Patents Issued in August 1, 2023
  • Patent number: 11713040
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for controlling braking of a vehicle (1) driving along a downhill portion of a road, the vehicle comprising a propulsion arrangement (2, 3), for the propulsion of the vehicle, the method comprising dividing the road portion into a plurality of sections (RS0-RS2), the sections comprising a first section (RS1), and a second section (RS2) following, in the direction of travel of the vehicle, immediately upon the first section (RS1), determining, for the road portion, a road portion control strategy, with a condition that braking on the road portion is done at least partly by means of the propulsion arrangement (2, 3), wherein determining the road portion control strategy comprises determining a speed (SD21), on the second section (RS2), with an aim to minimize the time travelled on the second section, and/or, where the propulsion arrangement comprises an internal combustion engine (2), and a gearbox (3), determining a gear selection (GS2) on the second section (RS2), with an aim t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teodoro Bora, Johan Fries
  • Patent number: 11713041
    Abstract: A control system having an ACC control, which for use in a host motor vehicle (ego) is configured and intended for recognizing a preceding motor vehicle (alter) and preferably preceding objects, based on surroundings data obtained from at least one front camera sensor associated with the host motor vehicle (ego). The front camera sensor (FKS) is configured for providing to an electronic control unit of the control system the surroundings data that represent an area in front of the host motor vehicle (ego).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: ZF ACTIVE SAFETY GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Bast
  • Patent number: 11713042
    Abstract: Systems and methods use cameras to provide autonomous navigation features. In one implementation, a method for navigating a user vehicle may include acquiring, using at least one image capture device, a plurality of images of an area in a vicinity of the user vehicle; determining from the plurality of images a first lane constraint on a first side of the user vehicle and a second lane constraint on a second side of the user vehicle opposite to the first side of the user vehicle; enabling the user vehicle to pass a target vehicle if the target vehicle is determined to be in a lane different from the lane in which the user vehicle is traveling; and causing the user vehicle to abort the pass before completion of the pass, if the target vehicle is determined to be entering the lane in which the user vehicle is traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Mobileye Vision Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Anna Clarke, Eyal Bagon
  • Patent number: 11713043
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a first axle having a first electric machine, a second axle having a second electric machine and a controller. The controller is programmed to, in a user-selected four-wheel drive mode, command a first torque to the first electric machine based on a driver-demanded torque and a speed of the second axle, and command a second torque to the second electric machine based on a comparison of the driver-demanded torque and the first torque and further based on a speed of the first axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Sullivan, Jose Velazquez Alcantar, Michael Glenn Fodor, Joseph Jay Torres
  • Patent number: 11713044
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a camera configured to obtain an image of at least one surrounding vehicle; and a controller configured to determine object recognition data including at least one of full area data, wheel area data, and bumper area data of the surrounding vehicle from the image of the at least one surrounding vehicle, based on the object recognition data, to set a reference point in the at least one of the full area data, the wheel area data, and the bumper area data of the surrounding vehicle from the image of the surrounding vehicle, and to predict a driving speed of the surrounding vehicle based on a change in a position of the reference point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Jihee Han, Jong Hoon Kwak, Heechul Choi, Jonghyuk Lim, Junsik An, Junhyung Kim
  • Patent number: 11713045
    Abstract: A method for determining a friction coefficient potential of a road surface. A total torque for operating a vehicle is unequally distributed among at least two wheel torques at wheels of the vehicle. The friction coefficient potential is ascertained using a detected slip between the road surface and at least one of the wheels and the wheel torque present at the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Erban, Nils Hagenlocher, Tobias Oberhardt, Tobias Hofmann
  • Patent number: 11713046
    Abstract: A driving assistance apparatus includes a first emotion estimating unit, a second emotion estimating unit, a storage, and a notification controller. The first emotion estimating unit is configured to estimate an emotion of a driver of a vehicle. The second emotion estimating unit is configured to estimate an emotion of a traffic participant around the vehicle. The storage is configured to store data on a first location where the driver of the vehicle has felt no danger and the traffic participant has felt danger from the vehicle. The notification controller is configured to notify the driver of the stored data on the first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ikuo Goto
  • Patent number: 11713047
    Abstract: Technologies assessing driver behavior include a vehicle telematics device configured to analyze sensor data from one or more vehicle sensors to detect whether a vehicle event has occurred and to communicate with a vehicle camera system to obtain video data associated with the detected vehicle event. The vehicle telematics device may transmit the obtained sensor data and/or video data to a remote server system. The vehicle telematics device may also receive a notification from the vehicle camera system that indicates the vehicle camera system has detected a vehicle event. In response to the notification, the vehicle telematics device may obtain sensor data form the one or more vehicle sensors and/or video data from the vehicle camera system and transmit the sensor and/or video data to the remove server system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: CALAMP CORP.
    Inventors: Bhavadeep Kallepalle, Malavika Hegde, Brian J. Burda, Kinana Hussain
  • Patent number: 11713048
    Abstract: The disclosed method is stored as computer readable instructions and carried out by a processor that is part of a disclosed occupant monitoring system (OMS). The method starts with the receipt of an external signal by the processor. The external signal can be the starting of the vehicle engine, an indication of semi-autonomous or autonomous driving mode, or an indication that the occupant is seated, is in contact with a steering wheel, and/or is in contact with at least one dashboard control. The receipt of the external signal causes the processor to capture an image, analyze the image to determine if at least one monitoring condition is met, generate an adjustment signal if the monitoring condition is not met, and communicate the adjustment signal to at least one VCS, and repeating the monitoring loop. In some implementations, multiple images are captured and analyzed during the cycling of a monitoring loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Len Cech, Blaine Dolcetti
  • Patent number: 11713049
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control System (2) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising a central vehicle Controller (3) for Controlling vehicle functions (4) and a plurality of driver assistance Systems (5). The driver assistance Systems (5) are set up to transmit a task key describing the particular assistance function thereof to the vehicle Controller (3) and to transmit a security key assigned to the particular assistance function to the vehicle Controller (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Marc Blumentritt
  • Patent number: 11713050
    Abstract: A method for controlling switching of steering control rights of an autonomous vehicle, may include: performing a control to synchronize a steering angle of a steering wheel and a steering angle of a road wheel, when switching of the steering control rights from an automated driving mode to a manual driving mode is requested. The method further includes: detecting an error value between the steering angle of the steering wheel and the steering angle of the road wheel, when a hands-on state in which the steering wheel is gripped is detected in the synchronization process. In addition, the method further includes: performing a control to switch the mode of the autonomous vehicle to the manual driving mode, when the error value is less than a preset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Woo Hwang, Young Dae Park, Byung Rim Lee, Min Jun Kim, Se Hyun Chang, Hyeon Seok Cho
  • Patent number: 11713051
    Abstract: A vehicle drive-assist apparatus includes a traveling environment information acquisition unit, an output setting unit, an urban-region traveling determination unit, and an output suppression control processor. The traveling environment information acquisition unit is configured to acquire traveling environment information of a vehicle. The output setting unit is configured to set output of a driving source of the vehicle on the basis of an accelerator-pedal pushing amount of the vehicle. The urban-region traveling determination unit is configured to determine whether the vehicle is traveling in an urban region, on the basis of the traveling environment information. The output suppression control processor is configured to set an output characteristic of the driving source to a suppression characteristic in a case of traveling in the urban region. The output setting unit is configured to set the output of the driving source on the basis of the set suppression characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuki Shimomura, Masayuki Sato, Satoshi Terayama
  • Patent number: 11713052
    Abstract: A passenger car that has a function of being able to partially or fully drive, not in accordance with driver's intentions, includes a grip that is provided independent of an operation system of the passenger car and is configured to receive driver's operating intentions according to operation of the driver, and a control unit that is configured to determine whether a driver's operating intention has been changed to another intention via the grip and to determine, when the operating intention has been changed, whether to give an operating initiative to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Hatanoganshoudoushoten Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 11713053
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller and a display. The display is mounted in the vehicle to surround a user in the vehicle. The controller is configured to determine travel information to be proposed to the user based on attribute information for the user, and present the determined travel information on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Fujii, Kohei Miwa, Yuko Mizuno, Shinsuke Ariga, Hirotaka Omisha, Tsuyoshi Okada
  • Patent number: 11713054
    Abstract: An autonomous driving device is configured to switch a driving mode, and includes a destination setting type autonomous driving mode in which a vehicle is made to travel to a destination and a following road autonomous driving mode in which, when a destination is not set, the vehicle is made to travel along a road. The autonomous driving device includes a display unit and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to, when the display unit is made to display a traveling route along a following road traveling route, make the display unit display a traveling route from a current position of the vehicle to a nearest branch road in front in a moving direction along the following road traveling route and a moving direction on the nearest branch road along the following road traveling route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Urano, Bunyo Okumura
  • Patent number: 11713055
    Abstract: A system for controlling stop of a vehicle includes a steering angle comparison device that detects a current steering angle of the vehicle and compares the detected current steering angle with a preset limit steering angle when a malfunction of a steering system in the vehicle is detected during autonomous driving, a partial braking induction determination device that determines a position of a tire of the vehicle to be subjected to partial braking for steering control of the vehicle according to a result of the comparing between the current steering angle and the limit steering angle, and a partial braking control device that determines an amount of braking to be applied to each determined tire of the vehicle and applies a braking pressure corresponding to the amount of braking to each tire of the vehicle to perform the steering control by the partial braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Sang Jun Kim
  • Patent number: 11713056
    Abstract: An Autonomous Vehicle (AV) system, including: a tracking subsystem configured to detect and track relative positioning of another vehicle that is behind or lateral to an AV configured to comply with a safety driving model, and to check a safety driving model compliance status of the other vehicle; and a risk reduction subsystem configured to plan, based on the safety driving model compliance status of the other vehicle, an AV action, wherein if the safety driving model compliance status of the other vehicle is unknown or is known to be non-compliant, the AV action is administration of a safety driving model compliance test to the other vehicle, or is a maneuver by the AV to reduce risk of collision with a leading vehicle positioned in front of the AV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignees: Intel Corporation, Mobileye Vision Technologies
    Inventors: Javier Turek, Ignacio J. Alvarez, Maria Soledad Elli, Javier Felip Leon, David I. Gonzalez Aguirre
  • Patent number: 11713057
    Abstract: A lateral control error of a steering system of an ADV is determined, which includes iteratively performing following operations for a predetermined time period. Whether the ADV is moving within a predetermined proximity of a current moving direction is determined. Next, whether a road condition of a road on which the ADV is driving satisfies a predetermined road condition is determined. Then, a first steering feedback of the ADV in response to a prior steering control command is measured. Thereafter, the lateral control error is determined based on at least a portion of the first steering feedback over the predetermined time period. Further, a steering command in view of the lateral control error of the steering system is generated. Finally, the steering command is applied to control the ADV to compensate the lateral control error of the steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignees: BAIDU USA LLC, BAIDU.COM TIMES TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fan Zhu, Bei Liu, Xin Xu, Lin Ma
  • Patent number: 11713058
    Abstract: A vehicle control system comprising: a driving control device that includes a first processor and controls a driving section at a vehicle; a control instructing device includes a second processor and controls the driving control device by giving instructions by communication to the driving control device; and a communication path connects a plurality of control devices, including the control instructing and the driving control devices, the plurality of control devices communicate with one another, wherein the vehicle control system is structured wherein the first and second processors respectively compare a communication period of communication with another control device via the communication path, and a reference period that is stored in advance, based on results of comparisons on the communication period and the reference period that have been carried out by the first processor and the second processor, the second processor judges that there is an attack on the communication path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Teppei Fukuzawa, Takeshi Matsui, Yoshinari Takeyama
  • Patent number: 11713059
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates techniques for autonomously controlling heavy equipment and vehicles using task hierarchies. Particularly, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to obtaining a task to be performed by an autonomous vehicle, determining subtasks to be performed to perform the task, obtaining sensor data providing a representation of operation of the autonomous vehicle in a worksite environment and situational context of the worksite environment, determining a task context for a subtask based on the sensor data, identifying a predictive model from a library of predictive models based on the task context, estimating, by the predictive model, a set of output data based on sensor data, and controlling operations of the autonomous vehicle in the worksite environment to perform the subtask using a set of input data derived from the sensor data and the set of output data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: SAFEAI, INC.
    Inventor: Bibhrajit Halder
  • Patent number: 11713060
    Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system has a control module, comprising computer-executable code stored in non-volatile memory, a processor, a control center device, and a plurality of autonomous devices that operate remotely from the control center device, each of the plurality of autonomous devices including a control device. The control module, the processor, the control center device, and the control devices are configured to collect data using one or more collection devices disposed at each of the plurality of autonomous devices, process the collected data using the control devices disposed at the plurality of autonomous devices, transfer the processed data from the control devices to the control center device when the plurality of autonomous devices are autonomously operating without control by the control center device, and train artificial intelligence as a function of the processed data transferred from the control devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Guident Ltd.
    Inventors: Clifford M. Gross, Harald Braun, Gabriel Castaneda, Michael J. Trank
  • Patent number: 11713061
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide a hopper railroad car top hatch cover assembly including a hatch cover and a hatch cover securer configured to secure the hatch cover in a closed position engaging a coaming of the hopper railroad car. Various embodiments provide a hopper railroad car having a top hatch cover assembly including a hatch cover and a hatch cover securer configured to secure the hatch cover in a closed position engaging a coaming of the hopper railroad car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Gunderson LLC
    Inventors: Peter L. Jones, Victor Mankarious, James A. Warwick, Steven James Knight, Jordan Paul Liske
  • Patent number: 11713062
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a refrigerated railcar comprises a pair of side walls, a roof, a floor, and a refrigeration unit. The floor comprises a bottom structure comprising a plurality of channels for return air flow from an interior of the railcar to the refrigeration unit. The floor further comprises at least two top plates coupled to the bottom structure (e.g., via a pivot rod). Each of the top plates extends longitudinally along the bottom structure and is configured to rotate up and away from the bottom structure proximate one of the side walls of the pair of side walls. Lifting an edge of a top plate opposite the edge of the top plate pivotally coupled to the bottom structure causes the top plate to rotate to an upright position exposing the plurality of channels of the bottom structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Trinity Rail Group, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Huck, Carter Ray Andrews, Marco A. Morales, Ricky A. Cribbs
  • Patent number: 11713063
    Abstract: A method for reducing slack in a linkage chain of a vehicle truck assembly is provided. In one example, the method includes responding to a request to de-lift a lift mechanism by reducing pressure in an actuator coupled to the lift mechanism, where the lift mechanism is configured to transfer a load from a first axle to a second axle of the vehicle during the de-lift, and during the de-lift, maintaining the pressure in the actuator at or above a threshold pressure to maintain tension in a weight transfer device of the lift mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Transportation IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Jingjun Zhang, Bret D. Worden, Ibrahim Kacar, John Frederick
  • Patent number: 11713064
    Abstract: Methods and systems for in-service inspection of freight car axles are provided. A camber angle of a wheel attached to a target axle is measured at one or more points in a revolution of the wheel. A determination of whether a defect is present in the target axle is made based on the measured camber angle at the one or more points in the revolution of the wheel. A determination that a defect is present in the target axle is made when a camber angle of the wheel at one or more points in the revolution of the wheel exceeds a threshold, and/or a determination that a defect is not present is made when no camber angle of the wheel at any point in the revolution of the wheel exceeds the predetermined threshold. An alert is generated in response to determining that a defect is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: BNSF Railway Company
    Inventor: Hark Braren
  • Patent number: 11713065
    Abstract: A method of communication-based train control system migration includes scanning a guideway to generate surveying data and processing surveying data to calculate a 3-D representation of the guideway. Appropriate locations are determined for the communication-based control devices on the guideway. Communication-based train control devices are installed in a guideway at the determined appropriate locations and vehicles are retrofitted with an autonomy platform. Testing of the control devices and retrofit vehicles is performed. A communication-based train control system is used to control the retrofit vehicles when they operate within the guideway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: THALES CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Walter Kinio, Rudy Rochefort, Alon Green
  • Patent number: 11713066
    Abstract: A railroad crossing control system (100) includes a constant warning time device (40) with a control unit (50) configured to produce multiple signals, and a wheel sensing system (120) comprising at least one sensor (122) connected to a rail (20a, 20b) of a railroad track (20) at a predetermined position (P), wherein the wheel sensing system (120) detects a presence of railroad vehicle travelling on the railroad track (20) such that the at least one sensor (122) detects wheels of the railroad vehicle using electromagnetic fields, wherein the wheel sensing system (120) provides speed values of the railroad vehicle to the constant warning time device (40), and wherein the constant warning time device (40) produces a constant warning time signal for controlling a railroad crossing warning device in response to receiving the speed values of the wheel sensing system (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Siemens Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Harp, Holger Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11713067
    Abstract: An axially adjustable steering column assembly includes a first jacket and a second jacket, wherein the first jacket is axially adjustable relative to the second jacket. The steering column assembly also includes a steering shaft assembly disposed within the first jacket and the second jacket. The steering shaft assembly includes first shaft. The steering shaft assembly also includes a second shaft in contact with the first shaft. The steering shaft assembly further includes a third shaft in contact with the second shaft, wherein the first, second and third shaft are axially adjustable relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Steering Solutions IP Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Jeremy A. Bonkowski, Jeremy M. Zemla
  • Patent number: 11713068
    Abstract: A left-side side plate is integrally formed downward from an inner end of a left-side upper plate, and a right-side side plate is integrally formed downward from an inner end of a right-side upper plate. A front end of the left-side side plate and a front end of the right-side side plate are connected by a connection upper plate, and the left-side side plate, the connection upper plate, and the right-side side plate are formed continuously and integrally. A total length of the left-side upper plate and the right-side upper plate is formed shorter than a total length of the left-side side plate and the right-side side plate. The length totaling the left-side upper plate and the right-side upper plate is formed substantially equal to the length of the connection upper plate, and all of these members are press worked of a single metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: YAMADA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshinori Shiroishi
  • Patent number: 11713069
    Abstract: A steer-by-wire system includes: a steering wheel to generate a steering input, a sensor part to measure the steering input of the steering wheel, a controller to calculate a steering angle of a wheel based on the steering input measured by the sensor part, an actuator assembly located at an axle beam and configured to provide a steering driving force to the wheel, and a tie rod engaged with the actuator assembly and configured to vary the steering angle of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Jeong Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 11713070
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for controlling the steering of an autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tae Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 11713071
    Abstract: A vehicle includes first and second steering drivers that steer first and second wheel pairs, a lock that locks the first wheel pair to be non-steerable, a first steering controller that controls the first steering driver in accordance with a first steering angle, and a second steering controller that controls the second steering driver in accordance with a second steering angle. The first steering controller controls the lock to lock the steering of the first wheel pair upon detecting anomaly in the steering of the first wheel pair from the steering angle and a steering detection angle of the first wheel pair. The second steering controller controls the second steering driver in accordance with a second corrected steering angle, if the steering of the first wheel pair exhibits anomaly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seiji Hidaka, Shin Kunieda
  • Patent number: 11713072
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a steering knuckle, which has good rigidity and reliability. The steering knuckle includes: a wheel support portion for supporting a wheel; a damper support portion for supporting a damper; and an arm portion for connecting the wheel support portion and the damper support portion. The damper support portion is cylindrical and has a mounting hole through which the damper is inserted, and the arm portion includes a pair of side walls connecting the damper support portion and the wheel support portion and a bottom wall connected between the side walls, and the bottom wall is connected with the side walls at the middle portion in the vertical direction of the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Nasu, Koji Takami, Kenichi Hibino
  • Patent number: 11713073
    Abstract: A smart steering control system a paving or texturing machine receives path elements corresponding to current and future positions of the machine. By comparing the current and future elements, an expected completion time is derived for exiting the current position and entering the future position; the smart steering control system synchronizes adjustments of the machine's steerable tracks from the current path to the future path. The smart steering control system functions as a virtual tie rod, preventing damage, enhancing the traction control and pulling power of the machine, and preserving the operating life of its components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Gomaco Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C. Farr, Raymond J. Bumann, III, Chad M. Schaeding
  • Patent number: 11713074
    Abstract: To improve steering feeling felt by a driver, a motor control device includes a processor and a memory which stores a program for controlling an operation of the processor. According to the program, the processor executes: switching from n-phase (n is an integer of three or more) energization control to n?1 phase energization control in response to a switching signal; acquiring a torque command value, an electrical angle of a motor, and an actual current value of the motor; generating a pre-current command value on the basis of the torque command value, the electrical angle of the motor, and the actual current value of the motor which are acquired; generating a current command value by applying dither control to the pre-current command value in a dead point range of an electrical angle range from 0 to 2?; and performing the n?1 phase energization control on the basis of the current command value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: NIDEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuji Endo, Masaya Ishikawa, Hiroaki Mizushima
  • Patent number: 11713075
    Abstract: A track deviation sensing mechanism for a steering column includes a sleeve having an inner wall and an outer wall defining an annular opening. The inner wall defines a plurality of internal splines and the sleeve receives the steering column. A sensor has a first axial opening, and a ring is disposed within the first axial opening. The ring defines a second axial opening for accommodating the sleeve. A first part is functionally disposed between the sleeve and the ring such that the first part is lockingly connected to the sleeve and the ring. The first part has a third axial opening. A second part has a fourth axial opening and locks the sensor and the first part at a prerequisite configuration. The first axial opening, the second axial opening, the third axial opening, the fourth axial opening and the annular opening are coaxial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Shrikant Joshi, Sheik Syed, Jayath Menon, Thiemo Flebbe
  • Patent number: 11713076
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the steering angle of a wheel assembly including a suspended wheel mount and at least one suspension arm, the apparatus including a reference bracket, a rotating bracket and an angle sensor, the reference bracket and the rotating bracket each respectively including a measurement end and a mounting end, wherein the measurement ends of the reference and rotating brackets are rotatably coupled about a rotation coupling point such that the brackets can rotate with respect to one another, wherein the mounting end of the rotating bracket is coupled with the suspended wheel mount and the mounting end of the reference bracket is coupled with the suspension arm, and wherein the mounting end of the reference bracket is positioned on a plane defined by a steering axis of the suspended wheel mount and a rotation axis between the suspension arm and the suspended wheel mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: REE Automotive Ltd.
    Inventors: Eylon Avigur, Tomer Lippmann, Eran Starik, Michael Oisgeld
  • Patent number: 11713077
    Abstract: Systems and methods for track vehicle control are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises: receiving a steering control signal; inputting a first rotation signal from a first encoder representing a rotational frequency and phase of a first electric motor coupled to a first continuous track mechanism; inputting a second rotation signal from a second encoder representing a rotational frequency and phase of a second electric motor coupled to a second continuous track mechanism; and outputting motor control signals to a first and second motor controllers in response to the steering control signal and differences between the rotational frequency and phase for the first electric motor and the rotational frequency and phase for the second electric motor, wherein the first motor controller is coupled to the first electric motor and the second motor controller is coupled to the second electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Vortrex LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Hermel
  • Patent number: 11713078
    Abstract: A working vehicle includes a steering device including a steering handle, a vehicle body to travel with either manual steering by the steering handle or automatic steering of the steering handle based on a traveling reference traveling line, and a controller to permit automatic steering based on steering angles of the steering device obtained when the vehicle body travels a predetermined distance while being steered by the manual steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shunsuke Miyashita, Toru Tambo, Kenichi Iwami, Hiroki Suga, Yasuaki Morioka, Kunihiko Nishino, Kumiko Kobayashi, Misako Kawai
  • Patent number: 11713079
    Abstract: A chassis frame module for an electric vehicle may include a chassis frame including a pair of side frames, a pair of inclined frames connected to front ends of the respective side frames, respectively, and a distance between the pair of inclined frames decreases toward the front, a front frame connected to the inclined frames, and a rear frame connected to rear ends of the pair of side frames, a battery disposed between the pair of side frames, and a plurality of wire assemblies disposed between the side frame and the battery and in a longitudinal direction of the side frame, and being configured to house a wire in an internal space thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Jin Woo, Kyoung Hoon Shin, Hyoun Young Oh
  • Patent number: 11713080
    Abstract: Double subframes with isolation couplings are disclosed herein. An example vehicle disclosed herein includes a powertrain, a frame, a first subframe coupled to the powertrain via a first isolation coupling, and a second subframe coupled at least partially around the first subframe, the second subframe coupled to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Keith Hair, Steven C. Hopson, Marc Peerbolte, Thomas Trebowicz
  • Patent number: 11713081
    Abstract: A vehicle body includes a pair of side truss members extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, a plurality of cross truss members connecting the pair of side truss members to each other in a width direction of the vehicle, a plurality of cross floor truss members coupled to upper ends of the pair of side truss members, extending in a transverse direction of the side truss members, and spaced apart from each other in an anteroposterior direction, and a plurality of side connection truss members extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and connecting ends of the cross floor truss members to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Seok Ju Gim, Tae Gyu Park, Ho Yeon Kim, Sun Hyung Cho, Chul Hee Heo, Ji Ae Yong
  • Patent number: 11713082
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame including two frame rails spaced from each other along a cross-vehicle axis and a bulkhead extending from one frame rail to the other frame rail. The frame rails are elongated along a vehicle-longitudinal axis. An engine is disposed between the frame rails and is spaced from the bulkhead along the vehicle-longitudinal axis. A cable is elongated along the cross-vehicle axis and is disposed between the engine and the bulkhead. The cable is connected to each frame rail between the engine and bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M Iskander Farooq, Dean M. Jaradi, Saeed David Barbat, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche
  • Patent number: 11713083
    Abstract: A siderail member for a subframe assembly of a vehicle, including: an elongate body, wherein the elongate body includes a hollow extruded structure including an inboard wall, an outboard wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and one or more internal walls. Optionally, the bottom wall has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the top wall. Optionally, the outboard wall has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the inboard wall. Optionally, the one or more internal walls include a top internal wall and a bottom internal wall forming a plurality of horizontally-disposed cells within an interior of the elongate body. The bottom internal wall has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the top internal wall. The hollow extruded structure is manufactured from an aluminum material. Optionally, the top wall of the hollow extruded structure defines a flexure recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Johan Eklund, Anders Sandahl, Jens Raine, Domenico Macri, Emil Claesson, Per Zachrison, Kaldon Kalasho, Robin Larsson, Martin Granlund, Patrik Ljungbäck
  • Patent number: 11713084
    Abstract: A body front-end structure for a two-track vehicle, having an A-pillar from which an upper wheel well longitudinal member projects toward the front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and from which a lower body longitudinal member that is offset toward the inside of the vehicle with respect to the upper wheel well longitudinal member projects toward the front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In a head-on crash with small lateral overlap, a suspension strut dome is loaded with a crash force in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The body front-end structure has a sheet-metal tension strip that connects the suspension strut dome to the lower body longitudinal member in a force-transmitting manner. In the event of a head-on crash, the sheet-metal tension strip provides a load path through which a tensile force opposing the crash force acts on the suspension strut dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Schmidt, Mario Ubaldo, Soeren Krengel
  • Patent number: 11713085
    Abstract: A rear cargo bed structure of a multipurpose vehicle is provided. The multipurpose vehicle includes a vehicle frame unit, a steering device connected to the vehicle frame unit and operable to control a moving direction of the multipurpose vehicle, a front wheel assembly mounted to a front end of the vehicle frame unit, a seat portion mounted on the vehicle frame unit to receive a driver and a passenger to sit thereon, a rear wheel assembly mounted to a rear end of the vehicle frame unit, and a vehicle cover unit set on and covering a periphery of the vehicle frame unit. A rear cargo bed in the form of a flat surface is arranged on a rear frame portion of the vehicle frame unit. As such, the performance of the multipurpose vehicle for carrying cargo is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: KWANG YANG MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kuei-Cheng Yeh
  • Patent number: 11713086
    Abstract: A latch mechanism for releasably securing a hinged gate to one or more latches. The latch mechanism includes a handle that is pivotally connected to a gate wall. The handle includes at least one retention arm that lockingly engages a latch when the hinged gate is in a latched position. According to certain embodiments, the handle includes a retention arm at both ends of the handle, with the handle extending generally along the length of the gate wall. Further, the handle may be pivotally displaced about the retention arm(s) so that the handle is displaced from the first position to a second position. As the handle is pivotally displaced to the second position, a release mechanism of the handle may engage and pivotally displace the adjacent latch so that the retention arm may be released from the locking engagement with the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: CLUB CAR, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Paul Huston, Dean Jayson Long
  • Patent number: 11713087
    Abstract: A vehicle accessory includes a body portion. The body portion is made substantially of aluminum composite material. The vehicle accessory further includes at least one connector for selectively attaching the body portion to a portion of an automobile. The body portion includes a front edge and a rear edge. The front edge is curved along at least a portion thereof. The front and rear edges are laterally opposed from each other. The rear edge extends substantially linearly from a first corner to a second corner. The first and second corners are formed at junctions between the front edge and the rear edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Liquivinyl LLC
    Inventors: Brian Tao, Brenden Beshore
  • Patent number: 11713088
    Abstract: A leg mechanism of a humanoid robot includes: an upper leg, a lower leg rotatably coupled to the upper leg, a knee module actuator mounted to the upper leg, a foot rotatably connected to the lower leg, a knee transmission mechanism connected to the knee module actuator and the lower leg and configured to transmit rotary motion from the knee module actuator to the lower leg, at least one ankle module actuator mounted to the upper leg, at least one ankle transmission mechanism connected to the at least one ankle module actuator and the foot and configured to transmit rotary motion from the at least one ankle module actuator to the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP LTD
    Inventors: Liang Huang, Hongyu Ding, Jianxin Pang, Youjun Xiong
  • Patent number: 11713089
    Abstract: A deployable hay pod elevator system for a transport trailer, such as a livestock trailer, provides a readily deployable hay pod, storage pod, or supply platform with the trailer, and is readily stowable above the trailer in a raised configuration for travel. The elevator system includes a deployable supply platform and a lift system configured to raise and lower the supply platform relative to the trailer. The lift system may include a screw drive system or a winch and cable system to vertically raise and lower the deployable supply platform. The lift system may pivot or rotate the hay pod over the top of the trailer for transportation purposes. The deployable hay pod elevator system can be fitted to a truck, a van, or other types of vehicles and can be configured to store and transport various materials, such as hay, tools, or livestock tack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: The Kingstar Company
    Inventors: Marcus Niemela, Cal G. Niemela, Michael R. Jackson