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: 10178357Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and methods 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 as envisioned herein 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 parent driving the vehicle. The camera is adjustable in the number of positions in which it is placed in the vehicle compartment as well as the direction in which the camera is directed. To adjust the direction in which the camera is pointed, 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Inventor: Giuseppe Veneziano
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Patent number: 10166942Abstract: The present invention relates to a measurement arrangement for detecting an occupancy of a motor vehicle seat arrangement with at least one seat, which comprises a sensor arrangement with at least one sensor (10) for detecting a deformation of a lower side (21) facing away from the seating surface or of a force loading by a lower side (21) facing away from the seating surface of a seat cushion (20) of at least one seat of the motor vehicle seat arrangement, which is fastened on a structural element (40) of the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Michael Hoefgen-Allmann
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Patent number: 10158308Abstract: A motor control system, in some embodiments, comprises: a voltage divider circuit having an output node, a voltage on said output node representing a desired motor rotation direction; control logic configured to receive an indication of said voltage; and a motor controller coupled to the control logic, wherein, if said indication of the voltage on the output node falls outside of a predetermined range, the control logic is configured to issue a motor stop signal to the motor controller indicating that at least one resistor of the voltage divider circuit is defective or is missing from the voltage divider circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2016Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Takashi Ogawa, Fumio Kumazawa, Satoshi Yokoo, Juichi Uno
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Patent number: 10157534Abstract: An alert system detects the presence of occupants in a vehicle using optical sensors comprised of (infrared) emitters and photodetectors. Each sensor emits a beam across a path in proximity to a seat. Retroreflectors are positioned in the path. A seated occupant blocks the path and prevents reflection. If the path adjacent to a baby's seat is blocked and the path adjacent to the driver's seat is not blocked, an alarm event is triggered. After a delay, voice and text messages and audible and visible output are generated.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Inventor: Tung Thanh Pham
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Patent number: 10143128Abstract: A seeding machine includes a main frame, and a row unit coupled to the main frame. The row unit has a row unit frame, a gauge wheel coupled to the row unit frame, and a furrow opener coupled to the row unit frame, the furrow opener having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and moves soil. The row unit also includes a furrow closer, the furrow closer having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and presses soil. The seeding machine also includes a downforce adjustment system for adjusting an amount of downforce applied to the row unit, the downforce adjustment system including a moisture sensor, a controller configured to receive a signal from the moisture sensor, and an actuator configured to change the amount of downforce applied to the row unit based on the signal received by the controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: DEERE & COMPANYInventors: Donald K. Landphair, Michael E. Frasier, James Z. Liu, Jason D. Walter, Lawrence D. Green
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Patent number: 10144374Abstract: A vehicle can be configured to automatically provide settings for one or more components of the vehicle based on a measured anthropometric feature of a person approaching the vehicle. The vehicle can include a sensor configured to acquire data (e.g., visual data) of a portion of an external environment of the vehicle. The external environment can include a person approaching the vehicle. The vehicle can include a component that can be adjustable across a plurality of settings. The component can have a current setting. A processor can be operatively connected to the sensor and the component. The acquired data can be analyzed to measure an anthropometric feature of the person approaching the vehicle. A target setting of the component can be determined based on the measured anthropometric feature. The current setting of the component can be caused to match the determined target setting.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Bryan E. Yamasaki, Sean L. Helm, Eric R. Schmidt
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Patent number: 10131308Abstract: A safety on-board vehicle multi-force restraint self-controlling system improves the security of the air bags for children and light women passengers according requirements of the final rule of Section § 571.208 Standard No. 208; “Occupant crash protection” by employing the accurate weight occupant KEF technology. The system also provides, in case of an accident, different forces applied to the occupant bodies of different weight categories by employing an original occupant's weight, measured at the beginning of a trip by innovative weighing KEF technology, which is eventually modified during the trip according to the current values of the morphological and driving factors. The system provides secure personalization of the occupants' weight by a finger print sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2017Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Inventor: Yefim G. Kriger
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Patent number: 10121609Abstract: A kill switch including a switch assembly. When the switch assembly moves from a switch first configuration to a switch second configuration with the switch assembly operatively connected to a controller of a tractor, a kill electrical signal is provided to the controller to stop the tractor powering a power take-off thereof. A cord is securable to the switch assembly and to the piece of machinery to extend along a rotary drive shaft between the tractor and the piece of machinery. A switch actuating element extends from the cord, the switch actuating element being removably securable to the switch assembly. In the switch first configuration with the switch actuating element secured to the switch assembly, the switch actuating element maintains the switch assembly in the switch first configuration. When the switch actuating element is removed from the actuating element receiving portion, the switch assembly moves to the switch second configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Inventor: Michel Coursol
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Patent number: 10112505Abstract: Various systems and methods for providing an occupant profiling system are described herein. A system for profiling a vehicle occupant includes a vehicle control system, comprising: a sensor fusion circuit coupled to a plurality of sensors installed a vehicle seat, the sensor fusion circuit to: determine that a human occupant is seated in the vehicle seat; sample a backrest sensor arrangement and a base cushion sensor arrangement of the vehicle seat to obtain backrest sensor data and base cushion sensor data, when the human occupant is determined to be seated in the vehicle seat; sample, when the human occupant is determined to be seated in the vehicle seat, a height sensor to obtain a height sensor value; and statistically determine from the backrest sensor data, the base cushion sensor data, and the high sensor data, whether the human occupant matches a reference profile.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Cagri Cagatay Tanriover, Enno Luebbert Egge Luebbers, Selin Sargut
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Patent number: 10091936Abstract: A standing ride on mower comprises a frame; a right drive wheel supporting the frame; a left drive wheel supporting the frame; a prime mover supported by the frame; a cutting deck assembly supported by the frame, the cutting deck assembly comprising a cutting deck at least one cutting blade mounted under the cutting deck and rotatable under influence of the prime mover; a right side integrated transaxle operating under influence of the prime mover to drive rotation of the right drive wheel, the right side integrated transaxle including a right side housing, a right hydraulic pump within the housing, and a right hydraulic motor within the housing; a left side integrated transaxle operating under the influence of the prime mover to drive rotation of the left drive wheel, the left side integrated transaxle including a left side housing, a left hydraulic pump within the housing, and a left hydraulic motor within the housing; and an operator platform to support a standing operator of the mower.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Robert S. Laurin, E. Mark Lynch, Derrick R. Camenga
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Patent number: 10065529Abstract: The problem of a front seat occupant moving the front seatback so far so as to interfere with the proper positioning of a rear-facing child safety seat or to touch a child's legs while sitting in a front-facing child safety seat is solved by transforming the lower anchor into a segment of an electrical circuit with a normally open switch that is forced to the closed position when a child safety seat attachment system has attached to the lower anchor and the vehicle prevents the front seat from moving beyond a present distance toward the rear seat. The closing of the electrical circuit can be used to supply an input signal to a controller in the vehicle programmed to notify the operator that a child safety seat has been attached to prevent the front seat from moving beyond a fixed distance from the rear seat.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2017Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jorge Adolfo Miranda Nieto, Miguel Angel Erales
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Patent number: 10059447Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are provided. The UAV comprises at least one rotor. The method includes: receiving a take-off preparatory signal instructing the UAV to enter into a take-off preparatory state; controlling the at least one rotor of the UAV to rotate at a preset rotation speed in response to the take-off preparatory signal, wherein the preset rotation speed is smaller than a rotation speed that enables the UAV to hover in the air; and controlling the UAV to enter into a hovering mode under a predetermined condition, wherein the UAV is controlled to hover at a predetermined height in the hovering mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2016Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: ZEROTECH (CHONGQING) INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Shuaiqin Wang, Xiongwei Zhu, Yiqiang Zheng, Lin Yang, Jianjun Yang
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Patent number: 10040455Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and a vehicle park mechanism. The vehicle further includes a controller configured initiate an auto-stop of the engine in response to an auto-stop condition. The controller is further configured to actuate the vehicle park mechanism in response to a driver exit condition and the engine being auto-stopped.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Hafiz Shafeek Khafagy, Mark Douglas Malone
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Patent number: 9981667Abstract: Apparatus for determining the ground speed of a vehicle comprising, two or more vehicle-mounted sensors including at least one radar sensor and at least one acoustic sensor, wherein the or each of the vehicle-mounted sensors is associated with a respective vehicle subsystem, a controller for calculating the ground speed of the vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to receive a data input from the or each vehicle-mounted sensor, to calculate a ground speed value based on the received data input and to provide ground speed output data signal to one or more client systems of the vehicle. The invention also resides in a method for determining the ground speed of a vehicle and a computer program product that embodies said method.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITEDInventors: Edward Hoare, Thuy-Yung Tran, Liam Daniel, Mikhail Cherniakov
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Patent number: 9932721Abstract: A system for a working machine is adapted for springing the movement of a load during transport and includes at least one hydraulic cylinder for operating the load, an accumulator, and a valve adapted to control a flow communication between the hydraulic cylinder and the accumulator. The system includes a first control valve arranged on a conduit connecting to the piston side of the hydraulic cylinder, a second control valve arranged on a conduit connecting to the piston rod side of the hydraulic cylinder, a first pressure sensor for detecting a load pressure of the hydraulic cylinder, a second pressure sensor for detecting a charge pressure of the accumulator, and a control unit adapted to receive signals with information about the pressures detected by the pressure sensors and to generate control signals corresponding to the detected pressures for controlling the springing function.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment ABInventors: Bo Vigholm, Andreas Ekvall
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Patent number: 9919606Abstract: An electric motor control unit for controlling the operation of an electric motor. The unit comprises: an electric motor controller comprising a processor having at least one input and at least one output, wherein an output of the processor is coupled to a power provider for controlling power to an electric motor; a tilt accelerometer system comprising a tilt accelerometer for determining a measure of the tilt of the electric motor unit relative to a reference orientation, wherein the tilt accelerometer system comprises an output for providing a signal based on the determined measure of the tilt; wherein the output of the tilt accelerometer system is coupled to an input of the processor of the electric motor controller; wherein the power provider comprises a power output for controlling the operation of an electric motor based on the output of the tilt accelerometer system.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Sevcon LimitedInventor: Peter Barrass
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Patent number: 9889809Abstract: A thermistor-based system and method for distinguishing between adult and child passengers and, of the child passengers, between those seated in a child restraint system and those seated in a child booster is provided. The disclosed inventive concept includes at least one classification thermistor/temperature sensing device, at least one reference thermistor, an algorithm to compute and classify conditions, and related wiring and hardware. The classification thermistor/temperature sensing device is located in a seat cushion assembly and a seat back. The temperature sensors are used to detect heat transfer between an object in contact with the cushion through the seat trim and, if applicable, some amount of seat comfort base material. The reference thermistor may be provided to enhance robustness of classification determination. The algorithm computes and classifies conditions based on at least the magnitude and/or the rate of temperature change between the classification sensor and the reference sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Richard Edward Ruthinowski
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Patent number: 9886637Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems and methods for acquiring images of occupants inside a vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to apparatuses, systems and methods for acquiring images of occupants inside a vehicle using a vehicle in-cabin device that automatically determines a location of the device inside the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANYInventors: Aaron Scott Chan, Kenneth Jason Sanchez
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Patent number: 9849728Abstract: A car seat occupancy alert system includes an occupancy sensor imbedded in or positioned atop the seat portion of an infant car seat in a vehicle. The alert system includes an engine sensor configured to detect when a vehicle engine has been turned off. The occupancy sensor may be electrically connected to a controller (e.g. a control circuit or process). When the engine is deactivated, the controller determines if the car seat is still occupied after a predetermined time and, at first, energizes a dash light as a gentle reminder for the driver to retrieve the child and, later, actuates more aggressive audio and visual alarms to alert the driver and public to a child left in the vehicle. The alert system also provides an interrupt so that a user can add additional time before an alarm is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Inventor: Hector Enrique Alfaro Fonseca
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Patent number: 9827875Abstract: A control system is disclosed for enhancing the visibility of a driver of a vehicle. The control system may include a sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a weight placed on a passenger seat and at least one motor configured to adjust a position of the passenger seat. The control system may also include a controller in communication with the sensor and the at least one motor. The controller may be configured to receive the signal from the sensor, determine that the passenger seat is unoccupied based on the signal, and automatically generate a command signal directed to the at least one motor to adjust the passenger seat to a prospective position.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: FARADAY&FUTURE INC.Inventor: Jennifer Hwa-Yun Wang
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Patent number: 9807196Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure provides a system and a related non-transitory computer-readable medium for performing operations incorporating social networking functions into a vehicle. The system can include a user identification subsystem that is configured to detect and identify a user. The system can also include an interactive display subsystem that is configured to generate output for display on a vehicle window. The displayed output generally includes social networking content. The social networking content can include “upload content,” “download content,” or both.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.Inventor: James T. Pisz
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Patent number: 9802556Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a wire harness that flexibly follows the swinging of the swing arm, surely avoids any contact with other components, and has excellent durability. The electric vehicle includes a battery mounted to a frame, an inverter and an electric motor accommodated in a swing arm, and a wire harness wired between the frame and the swing arm. The swing arm includes a hollow pivot section, and a partition wall partitioning the pivot section and an arm section. The wire harness suspends from the frame side, enters inside the pivot section from the top face side of the pivot section, and is bent inside the pivot section reaching the inverter through the partition-wall through port.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Junichiro Tanaka, Naoya Murota, Mitsunobu Terada, Ryo Ito, Tomohiro Yamada
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Patent number: 9776530Abstract: A suspension mat (14) for a vehicle seat comprises one or more suspension springs (16) for supporting a cushion (28), a support plate (18) attached to the one or more suspension springs, a mobile plate (34) coupled with the support plate, a flat spring (26) arranged between the support plate and the mobile plate and a switch element. The mobile plate is arranged movable between a first and a second position relative to the support plate. The flat spring biases the mobile plate toward the first position. The switch element is located between the support plate and the flat spring, in such a way that when the mobile plate moves against a bias of the flat spring toward the second position, the flat spring presses and actuates the switch element. The flat spring may e.g. comprise a washer spring, a plate spring, a dome-shaped flat spring and/or a cantilever flat spring.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: IEE International Electronics & Engineering S.A.Inventor: Philippe Boyer
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Patent number: 9769433Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and methods 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 as envisioned herein 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 parent driving the vehicle. The camera is adjustable in the number of positions in which it is placed in the vehicle compartment as well as the direction in which the camera is directed. To adjust the direction in which the camera is pointed, 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: Baby-Tech Innovations, Inc.Inventor: Giuseppe Veneziano
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Patent number: 9738281Abstract: 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: October 20, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: John F. Canale, Raul A. Pelaez, Mark A. Shatraw, Charles J. Stocker, IV
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Patent number: 9731755Abstract: A method for providing vehicle lateral steering control. The method includes providing a mathematical model of vehicle dynamics that includes a state variable, a steering control variable and a future road disturbance factor that defines the upcoming road curvature, banks and slopes of the roadway. The method determines an optimal steering control signal that includes a feedback portion and a feed-forward portion, where the feed-forward portion includes the road disturbance factor. The method determines a state variable and a control variable for the current roadway curvature, bank and slope for stationary motion of the vehicle for constant speed, yaw rate and lateral velocity. The method then introduces a new state variable and control variable for dynamic vehicle motion for variable speed, yaw rate and lateral velocity that is a difference between the state and control variables for predicted future times and the steady state variables.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nikolai K. Moshchuk, Shih-Ken Chen, Bakhtiar B. Litkouhi
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Patent number: 9707860Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a drive source controller configured to control a drive source on the basis of a creep drive force set so that a vehicle does not slip down when being stopped on a gradient road, and a braking force calculator configured to calculate a braking force generated on the basis of a braking operation of a driver. The drive source controller reduces a drive force generated by the drive source when the braking force is larger than the creep drive force when the vehicle is stopped. The creep drive force is a force not smaller than a force balanced with a force acting in a slip-down direction of the vehicle at a minimum gradient at which a hill hold function is activated.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomohiro Ariyoshi, Takahiro Yoshino, Masashi Ono
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Patent number: 9709165Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling an automatic transmission connected to a prime mover mounted on a vehicle, having a torque converter equipped with a lock-up clutch, when the automatic transmission is gear-shifted to a predetermined gear at deceleration of the vehicle and it is determined that predetermined operating conditions of the vehicle are satisfied, a lock-up clutch engaging circuit is formed through a hydraulic supply circuit. Next it is determined whether engage-position sticking malfunction of the lock-up clutch has occurred based on a ratio of an input rotational speed of the automatic transmission relative to an output rotational speed of the prime mover when the lock-up clutch engaging circuit has been formed, and fail-safe control is then implement when the sticking is determined.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Masato Shigenaga, Masaaki Takamatsu, Yusuke Yoshimura
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Patent number: 9712953Abstract: One or more Bluetooth assets having a Bluetooth radio are associated with a specific set of business rules by enterprise users. Scan event data is received from at least one of a plurality of Bluetooth sensors having Bluetooth radios, wirelessly distributed around a communication network. The scan event data results from a scan event wherein the Bluetooth asset was within range of the at least one Bluetooth sensor. The scan event is analyzed against the business rules. Responsive to determining that at scan event meets at least one condition of at least one of the specific set of business rules, a notification can be sent. One specific implementation in a smart car seat safety system notifies a parent when a child is unintentionally left in a smart car seat.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Inventors: Rajinder Singh, Ihab Abu-Hakima, Gurpreet Singh Bal
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Patent number: 9701216Abstract: A device for detecting the position of a person on a cushion includes at least two moisture sensors located in the cushion.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2013Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Faurecia Sieges D'AutomobileInventor: Samuel Baudu
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Patent number: 9676356Abstract: A monitoring system for a vehicle having a seat and a restraint with seatbelt webbing includes a webbing length sensor coupled with the restraint, a position sensor, and a processor. The processor is in communication with the webbing length sensor and the position sensor and is programmed to output a signal based on a determination that an extended webbing length is outside an acceptable range of webbing length for an occupant size category assigned using the position sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Abraham G. Phillip, Kam Hage
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Patent number: 9675004Abstract: A seeding machine includes a main frame, and a row unit coupled to the main frame. The row unit has a row unit frame, a gauge wheel coupled to the row unit frame, and a furrow opener coupled to the row unit frame, the furrow opener having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and moves soil. The row unit also includes a furrow closer, the furrow closer having a stationary or rotating surface that contacts and presses soil. The seeding machine also includes a downforce adjustment system for adjusting an amount of downforce applied to the row unit, the downforce adjustment system including a moisture sensor, a controller configured to receive a signal from the moisture sensor, and an actuator configured to change the amount of downforce applied to the row unit based on the signal received by the controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Donald K. Landphair, Michael E. Frasier, James Z. Liu, Jason D. Walter, Lawrence D. Green
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Patent number: 9663105Abstract: 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: November 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: John F. Canale, Raul A. Pelaez, Mark A. Shatraw, Charles J. Stocker, IV
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Patent number: 9632501Abstract: A method for controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is provided. The UAV comprises at least one rotor. The method includes receiving a take-off preparatory signal; controlling a rotation speed of the at least one rotor with an idle speed rotation in response to the take-off preparatory signal; increasing the rotation speed of the at least one rotor up to a rated speed rotation under predetermined conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2016Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: ZEROTECH (Shenzhen) Intelligence Robot Co., LtdInventors: Jianjun Yang, Lin Yang
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Patent number: 9604539Abstract: An apparatus designed to be used in vehicles with automatic transmissions, to cause the engines to stall or cut-off if the driver leaves the vehicle while it is in drive or reverse. The apparatus features a sensor in a driver's seat and a sensor along a brake pedal, both connected to the vehicle's computer system and working in parallel for improving safety of a motorist. When the seat sensor indicates the seat has been vacated, and the brake sensor indicates the driver has removed his or her foot from the brake pedal while the vehicle is in D or R, a signal will be transmitted via the computer system to cut off the engine for improving safety of the motorist by preventing a possible accident.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Inventor: Lourens Blignaut
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Patent number: 9591796Abstract: A walk aerator comprises a housing supported by a plurality of wheels that include a pair of drive wheels. The drive wheels are pivotally mounted to the housing to permit the housing to move between operational and transport positions thereof. A control is used to so move the housing with the control having a hand grip whose height above the ground is easily adjustable to accommodate users of different effective heights. A foot guard maintains a relatively constant disposition relative to the ground whether the housing is in its operational or transport position. The housing of the aerator has a vent system and an air gap relative to a prime mover deck which cool a traction drive system contained within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Exmark Mfg. Co., Inc.Inventors: Christian S. C. Bryant, Alex W. Buhr, Timothy D. Andre, Jeremy J. Tate
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Patent number: 9557163Abstract: A head restraint for a vehicle seat has at least one sensor. The sensor is intended to determine the relative position of the head restraint in relation to the head of an occupant sitting in the vehicle seat. The sensor can include an optical sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: JOHNSON CONTROLS GMBHInventors: Thomas Dillinger, Wei Lange-Mao
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Patent number: 9545931Abstract: 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: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: John F. Canale, Raul A. Pelaez, Mark A. Shatraw, Charles J. Stocker, IV
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Patent number: 9545890Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor mat for determining a seat occupation situation of a vehicle seat. Said sensor mat comprises a plurality of sensor cells which can be allocated to a sitting area of the vehicle seat and are configured and interconnected in such a way that an output signal of the sensor mat varies in accordance with the seat occupation situation. At least one first sensor cell and a second sensor cell are interconnected to a pair of sensor cells such that the output signal of the sensor mat exceeds or lies below a predefined threshold value independently of the triggering state of the other sensor cells when the first and the second sensor cell are triggered simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: IEE International Electronics & Engineering S.A.Inventors: Dietmar Jungen, Andreas Steier
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Patent number: 9527387Abstract: An electric motor control unit for controlling the operation of an electric motor. The unit comprises: an electric motor controller comprising a processor having at least one input and at least one output, wherein an output of the processor is coupled to a power provider for controlling power to an electric motor; a tilt accelerometer system comprising a tilt accelerometer for determining a measure of the tilt of the electric motor unit relative to a reference orientation, wherein the tilt accelerometer system comprises an output for providing a signal based on the determined measure of the tilt; wherein the output of the tilt accelerometer system is coupled to an input of the processor of the electric motor controller; wherein the power provider comprises a power output for controlling the operation of an electric motor based on the output of the tilt accelerometer system.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Sevcon LimitedInventor: Peter Barrass
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Patent number: 9511671Abstract: A device for restricting movement of a vehicle during connection of a charging cable, the vehicle being equipped with a battery chargeable from an external power source via the charging cable, the device including a charging cable connection detecting section that detects that the charging cable is in a connection state, a vehicle body movement detecting section that detects movement of a vehicle body of the vehicle based on moving speed and moving distance of the vehicle, and a braking section that brakes the vehicle when the movement of the vehicle body is detected while the charging cable is in the connection state based on signals from the charging cable connection detecting section and the vehicle body movement detecting section.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoki Yamamoto, Ken Nakayama, Isamu Kazama
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Patent number: 9440608Abstract: A seat passenger determination apparatus includes: a first determination processing unit configured to determine a passenger is not seated on a vehicle seat by having gotten out of the vehicle and transfer the mode to a not-seated recognition mode when a load variation width detected by a load detection apparatus falls within a first threshold value in a state in which a non-fastened state of a seatbelt is detected; and a second determination processing unit configured to determine the passenger is not seated on the vehicle seat by having gotten out of the vehicle and transfer the mode to the not-seated recognition mode when the load variation width detected by the load detection apparatus falls within a second threshold value which is larger than the first threshold value during a predetermined time when the fact that the seatbelt has changed from the fastened state to the non-fastened state is detected.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroyuki Fujii, Takahiro Izuno, Isao Honda, Yoshiaki Tomatsu, Yusuke Takahashi
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Patent number: 9442688Abstract: A system and method of use is provided that monitors the position of a vehicle seat and automatically adjusts the location of a vehicle display based on the current seat position, thereby helping to alleviate the eye strain, fatigue, neck and back pain that often accompany the improper use of a monitor for an extended period of time.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.Inventors: Peter Dore Rawlinson, Eric Obers
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Patent number: 9440833Abstract: An engine-powered forklift truck including a work device which is hydraulically driven by an oil hydraulic pump whose driving source is an engine, and including a load handling interlock mechanism which brings a work device operation into a locked state by turning a key switch off or turning a seat switch off, includes: a release control apparatus configured to, when the locked state exists, release the locked state on condition that the key switch is ON, the seat switch is ON, and the engine is rotated under a predetermined engine speed or more.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventor: Shinji Kaneko
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Patent number: 9428054Abstract: An approach is provided for causing, at least in part, a collection of sensor data from at least one virtual or augmented reality device associated with at least one user. The approach involves processing and/or facilitating a processing of the sensor data to cause, at least in part, a classification of the at least one user as a driver of at least one vehicle. The approach also involves causing, at least in part, an optimization of content information presented via the at least one virtual or augmented reality device based, at least in part, on the classification.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: HERE Global B.V.Inventor: Marko Tapio Tuukkanen
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Patent number: 9432758Abstract: An electronic coaster is configured to respond to pressure and sound. The electronic coaster contains a case that includes a flexible top. The flexible top is configured to deflect upon receiving pressure on the flexible top. A circuit board is attached to the case and configured to receive power from a power source and an audio signal from an audio cable. The circuit board is configured to engage a plurality of photodiodes when pressure is applied to the flexible top and an audio signal is played through the circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Inventor: Justin Curtis Kirk
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Patent number: 9421954Abstract: A hydraulic braking system for a farm tractor or the like comprises a first portion, including members (10, 19) for actuating/modulating the braking and operating with a first hydraulic fluid, and a second portion comprising braking members (F) and operating with a second hydraulic fluid incompatible with the first one. An interface device (20) is interposed between the two portions and is arranged to separate the two portions of the system (1) and to prevent fluid passages therebetween. A method of managing such a braking system (1) is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: VHIT S.P.A.Inventor: Leonardo Cadeddu
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Patent number: 9353853Abstract: A transmission includes a latch valve with latched and de-latched states. In the de-latched state, the latch valve directs a control pressure to a clutch apply circuit. In the latched state, which is entered in response to a control pressure higher than a latch pressure, the latch valve directs a line pressure to the clutch apply circuit. A controller manages the transition from latched to de-latched differently depending upon the transmission input torque and gear state. At high transmission input torque, the controller first reduces the control pressure to rapidly accelerate a spool in the latch valve, and then increases the control pressure to prevent clutch slip. At low torque, the controller reduced the pressure to an intermediate value during the transition and then reduces it again. At moderate torques, the controller reduces the pressure directly to a target pressure in a single step.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alexander Phillip McDonnell, Kendrick Morrison, Cory LaRoche, Derek Kinch, John Armstead, Brian Michael O'Neil, Pramod Kumar Jain
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Patent number: 9340210Abstract: A sticking condition of a lock-up clutch is judged by an oil temperature of hydraulic oil and a slip ratio of the LC. An intake air amount of an engine is increased while the LC is judged to be in a sticking condition, and the increase of the intake air amount of the engine is terminated when the judgment to be in the sticking condition is canceled. This enables to effectively prevent a rotation speed of the engine from decelerating in a range (timing) where a sticking of the LC occurs, and further prevent the rotation speed of the engine from rapidly accelerating in a range where a sticking of the LC does not occur. Therefore, decelerations of engine rotation speed due to a sticking of the lock-up clutch and rapid accelerations of engine rotation speed after the sticking has been eliminated can both be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yutaka Ishikawa, Kazuhiko Imamura, Akio Muto
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Patent number: 9340109Abstract: An industrial vehicle implements an automatic engine stop function that automatically stops an engine installed on a vehicle body. The industrial vehicle includes an engine starting battery arranged in the vehicle body to start the engine, an operator seat arranged on the vehicle body, a seating detector adapted to detect whether or not the operator seat is vacant, and a controller adapted to disable the automatic engine stop function if the engine is started when the seating detector detects that the operator seat is vacant.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKIInventors: Norihiko Kato, Yukikazu Koide