Remote Control Patents (Class 123/179.2)
  • Patent number: 11625960
    Abstract: Upon deactivating a vehicle, first operating data are collected, the first operating data including a measure of operation of a vehicle component other than a battery of the vehicle. Upon determining that a charge level of the battery of the vehicle is below a charge threshold, second operating data are collected from the vehicle component. Upon determining that the vehicle is unmoved from a location at which the vehicle was deactivated by determining that second operating data are within a threshold of the first operating data, a propulsion system is actuated to charge the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Matthew DeLong, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Patent number: 11378050
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheeled vehicle (1) comprising: a chassis (2) carrying an engine (4), a starter (5) of the engine and a device for actuating said starter (5), a control unit, and an activatable/deactivatable device for energising the control unit, said vehicle (1) having an economical operating mode in which, in the activated state of the energising device, the control unit is designed to allow the motor (4) to be stopped without actuation of the energising device, said stoppage being called energised stoppage of the engine (4). The vehicle (1) comprises a memory for storing data relating to the number of starts of the engine (4) and the control unit is designed to allow or prohibit the energised stoppage of the engine (4), in the economical operating mode, according to said stored data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: MANITOU BF
    Inventor: Fabrice Hubert
  • Patent number: 11378049
    Abstract: A control device is configured to control a vehicle in which an engine is able to be started in response to a request signal transmitted from the outside of the vehicle. The control device includes a controller. The controller acquires the result of detection about the vehicle state of the vehicle from a first sensor group including one or more sensors able to detect the vehicle state of the vehicle before the engine of the vehicle is started in response to the request signal, starts the engine in a case where the vehicle state satisfies a first condition including a condition relating to a range of a transmission of the vehicle, and does not start the engine in a case where the vehicle state does not satisfy the first condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tatsunori Katoh
  • Patent number: 11193856
    Abstract: A method and system of objectively noise testing a plurality of vehicles at a vehicle production facility having a production control system is disclosed. The method includes selecting one of the plurality of vehicles at the vehicle production facility for noise testing, mounting a noise testing device to an interior of the selected vehicle, and testing the selected vehicle by operating the selected vehicle on a noise-inducing test track having a plurality of test track sections and recording the noise data on the noise testing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Rafael Defavari, Raphael D. Terezam, Raphael Oliveria, Carlos A. Puertas, Eduardo de Souza Alvarenga
  • Patent number: 11146387
    Abstract: The present innovative solution increases security to interceptor attacks and loss of cipher-characters, while not negatively impacting the processing resource and time requirements of cryptography processes. A novel Synchronous and Self-Synchronous Random Position Cipher (RPC) with arbitrary length key cryptography methodology and apparatus are presented which are based on a novel Aperiodic Pseudo-Random Number Generator (APRNG) using large seed numbers. The RPC does not replace plaintext characters with encryption characters but with the number of pseudo-random numbers that need to be generated by the APRNG to match the ASCII codes of the characters in the plaintext. Decryption uses the number of pseudo-random numbers that need to be generated by the APRNG to match the ASCII codes of the plaintext characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Inventor: Panagiotis Andreadakis
  • Patent number: 11135621
    Abstract: A remote-controlled gasoline cleaner including a main unit, sprayer, and remote control. The main unit includes a controller, start switch device, stop switch device, and gasoline engine start/stop apparatus. The remote control sends a start remote control signal or stop remote control signal to the main unit. The controller controls the start switch device in response to the start remote control signal received, and controls the stop switch device in response to the stop remote control signal received. The start switch device receives a start command of the controller to connect to a power supply circuit of a starter motor in the gasoline engine start/stop apparatus. The starter motor starts a gasoline engine. The stop switch device receives a stop command of the controller to connect to a short circuit of an ignition coil in the gasoline engine start/stop apparatus, thereby blowing out the gasoline engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: SUMEC HARDWARE & TOOLS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kai Liu, Ying-Dian Xiang, Feng Zhou, Xue-Song Gao, Yong Pei, Xu Zhang
  • Patent number: 11105279
    Abstract: An on-demand generator starting system and method is disclosed. The generator starting system is included as part of a standby or portable generator that includes one or more outlets that provide electrical power to an electrical device. The operating system includes a generator controller that monitors for a request for power from the electrical device connected to the outlet. When the control circuit of the generator controller determines that electric power is required from the generator, the control circuit initiates operation of the internal combustion engine. After the internal combustion engine starts, the control circuit operates a relay to provide power from the generator to the outlet of the generator. When the electrical device is no longer operating, the control circuit of the generator controller terminates operation of the internal combustion engine of the generator. In this manner, the generator operates only when the electrical device is requesting electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason A. Hansen, Dale C. VanPatten, Jeffrey Berger, Philip Betzhold
  • Patent number: 11078880
    Abstract: A remote engine start system, comprising an engine start unit and a control unit is disclosed. The engine start unit is arranged in a vehicle and configured to receive signals from a remote control. The vehicle comprises a drive motor. The engine start unit is configured to initiate the start of the drive motor upon receipt of a signal from the remote control. The control unit is configured to monitor the function of the engine start unit, and to detect errors in the function of the engine start unit. The remote engine start system is configured to prevent the starting of the drive motor once an error in the function of the engine start unit was detected, and to initiate the turning off of the drive motor, if the drive motor is turned on and an error in the function of the engine start unit was detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Heiko Albers
  • Patent number: 11068240
    Abstract: The present innovative solution solves the problem of generating pseudo-random numbers that have practically infinite period, while requiring limited processing resources and operating significantly faster that known pseudo-random number generators. A sequence of big pseudo-random numbers is created using a large seed number calculated as the product of three large constants entered by a user or fed by a computer clock. The big pseudo-random numbers are then selectively split into a sequence of aperiodic pseudo-random numbers which are then output for use in any suitable application and for seeding the present generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Inventor: Panagiotis Andreadakis
  • Patent number: 10895235
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes an input device configured to send an activation signal responsive to an input to start the vehicle. The system further includes a vehicle body controller, programmed to, responsive to the input and a lack of presence of a phone operating as a key, send an activation signal to activate a power source within a cabin of the vehicle for up to a predefined time period since a last vehicle start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel M. King, Michael Hrecznyj, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Timothy Thivierge, Jr., Zeljko Deljevic, Jason Myslinski
  • Patent number: 10752083
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for incorporation into a refrigerated delivery vehicle, the system enabling efficient cooling of the refrigerated compartment of a vehicle to avoid unnecessary idling of the vehicle's engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: OCADO INNOVATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Stuart Skingsley
  • Patent number: 10724458
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid powertrain of a vehicle that includes an engine and a motor/generator are described. The systems and methods may judge whether or not to generate an engine start request when an engine is stopped in response to present vehicle operating conditions and predicted vehicle operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yanan Zhao, Chen Zhang, Xiaoyong Wang
  • Patent number: 10713870
    Abstract: A wireless communication system includes: a locking and unlocking device configured to control locking and unlocking of a target, the locking and unlocking device including a device-side communication module configured to communicate a first signal having a first frequency band; and a key unit configured to command the locking and unlocking of the target by communicating with the locking and unlocking device. The key unit includes a unit-side communication module that communicates the first signal. The key unit is installed in the target such that a distance between the unit-side communication module and the device-side communication module is within a predetermined distance at which communication between the unit-side communication module and the device-side communication module is possible and that an axis of the unit-side antenna coil of the unit-side communication module is parallel to the axis of the device-side antenna coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Nomura Research Institute, Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Tamane, Tsukasa Takahashi, Masaki Oshima
  • Patent number: 10685299
    Abstract: A fleet management system is provided for outdoor power equipment and is, in some embodiments, configured to estimate operator performance and/or skill for a particular operator based at least partially on engine speed data sensed during the particular operator's use of one or more pieces of equipment. Embodiments of the invention also provide an apparatus configured to receive data comprising RPM values of a rotating component of a piece of outdoor power equipment sampled throughout a period of operation of the piece of outdoor power equipment, and further configured to generate a RPM histogram for a particular operator and/or for a particular piece of outdoor power equipment in order to use the RPM histogram to determine additional information about the particular operator, the particular piece of equipment, and/or the particular period of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventors: Peter Mejegård, Per Wahlström, Stefan Holmberg, Gary Philpott, Håkan Wahlgren
  • Patent number: 10683836
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a four wheel drive vehicle that includes automatic engine stopping and starting are presented. In one example, engagement of a driveline wheel mode is not permitted when an engine is automatically started so that a driveline wheel mode actuator may fully engage a driveline wheel mode when it is requested to do so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hafiz Shafeek Khafagy, Ahmed Awadi, Hussam Makkiya
  • Patent number: 10666897
    Abstract: The law enforcement interaction system is a subscription based communication system. The law enforcement interaction system establishes a plurality of authenticated communication links between a subscriber, an appropriate authority, a data management authority, and a supervisory authority. The law enforcement interaction system deescalates the tension between the safety concerns of the appropriate authority the natural suspicions of the subscriber. Each of the plurality of authenticated communication links allows the subscriber, an appropriate authority, and a supervisory authority to exchange authenticated information through the data management authority. By exchanging authenticated information through the data management authority, the subscriber and the appropriate authority remain physically separated by remaining in their respective vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Leonard Obodo
  • Patent number: 10589717
    Abstract: A system and method of method of operating a vehicle using wireless communications, the method including: receiving a remote vehicle ignition start request via a wireless signal, wherein the remote vehicle ignition start request is a request to start an ignition of the vehicle; when the remote vehicle ignition start request is received, obtaining vehicle state information including a vehicle operating state and/or a vehicle environmental state; in response to receiving the remote vehicle ignition start request, selecting one or more remote start operating parameters based at least partly on the obtained vehicle state information; and after determining the one or more operating parameters, carrying out the remote command request according to the one or more selected remote start operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
    Inventors: Alexander X. Cermak, Esteban Camacho, Ryan Olejniczak, Jeffrey J. Haase
  • Patent number: 10493953
    Abstract: A car sharing system includes a car sharing device installed in a vehicle. The car sharing device is configured to perform ID verification via an electronic key system of the vehicle in a state in which key information registered to the mobile terminal has been authenticated to allow an onboard device to be operated by the mobile terminal. The car sharing system includes a key function unit that implements a smart function to perform the ID verification through bidirectional short-range wireless communication with the electronic key system, a determination processing unit that determines whether or not a condition for permitting actuation of the smart function has been satisfied, and an actuation switching unit that validates the smart function if the condition for permitting actuation of the smart function has been satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Masahiro Arakawa, Masahiko Oya, Masaki Oshima, Kiyotoshi Sekine, Yutaka Kubo, Hiroaki Iwashita
  • Patent number: 10434987
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, there is provided A vehicle assistance apparatus including: a communication unit for receiving a remote start request; a sensor unit for sensing an object around the vehicle; and a processor for detecting a remote start restriction element among the objects around the vehicle, and controlling the remote start request to be restricted and performed according to the detected remote start restriction element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Wonseok Yoo, Jongoh Park
  • Patent number: 10428560
    Abstract: An e-latch assembly for a closure member and a method of operating the e-latch assembly coupled to a closure member are provided. The e-latch assembly includes an actuation group operable to selectively secure the closure member. An electronic control circuit is coupled to the actuation group and includes a control unit configured to manage a plurality of handle activation signals. The control unit is also configured to receive a plurality of signals indicative of the state of a vehicle. Additionally, the control unit is configured to control the actuation group to selectively allow the closure member to be opened in response to receiving the plurality of signals indicative of the state of the vehicle and based on the plurality of handle activation signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES S.P.A.
    Inventors: Davide Dente, Emanuele Leonardi, Antonio Frello
  • Patent number: 10400735
    Abstract: A system for remote starting a vehicle equipped with a keyless go system. The keyless go system is adapted to start the vehicle upon receipt of a proper response to a challenge emitted by the keyless go system, the response being computed by a key fob. A first interface is located proximate the keyless go system, the first interface being adapted to relay the challenge from the keyless go system to a second interface, and to receive the response from the second interface and relay the response to the keyless go system. A second interface is located proximate the key fob, the second interface being adapted to receive the challenge and relay the challenge to the key fob and being adapted to receive the response and relay the response to the first interface. The car can be remote started from a distant location, without having to disable the on-board security system of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: LIGHT WAVE TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Jack Wisnia, Robert Nelson
  • Patent number: 10366554
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an extended secure idle (SI) for a mobile platform. The SI may be entered and exited responsive to a variety of SI entry and SI exit conditions. SI entry and exit conditions include receiving key fob data from a key fob authenticated with the mobile platform. In addition, various predetermined safeguard conditions for scenarios to monitor may be designated a priori. The described system and method will continually check that the predetermined safeguard conditions are not violated during an extended SI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Fred W. Huntzicker, Pratyush Kumar, David T. Proefke, William A. Biondo
  • Patent number: 10328873
    Abstract: A computer implemented method includes logging vehicle startup information. The method also includes determining, via a computer, if timing commonalities exist between logged vehicle startup information instances. Further, the method includes recommending automatic vehicle startup, based on a threshold number of timing commonalities. The method also includes formulating recommended start times based on logged vehicle startup information instances having timing commonalities. The method additionally includes presenting a schedule including recommended start times to a vehicle user and scheduling automatic vehicle startups upon vehicle user acceptance of the presented schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Petersen, Joseph Paul Rork
  • Patent number: 10267642
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fleet management computer system for assessing vehicle efficiency. According to various embodiments, the fleet management computer system is configured for receiving and assessing vehicle telematics data in order to determine an idle percentage of engine run time value representing the percentage of the vehicle's engine run time during which the vehicle's engine was idling during the one or more time periods. In addition, the fleet management computer system may be configured for assessing vehicle telematics data in order to identify segment of engine idle time and generate a graphical display indicating various attributes of the identified idle time segments. The idle time percentage and idle time segments generated by the system can be used to assess the efficiency of vehicles and/or vehicle operators in an associated fleet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
  • Patent number: 10239492
    Abstract: A wireless authentication device for a saddle-type vehicle performs authentication through wireless communication with a mobile terminal carried by a user. The wireless authentication device for a saddle-type vehicle includes a first operating input device, a light-emitting and notification part, and a controller. The first operating input device receives an operation of switching to a state in which a power engine is capable of being started. The light-emitting and notification part is provided in the first operating input device or in a portion surrounding the first operating input device, and performs a light-emitting and notification operation in which light is emitted to notify a user that authentication has succeeded. The controller determines whether authentication has succeeded through wireless communication with a mobile terminal, and if the authentication has been determined to have succeeded, causes the light-emitting and notification part to perform the light-emitting and notification operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomo Yamamoto, Taro Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 10202957
    Abstract: A self-contained starting module for outdoor power equipment that has control circuit and a start button. The starting module includes internal control circuit that can be either microprocessor based or analog. The control circuit receives a start signal from a start button of the starting module. The control circuit monitors for the presence of an enable device and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device, provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the control circuit initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the control circuit activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the operation of the engine is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason Hansen, Andrew Paskov, Daniel Brueck, Steven J. Weber
  • Patent number: 10200371
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for controlling access to vehicles in rental, loaner, shared-use, and other vehicle fleets. Some of the present systems, devices, and methods use encrypted virtual keys that can be relayed to a vehicle computing device via a user's mobile device. Such virtual keys can be command-specific such that successful use of a virtual key results execution of a predetermined command or group of commands, and further commands require one or more additional virtual keys with the additional commands. Others of the present systems, devices, and methods provide tools: for provisioning or initial pairing of vehicle computing devices with corresponding vehicles, identifying and permitting a user to select locally available vehicles, prompting vehicle computing devices to retrieve pending commands from a server, and/or various other functions described in this disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: SILVERCAR, INC.
    Inventors: Allen Darnell, Matt McMillan, Bill Sarra
  • Patent number: 10189442
    Abstract: The present invention is a remote vehicle starter and appliance activation system including a base unit, and a remote unit capable of communicating with a remote vehicle starting unit. The base unit can transmit a signal to the remote unit and provide power to a power outlet at a predetermined time. This allows a vehicle's engine to start and an appliance plugged into the power outlet to turn both a predetermined time. The remote unit can be recharged by a charging port connection with the base unit. The base unit can include a support bracket that is engageable with a clip of the remote unit, with the charging port connection being associated with the support bracket and the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Inventors: Wilford Ford, Breanna Bennett
  • Patent number: 10183648
    Abstract: A wireless authentication device includes a first operating input device, a locking mechanism, and a controller. The first operating input device receives an operation of a power engine to a startable state by being shifted from a first position to a second position. The locking mechanism switches between locked and unlocked states, the locked state being a state that restricts the shift of the first operating input device from the first position to the second position, and the unlocked state being a state that allows the first operating input device to shift from the first position to the second position. The controller determines whether the mobile terminal is lost through wireless communication with the mobile terminal, and if the power engine has stopped while the mobile terminal has been determined to have been lost, performs processing for keeping the locking mechanism in the unlocked state during a restartable period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomo Yamamoto, Taro Iwamoto
  • Patent number: 10124794
    Abstract: A first electric power generation device configured to produce an accessory voltage according to a first instruction voltage. A second electric power generation device configured to produce the accessory voltage according to a second instruction. An electric control unit is configured to execute crank position stop control for stopping a crank of the engine at a target position when the engine is stopped by controlling the first electric power generation device such that a current is circulated in the first electric power generation device and the rotating electric machine generates braking torque. The electric control unit is configured to execute the crank position stop control in a state in which the second instruction voltage is equal to or higher than the first instruction voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ken Akuzawa
  • Patent number: 10077753
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine provides mechanical torque and electrical energy for the operation of remote-controlled standstill air conditioning (remote start) in conventional vehicles. A new terminal is introduced for the remote start. A retrofit solution is offered for this terminal concept. A retrofit relay is provided which is plugged into a free relay receptacle of the motor vehicle. The retrofit relay has a contact which is connected to an output of a body control module which signals the receipt of a remote control command for initiating the “standstill air conditioning” operating state. The retrofit relay also has a contact which is connected to an output of a body control module which signals the receipt of an “ignition on” command for initiating the “driving mode” operating state. The retrofit relay includes a logic circuit which carries out a combination of the signals of the fourth and the fifth relay contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Juri Remele, Jörg Speh, Sven Strempel, Uwe Neugebauer
  • Patent number: 10060985
    Abstract: A system includes an ultra-capacitor and battery system comprising a battery, an ultra-capacitor, a DC-DC converter, a first temperature sensor to sense a battery temperature, a second temperature sensor to sense an ultra-capacitor temperature and a third temperature sensor to sense a DC-DC converter temperature. An auto stop/start module is configured to selectively stop and restart an engine of a vehicle while an ignition system is ON based on operating parameters. A temperature sensing module communicates with the auto stop/start module and is configured to determine differences between temperatures sensed by the first sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor and to selectively disable the auto stop/start module based on the differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: John W. Siekkinen, Daniel W. Jecks, Junhong Dai
  • Patent number: 10023024
    Abstract: In an example of a method for heating or cooling a vehicle, an application resident on an electronic memory of a mobile communications device is launched. The electronic memory is coupled to a microprocessor. The microprocessor is operatively connected to a mobile device communications platform (MDCP). Preset climate control modes are displayed on a display. A user input identifying a selected preset climate control mode is received at a user interface. In response to receiving the user input, the selected preset climate control mode is transmitted to a vehicle communications platform (VCP). In response to receiving the selected preset climate control mode, a climate control instruction is transmitted by the VCP to a climate control system. In response to receiving the climate control instruction at the control module of the climate control system, the selected preset climate control mode is caused to be implemented in the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Daniel P. Carlesimo, Marcelo V. Lazarini, Rafael Navarenho de Souza
  • Patent number: 9979337
    Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a variable speed, constant frequency generator system is disclosed. During operation, loads may be added to or removed from the output of the generator system. A controller monitors the power output by the generator system and detects a change in the output power exceeding a predefined threshold. The change indicates the addition of a large electrical load. The controller quickly detects the change in power output and activates a relay to disconnect the load from the generator system. The controller then accelerates the engine of the generator system to maximum speed and reconnects the load to the output of the generator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Iles
  • Patent number: 9878769
    Abstract: A watercraft includes a plurality of devices, a central controller, and a display device. The central controller is programmed to execute centralized control of the devices. The display device includes a touch panel function. The display device is configured to communicate with the central controller, and to display information regarding watercraft in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Kinoshita, Shu Akuzawa
  • Patent number: 9868359
    Abstract: A system for facilitating communication between a vehicle and a user includes a vehicle having a rechargeable battery and a communication and control subsystem. The communication and control subsystem is communicatively coupled to the battery to gather and transmit vehicle information, which may include battery information and a vehicle identifier. The system also includes a charging station having a charging station identifier and an electrical coupling between the charging station, a power source, and the vehicle. The electrical coupling is operable to charge the battery and includes a communicative coupling. The control subsystem is operable to receive communications from the user via the communicative coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: KLD Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Huston, Martyn T. Hunt
  • Patent number: 9858732
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fleet management computer system for assessing vehicle efficiency. According to various embodiments, the fleet management computer system is configured for receiving and assessing vehicle telematics data in order to determine an idle percentage of engine run time value representing the percentage of the vehicle's engine run time during which the vehicle's engine was idling during the one or more time periods. In addition, the fleet management computer system may be configured for assessing vehicle telematics data in order to identify segment of engine idle time and generate a graphical display indicating various attributes of the identified idle time segments. The idle time percentage and idle time segments generated by the system can be used to assess the efficiency of vehicles and/or vehicle operators in an associated fleet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Davidson
  • Patent number: 9811956
    Abstract: A method includes transmitting polling signals from antennas at respective positions about a vehicle. Each polling signal includes identifying information. The method further includes receiving an acknowledgement signal from a remote unit. The acknowledgement signal includes information indicative of each polling signal received by the remote unit. The method further includes determining a position of the remote unit relative to the vehicle based upon the information of the acknowledgement signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Riad Ghabra
  • Patent number: 9777691
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes an engine configured to drive a vehicle; a starter configured to start the engine; a headlamp configured to radiate light in front of the vehicle; a battery configured to supply driving electric power to the starter and the headlamp; a brightness detection unit configured to detect a physical quantity corresponding to brightness around the vehicle; and a control unit configured to have the engine stop automatically when a predetermined stopping condition is satisfied, and to have the engine start automatically when a predetermined starting condition is satisfied. The control unit inhibits the engine from stopping automatically when the headlamp is lighted, and the physical quantity detected by the brightness detection unit is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuyuki Mikami
  • Patent number: 9759195
    Abstract: The wind generator includes a support part, a housing connected to an upper portion of the support part, the housing having an inner space, a blade part connected to one side of the housing, the blade part, an electricity generating part seated in the inner space of the housing, a flywheel, and a tail part. The flywheel includes a shaft rotating together with the blade part, a rotor coupled to the shaft, the rotor including at least one permanent magnet along an outer circumferential surface thereof, at least one coil part disposed outside in a radial direction of the rotor and around which a trigger coil is wound, the at least one coil generating magnetic fields when current is supplied to the trigger coil, and a circuit part supplying pulse-type current to trigger coil when the permanent magnet passes through a center of the trigger coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: NURIELECOM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang Bok Park, Jong Bae Lee, In Duk Kim
  • Patent number: 9670843
    Abstract: A system includes a catalyst system having at least one catalyst to treat an exhaust gas from a gas turbine system, and a thermal storage system having at least one storage tank to store thermal energy in a medium, wherein the system is configured to transfer heat from the medium to the at least one catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Raymond Pang, Parag Prakash Kulkarni, Huijuan Chen
  • Patent number: 9669682
    Abstract: Air-conditioning of an engine-driven motor vehicle is started by way of an activation signal when the motor vehicle is deactivated. With the activation signal, the engine and an air-conditioning device are activated. The engine is switched on for a maximum engine operating duration which is selected in accordance with a temperature of the engine and/or an ambient temperature of the motor vehicle and/or a temperature of an exhaust gas system of the motor vehicle, in particular a catalytic converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Martin Geissenhoener
  • Patent number: 9624890
    Abstract: A self-contained starting module for outdoor power equipment that has control circuit and a start button. The starting module includes internal control circuit that can be either microprocessor based or analog. The control circuit receives a start signal from a start button of the starting module. The control circuit monitors for the presence of an enable device and, upon activation of the start button and the presence of the enable device, provides electric power to the electric load of the power equipment. When the start button is depressed for longer than a minimum engagement period, the control circuit initiates operation of the engine. If the start button is pressed for less than the minimum engagement period, the control circuit activates the electric load for an auxiliary period without starting the engine. During engine operation, if the start button is depressed, the operation of the engine is terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert John Koenen, Jason Hansen, Andrew Paskov, Daniel Brueck, Steven J. Weber
  • Patent number: 9616849
    Abstract: A system for providing driving insurance for an individual driver may comprise at least one subsystem implemented on one or more computing systems configured for electronically calculating a risk of insuring a driver for liability arising from a vehicle accident regardless of any specific vehicle driven by the driver during the accident, at least one subsystem implemented on one or more computing systems configured for electronically and automatically calculating an insurance premium rate based on the previously calculated risk, and at least one subsystem implemented on one or more computing systems configured for electronically preparing an insurance policy according to the calculated premium rate wherein the insurance policy provides liability vehicle insurance covering the driver regardless of any specific vehicle driven by the driver during an accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association
    Inventors: Robert Lance Tucker, Bradly Jay Billman
  • Patent number: 9546635
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a remote start feature of an engine of a vehicle. A receiver is configured to receive a signal to initiate a remote start of the engine. A processor is coupled to the receiver, and is configured to initiate the remote start after receiving the signal; set a timer that measures an amount of time after which the remote start has been initiated, for a duration of the remote start; extend the remote start upon detection of an action by an individual proximate the vehicle before the amount of time exceeds a first predetermined threshold; and terminate the remote start after the amount of time exceeds the first predetermined threshold if no action has been detected during the duration of the remote start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Paul A. Bauerle
  • Patent number: 9480358
    Abstract: A gas barbecue having a cut-off valve situated between a gas inlet and a gas burner. According to some implementations the cut-off valve has a control knob moveable to a first position and a second position, in the first position of the control knob the cut-off valve is maintained in an open position, in the second position of the control knob the cut-off valve is placed under the control of an electrical control unit that acts upon an electromagnet assembly of the cut-off valve to control the open and close position of the cut-off valve. When the control knob is in the second position the electrical control unit is able to wirelessly exchange information and/or instructions with a remote control unit, whereas when the control knob is in the first position the electrical control unit is unable to wirelessly exchange information and/or instructions with the remote control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Coprecitec, S.L.
    Inventors: Iñigo Albizuri Landazabal, Jose Ignacio Mugica Odriozola
  • Patent number: 9476232
    Abstract: A wireless remote control system and method for activating a switch including a transmitter assembly and a receiver assembly. The receiver assembly attaches to and is stabilized by connecting a flex rod to an object near the switch. The receiver assembly includes a servo that connects to an object, such as a key or switch. The transmitter assembly can send differing signals to cause the servo to take alternate actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventors: Roberto Verdecia, Allexy Verdecia
  • Patent number: 9440602
    Abstract: A method for operating an in-vehicle charger and an in-vehicle charger mounted to a vehicle. The in-vehicle charger includes a charging coil for performing non-contact charging to a mobile device placed in the vehicle; and a control unit connected to the charging coil. The control unit instructs start or stop of supplying power to the charging coil in response to detecting a first signal indicating the engine is driven and a second signal indicating a state of a vehicle component of the vehicle other than the engine. The method includes a step of detecting the first signal; a step of detecting the second signal; and a step of instructing a start or stop of supplying power to the charging coil in response to detecting both of the first and second signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Izumi Iwanaga, Kenichi Koike, Taro Katayama
  • Patent number: 9428150
    Abstract: A portable device includes: a reception unit which receives state information of a vehicle from the vehicle; a transmission unit which transmits a signal to the vehicle; a control unit which controls communication with the vehicle; and a storage unit which stores at least two signal transmission intensities including a signal transmission intensity during engine stop and a signal transmission intensity during engine operation higher than the signal transmission intensity during engine stop, the signal transmission intensities being able to be set by the control unit. The control unit sets a signal transmission intensity of the signal transmitted from the transmission unit based on the state information received by the reception unit and the signal transmission intensities stored in the storage unit. The transmission unit transmits the signal based on the signal transmission intensity set by the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: OMRON AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yosuke Tomita, Takahiro Inaguma
  • Patent number: 9421864
    Abstract: A method of encouraging safe driving of a vehicle using a remote starter device installed at a vehicle is provided. The remote starter device determines whether it is in signal communication with a remote starter application operating at a mobile computing device separate from the remote starter device. When the remote starter device is in signal communication with the remote starter application, the remote starter device permits ignition of the vehicle. When the remote starter device is not in signal communication with the remote starter application, the remote starter device prevents ignition of the vehicle. During operation of the vehicle, one or more communication features at the remote starter device may be restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Allstate Insurance Company
    Inventors: Rothana Srey, Matthew James Manzella