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Tang, MI

Dan Tang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090096199REINFORCEMENT FOR A VEHICLE HAVING A PILLARED ROOF - A reinforcement for a vehicle having a pillared roof includes a support structure and an activation mechanism to contact the support structure, driving the support structure to an extended position substantially upwardly. The extended support structure is capable of strengthening the pillared roof by contacting the roof to prevent an amount of deformation of the roof during a crash condition causing roof deformation.04-16-2009
20090102175OCCUPANT SAFETY DEVICE FOR ROOF REINFORCEMENT - An occupant safety device for a motor vehicle having a roof. The safety occupant device comprises a support structure slidably mounted within the vehicle that, upon actuation, extends vertically upwardly within the vehicle to cooperate with the vehicle's roof to increase the amount of weight that the roof can support. The support structure includes an overhanging top portion having a length and a direction of overhang that, upon actuation of the support structure, provide early roof engagement in the event of roof crush.04-23-2009

Edward Tang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130021656MEMS ACTUATOR AND MEMS ACTUATED SHUTTER MECHANISM - The present application generally describes several microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) including apparatuses, devices and systems configured for actuating a microdevice such as a shutter for use in a mobile terminal camera. One preferred embodiment described herein can include an apparatus including a curtain substantially disposed in a plane; an actuator mechanically connected to the curtain; and a voltage supply electrically connected to the actuator such that in response to a predetermined voltage the actuator thermally expands and thereby causes displacement of the curtain within the plane.01-24-2013
20130182086APPARATUS FOR ENHANCING STEREOSCOPIC IMAGES - The ability of some people to perceive simulated stereoscopic images or even actual stereoscopic images can be enhanced by treating the two eyes differently. The disclosed system can enhance stereoscopic images by selectively modifying the incoming images using right/left differentiation filter. The system can also include the capability of filtering images using parameters that for which the right eye and left eye images are treated independently of each other.07-18-2013
20130258463SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS FOR ENHANCING STEREOSCOPIC IMAGES - The ability of some people to perceive simulated stereoscopic images or even actual stereoscopic images can be enhanced by treating the two eyes differently. The disclosed system can enhance stereoscopic images by selectively modifying the incoming images using right/left differentiation filter. The system can also include the capability of filtering images using parameters that for which the right eye and left eye images are treated independently of each other.10-03-2013
20140253698SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD FOR ENHANCING STEREOSCOPIC IMAGES - The ability of some people to perceive simulated stereoscopic images or even actual stereoscopic images can be enhanced by treating the two eyes differently. The disclosed system can enhance stereoscopic images by selectively modifying the incoming images using right/left differentiation filter. The system can also include the capability of filtering images using parameters that for which the right eye and left eye images are treated independently of each other.09-11-2014
20140260676Sensor Assembly and Method for Measuring Forces and Torques - A sensor assembly comprises a base plate and a sensor member displaceable relative to the base plate. A spring arrangement operates in first and second stages in response to displacement of the sensor member relative to the base plate. Different resolutions of force and torque measurements are associated with the first and second stages. A light sensitive transducer senses displacement of the sensor member relative to the base plate and generates corresponding output signals. A collimator directs a plurality of light beams onto the light sensitive transducer so that the light beams strike different pixels of the light sensitive transducer to sense displacement of the sensor member relative to the base plate.09-18-2014
20150097759WEARABLE APPARATUS FOR ACCESSING MEDIA CONTENT IN MULTIPLE OPERATING MODES AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF - An apparatus that can be worn on the head of the user that can operate in a variety of different modes including an audio-only mode and an audio-visual mode. A wide variety of different user controls can be utilized to allow users to make a wide variety of different adjustments to the functionality of the apparatus.04-09-2015

Patent applications by Edward Tang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Edward Chia-Ning Tang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110034977IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODE ARRAY ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A CARRIER FOR SUPPORTING THE ELECTRODES AND CONTROL MODULES FOR REGULATING OPERATION OF THE ELECTRODES EMBEDDED IN THE CARRIER, AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - An implantable electrode array that includes multiple spaced apart electrodes to which current can be individually sourced and sunk. The array includes a carrier that supports the electrodes. One or more control modules that source current to or sink current from the electrodes are disposed in recesses within the carrier. A sheet of material more flexible than the carrier is disposed between, on one side, the carrier and the control modules and, on the other side, the electrodes. Conductors over which instructions and power are applied to the control modules and conductors that extend between the control modules are the electrodes are embedded in and extend through the sheet of flexible material.02-10-2011
20120310316IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODE ARRAY ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A CARRIER FOR SUPPORTING THE ELECTRODES AND CONTROL MODULES FOR REGULATING OPERATION OF THE ELECTRODES EMBEDDED IN THE CARRIER, AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME - An implantable electrode array (12-06-2012
20120330393IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODE ARRAY ASSEMBLY WITH AN ARRAY SUBTRATE, ELECTRODES AND INTEGRATED CIRCUITS, THE INTEGRATED CIRCUITS BEING ATTACHED TO PACKAGE SUBSTRATES - An electrode array with a flexible array substrate on which plural spaced apart electrodes are disposed. Integrated circuits are disposed in the array substrate. The integrated circuits are mounted to package substrates. The package substrates are more rigid than the array substrate. Internal to each package substrate is at least one electrical conductor. The electrical conductor extends from a bond pad integral with integrated circuit at least partially through the package substrate. The electrical conductor functions as the conductive member that extends between the integrated circuit an electrode with which the integrated circuit is associated.12-27-2012
20140091054METHOD OF FABRICATING AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE THAT INCLUDES ONE OR MORE THIN FILM POLYMER SUPPORT LAYERS - An implantable medical device formed from one or more layers of thin film polymer is assembled by providing by adhesively securely one or more polymer coupons on individual rigid backings. After each coupon is shaped or components mounted to the coupon, the coupons are bonded together. The adhesive is dissolved to remove the device from the backing or backings to which it is attached.04-03-2014
20140343643IMPLANTABLE ELECTRODE ARRAY ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A CARRIER WITH EMBEDDED CONTROL MODULES CONTAINED IN PACKAGES, THE PACKAGES EXTENDING OUTWARDLY SO AS TO EXTEND OVER THE CARRIER - An implantable electrode array that includes a carrier on which multiple spaced apart electrodes are disposed. Embedded in the module are control modules. The control modules are contained in packages. Portions of the packages extend outwardly from the carrier so as to be disposed against adjacent surfaces of the carrier. The packages contain conductive tracts that provide conductive links from the conductors internal to the carrier to the packaged control modules.11-20-2014
20150150504METHOD OF FABRICATING IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES FROM A POLYMER COUPON THAT IS BONDED TO RIGID SUBSTRATE - Plural medical device formed from one or more layers of thin film polymer are assembled from a single polymer coupon. Initially the coupon is bonded to a rigid substrate. Force, heat and a suction are selectively applied to the coupon to ensure that it has a consistent height across its exposed surface. Once the polymer coupon is bonded the components forming the medical device are attached to the coupon and the coupon is shaped to form the individual medical devices. Shaped sections of the coupon are then lifted off the rigid backing. The lifted off sections on which the components were attached are the medical devices.06-04-2015

Patent applications by Edward Chia-Ning Tang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Haiying Tang, Detroit, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110067294EFFECT OF NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC ANTIOXIDANTS ON THE OXIDATIVE STABILITY OF BIODIESEL - Disclosed are biodiesel fuels with improved oxidative stability. Disclosed are biodiesel fuels which comprise two or more antioxidants which increase the oxidative stability of the biodiesel fuel.03-24-2011

Houxiang Tang, Midland, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110250503BATTERY ELECTROLYTE SOLUTIONS CONTAINING AROMATIC PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS - A battery electrolyte solution contains from 0.01 to 80% by weight of an aromatic phosphorus compound. The aromatic phosphorus compound provides increased thermal stability for the electrolyte, helping to reduce thermal degradation, thermal runaway reactions and the possibility of burning. The aromatic phosphorus compound has little adverse impact on the electrical properties of the battery, and in some cases actually improves battery performance.10-13-2011
20110318646DUCTILE POLYMER BINDERS AND BATTERY COMPONENTS USING THE SAME - The present invention is directed at a binder for a battery electrode comprising an ethylene oxide-containing copolymer including a first monomer of ethylene oxide (EO) and at least one additional monomer selected from an alkylene-oxide that is different from the first monomer of EO, an alkyl glycidyl ether, or a combination thereof; wherein the ethylene oxide-containing copolymer has a weight average molecular weight less than about 200,000 g/mole (e.g., from about 10,000 to about 100,000), the molar fraction of the first monomer of EO (X12-29-2011
20120315549BATTERY ELECTROLYTE SOLUTIONS CONTAINING PHOSPHORUS-SULFUR COMPOUNDS - A battery electrolyte solution contains from 0.001 to 20% by weight of certain phosphorus-sulfur compounds. The phosphorus-sulfur compound performs effectively as a solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) forming material. The phosphorus-sulfur compound has little adverse impact on the electrical properties of the battery, and in some cases actually improves battery performance. Batteries containing the electrolyte solution form robust and stable SEIs even when charged at high rates during initial formation cycles.12-13-2012
20130130021COATING COMPOSITIONS - Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards coating compositions comprising from 20 to 85 percent of an aqueous dispersion based on a total weight of the coating composition, a basic water composition, and a crosslinker, wherein the aqueous dispersion comprises a melt blending product of (a) a base polymer comprising a polyolefin, (b) a polymeric performance improving agent (c) a polymeric stabilizing agent, and (d) a polymeric coupling agent.05-23-2013
20130143039COATING COMPOSITIONS - Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards coating compositions comprising from 50 to 85 percent of an aqueous dispersion based on a total weight of the coating composition; a stabilizing solvent composition comprising a first alcohol and a second alcohol, wherein each alkyl chain of the first alcohol and the second alcohol is one to three carbon atoms, with the proviso that neither the first alcohol nor the second alcohol is propylene glycol; a basic water composition; and a crosslinker.06-06-2013
20140275342EPOXY RESIN COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MAKING SAME, AND ARTICLES THEREOF - Advanced epoxy resins comprising the reaction product of an epoxy resin comprising a diglycidyl ether of Formula 1 as defined herein, and at least on difunctional compound selected from an aromatic diol and a dicarboxylic acid are described. The diglycidyl ether contains a cycloaliphatic ring of 3-5 carbon atoms. Purified diglycidyl ether is used to obtain substantially linear, high molecular weight, advanced epoxy resin. Curable compositions, cured compositions, and articles comprising the advanced epoxy resins are also disclosed. The advanced epoxy resins provide cured coatings having improved flexibility and low total chlorine content.09-18-2014
20150079402WATERBORNE DISPERSIONS - A waterborne dispersion containing a high molecular weight cycloaliphatic epoxy resin based on a diglycidyl ether of a cycloaliphatic diol polymerized with, for example, a diphenolic or diacid compound.03-19-2015
20150126671COATING DISPERSION - A dispersion having from one to sixty percent by weight of total dispersion of a solids component dispersed in an organic continuous phase is useful as a coating for substrates. The solids component contains 40-95 weight-percent of a polyolefin containing only carbon and hydrogen and that has a number average molecular weight that is greater than 400 gram per mole, 5-40 weight-percent of an amine salt of a functionalized polyolefin; and 0-20 weight-percent of optional additives, wherein weight-percent is based on total weight of solids and wherein the dispersed particles have an average particle size of less than 35 micrometers and the organic phase is a dispersion support medium for the polyolefin and amine salt of a functionalized polyolefin.05-07-2015
20150344718COATING COMPOSITIONS - Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards coating compositions comprising from 20 to 85 percent of an aqueous dispersion based on a total weight of the coating composition, a basic water composition, and a crosslinker, wherein the aqueous dispersion comprises a melt blending product of (a) a base polymer comprising a polyolefin, (b) a polymeric performance improving agent (c) a polymeric stabilizing agent, and (d) a polymeric coupling agent.12-03-2015

Patent applications by Houxiang Tang, Midland, MI US

Jason C.h. Tang, Sterling Heights, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110108181METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ONLINE QUALITY MONITORING AND CONTROL OF A VIBRATION WELDING PROCESS - A method for monitoring and controlling a vibration welding system includes collecting sensory data during formation of a welded joint using sensors positioned with respect to welding interfaces of a work piece. A host machine extracts a feature set from a welding signature collectively defined by the sensory data, compares and correlates the feature set with validated information in a library, and executes a control action(s) when the present feature set insufficiently matches the information. A welding system includes a sonotrode, sensors, and the host machine. The host machine is configured to execute the method noted above.05-12-2011
20120226373MULTI-MODE ULTRASONIC WELDING CONTROL AND OPTIMIZATION - A system and method for providing multi-mode control of an ultrasonic welding system. In one embodiment, the control modes include the energy of the weld, the time of the welding process and the compression displacement of the parts being welded during the welding process. The method includes providing thresholds for each of the modes, and terminating the welding process after the threshold for each mode has been reached, the threshold for more than one mode has been reached or the threshold for one of the modes has been reached. The welding control can be either open-loop or closed-loop, where the open-loop process provides the mode thresholds and once one or more of those thresholds is reached the welding process is terminated. The closed-loop control provides feedback of the weld energy and/or the compression displacement so that the weld power and/or weld pressure can be increased or decreased accordingly.09-06-2012

Jin Tang, Ada, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140192711SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SERVING BINARY SHORT MESSAGE SERVICE CONTENT TO DIFFERENT WIRELESS NETWORKS - Systems and methods are described for serving binary short message service (SMS) content to multiple mobile devices that use different wireless networks to receive data. One implementation involves a method for serving binary SMS content to the subscribers of a telematics service provider (TSP) on multiple mobile devices that are provisioned with multiple wireless networks. The method involves receiving a binary SMS at a receiving module of an external short message entity (ESME), translating the SMS into a protocol data unit (PDU), and routing the PDU to an SMS gateway producing application. The PDU is directed to a virtual serial port, which is created by the gateway producing application and mapped to a physical serial port at a terminal server. The PDU is sent from the terminal server to a data modem that is provisioned with a wireless carrier, and the data modem is instructed to transmit the SMS to a mobile device.07-10-2014

Jin Tang, Madison Heights, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110294466PROVIDING WIRELESS MOBILE DEVICE INFORMATION TO A CALL CENTER - A method and system for providing wireless mobile device information from a vehicle to a call center. The method includes the steps of (a) detecting the presence of a personal mobile device at the vehicle, (b) receiving at a vehicle interface module a mobile device identifier from the personal mobile device, and (c) sending the mobile device identifier from the vehicle interface module to a call center via the mobile device. The mobile device identifier received at the call center can be used for various purposes such as to provide a callback number in the event of a dropped call, or to validate that services are authorize for the vehicle.12-01-2011
20130109416VEHICLE TELEMATICS COMMUNICATION USING TEXT ENCODING OF BINARY DATA05-02-2013

Kevin Tang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110314331AUTOMATED TEST AND REPAIR METHOD AND APPARATUS APPLICABLE TO COMPLEX, DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS - An intelligent system for automatically monitoring, diagnosing, and repairing complex hardware and software systems is presented. A number of functional modules enable the system to collect relevant data from both hardware and software components, analyze the incoming data to detect faults, further monitor sensor data and historical knowledge to predict potential faults, determine an appropriate response to fix the faults, and finally automatically repair the faults when appropriate. The system leverages both software and hardware modules to interact with the complex system being monitored. Additionally, the lessons learned on one system can be applied to better understand events occurring on the same or similar systems.12-22-2011
20140132729METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CAMERA-BASED 3D FLAW TRACKING SYSTEM - Systems and methods facilitate long-range, accurate fiducial tracking using a mixture of pan-tilt and camera devices enabling generalized 3D tracking of fiducials with the automatic mapping of flaw data to component models within standard CAD packages. The invention is suitable to many various tracking applications, particularly large inspection sites such as aircraft surfaces which require vast coverage with a medium-degree of accuracy. A method of surface inspection comprises the steps of moving a fiducial target over a surface under inspection, and tracking the fiducial as it is moved by capturing and storing the coordinates of the fiducial in a database for subsequent retrieval. Machine vision is used to acquire surface inspection data associated with the coordinates of the fiducial as it is moved. The inspection data is integrated into a CAD model, enabling the use of finite element analysis (FEA) to determine or predict flaw and material behavior over time.05-15-2014

Norina M. Tang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100189726LPAAT-BETA INHIBITORS AND USES THEREOF - The invention relates to triazines and the use thereof to inhibit lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase β (LPAAT-β) activity. The invention further relates to methods of treating cancer using said triazines. The invention also relates to methods for screening for LPAAT-β activity.07-29-2010

Patent applications by Norina M. Tang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Qingfeng Tang, Novi, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090309753Self-Aligning Vehicular Transmitter System - A method is provided for self-aligning a transmitting frequency between a portable transceiving device and a base station transceiving device. A test signal is transmitted from one of a portable or base station transceiving devices to the other of the portable or base station transceiving devices. The test signal has a frequency that varies during the transmission. The varying of the frequency of the test signal generates a plurality of discrete signals. The other of the portable or base station transceiving devices measures a RSSI value of each discrete signal. The other of the portable or base station transceiving devices determines a discrete signal having a maximum RSSI value. At least a portion of a subsequent message from the other of the portable transceiving device or the base station transceiving device is transmitted at an optimum frequency used for the test signal identified by the test result signal.12-17-2009

Patent applications by Qingfeng Tang, Novi, MI US

Shouchu Tang, Detroit, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120190633MONOPHOSPHORYLATED LIPID A DERIVATIVES - The present invention provides for monophosphorylated lipid A derivatives and carbohydrate derivatives that are useful as agents in the treatment of diseases and conditions, including cancers. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of Formula I-IV. In addition, methods for the treatment of cancers are provided.07-26-2012
20140356367MONOPHOSPHORYLATED LIPID A DERIVATIVES - The present invention provides for monophosphorylated lipid A derivatives and carbohydrate derivatives that are useful as agents in the treatment of diseases and conditions, including cancers. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of Formula I-IV. In addition, methods for the treatment of cancers are provided.12-04-2014

Tom Q. Tang, Novi, MI US

Patent applications by Tom Q. Tang, Novi, MI US

Wenhua Tang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090191261Antibody fragment-targeted immunoliposomes for systemic gene delivery - Nucleic acid-immunoliposome compositions useful as therapeutic agents are disclosed. These compositions preferably comprise (i) cationic liposomes, (ii) a single chain antibody fragment which binds to a transferrin receptor, and (iii) a nucleic acid encoding a wild type p53. These compositions target cells which express transferrin receptors, e.g., cancer cells. These compositions can be used therapeutically to treat persons or animals who have cancer, e.g., head and neck cancer, breast cancer or prostate cancer.07-30-2009

Xiaoguo Tang, Canton, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100031924Method and system of transient control for homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines - A HCCI engine with a model reference adaptive feedback control system maintains stable HCCI combustion during speed/load transitions by: (1) estimating the maximum rate of pressure rise (MRPR), for each cycle, from an extra-cylinder sensor metric, such as a crankshaft dynamics or knock sensor metric, via statistical vector-to-vector correlation; (2) periodically self-tuning the vector-to-vector correlation; (3) applying knowledge base models to guide cycle-to-cycle adjustments of fuel quantity and other engine parameters, to maintain a target MRPR value.02-11-2010

Xidong Tang, Royal Oak, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120136594DYNAMIC BATTERY CAPACITY ESTIMATION - A method of determining a state of health of a battery in real time includes estimating a parameter value associated with the state of health of the battery and determining one or more of a terminal voltage, an accumulated charge, a state of charge, and a temperature of the battery. The method further includes determining, via a computing device, a reserve capacity of the battery based at least in part on the estimated parameter value and one or more of the terminal voltage, the accumulated charge, the state of charge, and the temperature of the battery.05-31-2012
20120136595BATTERY DIFFUSION VOLTAGE ESTIMATION - A method includes estimating a first diffusion voltage value of a battery by selecting the first diffusion voltage value from a look-up table, estimating a second diffusion voltage value of the battery using an estimation procedure, selecting at least one of the estimated first and second diffusion voltage values, and determining an open circuit voltage of the battery based at least in part on the selected diffusion voltage value. The method may be implemented by a computing device in a vehicle.05-31-2012
20130127399CELL BALANCING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method may identifying an overcharged cell from among a plurality of cells of a battery pack. An undercharged cell may be identified from among any of the plurality of cells of the battery pack. A switch may be operated to connect the overcharged cell to the undercharged cell via a direct current (DC)-DC converter. The DC-DC converter may be operated to transfer charge from the overcharged cell to the undercharged cell.05-23-2013
20130158755OPTIMIZING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE USING STATE OF HEALTH INFORMATION - A method for optimizing performance of a system includes determining, via a controller, a state of health (SOH) for each of a plurality of components of the system, and determining a state of function (SOF) of the system using the SOH of each component. The method includes estimating the remaining useful life (RUL) of the system using the system SOF, selecting a cost-optimal control strategy for the system using a costing model, and dynamically, i.e., in real time, executing the selected strategy to extend the estimated RUL. The method may include comparing the selected cost-optimal strategy to a calibrated performance threshold, and executing the selected strategy only when the selected strategy exceeds the threshold. A system includes first and second components and a controller. The controller dynamically executes the above method with respect to the components, which may be a traction motor and battery in one possible embodiment.06-20-2013
20130184929Co-Operative On-Board and Off-Board Component and System Diagnosis and Prognosis - A cooperative diagnostic and prognosis system for generating a prognosis of at least one component in a vehicle. An in-vehicle diagnostic unit determines a diagnostic signature of the component each time an occurrence of a condition is triggered and transmits the diagnostic signature to an off-board diagnostic unit. The off-vehicle diagnostic unit determines a SOH of the component and a rate-of-change in the SOH of the component. The off-vehicle diagnostic unit determines whether the rate-of-change in the SOH is greater than a threshold. The off-vehicle diagnostic unit requests additional information from the vehicle in response to the rate-of-change in the SOH being greater than the threshold. The additional information relating to operating parameter data associated with the component. The off-vehicle diagnostic unit receives the requested information and predicts a time-to-failure of the component.07-18-2013
20130262067COLLABORATIVE VEHICLE HEALTH MODEL - A method includes collecting vehicle health data from a plurality of vehicles. A peer group is identified among the plurality of vehicles. The collected vehicle health data from the peer group into a collaborative vehicle health model, the collaborative vehicle health model being applicable to a current vehicle to predict a state of at least a component of the current vehicle.10-03-2013
20130300190BATTERY STATE-OF-CHARGE OBSERVER - A robust battery state-of-charge observer determines a state-of-charge as function of an open circuit voltage by taking into account battery parameter uncertainties, which are due to battery age, variation, and operating conditions, (e.g. temperature and SOC level). Each of the time-varying battery parameter values are bounded. By utilizing the parameter variation bounds in the design process and constantly minimizing the estimation error covariance matrix, the robust observer achieves enhanced robustness to the variations of battery age, variation, and operating conditions such as temperature and SOC level.11-14-2013
20130300377BATTERY STATE-OF-CHARGE ESTIMATOR USING ROBUST H(INFINITY) OBSERVER - A battery state-of-charge (SOC) estimator uses a robust H11-14-2013

Xueming Tang, Canton, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140267415ROAD MARKING ILLUMINATTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A controller is configured to enhance driving awareness and safety by recognizing road marking objects and automatically generating laser or light beams to illuminate the road marking objects. The road marking objects are recognized from vehicle surrounding sensing system where cameras are frequently used. The road marking objects are also inferred from navigation information system based on the vehicle's position and knowledge about surrounding environment. Road markings for future vehicle positions are predicted based on present vehicle states and motions. The relative positions of the road marking objects are determined with respect to a vehicle coordinate system. When illuminated from a projector on the vehicle, the projected images of the road markings sufficiently overlap and highlight their target road marking objects on road surface.09-18-2014
20150042812LOCAL POSITIONING AND MOTION ESTIMATION BASED CAMERA VIEWING SYSTEM AND METHODS - A method and a system for controlling camera orientation in training and exhibition systems. The method and system use a control algorithm to drive the orientation of a camera system at a determined reference velocity in order to place the aim-point of the camera system following a target aim-point in a local coordinate system. In some embodiments, the position and velocity of the target aim-point in the local coordinate system are determined based on dynamically filtered position and motion of a target object, where the position and motion of the target object are measured from a local positioning system.02-12-2015
20150094096LOCATION AND EVENT BASED INFORMATION EXCHANGE AND CONTROL SYSTEM - An information system that provides information exchange and control services based on location and event between a subject of information and a service user. The information system first builds up direct referral link between the information resource and the subject of information by referral of a common map location. Information exchange and system control connections between them may also be established. The service next builds up information exchange and system control connections between the information resource and the service user intelligently and dynamically by satisfying conditions that comprises spatial and behavioral relationships and information subject matching rules. After that, information exchange and control channel is indirectly established between the service user and the physical existence of the information subject through the connection provided by the service of information resource, which manages the controllability of the subject and the contents and accessibility of the information related to the subject.04-02-2015
20150106427METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND APPLICATIONS BETWEEN CLIENTS IN A TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - An information system that provides information exchange and application services based on the location and relationships between a landmark client and a service user client. The information service system first builds up direct referral link between a landmark client account and a declared landmark location. The landmark account stores information and applications associated to the landmark client. A service user connects to the information service system via a user client account that stores information and applications associated to the user client. The information service system determines a relationship between the landmark client and the user client using the location and navigation data of the clients as well as their identity and configuration information. The service next builds up information exchange and system control connections between the landmark client and the service user client according to their specified information access and usage rules under prescribed relationship situations.04-16-2015
20150247912CAMERA CONTROL FOR FAST AUTOMATIC OBJECT TARGETING - A camera controller is configured to automatically target object in camera view based on determined object position in a field coordinate system. The object position is initially determined based on received radio wave signals from object associated wireless communication device in a wireless local area network. The camera controller targets the object in camera view according to the determined object position using at least one of the camera orientation adjustment and the object recognition methods. The object position is further refined based on recognized object in camera view and the relationship between the camera view coordinate system and the local area coordinate system for better object targeting effect. The camera controller is able to capture an object in camera view even before the object has been specified as the target object.09-03-2015

Yat-Chung Tang, Rochester, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090026994ELECTRIC POWER STEERING CONTROL - A method for improving a failure mode diagnostic of an electric power steering system by overcoming a motor electric lock condition due to position sensor signal corruption or other motor faults. If certain conditions are met, the method determines that the motor is in an electric lock condition, and then reduces a torque current command to the motor so that it is able to be rotated by a vehicle hand-wheel. Once the motor is able to be rotated, then the method determines whether certain conditions have been met to determine whether the position sensor is malfunctioning.01-29-2009
20140214256STEERING SYSTEM FOR AN AUTONOMOUSLY DRIVEN VEHICLE AND METHODS OF STEERING THE SAME - A steering system for an autonomously driven vehicle and methods of steering the vehicle are disclosed. A brake device is operable in a first phase to brake the vehicle when a power steering controller is in a first mode and operable in a second phase to steer the vehicle when the power steering controller is in a second mode. A main controller is in communication with a friction device to signal the friction device to actuate to a disengaged position when the power steering controller is in the first mode and the brake device is in the first phase, and signal the friction device to actuate to an engaged position to secure a steering wheel in an initial position when the power steering controller is in the second mode and the brake device is in the second phase to allow the brake device to steer the vehicle.07-31-2014
20140277893STEERING SYSTEM FOR AN AUTONOMOUSLY DRIVEN VEHICLE AND METHODS OF STEERING THE SAME - A steering system for an autonomously driven vehicle and methods of steering the vehicle are disclosed. A main controller signals a secondary steering assembly to operate in a first phase when a power steering controller is in a first mode and a second phase to steer the vehicle when the power steering controller is in a second mode. The main controller signals a friction device to actuate to a disengaged position when the power steering controller is in the first mode and the secondary steering assembly is in the first phase, and to signal the friction device to actuate to an engaged position to secure a steering wheel in an initial position when the power steering controller is in the second mode and the secondary steering assembly is in the second phase to allow the secondary steering assembly to steer the vehicle.09-18-2014

Yemin Tang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140283604THREE-DIMENSIONAL MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS STRUCTURE - A three-dimensional microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) structure includes a substrate and having a height extending outwardly from the substrate and a largest lateral dimension orthogonal to the height. The largest lateral dimension is smaller than the height. A transducing element is operatively connected to the hair-like core and embedded within, formed on an outer surface of, or disposed at a root of the hair-like core. The transducing element is to receive an electrical core signal or a non-electrical core signal conveyed by the hair-like core. The transducing element is to convert the non-electrical core signal to an electrical output signal, convert the electrical core signal to an electrical output signal in a different format, convert the non-electrical core signal to a different non-electrical output signal, or convert the electrical core signal to a non-electrical output signal.09-25-2014

Yin Tang, Midland, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150361320In Situ Method For Forming Thermally Conductive Thermal Radical Cure Silicone Composition - An in situ method for forming a thermally conductive thermal radical cure silicone composition is provided. The in situ method comprises forming a thermally conductive clustered functional polymer comprising the reaction product of a reaction of a polyorganosiloxane having an average, per molecule, of at least 2 aliphatically unsaturated organic groups; a polyorganohydrogensiloxane having an average of 4 to 15 silicon atoms per molecule; and a reactive species having, per molecule, at least 1 aliphatically unsaturated organic group and 1 or more curable groups; in the presence of a filler treating agent, a filler comprising a thermally conductive filler, an isomer reducing agent, and a hydrosilylation catalyst. The method further comprises blending the thermally conductive clustered functional polymer with a radical initiator.12-17-2015

Yin Tang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090011924SINTERED POLYCRYSTALLINE TERBIUM ALUMINUM GARNET AND USE THEREOF IN MAGNETO-OPTICAL DEVICES - A composition is provided that includes a plurality of calcined particles of terbium aluminum oxide having a mean particle domain size of between 30 and 600 nanometers. A translucent article having a surface includes polycrystalline terbium aluminum garnet having a mean grain size from 1 to 10 microns and light scattering inclusions of aluminum-rich oxide and/or terbium-rich oxide that are present at less than 2 surface area percent of the surface. A process for forming such an article involves sintering the above provided composition at a temperature between 1500° C. and 1700° C. to yield a sintered article. The article has improved translucency and even transparency as sintering is performed under vacuum at a temperature between 1610° C. and 1680° C. Hot isostatic pressing alone or in combination with article polishing also improves article translucency.01-08-2009
20100048378SINTERED POLYCRYSTALLINE YTTRIUM ALUMINUM GARNET AND USE THEREOF IN OPTICAL DEVICES - A transparent yttrium aluminum garnet precursor composition is provided that includes a plurality of calcined particles of yttrium aluminum oxide having a mean particle domain size of between 10 and 200 nanometers and a predominant hexagonal crystal structure. High levels of YAG transparency are obtained for large YAG articles through control of the aluminum:yttrium atomic ratio to 1:06±0.001 and limiting impurity loadings to less than 100 ppm. The composition is calcined at a temperature between 700° Celsius and 900° Celsius to remove organic additives to yield a predominant metastable hexagonal phase yttrium aluminum oxide nanoparticulate having an atomic ratio of aluminum: yttrium of 1:0.6±0.001. With dispersion in an organic binder and a translucent YAG article is formed having a transmittance at a wavelength of 1064 nanometers of greater than 75%. The translucent YAG article is characterized by an average domain size of less than 1 micron and having a density of at least 99% and inclusions present at less than 2 surface area percent. The ability of a batch of yttrium aluminum oxide nanoparticles to serve as a transparent YAG precursor includes collecting an X-ray fluorescence spectrum from a plurality of aluminum oxide nanoparticles having a predominant crystal structure other than garnet to yield an A1:Y raw integrated peak intensity ratio. The nanoparticles are sintered to yield a predominant garnet phase and a secondary phase and optionally isostatic pressing during sintering. By using only precursor nanoparticles with a standard deviation of ±0.003 in the peak ratio exceptionally high transparency YAG is reproducibly produced.02-25-2010

Patent applications by Yin Tang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Yipeng Tang, Troy, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120150387SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A VEHICLE DRIVER - A system and method configured to receive and improve the quality of image data used to determine the condition of a vehicle driver is provided. The system and method includes a camera positioned to detect image data of the vehicle driver, a lighting system positioned to illuminate an interior of the vehicle, and a controller configured to receive the detected image data and to make a determination of the quality of the image data, alter the lighting system based on the determined image data quality, and determine a condition of the driver based on the received image data.06-14-2012

Yuqing Tang, Northville, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120091792METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHARGING OR DISCHARGING AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE - An apparatus for charging and discharging an electrical device in vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a switch, first and second power sources, and first and second contactors. The first power source is configured to provide a low voltage. The switch is configured to enable/disable the first power source. The second power source is configured to provide a high voltage for charging the electrical device. The first contactor is operably coupled to the first power source and to the second power source, the first contactor being configured to enable the second power source to provide the high voltage for charging the electrical device in response to the switch enabling the first power source. The second contactor is operably coupled to the first power source and to the second power source, the second contactor being in an open state in response to the switch enabling the first power supply.04-19-2012
20120306412VEHICLE ELECTRIC DRIVE AND POWER SYSTEMS - An automotive electric drive system may include an electric power source, an electric machine, and a DC-DC power converter electrically connected between the electric power source and the electric machine. The DC-DC power converter may include an inductor and a first switch each disposed in a different current path connecting the electric power source and the electric machine. The currents paths may be electrically in parallel.12-06-2012
20140062349CONTROL STRATEGY FOR AN ELECTRIC MACHINE IN A VEHICLE - A hybrid-electric vehicle and method of controlling a hybrid-vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a traction battery, at least one electric-machine, and a controller. The controller is configured to alter a voltage between the battery and the electric-machine based on a measured voltage of the battery or the high voltage bus. In response to an indication that the measured voltage is faulty during a drive cycle, the controller instead alters the voltage between the battery and the electric machine based on a substituted battery voltage signal such that the electric-machine remains operable for the drive cycle.03-06-2014
20140132278Hybrid/Electrical Vehicle HV AC System Leakage and Ground Fault Detection - Apparatus and methods for detection of a ground fault on a DC side as well as on an AC side of an inverter are presented. A detection means can receive forward and reverse current and provide an induced current based on the difference between them. A parameter associated with the induced current, or a parameter associated with a voltage generated by conduction of the induced current through a device, can be used to detect a ground fault. In addition, a detection means can be configured to receive transient current, and a resulting voltage at the detection means can be used for fault detection. A detection means can be disposed at the DC side of an inverter or at the AC side of the inverter. Apparatus and methods can be configured to detect AC leakage current caused by a ground fault.05-15-2014

Yuqing Tang, Westland, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080246508METHOD TO DETERMINE AN OPERATING CHARACTERISTIC OF A VEHICLE POWER CONVERTER - Measured or otherwise known operating characteristics of a DC/DC power converter are used to determine, without measuring, an operating characteristic of the DC/DC power converter.10-09-2008

Yuxing Tang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090246929MEMBRANE SUSPENDED MEMS STRUCTURES - A method for micro-machining a varactor that is part of a membrane suspended MEMS tunable filter. In one non-limiting embodiment, the method includes providing a main substrate; depositing a membrane on the main substrate; depositing and patterning a plurality of sacrificial photoresist layers at predetermined times during the fabrication of the varactor; depositing metal layers that define a fabricated varactor structure enclosed within photoresist; coupling a carrier substrate to the fabricated structure opposite to the main substrate using a release layer; etching a central portion of the main substrate to expose the membrane; removing the carrier substrate by dissolving the release layer in a material that attacks the release layer but does not dissolve the photoresist; and removing the photoresist layers to provide a released varactor.10-01-2009

Zhijun Tang, Novi, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120022764SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING FUEL ECONOMY USING PREDICTIVE ENVIRONMENT AND DRIVER BEHAVIOR INFORMATION - Disclosed is an exemplary method for optimizing vehicle performance. The method includes determining an optimized drive torque for maximizing vehicle fuel economy and detecting a driver requested drive torque. A determination is made on whether the driver requested drive torque is performance related or safety related. The arbitrated drive torque is set to the optimized drive torque when it is determined that the driver requested drive torque is not performance and safety related. The arbitrated drive torque is set to the driver requested drive torque when it is determined that the driver requested drive torque is either performance or safety related.01-26-2012
20130253782SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULATING THE PERFORMANCE OF A VIRTUAL VEHICLE - A mobile computing apparatus simulates the performance of a virtual vehicle using the route, driving behavior and loading experience of a baseline vehicle. The baseline vehicle is instrumented and operational data is collected, forming a data set. The apparatus includes simulator logic configured to construct a duty cycle from the data set representative of the operation of the baseline vehicle during travel along the route (e.g., a loading duty cycle). The data set includes route data with distance and vehicle speed information, engine data associated with the engine, and operational element data. The logic defines a virtual vehicle that is the same as the baseline vehicle but that includes a virtual operational element, such as a transmission, that is different than that in the baseline vehicle. The logic determines a performance characteristic, such as fuel economy, of the virtual vehicle using the constructed duty cycle.09-26-2013
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