Fluid Level Patents (Class 340/450)
  • Patent number: 11105537
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus refrigeration cycle apparatus in which refrigerant circulates in an order of a compressor, an oil separator, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and an accumulator. The refrigeration cycle apparatus includes: an oil returning path extending from the oil separator to the compressor; a first electromagnetic valve provided on the oil returning path; an oil returning path extending from the accumulator to the compressor; a second electromagnetic valve provided on the oil returning path; and a controller configured to control a degree of opening of the first electromagnetic valve and a degree of opening of the second electromagnetic valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Matsuda, Satoru Yanachi
  • Patent number: 11067314
    Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus refrigeration cycle apparatus in which refrigerant circulates in an order of a compressor, an oil separator, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and an accumulator. The refrigeration cycle apparatus includes: an oil returning path extending from the oil separator to the compressor; a first electromagnetic valve provided on the oil returning path; an oil returning path extending from the accumulator to the compressor; a second electromagnetic valve provided on the oil returning path; and a controller configured to control a degree of opening of the first electromagnetic valve and a degree of opening of the second electromagnetic valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Matsuda, Satoru Yanachi
  • Patent number: 11038339
    Abstract: An anomaly diagnosis device diagnoses anomaly of an oil-hydraulic operating mechanism that controls opening and closing of a circuit breaker. The anomaly diagnosis device includes: a first counter, which is a counter that counts the number of times of a pressure-increasing operation started upon a decrease in a hydraulic pressure maintained in the oil-hydraulic operating mechanism to a first reference pressure, and stopped upon an increase in the hydraulic pressure to a second reference pressure; a timer that measures an operation interval that is a time period from when a pressure-increasing operation is stopped until a next pressure-increasing operation is started; and an anomaly determiner that corrects, based on the operation interval, the number of pressure-increasing operations obtained based on a result of counting by the counter, and determines presence or absence of an anomaly in the oil-hydraulic operating mechanism using the corrected data of the number of pressure-increasing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Daigo Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10794477
    Abstract: A method for operating a pneumatic actuating system of a transmission. The actuating system has an air reservoir at a first pressure. The reservoir couples an actuating space of the actuating system which is at a second pressure, and the actuating space couples, via control valves, shifting cylinders. When conducting a transmission gearshift, an air mass delivered to the active shifting cylinders via corresponding control valves, and an air mass sum including a nominal air mass in the active cylinders required for accomplishing the gearshift and an actual basic leakage from the activated shifting cylinder are determined. A defect leak in the pneumatic actuating system is recognized, if the air mass delivered to the active shifting cylinders is larger than the air mass sum. If a defect leak is recognized, the control valves coupling the actuating space and the shifting cylinders are shut off for a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Alain Tierry Chamaken Kamde, Wilhelm Moser
  • Patent number: 10677944
    Abstract: Novel solutions, which can include devices, systems, methods, than can measure earthquakes and other displacement events. Some solutions feature the integration of real-time, high-rate global navigation satellite system (“GNSS”) displacement information with acceleration and/or velocity data within a single device to create very high-rate displacement records. The mating of these two instruments allows the creation of a new, very high-rate displacement measurement device that has the full-scale displacement characteristics of GNSS and high-precision dynamic motions of seismic technologies. Such a device can be used for earthquake early warning studies and other mission critical applications, such as volcano monitoring, building, bridge and dam monitoring systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Trimble Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Jackson, Paul Passmore, Hans-Gerd Dünck-Kerst
  • Patent number: 10480550
    Abstract: A method for detecting and isolation a leak in a hydraulic system having a supply pump serving at least one control valve is disclosed. In one embodiment, the control valve has multiple work sections. In step of the method, the hydraulic system is activated. In another step, an actuation command for at least one of the work sections is received, for example from a human-to-machine interface. Subsequently, the method may include generating a flow demand for the work sections for which an actuation command has been received. The method also includes the step of implementing at least one of a first, second, third, and fourth leak detection and isolation protocol to detect and isolate a leak between the pump and the control valve assembly, a leak between the reservoir and the control valve assembly and a leak between the at least one work circuit and the control valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Philip James Dybing, Andrew Justin DeRung
  • Patent number: 10417306
    Abstract: Content rendered by content browsers may be rendered in an initial load followed by a number of dynamic updates. When testing the behavior of such content as it is rendered, a listener script is injected into the content after the initial load. The listener script maintains an update indicator that indicates information regarding dynamic updates. The indicator is monitored to detect a situation in which no dynamic updates have been performed within a predetermined period of time. Upon detecting such a situation, it may be concluded that the content has been substantially rendered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Subash Chandran Canapathy
  • Patent number: 10301930
    Abstract: A method for determining the presence of a leak in a pressure system. The method includes receiving pressure data of the pressure system after shut-in of the pressure system, determining a pressure slope based on the pressure data, entering a passing state in response to the slope being less than a predetermined slope threshold, exiting the passing state in response to the slope being greater than the predetermined slope threshold, and generating a passing indication as a result of remaining in the passing state for at least a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: INNOVATIVE PRESSURE TESTING, LLC
    Inventors: Charles M. Franklin, Richard A. Cully
  • Patent number: 10214201
    Abstract: A liquefied light hydrocarbon (LLH) fuel system for a hybrid electric vehicle is disclosed. The fuel system uses a stable supply of vaporized (LLH) fuel to meet the highly variable power demand from the vehicle's power train by 1) adjusting the evaporation rate inside an insulated fuel tank through a heat delivery system, 2) managing the amount of compressed fuel vapor stored inside a buffer tank and 3) using an electric energy storage means to provide for rapid fluctuations in demand. In an embodiment the apparatus comprises an insulated fuel tank, a buffer tank, a heat delivery system, an energy conversion means to convert the vaporized fuel into electricity and an electric energy storage means that can provide for rapid variations of power demand from the vehicle. Methods of using the fuel system under various operational scenarios are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Alberto Martin Perez
  • Patent number: 10189449
    Abstract: A computer is programmed to, upon determining that obstruction of a window exceeds a first threshold and that a fluid level of a reservoir is above both of two level sensors vertically spaced in the reservoir, pump fluid from the reservoir toward the window; and upon determining that obstruction of an external sensor exceeds a second threshold and that the fluid level is above at least one of the level sensors, pump fluid from the reservoir toward the external sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Andre Sykula, Segundo Baldovino, Jose Garcia Crespo, Venkatesh Krishnan
  • Patent number: 10161243
    Abstract: A method for determining the presence of a leak in a pressure system. The method including receiving pressure data of the pressure system after shut-in of the pressure system, determining a pressure slope and a pressure curvature based on the pressure data, and generating a failing indication as a result of the pressure slope being above a predetermined threshold and the pressure curvature indicating that the slope is constant or increasing in absolute value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: INNOVATIVE PRESSURE TESTING, LLC
    Inventors: Charles M. Franklin, Richard A. Cully
  • Patent number: 9891277
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a normal voltage detector configured to detect a normal voltage at which the integrated circuit being fully functional. A first voltage detector detects a first voltage that is less than the normal voltage. A second voltage detector detects a second voltage that is less than the first voltage. A reset module is coupled to a supply voltage, the normal voltage detector, the first voltage detector, and the second voltage detector. The reset module includes test logic to, when the supply voltage rises to the first voltage from the second voltage, perform a pass/fail test when the integrated circuit is in a pass/fail test mode, and perform a power up reset when the integrated circuit in not in the pass/fail test mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel R. Knight, James B. Eifert, Stefano Pietri, Steven K. Watkins
  • Patent number: 9815332
    Abstract: A working vehicle according to the present invention is configured with a fuel tank, a fuel sensor for detecting an amount of fuel stored in the fuel tank, and an informing device (a controller, informing switch, and speaker) for informing the stored amount of fuel detected by the fuel sensor, by changing the informing pattern in response to this stored amount of fuel. The working vehicle is also configured with an exhaust gas purification system for purifying exhaust gas using urea water, a urea water tank, a urea water sensor for detecting the amount of urea water stored in the urea water tank, and an informing device (the controller, informing switch, and speaker) for informing a stored amount of urea water detected by the urea water sensor, by changing the informing pattern in response to this stored amount of urea water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: TAKEUCHI MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuuki Jinno, Shumpei Okutani
  • Patent number: 9506465
    Abstract: A method for detecting and isolation a leak in a hydraulic system having a supply pump serving at least one control valve is disclosed. In one embodiment, the control valve has multiple work sections. In step of the method, the hydraulic system is activated. In another step, an actuation command for at least one of the work sections is received, for example from a human-to-machine interface. Subsequently, the method may include generating a flow demand for the work sections for which an actuation command has been received. The method also includes the step of implementing at least one of a first, second, third, and fourth leak detection and isolation protocol to detect and isolate a leak between the pump and the control valve assembly, a leak between the reservoir and the control valve assembly and a leak between the at least one work circuit and the control valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Philip James Dybing, Andrew Justin DeRung
  • Patent number: 9165701
    Abstract: A resistance heating element includes a positive temperature coefficient resistance heating layer having a positive temperature coefficient, and a negative temperature coefficient resistance heating layer, which is connected to the positive temperature coefficient resistance heating layer and has a negative temperature coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kun-mo Chu, Dong-earn Kim, Sang-eui Lee, Dong-ouk Kim, Ha-jin Kim, Sung-hoon Park, Min-jong Bae, Yoon-chul Son
  • Publication number: 20150102921
    Abstract: A micro leakage detecting device of a suspension device includes a detecting unit, a driving state determining unit that checks whether or not a vehicle is driving when it is checked in the detecting unit that the vehicle-height correcting control occurs, a vehicle-height increasing control checking unit that checks whether or not the vehicle-height correcting control is control for increasing a vehicle height when it is checked in the driving state determining unit that the vehicle is driving, a micro leakage determining unit that updates vehicle-height correcting control information according to a vehicle-height correcting type when it is checked in the vehicle-height increasing control checking unit that the the vehicle-height correcting control is the control for increasing the vehicle height, and determines whether or not micro leakage occurs when the vehicle-height correcting control information is detected one or more times, and a warning unit that warns a driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young Il KIM
  • Patent number: 9008964
    Abstract: A device for road and urban mobility and for solving the problem of traffic congestion, installed on a vehicle in order to make traffic flow more fluid in and between cities. The device consists of a set of five electronic modules, including a processor. The processor analyzes and extracts positional data of the equipped vehicle from a satellite signal and sends the requests of same for an exchange with a server, bi-directionally. The device is incorporated into an onboard housing. The present device is intended, in particular, to make the traffic flow more fluid and to communicate with a dedicated server in order to guide the driver of the equipped vehicle during his/her journey from a start point to the point entered into the device as the desired final destination. The present device reduces traffic congestion and pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Meed Group, EURL
    Inventor: Gerard Mansour
  • Patent number: 9000905
    Abstract: A fuel system for an engine includes a fuel line that delivers fuel from a main fuel tank to the engine and a first control device that releases a flow of the fuel from the main fuel tank into the fuel line. An auxiliary fuel tank is connected to the fuel line, and a second control device controls a flow of the fuel between the auxiliary fuel tank and the fuel line. After the fuel is released from the main fuel tank into the fuel line, the second control device fills the auxiliary fuel tank with the fuel from the main fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: NMHG Oregon, LLC
    Inventors: Lonnie R. Oxley, Darrell E. Helton, David S. Billings, Jeffrey G. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 8988209
    Abstract: A monitoring device (20) of a vehicle wheel (11) is configured for detecting and transmitting, by a wireless connection, information relating to at least one characteristic quantity of the status of the wheel (11), such as the inflating pressure of a tire thereof. The device (20) has a casing (21-22) housing a circuit (30) adapted to transmit said information, the casing (21-22) being designed for coupling to an end portion (3a) of electrically conductive body (3) of a tire valve (2) of the wheel (11). The casing (21-22) includes a casing body (21) integrating interconnection means (28, 29, 40) prearranged to obtain both an electric connection of the circuit (30) to the end portion (3a) of the electrically conductive body (3) of the valve (2; 2?; 2?), and a mechanical coupling of the casing (21-22) to the end portion (3a) of the electrically conductive body (3) of the valve (2; 2?; 2?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Eltek S.p.A.
    Inventors: Domenico Cantarelli, Paolo Colombo
  • Publication number: 20150022334
    Abstract: A system provides a progressive feedback alert of reaching a pre-determined fluid level in a reservoir of a work vehicle during filling. The system includes a fill level sensor coupled to the reservoir to detect the rising fluid level during filling and is configured to output real time fill level signals based on the changing instantaneous level of fluid in the reservoir. The system can also have a fluid temperature sensor that outputs a temperature signal based on the fluid temperature in the reservoir. The system also includes a control unit coupled to the fill level and temperature sensors that executes control software to analyze the fill level and temperature signals and output feedback signals proportionate to the instantaneously reservoir fluid levels. Further, the system includes a feedback device connected to the control unit to effect a progressive feedback alert based on the received feedback signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Christopher L. Guillory, Michael J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8922360
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for monitoring powered assets for fueling. For example, in one embodiment, a fuel server can monitor the location of powered assets and fueling units. In response to determining, for example, that a powered asset that needs fuel is within a predetermined geofence defined around a fueling unit, the powered asset can emit a perceivable indication. The powered asset can then be authenticated for receiving fuel from the fueling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Tyler
  • Patent number: 8907775
    Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for monitoring powered assets for fueling. For example, in one embodiment, a fuel server can monitor the location of powered assets and fueling units. In response to determining, for example, that a powered asset that needs fuel is within a predetermined geofence defined around a fueling unit, the powered asset can emit a perceivable indication. The powered asset can then be authenticated for receiving fuel from the fueling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Tyler
  • Publication number: 20140320278
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a detection system for detecting a liquid level in a rotating driveline component. The detection system may include a sensor for detecting the liquid and a receiver for determining the liquid level based at least in part on information detected by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Bruce L. Upchurch, Joseph F. Lingle
  • Patent number: 8843263
    Abstract: The present invention provides an onboard system for determining vehicle emissions. The emissions are determined in real-time and may be transmitted to a remote terminal for storage and/or analysis. Data is supplied solely to an emissions unit from a vehicle diagnostic system: the vehicle diagnostic system receives vehicle data from vehicle systems and sub-systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Lysanda Limited
    Inventor: Alexander Willard
  • Patent number: 8730023
    Abstract: A fuel gauge system has a fuel gauge unit, a processing unit, display units, input units, and a GPS navigation system unit with means to connect to other connections and which, by audio and visual aids, informs and alerts an operator of a vehicle of the amount of fuel remaining and range and which allows the operator to manipulate and select and alter the levels, the volume and frequency intervals at which the alerts are sounded, emitted and displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Sivathanu B. Kumar
  • Publication number: 20140111327
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a leak in a compressed natural gas (CNG) delivery system of a vehicle are disclosed. According to some embodiments the method includes determining a first amount of CNG in a CNG tank of the vehicle, the first amount corresponding to a first time, and determining a second amount of CNG in the CNG tank at a second time, the second time being subsequent to the first time. The method further includes determining an expected CNG consumption of the vehicle during a period of time, the period of time beginning at the first time and ending at the second time. The method also includes determining an actual CNG consumption during the period of time based on the first amount of CNG and the second amount of CNG, and comparing the actual CNG consumption and the expected CNG consumption to determine whether a leak has occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Srini Naidu, Michael Cottrell
  • Patent number: 8659413
    Abstract: A fluid level monitoring system may include a control panel having a plurality of input devices, each corresponding to a monitored fluid of a machine, and a plurality of indicators, each corresponding to one of the input devices. The indicators may provide visual displays of fluid level statuses for the monitored fluids. The fluid level monitoring system may further include a message display device that may display a fluid level status message for one of the monitored fluids based on the actuation of the corresponding input device of the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Sutherland, Austin D. Ehle, Randy Aneloski, Luke J. Daiberl, Jack Elder
  • Patent number: 8633812
    Abstract: An accelerator opening determining unit determines whether an accelerator opening achieved through an accelerator operation by a driver of a vehicle exceeds an upper limit value thereof. A travel distance adding-up unit adds up a travel distance within accelerator-opening upper limit value when the accelerator opening is not determined to exceed the upper limit value. When the accelerator opening is determined to exceed the upper limit value, the travel distance adding-up unit adds up a travel distance exceeding accelerator-opening upper limit value. A fuel-saving driving rating unit rates the driving of the driver based on each added-up value added up by the travel distance adding-up unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignees: Fujitsu Ten Limited, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Harumoto, Kouei Kiyo, Shojiro Takeuchi, Naoki Miura, Masaki Nakamura, Hiroaki Sugiura, Yoshio Yamatani, Junichi Nonomura
  • Patent number: 8536996
    Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes an information display for displaying a plurality of selectable information display levels according to an information display hierarchy. Each selectable information display level may include one or more visual gauges for conveying vehicle information. Each successive selectable information display level may include additional and/or alternative vehicle information when compared to the preceding selectable information display level. The information display system further includes a controller configured to display the plurality of selectable information display levels according to an at least one driver input. In this way, the information display can display a particular selectable information display level best suited to a driver's individual preferences or understanding of the vehicle's operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Watson, Angela L. Watson, Sohel Merchant, Craig Sandvig, Ivette Hernandez, Steven Bishop, Engin Erdogan, Altay Jun Wakui Sendil, Susanne Stage, Ryan J. Skaff, Derek Hartl, James Belloli, Jeffrey Greenberg, Michael Blommer
  • Patent number: 8482420
    Abstract: A method of monitoring oil in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes measuring a sump temperature of the engine and measuring a power output of the engine. Oil consumption is calculated as a function of the measured sump temperature and the measured power output. Remaining oil life is calculated as a function of the calculated consumption. The method may include alerting a receiver of the calculated remaining oil life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Daniel H. Blossfeld, Matthew J. Snider
  • Patent number: 8461977
    Abstract: An electronic circuit includes a node coupled to a load to be driven, and a power device, which can be switched between activation and deactivation and coupled to the node. The circuit further includes a current generator having an output connected to the node and that can be enabled to generate current at least when the power device is deactivated. The circuit also includes a comparator for comparing an electric voltage of the node with a reference voltage and is configured to generate a comparison signal based thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.
    Inventors: Matteo Amighini, Alberto Poma, Giuseppe Di Biase, Vanni Poletto
  • Patent number: 8437903
    Abstract: An onboard system for determining vehicle emissions. The emissions are determined in real-time and may be transmitted to a remote terminal for storage and/or analysis. Data is supplied solely to an emissions unit from a vehicle diagnostic system; the vehicle diagnostic system receives vehicle data from vehicle systems and sub-systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Lysanda Limited
    Inventor: Alexander Willard
  • Patent number: 8384535
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling the operation of notifying drivers of the fluid level. Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on the primary and secondary keys and generates driver status signals. A fluid level sensing device is operable to generate a fluid level signal indicative of the fluid level. A controller is coupled to the fluid level sensing device and the key ignition device. The controller determines whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary or secondary driver in response to the driver status signals. The controller notifies the primary or secondary driver of the fluid level in response to the fluid level signal. The controller selectively controls the operation of notifying the primary or the secondary driver based on whether the driver is the primary or secondary driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Matthew J. Dalebout, Andrew D. Sarkisian, Anthony Dwayne Cooprider, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Kevin Thomas Hille, Karl William Wojcik, Terry Thomas Cwik, Brian Bennie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Scott Alan Watkins
  • Patent number: 8339254
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable graphics. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format. The software is constructed and arranged to allow user configuration of the displayed graphics by clicking or touching the graphics image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Drew Technologies
    Inventors: Michael Drew, Brian Herron
  • Patent number: 8207841
    Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes an information display for displaying a plurality of selectable information display levels according to an information display hierarchy. Each selectable information display level may include one or more visual gauges for conveying vehicle information. Each successive selectable information display level may include additional and/or alternative vehicle information when compared to the preceding selectable information display level. The information display system further includes a controller configured to display the plurality of selectable information display levels according to an at least one driver input. In this way, the information display can display a particular selectable information display level best suited to a driver's individual preferences or understanding of the vehicle's operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Watson, Angela L. Watson, Sohel Merchant, Craig Sandvig, Ivette Hernández, Steven Bishop, Engin Erdogan, Altay Jun Wakui Sendil, Susanne Stage, Ryan J. Skaff, Derek Hartl, James Belloli, Jeffrey Greenberg, Michael Blommer
  • Publication number: 20120126964
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling the operation of notifying drivers of the fluid level. Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on the primary and secondary keys and generates driver status signals. A fluid level sensing device is operable to generate a fluid level signal indicative of the fluid level. A controller is coupled to the fluid level sensing device and the key ignition device. The controller determines whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary or secondary driver in response to the driver status signals. The controller notifies the primary or secondary driver of the fluid level in response to the fluid level signal. The controller selectively controls the operation of notifying the primary or the secondary driver based on whether the driver is the primary or secondary driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Matthew J. Dalebout, Andrew D. Sarkisian, Anthony Dwayne Cooprider, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Kevin Thomas Hille, Karl William Wojcik, Terry Thomas Cwik, Brian Bennie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Scott Alan Watkins
  • Patent number: 8106759
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling the operation of notifying drivers of the fluid level. Primary and secondary keys are adapted to be associated to primary and secondary drivers. A key ignition device is positioned on the primary and secondary keys and generate driver status signals. A fluid level sensing device is operable to generate a fluid level signal indicative of the fluid level. A controller is coupled to the fluid level sensing device and the key ignition device. The controller determines whether the driver of the vehicle is the primary or secondary driver in response to the driver status signals. The controller notifies the primary or secondary driver of the fluid level in response to the fluid level signal. The controller selectively controls the operation of notifying the primary or the secondary driver based on whether the driver is the primary or secondary driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Matthew J. Dalebout, Andrew D. Sarkisian, Anthony Dwayne Cooprider, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Kevin Thomas Hille, Karl William Wojcik, Terry Thomas Cwik, Brian Bennie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Scott Alan Watkins
  • Patent number: 8049607
    Abstract: To determine a failure of a float switch for detecting whether or not the oil level is less than or equal to a predetermined oil level. A predetermined oil level OLth is set between a normal oil level and a minimum oil level in view of the fact that when the oil level in an oil pan is normal, the oil level is decreased from the normal oil level to the minimum oil level during a predetermined time period just after starting an engine. When a float switch is not changed from an OFF position to an ON position during the predetermined time period after starting the engine, it is determined that the float switch suffers a failure or the oil level is excessive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Usukura, Masahiko Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 8044785
    Abstract: The degradation of a feeling of ride is prevented by preventing engagement/disengagement (sudden engagement/disengagement) of a motorcycle hydraulic clutch due to a lack of hydraulic pressure. Before a hydraulic sensor issues a hydraulic pressure-lowering detection signal Sx, an oil level sensor issues an oil level-lowering warning signal Sf in a state wherein a sufficient oil quantity is such so as not to bring an neutral drive switching clutch into a disengagement state is present even if hydraulic pressure lowers resulting from an inclined oil level due to sudden deceleration, sudden start, drive in a slope, or the like. Thus, the neutral drive switching clutch can be prevented from disengaging or engaging (suddenly disengaging or engaging).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Cho, Masahiko Nakatsuka, Yasutaka Usukura, Kazuhiro Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20110226359
    Abstract: A hollow container may have a light source entirely positioned in a cavity defined by a bottom exterior surface of the container. A rigid base of the light source may be flush with the bottom exterior surface around the cavity. The cavity may be concave inward toward a center of the hollow container. A fluid level sensor switch may protrude through a bottom wall of the hollow container to sense a fluid level in the hollow container. A circuit connected to the fluid level sensor switch and the light source may be wired to cause the light source to blink when the fluid level sensor switch detects a predetermined fluid level within the hollow container and a hood switch detects an open vehicle hood. A hole in a top exterior surface may have a cap and facilitate addition or removal of a liquid to the hollow container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: DENSO INTERNATIONAL AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Dwayne Taylor
  • Patent number: 8022820
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable graphics. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format. The software is constructed and arranged to allow user configuration of the displayed graphics by clicking or touching the graphics image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Drew Technologies
    Inventors: Michael Drew, Brian Herron
  • Patent number: 7990258
    Abstract: An oil exchange timing indicating apparatus for vehicles capable of informing a user of an exchange timing of oil on the basis of the degree of degradation of oil as quickly as possible. An oil exchange timing indicating apparatus includes an odometer for integrating vehicle travel distances, an operation time integrator for integrating operation times of an engine mounted on the vehicle, an oil exchange informing device for informing a user of an exchange timing of oil, and a controlling device for starting, when either an integrated value of the travel distances or an integrated value of the operation times, based on signals from the odometer and the operation time integrator exceeds a preset value, the oil exchange informing device to inform the user of the exchange timing of oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kasbushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kunihiko Fukui
  • Publication number: 20110148618
    Abstract: An accelerator opening determining unit determines whether an accelerator opening achieved through an accelerator operation by a driver of a vehicle exceeds an upper limit value thereof. A travel distance adding-up unit adds up a travel distance within accelerator-opening upper limit value when the accelerator opening is not determined to exceed the upper limit value. When the accelerator opening is determined to exceed the upper limit value, the travel distance adding-up unit adds up a travel distance exceeding accelerator-opening upper limit value. A fuel-saving driving rating unit rates the driving of the driver based on each added-up value added up by the travel distance adding-up unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicants: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Harumoto, Kouei Kiyo, Shojiro Takeuchi, Naoki Miura, Masaki Nakamura, Hiroaki Sugiura, Yoshio Yamatani, Junichi Nonomura
  • Patent number: 7952473
    Abstract: A liquid level detecting apparatus includes a liquid level sensor of a variable resistance type which includes a sliding contact and a resistor, and which detects a resistance change corresponding to a change of a liquid level of a liquid in a tank and outputs a detection signal based on the change of the liquid level when the liquid level sensor is energized and a controlling unit which controls to supply energization pulses periodically to the liquid level sensor, and controls a displaying portion to display a remaining amount of the liquid in the tank, on the basis of the detection signal output from the liquid level sensor. The controlling unit changes a number of the energization pulses supplied to the liquid level sensor in a predetermined time, on the basis of the detection signal output from the liquid level sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Tanaka, Yasunori Kawaguchi, Toshio Oike
  • Patent number: 7940165
    Abstract: The low fuel warning system includes a fuel line configured to transport fuel between an inlet port and an outlet port and a reservoir located intermediate to the inlet port and the outlet port, wherein the reservoir is configured to collect the fuel in a liquid state. The low fuel warning system further includes a fuel sensor located adjacent the reservoir and configured to detect the liquid state of the fuel and a processor in communication with the fuel sensor. The processor is configured to monitor a low fuel condition in the fuel line according to information received from the fuel sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: NMHG Oregon, LLC
    Inventors: Lonnie R. Oxley, Darrell E. Helton, David S. Billings, Ashwani K. Bansal, Jeffrey G. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 7928837
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that includes a GPS receiver and connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector. The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module includes a display computer including a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable functions for display on a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer. The display module collects information from the GPS receiver via direct electrical communication and/or vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Drew Technologies
    Inventors: Michael Drew, Brian Herron
  • Patent number: 7877198
    Abstract: A system and method of identify fuel savings opportunity in a fleet of vehicles based on a determination of fuel consumption due to modifiable use conditions is described. Modifiable use conditions, such as unauthorized usage, speeding and excessive idling, which represent opportunities for fuel savings are identified and fuel consumption based on the modifiable use conditions is determined. A user-defined statistical metric for the fleet, or a portion of the fleet, can be determined for each of the modifiable use conditions evaluated. Fuel consumption of an individual vehicle, or a group of vehicles, resulting from modifiable use conditions can be compared with a larger group of vehicle, or the fleet, to determine vehicles which correspond to a metric of the fleet. Fleet managers can use this information to modify the use conditions of individual or group of vehicles to provide fuel savings for the fleet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stephen Tenzer, Benjamin J. Nielsen, Jon Passman
  • Patent number: 7786886
    Abstract: A display system for a steering wheel includes: a vehicle information acquiring unit for acquiring vehicle information; an irradiation unit mounted to the steering column such that the irradiation unit is stationary during rotation of the steering wheel; a display device mounted to the steering wheel; and a display controller for controlling display content based on the vehicle information. A method includes: acquiring vehicle information; detecting a steering direction and/or a steering amount of the steering wheel; calculating a display range and/or a display speed to be displayed based on the steering information; controlling display content, based on information acquired by the vehicle information acquiring unit and a result calculated by the display portion calculating unit; and displaying the steering direction, the steering amount, and/or the steering time at a position on the steering wheel that is stationary during rotation of the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai-Kia Motor Japan R & D Center Inc.
    Inventors: Shuji Maruyama, Tomotaka Kurozu
  • Patent number: 7786851
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable functions. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Drew Technologies
    Inventors: Michael Drew, Brian Herron
  • Publication number: 20100207754
    Abstract: RFID and sensor assemblies for vehicles in which an interrogator transmits RF signals and receives responsive RF signals from the RFID assemblies. Each RFID assembly includes a sensor and an RFID switch which receives an RF signal from the interrogator and upon receipt of a signal containing its identification, enables transmission of a signal from the sensor from which a property being monitored by the sensor is determinable. The sensor may be a SAW sensor which modifies a received wave as a function of the property being monitored by the sensor and thus transmits a modified wave. Each RFID assembly may include an antenna arranged to receive signals from and provide signals to the interrogator. The RFID switch is arranged to connect or disconnect the sensor from a circuit dependent on whether the antenna receives a particular signal associated with the RFID assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Automotive Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventors: Oleksandr T. Shostak, Anantolly V. Kolomeyko, David S. Breed, Wilbur E. Duvall, Wendell C. Johnson