Vehicle (e.g., Aircraft, Automobile) Or Vehicle Part Patents (Class 368/6)
  • Patent number: 11479932
    Abstract: A system and method for anchoring bollards and curbside features is disclosed. The ‘curb apparatus’ is comprised of a planar, horizontal plate and a vertical portion on a distal end with apertures to receive a plurality of fasteners. This L-shaped, curb apparatus is selectively affixed to street curbs. An object of the invention is to support curbside features such as lighting bollards, benches, and bike racks etc. For example, in one embodiment, the feet of a park bench are affixed to the horizontal plate of the curb apparatus and the vertical portion is bolted into the vertical wall of the curb and gutter in a street. Other embodiments incorporate gussets and stiffeners to prevent bending and shifting as well as other means of fastening such as cements and epoxies. This installation prevents the bench from shifting when bumped and can mitigate vandalism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Inventor: Niraj Patel
  • Patent number: 11440424
    Abstract: A hands-free charging system includes a power source and a charging unit electrically connected to the power source. The charging unit includes an energy-storage device and a robotic coupler connectable to a charge port of a vehicle. The charging unit is configured to charge the vehicle with the power source, and the energy-storage device is configured to independently power the robotic coupler irrespective of an energization state of the power source. A controller is programmed to, in response to the power source becoming de-energized during a vehicle charging session, retract the robotic coupler from the charge port using power from the energy-storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lan Yu, Michael W. Degner
  • Patent number: 11214160
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method comprising, subsequent to arrival of a vehicle at a charging station, establishing communications between a vehicle side autonomous charging system associated with the vehicle and a charging station side autonomous charging system associated with the charging station; receiving by the charging station side autonomous charging system at least one signal from the vehicle side autonomous charging system, wherein the at least one signal is indicative of a location of a charging port of the vehicle; and using the received at least one signal to guide a robotic extension arm of the charging station to a location proximate the vehicle charging port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: GM Cruise Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Adam Mandel-Senft, Michael Frank Schmidt, Robert Tweedy, Kyle Vogt, Divya Thakur
  • Patent number: 10999081
    Abstract: The disclosed technology is generally directed to embedded device updates. In one example of the technology, a request for a nonce from a device is received. The nonce is sent in response to the request. An authentication request that includes the nonce, a set of measurements associated with the device, and a cryptographic signature generated from a private key associated with the device is received. The device is validated based on the authentication request. In response to successful validation of the device, a short-term certificate is generated for the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan J. Fairfax, Felix Stefan Domke
  • Patent number: 9466213
    Abstract: Indicator light devices are useful in many applications for indicating properties of physical spaces respectively associated therewith and in physical proximity thereto. The indicator light devices are network-enabled and self-powered, and capable of participating in coordinated power-managed operation to provide a sufficient service life and lower installation and replacement costs. The indicator light devices may be used with or without associated sensors. The various embodiments described herein use various power management techniques singly or in combination to greatly increase the service life of self-power indicator light devices without diminishing their effectiveness in the application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Banner Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Robert T. Fayfield, Roman York Marjamaa
  • Patent number: 9460564
    Abstract: Method and a system for detecting the passing between a transmitter module and a detecting module is described. The method may comprise: detecting a plurality of signals transmitted by said transmitter module; determining phase information associated with at least a part of said plurality of detected signals; and, determining said passing on the basis of said phase information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: MYLAPS B.V.
    Inventors: Mark Six, Marcel Schaap
  • Patent number: 9196097
    Abstract: An electronic single space parking meter associated with a parking space is provided. The meter includes a support pole and an electronic meter mechanism coupled to and supported from the support pole. The electronic meter mechanism includes a processor. The meter includes a vehicle sensor communicably coupled to the processor of the electronic meter mechanism. The vehicle sensor is configured to detect a vehicle located within the parking space. The vehicle sensor is coupled to and supported by the support pole at a position above the ground and below the electronic meter mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: DUNCAN PARKING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Gavin Jones, Balu Subramanya, Mike Nickolaus
  • Patent number: 8620345
    Abstract: Methods, program products, and systems of determining a time zone based on location is disclosed. In general, in one aspect, a mobile device can store one or more geometric shapes using latitude and longitude coordinates. The geometric shapes can be associated with time zones. The mobile device can determine a current location. The mobile device can identify a geometric shape in which the mobile device is currently is located. The mobile device can determine the time zone associated with the identified geometric shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald K. Huang, Morgan Grainger
  • Patent number: 8600346
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure set forth a method for forecasting data usage in a region covered by a cellular network. The method includes defining a first subregion surrounding a first point of interest in the region; and calculating a forecasted usage amount of the cellular network in the first subregion in a second time slot based on a first usage amount of the first subregion in a first time slot, a second usage amount of a second subregion geographically adjacent to the first subregion in the first time slot, a first probability associated with mobile devices in the first subregion migrating to the second subregion, and a second probability associated with mobile devices in the second subregion migrating to the first subregion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventors: Junwei Cao, Guoyu Tu
  • Patent number: 8171283
    Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides a system and method for management of cryptographic keys and certificates for a plurality of vehicles. Each vehicle of the plurality of vehicles generates public/private key pairs, requests multiple time-distributed certificates, creates an encrypted identity, and surrenders expired certificates. An assigning authority receives the public/private key pairs, the request for multiple time-distributed certificates, the encrypted identity, and the expired certificates from said vehicle. The assigning authority authorizes the vehicle with an authorizing authority, validates the expired certificates, proves ownership, and distributes the requested time-distributed certificates to said vehicle. Validation can comprise checking expired certificates against misused, compromised and/or previously surrendered certificates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Telcordia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Pietrowicz, Giovanni Di Crescenzo, Robert G. White, Tao Zhang
  • Publication number: 20110255376
    Abstract: An analog time indicating device for an instrument panel of a vehicle includes one or several clock faces with one or several means each for indicating the arrival time and/or the remaining travel time, wherein as means for indicating the arrival time and/or the remaining travel time, one or several mechanical hands are provided; an interface for integrating the analog time indicating device into data systems for receiving information from the vehicle, a navigation system provided in the vehicle included; a micro processor for processing and forwarding information from the navigation device; and one or several drive units, which are controllable by the micro processor, serving to drive the means for indicating the arrival time and/or the remaining travel time on the clock face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: VISTEON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Rainer Heers, Bertrand Stelandre, Simon Kingswell Harris
  • Patent number: 6678214
    Abstract: A timing device utilized for determining overall response of a vehicle to initial starting activities. The vehicle is comprised of an engine, a transbrake, a transbrake button and delay box for engaging and disengaging the transbrake, a drive shaft, a throttle stop mechanism, and an acceleration pedal. The timing device is in an operative relationship with the vehicle and produces electrical signals in response to various events that occur prior to and during a drag race. The timing device calculates an elapsed time between various pairs of the electrical signals produced. The device displays the elapsed times to the driver or user in an alphanumeric format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Auto Meter Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Randy P. McMahon
  • Patent number: 6384739
    Abstract: The system provides a method for gathering and sending monitored traffic data via a short messaging system message over a wireless network through a publicly switched telephone network (“PSTN”) to a central computer. A remote traffic monitoring unit acts as a data collection device collecting data regarding the traffic count and other conditions at its particular location. The remote traffic monitoring unit can monitor different types of traffic—for example, motor vehicles, trains, and pedestrians. The system routes data messages including monitored traffic count data from the remote traffic monitoring unit to a central computer and routes control information from the central computer to the remote traffic monitoring unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventor: Evans V. Roberts, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5901114
    Abstract: A circuit for measuring the duration of a cut-off period in the power supply to an electronic system, for example the control system of a motor vehicle starter, comprises a voltage splitting bridge and a processing unit receiving the output of the splitting bridge. The bridge supply voltage is derived from the power supply to the electronic system, and the bridge has a branch which includes a temperature variable resistor. The processing unit determines the duration of the cut-off period as a function of the value of the output voltage from the splitting bridge at the end of a cut-off period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Valeo Electronique
    Inventors: Philippe Baravian, Alfred Permuy
  • Patent number: 5845268
    Abstract: There is disclosed a computer-based parking system for improving the apprehension of parking violators. Such parking system comprises one or more electronic-based parking meters or devices having a means for recognizing and storing electronically information pertaining to the identity of the parker and may include one or more parking space monitors electronically connected to said electronic-based parking machines for detecting occupancy of and movement from a parking space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Steven Jerome Moore
  • Patent number: 5696706
    Abstract: A hand-held and operated, instantaneous readout, portable electronic instrument is disclosed, which may be used by an observer from the grandstands to determine the speed of racers such as racing cars, horses, athletes, etc. over a lap of a race-track and to comparatively display the speeds of one racer over different laps and the speeds of different racers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventors: Curtis Eugene Morton, Vincent Paul Lipton, Donald L. Owens
  • Patent number: 5644551
    Abstract: An adaptable engine usage meter includes engine monitoring circuitry arranged within a front housing. Three different rear housings can be interchangeably attached to the front housing. A first rear housing includes a concave back portion, so that in conjunction with a complementary concave mounting bracket, it allows the meter to be attached to a round handlebar, such as that on a push mower. A second rear housing is slightly narrower than the front housing, so that a shoulder is formed when they are attached together. The second rear housing allows the meter to be mounted on an instrument panel by fitting it through a cutout until the shoulder engages the panel. When either the first or second rear housing is used, the circuitry in the front housing is connected to the ignition wire and the ground of an engine via a cable extended through the rear housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventors: Edward Carmichael, Robert Legge
  • Patent number: 5285425
    Abstract: A parking time display device is provided in a car to display the time during which the car is parked. The parking time display device includes a sensor for detecting a stopping or parking condition of the car, a counter for counting time, a control circuit for controlling the counter, and a display. The display is arranged at a portion of the car which is visible from outside of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Morisawa & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuo Morisawa
  • Patent number: 5241487
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, one or more timing stations disposed around a racecar track. At each station, a timing signal in the form of a repeating or oscillating beam of laser light causes a photodetector mounted on a racecar to turn on and off, the photodetector outputting a stream of electrical pulses. A microprocessor associated with the photodetector receives the stream of pulses, determines the real time when the signal is received, and stores that real time. When the microprocessor receives an RF polling signal, unique to that racecar, from a base station, the microprocessor transmits the real time data to the base station. When a second timing signal is received from the same or a second timing station, a second real time is determined, stored, and transmitted to the base station. The base station then computes the difference between the two real times. The base station processes data from all racecars in a race by sequentially polling the racecars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: James S. Bianco
  • Patent number: 5138589
    Abstract: A device and a method for displaying to a person moving on a course the elapsed time between two points on the course. Generally, the person would be on or in a mode of transportation, such as a race car. A retroreflective switch is attached to the car and includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter emits an infrared light beam such that the light beam strikes a reflector adjacent the course when the car is on the course adjacent the reflector. The receiver includes a light detector that outputs a detection signal in response to detecting the reflected light beam from the reflector. A processor connected to the receiver receives a first detection signal as the car is adjacent a first reflector and receives a second detection signal when the car is adjacent a second reflector and determines the elapsed time between said first and said second detected signals. A display connected to the processor receives the elapsed time and displays it to the person driving the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Inventor: Curtis L. Kimbel
  • Patent number: 5091895
    Abstract: An electronic timing apparatus for determining precisely when vehicles pass over a particular line on a road, particularly a race track (20), has a series of separate loop antennas (26), arranged in closely adjacent relationship one to another across the width of the track. Each vehicle (81,82) is fitted with a transmitter (28) for transmitting a unique identifying signal which is received by a loop antenna as the vehicle passes over the line. The width (x) of the antenna loops relative to the width of the vehicles is such that only one transmitter (28) can pass over a particular loop at the one time whereby when two or more vehicles cross the line simultaneously, signals from the respective transmitters are received in different antennas. A respective receiver module (27) is connected to each antenna loop and processes the identifying signal which is then fed to a micro-controlled (43) which calculates the time at which the particular vehicle crossed the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Dorian Industries Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Ian M. Chatwin, Allan R. Hines
  • Patent number: 4879553
    Abstract: A telecontrol system for a motor-vehicle (1) includes receiver (2) and transmitter (3). The receiver (2) is incorporated in the rearview mirror (4) of a motor-vehicle (1) and includes an electronic digital clock whose display (5) is provided on the back of the mirror and can be viewed through the windshield. The transmitter (3) controls also the elctric actuators (8) for locking and unlocking an doors of the vehicle (1), and the anti-theft device. The transmitter is of pocket size and comprises an electronic minute-counter with respective display (15). Through the provision of a control key (13) on the transmitter (3), the indication of the time is made visible and locked on the display (5) of the electronic clock of the receiver (2), and at the same time the minute-counter of the transmitter (3) is started. Two further control keys (11,12) on the transmitter (3) enable the door-locks of the motor-vehicle (1) to be unlocked and locked, and the anti-theft device (17) to be deactivated and activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignees: Dante Siano, Nardino Righi
    Inventor: Nardino Righi
  • Patent number: 4657403
    Abstract: An apparatus for timing of water-based activities or events, such as, sailboarding, yachting, motorboating and swimming. The apparatus comprises a rigid horizontal support bar, two vertical members attached to the ends of the support bar, buoyant floats attached to the vertical members and a transmitter/receiver package disposed on the vertical members. The apparatus acts as a gate which individuals or water-vehicles passing therethrough are detected or timed by the transmitter/receiver package contained thereon. The apparatus is kept stabilized by being secured to any nearby stationary object and by adapting the submerged portion of the apparatus to provide negative buoyancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: RJB Timing Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Morgan, William Bartula, Richard D. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 4630292
    Abstract: A system for recording the total time that a motor vehicle is running, the time that the motor is running while the vehicle is stationary, and the time that the vehicle is running while the vehicle is moving. The system includes three electrically driven timers, one of which is connected in series with the oil pressure switch of the motor so that the timer is energized while the motor is running. The remaining two timers are alternately energized when the output of a speedometer generator is above or below a predetermined value. These timers are also connected in series with the oil pressure switch so that the timers may be not energized unless the engine is running. The record generated by the system can be used to obtain a rebate of road taxes for fuel used while the vehicle is stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1986
    Inventors: Ronald A. Juricich, Ralph V. Sleeman
  • Patent number: 4604621
    Abstract: The electromagnetic transmission in an interference-laden environment of events defined by the time of their occurrence is accomplished by repeatedly generating, at equal intervals after occurrence of the event, signals representing the occurrence of the event. An event which must be defined by the time t.sub.e at which it occurs triggers a switch which in turn triggers a time base whose signal is sent to a counter. The counter produces at its output a sequence of pulses which are coded in a coder. The code indicates for each pulse the deviation in time .DELTA.T.sub.i which separates it from the time at which the event occurred. The sequence of pulses is sent electromagnetically to a receiver via a transmitter. The first interference-free pulse received is processed by a decoder which provides the value .DELTA.T.sub.i to an arithmetic unit. The arithmetic unit subtracts the value .DELTA.T.sub.i from the time of day t.sub.h to obtain the time of day t.sub.e of the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Omega Electronics S.A.
    Inventor: Max Suter
  • Patent number: 4392749
    Abstract: An instrument that receives pulses from a primary external source and one or more secondary external sources and determines when there is coincidence between the primary and one of the secondary sources. The instrument generates a finite time window (coincidence aperture) during which coincidence is defined to have occurred. The time intervals between coincidence apertures in which coincidences occur are measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: James I. Clemmons, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4381555
    Abstract: Apparatus is described for recording certain operating conditions of a motor vehicle, those conditions occurring upon the braking of the vehicle, and the apparatus is particularly applicable to vehicles equipped with antilock braking systems. A shift register is controlled by an oscillator in continuously shifting operation. When a predetermined driving condition occurs, the state of the first register location is changed. In the event the device is used for recording a braking condition, there is provided a time delay switch which locks the shift register at the point it has reached when a predetermined delay time is exceeded. The aforementioned shift register can be constructed in the form of an electromechanical shift register which responds to a signal generated through the operation of a stop lamp switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1983
    Assignee: Audi NSU Auto Union Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Karl-W. Heinle
  • Patent number: 4381042
    Abstract: A system for use in shutting down a motor vehicle engine upon elapse of selected sensed input conditions, comprises an electronic digital counter which begins counting in response to the occurrence of any of the selected input conditions. Logic gates and warning devices are also associated with the counter circuit. When a predetermined count is reached, it is considered indicative of excessive idle, and consequently the ignition circuit is automatically interrupted to thereby shut down the engine and conserve fuel. Prior to the actual engine shutdown the warning devices may give a pre-warning of impending shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1983
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Perry
  • Patent number: 4340945
    Abstract: An operating apparatus for an appliance with electrical indication, particularly an electric clock of a motor vehicle, wherein push-button switches for setting or otherwise controlling the appliance are switched to one of their operative and inoperative positions by a contact switch operated with a key, such as the ignition key of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1982
    Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AG
    Inventor: Diethard Gothe
  • Patent number: 4317106
    Abstract: A digital indicating installation for vehicles which selectively reproduces several function values within an indicating field; by actuating one of several switches, the reproduction of a first function value is interrupted for a predetermined time and a further function value coordinated to the switch is reproduced in the meantime within the indicating field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventor: Manfred Huber
  • Patent number: 4293842
    Abstract: An electronic display device for use in a motor car wherein the contents of the display are determined by the respective positions of a manually operated switch and the ignition switch is disclosed. A control circuit detects the respective positions of the two switches and thereby determines the data to be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Assignee: Jeco Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toyonaru Tanaka, Hideki Naito
  • Patent number: 4290128
    Abstract: Apparatus having a plurality of signal channels, a plurality of stopwatch circuits and a plurality of time lapse displays interconnected so that the relative time lapses in a series of related occurrences can be displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1981
    Inventor: Paul S. Estabrook
  • Patent number: 4245334
    Abstract: A system for measuring and indicating the time required for a movement from a first location to a second location that is spaced from the first location, including a first transmitter located at the first location and adapted to transmit either an RF or an acoustical signal, a second transmitter located at the second location and then adapted to transmit a second acoustical or RF energy signal, a moving vehicle, such as a sports implement, designed to travel between the first and second locations and having a receiver with a sensing antenna, for receiving the first and second acoustical or RF energy signals. The receiver is connected by a start-switch and a stop-switch to an electronic stopwatch which is capable of delivering timed clock signals to a memory circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1981
    Inventor: Erich Bieramperl