connector. In some embodiments, the accessory connector may simultaneously releasably lock the first accessory and the second accessory within the first and second slots, respectively. The accessory connectors facilitate simple, quick, and easy attachment and detachment of vehicle accessories so that the transport vehicle may be easily converted between different modes of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Thule Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley Justin Fleming, Matthew Stengler
  • Patent number: 10442453
    Abstract: A child stroller apparatus includes a stroller frame, and an adapter assembled with the stroller frame and having a first coupling portion and a second coupling portion, each of the first and second coupling portions being configurable as a mount for installation of a detachable part. The adapter is movable relative to the stroller frame to displace the first and second coupling portions, a first position of the adapter configuring the first coupling portion as the mount while maintaining an angle between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion, and a second position of the adapter configuring the second coupling portion as the mount while maintaining the angle between the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Robert E. Haut, Andrew J. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10442454
    Abstract: The invention aims at providing a work vehicle in which an operator can easily view each of switches in spite of the work vehicle in which a plurality of switches such as a DPF regeneration switch, a working switch and a one-touch automatic switch are concentrically provided on a front surface of a control seat. In a work vehicle having a cabin which is inward provided with a control seat installed in a travel machine body, a DPF regeneration switch, a working switch, and a one-touch automatic switch are provided. The DPF regeneration switch is provided on an upper surface of a steering column in a base portion of a control steering wheel, and the DPF regeneration switch is arranged in a field of vision of an operator under a straight moving work posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Gaku Higashiguchi
  • Patent number: 10442455
    Abstract: A steering assembly movable between a deployed position and a stowed position in an instrument panel of a vehicle includes a mounting sled assembly configured to mount to a structural portion of the vehicle, a movable sled assembly operably coupled to the mounting sled assembly and movable relative thereto, the movable sled assembly movable between a retracted position where the movable sled assembly is disposed within the instrument panel, and a deployed position where the movable sled assembly is extended away from the instrument panel toward a rear of the vehicle, and a handle assembly configured to move between a stowed position where the handle assembly is at least partially retracted within the movable sled assembly, and a deployed position where at least a portion of the handle assembly extends outward from the movable sled assembly for a driver to manipulate and steer the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Todd McKinzie, Marco R Cercone
  • Patent number: 10442456
    Abstract: An adjustable steering column assembly which includes an adjustable shroud that supports a steering column shaft, a support bracket that is fixed in position in the vehicle, and a clamp mechanism that selectively secures the shroud to the support bracket, the clamp mechanism comprising a fixed rack that is secured to the shroud or the bracket, and a moving rack that is movable towards and away from the fixed rack during operation of the clamp mechanism, in which the fixed rack comprises a support portion and at least one row of teeth which are carried by the support portion arranged spaced apart from one another, and the moving rack comprises a support portion and at least one row of teeth which are carried by the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: TRW Limited
    Inventors: Niclas Davies, Michael Appleyard
  • Patent number: 10442457
    Abstract: A steering column may comprise a casing tube and a steering spindle that is mounted in the casing tube so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis. The steering column may further comprise fastening elements for fastening the steering column on the vehicle body. The steering column may include a pivot bearing for height adjustment of the steering column. The pivot bearing may be provided on a region of the steering column that is remote from the steering wheel. Further, the pivot bearing may be disposed or formed in a supporting element that is fastened non-releasably on the casing tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventors: Eric Gstöhl, Sven Hausknecht, Stefan-Hermann Loos, Frank Pasch, Christian Geissler
  • Patent number: 10442458
    Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, a motor, a driveshaft operatively connected to the motor, a front differential operatively connected to the driveshaft, a pair of front half-shafts operatively connecting the front differential to front wheels, at least one rear wheel, a steering wheel, a steering column operatively connected to the steering wheel, a rack and pinion assembly operatively connected to the steering column, the rack and pinion assembly being disposed rearward of the front differential, a right tie rod having a left end operatively connected to a rack of the rack and pinion assembly and a right end operatively connected to the right wheel, and a left tie rod having a right end operatively connected to the rack and a left end operatively connected to the left wheel. The inner ends of the tie rods are disposed forwardly of a vertically and laterally extending central plane of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Martin Heon, Charles Despres-Nadeau
  • Patent number: 10442459
    Abstract: A vehicle and a steering system of a vehicle. The steering system includes a steering column emulator that generates an electrical driving signal in response to a driver input, a steering rack assembly that receives the electrical driving signal from the steering column emulator and controls steering of the vehicle as indicated by the received signal, and a backup system. The backup system provides a backup electrical driving signal to the steering rack assembly upon a failure of the steering column emulator, and the steering rack assembly steers the vehicle as indicated by the backup electrical driving signal upon the failure of the steering column emulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian N. Siskoy, Scott R. Kloess, Hossam Almasri, Silviu A. Popescu, Ibrahim A. Badiru
  • Patent number: 10442460
    Abstract: An electric power assisted steering system includes an upper column shaft connected to a steering wheel, a lower column shaft connected to road wheels, a torsion bar interconnecting the upper column shaft and the lower column shaft, and a processor that produces a torque signal indicative of torsion bar torque. An electric motor is connected to the lower column shaft, and a motor position sensor provides a motor position signal dependent on the angular position of the motor rotor that repeats after the motor rotates through an angular range. The processor determines a base motor position at start up by comparing the motor position signal with a signal from a sensor associated with the upper column shaft to determine three candidates and, during subsequent unpowered motion of the steering system rules out two candidates until only one plausible candidate for the base motor position remains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: TRW LIMITED
    Inventor: James Owen Patrick Farrelly
  • Patent number: 10442461
    Abstract: Power equipment such as a riding mower 2 is provided with a center pivot axle 16 for non-driven wheels 9 thereof and a rigid axle 14 for driven wheels 8. A control unit 1 of the power equipment is configured to accelerate the left driven wheel when a right end up roll angle of the center pivot axle is detected by an axle sensor 25, and to accelerate the right driven wheel when a left end up roll angle of the center pivot axle is detected by the axle sensor when substantially no steering input of a steering device 22 is detected by a steering sensor 24 so that the power equipment may maintain a straight course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Kuriyagawa, Hajime Yoshimura, Norikazu Shimizu, Shota Tanabe
  • Patent number: 10442462
    Abstract: To provide a vehicle body structure for an autonomously traveling vehicle that is distinguished for maintainability. A vehicle body structure (1) for an autonomously traveling vehicle that travels on wheels (3) provided on a chassis (2) includes side frames (4R), (4L) that extend in a chassis longitudinal direction on both sides of the chassis with respect to a chassis width direction, first drive units (20) in each of which a drive motor (5) that is for driving the wheel (3), a reduction gear (6), and a drive shaft (7) that drives the wheel (3) are integrally configured, and second drive units (30) which each rotatably hold a drive shaft (7) that drives the wheel (3). The vehicle body structure (1) is characterized in that the first drive units (20) and the second drive units (30) are each provided so as to be integrally mountable in and dismountable from the same side frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Higuchi, Kyosuke Taka, Tetsushi Ito, Kiyotaka Hirata, Kosuke Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10442463
    Abstract: A method for ascertaining the steering angle of a one-track vehicle, in which: with a frame sensor system attached at a first location on the frame of the vehicle, the first frame accelerations occurring there and first frame rotation rates of the two-wheeler are each ascertained in three first spatial directions, with a steering system sensor system attached at a second location of the steering system of the vehicle, the steering system accelerations of the two-wheeler occurring there are ascertained in three second spatial directions, based on the ascertained first frame accelerations and first frame rotation rates, second frame accelerations at the location of the second steering system sensor system in the three first spatial directions are calculated based on a mathematical relationship, and based on the calculated second frame accelerations and the ascertained steering system accelerations, the steering angle of the vehicle is ascertained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Klews
  • Patent number: 10442464
    Abstract: A parking assistance apparatus includes a processor and a memory. The processor extracts a parking space from a surrounding image of a vehicle and generates an image in which a target parking position is in overlap with the parking space, the surrounding image being captured by an imaging apparatus provided in the vehicle. The memory stores history information associating a parking position of the vehicle with the parking space. The processor adjusts a position of the target parking position in the image on the basis of the history information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventor: Yusuke Numata
  • Patent number: 10442465
    Abstract: A device capable of equipping a vehicle comprises: a first sensor placed on the side of the vehicle facing the entrance of the space, the sensor, which may be a lidar, makes distance and orientation measurements of said vehicle with respect to the space based on the reconstruction of a cloud of points belonging to the surface of said walls; a series of sensors placed on the lateral sides of the vehicle to measure the distance from the sides to the lateral walls of the parking space, these sensors possibly being ultrasound or optical; processing means calculating the position and the relative orientation of the vehicle with respect to the walls as a function of the measurements by the various sensors and as a function of the various parking phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Yoann Dhome, Brice Burger, Patrick Sayd
  • Patent number: 10442466
    Abstract: Provided is a frame structure of a vehicle comprising a front side frame; a reinforcing member disposed in a closed cross section; and an inner bead portion which is formed from a plurality of ridgelines extending vertically on a side wall of the front side frame and projects inwardly into the closed cross section, in which the side wall has the front inclined planar portion which includes a line connecting the upper end portion of the intermediate ridgeline with the middle portion of the front ridgeline; and the rear inclined planar portion which includes a line connecting the upper end portion of the intermediate ridgeline with the middle portion of the rear ridgeline, and the reinforcing member is joined to the front proximal portion and the rear proximal portion of the intermediate ridgeline, which are the front and rear inclined planar portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Narahara, Takahiro Aonuma, Kazuto Ishii, Hiroto Kido, Takehito Kobayashi, Ken Fujimoto, Taiga Kamikawaji
  • Patent number: 10442467
    Abstract: A central part structure for a vehicle includes: a roof side rail formed in a tubular shape; and a first reinforcing member accommodated in the roof side rail at a position where a roof reinforcement and the roof side rail overlap with each other, wherein the first reinforcing member includes a main reinforcement wall portion extending along the roof side rail, and a traverse portion provided so as to cross the roof side rail, the traverse portion being placed at a position where the traverse portion can receive a side collision load applied via an upper part of a center pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Sato, Hiroshi Hashiguchi
  • Patent number: 10442468
    Abstract: A metal pipe has a circular cross section with an outer diameter D and a length not less than 6D. The metal pipe includes a high-strength portion (1A) and low-strength portions (1B). The high-strength portion (1A) is disposed along the entire circumference of the metal pipe to extend a dimension, as measured in the longitudinal direction of the metal pipe, that is not less than (?)D and not more than 3D of the metal pipe. The high-strength portion (1A) has a yield strength not less than 500 MPa (or a tensile strength not less than 980 MPa). The low-strength portions (1B) are disposed along the entire circumference of the metal pipe to be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the metal pipe to sandwich the high-strength portion (1A). The low-strength portions (1B) have a yield strength of 60 to 85% of that of the high-strength portion (1A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoshi Hirose
  • Patent number: 10442469
    Abstract: A hydraulic body mount includes a first support member adapted to engage a body of a vehicle and a second support member adapted to engage the frame of the vehicle. The second support member includes a cup portion disposed radially inward of the second support surface that extends axially away from both the first support surface and the second support surface. The body mount further includes a hydraulic damping system disposed between the first support surface and the second support surface, a washer and a travel-limiting cup joined to the cup portion of the second support member. The travel-limiting cup surrounds the washer and includes a compressible limiting member that limits axial movement of the inner tube when the washer contacts the compressible limiting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: The Pullman Company
    Inventors: Scott W. Rawlings, Jay Thornhill, Zoren E. Gaspar
  • Patent number: 10442470
    Abstract: A vehicle side structure has: a front door and a rear door; a side sill that is arranged under the front door and the rear door; a side sill garnish that is fixed to the side sill; and a molding member that is arranged between lower ends of the front door and the rear door and an upper end of the side sill garnish, and that protrudes more outside in a lateral direction than the lower ends of the front door and the rear door. The molding member includes: a front door lower portion; a rear door lower portion; and a center pillar outer portion that is arranged outside in the lateral direction of a lower portion of the center pillar. The front door lower portion and the rear door lower portion are recessed more inside in the lateral direction than the center pillar outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Watanabe, Taiga Marukawa
  • Patent number: 10442471
    Abstract: Roof header modules in a vehicle comprises a base configured to interface with a windshield, a headliner and an A-pillar. The plurality of components is attached to the base through a plurality mounts designed to receive the plurality of the components. The plurality of components may include one of a sun visor, a vanity mirror, an overhead console, rear view mirror or monitor, a rain sensor, a camera, and/or a radar and may be attached by mounts. The roof header module is a preassembled single piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Eric Tulett, Gaetano D'Agata, Raviraj Uchil
  • Patent number: 10442472
    Abstract: To provide a vehicle floor panel having a certain rigidity and being less prone to deformation during manufacturing and deformation when the vehicle floor panel installed in a vehicle is subjected to loads in various directions from outside the vehicle. A vehicle floor panel includes a floor panel main body made of a fiber-reinforced resin, a plurality of recesses 23-1 to 23-7 protruding on one of a lower surface 22 and upper surface of the floor panel main body and depressed on the other of the surfaces and arranged by being spaced apart from one another, and ribs 24-1 to 24-12 connecting two adjacent ones of the recesses on the one of the surfaces of the floor panel main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignees: Suzuki Motor Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC., Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, Subaru Corporation, Dome Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shusuke Sanai, Tomomi Ichida, Kanji Takaoka, Yukitane Kimoto, Tomoya Yabu, Yoshinori Yamamori, Hideaki Maeda, Tsubasa Ono, Hiroshi Yuchi, Yasuhiro Kira, Kazuaki Amaoka
  • Patent number: 10442473
    Abstract: A fastening arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a component, a load-bearing structural element of the motor vehicle, and at least one fastening device. The component is fastened to the load-bearing structural element of the motor vehicle via the at least one fastening device. The fastening device has a clamping element in which in a normal state the clamping element reinforces the fastening of the component via the fastening device, with the action of an external force the clamping element being automatically transferred into an accident state in which the clamping element loosens the fastening of the component via the fastening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Manuel Erlacher, Franz Planka, Harald Zachnegger
  • Patent number: 10442474
    Abstract: A truck bed assembly that is configured with a collapsible cargo rack. Two rails are provided, which include a first rail and a second rail. A first set of extendable supports a first rail above a first sidewall. A second set of extendable supports a second rail above a second sidewall. A first crossbeam is connected to the first rail at a first pivot connection. The first crossbeam can be selectively rotated about the first pivot connection from a first position that is parallel to the first rail, to a second position that is perpendicular to the first rail. Also, a second crossbeam is connected to the first rail at a second pivot connection. The second crossbeam can be selectively rotated about the second pivot connection from a first position that is parallel to the second rail to a second position that is perpendicular to the second rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Krystian Hinz
  • Patent number: 10442475
    Abstract: A method for performing open-loop or closed-loop control of a driver's cab mount of a motor vehicle, wherein the driver's cab mount has dampers whose damper force can be adjusted, wherein the motor vehicle can be operated in a first driving mode in which the motor vehicle automatically carries out vehicle guidance comprising both a longitudinal guidance operation and a transverse guidance operation of the motor vehicle, and in a second driving mode where the motor vehicle can be controlled by the driver, in which driving mode a driver of the motor vehicle is intended to carry out at least part of the vehicle guidance, wherein when the motor vehicle is operated in the first driving mode, the adjustable dampers of the driver's cab mount are actuated or adjusted in such a way that pitching or rolling movements are reduced compared to the second driving mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: MAN TRUCK & BUS AG
    Inventors: Philipp Wagner, Jan Fleischhacker, Christian Kohrs
  • Patent number: 10442476
    Abstract: A spoiler system for a vehicle includes a spoiler body having a spoiler surface for influencing an air flow around the vehicle; and a spoiler receptacle having a sealing device with a seal configured to provide sealing between the sealing device and a sealing surface of the spoiler body during an extension movement of the spoiler body from a retracted position into an extended position. The spoiler body is movably mounted on the spoiler receptacle between the retracted position in which the spoiler body is received at least partially in the spoiler receptacle and the extended position in which the spoiler body is extended at least partially out of the spoiler receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Felix Hermann, Sebastian Collet
  • Patent number: 10442477
    Abstract: A variable corner vane assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The variable corner vane assembly includes a cover coupled to a corner panel installed between a front panel and a door of the vehicle, a lift device for covering the cover and moving away from the cover in an outward direction of the vehicle as a function of lift generated by air flow when the vehicle moves, and a plurality of vanes extending from an inner surface of the lift device toward an inside of the vehicle and passing through the cover, the plurality of vanes controlling a flow of air drawn into a space between the lift device and the cover when the lift device moves away from the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Myung-Kyu Lee
  • Patent number: 10442478
    Abstract: System and apparatus for improving aerodynamics of a vehicle including: a plurality of stiffeners offset from each other; a first airfoil configured as a thin-form sheet; a second airfoil coupled to the first airfoil using the plurality of stiffeners, wherein a trailing edge of the first airfoil overlaps a leading edge of the second airfoil; an airflow inlet defined by a leading edge of the first airfoil and a pair of stiffeners of the plurality of stiffeners; and an airflow outlet defined by by the trailing edge of the first airfoil, the leading edge of the second airfoil, and the pair of stiffeners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: ROCKETAIL, LLC
    Inventor: Jesse Regan
  • Patent number: 10442479
    Abstract: A moving mechanism includes a support; a driving device mounted on the support; a controller arranged on the support; two sets of moving assemblies respectively mounted at two ends of the support; wherein each of the moving assemblies includes a track and two synchronous wheels of different diameters arranged inside the track, such that the moving mechanism is functioned and run freely over stairs, rugged road surfaces and all-terrain ground under the action of the driving device and the controller. Besides, the moving mechanism is equipped on electric vehicles and toys. The moving mechanism applies a breakthrough composite structure of a half-wheel-half-track configuration in combination with an additional omni-directional wheel, whereby the moving mechanism and the electric vehicles and toys equipping the same are adaptable to different road surfaces and stairs of various angles, and also convenient and reliable to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: LAI PING AUBREY CHAN
    Inventor: Lai Ping Aubrey Chan
  • Patent number: 10442480
    Abstract: A seal having a body defining an inner surface and an outer surface. The seal includes a layer of coating deposited on the body, the layer of coating including a material exhibiting oleophobic and hydrophobic properties for both the inner surface and the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Connor J. Haas, John M. Spangler, Anca I. Marcu