Vehicle Subsystem Or Accessory Control Patents (Class 701/36)
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Publication number: 20130297147Abstract: Disclosed is a dark current cutoff system and method for a vehicle junction. In particular, a controller is configured to monitor signal input through a CAN communication module to determine when other modules in the vehicle are in a sleep mode, cut off battery power to a load device by turning off a switching element when the controller determines that the other modules in the vehicle are in sleep mode, and forcibly maintains an off state of the switching element for a set period time after the power has been cut, regardless of signal input through the CAN communication module.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Wang Seong Cheon, Young Kug Lee
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Patent number: 8577547Abstract: A system and method for putting a fuel cell vehicle into a performance mode by preloading sub-systems in the fuel cell system so that high power is available from the fuel cell stack quicker than during normal fuel cell system operation. For example, if a driver activates a vehicle performance mode, the fuel cell system can respond by, for example, increasing the compressor speed, increasing anode recirculation, increasing air and cooling fluid flow through the radiator, increasing battery state-of-charge, etc. Thus, when the driver requests the high power after the system is in the performance mode, the system is able to deliver the desired power immediately or at least quicker and for a longer time period.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Victor W. Logan, David A. Masten
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Patent number: 8576121Abstract: Method for localization of the lateral position of the wheels of a vehicle equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. Each wheel of the vehicle includes an electronic unit fixed onto a rim of radius R. Each unit notably includes two accelerometers, disposed perpendicular to one another and one measuring a radial component F1 of the acceleration, and the other a tangential component F2 of the acceleration. These components are out of phase by a predetermined phase-shift angle ?. The method includes: I) measuring, per wheel rotation, at given intervals of time (Tmeasurement), a number (N) of acceleration values by each of the accelerometers (5a, 5b), II) calculating a physical value (P) representative of the sign of the phase-shift angle ? between the two accelerometers, III) determining the lateral position of the wheel, based on the physical value (P) representative of the sign of the phase-shift angle.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Continental Automotive FranceInventor: Nicolas Guinart
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Patent number: 8577537Abstract: A vehicle guidance system includes a location determining component for determining locations of the vehicle; a weight sensor for sensing a weight associated with the vehicle; a steering actuator for steering at least one wheel of the vehicle; and a computing device in communication with the location determining component, the weight sensor, and the steering actuator. The computing device receives cartographic data representative of a desired path for the vehicle, receives location information from the location determining component, controls operation of the steering actuator in order to guide the vehicle along the desired path, and adjusts a steering parameter at least partially based on the weight sensed by the weight sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Agco CorporationInventor: Paul Matthews
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Patent number: 8577549Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes a display screen disposed within an interior cabin of a vehicle and a rearward facing camera of the vehicle. The display screen displays video images captured by the rearward facing camera for assisting the driver during a reversing maneuver. When the equipped vehicle is not executing a reversing maneuver, the information display screen is operable to display information or instructions. The information/instructions may include at least one of (a) at least one instruction pertaining to how to service an accessory of the vehicle to remediate a fault condition, (b) a video clip pertaining to how to service an accessory of the vehicle to remediate a fault condition, (c) at least one instruction pertaining to how to operate an accessory of the vehicle and (d) a video clip pertaining to how to operate an accessory of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Troy O. Cooprider
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Patent number: 8577548Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus and a method for transmitting at least one of an audio signal and a video signal based on driver status and an occurrence of a predetermined vehicle event is provided. The apparatus comprises an entertainment device. The entertainment device is configured to receive a key identification signal from a key indicative of the driver being one of a primary driver and a secondary driver and to receive a vehicle status signal to detect the occurrence of the predetermined vehicle event. The entertainment device is further configured to disable the transmission of the at least one of the audio signal and the video signal in response to the key identification signal indicating that the driver is the secondary driver and to detecting the occurrence of the predetermined vehicle event.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Scott Alan Watkins, Matthew J. Dalebout, Andrew D. Sarkisian
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Patent number: 8577521Abstract: The present invention relates to an on-board aeronautic system intended to be dynamically reconfigured, especially an on-board information system, and to an associated method as well as to an aircraft comprising such a system. In particular, the system comprises a plurality of heterogeneous equipment items, at least part of the said equipment items being reconfigurable, and comprises a reconfiguration management center set up to receive state messages from the said plurality of equipment items and to emit reconfiguration messages destined for the said reconfigurable equipment items as a function of at least the said received messages, the said state messages being emitted according to the same format by monitoring means encompassed in each of the said equipment items, the reconfigurable equipment items encompassing reconfiguration means capable of processing at least one of the said reconfiguration messages in order to reconfigure the said associated equipment item.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Airbus OperationsInventor: Jean-Paul Genissel
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Patent number: 8577554Abstract: Devices, methods and systems describe a turn signal activation system. As the navigation system determines that the vehicle is approaching a turn or other operation, the turn signal may be automatically activated in the appropriate direction (e.g., right-turn signal for a right turn, and a left-turn signal for a left turn). Once the navigation system determines that it is appropriate to deactivate the turn signal, the turn signal may be automatically deactivated. In this fashion, other drivers on the road may be able to anticipate the actions of the vehicle based on the activation and deactivation of the turn signals, and thereby prevent accidents from occurring.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Wolterman
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Patent number: 8577558Abstract: A system and method for steering an implement comprises a steering detector for detecting a target steering angle associated with an implement steering system. An implement mode detector is capable of determining whether or not the implement is acting in a lowered mode of operation in which a ground-engaging component other than one or more wheels engage the ground. An implement steering controller is arranged to adjust the target steering angle by reducing or by limiting the target steering angle to a maximum steering angle if the implement is in the lowered mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2009Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Wade Steven Mitchell
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Patent number: 8577514Abstract: A method for predicting an ambient temperature around a moving motor vehicle includes utilizing measured ambient temperatures and Newton's Cooling Law. A linear best fit line describing the time constant as a function of vehicle speed can be generated utilizing measured data. In use, the b values can be determined from the best fit line, and the b values can be utilized to provide a predicted or estimated ambient temperature before the measured temperatures drop to the ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christos Kyrtsos, Michael Buckenmeyer, Kenneth Gerard Brown
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Patent number: 8577526Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle 20, when the ECO switch 88 is turned on, Step S140 determines whether or not a driving state is an economy driving state based on an ECO mode driving state determination map having a tendency not to regard the driving state as the economy driving state in comparison with a normal driving state determination map. A determination result of Step S140 is displayed on a meter display unit 90 in the form of an illumination or an extinction of an ECO mark 95 so as to inform the driving state is the economy driving state or not (Step S180).Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kunihiko Jinno, Tadashi Nakagawa, Masahiko Maeda, Hideaki Yaguchi
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Publication number: 20130289823Abstract: A tire pressure adjustment method and system is provided. The method includes receiving from a plurality of sensors in a vehicle, tread depth data associated with tread depths at multiple points on a tire tread comprised by a tire on the vehicle. The tread depth data is analyzed. A tire pressure value for an internal portion of the tire is determined based on results of the analysis. The tire pressure value is associated with modifying a group of tread depths during operation of the vehicle. In response, a command signal is generated. The command signal is configured to command a tire pressure modification device to adjust a current tire pressure value of the internal portion of the tire to the determined tire pressure value. The command signal is transmitted to the tire pressure modification device resulting in the current tire pressure value being adjusted to determined tire pressure value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, Andrew R. Jones, Kevin C. McConnell, John E. Moore, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130289822Abstract: A control device of a motor vehicle, which control device receives, from at least one body-side sensor, a vibration actual value of at least one corresponding body-side reference point and receives, from at least one chassis-side sensor, a vibration actual value of at least one corresponding chassis-side reference point, the control device making a decision on the reference point or points for which actuating signals for the actuators of the active assembly bearings are generated, and on which vibration desired value is used, in such a manner that the respective vibration actual value follows the respective vibration desired value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2013Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Juergen GOELTENBOTH, Michael KLAUS
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Patent number: 8571732Abstract: Provided is a vehicle skid control device that avoids a skid erroneous judgment in a high revolution range of a motor. The vehicle skid control device detects the number of revolutions of the motor. When the number of revolutions of the motor is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold value Nm, the vehicle skid control device prohibits a skid judgment. When the number of revolutions of the motor is smaller than the predetermined threshold value Nm, the vehicle skid control device permits the skid judgment. When the number of revolutions of the motor is equal to or larger than the threshold value Nm, the skid judgment is prohibited. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid the skid erroneous judgment in the high revolution range with the number of revolutions equal to or larger than Nm.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Michio Yoshida, Kenji Umayahara, Tomoyuki Nishida
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Patent number: 8567331Abstract: A method for rudder roll stabilization having two-feedback-path nonlinear dynamic compensation (NDC) is described. The high-order, Nyquist-stable control system having NDC hereof is absolutely stable and will provide a 20%-40% improvement in performance over existing roll reduction designs when lower performance steering mechanisms are employed, and is superior to linear controllers. That is, the present invention will be effective rudder roll stabilization in commercial vessels having slower rudders as well as in vessels having steering machines representing the best performance currently available, such as military systems. Since no ship hardware modifications are required, the present roll control technology will be able to be economically implemented.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2009Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: University of WyomingInventor: John F. O'Brien
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Patent number: 8571755Abstract: Data transfer systems for vehicle event recorders are provided as: a vehicle event recorder, a vehicle event recorder resident memory, and upload module in conjunction with, a communication port suitable for coupling with, a portable memory device, a server computer datastore, a server download module in conjunction with, a similar cooperating communications port. The portable memory device is arranged to operably couple with the communications ports of both the vehicle event recorder and the server computer and to be repeatedly moved between the two. The upload/download modules are arranged to transfer data to/from the portable memory in an orderly fashion in which no files are removed from the vehicle event recorder resident memory without first having been successfully transferred to the server computer datastore.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: SmartDrive Systems, Inc.Inventors: James Plante, Ramesh Kasavaraju
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Patent number: 8571766Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine that includes a dipper and a crowd drive. A method includes determining an acceleration associated with the industrial machine, determining a crowd retract factor based on the acceleration, comparing the crowd retract factor to a threshold crowd retract factor, setting a crowd speed reference and a crowd retract torque for the crowd drive for a period of time based on the comparison of the crowd retract factor to the threshold crowd retract factor.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2013Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Colwell, William Hren, David Wendt, Michael Linstroth
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Patent number: 8571753Abstract: A power management system for a forestry machine includes a controller, a cutting tool, a cutting tool positioning system, a propulsion system, and a steering system. The power management system also includes an engine control module for calculating engine load. Based upon the calculated engine load, the controller automatically adjusts at least one of cutting tool speed, cutting tool positioning system power, and steering system power and adjusts the cutting tool speed toward a speed range defined by a first predetermined percentage above a standard set speed and a second predetermined percentage below the standard set speed.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Caterpillar Forest Products Inc.Inventors: Jerome M. Robillard, Douglas W. Seeger, Greg D. Finnes
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Patent number: 8571754Abstract: A cover for use in connection with one or more vehicle lights is provided. A lens of the cover contains an electrically activatable material that prevents the transmission of visible light from entering into and reflecting out from the one or more vehicle lights when the electrically activatable material is set to a light inhibiting state. A device holds the lens with the device configured to be releasably or removably secured over one or more vehicle lights. The electrically activatable material of the lens is configured to get to the light inhibiting state such that the lens prevents the transmission of visible light from entering into and reflecting out from the one or more vehicle lights to reduce the observability of the one or more vehicle lights.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Control Solutions LLCInventors: Alyn Brown, James Wiff
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Patent number: 8571761Abstract: A vehicular illuminating device includes a first illuminating part configured to illuminate in a traveling direction of a vehicle, a second illuminating part configured to be able to emit light by using an illumination pattern different from that of the first illuminating part, and a control part configured to control the second illuminating part so that the second illuminating part can illuminate in a direction of a recommended route by using the illumination pattern different from that of the first illuminating part if a route guiding part is guiding the vehicle to a destination along the recommended route.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tatsuya Takagaki
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Patent number: 8571733Abstract: A power supply system includes a main power storage device and a plurality of sub power storage devices. A converter is connected to a selected one of the sub power storage devices to convert voltage between the selected sub power storage device and an electric power feeding line bidirectionally. In response to decrease in SOC of the selected sub power storage device being used, a request to switch the sub power storage device is generated and accordingly a switching process for a relay is performed. Here, while a process for starting or stopping an engine is being performed, the request to switch will not be generated even when decrease in SOC is detected. Likewise, while a process for switching the sub power storage device is being performed, the process for starting or stopping the engine will not be started even when a request to start or stop the engine is generated.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaya Yamamoto, Norihiko Kato, Haruki Sato
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Publication number: 20130282238Abstract: The present disclosure describes a vehicle implementing one or more processing modules. These modules are configured to connect and interface with the various buses in the vehicle, where the various buses are connected with the various components of the vehicle to facilitate information transfer among the vehicle components. Each processing module is further modularized with the ability to add and replace other functional modules now or in the future. These functional modules can themselves act as distinct vehicle components. Each processing module may hand-off processing to other modules depending on its health, processing load, or by third-party control. Thus, the plurality of processing modules helps to implement a middleware point of control to the vehicle with redundancy in processing and safety and security awareness in their applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Christopher P. Ricci, Douglas W. Swartz
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Publication number: 20130282201Abstract: A method is provided for receiving sensor information by a plurality of motor vehicles with respect to sensor information regarding locations of objects; sharing the sensor information by the plurality of motor vehicles; displaying the shared sensor information on a user interface on each of the plurality of motor vehicles; and controlling the receiving, sharing, and displaying the sensor information with a software library.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2011Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: Chief of Naval Research, Office of CounselInventors: Shawn M. Kolodgie, Michael J. Lavery, Michael W. Lim, Nicholas E. McCready, Xavier Melendez, Ashley R. Noble, Ryan M. Ragsdale, Matthew Serbinski, William Howard Thomas, II, Brian Thomas McLintock
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Publication number: 20130282236Abstract: Another detection device reduces the time needed for travel motion information about another vehicle obtained by an accurate detector device, and to continues supplement for the other vehicle in the event that detection is lost. All onboard controller is connected to a communication device as a first detector device for outputting the travel motion information about another vehicle, and a sensor as a second detector device. When the difference between first travel motion information from the first detection device and second travel motion information from the second detection device is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, and the period of continuous detection of the second travel motion information from the second detection device is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the controller determines the first travel motion information and the second travel motion information to be travel motion information for the same vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2010Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: HITACHI, LTDInventors: Seiya Kato, Hiroto Mitoma
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Publication number: 20130282234Abstract: High centering bases for hospital gurneys are disclosed. An example hospital gurney includes a sensor to detect a position of a foot pedal of the hospital gurney. The example high centering base includes a processor responsive to the sensor to create a movement instruction based on the position of the foot pedal. The example high centering base includes an actuator to move a first wheel based on the movement instruction, the first wheel located between a first end of the hospital gurney and a second end of the hospital gurney.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Timothy J. Roberts, Daniel Stout
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Publication number: 20130282235Abstract: A deployable traction assembly comprising a studded mud flap mounted for retraction and extension on the vehicle by operation of a motor. The motor may have a shaft connected via spools and straps to the studded mud flaps. The studded mud flap may be mounted on the vehicle behind or in front of a set of wheels within a distance such that when the studded mud flap is extended and the vehicle moved backward or forward, the studded mud flap may extend under a set of wheels. The deployable traction assembly may include one or more sensors connected to sense position of the studded mud flap or load on a part of the deployable traction assembly, such as the shaft of the motor. A processor may be connected to receive signals from the one or more sensors and provide output for controlling the motor based on the received signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Kendall Kamminga, Jonathan Tyler
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Publication number: 20130282233Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a system and method for monitoring tire pressure. The system includes a sensor, configured to sense a tire pressure over known time intervals, and generate corresponding pressure signals. Further, a controller, connected to the sensor receives the pressure signals over the known time intervals, subsequently converting the pressure signals into a compatible format, further processing and storing the processed signals in a memory. The controller is configured to include a calculating module, which is in turn configured to calculate a rate of change of the tire pressure and display the rate of change in tire pressure through a feedback interface connected to the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Andy Hsia
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Patent number: 8565953Abstract: A power supply system includes a main power storage device and a plurality of sub power storage devices. A converter is connected to a selected one of the sub power storage devices to convert voltage between the selected sub power storage device and an electric power feeding line bidirectionally. The sub power storage device undergoes a connection switching process, and when the last sub power storage device is currently used, then, in accordance with that sub power storage device's SOC and the vehicle's state, a request is generated to disconnect the sub power storage device and a relay is turned off. In doing so, if a process is currently performed for starting or stopping an engine, generating the request is refrained even if a decreased SOC is sensed. Similarly, if a process is performed to disconnect a sub power storage device, and therewhile a request is generated to start/stop the engine, starting the process performed for starting or stopping the engine is refrained.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Norihiko Kato, Masaya Yamamoto, Haruki Sato
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Patent number: 8566026Abstract: Stored executable logic causes a processor to operate so as to receive route parameter data, including a start location and end location for future travel, from various users. The processor generates route data based on the received route parameter data for each user. The generated route data for each user includes geographic coordinate data with imbedded strings of geographic coordinate identifiers corresponding to strings of geographic coordinates defining a travel path between the start and end locations included in that user's route parameter data. The processor stores, in a database, the generated route data for each user in association with an identifier of that user and contact information for contacting that user while in route.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Trip Routing Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Bouve
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Patent number: 8564664Abstract: A method for monitoring motor vehicle traffic wherein the motor vehicles being monitored have an onboard computer and an interlock system whereby the motor vehicle can be operated, fully, limited or not, after a driver identification has been entered into the computer, the method comprising the steps of providing GPS input into the computer, providing one emitter and a monitored zone wherein the emitter provides at least one traffic parameter to the computer such that the computer records any infraction of the parameter, and sending information about the infraction to a governmental authority and stores it on the driver's identification card.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: 9174-8517 Québec Inc.Inventor: Martin Lemire
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Patent number: 8565972Abstract: A driver-state detection system and method with an accelerator pedal control function detects a driver's state and controlling an accelerator pedal to prevent an accident. The driver-state detection system with an accelerator pedal control function includes a driver-state detector detecting a driving state of a driver and determining whether the driver is carelessly driving a vehicle or not, a pedal controller receiving an operation signal from the driver-state detector, a vehicle state detector determining whether the vehicle is driven or stopped, based on ambient signals of the vehicle, an operation pedal installed to receive operation signals from the pedal controller and the vehicle state detector, and a vibration generator installed on the operation pedal and provided to generate or cancel a vibration of a motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Eunsik Kim, Yangrae Cho
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Patent number: 8565970Abstract: A method of controlling a pump supplying a fluid to a transmission includes sensing a requested power and an excess power for a powertrain. The requested power substantially meets the needs of the powertrain, while the excess power is not part of the requested power. The method includes sensing a triggering condition in response to the ability to convert the excess power into heat in the transmission, and determining that an operating temperature of the transmission is below a maximum. The method also includes determining a calibrated baseline and a dissipation command for the pump. The calibrated baseline command is configured to supply the fluid based upon the requested power, and the dissipation command is configured to supply additional fluid and consume the excess power with the pump. The method operates the pump at a combined command, which is equal to the calibrated baseline command plus the dissipation command.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Karl Andrew Sime, Brian L. Spohn, Besim Demirovic, Ryan D. Martini, Jean Marie Miller
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Patent number: 8565969Abstract: A vehicle includes a drive train having a manual transmission. An internal combustion engine is coupled to the manual transmission via a clutch. Auxiliary devices operate auxiliary systems of the vehicle. A battery energizes electric drivers for the auxiliary devices. A power exchange unit is coupled to the manual transmission via a power takeoff port. An electric generator is coupled to the power exchange unit, and the internal combustion engine drives the generator via the power exchange unit. The battery is energized by the generator via a battery charger.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Clean Emissions Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bill Bradley, Joel Craig Diehl, Dan Warner Harris, Warner Allen Harris, Warner Olan Harris, Steward B. Nazzaro, Wayne Turnbow
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Patent number: 8565971Abstract: The present invention relates to a high voltage battery cooling control technique that improves the operational stability of a high voltage battery by decreasing the likelihood that the battery will overheat due to the indoor air temperature of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Hyun Soo Park, Suk Hyung Kim, Jae Hoon Choi, Do Kyoung Lim, O Young Ahn
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Patent number: 8566017Abstract: In a driving support apparatus for a vehicle, when a driver indicates the intension to turn by turning a turn signal switch on, vehicles traveling on a lane to which the driver intends to turn is detected based on images captured by monitoring cameras, a space to cut into between the vehicles is calculated, an entry start time of a subject vehicle is obtained based on a speed difference between a speed of the subject vehicle and a moving speed of the space to cut into, and, when the entry start time is reached, voice guidance instructing to start turning is output from an instruction unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koichi Yamada, Atsuyoshi Takazawa, Hiroyuki Kawabe
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Patent number: 8565990Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor/generator, a starter motor, a disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator, and at least one clutch disposed between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. When an engine start is requested, various parameters are controlled to ensure a smooth engine start wherein driveline torque disturbances are minimized. The starter motor is used to crank the engine upon an engine start request, thereby eliminating the need to transfer torque from the motor/generator to the engine. This helps to further reduce torque disturbances in the driveline when the engine is started.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC.Inventors: Walter Joseph Ortmann, Daniel Scott Colvin, Brandon R. Masterson, Reid Alan Baldwin, Andrew John Silveri, Francis T. Connolly, Marvin Paul Kraska
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Publication number: 20130274996Abstract: A driving assistance control apparatus includes an own-vehicle position acquiring unit that acquires the position of an own vehicle; a curve information acquiring unit that acquires curve information on a driving course; a continuous curves detecting unit that detects a first curve ahead of the own vehicle and a second curve that exists at a far side of the own vehicle with respect to the first curve and that is continuous to the first curve, based on the acquired position of the own vehicle and the acquired curve information; and a curve alert control unit that controls a curve alerting unit that alerts the presence of the second curve before an entrance of the second curve. The curve alert control unit sets the alert timing of the second curve in accordance with the curve information about the first curve.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTDInventor: Hiroshi Sekine
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Publication number: 20130275001Abstract: Systems and methods for determining vehicle ignition state using a device added to the vehicle after the manufacture of the vehicle without a direct connection to the vehicle ignition line are disclosed. In a number of embodiments, a system includes a processor, a motion detector configured to detect vehicle motion and to enable the processor to obtain motion data, a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver configured to determine location and to enable the processor to obtain at least speed data, and a radio transceiver configured to communicate with the processor. Additionally, the processor is configured to estimate the ignition state of a vehicle using at least the motion data and the speed data.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Peter D. Hergesheimer, Stephen Hall, Joseph Bryan Whiteside
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Publication number: 20130275000Abstract: A lift gate system includes a lift gate assembly comprising an actuator system for actuating a lift gate, an interface device for receiving lift gate operation information from an operator, and a main controller device comprising a solid state relay switch for controlling electrical power to the actuator system. The main controller device further includes a microcontroller configured for determining that one or more conditions are satisfied, and upon satisfaction of said one or more conditions, then controlling the actuator system via the solid state relay switch based on the received information from the operator for controlling operation of the lift gate assembly accordingly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Paul Bark, Sheralin Lafferty, Karapet Ablabutyan
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Publication number: 20130274995Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, a vehicle stabilization control unit may determine a control moment value for one or more gyroscopes coupled to a vehicle frame to exert for stabilization of the vehicle frame. A number of input axes for the flywheels of the one or more gyroscopes to precess may be increased in order to generate the determined control moment value. In some embodiments, the one or more gyroscopes are further coupled to a turntable, and increasing the number of input axes for the flywheels comprises rotating the turntable. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the one or more gyroscopes comprise at least two gyroscopes coupled inline to the vehicle frame (e.g., aligned lengthwise with respect to the front and rear wheel to spin and precess in opposite directions with respect to each other).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Daniel Kee Young Kim, Brandon Basso
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Publication number: 20130275004Abstract: An adaptive, human-machine-interaction, system and method for executing system-actions at times in accordance with performance times of past user-actions to either accommodate user habits or to modify user behavior.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Omer TSIMHONI, Claudia V. Goldman-Shenhar, Mario Jodorkovsky
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Publication number: 20130274997Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of controlling interaction between a mobile electronic device and a in-vehicle electronic system, a mobile electronic device using the same method, and a in-vehicle electronic system unit using the same method. The method may include establishing a connection between the mobile electronic device and the in-vehicle electronic system. The mobile electronic device may then receive a profile setting from the in-vehicle electronic system through the connection which could be a cable connection or a wireless connection. The mobile electronic device would control transmission and reception of data to the in-vehicle electronic system based on the profile setting of the in-vehicle electronic system, wherein the setting varies based on the role of the in-vehicle electronic system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: HTC CorporationInventor: Ho-Sung Chien
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Publication number: 20130274999Abstract: A vehicle safety illumination method and arrangement is provided including a head light control unit for modulating an intensity of a head light of a vehicle between a low beam mode and a high beam mode. The arrangement may include a switch for actuating the head light control unit, and sensors to detect an object in front of the vehicle. The arrangement also includes a processor to determine if an object detected constitutes a potential collision threat to the vehicle. The arrangement is arranged to actuate the head light control unit if an object in front of the vehicle is determined to constitute a potential collision threat to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Mattias Bengtsson, Yury Tarakanov, Feng Liu, Adeel Zafar
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Publication number: 20130274998Abstract: An in-vehicle information system includes: an information terminal; and an in-vehicle apparatus. At least one of the information terminal and the in-vehicle apparatus decides whether or not a vehicle is currently in a traveling state. The in-vehicle apparatus includes a display unit with a display screen, and restricts an image area ranging over part of or all of the display screen to be obscured from view when deciding that the vehicle is currently in a traveling state. The information terminal includes an application stored therein, outputs an image corresponding to the application to the in-vehicle apparatus, and outputs regulatory information pertaining to an image area to be restricted within the image corresponding to the application, to the in-vehicle apparatus. The in-vehicle apparatus sets an image area in the display screen to be restricted by using the regulatory information output by the information terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: Clarion Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryohei KATO, Norikazu NARA
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Patent number: 8560143Abstract: A method and system for adjusting a pedal map, the system includes an automobile which has a pedal map adjustment unit. The pedal map adjustment unit includes a processor, an accelerator pedal, a memory, an input unit, a speed detection unit, and/or a power train. The memory can store a pedal map, which indicates a desired output of the powertrain at particular speed value. The accelerator pedal can collect pedal data, the input unit can collect input data, and the speed detection unit can collect speed data. The processor, using the pedal data and the speed data can adjust pedal curves in the pedal map to intersect with a road load pedal angle curve. The road load pedal angle curve can indicate a pedal depression amount required to maintain the automobile at a particular speed value.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Matthew Eugene Fleming, Avernethy Francisco
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Patent number: 8560170Abstract: A method for estimating the amount of heat received by refrigerant by an ECU comprises a step for detecting an estimation factor including the intake air amount of an internal combustion engine, and a step for estimating the amount of heat received from exhaust gas by cooling water of the internal combustion engine in a water-cooled exhaust manifold based on a detected estimation factor. Preferably, the estimation factor further includes at least any one of the cooling water temperature, the intake air temperature of the internal combustion engine, or the number of revolutions of the internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koichi Hoshi, Yoshihisa Shinoda
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Patent number: 8558713Abstract: A weight based occupant detection device that includes a weight sensing device installed in a vehicle seat in a manner effective to sense weight on a seating surface. The weight sensing device is configured to output a weight signal indicative of an occupant weight of a seat occupant residing on the vehicle seat. The occupant detection device also includes a seat orientation angle sensing device that is configured to output an orientation angle signal indicative of a seat orientation angle. The occupant detection device may also include an accelerometer for sensing vertical acceleration of the vehicle seat, and a seat backrest angle device for measuring the angle of the seat backrest. The occupant detection device compensates a signal from the weight sensing device for errors caused by seat orientation, seat vertical acceleration and seat backrest angle.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dennis P. Griffin, Andrew H. Curtis
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Patent number: 8560169Abstract: A radar device (11) transmits electromagnetic waves so as to scan a predetermined angular range in the horizontal direction around a subject vehicle at predetermined time intervals, and when reflected waves of the electromagnetic waves reflected from an object are received, a reflection point where the electromagnetic waves are reflected from the object is detected based on the result of receiving the reflected waves, the existence of a parking space is determined based on pre-stored subject vehicle body dimensional data and a sequence of reflection points and, furthermore, the feasibility of parking in the parking space (Sp) is determined In this process, since the feasibility of parking is determined based on a road width (Wx) and a width (Wy) of the parking space (Sp) calculated based on the sequence of reflection points, it is possible to carry out a determination of the feasibility of parking in the parking space (Sp) with better precision.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Sasajima, Yoshimitsu Aiga, Takashi Asaba
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Patent number: 8560202Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an engine shut-down system that automatically interrupts engine operation when vehicle operation indicates that no torque is required from the engine. An air conditioner compressor operates to cool a passenger compartment of the vehicle and is actuated in a first phase time, and is not actuated in a second phase time. An override system compares the time the compressor is in the enabled first phase time to the time the compressor is in the disabled second phase time. The override system disables the engine shut-down system unless it is determined that a ratio of the disabled second phase time to the enabled first phase time has a low rate of change, that the ratio is greater than a predetermined value, and that the time the compressor is in the disabled second phase is greater than a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kirk Pebley, Kenneth J. Jackson, Thomas Scott Gee
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Patent number: 8560199Abstract: A control system in a vehicle including a front wheel which is a driven wheel and a rear wheel which is a drive wheel, the control system including: a control unit configured to control a driving power generated in a driving source according to a driving state of the vehicle; and a front wheel speed sensor configured to detect a rotational speed of the front wheel; the control unit including: a wheelie determiner configured to determine whether or not a predetermined wheelie starting condition is met, based on a value detected by the front wheel speed sensor; and a driving power controller configured to suppress the driving power if the wheelie determiner determines that the predetermined wheelie starting condition is met.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoshimoto Matsuda