Responsive To Road, External, Or Ambient Condition Patents (Class 701/65)
  • Patent number: 8855878
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an accumulator in a transmission of a motor vehicle includes the steps of determining whether the motor vehicle has been turned off, sensing at least one operating condition of the motor vehicle, and comparing the at least one operating condition to a reference condition. If the at least one operating condition of the motor vehicle fulfills the reference condition and if the motor vehicle has been turned off then the accumulator is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC.
    Inventors: Paul G. Otanez, Zhen J. Zhang
  • Patent number: 8843288
    Abstract: A system and method of operating a vehicle at a driver selected target speed. The system and method configured to identify a target speed based on a position of a gear shift selector and control engine torque and brake pressure to control the vehicle to operate at the target speed. The system and method is further provides manipulating the engine torque and brake pressure of the vehicle in response to a driver's throttle and brake commands to operate at a speed desired by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Zachary C Rogalski, Ivan Roman, Loren M Trotter, Jason Trombley
  • Publication number: 20140277835
    Abstract: Energy consumption of a vehicle is optimized while traveling a route assembled of road segments between a first position and a destination. A speed profile generator is located at least partially off of the vehicle and uses an energy consumption model of the vehicle together with road grade data corresponding to the route to calculate an optimal speed profile. The speed profile specifies target speeds for respective locations on the route for traversing the route with an optimized energy consumption. The speed profile generator compares energy consumption for a plurality of feasible speed profile trajectories between a maximum trajectory and a minimum trajectory in order to identify the optimal speed profile. A speed updater is responsive to a current position of the vehicle and the optimal speed profile to initiate the target speed for the current position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dimitar P. Filev, John O. Michelini, Steven J. Szwabowski, Perry R. McNeille, Stefano Di Cairano
  • Patent number: 8838352
    Abstract: A method and a vehicle transmission for selecting a starting gear in a vehicle are provided, the method including steps of measuring a starting gear selection parameter, and selecting a starting gear for the next coming vehicle take-off in dependence of the measured starting gear selection parameter, wherein the starting gear selection parameter is the number of vehicle take offs per time unit. Additionally the parameter can be acceleration in movement of an accelerator pedal being depressed by a driver, accelerator pedal position and clutch wear. Benefits are increased clutch endurance for a vehicle that during at least a period has to perform frequent take-offs and at the same time enhancing take-off comfort for a vehicle that during at least a period goes long-distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Johan Bjernetun
  • Patent number: 8831847
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drivetrain having an automatic clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Winkelmann, Boris Serebrennikov
  • Patent number: 8798883
    Abstract: An automatic transmission apparatus includes a transmission mechanism, an actuator arranged to rotate a shift drum, and a control device. The control device includes a determining unit arranged to detect a state of a straddle-type vehicle and to determine whether the straddle-type vehicle is in a first state in which an engaging force between the transmission gears is estimated to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value or in a second state in which the engaging force is estimated to be less than the predetermined value; a first gear shifting control unit arranged and programmed to control the actuator so that, if in the first state, the rotational speed of the shift drum becomes a first rotational speed; and a second gear shifting control unit arranged and programmed to control the actuator so that, if in the second state, the rotational speed of the shift drum becomes a second rotational speed that is lower than the first rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinobu Oohata
  • Publication number: 20140214295
    Abstract: A manner of managing operation of a machine is described for preventing damage/wear to movable machine components arising from operation of the machine/parts at excessive speed while the machine is traveling down a steep incline. The managing of the machine operation includes determining a downhill slope value in a machine direction of travel and then establishing a maximum commanded transmission output speed in accordance with the determined downhill slope value. Thereafter a maximum commanded gear ratio is established, for a transmission having a variable gear ratio, based upon the maximum commanded transmission output speed and a current engine speed. A controller compares the maximum commanded variable gear ratio to an operator requested gear ratio, and a target gear ratio is established for the variable gear ratio of the transmission based upon a minimum of the compared commanded variable gear ratio and the operator requested gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Elliott
  • Patent number: 8784267
    Abstract: A method of controlling a rolling or a coasting function of a vehicle, such as a commercial vehicle, having a drive train including a drive motor, an automatic or automated transmission that is controllable by transmission controls, a controllable shifting mechanism for interrupting the flow of power in the drive train, and a driving speed control device. The flow of power in the drive train is interrupted in a suitable driving situation. In order for the rolling or the coasting function to be exploited as efficiently as possible, and still be terminated safely and comfortably, the flow of power in the drive train is restored depending on a selectable difference in speed (?v_F_T) between the current vehicle speed (v_F) and a speed limit (v_T) set by the driving speed control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Joachim Staudinger, Maik Wurthner
  • Patent number: 8781698
    Abstract: A method for controlling shifts in an automated multi-step variable-speed transmission, in a drive-train of a motor vehicle, between a drive engine in the form of an internal combustion engine and an axle drive. During driving, besides current vehicle, road and driver-specific operating parameters, topographical data relating to a road section ahead of the motor vehicle, in particular the road section height profile, are determined, and from this information, the driving resistance profile (FFW(xF)) of the motor vehicle for the road section ahead is determined. In the automatic mode of the multi-step variable-speed transmission, control commands for traction upshifts and/or traction downshifts are derived, during the traction operation, as a function of the driving resistance profile (FFW(xF)) and are implemented in the transmission. A limiting gear progression (GGr(xF)) is determined, which consists of the sequence of gears, and is evaluated for the derivation of control commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Alexander Maier, Maik Wuerthner, Joachim Staudinger, Johannes Kemler
  • Patent number: 8781695
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to control the pickup on an uphill slope of an automotive vehicle provided with an automatic or robotized gearbox provide the definition of a control strategy of the gear box operation, also according to the gradient of the uphill slope, which is preferably calculated based on a longitudinal acceleration value of the automotive vehicle, and based on the altitude at which the automotive vehicle can be found, which is preferably calculated based on a detected atmospheric pressure value. In this way, it is also possible to consider the reduction in the engine torque due to the reduction in the air density with altitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Bianco, Claudio Cervone, Giuseppe Gatti, Giuseppe Lorusso, Euplio Pagliarulo, Francesco Cimmino
  • Patent number: 8771140
    Abstract: An electronic traction optimization system includes a control unit adapted to produce a corner speed estimate signal for each wheel of a machine, produce an ideal target speed signal for each wheel having a value at least partially responsive to the corner speed estimate signals, produces a practical target speed signal for each wheel, generates an actual target speed signal having a value responsive to a comparison of the ideal target speed signal and the practical target speed signal for each wheel. The control unit compares each actual target speed signal to an associated wheel speed signal to obtain a wheel speed error signal for each wheel and converts each wheel speed error signal to a clutch control signal, wherein each differential clutch actuator is responsive to an associated clutch control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gerry O. McCann, Yun Liu, Keith F. Harvey
  • Patent number: 8768587
    Abstract: A method of operating a machine at a worksite includes determining data associated with at least one of a machine operation at the worksite and a worksite condition, and determining, based on the data, that one of machine propulsion and machine retarding will be required for greater than a corresponding threshold. The method also includes determining, in response to determining that machine propulsion will be required, a desired propulsion gear, and recommending the propulsion gear to an operator of the machine. The method further includes determining, in response to determining that machine retarding will be required, a desired retarding gear, and recommending the retarding gear to the operator. In such a method, the retarding gear is determined based on a maximum temperature associated with the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan J. Wulf, Christopher M. Sprock, Mahmoud M. Tobaa, Mallikharjuna Rao Boddu
  • Publication number: 20140172256
    Abstract: A method is described for controlling an automatic transmission of a vehicle during deceleration arising from a force resisting forward movement arising from an incline grade and a vehicle mass. The force of resistance to forward movement is determined at least based upon the incline grade. A destination gear is calculated based upon a set of gear-specific output curves and the force of resistance. The destination gear is compared to a current gear within which the machine is operating. The programmed controller executes an early downshift schedule when the destination gear is at least two positions lower than the current gear, thereby initiating a series of downshifts of the automatic transmission from the current gear to the destination gear. During each gear shift performed according to the early downshift schedule, shifting occurs at a cross-over point between output curves of current and next lower gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: James W. Landes, Jacob Kunowski
  • Patent number: 8755959
    Abstract: The drive mode of a hybrid drive is controlled by: detecting a drive mode change signal characterizing a planned drive mode change, and determining a torque shortfall, which would occur due to the drive mode change. Furthermore, the method provides for comparing the torque shortfall with a threshold value, and blocking a drive mode change, if the comparison step reveals that the torque shortfall is above the threshold value. Otherwise, the method provides for: automatically performing a drive mode change according to the drive mode change signal, if the comparison step reveals that the torque shortfall is not above the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jochen Fassnacht
  • Patent number: 8751119
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of changing a target shift stage when a current shift change mode is set to an automatic shift change mode and when a driver has intention to change a shift stage, changing a shift range to an N range when he/she has intention for neutral, maintaining the automatic shift change mode when it is determined that he/she does not have intention for neutral but he/she has intention to switch the shift change mode and when such determination is made for the first time after return from the N range, and switching the shift change mode to a manual shift change mode when such determination is not made for the first time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yosuke Takashiro
  • Patent number: 8744680
    Abstract: A method for determining a vehicle body movement of a vehicle body of a vehicle (1) using a camera (3) arranged on the vehicle (1). Camera images of vehicle surroundings are thereby continuously recorded using the camera (3) and image position data of at least one static object (8) are determined by a processor in camera images recorded at different times. Using the time-based sequence of the determined image position data the vehicle body movement is determined by the processor. Further, a method for determining a spring compression movement of at least one wheel (7), mounted in a sprung fashion, of a vehicle (1) which comprises a camera (3) arranged on the vehicle (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Karl-Josef Rieger, Thomas Schirle
  • Patent number: 8731788
    Abstract: A velocity profile can be used in conjunction with vehicle operating condition data to determine a gear shift schedule that mitigates the amount of service brake effort required to slow a vehicle by making optimal use of engine speed, friction and engine brakes. The gear shift point drives the engine to a higher operating speed and greater frictional torque, slowing the vehicle, which can then coast to a desired speed. The gear shift point can be timed to minimize fuel consumption during the maneuver. Thus, a vehicle downshift event is created based on the transmission gear recommendation. The benefit is increased freight efficiency in transporting cargo from source to destination by minimizing fuel consumption and maintaining drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Phani Vajapeyazula, Kenneth Follen, An Wu, Barty L. Moffett, Howard R. Frost
  • Publication number: 20140136062
    Abstract: A four-wheel-drive vehicle includes a first driving force transmission system and a second driving force transmission system. A control device controls the second driving force transmission system. The control device includes a road surface state determination section that determines whether a coefficient of friction of a road surface is equal to or higher than a predetermined value based on an index value regarding the coefficient of friction of the road surface, controls a dog clutch such that the dog clutch is engaged irrespective of the index value regarding the coefficient of friction of the road surface when an ignition switch is brought into the on-state, and controls the dog clutch such that the dog clutch is brought into the disengaged state when it is determined that the coefficient of friction of the road surface is equal to or higher than the predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Masaki MITA
  • Patent number: 8725370
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus including: a bad-road control-mode switch configured to be manipulated by a driver; and a bad-road control section configured to perform a bad-road control when a bad-road control mode is selected by the bad-road control-mode switch, the bad-road control section including a shift changeover function configured to automatically change a shift state of vehicle between a forward running and a reverse running, and a driving-force applying section configured to reduce a driving force acting on a road-wheel when the shift state of vehicle is changed by the shift changeover function, and configured to apply a predetermined driving force to the road-wheel when a predetermined time has elapsed after the change of shift state, as the bad-road control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Ohtsu
  • Publication number: 20140114542
    Abstract: A method for running a vehicle (100) that includes a combustion engine (101) which can selectively be connected to a driveshaft (104, 105). When the vehicle (100) is in motion and is approaching a downgrade, determining whether the engine (101) can be disconnected from the driveshaft (104, 105) for at least a first period of time (T1), and disconnecting the driveshaft (104, 105) for at least the first period of time (T1); and the engine (101) also is switched off for the first period (T1). A system that performs the method and a vehicle that performs it are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Mustafa Abdul-Rasool, Oskar Johansson, Mikael Ögren
  • Patent number: 8694225
    Abstract: A method and system relates to improving powertrain responsiveness in a vehicle while maintaining fuel economy by inhibiting entry into, or exiting, energy-saving modes when oncoming traffic is detected. In one example, the energy-saving mode is inhibited in response to an indication of an oncoming vehicle of concern. In a second example, the energy-saving mode is selectively maintained in response to an indication of an absence of oncoming traffic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Douglas Malone, William Najib Mansur, Tuan Anh Be
  • Publication number: 20140095036
    Abstract: A machine powertrain having a transmission includes a control device responsive to selectively vary the transmission ratio in response to a shift signal. A lift sensor associated with a machine implement monitors an implement position and provides a lift signal. A ground speed sensor monitors the ground speed and provides a ground speed signal. A controller monitors the lift and ground speed signals, compares the lift signal to a predetermined position range, compares the ground speed signal to a predetermined ground speed range and, when the ground speed signal is within the predetermined ground speed range and the lift signal is within the predetermined position range, provides the shift signal causing the selectively variable ratio of the transmission to change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Hoff, Sri Vidya Kamisetty, Chad Brickner, Aaron Shatters, Wayne Harshberger, Mark Rettig, Kevin Moloney
  • Patent number: 8676483
    Abstract: Guidance control device, methods and programs control an in-vehicle apparatus of a vehicle. The devices, methods, and programs access vehicle state information that specifies a state of the vehicle and determine whether a vehicle state condition is established based on the accessed vehicle state information. The devices, methods, and programs access driving environment information that specifies a driving environment of the vehicle and determine whether a driving environment condition is established based on the accessed driving environment information. The devices, methods, and programs generate guidance based on whether the vehicle state condition is established and whether the driving environment condition is established and cause the generated guidance to be output on a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naoki Miura
  • Publication number: 20140074363
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus including: a bad-road control-mode switch configured to be manipulated by a driver; and a bad-road control section configured to perform a bad-road control when a bad-road control mode is selected by the bad-road control-mode switch, the bad-road control section including a shift changeover function configured to automatically change a shift state of vehicle between a forward running and a reverse running, and a driving-force applying section configured to reduce a driving force acting on a road-wheel when the shift state of vehicle is changed by the shift changeover function, and configured to apply a predetermined driving force to the road-wheel when a predetermined time has elapsed after the change of shift state, as the bad-road control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki OHTSU
  • Patent number: 8670907
    Abstract: A first acceleration gear ratio is acquired for accelerating a host vehicle in a first acceleration zone following a first zone ahead of the host vehicle, and a second acceleration gear ratio is acquired for accelerating the host vehicle in a second acceleration zone following a second zone ahead of the first zone. A control is executed to set the gear ratio of the host vehicle to the first acceleration gear ratio in a first deceleration zone in order to decelerate the host vehicle before entering the first zone. A control is executed to set the gear ratio of the host vehicle to the second acceleration gear ratio when the host vehicle must decelerate with respect to the second zone while traveling in the first acceleration gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshito Kondou, Takayuki Miyajima, Atsushi Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8666623
    Abstract: A method for controlling and/or regulating an automatic transmission of a vehicle, depending on the driving route slope in which a winding mountain pass road detection is carried out, depending upon a topography of the driving route, in such a way that a time for either setting or resetting winding mountain pass road detection is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Werner Wolfgang, Matthias Winkel, Bertram Wengert
  • Patent number: 8655532
    Abstract: A method of modifying the charging target for the state-of-charge (SOC) of a hybrid vehicle battery in response to a sudden power draw includes determining that the hybrid vehicle has entered a steep grade environment, adjusting a power management scheme of the hybrid vehicle from a standard charging mode to an aggressive charging mode, and operating the hybrid vehicle operated using the adjusted power management scheme. The charging target may include both an immediate charging target and an ultimate charging target, where the immediate charging target is less than the ultimate charging target, and where adjusting a power management scheme from a standard charging mode to an aggressive charging mode includes increasing the immediate charging target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Birendra P. Bhattarai, Kevin A. Dietrich, David W. Wright, Kee Yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20140046561
    Abstract: An automatic transmission apparatus includes a transmission mechanism, an actuator arranged to rotate a shift drum, and a control device. The control device includes a determining unit arranged to detect a state of a straddle-type vehicle and to determine whether the straddle-type vehicle is in a first state in which an engaging force between the transmission gears is estimated to be equal to or greater than a predetermined value or in a second state in which the engaging force is estimated to be less than the predetermined value; a first gear shifting control unit arranged and programmed to control the actuator so that, if in the first state, the rotational speed of the shift drum becomes a first rotational speed; and a second gear shifting control unit arranged and programmed to control the actuator so that, if in the second state, the rotational speed of the shift drum becomes a second rotational speed that is lower than the first rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shinobu OOHATA
  • Patent number: 8645067
    Abstract: A road data apparatus is disclosed that predicts road conditions comprising a land surface data generator which derives a land surface data output from a plurality of current and forecast weather and location data, said current and forecast weather and location data comprising surface temperature, subsurface temperature, and precipitation depth, a pavement data generator which derives a road temperature and a road condition from said land surface data output and a plurality of pavement generator input data, said plurality of pavement generator input data comprising road layer data; and a roadway status indicator generator which derives a roadway status indicator from said road temperature, road condition and precipitation data. In one embodiment, the roadway status indicator is communicated to an end user through a distribution network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Baron Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Gallagher, Robert J. Dreisewerd, John N. McHenry
  • Publication number: 20140032068
    Abstract: A method and a system for estimating a road gradient ? by using a sensor fusion: Detect whether at least one dynamic process is affecting the vehicle. Estimate gradient ? by means of the sensor fusion by joint weighting of at least two input signals to the sensor fusion. The at least two input signals include a signal based on an accelerometer and an input signal based on at least one force equation. At least one of the input signals and/or at least one weighting parameter for the sensor fusion are determined on the basis of detecting whether the at least one dynamic process is affecting the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Mattias Nilsson, Erik Öhlund
  • Patent number: 8639426
    Abstract: A GPS/IMU safety sensor platform is proposed, consisting of data fusion Processors, GNSS Signal Acquisition and Tracking Processors, MEMS IMU sensors, one or multiple accelerometers able to provide orientation information, optional V2V communication modules, and optional V2I communication modules. The data fusion processors provide interface ports to GNSS/IMU processors, odometers, video (Visual/Infrared) cameras installed in the vehicle, V2V relative positioning sensors (laser, radar or any other distance measuring), and V2V and V2I communication modules. The data fusion processors are interfaced to a driver warning system and optionally to the vehicle controls for providing safety warning messages to drivers, or for automatic control the vehicle for preventing and reducing accidents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: George C Dedes, Kyriakos C Mouskos
  • Patent number: 8620498
    Abstract: A method of regulating operation of a hybrid vehicle traveling on a surface having a grade includes determining a drive force of the hybrid vehicle, calculating a brake pressure value and determining whether a grade freeze condition exists based on the brake pressure value. The method further includes calculating a grade value of the surface based on the drive force when the freeze condition does not exist and regulating operation of the hybrid vehicle based on the grade value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Mark A. Zerbini, Goro Tamai
  • Patent number: 8618955
    Abstract: A system and method of parking assist includes a detection device located in a rear portion of a vehicle. The detection device acquires data representative of a viewable area behind the vehicle. The detection device is in communication with a park assist controller. A first viewable area that includes an area where a tow device is located when attached to the rear portion of the vehicle is monitored, where the first viewable area is associated with a first field of view (FOV). If the tow device is detected within the first viewable area, the park assist controller switches between the first FOV to a second field of view (FOV) associated with a second viewable area, where the second viewable area does not include the area where the tow device is located. Feedback is provided to a display indicating if an obstacle is located within the second FOV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Stephen M. Baker
  • Patent number: 8617029
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus for continuously variable transmission includes: a pseudo accelerator opening degree generating section configured to generate a pseudo accelerator opening degree larger than the actual accelerator opening degree when the actual accelerator opening degree is decreased when the judging section judges that the vehicle runs the uphill; the target transmission gear ratio setting section being configured to set the target transmission gear ratio by the pseudo accelerator opening degree when the pseudo accelerator opening degree is inputted, and the shift control section being configured to control the shift toward the target transmission gear ratio set based on the pseudo accelerator opening degree and the vehicle speed when the pseudo accelerator opening degree is generated, and to control the shift toward the target transmission gear ratio set based on the actual accelerator opening degree and the vehicle speed when the pseudo accelerator opening degree is not generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Tomoaki Kabe, Nobuhiko Morifuji, Keisuke Ichikawa, Nobuhide Kato, Yuki Ono, Hiromu Ogino, Yukinobu Sakakibara, Hisao Nakanishi, Takahiro Nakata, Mitsuki Ishizuka
  • Publication number: 20130345942
    Abstract: A transmission control device (6) for an automatic or automated transmission (2). A shifting strategy of the transmission control device (6) controls and/or regulates the operation of the transmission (2) based on driving condition data such as vehicle mass, driving resistance, vehicle inclination, vehicle velocity, vehicle acceleration, engine rotational speed and/or engine torque, and based on data about the driver's wishes. The transmission control device (6) continuously calculates the driving condition data of the vehicle mass, driving resistance and/or vehicle inclination based on topographic data of a current position of the motor vehicle, and/or the shifting strategy determines a gear change from an actual gear into a target gear based on topographic data of a defined distance ahead of a motor vehicle. The defined distance ahead of the motor vehicle depends on the currently velocity of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Joachim STAUDINGER, Ingo SAUTER, Maik WURTHNER, Johannes KEMLER
  • Publication number: 20130338892
    Abstract: A method for controlling a backing vehicle includes if a back-up sensor indicates that an obstacle is present behind the vehicle and a gear selector is moved to a reverse position, delaying reverse gear engagement and producing a warning signal, and producing a transmission tie-up if brakes are applied insufficiently to stop the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Steven G. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8600614
    Abstract: A system and method for providing driving support system to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a set of control modules, having at least one operational setting, configured for electronically controlling the vehicle components. The system includes an integrated drive mode selection module having a set of drive modes for modifying the settings for each control module. A sensing system detects at least one condition associated with the driver, vehicle or surroundings. A controller determines an appropriate drive mode for the vehicle based on the condition and the output of a safety module that ensures that the drive mode is safe while driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dimitar Petrov Filev, Greg Stevens, Jianbo Lu, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Ilya Kolmanovsky, Steven J. Szwabowski, Stefano Di Cairano
  • Patent number: 8589045
    Abstract: A system for determining a safe maximum speed of an vehicle has a processor and a global positioning system receiver in communication with the processor. The processor is configured to determine a grade and distance to an end of an upcoming or a current road segment the vehicle is traveling on based on the global positioning system information received from the global positioning system receiver. The processor is further configured to determine the safe maximum speed of the vehicle based on the distance to the end and pitch of the grade of the upcoming or current road segment the vehicle is traveling on and the braking efficiency of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Shafer Seymour, David Pivonka
  • Patent number: 8577569
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes a bad-road control-mode switch configured to be manipulated by a driver, and a bad-road control section configured to perform a bad-road control when a bad-road control mode is selected by the bad-road control-mode switch. The bad-road control section includes a braking-force applying section configured to apply a braking force to a drive-wheel, and a driving-force applying section configured to apply a driving force to the drive-wheel which is receiving the braking force from the braking-force applying section, as the bad-road control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Ohtsu
  • Patent number: 8571748
    Abstract: A method is provided for estimating a propulsion-related operating parameter of a vehicle for a road segment, and for determining routes based on the estimate. The method may be employed, for example, in a vehicle navigation system. In one example method, at least one operating parameter of the vehicle is estimated for the road segment based on information corresponding to the road segment. The propulsion-related operating parameter is estimated for the road segment using the at least one estimated operating parameter and at least one vehicle specific parameter. The at least one vehicle specific parameter is determined by acquiring driving data to determine a plurality of vehicle operating parameters while the vehicle is in operation. At least two of the determined vehicle operating parameters are used in a predetermined relationship that includes the at least one vehicle specific parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Harman Becker Automotive Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Kluge, Alexey Pryakhin, Peter Kunath
  • Patent number: 8554423
    Abstract: An automatic transmission device for a wheel loader includes: a shift mechanism; a work detection device that detects that the wheel loader is performing an excavation work; and a shift control device that executes control so as to downshift a speed stage at the shift mechanism if the work detection device detects that the wheel loader is performing the excavation work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuji Tanaka, Masami Higaki, Hirofumi Ouchi, Eiichi Sakai
  • Patent number: 8554431
    Abstract: A method for adapting gear selection in a vehicle, the vehicle including an engine with an engine output shaft connected to an automated mechanical transmission via a clutch, a transmission output shaft connected to at least one driven wheel of the vehicle, an arrangement for registering whether a towed vehicle is connected to said vehicle, and at least one control unit for receiving input signals including signals indicative of the towed vehicle connection, and for processing the signals in accordance with programmed logic rules to issue gear selection command output signals to the transmission for gear shifting, where the control unit, when sensing that a towed vehicle has been connected to the vehicle, changes an originally selected first gear to a lower second gear having a higher starting gear ratio compared to the first gear. The towed vehicle connection registering arrangement registers at least bounce from when the vehicle bounces into the towed vehicle for connecting the towed vehicle to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Anders Lindgren
  • Patent number: 8554399
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating a motor vehicle drive train having an internal combustion engine, an electric motor and an electrical energy storage. An actual charge state of the electrical energy storage is detected and compared with an established setpoint charge state to determine one of several operating modes for the drive train. The setpoint charge state is determined as a function of an instantaneous driving state of the motor vehicle so that conclusions can be drawn about imminent deceleration, imminent acceleration or imminent cruise control, instantaneous transmission data and/or instantaneous hybrid drive data. Range boundaries and/or range extents of operating modes are shifted as a function of the setpoint charge state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marco Fleckner, Sebastian Ruger
  • Patent number: 8548670
    Abstract: A shift lever position determining unit determines whether a shift lever position of a vehicle satisfies predetermined conditions. If the shift lever position is determined to satisfy the predetermined conditions, a travel distance adding-up unit adds up an optimum shift lever position travel distance. If the shift lever position is determined not to satisfy the predetermined conditions, the travel distance adding-up unit adds up an inappropriate shift lever position travel distance. A fuel-saving driving rating unit rates driving by a driver based on each added-up value added up by the travel distance adding-up unit. A fuel-saving driving advice generating unit notifies the driver of fuel-saving driving advice together with a rating result in accordance with the rating result. Therefore, it is possible to encourage the driver to select an optimum shift lever position with high fuel efficiency and thereby to improve the driver's knowledge and awareness of the fuel-saving driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Fujitsu Ten Limited, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Harumoto, Kouei Kiyo, Shojiro Takeuchi, Naoki Miura, Masaki Nakamura, Hiroaki Sugiura, Yoshio Yamatani, Junichi Nonomura
  • Patent number: 8548769
    Abstract: Provided are a device and a method for detecting a stopped state of a vehicle which are capable of precisely detecting the stopped state of the vehicle in order to automate an operation which is externally provided to the stopped vehicle such as an alignment adjusting operation; and an alignment adjusting device to which the device and the method for detecting a stopped state of a vehicle are applied. An arithmetic unit detects, with respect to the left-front tire, for example, an evaluation point of the left-front tire on the basis of the gravity point of a triangle comprising, as vertexes, a point A, a point B, and a point C which are detected by a group of distance sensors; detects an evaluation point of the left-front fender on the basis of a point detected by the group of distance sensors; and detects the stopped state of the vehicle on the basis of the respective evaluation points of the respective tires and the respective evaluation points of the respective fenders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 8548712
    Abstract: An acceleration-based method and device for the safety monitoring of a drive is provided. In the method a setpoint torque is calculated in a safety function as a function of the position of the accelerator pedal. An expected vehicle acceleration is determined, as a function of the setpoint torque, in the safety function. An actual vehicle acceleration is determined, preferably by an acceleration sensor. A fault situation may be detected by comparing the actual vehicle acceleration and the expected vehicle acceleration. A device, preferably included in the vehicle electronics, is configured to implement the acceleration-based method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Florian Oesterreicher, Juergen Binder
  • Patent number: 8532893
    Abstract: In an automatic transmission with a speed changer having a plurality of engagement elements and configured to shift the speed changer into a selected one of a plurality of shift stages by switching engaged and disengaged states of the engagement elements, a first rotation sensor is provided for detecting input rotation of the speed changer and a second rotation sensor for detecting output rotation of the speed changer. Also provided is a transmission controller configured to determine whether a change in input torque inputted into the speed changer occurs. The transmission controller is further configured to determine that interlock has occurred in the speed changer, when there is no pulse signal output from the second rotation sensor though, during a vehicle stopped state, the input-torque change has occurred and the pulse signal from the first rotation sensor has been outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Yutaka Tohyama, Hideharu Yamamoto, Masahiro Hamano, Hiroyasu Tanaka, Youhei Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20130211681
    Abstract: A method for controlling shifts in an automated multi-step variable-speed transmission, in a drive-train of a motor vehicle, between a drive engine in the form of an internal combustion engine and an axle drive. During driving, besides current vehicle, road and driver-specific operating parameters, topographical data relating to a road section ahead of the motor vehicle, in particular the road section height profile, are determined, and from this information, the driving resistance profile (FFW(xF)) of the motor vehicle for the road section ahead is determined. In the automatic mode of the multi-step variable-speed transmission, control commands for traction upshifts and/or traction downshifts are derived, during the traction operation, as a function of the driving resistance profile (FFW(xF)) and are implemented in the transmission. A limiting gear progression (GGr(xF)) is determined, which consists of the sequence of gears, and is evaluated for the derivation of control commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Alexander Maier, Maik Wuerthner, Joachim Staudinger, Johannes Kemler
  • Patent number: 8494735
    Abstract: A method of operating the torque converter lock-up clutch in a power transmission of a working machine comprising at least one hydraulically actuated lifting device. The torque converter lock-up clutch is actuated for disengagement when a predefined limit value for the position of the lifting hydraulic mechanism of the at least one lifting device is exceeded. When the position of the lifting hydraulic mechanism falls below a predefined limit value and when the turbine rotational speed exceeds a predefined threshold value, the torque converter lock-up clutch is reengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Hans Hofler, Thomas Kurz
  • Patent number: 8494730
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus includes a clutch that operates based on pressure of a fed fluid to adjust a mode of power transmission of an engine or/and a motor/generator on a power transmission route, a first driving pump that feeds the fluid to the clutch by being driven in accordance with rotation of the motor/generator, and a second driving pump that feeds the fluid to the clutch by being driven in accordance with electric power, wherein a first engagement unit and a second engagement unit can be caused to engage rapidly or slowly by selecting one of the first driving pump and the second driving pump as a source of the fluid, and when a drive request of the clutch is present and a rotation speed of the motor/generator is lower than a predetermined rotation speed, the first engagement unit and the second engagement unit are caused to engage rapidly by feeding the fluid from the second driving pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masato Yoshikawa