Patents Issued in February 25, 2020
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Patent number: 10569763Abstract: A hybrid electric power-split vehicle, equipped with a continuously variable transmission coupling an electric motor/generator (EM) with a combustion engine (CE), includes systems and methods that reduce possible resonant noise and vibration during CE startup, by improved EM control, to generate compensating EM torque to counter act such possible resonant noise and vibration. The systems and methods include predetermined baseline CE operating condition (OC) cranking torque profiles stored as OC grids (SOCGs). A start profile is generated from selected cranking torque SOCGs, and also from selected historical start OCGs (HOCGs) of prior engine and/or CE starts, which include prior start noise and vibration metrics along with prior start OCs and related parameters. The start profile is calibrated using a blend factor that is generated from comparisons of SOCGs, and utilized to generate a feed-forward torque signal that adjusts EM torque to reduce the startup noise and vibration resonances.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yu Liu, Floyd Cadwell, Kenneth Frederick, Xiaoyong Wang
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Patent number: 10569764Abstract: A specific vehicle having a unique structure, modified wheel design and capable of running on a dedicated lane with uniform speed is described. The transportation system controls the traffic flow from and to the arterial roads to the highways. This allows the traffic management system to efficiently manage the commute time traffic and avoid congestion. The modified space and energy transportation management system and method of using it enables efficient transportation management while saving time and energy for service providers as well as users.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Inventor: Zdenek Stan Emil Skokan
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Patent number: 10569765Abstract: A PCM (14) for controlling a behavior of a vehicle (1) having steerable front road wheels is configured to perform a control to reduce a driving force for the vehicle (1) according to a yaw rate-related quantity (e.g., steering speed) of the vehicle (1). Specifically, the PCM (14) is configured, after reducing the driving force in response to a change in the yaw rate-related quantity and according to the yaw rate-related quantity being changing, to increase the driving force so as to restore a value of the driving force before the reduction, and the PCM (14) is operable, when increasing the driving force so as to restore a value of the driving force before the reduction, to change a change rate during the increasing of the driving force, according to a magnitude of the yaw rate-related quantity thereduring.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Osamu Sunahara, Daisuke Umetsu
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Patent number: 10569766Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle control device reducing a driving force generated by an engine of a vehicle to prevent the vehicle from colliding with a forward obstacle. The vehicle control device includes an ECU configured to control the driving force, an ultrasonic sensor configured to detect the forward obstacle in front of the vehicle, and a monocular camera configured to take an image of an area in front of the vehicle. The ECU determines the presence or absence of the forward obstacle in front of the vehicle based on the image taken with the monocular camera while the vehicle is travelling, and changes an upper limit of the driving force in accordance with a combination of whether or not the ultrasonic sensor has detected an object and the presence or absence of the forward obstacle determined based on the image taken with the monocular camera.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Tetsuhiro Yamashita, Takashi Goto, Kiyonobu Takahashi
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Patent number: 10569767Abstract: When a likelihood of a collision between an object and an own vehicle is determined to be present, an vehicle control apparatus calculates an object width indicating a size of the object in a lateral direction and an overlap ratio indicating a proportion of an amount of overlap in the lateral direction between the calculated object width and a determination area that is virtually set ahead of the own vehicle. Based on the calculated overlap ratio, an operation timing for a collision avoidance control is set. The object width is changed when the overlap ratio is less than a predetermined threshold such that the object width is less than the object width when the overlap ratio is greater than the predetermined threshold. The operation timing for the collision avoidance control is set based on a new overlap ratio calculated based on the determination area and the object width after change.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Ryo Takaki
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Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and non-transitory recording medium
Patent number: 10569768Abstract: An information processing apparatus of a vehicle obtains a sensing result from a sensor that senses the path of travel, and receives a result of sensing the path of travel of the vehicle from an external device such as another vehicle. It is determined whether the state of the vehicle at a specific point in time is a first state in which the sensing result obtained from the sensor meets a predetermined condition. If the state of the vehicle is determined to be the first state, first information for controlling the movement of the vehicle is generated based on the sensing result obtained from the sensor. If the state of the vehicle is determined not to be the first state, the first information is generated based on the sensing result received from the external device. Then, the first information is output.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CORPORATION OF AMERICAInventors: Yasunori Ishii, Hiroaki Urabe -
Patent number: 10569769Abstract: If the sign of the relative speed of the non-fixed object is negative, the determination width for own lane is expanded in the lane-width direction. According to the expanded determination width for own lane, both the preceding vehicle on the adjacent lane and the preceding vehicle on the own lane are recognized as existing on the own lane. Therefore, if it is determined that the risk to collide with the preceding vehicle on the adjacent lane is high, the decelerating assist control is executed to prevent collision with this preceding vehicle. Also, if it is determined that the risk to collide with the preceding vehicle on the own lane is high, the decelerating assist control for preventing collision with this preceding vehicle is executed.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Masamichi Ohsugi
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Patent number: 10569770Abstract: A driver assistance system (DAS) for a vehicle avoids collision between a vehicle and a preceding object using emergency steering of the vehicle. The DAS includes forward-view sensors and a corner sensor mounted to a vehicle. A controller is provided with a processor to process the forward-view image data, the forward-view sensing data, and the side-view sensing data. The controller detects both a preceding object located in a region forward of the vehicle and a side object located in a region on the side of the vehicle in response to a result of processing the forward-view image data, the forward-view sensing data, and the side-view sensing data. In response to a collision between the vehicle and the preceding object being predicted and the region on the side of the vehicle being free of the side object, the controller outputs a steering signal to a steering device of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventor: Kwan Sun You
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Patent number: 10569771Abstract: An advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) provides collision avoidance control for a host vehicle. The system can include one or more sensors mounted to the host vehicle and configured to sense a driving lane in which the host vehicle is traveling and to sense an external vehicle partially engaged in the driving lane. A controller controls steering, braking, or acceleration of the host vehicle on the basis of sensing information received from the sensor. The controller determines the external vehicle partially engaged in the driving lane as a target vehicle having at least a part thereof overlapping with a lane mark of the driving lane, and performs longitudinal braking or acceleration control or lateral steering control on the host vehicle based on lateral and longitudinal positional relationships between the host vehicle and the target vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: MANDO CORPORATIONInventors: In Hyuk Song, Dai Chang Ro, Sang Yeob Lee, Won Sik Jung, Ji Yong Lee, Jae Kyeong Kim, Sang Kyun Sim, Kyung Geun Jeon, Kwan Sun You
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Patent number: 10569772Abstract: Described is a system for predicting the behavior of an autonomous system. The system identifies a taxonomic state of a motion condition of an autonomous vehicle based on a spatiotemporal location of the autonomous vehicle and elements of a driving scenario. Behavior of the autonomous vehicle is predicted based on the taxonomic state of the motion condition. The autonomous vehicle makes and implements a driving operation decision based on the predicted behavior.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Hyun (Tiffany) J. Kim, Christian Lebiere, Jerry Vinokurov, Rajan Bhattacharyya
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Patent number: 10569773Abstract: World objects tracking and prediction by an autonomous vehicle (AV) is disclosed. A method includes identifying, based on first observation data received from sensors of the AV, an oncoming vehicle; identifying, based on second observation data received from the sensors of the AV, a road object; generating a lane-following hypothesis for the oncoming vehicle, the lane-following hypothesis indicating an intention that the oncoming vehicle remain in a current road lane; computing a lane-following reference driveline for the lane-following hypothesis of the oncoming vehicle; in response to determining that the lane-following reference driveline is blocked by the road object, generating a go-around hypothesis for the oncoming vehicle, and computing a go-around reference driveline for the go-around hypothesis; and providing at least one of a go-around trajectory corresponding to the go-around hypothesis or a lane-following trajectory corresponding to the lane-following hypothesis.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignees: Nissan North America, Inc., Renault S.A.S.Inventors: Yue Zhao, Christopher Ostafew
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Patent number: 10569774Abstract: A traveling controller for vehicle includes a first computing unit, a traveling control unit, a first calculating unit, a second calculating unit, and a second computing unit. The first computing unit is configured to compute control information on a traveling control of an own vehicle. The traveling control unit is configured to perform the traveling control on the basis of the control information. The first calculating unit is configured to calculate estimated positions. The second calculating unit is configured to calculate estimated position reliability on the basis of pieces of positional information, including information on one or more estimated positions. The second computing unit is configured to compute the control information on the basis of one or more estimated positions when positioning information, lane line information, or both is undetectable.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATIONInventor: Hajime Oyama
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Patent number: 10569775Abstract: A cruise control arrangement is provided with a cruise control speed function and where the cruise control arrangement is provided with a set cruise speed value and a set brake cruise speed value, and where the cruise control brake function is active when the vehicle travels downhill, where the cruise control arrangement is adapted to activate at least one auxiliary brake when the vehicle speed reaches the set brake cruise speed, to apply a service brake of the vehicle in order to reduce the speed of the vehicle to a predefined first speed if the vehicle speed exceeds the set brake cruise speed when the least one auxiliary brake is delivering full brake power, where the predefined first speed is lower than the set brake cruise speed. Undesired acceleration during downhill travel can be avoided when the brake power of the auxiliary brake is not sufficient. Further, a required downshift can be delayed, which will improve the fuel consumption of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATIONInventors: Lars Karlsson, Anders Eriksson
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Patent number: 10569776Abstract: A tractor includes an engine, a transmission coupled to the engine, a hydraulic pump driven by the engine, at least one of a tractor implement, attachment, or control moved by the hydraulic pump, a sensor, and a controller coupled to the transmission. The controller is configured to downshift the transmission based on a signal from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventor: Andy B. Appleton
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Patent number: 10569777Abstract: A circuit for compensating for low battery voltage available to power a load includes a power source, an inductor electrically coupled to the power source, a first switch configured to control current flow from the power source to the inductor, and a first diode connecting a first supply rail to the inductor. The circuit also includes a second switch configured to electrically connect the anode of a second diode to the inductor, with the cathode of the second diode connected to a second supply rail. A controller is configured to cycle the first and second switches to achieve a desired voltage values at the first and second supply rails. The second supply rail is electrically connected to the load. The controller is configured to enable the second switch to switch to a closed state only when the voltage at the power source is below a first predetermined threshold voltage.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: S. M. Nayeem Hasan, Timothy Philippart
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Patent number: 10569778Abstract: A vehicle having a manual transmission, adaptive cruise control, and an electric motor/generator includes electric creep and electric crawl modes that use the electric motor/generator to propel the vehicle when in traffic. Creep mode may be enabled and the engine stopped automatically when the transmission is in neutral and the vehicle is stationary. Crawl mode may be activated when the creep mode and the adaptive cruise control are enabled to use the electric motor/generator and adaptive cruise control to maintain a target distance to a forward vehicle. The creep mode may be canceled responsive to brake pedal activation. The creep mode and crawl mode may be canceled and the engine started responsive to clutch pedal or accelerator pedal activation. The creep mode and crawl mode may be deactivated responsive to battery charge level being below a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Christopher Edward Pedlar, Anthemios Philemon Petridis, David Hesketh
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Patent number: 10569779Abstract: A coasting neutral control apparatus associated with a speed camera may include a communication terminal configured to acquire speed camera enforcement section information, and a controller configured to perform or interrupt coasting neutral control by determining whether a predetermined execution condition for the coasting neutral control is satisfied using the speed camera enforcement section information.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Kwang-Hee Park, Jae-Chang Kook, Sang-Jun Park, Byeong-Wook Jeon
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Patent number: 10569780Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting powertrain torque in a vehicle based on driver intent. Driver intent is inferred based on foot motion inside a foot well monitored via a foot well region sensor and changes in clearance outside the vehicle monitored via a range sensor. By adjusting powertrain torque based on operator foot motion and traffic movements outside the vehicle, frequency of lash transitions can be reduced and lash transition initiation can be adjusted based on expected changes in torque demand.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
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Patent number: 10569781Abstract: A traveling assistance apparatus recognizes a travel road on which a vehicle is traveling, acquires a traveling state of the vehicle, and determines whether or not the vehicle will deviate from the travel road based on the recognition result of the travel road and the traveling state of the vehicle. The apparatus determines whether to perform, as a prevention method for preventing from the travel road, a method in which either of steering control and brake control of the vehicle is performed, or a method in which a period over which either of the steering control and the brake control is performed and a period over which both of the steering control and the brake control are performed are set. The apparatus sets a steering amount for the steering control and a brake amount for the brake control when the deviation prevention control is performed based on the prevention method.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Noriyasu Noto, Masanobu Yamaguchi, Tetsuya Tokuda, Yasuhiko Mukai, Yosuke Hattori
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Patent number: 10569782Abstract: A deciding method of an interactive autonomous safe driving system for switching a driving mode of a vehicle includes an environmental detecting step and a driving mode judging step. The environmental detecting step is for driving an environmental detecting device to sense environmental conditions of the vehicle so as to generate a plurality of environmental condition data. The driving mode judging step is for controlling the driving mode by a controlling device according to the environmental condition data. The interactive autonomous safe driving system includes an environmental detecting device, a switching device and a controlling device. The environmental detecting device includes a plurality of environmental sensors. The environmental sensors sense environmental conditions of the vehicle so as to generate a plurality of environmental condition data. The controlling device controls the driving mode according to the switching state and the environmental condition data.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Automotive Research & Testing CenterInventors: Chao-Yang Lee, Hung-Yih Tsai
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Patent number: 10569783Abstract: Work vehicle having a coupling member which is switchable between a coupled state where left/right brake operation tools are integrally coupled and a released state releasing the coupling. A coupled state detector is utilized. A controller controls a traveling state and is switchable between a first or normal mode and a second or vehicle speed suppression mode. The second or vehicle speed suppression mode can be switched back to the first or normal mode when the coupled state is detected and a predetermined releasing operation is performed.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshihiko Kuroshita, Susumu Umemoto, Yoshitomo Fujimoto, Takashi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 10569784Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to stopping a vehicle. For instance, a vehicle is controlled in an autonomous driving mode by generating first commands for acceleration control and sending the first commands to an acceleration and/or steering actuator of an acceleration system of the vehicle in order to cause the vehicle to accelerate. Acceleration and/or orientation of the vehicle is monitored while the vehicle is being operated in an autonomous driving mode. The monitored acceleration and/or orientation is compared with the first commands. An error with the acceleration and/or steering system is determined based on the comparison. When the error is determined, the vehicle is controlled in the autonomous driving mode by generating second commands which do not require any acceleration and/or steering.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Waymo LLCInventors: Ethan Stark, Daniel Trawick Egnor, Ryan Cash, Nolan McPeek-Bechtold
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Patent number: 10569785Abstract: A vehicle computer includes a memory and a processor programmed to execute instructions stored in the memory. The instructions include receiving a first tire pressure measurement at a first time, receiving a second tire pressure measurement at a second time, comparing the first tire pressure measurement to the second tire pressure measurement, and determining that a road is flooded based on a difference of the first tire pressure measurement and the second tire pressure measurement.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Aed M. Dudar
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Patent number: 10569786Abstract: In some examples, a controller receives measurement data from a sensor on a vehicle, determines, based on the measurement data, a condition of usage of the vehicle, and selects a parameter set from among a plurality of parameter sets based on the determined condition of usage of the vehicle, the plurality of parameter sets corresponding to different conditions of usage of the vehicle, where each parameter set of the plurality of parameter sets includes one or more parameters that control adjustment of one or more respective adjustable elements of the vehicle. The controller causes application of the selected parameter set on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: Edward Snow Willis, Christopher Scott Travers, Yuhui Liu, Ning Erin Ren, Hashim Mohammad Qaderi, Prabhul Dev, Karthik Velakur Sambamoorthy, Parvez Ahmed, Eric Yeung, Evgueni Eugene Markine, Scott Hutchens
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Patent number: 10569787Abstract: A driving support apparatus includes a driving support unit, a switching control unit, a reliability detection unit, and a threshold lowering unit. The switching control unit ceases driving support by the driving support unit and switches a driving state from driving in which the driving support is performed to manual driving, according to input from an operation detection unit when operating force or an operation amount exceeds a threshold. The reliability detection unit detects degradation of reliability of the driving support by the driving support unit. The threshold lowering unit lowers the threshold when the reliability detection unit detects the degradation of the reliability.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Takeshi Miura, Masayoshi Oishi, Hiroaki Niino, Koji Fujiki, Shotaro Fukuda
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Patent number: 10569788Abstract: An automatic driving control apparatus includes a controller. Upon execution of automatic driving control, the controller determines, on the basis of positioning and map information, presence of a tollgate within a predetermined distance from a vehicle. The controller makes a transition to a tollgate passing mode, on a condition that the presence of the tollgate is determined within the predetermined distance and an increase in width of the road is recognized on the basis of the recognition of the outside environment. The controller causes the vehicle to approach the tollgate, on the basis of one or both of the map information and position information of an object recognized on the basis of the recognition of the outside environment, in a first period of time during which the tollgate passing mode is set and a position of the tollgate is unrecognizable on the basis of the recognition of the outside environment.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATIONInventors: Akiyuki Abe, Masatoshi Hoshina, Yasuhiro Sekijima, Keisuke Kuwahara
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Patent number: 10569789Abstract: Disclosed is a railway wagon for transporting trucks, including a middle running board device, end running board devices respectively arranged at two ends of the middle running board device, and a bridge board device arranged at the outer end of each end running board device. The middle running board device includes of multiple middle running board assemblies. Each middle running board assembly includes a running board connected to a side wall. At least one support plate connected to the side wall is arranged below the running board. Each end running board device includes multiple end running board assemblies. Each end running board assembly includes a running board connected to the side wall. At least one support plate connected to the side wall is arranged below the running board.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jiangang Yu, Shiying Zhang, Li Yin, Dongwei Han, Xun Yin, Zhong Zhang, Anguo Dai
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Patent number: 10569790Abstract: A railcar truck and adapter pad system for placement between a roller bearing and side frame pedestal roof of a three-piece railcar truck. Many different features of the pad and/or the adapter-pad interface are configured to improve stiffness characteristics to satisfy both curving and high speed performance of the railcar truck.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Nevis Industries LLCInventors: Erik L. Gotlund, Jon R. Jeambey, F. Andrew Nibouar, James A. Pike, Jason C. Bryant, Jonathan A. Stull, William A. Kurtzhals, Roshan N. Manibharathi
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Patent number: 10569791Abstract: A joint connector of a railway vehicle comprises a concave joint (22) and a convex joint (21). A traction load transfer section and/or a compression load transfer section are provided between the concave joint and the convex joint. The traction load transfer section and the compression load transfer section are detachable assembled in the concave joint. The service life of the concave joint is prolonged due to the arrangement of the traction load transfer section and the compression load transfer section.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock Co., Ltd.Inventor: Xiaolong Wang
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Patent number: 10569792Abstract: A system and method for examining a route and/or vehicle system obtain a route parameter and/or a vehicle parameter from discrete examinations of the route and/or the vehicle system. The route parameter is indicative of a health of the route over which the vehicle system travels. The vehicle parameter is indicative of a health of the vehicle system. The discrete examinations of the route and/or the vehicle system are separated from each other by location and/or time. The route parameter and/or the vehicle parameter are examined to determine whether the route and/or the vehicle system is damaged and, responsive to determining that the route and/or the vehicle is damaged, the route and/or the vehicle system are continually monitored, such as by examination equipment onboard the vehicle system.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2015Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sameh Fahmy, Jared Klineman Cooper, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Joseph Forrest Noffsinger, Wolfgang Daum, Glenn Robert Shaffer, Paul Kenneth Houpt, David Lowell McKay
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Patent number: 10569793Abstract: A train control device, according to one embodiment, includes a storage unit, an acquiring unit, and a control unit. The storage unit is configured to store therein information of a plurality of limit speeds corresponding to a plurality of respective blocks and being determined based on a block on which a preceding train traveling at least one ahead is located. The acquiring unit is configured to acquire schedule information of the preceding train indicating a time at which the preceding train exits each of the blocks. The control unit is configured to determine a limit speed in each of the blocks associated with a travel of a train, based on the acquired schedule information and the information of the limit speeds; and to create a travel plan of the train using the determined limit speed.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Junko Yamamoto, Satoshi Iba, Yohei Hattori, Yasuyuki Miyajima
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Patent number: 10569794Abstract: Included is a stabilizer wheel assembly that may assist in stabilizing a medical device during a medical procedure. A medical device may comprise a body; and a plurality of stabilizer wheel assemblies coupled to the body, wherein the stabilizer wheel assemblies each comprise a motor assembly and a stabilization leg, wherein the motor assembly is configured to drive the stabilization leg onto a contact surface to stabilize the body.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: GLOBUS MEDICAL, INC.Inventors: Norbert Johnson, Timothy Moulton, James Pelletier, Kevin Zhang, Jared Judson, Gerd Schmieta
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Patent number: 10569795Abstract: An auxiliary transport vehicle according to the disclosure comprises a drive unit and an attachment that is placed thereon, wherein the drive unit comprises just two wheels with a common axis of rotation and each with an electric drive, an electronic control device and an electrical energy storage device, and wherein the control device is embodied for actuating the drives in such a way that the auxiliary transport vehicle is kept in an upright position, and for autonomously driving the auxiliary transport vehicle to a specifiable destination and for following an external control device. The disclosure also concerns an auxiliary transport system and a method for operating an auxiliary transport vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Anais Castinel
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Patent number: 10569796Abstract: A trolley handling device for guiding a trolley into and out of a trolley stowage, comprising a trolley holder adapted to interact with and secure the trolley against displacement relative to the trolley holder in at least a first direction, and a guiding device comprising a first guiding element attached to the trolley holder and a second guiding element adapted to be provided on a structural part arranged near the stowage. The first and second guiding elements are configured to engage with each other and to guide the trolley between a first position, in which the trolley is essentially arranged inside of the stowage, and a second position, in which the trolley is at least partially arranged outside the stowage. The trolley, in its second position, is arranged offset relative to its first position in the first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventor: Johannes Gonnsen
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Patent number: 10569797Abstract: A ridable kart can have a body that supports a front wheel and movable rear wheels. The kart can include a motor that supports and drives the rear wheels. The motor and rear wheels are configured to tilt and rotate relative to the body of the kart. The body of the kart includes a concave space in which the front and rear wheels are positioned so that they are at least partially concealed by the body when viewed from the side of the kart.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2019Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: RAZOR USA LLCInventor: Ian Desberg
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Patent number: 10569798Abstract: A steering column assembly (10) including a mounting structure (20); a column housing (50) having a wall opening (54) and being fixed in position for upward and downward pivotal motion; a tilt screw (72) having a threaded shank and a gear; a tilt nut (80) and optionally a bushing surrounding the tilt nut positioned at least partially within and contacting a surface defining wall opening (54) and having a threaded bore adapted to receive the tilt screw, the contact between the tilt nut and the wall opening such that the load transmitted from the wall opening to the tilt nut is substantially on axis with the threaded bore; a motor (96) for raising and lowering the column housing by rotating the gear portion and causing the tilt nut to advance toward or away from the gear, causing the column housing to raise or lower, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the threaded shank can pivot fore or aft as the column housing is raised or lowered.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: NSK Americas, Inc.Inventors: Victor Corona Martinez, David Ray Hartman, Logananth Chinniah
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Patent number: 10569799Abstract: A system for automatically adjusting a steering wheel of a vehicle may include a controller configured to generate a control signal for retracting a steering wheel to a collapsed position. The steering wheel may include a first half and a second half, and the system may include an actuator configured to collapse the steering wheel in response to the control signal. The actuator may be configured to fold the first and second halves of the steering wheel in a direction orthogonal to a direction of a longitudinal axis defined by a steering column, and retract the steering wheel along the direction of the longitudinal axis, towards a dashboard.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: FARADAY & FUTURE INC.Inventors: Richard S. Kim, Charles LeFranc, Kenneth X. Xie
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Patent number: 10569800Abstract: A monitoring system for an electric power-assisted steering system comprising a DC power supply; an inverter bridge including a plurality of bridge switches selectively connecting phases of a multi-phase electric motor to the DC power supply, the multi-phase electric motor being configured to provide power-assistance to a steering system of a vehicle; a bridge driver circuit for providing control signals to the inverter bridge; and a DC link capacitor circuit interposed between the DC power supply and the inverter bridge, the DC link capacitor circuit at least one DC link capacitor. The monitoring system comprises a monitoring circuit configured to monitor the integrity of the DC link capacitor circuit, and outputting a ripple value indicative of a ripple voltage in an output of the DC power supply; and comparison means for comparing the ripple value with at least one ripple parameter indicative of a fault in the DC link capacitor circuit and determining whether a fault is present.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: TRW LimitedInventors: Tamas Terdy, Charles Mahendhrarajah, Maciej Kudanowski
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Patent number: 10569801Abstract: A payload estimation system and a method for estimating payload estimation using electric power steering (EPS) signals are provided. In certain embodiments, the aspects of the invention may include: receiving, by a payload detection module, multiple EPS signals to generate an additional axle load factor, determining, by a blend factor table, a load blend factor according to the additional axle load factor, generating, by a first multiplier, a blended nominal base assist signal by combining the load blend factor and a handwheel torque signal processed by a nominal base assist module, generating, by a second multiplier, a blended highload base assist signal by combining the load blend factor and the handwheel torque signal processed by a highload base assist module, and combining, by a merge module, the blended nominal base assist and the blended highload base assist to generate a motor torque command for the EPS system.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding CorporationInventors: Tejas M. Varunjikar, Anthony J. Champagne
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Patent number: 10569802Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a steering operation mechanism configured to steer a steered wheel, and a steering operation motor configured to apply a drive force for steering the steered wheel to the steering operation mechanism. The steering operation mechanism includes an input shaft to which the drive force from the steering operation motor is input, an output shaft configured to output the drive force from the input shaft to the steered wheel, and a coupling mechanism configured to couple the input shaft and the output shaft to each other. The coupling mechanism includes a first universal joint and a second universal joint that transmit the drive force from the input shaft to the output shaft in a state in which the output shaft is angularly offset from the input shaft. The output shaft constitutes a part of a suspension.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Ryoichi Tokioka, Yuzo Nonoguchi
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Patent number: 10569803Abstract: A steerable caddy trailer is provided that has an improved structure including a main frame assembly, spindle assemblies attached to each end of the main frame for attachment of a wheel, a pair of swinging arms forwardly extending from the main frame and pivotally attached to the main frame, and tie rods connecting the swinging arms with the spindle assembly such that pivoting of the swinging arms steers the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: MONTAG INVESTMENTS, LLCInventor: Roger A. Montag
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Patent number: 10569804Abstract: A parking assist system for a vehicle includes a rearward viewing camera, a display and a controller. When operating in a first mode, the controller generates a first overlay at the displayed images that includes a representation of a target parking position. When the vehicle is in a reverse gear, the controller operates in a second mode and generates second and third overlays at the displayed images. The second overlay includes a representation of a projected rearward path of the vehicle that is based on a current steering angle of the vehicle. When operating in the second mode and after the representation of the target parking position is positioned at a displayed target parking space for the vehicle, the controller determines a target path for the vehicle to guide the driver to the target parking space, with the third overlay including a representation of the determined target path.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Hagen Marczok, Holger Goerg, Paolo Di Alberto
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Patent number: 10569805Abstract: A frame assembly for a vehicle can include a cross member, a longitudinal member and a gusset. The cross member can extend along a transverse direction of the vehicle. The cross member can include a bend. The longitudinal member can extend along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The gusset can be connected to the longitudinal member and the cross member at the bend.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dakota D. Kirtland, Matthew L. Taracko
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Patent number: 10569806Abstract: A chassis frame includes a side rails and cross-members that intersect at a number of intersection points, which collectively define a chassis frame with front and rear portions that define a main support section and an integral engine support section. Each side rail includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and first and second side plates extending between the top and bottom plates. The first and second side plates each have a first end coupled to a bottom surface of the top plate and a second end coupled to the top surface of the bottom plate. Each cross-member includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and first and second side plates extending between the top plate and bottom plates. The first and second side plates each have a first end coupled to a bottom surface of the top plate and a second end coupled to the top surface of the bottom plate. A plurality of gusset portions is formed between the top plates of the side rails and cross-members at each intersection point.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventors: Blaine A. Schwalbe, Brian Pilney, Steven N. Winkel
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Patent number: 10569807Abstract: A side sill molding may include a front plate configured to have a length corresponding to a length of a side sill, a top plate configured to be connected to an upper end of the front plate, a bent part configured to be connected to the top plate and have a clip part formed at an inner side thereof, and a rib configured to connect a lower end of the clip part and a preset portion of the front plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, LG Hausys, Ltd.Inventors: Yong-Won Jeong, Seung-Mok Lee, Sun-Jun Kwon, Chun-Ho Park, Guo-Dong Jeong, Hyun-Seung Hwang
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Patent number: 10569808Abstract: A system of a reinforced structural element of motor vehicle include: structural element includes a first and second sheet, wherein the sheets are connected to one another at first and second joining points, wherein the sheets form elongate cavity in region between the joining points, and wherein second sheet has, in region between first and second joining points, a bulge with first leg arranged at first joining point and with second leg arranged at second joining point; a reinforcing element includes a first and second side walls connecting the wall arranged in cavity of structural element; and adhesive bonding reinforcing element to structural element; wherein first side wall of reinforcing element arranging the first joining point and second side wall of reinforcing element arranging the second leg of second sheet so larger portions of force acting on first joining point of reinforcing element transferring, to second leg of second sheet.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: SIKA TECHNOLOGY AGInventors: Stephan Niggemann, Stefan Ulmann, Fabian Moser, Marcel Meister, Michael Meier
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Patent number: 10569809Abstract: A load bearing panel member having a first portion, a second portion, and an appearance surface portion is formed by injection molding such that the first portion includes a plurality of ribs forming a grid pattern on the first portion and another plurality of ribs extending toward the periphery of the first portion which may be non-orthogonal to each other and to the ribs forming the grid pattern. An internal channel may be formed within each of the non-orthogonal ribs by injecting a gas into the rib during the molding process forming the panel. An appearance surface portion attached to the first portion and second portion of the panel member forms an integral hinge between the first and second portions of the panel member. The panel member may be configured as a floor panel of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Century Plastics, LLCInventors: Calvin A. Saur, Robert L. Becker
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Patent number: 10569810Abstract: A node is disclosed. The node may have a core. The node may also have a projection extending from the core. Further the node may have a structural member attached to the projection. The node may also have a top cover having a top recess. The top recess may be configured to receive the structural member. Additionally, the node may have a bottom cover having a bottom recess. The bottom recess may be configured to receive the structural member. In addition the node may have a fastener to connect the top cover and the bottom cover.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2017Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Rahul N. Gami, Ajay Dnyandeo Yadav, Richard K. Huff, Jarrod Delane Neal, Matthew M. Robinson, Tad W. Miller, Brandon C. Brenner, David William Holthaus, Jacob Warner Bell, Michael H. Noble, Edward Patrick Ormiston, Hemant Prasad Mallampalli, Thierry A. Marchione, Michael R. Spengler
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Patent number: 10569811Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved truck and tray assembly and system for storing and transporting light weight building material such as timber and hardware.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2016Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Ice Door Systems Pty LtdInventor: Robert Lang
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Patent number: 10569812Abstract: A swing and drop tailgate is configured to undergo two distinct motions, each with advantages depending on circumstances. The swing and drop tailgate can undergo a rotation motion about a hinge, as well as a swing down motion via a linkage. The swing down motion allows closer access to the bed, and extends less far from the rear of the vehicle as compared to the drop motion. The motions may be manually controlled, or actuator controlled. One or more latches may constrain motion, or prevent, of the tailgate. A tailgate assembly may include a post assembly and a tailgate, that may move together as a rigid body when dropping, or move relative to one another when swinging.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Sheetanshu Tyagi, Dwight Brooks, Brian Gase, William Kirk Robinson, Larry Parker