| Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20160137231 | Vehicles Having A Cross-Vehicle Stabilizing Structure - Vehicle structures for dissipating energy associated with a collision are described herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a first side support extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a second side support extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the first side support in a vehicle lateral direction that is transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a cross-vehicle stabilizing structure extending between the first side support and the second side support, the cross-vehicle stabilizing structure including a first joint portion coupled to the first side support, the first joint portion including a stiffness-reducing portion positioned within a perimeter of the first joint portion, a second joint portion coupled to the second side support, and a cross-vehicle stabilizer portion coupled to the first joint portion and the second joint portion. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160134002 | WATER ENHANCED IONIC LIQUID ELECTROLYTES FOR METAL-AIR BATTERIES - A metal-air battery comprising an emulsified or dispersed aqueous/ionic liquid two phase electrolyte system is provided. The two phase electrolyte system contains an aqueous phase and an ionic liquid phase wherein an amount of water exceeds the aqueous solubility of the ionic liquid. In one embodiment the metal-air battery is a lithium-air battery. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160129872 | SIDE PILLAR ASSEMBLIES WITH MULTI-SURFACE RETENTION STRUCTURES FOR SIDE AIRBAGS - A vehicle includes a pillar garnish mounted at a side pillar assembly of the vehicle. The pillar garnish has an upper end portion, a roof head lining with an outer portion that extends along the upper end portion of the pillar garnish, and an airbag jump bracket fixedly located between a pillar body and the roof head lining. The airbag jump bracket includes a first portion extending in a vehicle height direction and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion in a vehicle width direction. The second portion supports an airbag body that guides the airbag body toward an occupant compartment of the vehicle during an airbag deployment event. The airbag jump bracket further includes an outwardly turned flange portion that extends outwardly in the vehicle width direction to underhang the second portion of the airbag jump bracket. The outwardly turned flange portion has an underside and terminates at an end located beneath the second portion of the airbag jump bracket. The pillar garnish includes an airbag jump bracket engaging feature including a tower engaging portion and a ledge engaging portion. The ledge engaging portion includes a ledge engaging surface that engages the outwardly turned flange portion during an airbag deployment event in the vehicle height direction and the tower engaging portion includes a tower engaging surface that engages the outwardly turned flange portion during an airbag deployment event in a vehicle width direction. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160126605 | BIPHASE ELECTROLYTE FOR A METAL-AIR BATTERY - A metal-air battery comprising a two phase electrolyte system is provided. The two phase electrolyte system contains an aqueous phase and an ionic liquid phase wherein an amount of water exceeds the aqueous solubility of the ionic liquid. In one embodiment the metal-air battery is a lithium-air battery. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160121831 | Frontal Impact Energy Absorption Members - A vehicle includes a bumper beam and a bumper fascia that covers the bumper beam. An energy absorption member includes a first laterally positioned leg including a mounting flange connected to the bumper beam and a second laterally positioned leg including a mounting flange connected to the bumper beam. The first and second laterally positioned legs are located at opposite sides of a forward facing surface and are spaced-apart from each other. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160117690 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING BROADCAST DATA ANALYSIS - Systems and methods for providing broadcast data analysis. One embodiment of a method includes receiving broadcast related data for a discrete content segment from a plurality of vehicles at a plurality of different geographic locations, where the plurality of vehicles receives the discrete content segment at the respective geographic locations. Similarly, the method may include determining whether any of the broadcast related data may be filtered due to overlap of the plurality of different geographic locations, calculating a statistic based on the broadcast related data from the plurality of vehicles and providing information related to the content, based on a comparison of the discrete content segment and other discrete content segments. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160111720 | METASTABLE VANADIUM OXIDE CATHODE MATERIALS FOR RECHARGEABLE MAGNESIUM BATTERY - A magnesium electrochemical cell having a positive electrode containing as an active ingredient, a material of formula [V | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160111715 | ELECTRODE MATERIAL WITH CORE-SHELL STRUCTURE - The present invention discloses a composite material having an ionic and electronic conductive outer shell with an active material inner core located within the outer shell. The outer shell can be impervious to a gas and a liquid, and in some instances contains a compound such as SiO | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160108732 | SWITCH GAIN SCHEDULED EXPLICIT MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL OF DIESEL ENGINES - A method for controlling an internal combustion engine using a controller that controls an air flow path by adjusting at least one of a variable geometry turbine (VGT) and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow rate during engine operation. The method determines inputs, such as engine speed and fuel rate from the sensor data, and employs a switch based gain-scheduled explicit model predictive controller (MPC) responsive to the inputs to determine the air flow path. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160108204 | Transient Liquid Phase Compositions Having Multi-Layer Particles - Transient liquid phase compositions and bonding assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a transient liquid phase composition includes a plurality of particles. Each particle includes a core, an inner shell surrounding the core, the inner shell, and an outer shell surrounding the inner shell. The core is made of a first high melting temperature material, the inner shell is made of a second high melting temperature material, and the outer shell is made of a low melting temperature material. The melting temperature of the low melting temperature material is less than the melting temperature of both the first and second high melting temperature materials. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160101815 | Vehicle Structures and Methods Of Assembling The Same - Vehicle structures and methods of assembling the same are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of assembling a unibody structure of a vehicle includes assembling a door surround ring comprising a forward pillar portion, a roof rail portion, a rearward pillar portion, and a rocker portion. The method also includes, subsequent to assembling the door surround ring, installing the door surround ring into a vehicle side outer panel, coupling the door surround ring to the vehicle side outer panel. The method further includes, subsequent to installing the door surround ring into the vehicle side outer panel, coupling the door surround ring and the vehicle side outer panel to a vehicle interior structural member. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160101814 | Vehicle Structures and Methods Of Assembling The Same - Vehicle structures and methods of assembling the same are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a unibody structure of a vehicle includes an inboard A-pillar member, an outboard A-pillar member positioned outboard of the inboard A-pillar member and coupled to the inboard A-pillar member, and a reinforcement member positioned between the inboard A-pillar member and the outboard A-pillar member. The reinforcement member is coupled to the outboard A-pillar member and has a plurality of reduced thickness regions that are positioned in a vehicle vertical direction along the reinforcement member. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160101649 | Vehicle Rims Including Deformable Features and Vehicles Incorporating The Same - Vehicle structures for dissipating and distributing energy associated with a collision are described herein. In one embodiment, a rim includes an inner flange and an outer flange that extend around a periphery of the rim, a rim wall that extends around the periphery of the rim and that extends between the inner flange and the outer flange in the vehicle lateral direction, a drop-well portion that is positioned between the rim wall and the outer flange in the vehicle lateral direction, where the rim wall comprises an increased thickness region that is positioned proximate to the drop-well portion, and where a maximum thickness of the increased thickness region is greater than a maximum thickness of the rim wall positioned outside of the increased thickness region, and at least one spoke extending radially inward from the drop-well portion. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160099651 | ISOLATED DC-DC POWER CONVERSION CIRCUIT - A power transfer system includes DC-DC power conversion circuitry that has a first switch and a second switch on either side of a transformer with a first capacitor and a second capacitor cross-connected across the transformer. A direction of power transfer is determined, and primary and secondary sides of the DC-DC power conversion circuitry are aligned based on the direction of power transfer. A quantity of power transfer through the DC-DC power conversion circuitry is determined based on power and voltage characteristics of electrical components. A duty cycle and a switching frequency for the first switch or second switch is determined based on the quantity of power to be transferred. The primary and secondary switches are controlled using switching. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160096496 | Bumpers Including A Reinforcement Bracket and Vehicles Incorporating The Same - Bumpers and vehicles that include bumpers are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a bumper includes a bumper beam assembly, where the bumper beam assembly extends in a vehicle lateral direction, the bumper beam assembly including a front side that is oriented to face forward in a vehicle longitudinal direction that is transverse to the vehicle lateral direction, and a reinforcement bracket coupled to the front side of the bumper beam assembly, the reinforcement bracket including an inboard edge coupled to the front side of the bumper beam assembly, an outboard edge coupled to the front side of the bumper beam assembly and positioned outboard of the inboard edge, and a central portion that extends between the inboard edge and the outboard edge in the vehicle longitudinal direction, where at least a portion of the central portion extends in a direction that is transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160090096 | Systems and Methods For Preheating Hybrid Vehicles - A method of preheating a hybrid vehicle including storing reserve coolant in an insulated reservoir fluidly coupled to a coolant circuit of an engine of the hybrid vehicle; powering a fluid pump fluidly coupled to the coolant circuit with a power source external to the hybrid vehicle; pumping line coolant through the coolant circuit with the fluid pump; powering a heater thermally coupled to the coolant circuit with the power source external to the hybrid vehicle; heating the line coolant with the heater as the line coolant is pumped through the coolant circuit to increase a temperature of the line coolant; and mixing the line coolant with the reserve coolant to accelerate preheating of at least the engine of the hybrid vehicle. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160087266 | ENCAPSULATED SULFUR SUB-MICRON PARTICLES AS ELECTRODE ACTIVE MATERIAL - A core-shell elemental sulfur sub-micron particle having a core of elemental sulfur and a shell of a membrane containing alternating layers of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes is provided. A functionalized conductive carbon material is optionally present in one or more of the core and an outer layer. A cathode containing the core-shell elemental sulfur sub-micron particle and a lithium-sulfur battery constructed with the cathode are also provided. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160083916 | AUTOMATED GUIDED VEHICLE POSITIVE STOPPING SYSTEM - A positive stopping system with an adjustable stopper apparatus positioned along an automated guided vehicle navigation pathway. The adjustable stopper apparatus includes a linear actuator moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. A stopper end is coupled to the linear actuator. The stopper end is positioned within the automated guided vehicle navigation pathway when the linear actuator is in the extended position and removed from the automated guided vehicle navigation pathway when the linear actuator is in the retracted position. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160068197 | Vehicles Having Internal Body Cavity Seals and Methods of Assembling The Same - Vehicles having internal body cavity seals and methods of assembling the same are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a vehicle structural member, an exterior vehicle body panel that is coupled to the vehicle structural member and is spaced apart from the vehicle structural member at an internal body cavity, and a compressible sealing member that is positioned in the internal body cavity such that the compressible sealing member is concealed from an exterior of the vehicle. The compressible sealing member is coupled to at least one of the vehicle structural member or the exterior vehicle body panel and is compressed from an uninstalled thickness such that the compressible sealing member contacts both the vehicle structural member and the exterior vehicle body panel. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160068103 | MANAGEMENT OF DRIVER AND VEHICLE MODES FOR SEMI-AUTONOMOUS DRIVING SYSTEMS - A least restrictive allowable driving state of a semi-autonomous driving system is determined based on one or more threats and sensor performance. A current driving state and a future driving state are determined based on an attention state and a steering state of a driver. Warnings are provided to the driver in order to match the current driving state to the future driving state. Driver interaction and attention are enforced when the driver does not respond to the warnings. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160061936 | DYNAMIC ALLOCATION OF RADAR BEAMS IN AUTOMOTIVE ENVIRONMENTS WITH PHASED ARRAY RADAR - A radar apparatus that focuses a subset of transmit beams within a field of view (FOV) is provided. The radar apparatus has a phased array transmitter that is operable to generate a transmit beam within the FOV, and a phased array receiver that is operable to receive a receive beam reflected from within the FOV. The apparatus also has a radar controller with an electronic circuit and electronic memory, the electronic memory having a plurality of pre-calculated beam density curves. The radar controller is operable to execute each of the plurality of pre-calculated beam density curves and steer at least one transmit beam generated from a particular executed beam density curve towards a sub-area of the FOV. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160059899 | Vehicles Having A Dash Panel Reinforcement Member - Vehicle structures for dissipating and distributing energy associated with a collision are described herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a side support extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a rocker support extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, where the rocker support is positioned outboard of the side support in a vehicle lateral direction, a torque box extending in the vehicle lateral direction, a dash panel coupled to the torque box, where the dash panel comprises an engine room barrier portion extending upward from the torque box and a floor attachment portion extending downward from the torque box, and a reinforcement member positioned between the side support and the rocker support, where the reinforcement member is spaced apart from the side support and the rocker support, and where the reinforcement member is coupled to the engine room barrier portion and the floor attachment portion of the dash panel. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160059788 | CARGO COVER ASSEMBLIES AND VEHICLES INCORPORATING THE SAME - A vehicle cargo assembly including a vehicle floor having a top surface and a storage compartment having an opening at the top surface of the vehicle floor and extending below the top surface of the vehicle floor. A vehicle seat includes a back portion pivotably coupled to a bench portion at a seat folding location. A cargo cover is coupled to the vehicle seat and is pivotable between a seat upright extended position and a seat upright retracted position. When the cargo cover is in the seat upright extended position, the cargo cover covers the opening of the storage compartment. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160056362 | METHOD OF PRODUCING THERMOELECTRIC MATERIAL - A thermoelectric material is provided. The material can be a grain boundary modified nanocomposite that has a plurality of bismuth antimony telluride matrix grains and a plurality of zinc oxide nanoparticles within the plurality of bismuth antimony telluride matrix grains. In addition, the material has zinc antimony modified grain boundaries between the plurality of bismuth antimony telluride matrix grains. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160052427 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHILD RESTRAINT MONITORING - Included are systems and methods for child restraint monitoring. Some embodiments include determining that a child restraint seat has been installed in a vehicle seat of a vehicle, determining whether the child restraint seat is being properly utilized, and detecting an issue with the utilization of the child restraint seat. Some embodiments include determining that a guardian is remote from the vehicle and, in response to detecting the issue with the utilization of the child restraint seat and determining that the guardian is remote from the vehicle, sending a communication to a third party, wherein the communication provides an option to contact the vehicle to regarding improper utilization of the child restraint seat. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160046170 | Systems and Methods for Providing Predictive Vehicle Dynamics - Systems and methods for providing predictive vehicle dynamics are described herein. Accordingly, embodiments of a method may include predicting a route of a vehicle, determining a route feature along the route, and determining a user-desired speed for traversing the route. Some embodiments may include determining an adjustment to a vehicle performance characteristic to be made in anticipation of the route feature at the user-desired speed and implementing the adjustment on a vehicle system of the vehicle. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160036107 | LITHIUM-AIR BATTERY WITH SODIUM SALT AS MEDIATOR - A lithium air battery is provided. The battery comprises: an anode compartment; a cathode compartment supplied with an O | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160031330 | MODULAR WIRELESS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - A wireless modular power transfer system includes electric power modules and RF converter circuitry within the electric power modules that meets voltage and power characteristics of the electric power modules. Sensor data is processed to determine a wireless power transfer path. An electric power module is established as a power source by aligning RF converter circuitry as a transmitter, and an electromagnetic field is established as a wireless power transfer area. An electric power module is established as an electric load by aligning RF converter circuitry as a receiver. Power transfer between the electric power modules is controlled through the wireless power transfer area. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160029476 | Circuit Boards With Thermal Control and Methods for Their Design - Circuit boards and computer-implemented methods for designing circuit boards are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of designing a circuit board having an insulator substrate includes determining, by a computer, a plurality of thermal conductor traces that is arranged to direct heat flux generated by a heat generating component away from a temperature sensitive component, and determining a plurality of electrical connection traces based on an input schematic. At least a portion of the plurality of electrical connection traces incorporate at least a portion of the plurality of thermal conductor traces to define a conductive trace pattern that electrically connects pins of two or more components located on the substrate. The conductive trace pattern includes the plurality of thermal conductor traces and the plurality of electrical connection traces. Disruption of the plurality of thermal conductor traces is avoided while determining the plurality of electrical connection traces. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160028134 | LITHIUM-AIR BATTERY WITH CATHODE SEPARATED FROM FREE LITHIUM ION - A lithium-air electrochemical cell is provided. The battery comprises: an anode compartment; a cathode compartment; and a lithium ion conductive membrane separating the anode compartment from the cathode compartment. The anode compartment comprises an anode having lithium or a lithium alloy as active metal and a lithium ion electrolyte, while the cathode compartment comprises an air electrode and an ionic liquid capable of supporting the reduction of oxygen. A lithium ion concentration in the cathode compartment is such that the lithium ion concentration is greatest at the lithium ion selective membrane and lowest at the cathode. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160025430 | Heat Transfer Management Apparatuses Having A Composite Lamina - Heat transfer management apparatuses are disclosed. In one embodiment, a heat transfer management apparatus includes a composite lamina having an insulator substrate and a plurality of thermal conductor traces coupled to the insulator substrate, where the plurality of thermal conductor traces are arranged into a first enhanced thermal conduction region and a second enhanced thermal conduction region. The heat transfer management apparatus also includes a heat generating component mount coupled to the composite lamina and a temperature sensitive component mount coupled to the composite lamina and positioned distally from the heat generating component mount. At least one of the plurality of thermal conductor traces is in electrical continuity with the heat generating component mount and the temperature sensitive component mount, and at least one of the plurality of thermal conductor traces is electrically isolated from at least one of the heat generating component mount or the temperature sensitive component mount. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20150375700 | SMALL OVERLAP FRONTAL IMPACT COUNTER-MEASURE - A support structure assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a side member extending in a generally longitudinal direction and having a forward end; a link member having a generally fixed shape and having outer and inner mounting portions with the inner portion being mounted to the side member via an inner hinged connection; and a bumper having a main bumper member and a bumper extension member forming an end portion of the bumper. The bumper extends generally transverse and lateral to the longitudinal direction of the side member, and the bumper extension member extends laterally across and beyond the forward end of the side member. The bumper extension member includes forward and rearward wall portions. The rearward wall portion is sandwiched between the main bumper member and the forward end of the side member. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150367778 | ROAD BRANCH DETECTION AND PATH SELECTION FOR LANE CENTERING - Lane feature data is processed to compute a feed-forward lane curvature of a left lane boundary and a right lane boundary. A look-ahead lane width and a near lane width are computed based on left and right lane boundaries. A lane width increase is computed to detect a lane split or lane merge based on differences between increasing lane widths. A side of the vehicle on which the lane split or merge occurred is identified or determined. The lane boundary on the side on which the lane split or merged occurred is ignored, and a single-sided lane centering calculation is performed based on the non-ignored lane boundary. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150367769 | GRAVITY BIASED LOAD CONSTRAINING DEVICES AND VEHICLES INCORPORATING THE SAME - Vehicles having gravity biased gate members utilized to laterally constrain a load are disclosed. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes one or more wheels that allow movement of the vehicle from one location to another location, a frame mounted to the one or more wheels, a load bearing deck supported by the frame, the load bearing deck having a support surface for supporting a load thereon, and a gravity biased gate member rotatably coupled at the load bearing deck at an axis of rotation. The gravity biased gate member includes a bottom portion below the axis of rotation that is heavier than a top portion above the axis of rotation such that a center of mass of the gravity biased gate member is offset from the axis of rotation, biasing the gravity biased gate member into an extended configuration. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150359133 | TWO-PHASE COOLING SYSTEMS, POWER ELECTRONICS MODULES, AND METHODS FOR EXTENDING MAXIMUM HEAT FLUX - Two-phase cooling systems, power electronics modules, and methods for extending a maximum heat flux point of a two-phase cooling device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of operating a two-phase cooling device having an inlet, a chamber fluidly coupled to the inlet, and a heat transfer surface configured to receive heat flux from a heat generating device includes detecting at least one two-phase process parameter of the two-phase cooling device, and controlling a temperature of a coolant fluid at the inlet such that it is e a first inlet temperature T | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150357860 | VEHICLES AND VEHICLE SYSTEMS FOR WIRELESSLY CHARGING PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Vehicles and vehicle systems for wirelessly charging portable electronic devices are disclosed. A vehicle includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules, a display, a wireless charger module, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules. When executed by the one or more processors, the machine readable instructions cause the vehicle to present a wireless charger module input control on the display, detect tactile input indicative of a selection of the wireless charger module input control, and control the wireless charger module, in response to detecting the tactile input, thereby wirelessly charging the portable electronic device. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150357102 | CORE SHELL SUPERPARAMAGNETIC IRON OXIDE NANOPARTICLES WITH FUNCTIONAL METAL SILICATE CORE SHELL INTERFACE AND A MAGNETIC CORE CONTAINING THE NANOPARTICLES - Core shell nanoparticles of an iron oxide core, a silicon dioxide shell and an iron silicate interface between the core and the shell are provided. The magnetic properties of the nanoparticles are tunable by control of the iron silicate interface thickness. A magnetic core of high magnetic moment obtained by compression sintering the thermally annealed superparamagnetic core shell nanoparticles is also provided. The magnetic core has little core loss due to hysteresis or eddy current flow. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150351279 | ANISOTROPIC THERMAL ENERGY GUIDING SHELLS AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING THERMAL ENERGY GUIDING SHELLS - Anisotropic thermal energy guiding shells and methods for fabricating thermal energy guiding shells are provided. An anisotropic thermal energy guiding shell includes an interior volume defined within the anisotropic thermal energy guiding shell, a plurality of thermally conductive fibers, and at least one component attachment region. The plurality of thermally conductive fibers are arranged to guide thermal energy received by the anisotropic thermal energy guiding shell non-uniformly relative to the at least one component attachment region according to a thermal energy management objective. A method for fabricating a thermal energy guiding shell includes forming a composite fabric of thermally conductive fibers, impregnating the composite fabric of thermally conductive fibers with a resin, curing the impregnated composite fabric of thermally conductive fibers, and forming the impregnated composite fabric of thermally conductive fibers into the thermal energy guiding shell. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150348869 | Two-Sided Jet Impingement Assemblies and Power Electronics Modules Comprising the Same - Power electronics modules having jet impingement assemblies utilized to cool heat generating devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a jet impingement assembly includes coupled manifold plates having a fluid inlet and outlet, a distribution surface, and a collection surface. The distribution surface of the first and second manifold plate is coupled to define a distribution manifold having a fluid distribution channel and one or more arrays of orifices extending through both manifold plates. Heat transfer plates are coupled to each manifold plate's collection surface forming impingement chambers. The heat transfer plates include one or more arrays of fins extending toward the collection surface of each manifold plate fluidly coupled to the fluid outlet. The first and second manifold plates and the first and second heat transfer plates are positioned in a horizontal stack such that the fluid inlets of both manifold plates are adjacent. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150346322 | AUTOMOTIVE RADAR SUB-SYSTEM PACKAGING FOR ROBUSTNESS - An integrated circuit for processing transmitted and received signals is positioned on a first printed circuit board. A second printed circuit board is provided which has a plurality of antenna elements and at least one transmission line. The first printed circuit board is bonded to a first side of a metal housing and the second printed circuit board is bonded to a second side of the metal housing, so that the integrated circuit is sealed from environmental exposure between the first printed circuit board and the metal housing. A waveguide chamber is provided and is located between the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board. A signal is allowed to propagate from the integrated circuit to the metal trace to the square metal section to the waveguide chamber to the at leas one transmission line to the plurality of antenna elements. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150344010 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CALCULATING TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL PARAMETERS - Systems and vehicles for calculating trailer brake control parameters are disclosed. A system for calculating a trailer brake control parameter includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules communicatively coupled to the one or more processors, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules. The one or more memory modules include the trailer brake control parameter. The machine readable instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to receive an image including a trailer, determine a trailer characteristic from the image using image analysis logic stored in the one or more memory modules, and calculate the trailer brake control parameter based on the trailer characteristic. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150338873 | VEHICLE FOOT PEDAL STROKE LIMITING TOOL - A vehicle pedal stroke limiting tool is configured for testing applications within a host vehicle which includes a conventional brake, clutch and/or throttle pedal assembly disposed between the operator's seating position and a vehicle cabin bulkhead, wherein the pedal assembly is manually displaced by operator foot action between a released position and an extended position. The pedal stroke limiting tool includes a base member which is temporarily mounted on the foot pad of the pedal assembly for travel therewith. A stop arm is affixed to the base member and is selectively adjustable to extend toward the cabin bulkhead for stopping travel of the pedal assembly before it reaches its extended position. Force and displacement sensors are mounted to the stroke limiting for obtaining test data. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150338576 | UNIT CELL BASED WAVEPATH GRID ARCHITECTURE APPLICABLE TO PHASED-ARRAY DEVICES AND ENABLING SYMMETRICAL OUTPUT POWER DISTRIBUTION AND SINGLE CHANNEL CONTROL - A waveguide pathway and a phased-array device utilizing the waveguide pathway are provided. The waveguide pathway comprises a two-dimensional array of homogeneous unit cells. Each unit cell includes a branch point leading to two waveguide branches. Each waveguide branch passes through a positive phase shift element and a negative phase shift element, in series, and with each waveguide branch passing through the two phase shift elements in opposite order relative to the other waveguide branch. Each unit cell additionally includes a convergence point where the two waveguide branches converge. The wavepath grid and the phased-array device are capable of producing output channels with linear, asymmetrical phase distribution but with symmetrical power distribution without employing amplifiers. The phased-array device can be tuned with single-channel or dual-channel control. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150329111 | ELEVATED PERCEPTION SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATED VEHICLES - An automated driving system is disclosed. The automated driving system includes an elevated perception system disposed above a vehicle and a computing device in communication with the elevated perception system. The computing device includes one or more processors for controlling the operations of the computing device and a memory for storing data and program instructions used by the one or more processors. The one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to detect, based on one or more images captured by the elevated perception system, a traffic condition proximate the vehicle. The one or more processors are further configured to send a command to one or more vehicle systems to implement one or more vehicle maneuvers based on the detected traffic condition. The time to detection of the traffic condition is shorter than is possible using a traditional perception system disposed on the vehicle. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150329074 | H-POINT REFERENCED SEAT CUSHION AIRBAG SYSTEM - A seat cushion airbag system includes an inflatable airbag with a boundary that bounds an inflatable area, the boundary positioned with respect to an H-point of an occupant. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150325347 | METHOD TO PREPARE HARD-SOFT MAGNETIC FeCo/ SiO2/MnBi NANOPARTICLES WITH MAGNETICALLY INDUCED MORPHOLOGY - A method to prepare a core-shell-shell FeCo/SiO | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150325346 | HARD-SOFT MAGNETIC MnBi/SiO2/FeCo NANOPARTICLES - Core-shell-core nanoparticles of an iron-cobalt alloy core, a silica shell and a manganese bismuth alloy core or nanoparticle on the surface of the silica shell (FeCo/SiO | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150325127 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING LANE IDENTIFICATION IN A ROADWAY - A method and apparatus for determining a lane identity of a vehicle travelling in a roadway where the roadway contains a plurality of lanes is determined based on information from sensors associated with the vehicle and map data for detecting the lane marker type to a left side and right side of the vehicle, any lane crossings during travel of the vehicle along the roadway, a history of lane marker type up to a predetermined travel distance along the roadway, and the lane marker type at the instantaneous position of the vehicle in the roadway. The lane identity method and apparatus outputs a confidence belief identifying the probability that the vehicle is traveling in one particular lane of the roadway. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150323402 | FASTENER STRETCH MEASUREMENT FIXTURE - Fixtures and methods are described herein to measure fastener stretch after fastener application. The measurement fixtures may include fastener contacting portions having contact plates that may move orbitally about a measurement shaft to allow contact plates to abut against non-parallel end surfaces of a fastener. The fixtures may also include datum assemblies that have datum plate mounted in fixed relation to the contacting portions that allow for measurements to be made between the datum plates. Adjustable dials may be included to transfer rotational movement of the dial to translation movement of the contacting portions. Measurement fixtures may further include a frame and mounting portions. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150321665 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PREDICTING MOST PROBABLE PATH OF VEHICLE TRAVEL AND VEHICLE CONTROL LOSS PREVIEW - A method and apparatus to predict the most probable path of a vehicle along a roadway which may contain a junction splitting the roadway into a rootpath and one or more sub-paths, each containing one or more lanes. The method and apparatus also process vehicle sensor information pertaining to driver corrections, road boundary detection, lane marker detection, map information availability, and road surface quality at the current position of the vehicle as well as from previous passes of the vehicle past the same location and other vehicles passing the same location to provide a warning to the driver to retake control of the vehicle if information used by the automatic vehicle control will become unavailable a predetermined travel distance ahead of the current position of the vehicle. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150321623 | PROTECTION SHIELD FOR VEHICLE HEADLINER - Airbag protection shields are disclosed that comprise an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the shield is configured to attach to a vehicle headliner assembly and cover a portion of at least one vehicle component in the headliner assembly, the at least one vehicle component being positioned such that a nearby airbag may contact the at least one vehicle component upon deployment. The protection shields may be configured to protect a headliner assembling containing air ducts and air vents. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150316386 | DETAILED MAP FORMAT FOR AUTONOMOUS DRIVING - A computer-readable detailed map format is disclosed. The detailed map format includes a lane segment and one or more border segments. A distance to an edge of the lane segment can be determined at a location along the lane segment by measuring a distance between the location and a portion of the border segment closest to the location. A lane width of the lane segment can be determined at a location along the lane segment by measuring a distance between two of the border segments positioned proximate to and on opposite sides of the lane segment. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150311565 | CHLORIDE-FREE ELECTROLYTE FOR A MAGNESIUM BATTERY AND A METHOD TO CONVERT A MAGNESIUM ELECTROLYTE TO A CHLORIDE-FREE ELECTROLYTE - A method to prepare a chloride free magnesium electrolyte salt is provided. According to the method a water stable borate or carborate anion is converted to metal salt of an alkali metal or silver by an ion exchange and then converted to a chloride free magnesium salt by another ion exchange. A chloride free magnesium salt suitable as an electrolyte for a magnesium battery and a magnesium battery containing the chloride free magnesium electrolyte are also provided. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150311520 | VANADIUM OXYSULFIDE BASED CATHODE MATERIALS FOR RECHARGEABLE BATTERY - A cathode active composite containing an amorphous composite of vanadium oxide and an inorganic sulfide is provided. In one embodiment the composite contains vanadium pentoxide and phosphorous pentasulfide. An elctrochemical cell and a reversible battery having a cathode containing the cathode active composite are also provided. In one embodiment the battery is a magnesium battery. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150311506 | VANADIUM OXYSULFIDE BASED CATHODE MATERIALS FOR RECHARGEABLE BATTERY - A cathode active composite containing an amorphous composite of vanadium oxide and an inorganic sulfide is provided. In one embodiment the composite contains vanadium pentoxide and phosphorous pentasulfide. In a further special embodiment, a cathode active material comprising a nanoparticle composite of an amorphous matrix containing vanadium, oxygen and sulfur and crystalline regions of vanadium and oxygen embedded in the matrix is provided. Electrochemical cells and a reversible battery having a cathode containing one of the cathode active composites are also provided. In specific embodiments the battery is a magnesium battery. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150310138 | METHOD FOR ANALYZING OXIDATION IN AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A process for analyzing incomplete fuel oxidation in an internal combustion engine is provided. The process includes simulating a cylinder with a cylinder wall and a piston within the cylinder for the internal combustion engine. Based on the simulation of the internal combustion engine operation, a pressure and a temperature are determined at a predetermined location within the cylinder for at least one piston crank angle. In addition, combustion of fuel at the predetermined location within the cylinder is simulated and a determination of combustion products is provided. In this manner, simulation of incomplete oxidants produced during operation of the internal combustion engine is afforded and can be used for the design of engine components such as cylinder walls, piston heads, piston rings, valves, spark plugs, and the like. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150307036 | Radiant Barrier for Automotive Vehicle - Embodiments of radiant barriers for vehicles are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a vehicle includes an interior cabin at least partially enclosed by a roof panel, a floor panel, and an engine compartment firewall, and a radiant barrier positioned within the interior cabin. The radiant barrier includes a first thermally reflective surface and a second thermally reflective surface opposite the first thermally reflective surface and separated from the first thermally reflective surface by a thickness t. The thickness t is constant along a length and a width of the radiant barrier. The radiant barrier at least partially thermally isolates the interior cabin from an external environment. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150300302 | AIR FILTER ASSEMBLY - An air filter assembly for use with an internal combustion engine is provided. The air filter assembly includes a casing having an inlet configured to receive air from the environment, the casing having a passage, and an outlet disposed downstream the passage. A collection chamber collects particles from the drawn air. The collection chamber is disposed downstream from the inlet and upstream from the outlet. A partition is disposed between passage and the collection chamber. The partition has openings configured to allow particles to pass through. A side port is downstream the partition and in fluid communication with the passage. An internal combustion engine utilizing the air filter assembly is also provided. The internal combustion engine includes an air manifold, a combustion chamber and a filter. The air filter assembly is disposed upstream the filter. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150294775 | CORE SHELL SUPERPARAMAGNETIC IRON COBALT ALLOY NANOPARTICLES WITH FUNCTIONAL METAL SILICATE CORE SHELL INTERFACE AND A MAGNETIC CORE CONTAINING THE NANOPARTICLES - Core shell nanoparticles of an iron-cobalt alloy core, a silicon dioxide shell and a metal silicate interface between the core and the shell are provided. The magnetic properties of the nanoparticles are tunable by control of the interface thickness. A magnetic core of high magnetic moment obtained by compression sintering the thermally annealed superparamagnetic core shell nanoparticles is also provided. The magnetic core has little core loss due to hysteresis or eddy current flow. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150291033 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INFORMATION MANAGEMENT - Systems and methods for information management are provided. One embodiment of a method includes receiving a signal from a vehicle sensor, the signal related to a condition of a vehicle, determining a new alert from the signal, and comparing the new alert with a currently provided alert. Some embodiments include determining a priority of the new alert and, in response to determining that the new alert has a higher priority than the currently provided alert, determining whether to output the currently provided alert in a minimized form, providing the new alert for output on a primary output device, and providing the currently provided alert in the minimized form. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150291012 | TWO PIECE HOUSING ASSEMBLY WITH ELONGATED ATTACHMENT AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - A first part having an attachment having an elongated body configured to release from a second attachment of a second part under a desired force, and a method of manufacturing the same is provided. The first attachment includes a generally elongated body extending outwardly from the first wall with respect to the first support surface, the first wall further including at least one indent, the at least one indent formed on the first wall and open to a peripheral side edge of the elongated body, the indent extending into the wall a predetermined depth so as to provide the elongated body with a predetermined resiliency. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150291010 | HOUSING ASSEMBLY - A housing assembly is provided. The housing assembly may be used in an automotive vehicle. The housing assembly includes a trim piece and a base. The trim piece is configured to engage the interior trim panel and attach to the base. The base is attached to the trim piece wherein the attachment to the trim piece is weaker than the attachment of the trim piece to the interior panel so as to allow the trim piece to separate from the base before the trim piece separates from the interior trim panel. The housing assembly may further include a pair of spacers configured to maintain a spatial relationship between a first side wall and a second side wall so as to prevent the first and second side walls from squeezing inwardly with respect to each other when the trim piece is displaced from the base. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150287343 | Packaging for Visually Impaired and Blind Persons - Packaging for visually impaired and blind user is disclosed. In one embodiment, a package includes an exterior surface, a first sub-component package, and a second sub-component package. The first sub-component package and the second sub-component package are enclosed by the exterior surface in an interior region of the package. The package further includes a first non-visual message element associated with the first sub-component package, and a second non-visual message element associated with the second sub-component package. The non-visual message elements may be configured as tactile and/or audio non-visual message elements. In some embodiments, wireless signal emitter devices are provided within the package to actuate one or more speaker devices to thereby play auditory signals. | 10-08-2015 |
| 20150283948 | PACKAGING TRAY HAVING INTEGRATED NOISE AND VIBRATION REDUCTION FEATURES - A packaging tray for an automotive vehicle having a passenger compartment and a cargo area. The cargo area is separated from the passenger compartment by a structural support extending between a rear seat assembly and a rear windshield. The packaging tray includes a first component having interior and exterior surfaces and a second component. The second component includes a base portion and a plurality of standoff portions formed integrally as a one piece structure. An outer surface of the base portion conforms to a shape of the interior surface of the first component. The plurality of standoff portions extend outwardly from an inner surface of the base portion to contact the structural support. The plurality of standoff portions space the base portion apart from the structural support to reduce noise and vibrations from the cargo area entering the passenger compartment. | 10-08-2015 |
| 20150279127 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ON-VEHICLE DYNAMIC ACCIDENT RECREATION USING ACCIDENT DATA RECORDING - A system and a method for recreating an operation of a crashed vehicle during and/or before the accident An accident data recorder collects vehicle operation data related to the operation of the crashed vehicle prior to and/or during the accident. A processor may analyze the prior vehicle operation data that may include prior acceleration input data, prior braking input data, and/or prior steering input data and may output vehicle control data to at least one electronic controller based on the prior vehicle operation data. The at least one electronic controller automatically operates the test vehicle on a test surface to recreate an operation of the crashed vehicle during and/or before the accident. At least one electronic controller unit automatically and accurately recreates a response of the crashed vehicle to the prior acceleration input, the prior steering input, and the prior braking input can be automatically and accurately recreated. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150277671 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A DYNAMIC APPLICATION MENU - Systems and methods for providing a dynamic application menu are provided herein. One embodiment of a method includes receiving a first arrangement of application icons, determining usage data regarding an application that is associated with the application icons, and determining a plurality of different criteria for arranging the application icons based on the usage data. Some embodiments include determining a preferred criterion from the plurality of different criteria, providing a second arrangement of the application icons for a dynamic application menu based on the usage data and the preferred criterion, and providing an option to send a signal to rearrange the application icons on a mobile device to substantially match the second arrangement of the application icons. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150275788 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF A VEHICLE BASED ON DETERMINED RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN A PLURALITY OF ROUTES - A method/system for optimizing vehicle operations for a predicted route and/or a route set. The method/system may record location data and time data for a route. Two or more routes can be linked to form a route set by analyzing the location data and time data of the routes using a linking threshold. The linking threshold may be based on a relationship between locations and/or times of different routes. The vehicle may predict that a particular route segment or route will likely be driven. An operation of a unit or a device of the vehicle over the predicted route and/or route set may be adjusted based on information stored regarding the predicted route and/or route set in order to enhance the energy efficiency of the vehicle. The links may be categorized as having different types in order to apply a different control strategy to different types of links. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150275787 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF A VEHICLE BASED ON KNOWN ROUTE SEGMENTS - A method/system for maintaining the energy efficiency history of predicted route segments in a database, providing adaptive feedback to hybrid vehicle controls, and displaying the energy efficiency history to the driver. As the vehicle travels on a route, the system stores energy efficiency information for route segments. The system may include sensors, a memory, and a processor to learn energy efficiency information based on how fuel and battery power are used over a route segment and/or route. The method/system may utilize energy efficiency information to adjust a start/stop engine threshold of a hybrid vehicle. When the processor predicts that the vehicle will travels on the predicted route segment again, the vehicle may optimize powertrain parameters such as the start/stop engine threshold during traveling on the predicted route segment and/or before reaching the predicted route segment. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150274030 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE BATTERY TEMPERATURE CONTROL OF A VEHICLE OVER A KNOWN ROUTE - A system/method for controlling a battery temperature of a vehicle over a known route. The method may include providing a route having a starting and ending location, iteratively sensing a battery temperature of the battery when the vehicle is travelling along the route, and dividing the route into a plurality of route segments. The method may also include storing a known route having a plurality of segments where each segment has a corresponding battery temperature of the vehicle when the vehicle previously travelled along the segment. The method may also include providing a cooling device associated with a battery of the vehicle, initiating the cooling device during a previous time segment when the battery temperature for a particular time segment of the known route exceeds a high temperature threshold, and reducing an amount of battery power draw from the battery during the previous time segment. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150274028 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE BATTERY CHARGE AND DISCHARGE RATES AND LIMITS ON KNOWN ROUTES - A system and a method for adaptively adjusting a charge and/or discharge rate and a limit of a battery based on a known driving route are described. The method includes storing, in a memory, a known driving route having a plurality of segments, where each segment has a corresponding discharge rate of the battery which was obtained from a previous trip of the vehicle along the same segment. The method also includes calculating, using a processor, an optimal discharge rate for the known driving route, and applying, using the processor, the optimal discharge rate of the vehicle to each segment of the route. | 10-01-2015 |
| 20150268465 | Transparent Display Overlay Systems for Vehicle Instrument Cluster Assemblies - An instrument cluster assembly for a vehicle includes a vehicle instrument that is viewable by an occupant of the vehicle. A transparent protective cover covers the vehicle instrument such that the vehicle instrument is viewable by the occupant through the transparent protective cover. A transparent display overlay system includes an overlay display comprising a transparent display layer connected to the transparent protective cover by an optical adhesive layer. A display controller displays an image on the transparent display layer based on vehicle information. The vehicle instrument is viewable by the occupant through the transparent protective cover and the transparent display layer adjacent the image. | 09-24-2015 |
| 20150266431 | Self-Aligning Trim Strips for Vehicle Instrument Panel Assemblies - A trim strip for lining an opening of an interior panel for a vehicle includes a first trim segment having a panel engaging side and an exposed side. A second trim segment extends outwardly from the first trim segment at a first end of the first trim segment. The second trim segment has a panel engaging side and an exposed side. A third trim segment extends outwardly from the first trim segment at a second, opposite end of the first trim segment. The third trim segment has a panel engaging side and an exposed side. A detachable support member is connected to the second trim segment along a first line of weakness and to the third trim segment along a second line of weakness. The detachable support member includes a datum member arranged and configured to be engaged by a panel datum member during installation of the trim strip at the opening to align and maintain spacing between the second and third trim segments. The detachable support member is removable from the first and second trim segments along the first and second lines of weakness. | 09-24-2015 |
| 20150258935 | SURROUNDINGS MONITORING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A surroundings monitoring system includes a first sensor subsystem operable to provide image data from around the vehicle; a second sensor subsystem operable to provide non-image data from around the vehicle; a control subsystem in communication with the first sensor subsystem and the second sensor subsystem, the control subsystem operable to generate manipulated image data symbology from the image data and arrange the manipulated image data symbology in response to the non-image data to generate a driver perspective view; and a display in communication with the control subsystem to display the driver perspective view. A method of monitoring surroundings for use in a vehicle includes obtaining image data from around the vehicle; obtaining non-image data from around the vehicle; manipulating the image data in response to the non-image data to generate a driver perspective view; and displaying the driver perspective view. | 09-17-2015 |
| 20150255199 | IRON COBALT TERNARY ALLOY NANOPARTICLES WITH SILICA SHELLS AND METAL SILICATE INTERFACE - Superparamagnetic core-shell nanoparticles having a core of an iron cobalt ternary alloy, a shell of a silicon oxide on the core and a metal silicate interface layer between the core and the shell layer are provided. Methods to prepare the nanoparticles are also provided. | 09-10-2015 |
| 20150254582 | QUALITY INFORMATION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method and apparatus couples quality control data generated during the manufacture of a subassembly of components with at least a unique main product assembly identification number and the quality control data of the main product at the time of installation of a subassembly to the main product assembly. The subassembly quality control data and the main product assembly quality control data and unique product identification are stored. | 09-10-2015 |
| 20150253180 | AUTOMOBILE SUBASSEMBLY FLUID FILL CONFIRMATION - Embodiments of systems and methods for confirming fluid fill in automobile subassemblies are described herein. Such systems can include a weigh station to determine if the assembled automobile differential is at an acceptable weight that is indicative of proper fluid fill. A method of detecting a fluid fill condition for an automobile subassembly can comprise transferring the subassembly to a weigh station, applying constraints configured to prevent removal of the subassembly from the weigh station, weighing the subassembly, and determining the fluid fill condition based on the weight of the subassembly. | 09-10-2015 |
| 20150252945 | FLOW-RESTRICTING PLUG AND DIFFERENTIAL DRIVE PINION HAVING THE SAME - A plug for restricting a flow of fluid within a passageway having an interior surface with a predetermined inner diameter is provided. The plug includes a plate member having an outer edge and a rim bounding the outer edge of the plate member. The rim extends generally normal from the plate member. The rim has a contact portion and an indented portion. The contact portion contacts the interior surface of the passageway to retain the position of the plug within the passageway. The indented portion is spaced apart from the interior surface on the passageway to allow fluid to bypass the plug when the plug is located within the passageway. | 09-10-2015 |
| 20150251747 | SMART MATERIAL TRAILING EDGE VARIABLE CHORD MORPHING WING - An apparatus and methods for changing the shape of a wing using a trailing edge morphing beam. One example method includes coupling a trailing edge portion comprising a morphing beam to an elastic central portion of the wing. The morphing beam comprises a first portion formed of smart material and a second portion formed of elastic material. The method further includes actuating the smart material in the first portion of the morphing beam to change the shape of the elastic central portion of the wing and the elastic material of the morphing beam. The morphing beam can be configured to hold a first position corresponding to a minimum chord-length of the wing and a second position corresponding to a maximum chord length of the wing. | 09-10-2015 |
| 20150251617 | MORPHING ENERGY ABSORBER SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE ASSEMBLY - A morphing energy absorber system includes an energy absorbing structure and an actuator system within the energy absorbing structure to morph the energy absorbing structure. | 09-10-2015 |
| 20150246720 | STACKABLE WING FOR AN AEROCAR - A wing includes an upper surface that forms a generally fixed shape and a lower surface adjacent to the upper surface. The lower surface is morphable between a stowed shape and a deployed shape. A method of morphing a wing includes morphing a lower surface between a stowed shape and a deployed shape. The lower surface curves toward the upper surface in the stowed shape and curves away from the upper surface in the deployed shape. | 09-03-2015 |
| 20150246639 | HAPTIC ALERT SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A haptic alert system for use in a vehicle includes a sensor system operable to identify a condition associated with the vehicle; a control system in communication with the sensor system; and a remote haptic device in communication with the sensor system. | 09-03-2015 |
| 20150240700 | Vehicles Incorporating Cooling Drag Reduction Systems and Methods - A method for operating a cooling fan of a vehicle including detecting at least one of a battery charge of a battery of the vehicle and a state of engagement of an air conditioning system of the vehicle and rotating the cooling fan in a direction to expel air from an engine compartment of the vehicle based on at least one of a detected battery charge of the battery or a detected state of engagement of the air conditioning system. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150239194 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING MANUFACTURING PROCESSES - In one embodiment, a method for controlling a manufacturing process can include obstructing a part receiving path of a press station with a part detection fixture. The part detection fixture can include a moveable contact member and a target body that moves in response to motion of the moveable contact member. The moveable contact member of the part detection fixture can obstruct the part receiving path such that the target body of the part detection fixture is positioned in a dissenting state. The target body of the part detection fixture can be positioned in an assenting state coincident with contact between the moveable contact member of the part detection fixture and the workpiece. Image data of the target body of the part detection fixture can be detected with a vision system. The press station can be actuated when the image data is indicative of the assenting state. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150239099 | Adjustable Key Block Assemblies and Associated Methods of Adjusting Extra Large Workpieces - An adjustable key block assembly includes an outer housing block having an upper face and a lower face. The outer housing includes an elongated table engagement member extending from the lower face arranged and configured to be received within a groove of a table of a milling machine defining a set direction of the adjustable key block assembly. A drive screw is rotatably connected to the outer housing block and extending through a slide member opening in the upper face of the outer housing block. The drive screw defines a drive axis that is offset angularly from the set direction. A center slide member includes a collar portion having a threaded opening extending therethrough that is threadably engaged with the drive screw such that rotation of the drive screw moves the center slide member along the drive axis within the slide member opening. The center slide member further includes an engaging portion that extends upwardly from the collar portion beyond the upper face. | 08-27-2015 |
| 20150235092 | PARTS BASED OBJECT TRACKING METHOD AND APPARATUS - The method and apparatus segment parts from a main target image, represent each part as a vertex in a spanning tree, use a detector to generate a confidence map of a location of each part in a succeeding video frame and apply scale change to detector sliding windows centered about each pixel in the part location image. In the succeeding video frame, the target location is sampled and a tracking probability is generated for each part bounding box, with the tracking probability having the maximum value being selected as the location of the target in the succeeding video frame. | 08-20-2015 |
| 20150234580 | DRIVER INTERFACE FOR A VEHICLE COMBINATION METER - A computing device and methods for operating a driver interface for a vehicle combination meter are disclosed. One example method includes receiving, from a driver, an indication of an icon selection. The icon can represent the vehicle combination meter. The method further includes sending, for display in the driver interface and in response to the indication selecting the icon for the vehicle combination meter, vehicle status information associated with a first vehicle system. The first vehicle system can be associated with off-road operation of a vehicle. The method further includes receiving, from the driver, an indication requesting navigation within the driver interface to additional vehicle status information and sending, for display in the driver interface and in response to the indication requesting navigation within the driver interface, vehicle status information associated with a second vehicle system. The second vehicle system can be associated with off-road operation of the vehicle. | 08-20-2015 |
| 20150233720 | GEOGRAPHIC FEATURE-BASED LOCALIZATION WITH FEATURE WEIGHTING - A system, device, and methods for autonomous navigation using geographic feature-based localization. An example method includes identifying one or more geographic features based on information received from one or more sensors disposed on a vehicle as the vehicle traverses a route and associating one of a horizontal space and a vertical space with each of the one or more geographic features. The example method further includes comparing the one or more geographic features to a geographic feature map and generating a localized vehicle position based on the comparison between the one or more geographic features and the geographic feature map. Comparing the one or more geographic features to the geographic feature map can include applying weights to the one or more geographic features based in part on the space association for each of the one or more geographic features. | 08-20-2015 |
| 20150232180 | DUAL CHANNEL WING FOR AN AEROCAR - A wing includes a dual channel wing with an outboard channel that extends spanwise from an inboard channel. | 08-20-2015 |
| 20150232036 | GLOVE COMPARTMENT BOX WITH TEAR SEAM - A glove compartment box energy having a tear seam on an inner wall is provided. The glove compartment box is mounted in an instrument panel of a vehicle. The tear seam is configured to allow a rearward moving structure from within the instrument panel such as a portion of the vehicle HVAC system to rupture the tear seam and enter an interior volume of the glove compartment box. The glove compartment box further has a frangible portion disposed on the inner wall. The frangible portion extends towards an interior of the instrument panel to concentrate stress on the tear seam. The tear seam and frangible portion prevent the rearward moving structure from displacing the glove compartment box rearward into a passenger compartment. | 08-20-2015 |
| 20150231951 | TUNABLE SOUND DAMPENING SYSTEM - A sound dampening system having at least two acoustic deflection pads separated by a distance and an actuator operable to alter the distance in response to a stimulus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the actuator is a shape memory alloy wire. The system is capable of alternating between a compact mode and a superior sound blocking mode. A door of an automotive vehicle incorporating such a system and a method of fabricating such a system is also disclosed. | 08-20-2015 |
| 20150231749 | MACHINE LOCATING PIN - A locator pin according to one disclosed non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure includes an elongated body that extends from a base along an axis, the elongated body deflectable off the axis relative to the base. | 08-20-2015 |
| 20150224977 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHIFT RESTRAINT CONTROL - A system/method for shift restraint control and controlling a transmission input speed or an engine output speed. An automobile may include an acceleration input, a throttle unit, an engine, a torque converter, a transmission, and an electronic control unit (ECU), and a plurality of sensors. The ECU may reduce inertia loss, engine noise, and non-linear acceleration feeling by controlling the engine speed or transmission input speed in an initial shift mode, an inertia hold mode, a return mode, and/or a second shift mode. Drive force is maintained with throttle compensation, and fuel economy is maintained or improved due to the reduction in inertia loss. The ECU may limit an initial downshift using a maximum guard value and subsequently control a rate of increase of the transmission input speed or engine output speed using increments until a target is reached or a cancel condition is met. | 08-13-2015 |
| 20150224427 | INDUSTRIAL FILTRATION APPARATUS - An apparatus for filtering an industrial slurry, a non-suspended mixture of solid particulate matter and liquid produced by an industrial process, is disclosed. A method and system for filtering an industrial slurry and recycling liquid filtrate are additionally disclosed. One example of an apparatus for filtering an industrial slurry can include a receptacle, a false bottom disposed within the receptacle and containing an effluent exit, and a filter disposed within the effluent exit. | 08-13-2015 |
| 20150218853 | LOCK RELEASE APPARATUS - A lock release apparatus has a handle and a cable. The handle has a gripping portion and a cable receiving portion. The cable, which is capable of a path of movement over the cable receiving portion, has a cable end which is retained within the handle through an opening of the cable receiving portion. The cable receiving portion includes at least one retention portion which is deflectable in response to compressive force and a blocking portion that blocks engagement of the cable with the at least one retention portion. In another aspect, the cable receiving portion includes at least one retention portion, without a blocking portion, where the at least one retention portion is located out of the path of movement of the cable with respect to the handle. | 08-06-2015 |
| 20150217720 | SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY - A seat belt assembly for use with a seat is provided. The seat belt assembly is configured to drag the seat belt across the lap of the user so as to position the seat belt over the pelvis of the user. The seat belt assembly includes a seat belt anchor movable between a locked position and a receiving position. The locked position is generally adjacent a back edge of the seat cushion and proximate the seat back. The receiving position is forward of the locked position. After the belt buckle is locked into the seat belt anchor, the seat belt anchor is moved back to the locked position, dragging the belt across the user's lap and onto the user's pelvis area. | 08-06-2015 |
| 20150211274 | COVER ASSEMBLY FOR ATTACHING TO A HINGE ARM - A cover assembly for attaching to a vehicle hinge arm including an elongate body and including one or more clips supported upon an inner facing surface which are adapted to engage the hinge arm. A two piece structure formed upon the inner surface of the body includes a first component integrally formed with or otherwise secured upon the body and a second component affixed upon the first component and configured to receive a mounting location of the clip. | 07-30-2015 |
| 20150209957 | HANDLING DEVICE ATTACHMENT TOOL - A tool includes a handle that defines an axis, a stabilizer mounted along a length of the handle and a hook mounted to the handle, the hook angled with respect to the handle. | 07-30-2015 |
| 20150208804 | FREIGHT REMOVAL REGULATION APPARATUS - A method and apparatus to regulate the use and removal of freight. The apparatus includes a sensing element, a stoppage element, and at least one actuator. The sensing element is operable to determine the presence of freight. Stoppage element can alternate between a first condition configured to impede freight removal and a second condition configured to permit freight removal. The presence of freight maintains stoppage element in the first condition absent engagement of the at least one actuator and engagement of the at least one actuator switches stoppage element to the second condition when freight is present. | 07-30-2015 |
| 20150201181 | SMART NECKLACE WITH STEREO VISION AND ONBOARD PROCESSING - A wearable neck device for providing environmental awareness to a user, the wearable neck device includes a flexible tube. A first stereo pair of cameras is encased in a left portion of the flexible tube and a second stereo pair of cameras is encased in a right portion of the flexible tube. A vibration motor within the flexible tube provides haptic and audio feedback to the user. A processor in the flexible tube recognizes objects from the first stereo pair of cameras and the second stereo pair of cameras. The vibration motor provides haptic and audio feedback of the items or points of interest to the user. | 07-16-2015 |
| 20150197399 | Wear Detection Systems for Overhead Conveyor Systems - A wear detection system for detecting beam wear along a support flange of a beam includes a rail riding portion configured to travel along the support flange and a processor portion connected to the rail riding portion. The rail riding portion includes a wear measurement system comprising one or more measuring sensors configured to provide an output indicative of thickness of the support flange. The processor portion includes an integrated processing system that receives the output of the one or more measuring sensors and generates measurement information based on the output. | 07-16-2015 |
| 20150197246 | LATERAL MANEUVER PLANNER FOR AUTOMATED DRIVING SYSTEM - A system, device, and methods of automated driving are disclosed. One example method includes determining one or more potential vehicle paths based on information specific to the environment surrounding a vehicle and receiving an indication classifying one or more objects proximate to the one or more potential vehicle paths as an object of interest based on input received from one or more sensors disposed on the vehicle. The method further includes selecting a preferred vehicle path from the one or more potential vehicle paths based on properties of the one or more objects of interest and sending a command, to one or more vehicle systems, to control the vehicle to follow the preferred vehicle path. | 07-16-2015 |
| 20150194717 | RECHARGEABLE METAL NITRIC OXIDE GAS BATTERY | 07-09-2015 |
| 20150194716 | RECHARGEABLE METAL NxOy GAS BATTERY SYSTEM - A metal-nitric oxide electrochemical cell which is fed a gas comprising nitric oxide (NO) and at least one gas selected from the group consisting of a nitrogen oxide of formula N | 07-09-2015 |
| 20150194715 | RECHARGEABLE METAL NITRIC OXIDE GAS BATTERY - A metal-nitric oxide electrochemical cell is provided. Also provided is a rechargeable battery containing the metal-nitric oxide electrochemical cell. A vehicle system wherein NO from a combustion engine exhaust is fed to a metal-nitric oxide battery is additionally provided. | 07-09-2015 |
| 20150192451 | FLUID LEVEL MEASUREMENT PROBE - A probe operable to measure a fluid level including a tip movably mounted to a housing, the tip including a multiple of steps and a sensor mounted within the housing, the sensor selectively activated in response to movement of the tip toward the housing. A method of measuring a fluid within a chamber of a vehicle includes locating a probe with a tip including a multiple of steps into a fill port of a chamber, only one of the multiple of steps associated with the fill port; and pressing the probe toward the fill port such that a sensor within the probe is selectively activated in response to movement of the tip toward the housing, the sensor determining a distance to a fluid within the chamber. | 07-09-2015 |
| 20150188233 | ARTIFICIAL SKIN FOR RADAR MANNEQUINS - An artificial skin for use on a radar mannequin exposed to electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined frequency and a radar mannequin having the artificial skin are provided. The artificial skin and the radar mannequin with the artificial skin are configured to produce a radar cross section that closely approximates the radar cross section of a human. The artificial skin includes a conductive layer of material and a shielding layer of material. The conductive layer and the shielding layer are configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation at a level of an electromagnetic response of human skin exposed to the electromagnetic radiation. The shielding layer also electromagnetically shields an inside surface of the artificial skin from electromagnetic radiation. | 07-02-2015 |
| 20150184947 | JET IMPINGEMENT COOLING APPARATUSES HAVING NON-UNIFORM JET ORIFICE SIZES - Jet impingement cooling apparatuses are disclosed. One cooling apparatus includes at least one fluid inlet channel, at least one fluid outlet channel, a target surface, and a jet orifice surface that is offset from the target surface. The jet orifice surface includes an array of jet orifices fluidly coupled to the at least one fluid inlet channel, wherein each individual jet orifice of the array of jet orifices has an area corresponding to a distance of the individual jet orifice to the at least one fluid outlet channel such that individual jet orifices closer to the at least one fluid outlet have an area that is smaller than individual jet orifices further from the at least one fluid outlet. The area of each individual jet orifice of the array of jet orifices increases radially from a central region of the array of jet orifices. | 07-02-2015 |
| 20150183382 | HINGE ARM FITTING FEATURE - The present invention is a garnish that is specially designed to cover the hinge arm connecting a vehicle truck lid to the vehicle. The cover includes an inside surface, a first end and a second end. The cover further includes a rib and a flange portion. The rib is located along the inside surface of the cover at the first end. Opposite the rib, the flange portion extends generally orthogonally from the first end of the cover. The rib and flange portion help to secure the garnish and increase its effectiveness at covering other components of the vehicle. | 07-02-2015 |
| 20150176144 | WATER OXIDATION CATALYST INCLUDING LITHIUM COBALT GERMANATE - The present disclosure provides a method or process, apparatus and/or composition for catalyzing the oxidation of water to generate hydrogen ions and oxygen. The catalyst includes lithium cobalt germinate. | 06-25-2015 |
| 20150174759 | METHODS AND COMPUTER-PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR EVALUATING GRASP PATTERNS, AND ROBOTS INCORPORATING THE SAME - Methods and computer-program products for evaluating grasp patterns for use by a robot are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of evaluating grasp patterns includes selecting an individual grasp pattern from a grasp pattern set, establishing a thumb-up vector, and simulating the motion of the manipulator and the end effector according to the selected individual grasp pattern, wherein each individual grasp pattern of the grasp pattern set corresponds to motion for manipulating a target object. The method further includes evaluating a direction of the thumb-up vector during at least a portion of the simulated motion of the manipulator and the end effector, and excluding the selected individual grasp pattern from use by the robot if the direction of the thumb-up vector during the simulated motion is outside of one or more predetermined thresholds. Robots utilizing the methods and computer-program products for evaluating grasp patterns are also disclosed. | 06-25-2015 |
| 20150148960 | Robots Comprising Projectors For Projecting Images On Identified Projection Surfaces - Robots including projectors for projecting images on identified projection surfaces are disclosed. A robot includes a housing, an electronic control unit coupled to the housing, a projector coupled to the housing, a human recognition module coupled to the housing, and a projection surface identification module coupled to the housing. The projector, the human recognition module, and the surface identification module are communicatively coupled with the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit includes a non-transitory memory that stores a set of machine readable instructions and a processor for executing the machine readable instructions. When executed by the processor, the machine readable instructions cause the robot to recognize a human using the human recognition module, identify a projection surface using the projection surface recognition module, and project an image on the identified projection surface with the projector. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150147642 | BORON-DOPED GRAPHENE SHEET AS SODIUM-ION BATTERY ANODE - A sodium-ion battery having a boron-doped graphene sheet as an anode active material is provided. The boron-doped graphene sheet is of formula B | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150145272 | REAR PASS THROUGH POWER OUTLET - A rear seat assembly within an automotive vehicle is provided. The seat assembly including a seat bottom portion and a seat back portion where the seat back portion includes a fold down arm rest movable from a closed position to an open position. The fold down arm rest is pivotable about a first pivot point. A generally vertical wall separates a cab portion of the vehicle from a trunk portion of the vehicle. The wall is connected to the seat back portion and is generally parallel with the seat back portion. A passageway or pass through portion connects the cab portion of the vehicle with the trunk portion of the vehicle. A power supply portion is mounted to the generally vertical wall and is mounted adjacent to or within the passageway. The power supply portion is accessible when the fold down arm rest is in the open position. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150145233 | TRIM ASSEMBLY AND COMPONENT WITH RETENTION FEATURE - A trim assembly covering an airbag in a vehicle. The trim assembly includes a trim panel having an A-side surface and a C-side surface opposite of the A-side surface. Portions of the trim panel define an aperture through which a trim component is mounted, including a bezel and a backplate, with the bezel engaging the A-side surface of the trim panel, generally about the aperture. A backplate of the trim component includes a central portion and a flange extending from the central portion in surface-to-surface engagement with the C-side surface of the trim panel. The flange includes a plurality of projections formed on its surface so as to penetrate into the trim panel through the C-side surface. During activation of the airbag, the trim panel is displaced to permit deployment of the airbag, and the projections operate to retain the trim component in engagement with the trim panel. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150139883 | CERIA-SUPPORTED METAL CATALYSTS FOR THE SELECTIVE REDUCTION OF NOX - A composition and method for producing the same are provided. The composition includes transition metal oxides adhered to a surface of a cerium oxide support, and can additionally include alkali metal or alkaline earth metal promotors. The method includes incipient wetness impregnation of the support with metal salt in solution, and can include impregnation with a metal chelator salt. The composition can be useful as a catalyst for the reduction of noxious gases in combustion exhaust streams. The composition can be of particular use as a component of an automobile catalytic converter, for the specific catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides to nitrogen gas. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150135546 | Alignment Systems for Strut Assemblies - A method of determining alignment of a spring component relative to an upper spring mounting plate of a strut assembly using an alignment system is provided. The method includes placing an alignment gauge component on the upper spring mounting plate at a preselected location. The alignment gauge component has a right angled body with a positioning portion resting on the upper spring mounting plate and a transverse measuring portion having an opening extending therethrough located alongside the spring component. A measuring rod is inserted through the opening of the measuring portion with the positioning portion of the alignment gauge component engaged with the upper spring mounting plate. The measuring rod has a measurement region that includes one or more color-coded areas for determining an alignment condition of the spring component relative to the upper spring mounting plate with the measuring rod extending through the opening and contacting the spring component. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150132650 | VANADIUM OXIDE BASED AMORPHOUS CATHODE MATERIALS FOR RECHARGEABLE MAGNESIUM BATTERY - A magnesium electrochemical cell having a positive electrode containing as an active ingredient, an amorphous material of formula [V | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150130605 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CHILD RESTRAINT MONITORING - Included are systems and methods for child restraint monitoring. Some embodiments include determining that a child restraint seat has been installed in a vehicle seat of a vehicle, determining whether the child restraint seat is being properly utilized, and detecting an issue with the utilization of the child restraint seat. Some embodiments include determining that a guardian is remote from the vehicle and, in response to detecting the issue with the utilization of the child restraint seat and determining that the guardian is remote from the vehicle, sending a communication to a third party, wherein the communication provides an option to contact the vehicle to regarding improper utilization of the child restraint seat. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150130174 | DOGHOUSE STRUCTURE WITH INTEGRATED TETHER STRAP - The present invention relates to the securing of a garnish in a vehicle. The garnish is disposed over the airbag and secures to one or more apertures in the vehicle. The garnish includes a cover, which hides the airbag before it is deployed. A tether is attached to the cover. The tether extends from the cover, and includes a flexible securing portion which is received in the vehicle aperture. When the airbag deploys, the garnish is displaced. Displacement of the garnish, and deployment of the airbag, is enabled by the flexible securing portion, which deforms in response to the airbag, thereby allowing deployment while maintaining attachment of the cover to the vehicle. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150129601 | LOCKING PLUG FOR PANEL OPENING - An apparatus for sealing a panel opening is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plug body including an interior portion and an exterior portion. The exterior portion of the plug body includes a pair of opposed sealing surfaces forming an annular ring. The apparatus also includes a locking blade extending from the interior portion of the plug body across the exterior portion of the plug body. The locking blade is configured to rest in a first position disposed within the annular ring and a second position extending beyond the annular ring. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150123426 | ENERGY ABSORBING COMPONENT - An energy absorber for improving passenger safety in a vehicle during an impact to the vehicle, the energy absorber comprising a hollow body having a base defining a proximal end of the body, the base being configured to affix the body to a portion of the vehicle, the body further including a sidewall extending from the base and terminating in a distal end of the body, the sidewall having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface including a portion defining an interior step transition, the exterior surface including a portion defining an exterior step transition, the interior and exterior step transitions being provided at locations axially offset from each other along the sidewall. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150120104 | VEHICLE BATTERY PRE-CHARGE FEATURE - A system and a method for a hybrid vehicle for pre-charging the battery. A hybrid vehicle includes a battery having a state of charge (SOC), an engine configured to charge the battery, an actuation device having an on state and an off state, and a processor configured to activate the engine to charge the battery when the actuation device is switched to the on state until the SOC reaches a required SOC. The required SOC may be input by a driver and may exceed a normal maximum SOC utilized by the hybrid vehicle. The pre-charge feature can override the normal hybrid vehicle battery management logic. The required SOC allows the driver to perform reverse maneuvers without running out of battery power. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150117723 | METHOD FOR GENERATING ACCURATE LANE LEVEL MAPS - A method for generating accurate lane level maps based on course map information and Lidar data captured during the pass of a sensor carrying vehicle along a road. The method generates accurate lane estimates including the center of each lane, the number of lanes, and the presence of any bicycle paths and entrance and exit ramps using a computer-implemented method where the course map data and the Lidar data are subjected to particle filtering. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150115679 | VARIABLE LUMBAR SUPPORT ASSEMBLY - A variable lumbar support including a frame and a support extending between an upper end and a lower end wherein the support bracket includes a first longitudinal direction. A pad having a first surface is provided within the assembly. The first surface of the pad contacts the lumbar portion of the seat assembly. The pad is positioned between the lumbar portion and the seat back cushion. Upon a sliding movement of the lumbar member along the support while in contact with the pad, a curved surface of the pad is displaced in the first longitudinal direction and a second direction normal to the first direction. As the lumbar member contacts the curved areas of the pad, the foam is displaced and pushed towards (a bulge) the seat back cushion so that the user of the vehicle seat feels a fore-and-aft movement of the lumbar member. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150115585 | VEHICLE DOOR ENERGY ABSORPTION PAD - An energy absorption (EA) pad mountable on a vehicle door interior trim panel provides controlled collapse under side impact collision forces to minimize contact between the door and a vehicle passenger. The EA pad is in the form of a hollow body having an endwall, a sidewall, and an open end. A flange extends laterally from the open end. One or more slots and one or more ribs can be formed in the sidewall or the endwall of varying height, numbers, spacing, thickness, and shapes to provide the controlled collapse of the EA pad. A restraining rib structure is formed on the door trim panel adjacent to a least one side of the EA pad. In another aspect, a door trim panel includes the EA pad. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150114834 | SURFACE MODIFIED ELECTRODES FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL SYNGAS PRODUCTION - An electrode for electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide and water forming carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The electrode includes a metal substrate. A self-assembled monolayer is bonded to the metal substrate. A selectivity of reaction products of carbon monoxide and hydrogen produced by the electrode is regulated relative to a bare metal substrate. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150110344 | IMAGE AND MAP-BASED DETECTION OF VEHICLES AT INTERSECTIONS - A system, device, and methods for image and map-based detection of vehicles at intersections. Once example computer-implemented method for detecting objects includes receiving, from the one or more sensors disposed on a vehicle, image data representative of an image and detecting an object on the image. The method further includes identifying a path extending from the vehicle to the detected object on the image and retrieving map data including lane information. The method further includes comparing the path to a representation of the lane information and determining the position of the detected object based on a comparison of the path, representation of the lane information, and the image. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150109736 | Electronic Device Assemblies and Vehicles Employing Dual Phase Change Materials - Electronic device assemblies employing dual phase change materials and vehicles incorporating the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electronic device assembly includes a semiconductor device having a surface, wherein the semiconductor device operates in a transient heat flux state and a normal heat flux state, a coolant fluid thermally coupled to the surface of the semiconductor device, and a phase change material thermally coupled to the surface of the semiconductor device. The phase change material has a phase change temperature at which the phase change material changes from a first phase to a second phase. The phase change material absorbs heat flux at least when the semiconductor device operates in the transient heat flux state. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150103397 | Multi-Layer Photonic Structures Having Omni-Directional Reflectivity and Coatings Incorporating The Same - A multi-layer photonic structure may include alternating layers of high index material and low index material having a form [H(LH) | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150099183 | ELECTRODES AND ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS EMPLOYING METAL NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIZED VIA A NOVEL REAGENT - Electrodes employing as active material metal nanoparticles synthesized by a novel route are provided. The nanoparticle synthesis is facile and reproducible, and provides metal nanoparticles of very small dimension and high purity for a wide range of metals. The electrodes utilizing these nanoparticles thus may have superior capability. Electrochemical cells employing said electrodes are also provided. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150099182 | METAL NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIZED VIA A NOVEL REAGENT AND APPLICATION TO ELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICES - Methods for synthesizing metal nanoparticles and the nanoparticles so produced are provided. The methods include addition of surfactant to a novel reagent complex between zero-valent metal and a hydride. The nanoparticles produced by the method include oxide-free, zero-valent tin nanoparticles useful in fabricating a battery electrode. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150099172 | SYNTHESIS OF METAL NANOPARTICLES - Methods for synthesizing metal nanoparticles and the nanoparticles so produced are provided. The methods include addition of surfactant to a novel reagent complex between zero-valent metal and a hydride. The nanoparticles produced by the method include oxide-free, zero-valent tin nanoparticles useful in fabricating a battery electrode. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150099166 | FULLERENES AS HIGH CAPACITY CATHODE MATERIALS FOR A RECHARGEABLE MAGNESIUM BATTERY - A magnesium electrochemical cell having a positive electrode containing a carbon cluster compound as an active material is provided. In a preferred embodiment the carbon cluster material is a comminuted fullerene. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150099117 | SYNTHESIS OF METAL ALLOY NANOPARTICLES VIA A NEW REAGENT - Methods for producing nanoparticles of metal alloys and the nanoparticles so produced are provided. The methods include addition of surfactant and cationic metal to a novel reagent complex between zero-valent metal and a hydride. The nanoparticles of zero-valent metal alloys produced by the method include ˜7 nm zero-valent manganese-bismuth useful in fabricating a less expensive permanent magnet. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150098892 | STABLE COMPLEXES OF ZERO-VALENT METAL AND HYDRIDE AS NOVEL REAGENTS - A composition and its method of production are provided. The composition includes at least one zero-valent metal atom in complex with at least one hydride molecule. The method of production includes ball-milling an elemental metal in a high-surface area form, with a hydride. The composition can be useful as a reagent for the synthesis of zero-valent metallic nanoparticles. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150098886 | STABLE COMPLEXES OF NON-METAL ELEMENTS AND HYDRIDE AS NOVEL REAGENTS - A reagent and its method of production are provided. The reagent includes at least one zero-valent atom, whether metal, metalloid, or non-metal, in complex with at least one hydride molecule. The method of production includes ball-milling a mixture which includes an elemental (i.e. zero-valent) material and a hydride. In some cases, the elemental material is a non-metal such as carbon. The reagent can be useful as a reagent for the synthesis of elemental nanoparticles composed of zero-valent metal, metalloid, or non-metal. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150098885 | STABLE COMPLEXES OF ZERO-VALENT METALLIC ELEMENT AND HYDRIDE AS NOVEL REAGENTS - A composition and its method of production are provided. The composition includes at least one zero-valent metallic element atom in complex with at least one hydride molecule. The method of production includes ball-milling an elemental metal in a high-surface area form, with a hydride. The composition can be useful as a reagent for the synthesis of zero-valent metallic elemental nanoparticles. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150098884 | STABLE COMPLEXES OF MULTIPLE ZERO-VALENT METALS AND HYDRIDE AS NOVEL REAGENTS - A composition and its method of production are provided. The composition includes at least one zero-valent metal atom in complex with at least one hydride molecule. In some instances, the composition includes a first zero-valent metal atom and a second zero-valent metal atom in complex with at least one hydride molecule. The method of production includes ball-milling an elemental metal in a high-surface area form, with a hydride. The composition can be useful as a reagent for the synthesis of zero-valent metal alloy nanoparticles. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150098882 | STABLE COMPLEXES OF ZERO-VALENT METALLIC ELEMENT AND HYDRIDE AS NOVEL REAGENTS - A composition and its method of production are provided. The composition includes at least one zero-valent metallic element atom in complex with at least one hydride molecule. The method of production includes ball-milling an elemental metal in a high-surface area form, with a hydride. The composition can be useful as a reagent for the synthesis of zero-valent metallic elemental nanoparticles. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150090544 | FRICTIONAL CONTROL SYSTEM - A friction control device includes a slotted shield through which an active material layer selectively expands. A system includes a second component movable with respect to a first component; a friction control device between the first component and the second component, the friction control device including: an active material layer; and a slotted shield through which the active material layer selectively expands through. A method for controlling a frictional interface between a first component and a second component, includes selectively expanding an active material through a multiple of slots. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150090509 | Elastically Deformable Air Inlets and Vehicles Incorporating The Same - Elastically deformable air inlets are disclosed. In one embodiment, an air inlet includes a first portion having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a second portion having an interior surface and an exterior surface and including at least one deformation zone. The first portion and the second portion define a hollow space. The air inlet also includes at least one support member including a first end and a second end that extends from the interior surface of the first portion toward the interior surface of the second portion. The second end of the support member contacts the deformation zone, wherein when an external force is applied to the air inlet, the second end of the support member extends through the deformation zone. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150086077 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ALERTING A DRIVER THAT VISUAL PERCEPTION OF PEDESTRIAN MAY BE DIFFICULT - A pedestrian perception alert system configured to issue a warning during real-time when a driver's visual detection of a pedestrian is difficult, and a method thereof is provided. The system includes a video camera, an alert for issuing a warning, a processor, and a Pedestrian Detection Unit (“PDU”). The PDU analyzes the video camera image to detect a pedestrian. A Global Clutter Analysis Unit (“GCAU”) generates a global clutter score. A Local Pedestrian Clutter Analysis Unit (“LPCAU”) generates a local pedestrian clutter score. The processer processes the global clutter score and local pedestrian clutter score so as to generate a pedestrian detection score. The alert is actuated when the pedestrian detection score is outside of a predetermined threshold so as to notify the driver that perception of a pedestrian is difficult at that time. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150084810 | PHASED ARRAY RADAR WITH MONOPULSE ALGORITHM MEASUREMENT - A phased array radar apparatus and method for identifying targets in an environment includes a phased array radar transmitter, a first phased array radar receiver, a second phased array radar receiver, and a radar controller. The first and second phased array radar receivers are configured such that the first and second phased array radar receivers have effectively the same configuration. The radar controller uses the first and second receive beams to calculate an amplitude monopulse ratio and identify angle information of the targets within the environment. The present invention enables high precision estimation of target angle information while scanning over a wide field of view in a single scan. The radar apparatus further uses a complex amplitude monopulse ratio and a weighted target angle histogram to distinguish between closely separated targets that would otherwise be viewed as a single target by conventional monopulse radar apparatuses. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150081251 | Flow Rack Design Systems and Methods - A method of providing a flow rack system design using a flow rack design application is provided. The method includes selecting a first tier menu item from a plurality of first tier menu items saved in memory using a computer. A second tier menu item is selected, wherein the second tier menu item has project level standards information associated with the second tier menu item saved in memory. A virtual flow rack system is generated using the computer, the project level standards information and parts information saved in memory. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150073701 | VEHICLE NAVIGATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRESENTING INFORMATION ORIGINATING FROM A MOBILE DEVICE - Vehicle navigation systems and methods for presenting information originating from a mobile device on a vehicle navigation system display of a vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of presenting information originating from a mobile device on a vehicle navigation system display of a vehicle includes receiving, by a vehicle navigation system, application data from an application operating on the mobile device, wherein the application data from the application represents an entity in proximity to the vehicle. The method further includes displaying an icon representing the application data from the application on a map presented on the vehicle navigation system display. The icon is positioned on the map according to a geographic location of the entity. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150070129 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING NAVIGATION ASSISTANCE TO A USER - Methods and systems for providing navigation assistance to a user are disclosed. A method for providing navigation assistance to a user includes defining at least one virtual wall along at least a portion of a path for navigation through an environment. The at least one virtual wall is offset from the path by an offset distance. The method further includes determining a location of the user and providing tactile feedback to the user, automatically by a processor, when the location of the user is within a threshold distance of the at least one virtual wall. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150069786 | HOOD STRUCTURE FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE - A panel for a vehicle. The panel includes an outer panel and an inner panel. The outer panel has an exterior surface and an underside surface, and the inner panel is located adjacent to and along the underside surface of the outer panel, but spaced apart from the outer panel. The inner panel also exhibits a bow over a substantial portion of its length, with the bow being in a direction toward the outer panel. The bow induces a moment in the inner panel during impact of the vehicle in a collision that causes the inner panel and, resultantly, the outer panel to undergo a predetermined deformation in an upward direction relative to the vehicle. The panel may be provided as the hood of the vehicle. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150069764 | VEHICLE DOOR LOCK ACTUATION PREVENTION APPARATUS - A vehicle door opening actuation prevention apparatus includes a thin cross-section spacer coupled to a plate attached to a door handle frame. One end of the spacer is positioned relative to a door lock mounted within a vehicle door to limit the maximum amount of lateral inward movement of the door handle assembly toward the door lock during a side impact force on the vehicle door to prevent movement of the door lock actuator pin to the second door lock unlatch position via movement of the fork coupled to the door handle and engaged with the door lock actuator pin. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150068646 | SYNTHESIS AND ANNEALING OF MANGANESE BISMUTH NANOPARTICLES - The claimed invention provides a wet chemical method to prepare manganese bismuth nanoparticles having a particle diameter of 5 to 200 nm. When annealed at 550 to 600K in a field of 0 to 3T the nanoparticles exhibit a coercivity of approximately 1T and are suitable for utility as a permanent magnet material. A permanent magnet containing the annealed MnBi nanoparticles is also provided. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150068019 | SHAFT ROTATION AND POSITION SYSTEM - An attachment system includes a friction drive roller subsystem, a nut driver subsystem, and a control subsystem in communication with the friction drive roller subsystem and the nut driver subsystem. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150059155 | LATCH ALIGNMENT JIG - A jig includes a plate with at least one jig aperture which defines a jig aperture axis; a striker defined along a striker axis generally parallel to the aperture axis; and a bias member movable relative to the striker axis. A method of mounting a latch mechanism to a door of a vehicle, the door includes a multiple of latch mechanism apertures, includes mounting a jig to the latch mechanism, the jig biased with respect to the door to align a multiple of jig apertures with the multiple of latch mechanism apertures. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150056044 | Apparatus and System for Transferring Carts - In one embodiment, an apparatus for transferring carts may include a transfer surface, a loading station lift, a working station lift, and a controller. The transfer surface may include a loading station and a working station arranged laterally with respect to the loading station. The loading station lift may include loading station rollers that are in rotatable engagement with the loading station lift. The working station lift may include working station rollers that are in rotatable engagement with the working station lift. The controller that can actuate the loading station lift and the working station lift between a loading state with the loading station rollers and the working station rollers offset a relatively low distance above the transfer surface and a transferring state with the loading station rollers and the working station rollers offset a relatively high distance above the transfer surface. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150054305 | HOOD INNER DESIGN FOR PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION - A hood and, in particular, a hood inner panel for increasing pedestrian safety during a collision between a pedestrian and a motor vehicle. The hood inner panel includes two regions separated by an angled wall or a reinforcing structure which increases local rigidity. The rigidity of the hood inner panel in the vicinity of the angled wall is then adjusted for energy absorption by the inclusion of apertures which can increase the deformability of the hood inner panel. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150047337 | TWO-DIMENSIONAL MORPHING STRUCTURE FOR WING - An apparatus and methods for changing the shape of a wing using a plurality of morphing structures. One example method includes coupling a plurality of morphing structures to each other. Each morphing structure includes an anchor, a plurality of hinges, a plurality of shape-memory alloy members wherein each shape-memory alloy member extends from the anchor to a different hinge, a plurality of springs wherein each spring extends from the anchor to a different hinge, and a plurality of rigid members wherein each rigid member extends between two hinges. The method further includes actuating the plurality of shape-memory alloy members in at least some of the morphing structures wherein the shape-memory alloy members contract when actuated to pull against the hinges and anchors within the actuated morphing structures to rotate the rigid members and change the shape of the actuated morphing structure. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150044553 | CATHODE ACTIVE MATERIAL FOR NON-AQUEOUS RECHARGEABLE MAGNESIUM BATTERY - A cathode for a magnesium battery that includes a current collector and an active material disposed on the current collector. The active material includes a metal organic framework with a cubic structure having iron or a transition metal on corners of the cubic structure. The corners are linked by a cyano group. The active material may have the formula: (MgA) | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150043164 | JET IMPINGEMENT COOLING APPARATUSES HAVING ENHANCED HEAT TRANSFER ASSEMBLIES - Enhanced heat transfer assemblies and jet impingement cooling apparatuses having target surfaces with surface fins and microslots are disclosed. In one embodiment, an enhanced heat transfer assembly includes a target surface, a plurality of surface fins extending from the target surface, and a plurality of microslot matrices formed on the target surface. Each microslot matrix includes individual microslots positioned adjacent to each other, and each microslot matrix is adjacent to a jet impingement zone and at least one of the plurality of surface fins. Jet impingement cooling apparatuses and power electronics modules haying an enhanced heat transfer assembly with surface fins and matrices of microslots are also disclosed. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150041284 | LOW PROFILE, HANDS FREE ACTUATION, POWER ASSIST ROLL OFF DOLLY - A dolly and methods for transporting and discharging items. The dolly includes a frame and one or more power conveyer assemblies. The one or more power conveyer assemblies include a set of transfer rollers and a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a drive motor, a continuous drive belt, a set of idler pulleys, a plurality of electrical actuation members, and a foot actuation pedal. Engagement of the foot actuation pedal can cause the drive motor to rotate the continuous drive belt around the set of idler pulleys and the plurality of electrical actuation members to move the continuous drive belt into an interference position with the set of transfer rollers. This can result in rotation of the set of transfer rollers and application of a discharge force to items set upon them. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150039192 | WIDE OPEN THROTTLE GUARD FOR A VEHICLE FOR HIGH ELEVATION CHANGES - A system for improving performance of a hybrid vehicle at higher elevations. The system includes a plurality of wheels, an engine, an altitude sensor, a transmission, a memory for storing target engine speeds, and a processor. The engine provides a torque to the plurality of wheels through the transmission, based on gear ratios limited by a wide open throttle (WOT) guard. The altitude sensor determines an elevation of the vehicle. Above a certain threshold elevation, the processor changes the WOT guard to improve performance at lower gears, such as standing start performance. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150039191 | DECELERATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A system for decelerating a hybrid vehicle, the system includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a brake pedal, an accelerator pedal, a sensor for detecting a vehicle deceleration, a memory for storing a target deceleration corresponding to a coasting deceleration of the vehicle, and a processor. When the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are released, the vehicle coasts. If the vehicle deceleration does not match the target deceleration, the processor adjusts the torque output by the CVT so that the vehicle deceleration substantially matches the target deceleration. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150032339 | PADDLE-SHIFT LOGIC FOR DOWN-SHIFTING AUTOMATIC VEHICLE TRANSMISSIONS - A system for shifting an automatic or continuously variable transmission of a vehicle. The system includes a plurality of wheels, an engine, a transmission, a memory, a processor, and a paddle shifter. The engine provides a torque to the plurality of wheels through the transmission. The transmission has a plurality of set gear ratios to shift through. The processor detects when the paddle shifter is pressed and held, to instruct the transmission to perform a first half shift. When the paddle shifter is subsequently released, the processor instructs the transmission to perform a second half shift, completing a full shift. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150014573 | SUPERPARAMAGNETIC IRON COBALT ALLOY AND SILICA NANOPARTICLES OF HIGH MAGNETIC SATURATION AND A MAGNETIC CORE CONTAINING THE NANOPARTICLES - Thermally annealed superparamagnetic core shell nanoparticles of an iron-cobalt alloy core and a silicon dioxide shell having high magnetic saturation are provided. A magnetic core of high magnetic moment obtained by compression sintering the thermally annealed superparamagnetic core shell nanoparticles is also provided. The magnetic core has little core loss due to hysteresis or eddy current flow. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150012200 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRAFFIC SIGNAL RECOGNITION - Detecting traffic signaling of a mobile environment includes receiving image frames captured by an imaging device to detect a traffic signal candidate therefrom based on at least a vehicle location. A score having a predefined value is established for the traffic signal candidate. The traffic signal candidate is tracked by incrementing the score when the traffic signal candidate is determined to appear, based on a probabilistic estimator that indicates an expected value for a location of the traffic signal candidate, in a tracked image frame of the captured image frames. The score is decremented when the traffic signal candidate is determined not to appear, based on the probabilistic estimator, in the tracked image frame. The traffic signal candidate is recognized as a traffic signal based on whether the score is above a specified threshold. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150008253 | TRANSIENT LIQUID PHASE BONDING PROCESS FOR DOUBLE SIDED POWER MODULES - A double-sided bonding process using transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding structure. A first side of an electronic device is processed to partially complete bonding. A second side of the electronic device is processed to complete bonding. The first side completes bonding during the processing of the second side. This reduces the time needed for the bonding process of both sides. This process allows for various TLP bonding parameters while being compatible with conventional fabrication systems. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20140375403 | SUPERPARAMAGNETIC IRON COBALT TERNARY ALLOY AND SILICA NANOPARTICLES OF HIGH MAGNETIC SATURATION AND A MAGNETIC CORE CONTAINING THE NANOPARTICLES - Thermally annealed superparamagnetic core shell nanoparticles of an iron-cobalt ternary alloy core and a silicon dioxide shell having high magnetic saturation are provided. A magnetic core of high magnetic moment obtained by compression sintering the thermally annealed superparamagnetic core shell nanoparticles is also provided. The magnetic core has little core loss due to hysteresis or eddy current flow. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140362537 | Power Modules and Power Module Arrays Having A Modular Design - Power modules and power module arrays are disclosed. In one embodiment, a power module includes a module support, a high temperature module, and a module cap. The module support includes a frame member, a heat spreader, a first electrically conductive rail, and a second electrically conductive rail. The high temperature module includes a module substrate, a semiconductor device thermally and/or electrically coupled to a semiconductor surface of the module substrate, a first external connector, and a second external connector. The first and second electrically conductive rails are disposed within a through-hole of the first and second external connectors, respectively. The module cap includes a body portion, a plurality of posts, a first opening, and a second opening. The plurality of posts presses against at least the first external connector, the second external connector, and the module substrate such that the high temperature module is thermally coupled to the heat spreader. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140350812 | Systems, Vehicles And Methods For Controlling An Application Of A Plurality Of Trailer Brakes - Systems, vehicles, and methods for controlling an application of a plurality of trailer brakes are disclosed. A system for controlling an application of a plurality of trailer brakes includes a processor, a memory module communicatively coupled to the processor, a trailer brake output circuit operatively coupled to the plurality of trailer brakes and communicatively coupled to the processor, a cornering attitude input communicatively coupled to the processor, and machine readable instructions stored in the memory module. When executed by the processor, the machine readable instructions cause the system to receive a cornering attitude signal from the cornering attitude input, determine when an understeer cornering attitude exists based on the received cornering attitude signal, and prevent the application of the plurality of trailer brakes by the trailer brake output circuit when the understeer cornering attitude is determined to exist. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140347817 | JET IMPINGEMENT COOLERS AND POWER ELECTRONICS MODULES COMPRISING THE SAME - Jet impingement assemblies and power electronics devices incorporating jet impingement assemblies are described. The jet impingement assemblies include a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a manifold, and a heat distribution member. The manifold includes a distribution side in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a collection side in fluid communication with the fluid outlet, a plurality of orifices extending from the distribution side to the collection side, and a return channel extending from the collection side to the distribution side. The heat distribution member is positioned proximate to the collection side of the manifold. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140346798 | VEHICLE TRIM STRUCTURE WITH INTEGRALLY FORMED RIBS - A vehicle trim structure for attachment of a resilient clip includes a flange extending generally orthogonally from an interior wall of an automotive vehicle and a plurality of ribs protruding generally orthogonally from the flange. The flange includes a proximal end integral with the interior wall, a distal end separated from the interior wall, an interior face spanning between the proximal end and the distal end, and an exterior face spanning between the proximal end and the distal end, opposite the interior face. The plurality of ribs extends longitudinally from the proximal end of the flange to the distal end of the flange. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140346660 | POWER ELECTRONICS DEVICES HAVING THERMAL STRESS REDUCTION ELEMENTS - Power electronics devices having thermal stress reduction elements are disclosed. A power electronics device includes a heat source having a heat source perimeter, a first conduction member coupled to the heat source, and a substrate coupled to the first conduction member. The first conduction member includes a support portion that extends to at least the heat source perimeter and a plurality of finger portions extending from the support portion and separated from one another by web regions, where the plurality of finger portions have a finger thickness that is greater than a web thickness of the web regions. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140346389 | SUPERPARAMAGNETIC IRON OXIDE AND SILICA NANOPARTICLES OF HIGH MAGNETIC SATURATION AND A MAGNETIC CORE CONTAINING THE NANOPARTICLES - Thermally annealed superparamagnetic core shell nanoparticles of an iron oxide core and a silicon dioxide shell having high magnetic saturation are provided. A magnetic core of high magnetic moment obtained by compression sintering the thermally annealed superparamagnetic core shell nanoparticles is also provided. The magnetic core has little core loss due to hysteresis or eddy current flow. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140340228 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EARLY DETECTION OF DYNAMIC ATTENTIVE STATES FOR PROVIDING AN INATTENTIVE WARNING - A method and apparatus for determining an inattentive state of an operator of a vehicle and for providing information to the operator of the vehicle by obtaining face images of the operator of the vehicle, obtaining images of an environment of the vehicle, determining one or more areas of interest in the environment of the vehicle based on the images of the environment, obtaining, from a relevance and priority database, relevance and priority values corresponding to the one or more areas of interest, determining a probability of attention of the operator of the vehicle to the one or more areas of interest based on the images of the environment and the relevance and priority values, determining an attention deficiency based on the determined probability of attention and the face images, and providing the information to the operator of the vehicle based on the determined attention deficiency. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140324336 | NAVIGATION OF ON-ROAD VEHICLE BASED ON VERTICAL ELEMENTS - A vehicle can include a navigation unit configured to determine a position of the vehicle. A detection unit can be configured to recognize position and features of objects external to the vehicle. An identification unit can be configured to identify objects expected to be detected based on a determined position of the vehicle, by comparing the recognized features to feature data of object reference data stored in a local database. When the identification unit is unable to identify an object, the identification unit can compare recognized or stored object features to the additional feature data received from a remote database. A navigation unit can update the position of the vehicle based on position data of identified objects and more accurate and safe autonomous operation of a vehicle can be achieved. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140322597 | METAL-METAL BATTERY - An electrochemical cell includes a metal containing anode M′ capturing and releasing cations, a metal containing cathode M″ and an electrolyte including an anion X | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140319861 | SMALL OVERLAP FRONTAL IMPACT COUNTERMEASURE - A countermeasure assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a front side rail extending in a generally longitudinal direction; a bumper having a main bumper member and a bumper extension forming an end portion of the bumper; and a pivot link having front and rear mounting portions. The front mounting portion is pivotably engaged with the bumper extension member to define a front pivot joint, and the rear mounting portion is pivotably engaged with the front side rail to define a rear pivot joint. The rear pivot joint is located rearward and inward from the front pivot joint. The bumper extension is bolted to the forward end of the front side rail. The bumper extension has a front member and a rear member, of which the rear member is bolted to the front side rail. The front member and the rear member of the bumper extension define a hollow box structure. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140318886 | ACOUSTIC AND ELASTIC FLATBAND FORMATION IN PHONONIC CRYSTALS:METHODS AND DEVICES FORMED THEREFROM - A phononic device is provided suitable for attenuating mechanical vibration, as well as acoustic vibration that propagate through a medium. Through the periodic inclusion of domains of a material in a matrix that vary in the ratio of the longitudinal speed of sound (CL) and the transverse speed of sound (CT) between the domains and the matrix of equal to or greater than 2.0 and 40, respectively; improved significant attenuation of vibration is achieved. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140318830 | POWER ELECTRONICS ASSEMBLIES, INSULATED METAL SUBSTRATE ASSEMBLIES, AND VEHICLES INCORPORATING THE SAME - A power electronics assembly includes a semiconductor device, an insulated metal substrate, and a cooling structure. The insulated metal substrate includes a dielectric layer positioned between first and second metal layers, and a plurality of stress-relief through-features extending through the first metal layer, the second metal layer, the dielectric layer, or combinations thereof. The semiconductor device is thermally coupled to the first metal layer and the plurality of stress relief through-features is positioned around the semiconductor device. The cooling structure is bonded directly to the second metal layer of the insulated metal substrate. Insulated metal substrate assemblies are also disclosed. The insulated metal substrate includes a plurality of stress-relief through-features extending through a first metal layer, a second metal layer, and a dielectric layer. Vehicles having power electronics assemblies with stress-relief through-features are also disclosed. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140318829 | PRINTED WIRING BOARDS HAVING THERMAL MANAGEMENT FEATURES AND THERMAL MANAGEMENT APPARATUSES COMPRISING THE SAME - A printed wiring board includes an insulator substrate, an electrical conductor at least partially embedded in the insulator substrate, and a thermal conductor at least partially embedded in the insulator substrate. The printed wiring board also includes a temperature-insensitive component mounting region and a temperature-sensitive component mounting region. The insulator substrate and the thermal conductor are arranged into a targeted heat transfer region proximate to the temperature-sensitive component mounting region and a bulk region at positions spaced apart from the temperature-sensitive component mounting region. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140318758 | COMPOSITE LAMINAE HAVING THERMAL MANAGEMENT FEATURES AND THERMAL MANAGEMENT APPARATUSES COMPRISING THE SAME - Heat transfer management apparatuses according to the present disclosure includes a composite lamina having an insulator substrate and a thermal conductor at least partially embedded in the insulator substrate, a temperature-sensitive component coupled to the composite lamina, and a temperature-insensitive component coupled to the composite lamina and positioned distally from the temperature-sensitive component. The temperature-insensitive component produces heat during operation. The thermal conductor and the insulator substrate are arranged into a targeted heat transfer region proximate to the temperature-sensitive component and a bulk region proximate to the temperature-insensitive component. The targeted heat transfer region and the bulk region are in thermal continuity with one another. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140318421 | PANEL UNLOAD TABLE - An apparatus and methods for unloading panels. One example method includes receiving the panel on a table top. The panel is positioned on the table top to allow a worker to make an external surface inspection. The method further includes rotating a table flap extending from the table top from a first position to a second position to allow a worker access to a panel fixture in a stowed position. The method further includes moving the panel fixture from the stowed position to a load position and receiving the panel on the panel fixture. The panel is positioned on the panel fixture to engage a load sensor. In response to the load sensor sensing the panel on the panel fixture, the method further includes rotating the panel fixture from the load position to an unload position. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140318106 | METAL-GAS BATTERY SYSTEM - A metal-gas battery that utilizes an exhaust gas stream from a combustion engine as reactive gases is provided. Almost constant concentration of exhaust gases are supplied to the metal-gas battery via an existing engine systematic combustion system. The systematic combustion system keeps a definite air fuel mixture (A/F) that acts to enhance the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, and the metal-gas battery leverages the existing vehicle air management system. Exhaust heat of the exhaust gases is sometimes utilized for the heat control of the vehicle, and then the cooled exhaust gases are introduced into the metal-air battery to be consumed during a cathode reduction reaction to create and store electrical energy. The metal-gas battery supports the cleaning of exhausted gases using existing emission catalysts. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140312637 | SMALL OVERLAP FRONTAL IMPACT COUNTER-MEASURE - A support structure assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a side member extending in a generally longitudinal direction and having a forward end; a link member having a generally fixed shape and having outer and inner mounting portions with the inner portion being mounted to the side member via an inner hinged connection; and a bumper having a main bumper member and a bumper extension member forming an end portion of the bumper. The bumper extends generally transverse and lateral to the longitudinal direction of the side member, and the bumper extension member extends laterally across and beyond the forward end of the side member. The bumper extension member includes forward and rearward wall portions. The rearward wall portion is sandwiched between the main bumper member and the forward end of the side member. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140309897 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A TRANSMISSION - The present invention provides a smoother driving experience through the use of an advanced powertrain system for a vehicle. The powertrain system includes a transmission having a gear selection controller adapted to select one of a plurality of gear ratios, an electronic control unit, at least one information acquisition unit wherein the electronic control unit uses information from the information acquisition unit to determine if the vehicle is stationary and if the vehicle is on an expressway. If the electronic control unit determines the vehicle is stationary and the vehicle is on an expressway, then the electronic control unit sends a signal to the gear selection controller of the transmission to select a lower gear ratio that would normally be used to transition the vehicle from a stationary to a moving state. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140305739 | PLATFORM FOR DIE CASTING MACHINE - A platform mountable in a lower part of a die casting machine below the platens. The platform includes at least one pair of first and second coupled plates, the first plate affixed to an underlying base of the platform. The second plate is movable between first retracted positions overlaying the first plate to a second extended end-to-end co-planar position relative to the first plate to form an elongated co-planar platform surface. The base can support two pairs of coupled and longitudinally spaced first and second plates. An actuator coupled to each second plate for moving each second plate between the first retracted position and the second extended position. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140303835 | Vehicle Temperature Control Systems - A vehicle temperature control system including a first and second heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit comprising a first compressor, a first blower, and a first heating element and a first ducting in fluid communication with the first HVAC unit that selectively directs air to a first zone, a second zone, and a third zone of a vehicle through a plurality of outlet vents. The vehicle temperature control system also includes an electronic controller electrically coupled to the first HVAC unit and the second HVAC unit, the electronic controller comprising a synchronization device, a processor, and a memory, where the processor controls operation of the first HVAC unit and the second HVAC unit by controlling operating states of the first and second HVAC units and selectively modifies an operating state of the second HVAC unit to match the operating state of the first HVAC unit. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140303828 | LANE-BASED LOCALIZATION - A system, device, and methods for autonomous navigation using lane-based localization. Once example computer-implemented method includes receiving, from one or more sensors disposed on a vehicle, data representing a road surface proximate to the vehicle and removing the data falling below an adaptive threshold from the data representing the road surface to isolate data representing boundaries on the road surface. The method further includes generating detected lanes based on the data representing boundaries on the road surface by applying one or more filters, generating expected lanes proximate to the vehicle using data included in a route network definition file, comparing the detected lanes to the expected lanes, and generating a localized vehicle position based on the comparison between the detected lanes and the expected lanes. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140297092 | INTENSITY MAP-BASED LOCALIZATION WITH ADAPTIVE THRESHOLDING - A system, device, and methods for autonomous navigation using intensity-based localization. One example computer-implemented method includes receiving data including a plurality of intensity values from one or more sensors disposed on a vehicle as the vehicle traverses a route and generating a first group of intensity values wherein the first group includes at least some of the plurality of intensity values received. The method further includes removing the intensity values below an adaptive threshold from the first group of intensity values to generate a second group of intensity values, comparing the second group of intensity values to an intensity map, and generating a localized vehicle position based on the comparison between the second group of intensity values and the intensity map. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140295279 | HIGH CAPACITY CATHODE MATERIAL FOR A MAGNESIUM BATTERY - An electrode active material, containing α-MnO | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140295278 | MAGNESIUM BATTERY HAVING A CATHODE CONTAINING MANGANESE DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES AS ACTIVE MATERIAL | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140292015 | MOBILE DEVICE RETENTION AND CHARGING TRAY - A console assembly for an automotive vehicle and use with a mobile device. The console assembly including a storage compartment having a floor, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of end walls. An opening permits access into the storage area and a slidable top wall is operable to move between a covered position and a retracted position relative to the opening. An anti-slip surface is provided on the top wall and configured to receive the mobile device thereon. A wireless charging unit is also incorporated into and moveable with the top wall. The wireless charging unit is located immediately below the anti-slip surface. When the mobile device is placed on the anti-slip surface, the device is moveable with the top wall, between the covered position and retracted position, while being charged. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140291696 | POWER ELECTRONICS MODULES WITH SOLDER LAYERS HAVING REDUCED THERMAL STRESS - Power electronics modules having solder layers with reduced thermal-stress are disclosed. In one embodiment, a power electronics module includes a power electronics device having a first surface, a second surface, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge. The power electronics device has a device length measured from the first edge to the second edge. A first solder layer is adjacent to the first surface of the power electronics device, and a second solder layer is adjacent to the second surface. The first solder layer and the second solder layer have a maximum thickness T along a length that is less than the device length of the power electronics device. A first thermally conductive layer is adjacent to the first solder layer, and a second thermally conductive layer is adjacent to the second solder layer. In some embodiments, the first and second solder layers have tapered portions. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140284787 | JET IMPINGEMENT COOLING APPARATUSES HAVING NON-UNIFORM JET ORIFICE SIZES - Jet impingement cooling apparatuses having non-uniformly sized jet orifices for producing an array of impingement jets that impinge a target surface are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cooling apparatus includes at least one fluid inlet channel, at least one fluid outlet channel, a target surface, and a jet orifice surface that is offset from the target surface. The jet orifice surface includes an array of jet orifices fluidly coupled to the at least one fluid inlet channel, wherein each individual jet orifice of the array of jet orifices has an area corresponding to a distance of the individual jet orifice to the at least one fluid outlet channel such that individual jet orifices closer to the at least one fluid outlet have an area that is smaller than individual jet orifices further from the at least one fluid outlet. Power electronics modules are also disclosed. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140284039 | THERMAL ENERGY GUIDING SYSTEMS INCLUDING ANISOTROPIC THERMAL GUIDING COATINGS AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING THE SAME - Thermal energy guiding systems and methods for fabricating thermal energy guiding systems are provided. A thermal energy guiding system includes a thermal energy source and an anisotropic thermal guiding coating in thermal communication with a surface of the thermal energy source. The anisotropic thermal guiding coating includes a plurality of layers including a first layer and a second layer. The first layer has a first thermal conductivity and the second layer has a second thermal conductivity. The plurality of layers are non-uniformly arranged on the surface of the thermal energy source in order to guide thermal energy from the thermal energy source according to a thermal energy management objective. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140280051 | COMPUTER-BASED METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ACTIVE AND AUTOMATIC PERSONAL ASSISTANCE USING AN AUTOMOBILE OR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A method and a system for providing personal assistance in daily activities. A method and a system for automatically and actively providing personal assistance, using a vehicle or a portable electronic device, based on detected data regarding a user and the user's environment. The method and system may include a processor, at least one sensor, an output device, a communications unit, and a database. The database may further include a memory and cloud-based database and computing. The method and system may actively and automatically provide personal assistance regarding health, exercise, diet, or nutrition. The method and system may assist the user or a health professional in health diagnosis and treatment. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140279733 | COMPUTER-BASED METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ACTIVE AND AUTOMATIC PERSONAL ASSISTANCE USING A ROBOTIC DEVICE/PLATFORM - A method and a system for providing personal assistance in daily activities. A method and a system for actively and automatically providing personal assistance, using a robotic device/platform, based on detected data regarding a user and the user's environment. The method and system may include a processor, at least one sensor, an output device, a communications unit, and a database. The database may further include a memory and cloud-based database and computing. The method and system may provide assistance in jogging the memory of the user, parental control of a child, hazard detection, and various other circumstances. The method and system may actively and automatically provide personal assistance regarding health, exercise, diet, or nutrition. The method and system may assist the user or a health professional in health diagnosis and treatment. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140259952 | WATER SHIELD - A water shield for the door of a vehicle. The water shield includes a sheet of a water impervious material configured to extend over a portion of the door's inboard panel to be attached thereto. An access opening cover of expanded foam is directly attached to the sheet. The cover's perimeter portion circumscribes the access opening. The cover is secured, around the access opening, to the inboard panel, resulting in sealing of the access opening and mass dampening of the inboard panel. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140257768 | SVR DYNAMIC SYSTEM MODELING WITH DELAYED OUTPUT MEASUREMENTS - The method comprises the steps of inputting a first set of data into both a physical system and into an SVR model. The method includes collecting a second set of system data from the physical system and stacking a plurality of SVR models to form an output prediction without feeding back the model output. Another aspect of the invention includes a method of hybrid modeling having delayed output measurement. This method includes the steps of inputting a first set of data into both a physical system and into an SVR model and collecting a second set of system data from the physical system. A modeling error is injected into both the second set of system data from the physical system and a third set of system data from the SVR model wherein the modeling error thereby leads to substantially improved model output. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257643 | PARKING PAWL ENGAGEMENT CONTROL WITH FEEDBACK - A system and method for improving the consistency of a hybrid vehicle parking pawl engagement control. A hybrid vehicle includes a motor-generator, a planetary gear, a parking pawl, and a processor. The hybrid vehicle uses feedback to more accurately determine that the parking pawl is fully engaged. The parking pawl is applied to the planetary gear. The processor determines a target movement for the hybrid vehicle and commands a torque from the motor-generator to achieve the target movement. The processor determines that the parking pawl has fully engaged and locked the planetary gear. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257609 | HYBRID VEHICLE LAUNCH CONTROL - A launch control system which maximizes hybrid vehicle acceleration from a standing start. A hybrid vehicle includes wheels, an engine, a motor-generator, a processor, and an actuation device. The processor controls an engine speed and an engine torque independently from a wheel speed and a wheel torque. While the hybrid vehicle is at a standstill, the actuation device is switched to an on state, and the engine speed and engine torque is raised to optimal values. When the actuation device is subsequently switched to an off state, the engine speed and the engine torque is applied to the plurality of wheels to launch the hybrid vehicle. The processor blends or further adjusts the torque applied to the plurality of wheels to maximize the acceleration while optimizing an amount of wheel slip. The processor then learns the launch to improve performance on subsequent launches. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257608 | KNOWN ROUTE HV CONTROL COMPENSATION - A system and method for optimizing a fuel efficiency of a hybrid vehicle by learning from a route history. The system may be a hybrid vehicle including an engine, a motor-generator, a battery, a battery module, a GPS unit, a memory, and a processor. The method may include detecting a current route of the hybrid vehicle, calculating a confidence value corresponding to a probability that the current route has a match in the route history, detecting a battery state of charge (SOC), determining a target SOC based on the confidence value and the route history, and adjusting an engine start/stop threshold and/or an engine power request to achieve the target SOC. They system may learn and improve fuel efficiency over successive trips along the route. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140255774 | ACTIVE MATERIAL FOR RECHARGEABLE MAGNESIUM ION BATTERY - A magnesium ion battery includes a first electrode including a substrate and an active material deposited on the substrate. Also provided is a second electrode. An electrolyte is located between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrolyte includes a magnesium compound. The active material includes indium and an intermetallic compound of magnesium and indium. | 09-11-2014 |
