Cooperative Or Multiple Control (e.g., Suspension And Braking) Patents (Class 701/48)
  • Patent number: 9002574
    Abstract: Systems, software and methods are disclosed for using a mobile phone (1640) in conjunction with a head unit (1620) of a vehicle. The user interface of a user application program (1644) executing on the mobile phone is extended to utilize a generic display screen (2104) of the head unit, so that custom or per application development of head unit software can be avoided. Preferably, a handset application proxy (HAP) software application (1642) is installed and executable in the mobile phone; and a head unit proxy (HUP) software component (1630) is executable on the head unit. The HAP and the HUP communicate messages (1814, 1824) between the head unit and the mobile phone. Preferably, the HAP (1700) includes a scripting language component (1710) associated with the user application (Nomadic Appn), and having a template message translator component (1712).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Airbiquity Inc.
    Inventors: Darren L. Garrett, Leon Hong
  • Patent number: 9002561
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle, a drive control apparatus, and a drive control method to prevent overcharging a battery, and providing an output drive force depending on a driver's request. The drive control apparatus for hybrid vehicles outputs generated power at an internal combustion engine and a motor generator through a power transmission mechanism to drive axles, and includes an output shaft fixing mechanism which fixes an internal combustion engine output shaft to disable rotation. A request drive force setter sets a request drive force depending on a driver's request. A controller executes a control based on a detected battery stored energy level to operate irrespective of a magnitude of the request drive force to stop the internal combustion engine, uses the shaft fixing mechanism to fix the output shaft, and provides travel using generated power from the motor generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Tagawa, Yoshiki Ito, Masakazu Saito, Hitoshi Ohkuma
  • Patent number: 9002585
    Abstract: A control system for electronically controlling engine speed and PTO clutch mechanism engagement of a grounds maintenance vehicle such as a lawn mower. In one embodiment, an electronic controller (electronic control unit or ECU) may receive operator inputs from a speed setting switch and an on/off PTO clutch engagement switch. The ECU may take these inputs and make intelligent decisions as to when to engage/disengage the clutch mechanism and may change engine speed automatically prior to, during, and/or after clutch mechanism engagement/disengagement. In one or more of these speed setting switch positions, the switch may set a speed of the engine to a first speed when the clutch mechanism is disengaged, and a second speed (different than the first speed) when the clutch mechanism is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Exmark Manufacturing Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Trevor M. Porter, Christian S. C. Bryant, Garry W. Busboom, David M. Converse, John A. Swanson
  • Patent number: 8996216
    Abstract: An electrical system of a vehicle includes at least one energy store, the vehicle having an internal combustion engine and electric machine mechanically coupled thereto, an actuatable accelerator pedal for predefining a torque to be output, an engine controller for injection of fuel, and an actuatable brake pedal, using which a controller is activated at least in a first partial range of its actuation, subject to first external operating conditions, so that recuperative power of the electric machine is generated at the same time that energy is fed into the electrical system. To increase the recuperation potential, the electric machine is switched to recuperative power by the controller in an operating phase in which a driver request is inferred due to actuations of the accelerator pedal, resulting in a braking power of the vehicle, the injection of the internal combustion engine being maintained due to second internal operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20150088385
    Abstract: A device for assisting the nighttime driving of a motor vehicle fitted with a lighting device for emitting a beam for illuminating the road scene in front of the vehicle, the illumination emitted by the lighting device being variable periodically between a maximum value and a minimum value, the device including at least one variable-transmission screen placed between the road scene and the driver, the coefficient of transmission of the screen being variable periodically between a maximum value and a minimum value, the switching on of at least one light source of the lighting device and the coefficient of transmission of the variable-transmission screen controlled by the control unit, the illumination reaching its maximum value when the coefficient of transmission of the screen reaches its maximum value. The control unit controls a circuit for regulating the power supply and a transmitter of remote control waves toward a receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Valeo Vision
    Inventor: Benoist Fleury
  • Patent number: 8987991
    Abstract: A sub headlight unit for use in a vehicle that leans into turns includes a sub headlight light source that illuminates an area ahead and outward of the vehicle with respect to a width direction of the vehicle. The sub headlight light source is configured to, when the vehicle is in an upright state, produce an illumination range including an area above a horizontal plane. The sub headlight light source is turned on in accordance with a lean angle of the vehicle. At a time of parking or stopping or at a time of running straight ahead, the sub headlight light source is turned on or caused to flash with the amount of light per unit of time being reduced as compared with the amount of light per unit of time emitted when the sub headlight light source is turned on in accordance with the lean angle of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Ikeda, Yasuhiko Kino, Takehiro Inoue, Makoto Kosugi
  • Publication number: 20150073661
    Abstract: A method for supporting a driver of a motor vehicle during a driving maneuver, including the following: (a) determining a driving path in which the motor vehicle moves when the driving maneuver is carried out and automatically or semi-automatically carrying out the driving maneuver; (b) detecting the surroundings of the motor vehicle during the driving maneuver; (c) stopping the motor vehicle if an object is detected in the driving path and resuming the driving maneuver as soon as the object has left the driving path and/or decelerating the motor vehicle and slowly resuming the driving maneuver if an object is detected outside the driving path. Also described is a device for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Florian Raisch, Hans-Peter Huebner
  • Patent number: 8977463
    Abstract: A vehicle brake controller is capable of executing limit control for limiting increase in braking force applied to front wheels by using a deceleration of a vehicle. The vehicle brake controller is configured to start the limit control when the deceleration of the vehicle becomes greater than or equal to a start determination value before a start determination time period elapses after a deceleration starting point in time, at which the deceleration of the vehicle is started by application of braking force at least to the front wheels. The vehicle brake controller is configured to end the limit control if the deceleration of the vehicle is less than an end determination value, which is greater than the start determination value, at a point in time when an end determination time period, which is longer than the start determination time period, has elapsed from the deceleration starting point in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Inoue, Yusuke Takeya, Masato Terasaka
  • Publication number: 20150066309
    Abstract: A control system for electronically controlling engine speed and PTO clutch mechanism engagement of a grounds maintenance vehicle such as a lawn mower. In one embodiment, an electronic controller (electronic control unit or ECU) may receive operator inputs from a speed setting switch and an on/off PTO clutch engagement switch. The ECU may take these inputs and make intelligent decisions as to when to engage/disengage the clutch mechanism and may change engine speed automatically prior to, during, and/or after clutch mechanism engagement/disengagement. In one or more of these speed setting switch positions, the switch may set a speed of the engine to a first speed when the clutch mechanism is disengaged, and a second speed (different than the first speed) when the clutch mechanism is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Exmark Manufacturing Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Trevor M. Porter, Christian S.C. Bryant, Garry W. Busboom, David M. Converse, John A. Swanson
  • Patent number: 8965631
    Abstract: A control specifications changing system includes a control specifications data server and a specifications changeable vehicle. The control specifications data server includes a second communication device and a determining device. The second communication device is configured to communicate with the specifications changeable vehicle. The determining device is configured to determine data for changing specifications upon receipt of first vehicle information data from the specifications changeable vehicle through the second communication device. The data for changing specifications includes data for use in changing control specifications of the specifications changeable vehicle to control specifications suited for the received first vehicle information data. The determining device is configured to transmit the determined data for changing specifications to the specifications changeable vehicle through the second communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takatsugu Koyama, Chihiro Wake
  • Patent number: 8965538
    Abstract: A method for operating a controlled device. A feedback signal is received from a controlled device, the feedback signal indicating actual system dynamics of the controlled device. A predefined limit is applied to the actual system dynamics to create limited system dynamics. A modulation parameter is calculated by a processor based at least in part on the limited system dynamics and the actual system dynamics. Desired system dynamics for the controlled device are generated by the processor based at least in part on the modulation parameter and an external command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Ross J. Gadient, Eugene Lavretsky, David C. Hyde
  • Patent number: 8958970
    Abstract: A vehicle control system and a vehicle control device can switch control of a supporting device for support a drive of a vehicle between an ordinary travel in which the vehicle travels in a state that a power source for causing the vehicle to travel is operated and an inertia travel in which the vehicle travels in a state that an operation of the power source is stopped. Accordingly, since the vehicle control system and the vehicle control device switch the control of the supporting device between the ordinary travel and the inertia travel, the vehicle control system and the vehicle control device achieve an effect that the vehicle can be caused to appropriately travel by inertia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Matsunaga, Nobukazu Ueki, Hiroshi Tsujii, Koji Ito
  • Patent number: 8958968
    Abstract: A traction control device for a motorcycle eliminates a need for a waiting time for detecting an amount of change in a vehicle state and a subsequent prediction time, and can execute quick traction control. The traction control device includes an engine driving force control unit, for calculating a real slip ratio of the motorcycle, setting a target slip ratio according to a driving state of the motorcycle, and controlling a driving force of an engine so that the real slip ratio becomes the target slip ratio. The traction control device also includes a throttle grip opening degree sensor for detecting an opening degree of a throttle grip; and a bank angle sensor for detecting a bank angle of the motorcycle. The engine driving force control unit calculates the target slip ratio on a basis of the throttle opening degree and the bank angle of the motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fuyuki Kobayashi, Yoichiro Fukao, Yohei Maruyama, Tatsuya Ito
  • Patent number: 8948931
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle, capable of suppressing increase in power consumption and reducing running cost when electric power supplied from power source is consumed by an on-vehicle electric device. The control system 1 for a vehicle V includes an ECU 2. If a predetermined communication state where a portable device 11 is estimated to be in a compartment of the vehicle V is established (if the answer to the question of the step 23 is NO) after a state where a power source position set by a changeover switch 22 is an accessory position has continued for a first predetermined time period (?T·TREF), the ECU 2 stops power supply from the power source to the on-vehicle electric device when a second predetermined time period (?T·TREF) elapses after the predetermined communication state was established (steps 26, 11, 13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kowada, Shinichi Arie, Junpei Noguchi
  • Patent number: 8948992
    Abstract: The present invention includes a system for limiting the acceleration of a vehicle. The system is operable to determine when the driver of the vehicle is not paying attention and upon making this determination, the system limits the available acceleration of the vehicle. The system includes a vehicle power source, a driver input such as an accelerator pedal, and a driver attention monitor, all three of which are in communication with an electronic control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Tai J. Ly
  • Patent number: 8948953
    Abstract: In a vehicle travel controlling apparatus including an automatic travel controlling ECU that controls a vehicle in a predetermined travel state by cooperation control of a vehicle driving amount and a vehicle braking amount, the automatic travel controlling ECU is provided with an automatic travel termination controlling unit. The automatic travel termination controlling unit obtains a brake fluid pressure during the cooperation control according to the vehicle driving amount during the cooperation control and a gradient of a road surface on which a vehicle is travelling. When the brake fluid pressure corresponding to a braking operation of a driver is more than the brake fluid pressure during the cooperation control, the automatic travel termination controlling unit terminates the cooperation control to switch operation to a braking operation according to the brake fluid pressure corresponding to the braking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Gen Inoue, Yasuhito Ishida
  • Patent number: 8948993
    Abstract: A method of controlling the behavior of an occupant of a vehicle (20) includes sensing an auxiliary mode of the vehicle (20) and comparing a first vehicle operation mode to a predetermined threshold to determine a first incident. The method proceeds by actuating a resistive device (24) in response to the first incident to apply a resistance to an operational input by an occupant of the vehicle (20). The method is characterized by monitoring a precursory auxiliary mode event of the vehicle (20) subsequent to the first incident and prior to a presence of the auxiliary mode, and de-actuating the resistive device (24) in response to the precursory auxiliary mode event to remove the applied resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Richard Schulman, Ronald Van Houten
  • Patent number: 8948971
    Abstract: Disclosed is a steering control device capable of adjusting reference points of a plurality of motions, which are used for a steering operation in a steering operating unit, with high precision. In the steering control device, a control unit performs N-point learning under the condition that the absolute value of an operating amount in operation systems other than a target is smaller than a predetermined value (or substantially 0). This makes it possible to suppress the influence of operation systems other than the target on the steering of a vehicle M during N-point learning, making it possible to learn the N point in the operation system of the target with high precision. With this N-point learning for each target, even in an operation system which can be steered through a plurality of motions, it is possible to learn the N point of each motion with high precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatoshi Nakatsu
  • Patent number: 8942888
    Abstract: In an example, a processing device sends, to a remote network device, a request for an application of a mobile device to utilize a resource of a vehicle head unit, the request including a first profile of the vehicle head unit and a second profile of the mobile device. Responsive to sending the request, the processing device receives an instruction from the remote network device, the instruction to be executed by embedded software of the vehicle head unit so as to enable the application to utilize a resource of the vehicle head unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Airbiquity Inc.
    Inventors: Darren L. Garrett, Leon Hong
  • Publication number: 20150025750
    Abstract: A technique includes receiving, at a controller of a vehicle, the controller including one or more processors, a first request to calibrate a park lock system of the vehicle. The calibration can include commanding, by the controller, a first actuator to move a second actuator to maximum engagement/disengagement positions indicating maximum engagement/disengagement of a park pawl with/from a park gear of a transmission. The calibration can include determining, at the controller, full engagement/disengagement positions for the second actuator based on the maximum engagement/disengagement positions. The controller can then control the engagement/disengagement of the park lock system using the full engagement/disengagement positions for the second actuator, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Feisel Weslati, Behrouz Ashrafi, Chandan Lakshmanaiah, Salim Hamam
  • Patent number: 8938343
    Abstract: A method of dissipating power on a propelled machine includes setting a target ground speed for the machine, and, if the throttle position is less than a first predetermined minimum and if the machine is on a negative grade in the direction of travel no greater than a second predetermined minimum, and the calculated machine resistance power is less than the calculated grade power, the method include engaging at least a portion of the energy-dissipating electrically or electrohydraulically controlled accessories to retard the machine to maintain the machine within a set range of a target speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Jensen
  • Patent number: 8935054
    Abstract: A monitoring system to control lift axles on a vehicle having a means for sensing vehicle speed and direction, a means for measuring the weight on the lift axles and fixed axles on the vehicle, and a control module for controlling one or more lift axles on the vehicle is provided. The control module comprises a receiver for receiving information from the sensing means and the measuring means, a processor, and output means for causing the lift axles to be lifted when the vehicle is moving in reverse. The processor causes or permits the lift axle to 1) lower when the vehicle moves forward for a programmable distance, 2) assume or maintain a lifted position when the vehicle is below a predetermined weight, 3) assume or maintain a lowered position when the vehicle carries over a predetermined weight, and 4) equalize weight between the lift axles and the fixed axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventors: John Mantini, Michael Braithwaite, Hongyan Wang
  • Patent number: 8930066
    Abstract: A customizable apparatus for controlling rotational movement of a turret of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a memory that stores information relating to operation of the turret. A communication port of the apparatus is adapted to exchange communications relating to operation of the turret with an external computing device. A controller processes communications received at the communication port from the external computing device. The controller processes the communications, and the controller selectively provides access to the stored information relating to operation of the turret to the external computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Control Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. McKee, John E. Hayden
  • Patent number: 8930085
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle, includes: a controller that is configured to obtain an index on the basis of a running condition of the vehicle, to vary a running characteristic of the vehicle on the basis of the index, and to vary details output from an effect producing device, which applies a stimulus to at least part of five senses of a driver of the vehicle, on the basis of the index, wherein when a variation in the running characteristic because of a variation in the index decreases, quickness of a behavior of the vehicle, the variation in the index in response to a variation in the running condition is relatively delayed, as compared with when the variation in the running characteristic because of the variation in the index increases quickness of the behavior of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Takeuchi, Toshio Tanahashi, Shinichi Sano, Yoshimitsu Agata, Toshihiro Yamazaki, Shin Noumura
  • Patent number: 8930077
    Abstract: A damping control unit sets a damping torque command value that corresponds to a steering angular velocity when a direction of a detected steering torque is a turning direction, a magnitude of the detected steering torque is larger than or equal to a first threshold, a direction of the steering angular velocity is a returning direction and a magnitude of the steering angular velocity is higher than or equal to a second threshold. An addition unit adds the damping torque command value generated by the damping control unit to a basic assist torque command value set by a basic assist torque command value setting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiko Sakamaki
  • Patent number: 8930087
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for interference reduction during keyless authentication. The apparatus includes a control system having a controller configured to detect an authentication event and deactivate at least one device within the vehicle. The control system is also configured to transmit an authentication command and to reactive the at least one device within the vehicle in response to receiving a valid authentication signal. The method includes an authentication method for a user to operate a vehicle wherein an authentication event is detected and at least one device within the vehicle is deactivated. An authentication command is transmitted and the at least one device within the vehicle is reactivated in response to receiving a valid authentication signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Charles J. Bongiorno, Aaron P. Creguer, David T. Proefke
  • Patent number: 8930086
    Abstract: A driver assistance system is provided for a motor vehicle, which has a first ascertainment device, the first ascertainment device implemented to ascertain at least one parameter that characterizes a possible fatigue of a current driver of the motor vehicle. In addition, the driver assistance system has a second ascertainment device, which is implemented to ascertain a degree of fatigue of the driver based on the at least one ascertained parameter. In addition, the driver assistance system has an opening device, which is implemented to at least partially open at least one window of the motor vehicle if the ascertained degree of fatigue of the driver exceeds a first predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ali Khanafer, Oliver Schepp, Markus Friesen, Oliver Roettel
  • Patent number: 8928465
    Abstract: An aftermarket module arrangement for installation into a vehicle having a vehicle bus and an electric power source is disclosed herein. The arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a module configured to communicatively couple with the vehicle bus and to electrically couple with the electric power source via a first electric power line, and further configured to engage in power line communications over the first electric power line. The arrangement further includes an aftermarket module configured to electrically couple with the electric power source over a second electric power line and to engage in power line communications over the second electric power line. The aftermarket module is further configured to communicatively couple with the module via power line communications and to communicate over the vehicle bus through the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM Motors LLC
    Inventors: Mark S. Frye, Charles A. Everhart, Lawrence D. Cepuran, Steven Swanson
  • Publication number: 20150006040
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gear shift system for a motor vehicle with a steering wheel. Said gear shift system comprises gear shift devices rotationally integral with the steering wheel, each of which is operable by a driver of the motor vehicle to carry out at least one respective gear shift function associated with said gear shift device. Furthermore, said gear shift system further comprises an electronic control unit configured to: receive a magnitude indicative of a current steering wheel angle; determine, on the basis of the received magnitude, whether the current steering wheel angle satisfies predefined conditions; and, if it determines that the current steering wheel angle satisfies the predefined conditions, reconfigure the gear shift functions associated with the gear shift devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: FIAT GROUP AUTOMOBILES S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro PIERALLINI
  • Publication number: 20150006039
    Abstract: A variable control apparatus and method of the amount of regenerative braking of a vehicle using a paddle shift are provided. The method includes sensing, by a controller, positive (+) and negative (?) shifting in a manual mode based on a signal from a shift-operating unit during regenerative braking with a drive (D) gear engaged while the vehicle travels. A regenerative braking torque map that corresponds to a selected gear is selected based on the signal from the shift-operating unit. In addition, regenerative braking of a driving motor is adjusted based on the torque value calculated from the selected regenerative braking torque map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Baro Hyun
  • Patent number: 8924100
    Abstract: A hybrid construction machine is provided with a variable displacement hydraulic pump 1 which supplies hydraulic oil to a hydraulic actuator, an engine 2 which is provided to be able to drive and rotate the hydraulic pump 1, an electric motor 3 which is provided to be able to drive and rotate the hydraulic pump 1, an engine control dial 4, a controller 4 and an operating lever 5. The controller changes the rotation speed of the engine 2 to reduce fuel consumption according to power generated by the engine 2, and changes displacement of the hydraulic pump 1 based on the rotation speed of the engine 2, the dial position of the engine control dial 4 and the amount of operation on the operating lever 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinya Imura, Seiji Ishida, Yusuke Kajita, Kazuo Fujishima, Takatoshi Ooki, Takako Satake
  • Patent number: 8909431
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a motor-driven air conditioning system comprising a power control device for controlling the temperature in a space inside the vehicle, and an internal combustion engine equipped with a motor management system that is arranged for determining the energy expended by the internal combustion engine, which internal combustion engine is at the same time used for driving the air conditioning system, characterized in that the motor management system is connected to said power control device and arranged for adjusting the power supplied to the air conditioning system in dependence on the load on the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Eeuwe Durk Kooi
  • Patent number: 8903584
    Abstract: The disclosed vehicle, control method, and program lead to improved fuel consumption, durability, and stability. When the vehicle starts to move, a clutch control performs controls so as to set the clutch to a half clutch state, in which a part of the motive force is transmitted, and thereafter to a connected state, in which the entire motive power is transmitted. When the clutch is the half clutch state, an electric motor control unit controls an electric motor to generate an assist torque when the vehicle starts to move equal to the difference between the torque requested by the driver and the idling torque generated when the engine is idling. The disclosed invention can be applied to hybrid vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hino Motors, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8894074
    Abstract: A vehicle height adjustment apparatus, includes: a front wheel side changing unit capable of changing a front wheel side relative position; a rear wheel side changing unit capable of changing a rear wheel side relative position; and a control unit for adjusting a height of the main body of the vehicle by controlling the front wheel side changing unit and the rear wheel side changing unit so as to change the front wheel side relative position and the rear wheel side relative position, in which the control unit controls the front wheel side changing unit and the rear wheel side changing unit in such a manner that a rate of change of the front wheel side relative position and a rate of change of the rear wheel side relative position satisfy a predetermined relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Kasuga, Fumiaki Ishikawa, Shunya Senda
  • Patent number: 8897957
    Abstract: A control and monitoring device of a vehicle, including at least one controlled brake system (ABS, EBS), which during braking adjusts the brake slip and/or the brake pressure to a setpoint value, including at least one brake control device (ECU-EBS, ECU-TEBS) as well as a device (TPMS) for monitoring the tire pressure and/or the tire air temperature of at least one tire, including at least one tire sensor, which transmits a signal representing the individual tire pressure and/or the individual tire air temperature of the particular tire, to at least one tire-monitoring control unit (ECU-TPMS). The at least one tire-monitoring control unit (ECU-TPMS) and the at least one brake control unit (ECU-EBS, ECU-TEBS) are integrated in one subassembly and are configured for the exchange of data among each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Stoehr
  • Publication number: 20140343799
    Abstract: A driving support device includes a cross direction control device and a cross direction alarm device which are a first support unit that performs drive support of steering of a vehicle, a traveling direction control device and a traveling direction alarm device which are a second support unit that performs drive support of deceleration of the vehicle, and a running support processing device that controls the first support unit and the second support unit. The running support processing device detects looking-aside of a driver, detects a non-drive manual operation of the driver, and sets a level of an effect of detection of the non-drive manual operation to an effect of detection of the looking-aside in the first support unit to be greater than a level of an effect of detection of the non-drive manual operation to an effect of detection of the looking-aside in the second support unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Toshihiro HASHIMOTO, Toshitake KAWAI, Toru HAGIWARA
  • Patent number: 8892309
    Abstract: A vehicle steering control apparatus is provided with: a first setting device for setting a first target steering angle of rear wheels according to a steering wheel operation of a driver; a second setting device for setting a second target steering angle of the rear wheels which does not work with the steering wheel operation by the driver and which is associated with automatic steering; a controlling device for controlling a steering angle of the rear wheels on the basis of the set first and second target steering angles; and a limiting device for limiting an influence of the first target steering angle on the steering angle of the rear wheels in accordance with a driving condition of the vehicle if the set first and second target steering angles have a mutually anti-phase relation, the limiting device limiting an influence of the second target steering angle on the steering angle of the rear wheels in accordance with the driving condition of the vehicle in preference to the first target steering angle if th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Fujita, Mitsutaka Tanimoto, Yoshiaki Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 8880313
    Abstract: A method operates a vehicle having an acquisition device for acquiring defined route section data of an upcoming route section to be passed through via the vehicle, in particular a utility vehicle. Accordingly, the route section data, which are acquired by the acquisition device are evaluated in an evaluation device with respect to the wear reduction potential of a vehicle-side wearing part for the upcoming route section to be passed through such that, to reduce and/or optimize the wear of the wearing part. An actuating parameter, in particular an actuating time and/or an actuating duration, is predetermined for the wearing part in the upcoming route section to be passed through. An auxiliary device which supports the wearing part in its action is activated in the upcoming route section to be passed through in accordance with at least one predefined auxiliary device parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: MAN Truck & Bus AG
    Inventors: Karlheinz Dörner, Andreas Zimmermann, Daniel Heyes, Martin Huber, Peter Drimml, Britta Michel
  • Patent number: 8880299
    Abstract: A combine side-shaking control system and a method for controlling operation of a side-shaking mechanism in a combine. The control system includes at least one sieve for separating crop material from other materials and a movable side-shaking mechanism coupled to the at least one sieve and configured to move the at least one sieve in a side-to-side motion. The control system also includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one operating condition of a combine system. The control system further includes a controller for receiving the at least one operating condition and causing the side-shaking mechanism to stop moving the at least one sieve in the side-to-side motion or start moving the at least one sieve in the side-to-side motion based on the at least one operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Craig E. Murray, Orlin W. Johnson, Dale W. Panoushek, Tyler L. Nelson, Kevin S. Schwinn, Bin Lou
  • Publication number: 20140324297
    Abstract: Provided are collision avoidance apparatus and method for a vehicle, which are capable of maintaining a braking force and assisting a steering force by providing a braking control signal and a steering control signal to a wheel of a driver's steering intention direction during braking for collision avoidance, thereby achieving lateral avoidance. The collision avoidance apparatus for the vehicle includes: a measurement unit configured to measure a motion of an opposite vehicle; and an electronic control unit configured to determine whether there is a risk of collision with the opposite vehicle, based on a measurement result from the measurement unit, and, when it is determined that there is the risk of collision, provide a braking control signal and a steering control signal to an actuator for controlling a wheel of a driver's steering intention direction and provide a braking release signal for releasing a braking force from a wheel opposite to the driver's steering intention direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Deok-Ju KIM
  • Publication number: 20140309891
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a vehicle control system to control user access to vehicle tasks, functions and/or operations based on rights and privileges set forth in user accounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Flextronics AP, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher P. Ricci
  • Patent number: 8862334
    Abstract: A vehicle has a device for setting an open position of a tailgate, which can be pivoted upwards and, after an opening command to a first control unit, can be adjusted into a predefined open position via an adjusting device. The vehicle has a device for setting a predefined vehicle height, which device includes a second control unit for actuating an active wheel suspension system. Lowering of the vehicle height is performed at the same time as the opening of the tailgate, by way of a communications link between the first control unit and the second control unit and by way of corresponding programming of at least one of the two control units. The simultaneous opening of the tailgate and lowering of the vehicle height are prevented if a blocking command for this function is present in one of the two control units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Juergen Mayr
  • Publication number: 20140297134
    Abstract: An on-board apparatus includes a measuring unit, a filtering unit, a predicting unit, an executing unit, a detecting unit, and an adjusting unit. The measuring unit periodically measures a state of an own vehicle. The filtering unit performs a low-pass filter process on measurement results from the measuring unit. The predicting unit predicts behavior of the own vehicle based on the measurement results on which the low-pass filter process has been performed. The executing unit performs processes based on the behavior of the own vehicle predicted by the predicting unit. The detecting unit detects a traveling environment of the own vehicle. The adjusting unit adjusts a time constant for the low-pass filter process based on the traveling environment detected by the detecting unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicants: Nippon Soken, Inc., DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Taku Sakima, Yoshihisa Ogata
  • Publication number: 20140297081
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a driving source, a shutter device, and a controller. The driving source is configured to generate a driving force. The shutter device is configured to adjust an amount of air for cooling the driving source. The controller is configured to control the driving source and is configured to restrict an operation of the driving source based on a temperature of the driving source when a failure of the shutter device is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takayuki Asami, Masashi Yoshimi
  • Patent number: 8849465
    Abstract: A method controls a set of semi-active actuators arranged in an elevator system to minimize a vibration of an elevator car. The elevator system is represented with a model of a virtual elevator system having a single virtual semi-active actuator arranged to compensate a virtual disturbance. The virtual disturbance is determined using a motion profile of position of the elevator car during the operation and a disturbance profile of the virtual disturbance. A state of the elevator system is determined using the model of the virtual elevator system, the virtual disturbance and a signal indicative of a horizontal acceleration of the elevator car during the operation. Each actuator of the set of semi-active actuators is controlled based on the state of the elevator system and according to a control policy of the virtual semi-active actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Yebin Wang, Scott A Bortoff
  • Patent number: 8849514
    Abstract: A conventional brake control can generate only a small yaw moment compared with a steering control, so that reliable avoidance of obstacles cannot be obtained. With a steering control, the driver gets behind the wheel every time when crossing a lane and has an uncomfortable feeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Sugawara, Atsushi Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8849522
    Abstract: A system incorporating one or more interrogators or readers on heavy construction equipment (e.g., loaders) detect signals emanating from signal transmitters on clothing or equipment of construction workers. Responsive to the detection of a signal emanating from behind the heavy equipment, or in another position relative to the heavy equipment, the driver is notified audibly of the danger such that the driver may stop the movement of the heavy equipment or causes the brakes to be applied and transmission to be disengaged automatically without operator involvement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Robert L. Mendenhall
  • Patent number: 8849513
    Abstract: A modular control system (500, 510) is disclosed for providing for modular control functions within vehicles. One embodiment of the modular control system (500) includes a driver interface unit (502) for controlling one or more air control units (504) through wireless communications. The air control units (504) can control functions such as air spring pressure, air spring height and the like. Another embodiment of the modular control system (510) uses a driver interface unit (512) for controlling air control units (518) through wire applications (514, 516).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Air Lift Company
    Inventor: Joshua D. Coombs
  • Publication number: 20140288787
    Abstract: A clutch control device for a work vehicle includes a determination unit that determines as to whether or not a clutch cutoff condition has been established based upon whether or not the accelerator pedal is being operated, as determined by the accelerator pedal operation determination unit, the vehicle speed of the work vehicle detected by the vehicle speed detection unit and the braking force of the work vehicle detected by the braking force detection unit; and a clutch control unit that controls engagement/release of a clutch so as to release the clutch when the determination unit determines that the clutch cutoff condition has been established.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Tetsuji Tanaka, Isamu Aoki, Keigo Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20140288785
    Abstract: A method in which the driving behavior of a vehicle is influenced as a function of data on the surroundings in order to assist an avoidance maneuver, as soon as a risk of a collision is detected on the basis of the data from one or more environment sensors, in particular radar sensors and/or cameras, and the data from one or more vehicle sensors, in particular a steering angle sensor and/or yaw rate sensor and/or wheel speed sensors, and the vehicle has an electronically controlled brake system which permits a driver-independent buildup and modulation of the braking forces at the individual wheels of the vehicle, wherein when a risk of a collision is detected, in a first phase a turning-in operation by the driver is assisted and/or in a second phase a steering operation by the driver is damped. Furthermore, an electronic control unit for a brake system is defined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO. OHG
    Inventors: Kai Bretzigheimer, Daniel Förster, Ning Bian, Andreas Hartmann, Thorsten Staab