Utilizing Weight, Or Lack Thereof, Of Operator On Seat Or Other Support To Determine Presence Or Absence Patents (Class 180/273)
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Patent number: 12036948Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for vehicle wireless monitoring are described. In one example, a described method comprises: transmitting a first wireless signal from a first wireless device through a wireless multipath channel of a venue, the venue comprising a vehicle and an immediate vicinity of the vehicle; receiving a second wireless signal by a second wireless device in the venue through the wireless multipath channel, wherein the second wireless signal differs from the first wireless signal due to the wireless multipath channel and a modulation by an object undergoing a motion in the venue; obtaining a time series of channel information (TSCI) of the wireless multipath channel based on the second wireless signal; and performing a monitoring task by monitoring, based on the TSCI, at least one of: the vehicle, the object or the motion of the object.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2020Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: ORIGIN RESEARCH WIRELESS, INC.Inventors: Chao-Lun Mai, Jeng-Feng Lee, David N. Claffey, Hangfang Zhang, Feng Zhang, Hung-Quoc Duc Lai, Beibei Wang, Oscar Chi-Lim Au, K. J. Ray Liu
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Patent number: 12003277Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for transmitting or receiving a signal by a reception device in a wireless communication system, and the method may comprise the steps of: receiving, from a transmission device, a signal modulated on the basis of a differential phase shift keying (DPSK) scheme; converting the received signal into an input signal of a spiking neural network (SNN); calculating an output value through the spiking neural network previously learned; and converting the output value into an input signal of a channel decoder.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2019Date of Patent: June 4, 2024Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Sangrim Lee, Byounghoon Kim, Sungjin Kim
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Patent number: 11603067Abstract: An airbag system for repositioning a seat occupant in a moving vehicle during a crash event includes: a first inflatable airbag disposed proximate to a front portion of a seat pan; a second inflatable airbag disposed proximate to a rear portion of the seat pan; and inflation control device controlling deployment of the first and second inflatable airbags. The inflation control device includes a programmable controller controlling inflation parameters of the first and second inflatable airbags to achieve a desired lift, subject to monument constraints.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: SCHROTH SAFETY PRODUCTS LLCInventor: Patrick Akoma
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Patent number: 11541905Abstract: An autonomous driving controller includes: a processor to collect driving data when a vehicle is traveling and calculate a steering override reference value, which is a criterion of determining an override mode, based on the collected driving data; and a storage to store the collected driving data and a set of instructions executed by the processor to calculate the steering override reference value. In particular, the processor controls autonomous driving by varying the steering override reference value based on the collected driving data or information regarding a driver of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Jun Soo Kim
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Patent number: 11358499Abstract: A child restraint seat sensing device for a vehicle including a structural element at least partially defining a volume, wherein the structural element is located in a vehicle passenger seat between a seat base and seat back or is located behind the vehicle passenger seat, a stationary anchor in the vehicle, wherein the stationary anchor is located within the volume defined by the structural element, and a sensor mounted to the structural element, wherein the sensor is configured to detect whether a child restraint seat connector is attached to the stationary anchor.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Scott D. Thomas, Tricia E. Morrow, Dorel M. Sala, Eugene J. Lau, Suzanne L. Johansson, Orhan Demirovic
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Patent number: 11358635Abstract: A reverse switch activation mechanism includes forward and reverse pedals connected to a control arm for pivoting the control arm in first and second directions. A cam surface extends from the control arm and activates a reverse switch if the reverse pedal is partially depressed. A transmission control rod is connected to the control arm through a lost motion slot and moves rearwardly if the reverse pedal is depressed further after activating the reverse switch. A control rod keeper on the control arm biases the control rod pin to a first side of the lost motion slot.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2019Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Christopher Reichert, James J Cinnamon
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Patent number: 11345310Abstract: An assembly system warning device includes a first assembly member, a second assembly member, a main circuit, a power supply, an alarm device, a first circuit, a first switch, a second circuit and a second switch. When the first assembly member is located at an assembly position and the second assembly member is located at an idle position, the main circuit and the second circuit are connected in series to form a closed circuit. When the second assembly member is located at an assembly position and the first assembly member is located at an idle position, the main circuit and the first circuit are connected in series to form a closed circuit.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Bambino Prezioso Switzerland AGInventor: Da Liang Zhang
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Patent number: 11241977Abstract: Vehicle sensing systems and methods of sensing a potential presence of an occupant left behind in a vehicle are disclosed. A vehicle sensing system includes sensors to detect a ride height or camber positioning, a processing device, and storage medium including programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processing device to obtain a first string of data from the sensors before a driver has entered the vehicle and the vehicle has been turned on, obtain a second string of data from the sensors after the vehicle has moved a distance, the vehicle has been turned off, and the driver has departed from a vicinity of the vehicle, compare the first string of data to the second string of data to determine if a difference exists, and when the difference exists, transmit an alert to external devices, the alert indicating a potential occupant being left behind in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2020Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Toyota Motor North America, Inc.Inventors: Ryan M. Wiesenberg, Ethan W. Pomish
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Patent number: 11237575Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a linear solenoid by controlling a driving current supplied to the linear solenoid through a feedback control. The feedback control is executed by a feedback control system having parameters that are determined in accordance with an ILQ design method. In a frequency characteristic of a gain of a transfer function representing a ratio of an output to a disturbance in the feedback control system, the gain is lower than 0 [dB] throughout all frequency ranges.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2019Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takaaki Tokura, Katsumi Kono, Masato Kaigawa, Masato Matsubara, Hitoshi Matsunaga, Akira Hino
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Patent number: 11230293Abstract: A radar sensor system and a method for detecting an occupancy in an interior of a vehicle and with vital sign monitoring. The radar sensor system includes a radar transmitting unit, a radar receiving unit and a signal processing and control unit. The method includes: transmitting a radar wave towards a scene within the vehicle interior, receiving at least one radar wave that has been generated by reflection of the transmitted radar wave, decomposing the received radar wave into range, Doppler and angular information, quantifying and tracking a movement in each region of interest by angular gating and range gating, detecting and monitoring vital signs of occupants in each region of interest, and determining whether quantified and tracked movements in the scene are related to an occupant or to external or internal disturbances, based on a fulfillment of at least one predefined condition concerning the and/or the detected vital signs.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A.Inventors: Oscar Gomez, Muhammad-Zeeshan Khan, Jochen Landwehr, Peter Larsen, Dimitri Tatarinov
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Patent number: 11180061Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for controlling an air ventilation volume of a vehicle seat in which sweat generation rates, relative humidities, etc. of respective body parts of a passenger sitting on the vehicle seat are predicted in advance and an air ventilation volume is concentratedly distributed to a passenger's body part predicted to have a high sweat generation rate and a high relative humidity among the passenger's body parts in advance so that ventilation of the seat is carried out before the passenger feels inconvenience due to the locally over-wet state of the passenger's body, thereby allowing the passenger to feel comfort in a sense of sitting on the vehicle seat all the time.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2020Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Hyang Mi Kim
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Patent number: 11148718Abstract: A structural arrangement for a vehicle includes a body structure defining a longitudinal vehicle body axis and a lateral vehicle axis orthogonal to the longitudinal vehicle body axis. The body structure includes a lattice shear structure having a first structural member extending laterally from one side to an opposite side of the vehicle and a second structural member parallel to and longitudinally spaced apart from the first structural member, an upper shear panel extending longitudinally and laterally across the vehicle and joined to the lattice shear structure, and a seat attachment structure having a first end and a second end opposite the second end. The seat attachment structure is oriented longitudinally and is joined to both of the first and second structural members.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Eric A. Mathieson, Michael T. Chaney, Robert N. Saje, Warren J. Parsons, Travis W. Walker
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Patent number: 11122728Abstract: A tractor in which a lift valve of a hydraulic system for lifting up/down a work machine is mechanically coupled to a lift lever, and conditions for an engine startup are set as follows: a reverser lever is at a neutral position thereof; a PTO (power take-off) clutch is disengaged; a seat switch is ON; and the lift lever is at a lowermost position thereof. A switch driving unit is provided on a side face of the lift lever so that the side face is orthogonal to a turning direction of the lift lever; a switch is provided so as to be opposed to the switch driving unit when the lift lever is turned to be at the lowermost position; and the lift lever at the lowermost position is detected by the switch.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: YANMAR POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Takeshi Miyazaki, Toshiyuki Miwa
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Patent number: 11117536Abstract: A passenger protection apparatus for a vehicle includes first and second airbags, an airbag deployment device, a collision speed detector, a passenger's position detector, a seat moving unit, an airbag deployment determination unit, and a deployment controller. The first airbag is deployable in different sizes. The second airbag is deployable between the first airbag and vehicle equipment. The airbag deployment device deploys the airbags. The collision speed detector detects a collision or collision possibility of a vehicle, and calculates a collision speed. The passenger position detector detects a position of a passenger sitting on a seat. The seat moving unit moves the seat. The airbag deployment determination unit determines a size of the deployed first airbag. The deployment controller determines an amount of movement of the seat, causes the seat moving unit to move the seat, and causes the airbag deployment device to deploy the airbags.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2020Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATIONInventors: Shota Kanegae, Toru Yamashita
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Patent number: 11107340Abstract: An automobile child alert warning system that will prevent young children, babies, and, pets from dying as a result of being left alone in hot locked automobiles. The system includes a warning light, a recording mechanism, a time delay provision, a speaker, and a visual and verbal warning message that alerts driver to make sure everyone has vacated from the vehicle at the end of the trip. This system may be built into a dashboard of the automobile during the manufacturing process. Preferably, the warning light will protrude through the speedometer or be placed adjacent to it. The speedometer location is the ideal location for this warning device because speedometers are usually located directly in front of the driver. In actuality, all that will be visible of this device will be the red warning light. The rest of the components will be hidden behind the dashboard.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2020Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Inventor: Joseph John Cozzolino
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Patent number: 11027422Abstract: Provided, for example, is a rotary actuator that is equipped with a rotation restricting mechanism for restricting the rotation of a stopped rotor. The rotation restricting mechanism is provided with: a rotation-side restricting member fixed to the rotor; a fixed-side restricting member that engages with the rotation-side restricting member and restricts the movement of the rotation-side restricting member in the circumferential direction of the rotor; and a drive mechanism that moves the fixed-side restricting member in the axial direction of the rotor. A plurality of protrusions that project toward the outer side of the radial direction of the rotor are formed in the rotation-side restricting member. A restricting part 46a that penetrates in between the protrusions in the circumferential direction and restricts the movement of the rotation-side restricting member in the circumferential direction is formed in the fixed-side restricting member.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2017Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: NIDEC CORPORATIONInventor: Yuu Ayuzawa
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Patent number: 10991121Abstract: Systems and methods for optimizing operator-state detection including tracking position of an operator-facing camera are described. Systems and methods include receiving a first image captured by an operator-facing camera, detecting a first position of the operator-facing camera with respect to the calibration object, ascertaining the first position with respect to at least one fiducial marker within a passenger compartment of a vehicle, capturing, via controller, a second image using the operator-facing camera, determining the second image is captured by the operator-facing camera from a second position with respect to the at least one fiducial marker, and analyzing, based on determining the second image is captured by the operator-facing camera from the second position, the second image to identify facial features of the operator. The receiving, detecting, ascertaining, determining, and analyzing are performed via a controller.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2018Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Debbie E. Nachtegall, Nathan P. Makarewicz, Paul W. Alexander
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Patent number: 10990822Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed to generate an augmented environment including a weight indicator for a vehicle. An example disclosed apparatus includes a sensor interface to receive load data associated with a vehicle, and receive live video data from a camera, the live video data including a location of an object in the vehicle, a load mapper to generate a map of loads on the vehicle based on the load data, an object-to-weight correlator to correlate a load of the map of loads with the object, and an augmented reality generator to generate an augmented environment identifying the location of the object and the load correlated with the object.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2018Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Anton Rogness, Peter Simeon Lazarevski, Joshua Rajasingh, Andrew Niedert, Elliott Pearson
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Patent number: 10953830Abstract: A system and method are provided for improving safety of one or more vehicle occupants. The system may include an interior data collection component configured to collected interior configuration data representing a physical configuration of the interior space of the vehicle, a plurality of vehicle safety components configured to protect the one or more vehicle occupants when deployed and one or more processors configured to determine, by processing the interior vehicle configuration data, a location and orientation of the one or more vehicle occupants; select a subset of the plurality of vehicle safety components to be active based on the location and orientation of the one or more vehicle occupants; and set the selected subset of the plurality of vehicle safety components to an active state in which the selected subset of the plurality of vehicle safety components is deployed when an emergency condition is detected.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Scott T. Christensen, Brian M. Fields, Stephen R. Prevatt, Steve Roberson
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Patent number: 10953795Abstract: A vehicle control device is configured to determine whether or not a living body is left behind in a vehicle. The vehicle control device includes an operation information acquisition unit that acquires first operation information indicating whether a first type of opening/closing unit related to getting-on/off of an occupant is operated and second operation information indicating whether a second type of opening/closing unit other than the first opening/closing unit is operated; a leaving determination unit that determines whether the living body is left behind with reference to the first operation information, and determines execution of a leaving alarm in a case where it is determined that the living body is left behind; and an execution holding unit which holds the execution of the leaving alarm in a case where the second operation information indicates that the second type of opening/closing unit is operated.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2020Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: NIDEC MOBILITY CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Aragai, Hirohito Miyazaki
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Patent number: 10922942Abstract: Implementations of systems and methods to facilitate interactions associated with the health of a child with a caretaker of the child are described. One implementation of a system comprises a seating receptacle removably connectable to a base, a battery configured to independently power the receptacle when separated from the base, and one or more processors. The one or more processors may be operably connected to one or more of a piezoelectric sensor configured to sense respiration, a weight sensor configured to sense posture, a camera, a storage device, and/or a network interface.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2020Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Inventor: Chukwunonso Arinze
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Patent number: 10917771Abstract: A system for a vehicle comprises a controller, programmed to output a warning to a registered mobile device via a server over a wireless network, responsive to a safety event indicative of a child being left in the vehicle in a dangerous condition triggered responsive to detection of presence of the child in a car seat and failure to receive confirmation that an adult occupant is still in the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Joseph Orris, David Michael Herman, David A. Herman, Nunzio DeCia, Nicholas Alexander Scheufler, Stephen Jay Orris
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Patent number: 10887559Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system of monitoring a child seated in the rear seat of a vehicle in a child's car seat employing a video camera which transmits a video signal to a video display receiver placed in the driver's frame of vision. The video camera is placed within a child's toy, the camera signal being transmitted remotely to a separate video display monitor screen device, viewable to the driver of the vehicle. The camera is adjustable in various positions within the vehicle compartment. To adjust camera direction the invention includes a bendable, flexible and sturdy neck that interconnects the camera to a transmission unit, which provides the driver with a view of the child. The invention further employs use of blockchain technology and SIM card security measures, via cell phone network, to provide users with secure transmission of video images and to prevent hacking by outside third parties.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2020Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Inventor: Giuseppe Veneziano
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Patent number: 10843670Abstract: A work machine includes a power generator configured to generate power to propel the machine, a brake system, an operator seat, one or more sensors, and a controller. The operator seat is rotatably mounted to the machine. The one or more sensors are configured to generate one or more signals indicative of an orientation of the operator seat relative to a direction of travel of the machine. The controller is coupled to the machine and communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors. The controller is configured to determine that the operator seat is out of alignment with the direction of travel based on the one or more signals and automatically actuate the brake system if the operator seat is out of alignment with the direction of travel for more than a first threshold time.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2018Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.Inventors: Paul S. Petersen, Rolf af Klinteberg, Kyle D. Hendricks, Bryan J. Downing, Jeremy W. Lee, Mathew J. Hedrington
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Patent number: 10845802Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle. At least one breathing movement parameter describing an upper body movement of a user of the motor vehicle and a driving movement parameter are detected, using a sensor device of the motor vehicle, and a breathing signal and a driving movement signal that describe how the parameters are generated. A vitality parameter that describes breathing of the user is determined on the basis of the signals. An evaluation and control device of the motor vehicle ascertains a reference value range of stored, user-specific reference values of the vitality parameter, a determined value of the vitality parameter lying in said range, and, on the basis of the ascertained reference value range, a driver state index is determined. A control signal for operating a driver assistance device of the motor vehicle is generated as a function of the determined driver state index.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2017Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Audi AGInventors: Christiane Stark, Isabelle Borgert
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Patent number: 10803729Abstract: A system includes a memory and at least one processor to perform one of (1) determine that a vehicle is within a geofence, receive a checkout notification in response to the user selecting a checkout user interface element displayed on a display, and disable the emergency countdown timer, (2) determine that the vehicle is within the geofence, display the checkout user interface on the display, fail to receive the checkout notification, and after the particular period of time, send the at least one of the text message and the automated call to the emergency responder requesting assistance for a person in a seat of the vehicle, and (3) determine that the vehicle is outside of the geofence and after the particular period of time, send at least one of a text message and an automated call to an emergency responder requesting assistance for the person in the seat of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2019Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Inventor: Stephen Anthony Di Mauro
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Patent number: 10773694Abstract: An anti-theft electronic parking brake actuator includes a key switch for activating and de-activating the parking brake, and preventing theft of a vehicle. The electronic parking brake actuator further includes a cell phone interface to both notify an owner when the parking brake is released. The electronic parking brake actuator may further include a GPS device monitoring vehicle location and notifying the owner if the vehicle is moved while the parking brake is actuated, and reporting vehicle location.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: KTAG GROUP, INC.Inventor: Larry Goodman
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Patent number: 10773606Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for detecting an object in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a seat location determining device configured to determine whether a location of a front seat is a reference location, a seat location adjusting device configured to adjust the location of the front seat to the reference location depending on whether the seat location determining device determines that the location of the front seat is the reference location, an object detecting device configured to detect the object around a rear seat when the location of the front seat is in the reference location, and a warning controller configured to output a warning when the object detecting device detects the object around the rear seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Eung Hwan Kim, Nam Woong Hur, Gyun Ha Kim, Sang Woo Ji, Seul Ki Jeon
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Patent number: 10773609Abstract: A method for adjusting a seat of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes the step of capturing loading data of the seat, evaluating the loading data to determine a control dataset for periodically adjusting the seat based on the control dataset.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeroen Lem, Philipp Wolf, Nikica Hennes
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Patent number: 10739184Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to detect and/or classify a vehicle occupant, such as a passenger seated within the cockpit of a vehicle. An occupant classification system includes an occupant weight sensor, an occupant presence sensor, and a logic device configured to communicate with the occupant weight sensor and the occupant presence sensor. The logic device is configured to receive occupant weight sensor signals from the occupant weight sensor and occupant presence sensor signals from the occupant presence sensor, determine an estimated occupant weight and an occupant presence response based, at least in part, on the occupant weight sensor signals and the occupant presence sensor signals, and determine an occupant classification status corresponding to the passenger seat based, at least in part, on the estimated occupant weight and/or the occupant presence response.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Tesla, Inc.Inventors: Akin Aina, Markell Baldwin, Bronson Aden, Zach Stuart
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Patent number: 10717400Abstract: A vehicular acceleration input control apparatus is disclosed. The example apparatus includes a power circuit electrically connected to a wiring harness that connects a vehicular control module to accelerator pedal position sensors. The power circuit includes a first power supply line connected to a first harness power wire of the wiring harness and a second power supply line connected to a second harness power wire of the wiring harness. The power circuit also includes a ground line connected to at least one of a first harness ground wire and a second harness ground wire of the wiring harness. The example apparatus also includes a processor electrically connected to and configured to receive power from the power circuit. The processor is configured to adjust acceleration input control signals from acceleration pedal position sensors of an acceleration pedal for transmission to the vehicular control module.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2018Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: Pedal Logic LPInventors: Marc Lurie, Attila Vass
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Patent number: 10626000Abstract: An industrial vehicle includes a holding portion for holding a load, a raising/lowering portion for raising/lowering the holding portion, a control valve for controlling the amount of hydraulic oil supplied to or discharged from the raising/lowering portion, and a control device for supplying an energizing current to the control valve. The control device includes a speed calculation unit for calculating first and second speed command values for an ascending/descending speed, a current calculation unit for calculating first and second current command values for the energizing current, and a current supply portion for supplying first and second energizing currents to the control valve, thereby offsetting a first vibration generated in the load upon start of supplying the first energizing current, by a second vibration generated in the load upon start of supplying the second energizing current.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., Ltd.Inventor: Harukazu Kimura
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Patent number: 10602096Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system of monitoring a child seated in the rear seat of a vehicle in a child's car seat employing a video camera which transmits a video signal to a video display receiver placed in the driver's frame of vision. The video camera is placed within a child's stuffed toy, the camera signal being transmitted remotely to a separate video display monitor screen device, viewable to the driver of the vehicle. The camera is adjustable in the positions in which it is placed in the vehicle compartment. To adjust camera direction the invention includes a bendable, flexible and sturdy neck that interconnects the camera to a transmission unit, which provides the driver with a view of the child. The invention further employs use of blockchain technology to provide users with secure transmission of video images and to prevent hacking by outside third parties.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2018Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Inventor: Giuseppe Veneziano
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Patent number: 10548404Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure sensing chair capable of wireless charging, detecting body pressure, and measuring the distribution of body pressure. A pressure sensing chair according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: at least one sensor unit including a first electrode layer having a plurality of first electrode patterns arranged in a first direction, a second electrode layer having a plurality of second electrode patterns arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction, and a dielectric layer arranged between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer; and a module unit connected to the sensor unit and including a communication unit and a wireless charging unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.Inventors: Won Keun Cho, Bi Yi Kim, Jeong Han Kim, Hyun Gyu Park, In Hee Cho, Hyun Jin Jo
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Patent number: 10525922Abstract: An airbag assembly including an airbag configured to be coupled to a vehicle floor of a vehicle. The airbag is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the stowed position, the airbag is deflated. In the deployed position, the airbag is inflated and spaced apart from the vehicle floor to define an aperture between the airbag and the vehicle floor. The aperture is sized to receive feet or lower leg of a vehicle occupant, thereby limiting movement of the legs of the vehicle occupant when an external force is exerted on the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2018Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chin-Hsu Lin, Yi-Pen Cheng, Paul E. Krajewski
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Patent number: 10486631Abstract: A method for triggering an airbag situated in a position-adjustable steering wheel of a motor vehicle, including: a) ascertaining the relative spacing between a driver of the motor vehicle and the steering wheel, b) establishing a triggering event which necessitates the triggering of the airbag in the motor vehicle, c) establishing a trigger time and/or a firing strategy for the airbag, the relative spacing ascertained in step a) being taken into account, d) triggering the airbag at the established trigger time and/or using the established firing strategy. A trigger circuit for triggering an airbag is also described which is situated in a position-adjustable steering wheel of a motor vehicle, at least one measuring unit for establishing the position of the steering wheel or the relative spacing of the steering wheel from a driver being provided, and the trigger circuit includes an input for processing signals from this measuring unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Johannes Ludwig Foltin
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Patent number: 10486696Abstract: An approach to setting a cruise control speed based on identifying a vehicle operator and analyzing metadata associated with the vehicle operator. The identity of the vehicle operator and any passengers is determined based on identity sensors in the vehicle or by manual identity entry. Metadata, associated with the vehicle operator, is retrieved from the metadata database, located either locally or remotely. The metadata is analyzed based on factors such as the current route and the identity of any passengers. The cruise control speed is set based on the results of the analysis. Any changes to the setting are updated in the metadata database.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2015Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: John F. Canale, Raul A. Pelaez, Mark A. Shatraw, Charles J. Stocker, IV
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Patent number: 10471870Abstract: A suspension member for a seat assembly includes a plurality of zones which define spatially varying properties of the suspension member. Each of the zones produces a response to an occupant load imposed on the seat assembly by a seated occupant, where the response includes one or more of a stiffness response, an energy dissipation response, and a thermal response. The response produced by each zone is different from the response produced from any other of the zones. The suspension member can be made of a homogenous material or made of a combination of materials such that each zone is made of a different material. The suspension member can include a textile material formed by weaving, knitting or crocheting. At least one zone of the suspension member can include one or more apertures.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2017Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, Onkar S. Akolkar
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Patent number: 10464564Abstract: A computer is programmed to determine an occupancy status of a vehicle based on received sensor data; and adjust a parameter of a powertrain of the vehicle in response to data indicating a critical condition of the powertrain based on the occupancy status. The parameter may be one of engine speed, cylinder deactivation, transmission-shift time, and shift schedule.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2017Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Kenneth James Miller, Thomas G. Leone, Aed M. Dudar
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Patent number: 10457179Abstract: An immersive seat system may include audio outputs and/or haptic outputs configured to provide an occupant of an autonomous vehicle with an enhanced user experience. For example, the audio outputs and/or the haptic outputs may be controlled to provide a more enjoyable experience while riding to destination, and/or to provide information to the occupant about the vehicle in which the occupant is riding, objects in a proximity of the vehicle, actions to be taken by the vehicle, events involving the vehicle, environmental conditions, and/or other information.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Zoox, Inc.Inventor: Timothy David Kentley-Klay
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Patent number: 10427635Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting a front passenger seat in a motor vehicle includes the steps of identifying a user identification apparatus proximate to the motor vehicle, and accessing a user profile associated with the user identification apparatus. The user profile includes a predetermined home position for the front passenger seat. If the front passenger seat is unoccupied, the position of the front passenger seat is adjusted to the predetermined home position.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2017Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Joseph Anthony Alequin, Stuart Masakazu Yamamoto, Junlei Zhang, Evan Sullivan
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Patent number: 10387738Abstract: A method for monitoring a vehicle that is in an autonomous operating mode and is located in a parking facility. In the method, a check is performed to determine whether one or multiple persons are located in the interior of the vehicle, and one or multiple actions are performed as a function of the check. A corresponding device and a computer program are also described.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Stefan Nordbruch
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Patent number: 10377266Abstract: A vehicle seat occupant classification system for use in a vehicle seat includes a weight-responsive sensor, at least one bracket member serving as a holder for the weight-responsive sensor, and an evaluation unit configured to evaluate a status of the at least one weight-responsive sensor. The bracket member is fixedly attached to the seat base. If a mechanical load at least corresponding to a first pre-determined threshold value is applied by a seat occupant, a portion of the vehicle seat comes into mechanical interaction with the at least one weight-responsive sensor, and is configured to change a status of the at least one weight-responsive sensor if a mechanical load at least corresponding to a second pre-determined threshold value is applied. Relative movement between the seat base and the at least one weight-responsive sensor is at least excluded for applied mechanical loads that are smaller than the first pre-determined threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A.Inventors: Guenter Goedert, Dietmar Jungen, Jorg Beck, Gianluca Favalli
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Patent number: 10358131Abstract: A method of determining a safe distance (dsafe) between a first vehicle (1) and a second vehicle (2) moving ahead of the first vehicle, each vehicle having a state which comprises at least one of a position (s1, s2), a speed and an acceleration of the respective vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: —collecting sensor data relating to the state of the vehicles (1, 2), —determining, using the sensor data and a time-dependent description of the state of the second vehicle (2), a state of the second vehicle (2) as a result of a maximum deceleration of said second vehicle, —determining, using a time-dependent model of the behavior of the first vehicle (1) and said state of the second vehicle (2), a state of the first vehicle (1) as a result of said maximum deceleration of said second vehicle (2), and —determining, using said state of the second vehicle (2) and said state of the first vehicle (1), the safe distance (dsafe).Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNOInventors: Ellen van Nunen, Leonardus Johannes Hubertus Maria Kester, Jeroen Ploeg
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Patent number: 10328888Abstract: A seatbelt assembly includes webbing elongated along a length, a clip slidable along the length of the webbing, an indicator extending along the length of the webbing, and a sensor coupled to the clip and sensitive to the indicator. The seatbelt assembly measures a length of a lap band stretched across an occupant. Safety features may be tailored to the body type of the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Kevin Michael Pline
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Patent number: 10324213Abstract: A capacitive proximity sensor may include a proximity sensing capacitor to provide a voltage output based on a voltage input, the capacitor including a ground plane and an electrode loop capacitively coupled to the ground plane. The proximity sensor may include a processor to detect an object proximity based on a change in the voltage output. This proximity sensor provides automated detection of a person, and thereby reduces the need for a vehicle occupant or child caregiver to activate a sensor by pressing a button. The use of a capacitance-based proximity sensor reduces issues associated with fabric, clothing, or other materials separating the proximity sensor from a person.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Marcie M. Miller, Roderick E. Kronschnabel, Matthew J. Schneider, Rene J. Sanchez, Christopher L. Ross, Ryan R. Carnaghi, Keith A. Swesey, Kevin Edwards, Steven W. Whitehorn, Cecilia Yancy, Thomas V. Moss
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Patent number: 10315601Abstract: A capacitive sensor member of a vehicle seat occupant detection and classification device that includes a first electrically conductive antenna member and at least a second electrically conductive antenna member that is adjacently arranged to the first electrically conductive antenna member without any mutual galvanic connection. At least one electrically conductive bridging member is fixedly attached to at least one elastic spacer member that has elastic mechanical properties in a specified direction. If a mechanical load is applied to the capacitive sensor member in the specified direction that is equal to or larger than a predetermined value for the mechanical load, the at least one electrically conductive bridging member provides at least one galvanic contact between the first electrically conductive antenna member and the second electrically conductive antenna member.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Inventors: Erik Holzapfel, Kwangbok Park
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Patent number: 10293718Abstract: A seating system for a vehicle is disclosed. The seating system includes a support surface having a surface contour formed by first springs having fixed stiffness values, a frame, and second springs having adjustable stiffness values coupling the support surface and the frame. The first springs and the second springs together control motion of the support surface in relation to motion of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2017Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventors: Filip Ilievski, John J. Baker, Kathryn C. Zhou, Matthew E. Last, Randol W. Aikin, Donald J. Novotney, Stephen P. Zadesky
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Patent number: 10294089Abstract: A floor suspension system for a material handling vehicle is provided. The floor suspension system includes one or more coupling assemblies to couple a battery compartment and an operator compartment of the material handling vehicle to a fork frame of the material handling vehicle. The one or more coupling assemblies each include a first pivot arm to pivotally couple the battery compartment to the fork frame, a second pivot arm to pivotally couple the operator compartment to the fork frame, and a coupling arm to couple the first pivot arm to the second pivot arm. The floor suspension system further includes a spring assembly having a spring pack pivotally coupled to the fork frame and the battery compartment.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: The Raymond CorporationInventor: Adam Wayne Standard
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Patent number: 10286971Abstract: A self-balancing double-wheeled electrical scooter is provided with an assembly for controlling a travel direction of the self-balancing double-wheeled electrical scooter, wherein, the travel direction of the self-balancing double-wheeled electrical scooter is controlled via a handle, a resilient recoverable component is provided between a scooter body and the handle, the handle is adapted for driving the resilient recoverable component to control the travel direction of the scooter, the resilient recoverable component comprises a stator (101), a rotor (112) and a resilient recoverable unit (111), the rotor (112) is mechanically connected to the handle in a fixed manner directly or indirectly, the stator (101) is mechanically connected to the scooter body (107) in a fixed manner directly or indirectly, the stator (101) and the rotor (112) are connected in a resilient manner via the resilient recoverable unit, the resilient recoverable component further comprises an angle limiting device, the angle limiting deType: GrantFiled: September 15, 2015Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: CHANGZHOU AIRWHEEL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. (CN)Inventor: Guogang Zuo