Zhang, MI

Aijun Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090063361	Risk and Reward Assessment Mechanism - A data driven and forward looking risk and reward appetite methodology for consumer and small business is described. The methodology includes customer segmentation to create pools of homogeneous assets in terms of revenue and loss characteristics, forward looking simulation to forecast expected values and volatilities of revenue and loss, and risk and reward optimization of the portfolio. One methodology used for modeling revenue and loss is a generalized additive effect decomposition model to fit historical data. Based on the model, a segmentation procedure is performed, which allows for creation of groups of customers with similar revenue and loss characteristics. An estimation procedure for the model is developed and a simulation strategy to forecast and simulate revenue and loss volatility is developed. Efficient frontier curves of risk (e.g., return volatility) and reward (e.g., expected return) are created for the current portfolio under various economic scenarios.	03-05-2009
20100293107	Risk and Reward Assessment Mechanism - A data driven and forward looking risk and reward appetite methodology for consumer and small business is described. The methodology includes customer segmentation to create pools of homogeneous assets in terms of revenue and loss characteristics, forward looking simulation to forecast expected values and volatilities of revenue and loss, and risk and reward optimization of the portfolio. One methodology used for modeling revenue and loss is a generalized additive effect decomposition model to fit historical data. Based on the model, a segmentation procedure is performed, which allows for creation of groups of customers with similar revenue and loss characteristics. An estimation procedure for the model is developed and a simulation strategy to forecast and simulate revenue and loss volatility is developed. Efficient frontier curves of risk (e.g., return volatility) and reward (e.g., expected return) are created for the current portfolio under various economic scenarios.	11-18-2010
20130073481	Risk and Reward Assessment Mechanism - A data driven and forward looking risk and reward appetite methodology for consumer and small business is described. The methodology includes account level historical data collection for customers associated with accounts as part of a portfolio. The account level historical data is segmented into groups of customers with similar revenues and loss characteristics. Segmented data is decomposed into seasoning, vintage, and cycle effects. Statistical clusters are formed based upon the data and effects. A simulation is applied to the statistical clusters and prediction data is generated. A simulation strategy to forecast and simulate revenue and loss volatility is developed. Efficient frontier curves of risk (e.g., return volatility) and reward (e.g., expected return) are created for the current portfolio under various economic scenarios.	03-21-2013

Chao A. Zhang, Plymouth, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090250199	HIGH PERFORMANCE LOUVERED FIN FOR HEAT EXCHANGER - A high performance louvered fin for a heat exchanger is disclosed, wherein adjacent entrance louvers have increased widths and adjacent exit louvers have decreased widths in order to optimize thermal efficiency.	10-08-2009

Chunming Zhang, Midland, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090194479	MODIFIED POLYAMINE MEMBRANE - A modified polyamide membrane and method for making and using the same. The present invention includes many embodiments including methods comprising contacting a polyamide membrane with certain modifiers, including but not limited to certain oxazoline and/or thiazoline-based compounds, derivatives and polymers thereof. In one embodiment, the surface of a polyamide membrane is coated with a solution including a polyoxazoline and optionally a polyalkylene oxide material, followed by optional heating. Preferred embodiments may exhibit improved performance, e.g. increased rejection of certain species, (e.g. sodium chloride and/or boric oxides such as boric acid or various borate salts), reduced fouling, improved antimicrobial properties, and/or improved storage stability.	08-06-2009
20100143733	POLYAMIDE MEMBRANE WITH COATING OF POLYALKYLENE OXIDE AND POLYACRYLAMIDE COMPOUNDS - A polyamide membrane and method for making and using the same, including use within a spiral wound module. While many different embodiments are described, one embodiment includes a polyamide membrane including a coating comprising a combination of a polyalkylene oxide compound and a polyacrylamide compound.	06-10-2010
20110120942	MODIFIED POLYAMIDE MEMBRANE - A modified polyamide membrane and method for making and using the same. The present invention includes many embodiments including methods comprising contacting a polyamide membrane with certain modifiers, including but not limited to certain oxazoline and/or thiazoline-based compounds, derivatives and polymers thereof. In one embodiment, the surface of a polyamide membrane is coated with a solution including a polyoxazoline and optionally a polyalkylene oxide material, followed by optional heating. Preferred embodiments may exhibit improved performance, e.g. increased rejection of certain species, (e.g. sodium chloride and/or boric oxides such as boric acid or various borate salts), reduced fouling, improved antimicrobial properties, and/or improved storage stability.	05-26-2011
20110220569	COMPOSITE MEMBRANE INCLUDING COATING OF POLYALKYLENE OXIDE AND ACETOPHENONE COMPOUNDS - Composite membranes including a coating of polyalkylene oxide and acetophenone compounds along with various methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a thin film polyamide layer including a coating of a reaction product of a polyalkylene oxide compound and an acetophenone compound. In another embodiment, the coating comprises a polymer including alkylene oxide repeating units and one or more acetophenone functional groups.	09-15-2011
20110259817	COMPOSITE MEMBRANE INCLUDING COATING OF POLYALKYLENE OXIDE AND TRIAZINE COMPOUNDS - Composite membranes including a coating of polyalkylene oxide and triazine compounds along with various methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a thin film polyamide layer including a coating of a reaction product of a polyalkylene oxide compound and a triazine compound.	10-27-2011
20110284454	COMPOSITE MEMBRANE WITH COATING COMPRISING POLYALKYLENE OXIDE AND IMIDAZOL COMPOUNDS - Composite membranes including a coating comprising a combination of polyalkylene oxide and imidazol compounds along with various methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a thin film polyamide layer including a coating of a reaction product of a polyalkylene oxide compound and an imidazol compound. In another embodiment, the coating comprises a polymer including alkylene oxide repeating units and one or more imidazol functional groups.	11-24-2011
20110284457	COMPOSITE MEMBRANE WITH COATING COMPRISING POLYALKYLENE OXIDE AND OXY-SUBSTITUTED PHENYL COMPOUNDS - Composite membranes including a coating of polyalkylene oxide and oxy-substituted phenyl compounds along with various methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a thin film polyamide layer including a coating of a reaction product of a polyalkylene oxide compound and an oxy-substituted phenyl compound. In another embodiment, the coating comprises a polymer including alkylene oxide repeating units and one or more oxy-substituted phenyl functional groups.	11-24-2011
20110284458	COMPOSITE MEMBRANE WITH COATING COMPRISING POLYALKYLENE OXIDE AND BIGUANIDE-TYPE COMPOUNDS - Composite membranes including a coating of polyalkylene oxide and biguanide compounds along with various methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a thin film polyamide layer including a coating of a reaction product of a polyalkylene oxide compound and a biguanide-type compound. In another embodiment, the coating comprises a polymer including alkylene oxide repeating units and one or more biguanide functional groups.	11-24-2011
20140170314	COMPOSITE POLYAMIDE MEMBRANE DERIVED FROM MONOMER INCLUDING AMINE-REACTIVE AND PHOSPHOROUS-CONTAINING FUNCTIONAL GROUPS - A method for making a composite polyamide membrane comprising the steps of applying a polyfunctional amine monomer and polyfunctional acyl halide monomer to a surface of the porous support and interfacially polymerizing the monomers to form a thin film polyamide layer, wherein the method is includes at least one of the following steps: i) conducting the interfacial polymerization in the presence of a monomer comprising at least one phosphorous-containing functional group or salt thereof and an at least one amine-reactive functional group; and/or ii) applying such a monomer to the thin film polyamide layer.	06-19-2014
20140370191	COMPOSITE POLYAMIDE MEMBRANE - A method for making a composite polyamide membrane including the steps of applying a polyfunctional amine monomer and polyfunctional acyl halide monomer to a surface of the porous support and interfacially polymerizing the monomers to form a thin film polyamide layer, wherein the method is includes at least one of the following steps: i) conducting the interfacial polymerization in the presence of a subject monomer comprising at least one carboxylic acid group linked to an aromatic moiety and wherein the aromatic moiety is further substituted with at least one of an acyl halide or anhydride functional group and ii) applying the subject monomer to the thin film polyamide layer. The invention includes many additional embodiments.	12-18-2014

Dajun Zhang, Troy, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140332332	ORIFICE DISC FOR REGULATING FLOW IN DAMPER - A shock absorber for a vehicle includes a pressure tube that defines a fluid chamber. A piston disposed within the fluid chamber divides the fluid chamber into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber. The piston defines a compression passage and a rebound passage which extend through the piston between the upper working chamber and the lower working chamber. A valve disc assembly engages the piston and controls the flow of fluid between the upper working chamber and the lower working chamber. The valve disc assembly includes a bleed disc that defines an orifice with a substantially non-linear contour. The orifice extends to an outer diameter of the bleed disc, and forms a bleed channel between the upper working chamber and the lower working chamber.	11-13-2014

Dave Zhang, Portage, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100203193	Freezer to Retarder to Oven Dough - A frozen dough comprising flour, a high yeast level comprising one or more yeast with activity covering temperature range of 33-140° F., emulsifiers, dough conditioners, stabilizers, sugar, lipid source and optionally supplemental gluten such that the frozen dough does not require a conventional proofing (proofer) step prior to freezing or prior to baking. When the frozen dough is thawed in a retarder at 33-42° F. for at least 12 hours, or at an elevated temperature of between 43-85° F. for at least 1 hour, and then baked, the baked products have good appearance, taste and texture, and a specific volume of at least 4 cc/gram.	08-12-2010

Decai Zhang, Battle Creek, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090029008	PROCESSES FOR ADHERING FOOD PARTICULATES TO DOUGH AND RELATED FOOD ITEMS - The present invention provides improved methods for producing crackers with food particulates adhered to the surface, as well as the crackers produced by the methods. The processes described result in crackers which retain more topping and reduce waste. Moreover, the processes provide optional lower-fat formulations of a sweetened, hand-held food.	01-29-2009

Deng Zhang, East Lansing, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110171749	NANOPARTICLE TRACER-BASED ELECTROCHEMICAL DNA SENSOR FOR DETECTION OF PATHOGENS-AMPLIFICATION BY A UNIVERSAL NANO-TRACER (AUNT) - The present invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying a pathogen. The inventions provide an antibody-based biosensor probe comprising (AUNT) in combination with a polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticle. In particular, a nanoparticle-based biosensor was developed for detection of	07-14-2011

Fang Zhang, Midland, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150079407	SILICONE-POLYESTER COMPOSITION - A silicone-polyester composition and a process of forming a silicone-polyester composition are provided. The silicone part of the silicone-polyester composition contains T	03-19-2015

Fuxing Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140147013	DIRECT ECHO PARTICLE IMAGE VELOCIMETRY FLOW VECTOR MAPPING ON ULTRASOUND DICOM IMAGES - An Echo PIV analysis process, apparatus and algorithm are developed to reduce noise and analyze DICOM images representing a fluid flow of a plurality of particles. A plurality of DICOM images representing sequential image pairs of a plurality of particles is received. The plurality of DICOM sequential image pairs are grouped. The sequential image pairs are correlated to create N cross correlation maps. An average cross-correlation transformation is applied to each cross correlation map to create an image pair vector map for each image pair. A maximizing operation is applied to one or more of the N adjacent image pair vector maps to create a modified image pair vector map for the one or more of the N image pairs. The maps are combined to create a corresponding temporary vector map that are averaged to obtain a mean velocity vector field of the sequential image pairs.	05-29-2014

Guanqun Zhang, East Lansing, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130184595	METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING ARTERIAL PULSE WAVE VELOCITY - Methods are presented for determining pulse transit time (PTT) and/or pulse wave velocity (PWV) of a subject by application of parametric system identification to proximal and distal arterial waveforms. The two waveforms are measured from the subject. A system is defined that relates the proximal arterial waveform to the distal arterial waveform (or vice versa) in terms of the unknown parameters of a parametric mathematical model. The model parameters are determined from the measured waveforms using system identification. PTT between the proximal and distal arterial sites is then determined from the system model. PWV may also be determined by dividing the distance between measurement sites (D) by PTT.	07-18-2013

Guihua Zhang, Lake Orion, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100292966	Methods of predicting residual stresses and distortion in quenched aluminum castings - Computational systems, methods, and articles of manufacture to predict at least one of residual stresses and distortion in quenched aluminum castings. Residual stresses and distortion may be predicted through incorporating thermal strains induced during quenching with the nonlinear constitutive behavior of quenched microstructures of a quenched aluminum casting, wherein thermal strains arise generally from non-uniform transient temperature distribution of the casting during quenching. The transient temperature distribution of the aluminum casting during quenching may be calculated based on heat transfer coefficients specific to one or more nodes, elements and/or zones on the surfaces of the aluminum casting. The nonlinear constitutive behavior of the quenched aluminum casting may be modeled as functions of temperatures, strain rates, and microstructure variations. A material constitutive model accounts for not only strain hardening and creep, but also precipitate hardening. Thereby, residual stresses and distortion in the quenched aluminum castings can be predicted using the embodiments.	11-18-2010

Guorong Zhang, East Lansing, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090241214	Markers For Aphid Resistant Germplasm In Soybean Plants - The present invention relates to compositions and methods for providing and using markers of aphid resistant germplasm, particularly for identifying aphid resistance germplasm in soybean plants. Specifically, the inventions related to providing aphid resistant germplasm identified by markers associated with decreased damage from aphid feeding, as well as enhanced tolerance to aphid infestation of soybean plants. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions and methods for using genetic markers in breeding methods for producing plants with increased resistance to aphid damage and tolerance, while retaining and acquiring desired agronomic traits, Furthermore, the invention relates to plants produced by these breeding programs for use in commercial soybean production.	09-24-2009
20140196167	NEW SOURCES OF APHID RESISTANCE IN SOYBEAN PLANTS - The present invention relates to compositions and methods for identifying and using new germplasm providing aphid resistant in soybean plants, particularly for use in breeding soybean plant lines and cultivars representing specific set(s) of germplasm. In particular, aphid resistant soybean plants comprising new sources of germplasm and stacked germplasm/genes conferring enhanced aphid resistance are provided. These enhanced aphid resistant plants find use in breeding soybean plant lines (cultivars) including lines having superior aphid resistance. Further, the inventions relate to providing new aphid resistant germplasm identified by markers associated with plants having decreased damage from aphid feeding, as well as plants having enhanced tolerance to aphid infestation. Even further, the invention relates to compositions and methods for using genetic markers in breeding methods for producing plants and plant cultivars having increased resistance to aphid damage and increased tolerance to aphids, while retaining and acquiring desired agronomic traits.	07-10-2014

Houshun Zhang, Canton, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090188481	SQUISH-INDUCED MIXING-INTENSIFIED LOW EMISSIONS COMBUSTION PISTON FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES - A low geometric squish ratio piston for internal combustion engines to facilitate squish inducing mixing and intensified turbulence near engine top dead center The piston comprises a piston head having a height and a width and a depth with a top surface, and a skirt region with a ring region to define a body. The top surface defines an outer radius and is equipped with a combustion bowl recessed in the top surface and concentric therein to define an inner radius. The outer radius and the inner radius define a low geometric squish ratio. The combustion bowl has a deep piston center depth and a relatively high re-entrant angle at a periphery of the combustion bowl radius.	07-30-2009

Huanan Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130320273	NANOCOMPOSITES FOR NEURAL PROSTHETICS DEVICES - Implantable electrically conductive devices are provided having a nanocomposite material coating comprising gold nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes. Such an implantable device may be a neural or other implantable prosthesis, including microelectrodes for use in vivo. The devices may have dimensions on a cellular scale. Further, the devices may be highly flexible and electrically conductive, while also having low impedance and high storage charge capacity. Layer-by-layer methods for fabricating such nanocomposite materials for implantable devices are also provided. Methods for direct-write lithography patterning of such nanocomposite material coatings are also provided.	12-05-2013

Huilei Zhang, Ypsilanti, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120142809	INK JETTABLE, RADIATION CURABLE, FLUID COMPOSITIONS, PRODUCTION METHODS, AND RELATED SUBSTRATES - A radiation curable ink composition comprising a color base, one or more stabilizers and one or more surfactants, one or more photoinitiators, and a reactive component. The reactive component includes at least one monofunctional monomer including at least one aromatic constituent of greater than 5 weight percent, at least one monofunctional component with vinyl functionality, and an oligomer. Other aspects include a process for curing ink of such a composition, and a substrate prepared by such a process. Some benefits of this particular composition of ink include improved flexibility, better adhesion, and expedited curing.	06-07-2012

Huiqing Zhang, Midland, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090075046	AQUEOUS BASED COATING WITH ATTRACTIVE BARRIER AND OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS - An improved coating composition including a polymeric component and synthetic clay. The coating composition is particularly useful for coating a polymeric substrate, such as a styrenic polymeric substrate. One particular preferred application involves coating a closed cell foam extruded styrenic polymeric insulation panel with the coating composition, thereby realizing attractive barrier properties and optical characteristics from the coating.	03-19-2009
20110313091	AMBIENT TEMPERATURE CURABLE ISOCYANATE-FREE COMPOSITIONS FOR PREPARING CROSSLINKED POLYURETHANES - The present invention provides a multicomponent composition that is substantially isocyanate-free and comprises a polycarbamate as a first component and a polyaldehyde or an acetal or hemiacetal thereof as a second component and further comprises an effective amount of a triggering agent such that the first and second components to cure at a temperature of from 0 C. to less than 80 C. to form a crosslinked polyurethane. The multicomponent composition forms an ambient temperature curable composition when all of its components are combined that has a pH of 7.0 or less. The present invention also provides processes crosslinked polyurethanes, and the crosslinked polyurethanes prepared by the processes.	12-22-2011

Jian Jun Zhang, Rochester, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080247862	COMPRESSOR INLET DUCT - An inlet for a compressor having a housing defining a generally C-shaped inlet opening and a rotor cavity configured to contain first and second rotors is provided. The inlet includes an inlet duct defining an inlet opening and a generally C-shaped outlet opening. The inlet duct has an inner wall defining a cavity operable to communicate airflow between the inlet opening and the generally C-shaped outlet opening. The generally C-shaped outlet opening of the inlet duct is substantially similar to the shape of the generally C-shaped inlet opening of the housing. The inner wall includes a floor portion and a roof portion. At least a portion of the floor portion is contoured to impart a velocity component to the airflow complementary to the tangential velocity of each of the first and second rotors during rotation of the first and second rotors.	10-09-2008
20090044532	FLEXIBLE FUEL VARIABLE BOOST SUPERCHARGED ENGINE - The present invention provides a flexible fuel, spark ignition, variable boost, supercharged internal combustion engine. A variable speed drive assembly connects the engine output to a supercharger. The engine includes a fuel sensor which provides a signal to an engine controller which determines the type of fuel. The engine controller also receives signals from a mass air flow sensor, a manifold air pressure sensor, a crank angle sensor, a camshaft angle sensor, an oxygen sensor in the exhaust stream and a transmission controller. The engine controller provides control signals to an ignition module, to a fuel injection system, to an electronic throttle control, to a supercharger drive controller and to the transmission controller	02-19-2009
20090048745	FLEXIBLE FUEL VARIABLE BOOST HYBRID POWERTRAIN - The present invention provides a flexible fuel, spark ignition, variable boost, hybrid powertrain having a supercharger or a turbocharger. In a first embodiment, a spark ignition, internal combustion engine includes a supercharger driven by the engine output through a variable speed drive. A hybrid transmission having an internal electric motor/generator provides supplemental power. A plurality of sensors including a fuel sensor provide data to a master engine controller which controls the operation of a transmission controller, the variable speed supercharger, the fuel supply and the ignition system. In a second embodiment, the motor/generator is associated with the supercharger and is connected therewith through a variable speed drive and also connected to the engine output. In a third embodiment, the supercharger is replaced with a turbocharger.	02-19-2009
20100107632	HYBRID POWERTRAIN AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A HYBRID POWERTRAIN - A hybrid powertrain for a vehicle is provided. The powertrain includes an engine boosted by a turbocharger. The turbocharger includes a first motor-generator mounted with respect to the turbocharger, and arranged to selectively assist acceleration of the vehicle by driving the turbocharger, to provide regenerative charging of an energy storage device and to be idle, as its modes of operation. The powertrain additionally includes a second motor-generator mounted with respect to the powertrain, and arranged to selectively assist acceleration of the vehicle, to provide regenerative charging of the energy storage device and to be idle, as its modes of operation. A controller responsive to sensed vehicle operating parameters is arranged on the vehicle for controlling and coordinating the modes of operation of the first motor-generator and of the second motor-generator.	05-06-2010
20100229551	Asymmetric Split-Inlet Turbine Housing - A turbine housing for a turbocharger for use in a reciprocating internal combustion engine includes a housing having a housing axis and configured to house a rotatable shaft having a turbine wheel disposed thereon. The housing includes a volute having a volute chamber disposed around the housing axis for receiving the turbine wheel. The volute has a first volute inlet providing a first flow path in fluid communication with the volute chamber and second volute inlet providing a second flow path in fluid communication with the volute chamber. The first volute inlet is circumferentially spaced about the housing axis from the second volute inlet by a phase angle α. The first volute inlet is also radially spaced about the housing axis from the second volute inlet, and may also be axially spaced from the second volute inlet along the housing axis.	09-16-2010
20110162611	ENGINE INTAKE AIR FLOW CONTROL ASSEMBLY - An engine assembly may include a cylinder head, an intake manifold assembly, first and second vanes, and an actuation mechanism. The first and second vanes may be rotatably coupled to the intake manifold assembly. The first vane may be located within an outlet of a first intake passage and the second vane may be located within an outlet of a second intake passage. The first and second vanes may be displaceable from an open position to a closed position. The first vane may extend along a wall defining the first intake passage when in the open position and the second vane may extend along a wall defining the second intake passage when in the open position. The actuation mechanism may be coupled to the first and second vanes to rotate the first and second vanes between the open and closed positions.	07-07-2011

Jianping Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110172889	Controlling Wheel Hop in a Vehicle Driveline - A method for controlling wheel-hop in a vehicle driveline includes detecting that a wheel-hop condition occurs upon determining an amplitude and frequency of speed oscillations of a component that transmits power to wheels of the driveline, engaging a transmission friction clutch that transmits torque in the driveline between an engine and the wheels, and modulating requested engine torque.	07-14-2011
20110284200	Transmission Fluid Warming and Cooling Method - A method for controlling the temperature of transmission fluid in a motor vehicle includes operating in an automatic transmission fluid cooling mode, a heater priority mode entered by disabling automatic transmission fluid heating, and an automatic transmission fluid heating mode which includes sending hot engine coolant to a heat exchanger for heating the automatic transmission fluid by transferring heat from the hot engine coolant to the automatic transmission fluid. The method switches to from a heater priority mode to a transmission heating mode base on a number of sensed conditions including sensed automatic fluid transmission temperature. The method also includes an automatic transmission fluid temperature regulating mode including measuring an automatic transmission fluid temperature and switching between the cooling mode and the heating mode based measured temperature.	11-24-2011
20140067229	CONTROL OF VEHICLE DRIVELINE TORQUE - A method for controlling a vehicle driveline includes determining, for current vehicle operating conditions, an initial engine output torque, at which the driveline meets predetermined structural criteria, establishing a factor that varies with torque converter slip, determining an engine torque limit by multiplying the factor corresponding to a current torque converter slip by the initial engine output torque, and limiting torque produced by an engine connected to the driveline to the engine torque limit.	03-06-2014

Jianxiang Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100048734	HYDROPHILIC COPOLYMERS AND ASSEMBLIES CONTAINING THE SAME - A water soluble copolymer includes first and second hydrophilic block segments or graft chains. The first hydrophilic block segment or graft chain contains cyclodextrin groups in at least a majority of its repeating units, and the second hydrophilic block segment or graft chain contains repeating units other than cyclodextrin groups. The first and second block segments or graft chains are covalently linked.	02-25-2010

Jifeng Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120208748	PEPTIDE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING PATIENTS - The present invention is directed to peptide compositions and methods of using the peptide compositions to treat prediabetes, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome.	08-16-2012
20140148382	PEPTIDE COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR TREATING PATIENTS - The present invention is directed to peptide compositions and methods of using the peptide compositions to treat prediabetes, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome.	05-29-2014

Jinping Zhang, Grand Blanc, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090260987	METHOD OF MAKING GAS SENSOR ELEMENT, AND GAS SENSOR DERIVED THEREFROM - Disclosed herein is a method of making a gas sensor element, comprising calcining a NOx sensor electrode material at a NOx sensor electrode material calcination temperature of about 1200 to about 1600° C. to form a calcined NOx sensor electrode material, disposing the calcined NOx sensor electrode material on a substrate to form a substrate comprising a NOx sensor electrode, and firing the substrate comprising the NOx sensor electrode at a gas sensor element firing temperature to form a gas sensor element comprising a NOx sensor electrode. Also disclosed is a gas sensor comprising the gas sensor element.	10-22-2009

Jizhong Zhang, West Bloomfield, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110173975	Turbocharger - In one example, a turbocharger for an internal combustion engine is described. The turbocharger comprises a casing containing an impeller having a full blade coupled to a hub that rotates about an axis of rotation. The casing includes a bleed port and an injection port. The full blade includes a hub edge, a casing edge, and a first distribution of angles, each angle measured between the axis of rotation and a mean line at the hub edge at a meridional distance along the hub edge. The full blade includes a second distribution of angles, each angle measured between the axis of rotation and a mean line at the casing edge at a meridional distance along the casing edge. Further, various systems are described for affecting the aerodynamic properties of the compressor and turbine components in a way that may extend the operating range of the turbocharger.	07-21-2011
20130042608	SLIDING VANE GEOMETRY TURBINES - Various systems and methods are described for a variable geometry turbine. In one example, a turbine nozzle comprises a central axis and a nozzle vane. The nozzle vane includes a stationary vane and a sliding vane. The sliding vane is positioned to slide in a direction substantially tangent to an inner circumference of the turbine nozzle and in contact with the stationary vane.	02-21-2013

Lingling Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090166109	Hybrid electric vehicle - A hybrid electric drive system for an automotive vehicle comprises a heat engine, an electric motor, a one-way-clutch, a torque-limiting clutch, and a transmission. The one-way-clutch disposed between the engine shaft and the motor shaft, and it can transmit torque from the engine shaft to the motor shaft. The transmission has an input shaft being connected to the motor shaft and an output shaft to drive the wheels. The torque-limiting clutch is also disposed between the engine shaft and the motor shaft. When it is disengaged, the torque-limiting clutch disconnects the motor shaft from the engine shaft, so the motor can solely drive the vehicle. When it is engaged, the clutch transmits a pre-determined level of torque from the motor shaft to the engine shaft in order to start the engine. The torque limiting clutch will smooth out the torque peak when the system starts the engine while the vehicle is running.	07-02-2009
20100203995	Hybrid electric vehicle - A full hybrid electric vehicle comprises a heat engine, a one-way-clutch connected to the engine shaft, an electric motor, a planetary gear unit, a clutch with limited torque, and a transmission. The planetary gear unit includes at least a sun gear (an input element), a ring gear (an input element) and a pinion carrier (an output element). The torque-limited clutch seats between two of the planetary gear elements. The engine is connected to and applies torque on one of the input elements. The electric motor is connected to and applies torque on the other input element. While the vehicle is running, the engine can be started smoothly by engaging the torque-limited clutch and controlling the motor torque, and a shock on the vehicle similar to a rough shift can be avoided.	08-12-2010

Ling Ling Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090071733	Hybrid electric vehicle - A full hybrid electric vehicle comprises a heat engine, a one-way-clutch connected to the engine shaft, an electric motor, a planetary gear unit, a clutch with limited torque, and a transmission. The planetary gear unit includes at least a sun gear (an input element), a ring gear (an input element) and a pinion carrier (an output element). The torque-limited clutch seats between two of the planetary gear elements. The engine is connected to and applies torque on one of the input elements. The electric motor is connected to and applies torque on the other input element. While the vehicle is running, the engine can be started smoothly by engaging the torque-limited clutch and controlling the motor torque, and a shock on the vehicle similar to a rough shift can be avoided.	03-19-2009

Liye Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090321384	Plastic container having vacuum panels - A container structure for a hot fill liquid may employ an upper portion defining a mouth, a shoulder portion integrally formed with and extending downward from the upper portion, a bottom portion defining a base, and a body and sidewall extending between and joining the shoulder and bottom portions. The sidewall may employ a pair of opposing columns oriented diagonally relative to the base and concave inward relative to a container central vertical axis before the container is filled. The columns become concave inward to a lesser extent when the bottle is under an interior vacuum. The sidewall may also employ a pair of opposing, compound angle vacuum panels oriented diagonally relative to the base. A vacuum initiator groove is formed in each of the vacuum panels to initiate panel movement during liquid content cooling. The vacuum initiator groove is generally coincident with a vacuum panel longitudinal centerline.	12-31-2009

Liying Zhang, Troy, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120096631	OMNI-DIRECTIONAL ANGULAR ACCERATION REDUCTION FOR PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR - Protective headgear includes an outer shell rotatable relative to an inner shell via a thin layer of elastically and/or plastically yielding material disposed between and secured to the inner and outer shells. The yielding material deforms continuously but non-linearly at least in the tangential or shear direction to mitigate angular acceleration of the head during an impact. The yielding material prevents the inner and outer shells from separating or stopping suddenly to avoid imparting a large angular acceleration to the head. In one embodiment, a protective helmet includes an outer shell secured to an inner shell by a yielding material that elastically deforms continuously but non-linearly when subjected to an angular acceleration below a first threshold and plastically deforms when subjected to an angular acceleration above the first threshold.	04-26-2012
20140081601	MODEL-BASED HELMET DESIGN TO REDUCE CONCUSSIONS - A system and method for designing a helmet to reduce mild traumatic brain injury sustained by a user during primary or secondary head impact include modeling a helmeted head including a head, brain, and helmet using a finite element computer model, the finite element computer model including material properties for the head, brain structures, and helmet and estimating at least intracranial pressure, brain strain and strain rate in response to an impact; and selecting at least one of a helmet cushion material and helmet shell material to limit at least one of intracranial pressure, brain strain and strain rate to a corresponding threshold for an associated impact.	03-20-2014

Liyue Zhang, Detroit, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090035310	CANCER TREATMENT - Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for inhibiting tumor growth and/or for inducing apoptosis are provided. Such compositions comprise at least one polypeptide of contiguous amino acids 1-198, 197-454, or 896-1150 of CARP-1 protein, and derivatives thereof, and may optionally comprise one or more cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Also provided are plasmids encoding the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides and plasmids to inhibit cancer cell growth, including in mammals.	02-05-2009

Marco Zhang, Canton, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130181487	Roof Bow - A roof bow (	07-18-2013

Meng Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130259079	GaN-Based Quantum Dot Visible Laser - A III-nitride based quantum dot (QD) laser is formed of InGaN/GaN quantum dots and capable emitting at a single wavelength within the visible region, including the violet wavelength region (400-440 nm), the blue wavelength region (440-490 nm), the green wavelength region (490-570 nm), the yellow wavelength region (570-590 nm), the orange wavelength region (590-620 nm), and the red wavelength region (620-700 nm), with varying composition as described.	10-03-2013

Mengyang Zhang, Troy, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100077834	VIRTUAL FLEX FUEL SENSOR FOR SPARK IGNITION ENGINES USING IONIZATION SIGNAL - Alcohol concentration level of flex fuel is estimated based upon in-cylinder ionization signals. The in-cylinder ionization signals are integrated and the rotational completion point of a chosen percentage of the integration total is identified as the integration location for the operating conditions under observation. The calculated integration location correlates with alcohol concentration level of flex fuel, and the integration calculations provide a basis for a virtual flex fuel sensor that provides calculated estimates of alcohol concentration rather than direct sensing using an expensive physical flex fuel sensor.	04-01-2010
20110153175	DRIVER-BASED CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD TO IMPROVE FUEL ECONOMY - The technology described herein provides an active driver control system. Additionally, in various example embodiments, this technology provides methods for optimizing fuel economy (or energy consumption) through active compensation of driver controlled inputs. The active compensation functionality is used to moderate ‘sweet spot’ vehicle response with driver desired performance. In particular, the active compensation functionality can be used to smooth the vehicle response and attenuate undesired frequency content from the driver input. One of the benefits to this technology is that it assists all drivers in achieving better fuel economy in real world driving. Another benefit is that active compensation of driver controlled inputs can mitigate some of the negative effects of more aggressive driving styles. In addition to active compensation functionality, the technology described herein is also capable of generating a Green Driver Index which is derived by quantifying the driver's control ability and normalizing the result against desired fuel economy and performance targets.	06-23-2011
20130030626	SHIFT EXECUTION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRICALLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION - A system and method of controlling first and second electric motors of a vehicle having an electrically variable transmission during an engine start/stop operation. The system and method determine a type of shift being performed, determine if a first clutch is being applied or released during the shift, determine if a second clutch is being applied or released during the shift, determine an acceleration limit based on the shift being performed and which clutch is being applied and/or released, determine acceleration and speed profiles based on the shift being performed, which clutch is being applied and/or released and the acceleration limit, determine a first electric motor torque and a second electric motor torque based on the acceleration and speed profiles, and set the torques of the first and second electric motors to the determined first and second electric motor torques.	01-31-2013
20150019055	TECHNIQUES FOR SYNCHRONOUS RECTIFICATION CONTROL OF DC-DC CONVERTERS IN ELECTRIFIED VEHICLES - Techniques are presented for synchronous rectification control (SRC) of a DC-DC converter in an electrified vehicle (EV) can include determining a required output current for the DC-DC converter based on a secondary voltage of a secondary battery system of the EV, the DC-DC converter being configured to convert a primary voltage from a primary battery system of the EV to the secondary voltage. The techniques can include determining, at the controller, a switching frequency for the DC-DC converter that causes the DC-DC converter to output the required output current. The techniques can include determining turn-on and turn-off delays of the DC-DC converter based on the required output current and the switching frequency using one or more look-up tables. The techniques can also include controlling the DC-DC converter efficiency based on the turn-on and turn-off delays.	01-15-2015

Michael Zhang, Plymouth, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110309665	RECLINER PAWL MEMBER - A recliner mechanism comprising a base plate having a plurality of contoured extension members and a central aperture; a pivot member coupled to the central aperture of the base plate; a cam member pivotably coupled to the pivot member; a first and second disc member positioned within the base plate and supported by the contoured extension members; a tooth plate having central aperture for coupling to the pivot member and an annular ring including a plurality of teeth; a first and second pawl member positioned within the base plate and supported by the contoured extension members, the first and second pawl members having a plurality of teeth for engagement with the teeth of the tooth plate and contoured sides for engagement with the base plate, cam member, first and second disc member, and the contoured extension members.	12-22-2011

Pan Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100287637	METHODS OF BLOCKING TISSUE DESTRUCTION BY AUTOREACTIVE T CELLS - Methods for blocking autoreactive T cell-initiated destruction of tissues in a mammal are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises administering a purified CD24 polypeptide, a fusion protein comprising such polypeptide, or a biologically active fragment of such polypeptide to a mammalian subject who is suspected of having or predisposed to having an autoimmune disease. In another embodiment, anti-CD24 antibody or anti-CD24 Fab fragments are administered to the subject. In another embodiment, the method comprises administering a CD24 antisense molecule, an expression vector encoding a CD24 antisense molecule, CD24 dsRNAi, or an expression vector encoding CD24 dsRNAi to the subject. The present invention also relates to isolated and purified CD24 fusion proteins employed in the present methods and to transgenic mice that express the human CD24 protein on their T cells and/or their vascular endothelial cells but do not express murine heat shock antigen on any cells.	11-11-2010

Peljin Zhang, Kalamazoo, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100035293	Pulsing of Bile Compartments in Sandwich-Cultured Hepatocytes - A method of pulsing cultured hepatocytes, such as sandwich-cultured hepatocytes. The method includes providing a culture of hepatocytes, the culture having at least one bile canaliculus; exposing the culture of hepatocytes to a calcium-free buffer, whereby the contents of the at least one bile canaliculus are released; and removing the calcium-free buffer Pulsing cultured hepatocytes can reduce cholestasis arid can provide an in vitro culture of hepatocytes the more closely reflects in vivo hepatocyte characteristics.	02-11-2010

Pu Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20080248393	TIN IN AN ACTIVE SUPPORT MATRIX - An anode material made from nanoparticles, said anode material including a homogeneous mixture of lithium-alloying nanoparticles with active support matrix nanoparticles, is provided. The active support matrix nanoparticle is a compound that participates in the conversion reaction of the lithium battery. The compound is preferably a transition metal compound, with said compound including a nitride, carbide, oxide or combination thereof.	10-09-2008
20090170002	ALKALI METAL TITANATES, AND ELECTRODES AND BATTERIES BASED ON THE SAME - Disclosed is a lithium titanate material, which may include an additive, and its use as an electrode in a battery. Specifically disclosed is a lithium titanate based material, with primary particle size larger than 100 nm, having very good high rate charge and discharge capabilities when incorporated into a lithium battery.	07-02-2009
20090179181	SILICON BASED COMPOSITE MATERIAL - A composite material having utility as an anode for lithium ion batteries comprises silicon, a transition metal, a ceramic and an electrically conductive diluent such as carbon. In particular instances, the ceramic is electrically conductive, and may comprise vanadium carbide or tungsten carbide. The transition metal may, in some instances, comprise iron. The material may be fabricated by grinding together a starting mixture of the components, and grinding may be accomplished in a high impact ball milling process, and the grinding step may cause partial alloying of the silicon with the metal and/or carbon. Further disclosed is a method for making the material as well as electrodes which incorporate the material.	07-16-2009
20090269642	ION CONDUCTING POLYMER MEMBRANES - Modified ion-conducting membranes (	10-29-2009

Ruigang Zhang, Ypsilanti, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130004830	HIGH VOLTAGE RECHARGEABLE MAGNESIUM CELL - A high voltage rechargeable magnesium cell includes an anode and cathode housing. A magnesium metal anode is positioned within the housing. A high voltage electrolyte is positioned proximate the anode. A metal oxide cathode is positioned proximate the high voltage electrolyte. The magnesium cell includes a multi-cycle charge voltage up to at least 3.0 volts and includes a reversible discharge capacity.	01-03-2013

Ruigang Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140295278	MAGNESIUM BATTERY HAVING A CATHODE CONTAINING MANGANESE DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES AS ACTIVE MATERIAL	10-02-2014
20140295279	HIGH CAPACITY CATHODE MATERIAL FOR A MAGNESIUM BATTERY - An electrode active material, containing α-MnO	10-02-2014
20140322595	PREPARATION OF HIGH ENERGY-DENSITY ELECTRODE MATERIALS FOR RECHARGEABLE MAGNESIUM BATTERIES - An anode active material for a magnesium battery includes a Metal M which electrochemically alloys with magnesium, magnesium, and carbon that are ball milled forming an active material mixture. The mixture may be of the formula: Mg	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

Rui L. Zhang, Troy, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110071168	NITRIC OXIDE DONORS FOR INDUCING NEUROGENESIS - There is provided a method of promoting neurogenesis by administering a therapeutic amount of a nitric oxide donor compound to a patient in need of neurogenesis promotion. Also provided is a compound for providing neurogenesis having an effective amount of a nitric oxide donor sufficient to promote neurogenesis. A nitric oxide compound for promoting neurogenesis is also provided. Further, a method of augmenting the production of brain cells and facilitating cellular structural and receptor changes by administering an effective amount of a nitric oxide donor compound to a site in need of augmentation is provided. There is provided a method of increasing both neurological and cognitive function by administering an effective amount of a nitric oxide donor compound to a patient.	03-24-2011

Shucheng Zhang, Kalamazoo, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090324641	NOVEL ADJUVANT COMPOSITIONS - This invention relates to adjuvant formulations comprising various combinations of triterpenoids, sterols, immunomodulators, polymers, and Th2 stimulators; methods for making the adjuvant compositions; and the use of the adjuvant formulations in immunogenic and vaccine compositions with different antigens. This invention further relates to the use of the formulations in the treatment of animals.	12-31-2009

Shun X. Zhang, Canton, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120211126	METHOD OF INDUCTION HEATING AND QUENCHING - An induction hardening heat treatment method comprises the steps of induction heating a metal part or component, particularly a part fabricated of a high strength material, and then exposing the part to a sequence or series of partial, intermittent or interrupted quenches. Such intermittent or interrupted quenching achieves the necessary change in surface temperature with time to achieve a martensitic transformation of the surface adjacent metal or material while minimizing surface to core temperature differentials during the process which could result in cracking of the part, especially if it is fabricated of high strength materials.	08-23-2012

Songwei Zhang, Troy, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120034857	METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING TEMPERATURE AND RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR USE IN A VEHICLE HVAC SYSTEM - A sensor module includes a housing. A heat source is located within the housing of the sensor module and a plurality of temperature sensors are mounted in housing of said sensor module. At least one temperature sensors is located adjacent to the heat source and at least one other temperature sensor is spaced from the heat source. A humidity sensor is located within the housing of the sensor module. A controller is connected to the plurality of temperature sensors and to the humidity sensor for determining at least one of relative humidity and temperature at the windscreen using a regression analysis and for providing a control signal indicative thereof.	02-09-2012

Tiezhi Zhang, Troy, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110002439	Tetrahedron beam computed tomography - A method of imaging an object that includes directing a plurality of x-ray beams in a fan-shaped form towards an object, detecting x-rays that pass through the object due to the directing a plurality of x-ray beams and generating a plurality of imaging data regarding the object from the detected x-rays. The method further includes forming either a three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography, digital tomosynthesis or Megavoltage image from the plurality of imaging data and displaying the image.	01-06-2011
20120163531	TETRAHEDRON BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY WITH MULTIPLE DETECTORS AND/OR SOURCE ARRAYS - A tetrahedron beam computed tomography system including an x ray source array that sequentially emits a plurality of x ray beams at different positions along a scanning direction and a collimator that intercepts the plurality of x-ray beams so that a plurality of fan-shaped x-ray beams emanate from the collimator towards an object. The system includes a first detector receiving a first set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the first detector generating a first imaging signal for each of the received first set of fan-shaped x-ray beams and a second detector receiving a second set of fan-shaped x ray beams after they pass through the object, the second detector generating a second imaging signal for each of the received second set of fan-shaped x-ray beams. Each detector and source pair form a tetrahedral volume. In other embodiments, the system may also have more than two detectors arrays and/or more than one source array. Each pair of source array and detector array forms a tetrahedral volume. Using multiple detector arrays and source arrays can increase field of view, reduce the length of detector and source arrays so that the imaging system is more compact and mobile.	06-28-2012
20140247919	Image Guided Radiotherapy with Dual Source and Dual Detector Arrays Tetrahedron Beam Computed Tomography - A radiation treatment and imaging system for emitting a radiation treatment beam and X-ray imaging beams towards an object. The system includes an x-ray source and a collimator, first and second detectors, and a linear accelerator that delivers radiation beams to an object. The linear accelerator includes a radiation source positioned between the first and second detectors and emitting a therapy radiation beam in-line with the x-ray beams received by the first and second detectors. The system also includes a data processing device in communication with the first and second detectors. The data processing device receives imaging signals from the first and second detectors and reconstructs a three-dimensional tetrahedron beam computed tomography (TBCT) image from the received imaging signals. The system also includes a display in communication with the data processing device and for displaying the TBCT image.	09-04-2014

Wende Zhang, Troy, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120116676	Method of Augmenting GPS or GPS/Sensor Vehicle Positioning Using Additional In-Vehicle Vision Sensors - A method is provided for augmenting GPS data using an in-vehicle vision-based module. A vehicle position is determined utilizing position-related data obtained from a position module. A position error is estimated on a periodic basis. A determination is made whether the position error estimate exceeds a first predetermined error threshold. Tracking data is generated for the vehicle over a course of travel utilizing captured images from the in-vehicle vision based module. The tracking data is integrated with the position-related data to estimate the vehicle position in response to the position error estimate exceeding the first predetermined error threshold. A determination is made whether the position error estimate decreases below a second predetermined error threshold. The vehicle position is re-determined using only the position-related data when the position error estimate decreases below the second predetermined error threshold.	05-10-2012
20120147176	ADAPTATION FOR CLEAR PATH DETECTION WITH ADDITIONAL CLASSIFIERS - A method and system for vehicular clear path detection using adaptive machine learning techniques including additional classifiers. Digital camera images are segmented into patches, from which characteristic features are extracted representing attributes such as color and texture. The patch features are analyzed by a Support Vector Machine (SVM) or other machine learning classifier, which has been previously trained to recognize clear path image regions. For image regions or patches which result in a low confidence value, an additional classifier can be used, where the additional classifier is adaptively trained using real world test samples which were previously classified with high confidence as clear path roadway. Output from the original, offline trained classifier and the additional, adaptively-updated classifier are then used to make a joint decision about clear path existence in subsequent image patches.	06-14-2012
20120147189	ADAPTATION FOR CLEAR PATH DETECTION USING RELIABLE LOCAL MODEL UPDATING - A method and system for vehicular clear path detection using adaptive machine learning techniques including reliable local model updating. Digital camera images are segmented into patches, from which characteristic features are extracted representing attributes such as color and texture. The patch features are analyzed by a Support Vector Machine (SVM) or other machine learning classifier, which has been previously trained to recognize clear path image regions. The SVM classifier is adaptively updated using reliable local test samples, such as positive clear path samples which just passed by the vehicle. The resultant classifier, being continuously and adaptively updated with recent, reliable training samples, exhibits improved performance and accuracy in analyzing subsequent image regions or patches for the existence of a clear driving path.	06-14-2012
20120314070	LANE SENSING ENHANCEMENT THROUGH OBJECT VEHICLE INFORMATION FOR LANE CENTERING/KEEPING - A system and method for accurately estimating a lane in which a vehicle is traveling. A sensor mounted on the vehicle generates sensor data including lane information that is processed by several lane detection sub-systems to generate two or more estimated lanes with corresponding lane confidence information. A combining processor combines the estimated lanes based upon the confidence information to determine a combined estimated lane.	12-13-2012
20120316730	LANE SENSING THROUGH LANE MARKER IDENTIFICATION FOR LANE CENTERING/KEEPING - A method for adjusting a vehicle's position in a roadway lane. A camera mounted on the vehicle generates a current image of the lane and the method identifies a current lane-center line in the current image. A reference image is generated and the method identifies a reference lane-center line in the reference image. The method then calculates an error between the current lane-center line and the reference lane-center line and provide steering commands to adjust the position of the vehicle so that the error is reduced.	12-13-2012
20130113935	ACTIVE VISION SYSTEM WITH SUBLIMINALLY STEERED AND MODULATED LIGHTING - An active vision system includes an image capture device for capturing images in a region exterior of a vehicle and a headlamp control unit for controlling a vehicle headlamp beam for illuminating an environment exterior of a vehicle. The headlamp control unit is configured to selectively illuminate between making a path of travel of a road visible to a driver of the vehicle and making the region exterior of the vehicle visible for capturing images by the image capture device. The headlamp control unit utilizes a duty cycle for controlling a first cycle time that the headlamp beam illuminates the path of travel for making the road visible to the driver and for controlling a second cycle time that the headlamp beam makes the captured region visible for capturing images by the image capture device.	05-09-2013
20130128044	VISION-BASED SCENE DETECTION - A method of distinguishing between daytime lighting conditions and nighttime lighting conditions based on a captured image by a vision-based imaging device along a path of travel. An image is captured by a vision-based imaging device. A region of interest is selected in the captured image. A light intensity value is determined for each pixel within the region of interest. A cumulative histogram is generated based on light intensity values within the region of interest. The cumulative histogram including a plurality of category bins representing the light intensity values. Each category bin identifies an aggregate value of light intensity values assigned to each respective category bin. An aggregate value is compared within a predetermined category bin of the histogram to a first predetermined threshold. A determination is made whether the image is captured during the daytime lighting conditions as a function of the aggregate value within the predetermined category bin.	05-23-2013
20130136309	VEHICLE-BASED IMAGING SYSTEM FUNCTION DIAGNOSIS AND VALIDATION - A method of determining functionality of a vision-based imaging system for a vehicle includes capturing images by the vision-based imaging system. The images include landmarks that are identified in multiple images for distinguishing displacement of landmarks between the images. Edge maps for each of the images are generated. Like regions of at least two edge maps are compared for distinguishing displacement of a landmark between the at least two edge maps. Each pixel location of a first edge map is compared with a same pixel location of a second edge map for determining whether each compared pixel location has a different intensity value. An aggregate number of pixel locations having a different intensity value between the at least two edge maps is determined and compared to a threshold. An error message is generated in response to the aggregate number being less than the threshold.	05-30-2013
20130141520	LANE TRACKING SYSTEM - A lane tracking system for a motor vehicle includes a camera and a lane tracking processor. The camera is configured to receive image of a road from a wide-angle field of view and generate a corresponding digital representation of the image. The lane tracking processor is configured to receive the digital representation of the image from the camera and to: detect one or more lane boundaries, each lane boundary including a plurality of lane boundary points; convert the plurality of lane boundary points into a Cartesian vehicle coordinate system; and fit a reliability-weighted model lane line to the plurality of points.	06-06-2013
20130202152	Selecting Visible Regions in Nighttime Images for Performing Clear Path Detection - A method provides for determining visible regions in a captured image during a nighttime lighting condition. An image is captured from an image capture device mounted to a vehicle. An intensity histogram of the captured image is generated. An intensity threshold is applied to the intensity histogram for identifying visible candidate regions of a path of travel. The intensity threshold is determined from a training technique that utilizes a plurality of training-based captured images of various scenes. An objective function is used to determine objective function values for each correlating intensity value of each training-based captured image. The objective function values and associated intensity values for each of the training-based captured images are processed for identifying a minimum objective function value and associated optimum intensity threshold for identifying the visible candidate regions of the captured image.	08-08-2013
20130238432	AUTOMATIC PROVIDER RECOMMENDATION - A method includes receiving a query by a current user for a recommendation regarding a provider of a specified service or commodity in a locality. A profile of the current user is obtained. Tracking data is obtained corresponding to a traceable device of each user of a set of users. A relevant subset of the set of users is selected based on the profile of the current user. The query is responded to by generating the recommendation based on the tracking data that corresponds to the selected relevant subset of the users.	09-12-2013
20130265424	RECONFIGURABLE CLEAR PATH DETECTION SYSTEM - A reconfigurable clear path detection system includes an image capture device and a primary clear path detection module for determining corresponding probability values of identified patches within a captured image representing a likelihood of whether a respective patch is a clear path of the road. A plurality of secondary clear path detection modules each are used to assist in identifying a respective clear path of the traveled road in the input image. One or more of the secondary clear path detection modules are selectively enabled for identifying the clear path. The selectively enabled secondary clear path detection modules are used to identify the clear path of the road of travel in the input image. A fusion module collectively analyzes the clear path detection results of the primary clear path detection module and the selectively enabled secondary clear path detection modules for identifying the clear path in the input image.	10-10-2013
20130266175	ROAD STRUCTURE DETECTION AND TRACKING - Method for detecting road edges in a road of travel for clear path detection. Input images are captured at various time step frames. An illumination intensity image and a yellow image are generated from the captured image. Edge analysis is performed. The line candidates identified in a next frame are tracked. A vanishing point is estimated in the next frame based on the tracked line candidates. Respective line candidates are selected in the next frame. A region of interest is identified in the captured image for each line candidate. Features relating to the line candidate are extracted from the region of interest and input to a classifier. The classifier assigns a confidence value to the line candidate identifying a probability of whether the line candidate is a road edge. The potential line candidate is identified as a reliable road edge if the confidence value is greater than a predetermined value.	10-10-2013
20130266186	TOP-DOWN VIEW CLASSIFICATION IN CLEAR PATH DETECTION - A method of detecting a clear path in a road of travel for a vehicle utilizing a top-down view classification technique. An input image of a scene exterior of the vehicle is captured. The captured input image represents a perspective view of the road of travel. The captured input image is analyzed. A segmented top-down image that includes potential clear path regions and potential non-clear path regions are generated. The segmented top-down image represents a viewing angle perpendicular to a ground plane. The segmented regions of the segmented top-down view are input to a classifier for identifying the clear path regions of travel. The identified clear path regions are utilized for navigating the road of travel.	10-10-2013
20130266226	TEMPORAL COHERENCE IN CLEAR PATH DETECTION - A method of detecting a clear path of travel. Input images are captured at various time step frames. Clear path probability maps of a current and previous time step frames are generated. A corresponding clear path probability map is generated for the current time step frame derived as a function of the clear path probability map of the previous time step frame and of a corresponding mapping that coherently links the previous time step frame to the current time step frame. A weight-matching map is generated. The probability values of the current time step frame are updated as a function of the corresponding probability map. A current frame probability decision map is generated based on updated probability values of the current time step frame. The clear path in the image of the current time step is identified based on the current frame probability decision map.	10-10-2013
20130293714	FULL SPEED LANE SENSING USING MULTIPLE CAMERAS - A system and method for providing lane sensing on a vehicle by detecting roadway lane-markers, where the system employs multiple cameras providing images around the vehicle. The method includes detecting left-side and right-side lane boundary lines in the camera images, and then determining whether the lane boundary lines in the images are aligned from one image frame to a next image frame and are aligned from image to image. If the boundary lines are not aligned, then calibration of one or more of the cameras is performed, and if the lines are aligned, then a model fitting process is used to specifically identify the location of the boundary lines on the roadway.	11-07-2013
20130293717	FULL SPEED LANE SENSING WITH A SURROUNDING VIEW SYSTEM - A system and method for providing lane sensing on a vehicle by detecting roadway lane-markers, where the system employs a surround view camera system providing a top-down view image around the vehicle. The method includes detecting left-side and right-side lane boundary lines in the top-down view image, and then determining whether the lane boundary lines in the image are aligned from one image frame to a next image frame and are aligned from image to image in the top-down view image. If the boundary lines are not aligned, then calibration of one or more of the cameras is performed, and if the lines are aligned, then a model fitting process is used to specifically identify the location of the boundary lines on the roadway.	11-07-2013
20130321629	DYNAMIC GUIDELINE OVERLAY WITH IMAGE CROPPING - A method for dynamically registering a graphic upon a cropped image obtained from a camera device includes capturing an original image obtained from the camera device. Intrinsic calibration information for the camera device, extrinsic information for the camera device and vehicle information are monitored. The cropped image is generated based on cropping parameters to exclude undesirable content from the original image. The intrinsic calibration information is adjusted based on a relationship to the cropping parameters. The graphic is dynamically registered upon the cropped image based on the adjusted intrinsic calibration information for the camera device, the monitored extrinsic information for the camera device and the monitored vehicle information.	12-05-2013
20140035775	FUSION OF OBSTACLE DETECTION USING RADAR AND CAMERA - A vehicle obstacle detection system includes an imaging system for capturing objects in a field of view and a radar device for sensing objects in a substantially same field of view. The substantially same field of view is partitioned into an occupancy grid having a plurality of observation cells. A fusion module receives radar data from the radar device and imaging data from the imaging system. The fusion module projects the occupancy grid and associated radar data onto the captured image. The fusion module extracts features from each corresponding cell using sensor data from the radar device and imaging data from the imaging system. A primary classifier determines whether an extracted feature extracted from a respective observation cell is an obstacle.	02-06-2014
20140085409	WIDE FOV CAMERA IMAGE CALIBRATION AND DE-WARPING - A system and method for providing calibration and de-warping for ultra-wide FOV cameras. The method includes estimating intrinsic parameters such as the focal length of the camera and an image center of the camera using multiple measurements of the near optical axis object points and a pinhole camera model. The method further includes estimating distortion parameters of the camera using an angular distortion model that defines an angular relationship between an incident optical ray passing an object point in an object space and an image point on an image plane that is an image of the object point on the incident optical ray. The method can include a parameter optimization process to refine the parameter estimation.	03-27-2014
20140104424	IMAGING SURFACE MODELING FOR CAMERA MODELING AND VIRTUAL VIEW SYNTHESIS - A method for displaying a captured image on a display device. A real image is captured by a vision-based imaging device. A virtual image is generated from the captured real image based on a mapping by a processor. The mapping utilizes a virtual camera model with a non-planar imaging surface. Projecting the virtual image formed on the non-planar image surface of the virtual camera model to the display device.	04-17-2014
20140111637	Dynamic Rearview Mirror Adaptive Dimming Overlay Through Scene Brightness Estimation - A vehicle imaging system includes an image capture device capturing an image exterior of a vehicle. The captured image includes at least a portion of a sky scene. A processor generates a virtual image of a virtual sky scene from the portion of the sky scene captured by the image capture device. The processor determines a brightness of the virtual sky scene from the virtual image. The processor dynamically adjusts a brightness of the captured image based the determined brightness of the virtual image. A rear view mirror display device displays the adjusted captured image.	04-24-2014
20140114534	DYNAMIC REARVIEW MIRROR DISPLAY FEATURES - A method for displaying a captured image on a display device. A scene is captured by at least one vision-based imaging device. A virtual image of the captured scene is generated by a processor using a camera model. A view synthesis technique is applied to the captured image by the processor for generating a de-warped virtual image. A dynamic rearview mirror display mode is actuated for enabling a viewing mode of the de-warped image on the rearview mirror display device. The de-warped image is displayed in the enabled viewing mode on the rearview mirror display device.	04-24-2014
20140176724	SPLIT SUB-PIXEL IMAGING CHIP WITH IR-PASS FILTER COATING APPLIED ON SELECTED SUB-PIXELS - An apparatus for capturing an image includes a plurality of lens elements coaxially encompassed within a lens housing. A split-sub-pixel imaging chip includes an IR-pass filter coating applied on selected sub-pixels. The sub-pixels include a long exposure sub-pixel and a short-exposure sub-pixel for each of a plurality of green blue and red pixels.	06-26-2014
20140176781	CAMERA HARDWARE DESIGN FOR DYNAMIC REARVIEW MIRROR - An apparatus for capturing an image includes a plurality of lens elements coaxially encompassed within a lens housing. One of the lens elements includes an aspheric lens element having a surface profile configured to enhance a desired region of a captured image. At least one glare-reducing element coaxial with the plurality of lens elements receives light subsequent to the light sequentially passing through each of the lens elements. An imaging chip receives the light subsequent to the light passing through the at least one glare-reducing element. The imaging chip includes a plurality of green, blue and red pixels.	06-26-2014
20140192227	GLARING REDUCTION FOR DYNAMIC REARVIEW MIRROR - A method for generating a glare-reduced image from images captured by a camera device of a subject vehicle includes obtaining a short-exposure image and a long-exposure image and generating a resulting high dynamic range image based on the short-exposure and long-exposure images. Pixel values are monitored within both the short- and long-exposure images. A light source region is identified within both the short- and long-exposure images based on the monitored pixel values. A glaring region is identified based on the identified light source region and one of calculated pixel ratios and calculated pixel differences between the monitored pixel values of the long- and short-exposure images. The identified glaring region upon the resulting high dynamic range image is modified with the identified light source region within the short-exposure image. The glare-reduced image is generated based on the modified identified glaring region upon the resulting HDR image.	07-10-2014
20140193032	IMAGE SUPER-RESOLUTION FOR DYNAMIC REARVIEW MIRROR - Method for applying super-resolution to images captured by a camera device of a vehicle includes receiving a plurality of image frames captured by the camera device. For each image frame, a region of interest is identified within the image frame requiring resolution related to detail per pixel to be increased. Spatially-implemented super-resolution is applied to the region of interest within each image to enhance image sharpness within the region of interest.	07-10-2014
20140204193	DRIVER GAZE DETECTION SYSTEM - A method for detecting an eyes-off-the-road condition based on an estimated gaze direction of a driver of a vehicle includes monitoring facial feature points of the driver within image input data captured by an in-vehicle camera device. A location for each of a plurality of eye features for an eyeball of the driver is detected based on the monitored facial features. A head pose of the driver is estimated based on the monitored facial feature points. The gaze direction of the driver is estimated based on the detected location for each of the plurality of eye features and the estimated head pose.	07-24-2014
20140205143	EYES-OFF-THE-ROAD CLASSIFICATION WITH GLASSES CLASSIFIER - A method for determining an Eyes-Off-The-Road (EOTR) condition exists includes capturing image data corresponding to a driver from a monocular camera device. A detection of whether the driver is wearing eye glasses based on the image data using an eye glasses classifier. When it is detected that the driver is wearing eye glasses, a driver face location is detected from the captured image data and it is determined whether the EOTR condition exists based on the driver face location using an EOTR classifier.	07-24-2014
20140236463	ENHANCED CLEAR PATH DETECTION IN THE PRESENCE OF TRAFFIC INFRASTRUCTURE INDICATOR - A method for detecting a clear path of travel for a vehicle utilizing analysis of a plurality of images generated by a camera device located upon the vehicle includes monitoring the images. The images are analyzed including determining a clear path upon which a potential road surface can be estimated from other portions of the images that do not indicate a potential road surface, and determining an image of a traffic infrastructure indication. The method further includes determining the content of the traffic infrastructure indication, modifying the clear path based upon the content of the traffic infrastructure indication, and utilizing the modified clear path in navigation of the vehicle.	08-21-2014
20140314279	CLEAR PATH DETECTION USING AN EXAMPLE-BASED APPROACH - A method for detecting a clear path of travel for a vehicle using a current image generated by a camera includes defining an exemplary vanishing point for each of a plurality of sample images. Features within each of the plurality of sample images are identified, the current image generated by the camera is monitored, and features within the current image are identified. The current image is matched to at least one of the sample images based upon the identified features within the current image and the identified features within the plurality of sample images. A vanishing point for the current image is determined based upon the matching and the exemplary vanishing point for each of the matched sample images. The vanishing point for the current image is utilized to define a clear path of travel, and the clear path of travel is utilized to navigate the vehicle.	10-23-2014
20140347207	PROBABILISTIC TARGET SELECTION AND THREAT ASSESSMENT METHOD AND APPLICATION TO INTERSECTION COLLISION ALERT SYSTEM - A system and method for providing target selection and threat assessment for vehicle collision avoidance purposes that employ probability analysis of radar scan returns. The system determines a travel path of a host vehicle and provides a radar signal transmitted from a sensor on the host vehicle. The system receives multiple scan return points from detected objects, processes the scan return points to generate a distribution signal defining a contour of each detected object, and processes the scan return points to provide a position, a translation velocity and an angular velocity of each detected object. The system selects the objects that may enter the travel path of the host vehicle, and makes a threat assessment of those objects by comparing a number of scan return points that indicate that the object may enter the travel path to the number of the scan points that are received for that object.	11-27-2014
20140347469	ENHANCED PERSPECTIVE VIEW GENERATION IN A FRONT CURB VIEWING SYSTEM - A system and method for creating an enhanced perspective view of an area in front of a vehicle, using images from left-front and right-front cameras. The enhanced perspective view removes the distortion and exaggerated perspective effects which are inherent in wide-angle lens images. The enhanced perspective view uses a camera model including a virtual image surface and other processing techniques which provide corrections for two types of problems which are typically present in de-warped perspective images—including a stretching effect at the peripheral area of a wide-angle image de-warped by rectilinear projection, and double image of objects in an area where left-front and right-front camera images overlap.	11-27-2014
20140347470	ENHANCED TOP-DOWN VIEW GENERATION IN A FRONT CURB VIEWING SYSTEM - A system and method for creating an enhanced virtual top-down view of an area in front of a vehicle, using images from left-front and right-front cameras. The enhanced virtual top-down view not only provides the driver with a top-down view perspective which is not directly available from raw camera images, but also removes the distortion and exaggerated perspective effects which are inherent in wide-angle lens images. The enhanced virtual top-down view also includes corrections for three types of problems which are typically present in de-warped images—including artificial protrusion of vehicle body parts into the image, low resolution and noise around the edges of the image, and a “double vision” effect for objects above ground level.	11-27-2014
20140347485	ENHANCED FRONT CURB VIEWING SYSTEM - A system and method for determining when to display frontal curb view images to a driver of a vehicle, and what types of images to display. A variety of factors—such as vehicle speed, GPS/location data, the existence of a curb in forward-view images, and vehicle driving history—are evaluated as potential triggers for the curb view display, which is intended for situations where the driver is pulling the vehicle into a parking spot which is bounded in front by a curb or other structure. When forward curb-view display is triggered, a second evaluation is performed to determine what image or images to display which will provide the best view of the vehicle's position relative to the curb. The selected images are digitally synthesized or enhanced, and displayed on a console-mounted or in-dash display device.	11-27-2014
20150042799	OBJECT HIGHLIGHTING AND SENSING IN VEHICLE IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEMS - A method of displaying a captured image on a display device of a driven vehicle. A scene exterior of the driven vehicle is captured by an at least one vision-based imaging device mounted on the driven vehicle. Objects in a vicinity of the driven vehicle are sensed. An image of the captured scene is generated by a processor. The image is dynamically expanded to include sensed objects in the image. The sensed objects are highlighted in the dynamically expanded image. The highlighted objects identify vehicles proximate to the driven vehicle that are potential collisions to the driven vehicle. The dynamically expanded image is displayed with highlighted objects in the display device.	02-12-2015
20150077560	FRONT CURB VIEWING SYSTEM BASED UPON DUAL CAMERAS - Methods and systems are provided for generating a curb view virtual image to assist a driver of a vehicle. The method includes capturing a first and second real image from a first and second camera having a forward-looking field of view. The first and second images are de-warped and combined to form a curb view virtual image view of the vehicle, which is displayed on display within the vehicle. The system includes a first and second camera having a forward-looking field of view to provide a first and second real image. A processor coupled to the first camera and the second camera configured to de-warps and combines the first and second real images to form a curb view virtual image view for display within the vehicle. The curb view virtual image may be a top-down virtual image view or a perspective virtual image view.	03-19-2015

Xiangchun Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120041698	METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A BATTERY IN A SELECTED APPLICATION - A method of the present invention using a prediction process including a battery equivalent circuit model used to predict a voltage and a state of charge of a battery. The equivalent circuit battery model includes different equivalent circuit models consisting of at least an ideal DC power source, internal resistance, and an arbitrary number of representative parallel resistors and capacitors. These parameters are obtained a priori by fitting the equivalent circuit model to battery testing data. The present invention further uses a correction process includes determining a corrected predicted state of charge of the battery; and storing the corrected state of charge of the battery in a storage medium. In the present invention, an expectation of the predicted voltage of the battery and an expectation of the predicted state of charge of the battery are obtained by an unscented transform with sigma points selected by a Gaussian process optimization.	02-16-2012
20120046776	COMPUTER AIDED SOLID STATE BATTERY DESIGN METHOD AND MANUFACTURE OF SAME USING SELECTED COMBINATIONS OF CHARACTERISTICS - A method of designing and manufacturing a solid-state electrochemical battery cell for a battery device. The method includes building a database of a plurality of first characteristics of a solid-state cells for a battery device and determining at least a third characteristic of the solid-state cell for a given application. The method also includes selecting at least one material of the solid-state electrochemical battery cell, the selected material being from the plurality of first characteristics and forming a plurality of factorial combinations of each component using the selected plurality of first characteristics to derive a respective plurality of solid-state electrochemical battery cells. The method performs a design optimization process for the third characteristic. A step of identifying an optimal design of the second characteristics with the selected first characteristics for each solid-state electrochemical battery cell from the plurality of solid-state cells is included.	02-23-2012
20120089353	METHODS OF INVERSE DETERMINATION OF MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF AN ELECTROCHEMICAL SYSTEM - A method of determining at least one material property of at least one component of an electrochemical system (fully or partially completed) using a process to reduce a difference of a performance characteristic between a numerical simulation result of a physical model and an empirical result. The method includes providing an electrochemical cell using a thin film process and performing a plurality of tests on the electrochemical cell to identify one or more target performance characteristics of the electrochemical cell. The method includes performing a surrogate based analysis process and determining a plurality of outputs of the surrogate based analysis function and determines a value of the unknown material property.	04-12-2012
20120130522	METHODOLOGY FOR DESIGN OF A MANUFACTURING FACILITY FOR FABRICATION OF SOLID STATE HYBRID THIN FILM ENERGY STORAGE AND CONVERSION DEVICES - A method and system for designing a manufacturing facility for solid state thin film battery devices. The method can include providing a plurality of processing tools for arrangement within a predetermined spatial region of one or more manufacturing facilities. A plurality of variables can be assigned for the plurality of processing tools. A target financial variable can be defined to evaluate different manufacturing processing tool configurations. The plurality of variables in the tensor relationship can be processed to reduce a magnitude of the target variable. An optimized set of the plurality of processing tools and respective configuration with the plurality of tools associated with the reduced magnitude of the target variable can be determined through processing. The optimized set of the plurality of processing tools in the respective configuration can be used in the one or more manufacturing facilities for the manufacture of a solid state thin film battery device.	05-24-2012

Xiao Dong Zhang, Novi, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100250077	ADAPTIVE SHIFT LEARN CONTROL FOR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS - A control system includes first and second clutches of a transmission and a control module. Each of the first and second clutches includes an on state and an off state. The control module cycles the first clutch between the on state and the off state using a stepped command signal while the second clutch is maintained in the on state. The control module monitors an output parameter of the transmission that is based on the stepped command signal. The control module controls the transmission based on the output parameter.	09-30-2010

Xiaogang Zhang, Novi, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100005790	Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Catalyst Injection Systems - A Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) injection system for mixing reductant with exhaust gasses. The system includes a plate disposed between walls of an entrance portion and an egress section of the exhaust pipe. The plate intercepts exhaust gasses entering the entrance section of the exhaust pipe and directs such exhaust gasses through apertures in a wall of a reductant-introducing conduit. The conduit has an outlet disposed in the egress section of the exhaust pipe. The wherein dimensions of the apertures in the wall and dimensions in the outlet of the conduit being selected to increase the velocity of the exhaust leaving the outlet of the conduit into the egress section of the exhaust pipe relative to the velocity of the exhaust gases in the entrance section.	01-14-2010
20100199839	PARTICULATE MATTER RETAINING AND PURGING SYSTEM - Systems and methods are provided for operating a particulate matter retaining system, comprising at least a first and a second filter, coupled to an engine intake. One example method comprises, during a first condition, operating in a first mode with the first filter storing particulate matter and the second filter releasing stored particulate matter, with exhaust gas flowing in a first direction through the filters. The method further comprises, operating in a second mode with the first filter releasing stored particulate matter and the second filter storing particulate matter, the exhaust gas flowing in a second, opposite, direction through the filters. The method further comprises, during a second condition, operating in a third mode with both the first and the second filter storing particulate matter. During all modes, at least some tailpipe gas is drawn from between the first and second filter for expulsion to the atmosphere.	08-12-2010
20100300082	DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER - A diesel particulate filter assembly having a housing and a filter structure disposed within the housing for trapping particulate material in received exhaust gas as such received exhaust gas passes through the housing along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The filter structure has walls of particulate collecting, gas passing material. The walls pass portions of the exhaust gas while trapping particulate material in such passing exhaust gas. The walls are disposed the oblique to the direction of the received exhaust gas.	12-02-2010
20110017064	SOOT FILTER HAVING OBLIQUE CORRUGATED LAYERS - A soot filter for removing soot from engine exhaust. The soot filter comprises an inlet, an outlet disposed opposite the inlet, a first corrugated layer having a first series of parallel ridges extending from the inlet to the outlet and aligned in a first direction, and a second corrugated layer having a second series of parallel ridges extending from the inlet to the outlet and aligned in a second direction. The second direction is oblique to the first direction, with the first series of parallel ridges being obliquely angled along an entire path from the inlet to the outlet. In this way, a variety of flow paths can be provided to increase particulate trapping.	01-27-2011
20110067388	DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTRATION (DPF) SYSTEM - A fiber-paper based Diesel particulate Filtration (DPF) apparatus possessing high filtration efficiency and a high porosity, the apparatus comprising at least two rollers capable of rotating over rotors with the help of a controlled motor and capable of supplying fiber paper at the exhaust gas inlet. As the exhaust gas moves over the fiber paper supplied from one of the rollers, the soot gets gradually collected on the fiber paper and keeps on increasing the backpressure thereon. The moment when the backpressure increases beyond a limit, the loaded section of the fiber paper is replaced by fresh fiber paper from the other roller. The loaded fiber is sent to an off-board regeneration facility for regeneration.	03-24-2011
20110131959	EXHAUST SYSTEM MIXING DEVICE - A mixing device comprises a circular disc of fin sections positioned so as to create openings in the inner and outer regions of the mixing device that generate oppositely rotating flows of exhaust gas. Each fin section may be identical, and may be created by a stamping process. The smooth surface of each fin section reduces creases, and thus, is less prone to urea buildup.	06-09-2011
20110167800	EVEN-LOADING DPF AND REGENERATION THEREOF - A motor-vehicle engine system comprises an envelope configured to transmit exhaust. The envelope encloses a first array of filtration cells downstream of a second array of filtration cells. Each cell of the first array has one open end and one closed end. Each cell of the second array has one or two open ends. The system further comprises a fuel injector configured to increase a temperature in the envelope when soot is evenly distributed between the first and second arrays.	07-14-2011
20110179769	ADVANCED EXHAUST-GAS SAMPLER FOR EXHAUST SENSOR - An exhaust-gas sampler is adapted to couple into an exhaust conduit and to sample a constituent of an engine exhaust flowing therein. The sampler comprises an envelope having upstream and downstream surfaces joined by a curved side surface. The upstream and downstream surfaces are each tangent to a plane substantially normal to a central axis of the exhaust conduit. A series of inlets are formed in the upstream surface, and an outlet is formed in the curved side surface. A sensor responsive to a level of the constituent in the exhaust is coupled in the envelope, at the peripheral region of the conduit.	07-28-2011
20120304628	EXHAUST SYSTEM MIXING DEVICE - A mixing device comprises a circular disc of fin sections positioned so as to create openings in the inner and outer regions of the mixing device that generate oppositely rotating flows of exhaust gas. Each fin section may be identical, and may be created by a stamping process. The smooth surface of each fin section reduces creases, and thus, is less prone to urea buildup.	12-06-2012
20130118148	ADVANCED EXHAUST-GAS SAMPLER FOR EXHAUST SENSOR - An exhaust-gas sampler is adapted to couple into an exhaust conduit and to sample a constituent of an engine exhaust flowing therein. The sampler comprises an envelope having upstream and downstream surfaces joined by a curved side surface. The upstream and downstream surfaces are each tangent to a plane substantially normal to a central axis of the exhaust conduit. A series of inlets are formed in the upstream surface, and an outlet is formed in the curved side surface. A sensor responsive to a level of the constituent in the exhaust is coupled in the envelope, at the peripheral region of the conduit.	05-16-2013
20140060009	SECONDARY AIR INTRODUCTION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SYSTEM OPERATION - A vehicle system operation method is provided. The method comprises, during a first operating condition, increasing back pressure in a first exhaust conduit positioned upstream of a turbine and downstream of a first emission control device and during a second operating condition, reducing back pressure in the first exhaust conduit and flowing boosted air from downstream of a compressor into a second exhaust conduit positioned upstream of a second emission control device and downstream of the turbine.	03-06-2014
20140060040	SECONDARY AIR INTRODUCTION SYSTEM - Embodiments for heating an emission control device are provided. In one example, a method for a turbocharged engine comprises during an engine cold-start, delivering boosted air from downstream of a compressor into a wastegate duct coupled across a turbine and exothermically reacting a reductant with the boosted air upstream of an exhaust emission control device. In this way, boosted air may be used to initiate an exothermic reaction to heat the device.	03-06-2014
20140219849	BRANCH COMMUNICATION VALVE FOR A TWIN SCROLL TURBOCHARGER - Methods and systems are provided for a branch communication valve in a twin turbocharger system. A branch communication valve may be positioned adjacent to a dividing wall separating a first scroll and a second scroll of the twin turbocharger. In an open position, the branch communication valve increases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll and in a closed position, the branch communication valve decreases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll.	08-07-2014
20140238318	STRATEGY FOR ENGINE COLD START EMISSION REDUCTION - A method for operating an engine having a cylinder head, comprising: following light-off of an exhaust catalyst from a cold-start condition, circulating liquid coolant through a cooling jacket of the cylinder head, and at a subsequent engine-off condition, draining at least some of the liquid coolant from the cooling jacket. In this way, at a cold start condition, the cooling jacket of the cylinder head may be filled with air, thus decreasing the amount of time needed for the exhaust catalyst to reach a light-off temperature.	08-28-2014
20140260243	SELF-SUSTAINING LOW PRESSURE EGR AND EXHAUST SYSTEM - An exhaust system, comprising a LP-EGR system that couples an exhaust system to an intake system and an exhaust pipe within the exhaust system with a turn greater 90 degrees and less than 270 degrees between front and rear tires and upstream of a LP-EGR exhaust inlet; and a muffler positioned in the exhaust system downstream of the LP-EGR exhaust inlet and forward of the front tires. By shortening the LP-EGR path, back pressure to sustain EGR flow can be maintained without the use of a back pressure valve.	09-18-2014
20150047330	EXHAUST GAS MIXER AND SYSTEM - A device and a system are provided. The system may include a perforated barrier disposed within an exhaust stream downstream from the combustion chamber(s). The barrier may divide the exhaust stream radially and longitudinally. A mixing surface may be coupled with the perforated barrier which may define a path within the exhaust stream to impart a swirl to the exhaust stream.	02-19-2015

Xiaoying Zhang, Dearborn Heights, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130218441	METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for restarting an engine when a high pressure fuel pump is degraded. In response to an indication of high pressure fuel pump degradation, fuel may be injected during an intake stroke, rather than a compression stroke, for a selected number of combustion events since the engine restart. By shifting to an intake stroke injection, the engine may be started even when sufficient fuel rail pressures are not available.	08-22-2013

Xinhui Zhang, Canton, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110181088	ROTARY RECLINER MECHANISM - A recliner mechanism (	07-28-2011

Yafan Zhang, Troy, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20100072555	WAFER BONDING METHOD AND WAFER STACK FORMED THEREBY - A wafer bonding process that compensates for curvatures in wafer surfaces, and a wafer stack produced by the bonding process. The process entails forming a groove in a surface of a first wafer, depositing a bonding stack on a surface of a second wafer, aligning and mating the first and second wafers so that the bonding stack on the second wafer contacts a bonding site on the first wafer, and then heating the first and second wafers to reflow the bonding stack. The groove either surrounds the bonding site or lies entirely within the bonding site, and the heating step forms a molten bonding material, causes at least a portion of the molten bonding material to flow into the groove, and forms a bonding structure that bonds the second wafer to the first wafer. Bonding stacks having different lateral surface areas can be deposited to form bonding structures of different heights to compensate for variations in the wafer gap.	03-25-2010
20110009773	IMPLANTABLE SENSING MODULES AND METHODS OF USING - Implantable sensing modules and methods for monitoring various physical parameters, including physical parameters of a living body and environmental parameters to which the living body may be subjected, for example, impacts. A method for monitoring impacts to which a living body is subjected entails the use of an implantable sensing module that has a rigid housing containing at least one energy storage device and at least one electromechanical sensing element that is responsive to impacts. The module generates data corresponding to impacts to which the electromechanical sensing element is subjected, and records the data in memory. The module is preferably implanted in a living body so that the module is connected to a rigid portion of the living body, in particular, a bone or tooth.	01-13-2011
20110203347	SENSING MODULES AND METHODS OF USING - A sensing module and method for monitoring various physical parameters, and particularly environmental parameters to which a living body may be subjected, for example, impacts and shock wave pulses. The module at least one energy storage device and at least one set of electromechanical sensing elements contained in a housing. The sensing elements are responsive to an external environmental input, and each sensing element defines an open electrical path when not subjected to the input, is operable to define a closed electrical path that produces an output in response to the input if the input exceeds a threshold of the sensing element. The module generates data corresponding to the outputs of the sensing elements and records the data.	08-25-2011
20120286380	PROCESSES AND MOUNTING FIXTURES FOR FABRICATING ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICES AND DEVICES FORMED THEREWITH - Processes and fixtures for producing electromechanical devices, and particularly three-dimensional electromechanical devices such as inertial measurement units (IMUs), through the use of a fabrication process and a three-dimensional assembly process that entail joining single-axis device-IC chips while positioned within a mounting fixture that maintains the orientations and relative positions of the chips during the joining operation.	11-15-2012

Yahong Zhang, Canton, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140311609	PROTECTIVE SHIELD TO REDUCE EXHAUST SOOT AND CONDENSATE DEPOSITION - An exhaust assembly is provided that includes an exhaust pipe extending rearward from a vehicle into an exhaust passage, and a fascia coupled to the vehicle defining the exhaust passage. The exhaust assembly further includes a bezel defining an exhaust opening substantially aligned with the pipe, and a sleeve configured within the exhaust opening. The sleeve extends rearward to at least the rearmost portion of the exhaust opening and substantially parallel to an exit portion of the pipe. The exhaust opening may further define an exhaust plane tangent to rearmost portion of the bezel, and the sleeve may extend at least to this plane. An upper sleeve may also be configured to extend at least to a line tangent to the rearmost surfaces of an upper bezel and perpendicular to the upper sleeve.	10-23-2014
20140316749	METHODS FOR DESIGNING AN EXHAUST ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE - A method of designing an exhaust assembly that includes the steps: developing an initial exhaust assembly design; evaluating the initial design based on a design guide; developing an interim exhaust assembly design, or a plurality of interim exhaust assembly designs, based on the initial design and a parametric model; evaluating the interim design or designs using a computational fluid dynamics model; and developing a final exhaust assembly design based on the parametric and the fluid dynamics models.	10-23-2014

Yanping Zhang, Livonia, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140114619	Burner Outlet Designs for Locomotive Burner Integration - A method of determining an optimized position for a burner in an exhaust aftertreatment system includes estimating temperature distributions across faces of exhaust treatment devices positioned within parallel paths based on an initial burner position upstream of the parallel paths. A temperature distribution across the faces of the exhaust treatment device is again estimated based on a changed burner position. A difference between the estimates is determined. The changing, estimating and determining steps are repeated to correlate the burner position with a temperature variance across the faces. An optimized burner position is determined based on minimizing the temperature variance across the faces of the exhaust treatment devices.	04-24-2014

Yanyan Zhang, Troy, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140322625	SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO MONITOR AND CONTROL A FLOW OF AIR WITHIN A FUEL CELL STACK - Disclosed herein are systems and methods for monitoring and controlling a flow of air within a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack may include an air supply path to conduct a flow of air through the fuel cell. Sensors may be configured to determine parameters associated with the air supply path, such as pressure, flow rate, etc. A modeling system may further be configured to determine a modeled parameter associated with the air supply path. A control system may receive input from the one or more sensors and the modeling system to generate a baseline based on the measured parameter and the modeled parameter, determine a difference between the measured parameter and the modeled parameter, determine a change of the difference with respect to the baseline, determine that the change satisfies a criterion, and selectively implement a corrective action based upon satisfaction of the criterion.	10-30-2014
20140350735	SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING COMPRESSOR SURGE - System and methods for detecting surge conditions in a compressor system are presented. In some embodiments, a method for detecting surge conditions may include receiving a plurality of flow measurements relating to a flow rate through the compressor system. Amplitude calculations may be performed based on at least one of the plurality of flow measurements to identify a possible surge condition. Frequency calculations may also be performed to identify a possible surge condition. A surge condition may be detected based on the results of the amplitude calculation and the frequency calculation and, in response, a surge detection control signal may be generated.	11-27-2014
20140356750	SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO DETERMINE CATHODE INLET PRESSURE LIMITS IN A FUEL CELL SYSTEM - System and methods for setting pressure limits for an air supply of a fuel cell (“FC”) system are presented. Certain embodiments disclosed herein may allow a FC system to calculate a minimum and a maximum FC stack cathode inlet pressure based on different operating conditions while ensuring that the FC stack receives a desired air flow. Further embodiments disclosed herein may allow a FC system to maintain a cathode inlet air pressure within a range that protects an associated compressor from entering surge and/or overheating conditions.	12-04-2014

Yanyang Zhang, Troy, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130169015	SEAT BOTTOM TILT DRIVE FOR VEHICLE SEAT - A vehicle seat is equipped with a seat tilt mechanism capable of adjusting the amount one seat component is tilted relative to another. The tilt mechanism can couple a seat frame with a seat pan to adjust the relative amount of tilt therebetween. The tilt mechanism includes a housing and a bracket in sliding engagement with a surface of the housing that faces away from the seat pan during use. The bracket may include a bearing surface in sliding engagement with the housing. The bracket can be monolithic with generally U-shaped side walls extending away from the seat pan on opposite sides of the housing. Each side wall may extend partially around the housing with the seat pan providing structure that closes off the open end of the U-shape. The mechanism includes an optional cap on the seat pan side of the housing that may provide a low-friction bearing surface.	07-04-2013

Yongyue Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090266064	Exhaust gas additive/treatment system and mixer for use therein - An exhaust mixer (	10-29-2009

Yuan Zhang, Novi, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130119900	MOTOR TORQUE RIPPLE COMPENSATION - A system for controlling a vehicle, the vehicle including an electric machine, includes a controller. The controller is configured to control the electric machine with an electric machine current including a plurality of current harmonic components. At least two of the current harmonic components have different magnitudes. When a torque ripple of the electric machine is an electrical k-th order harmonic, the plurality of current harmonic components may include an electrical k-1 order harmonic component having a first magnitude and an electrical k+1 order harmonic component having a second magnitude different than the first magnitude.	05-16-2013
20140001985	VEHICLE SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING A VOLTAGE CONVERTER	01-02-2014
20140077737	VEHICLE ELECTRIC MACHINE CONTROL STRATEGY - A vehicle having a traction battery and at least one electric machine for propelling the vehicle is provided. A high voltage DC bus electrically connects the traction battery to the electric machine. A controller monitors and commands power flow through the DC bus, the electric machine, and the battery. In response to a key-off event, the controller immediately discharges the DC bus by providing a current to the electric machines. This discharge continues until the voltage on the DC bus reaches a threshold. As the speed of the electric machine decreases towards a speed threshold, the voltage in the DC bus is maintained. Once the electric machine speed reduces past the threshold, the DC bus discharges the remaining voltage in the DC bus at a rate slower than the first immediate discharge.	03-20-2014

Yuehua Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120177593	SYNTHESIS OF DENDRIMER CONJUGATES - The present invention relates to novel methods of synthesis of therapeutic and diagnostic dendrimers. In particular, the present invention is directed to novel dendrimer conjugates, novel methods of synthesizing the same, compositions comprising the conjugates, as well as systems and methods utilizing the conjugates (e.g., in diagnostic and/or therapeutic settings (e.g., for the delivery of therapeutics, imaging, and/or targeting agents (e.g., in disease (e.g., cancer, inflammatory disease) diagnosis and/or therapy, pain therapy, etc.)). Accordingly, dendrimer conjugates of the present invention may further comprise at least two different components for targeting, imaging, sensing, and/or providing a therapeutic or diagnostic material and/or monitoring response to therapy. Furthermore, the novel synthesis methods of certain embodiments of the present invention provide significant advantages with regard to total reaction time and simplicity.	07-12-2012

Yuezhuo Zhang, Ypsilanti, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140360510	Training Device for Treating Snoring and Apnea - A training device for treating snoring and apnea is creates positive pressure within a user's nasal passages during exhalation. Exhaling through a breathing tube inflates a primary inflation chamber and a secondary inflation chamber. The secondary inflation chamber is positioned in proximity to the user's nose while inflated, blocking the majority of any nasal exhalations and controlling nasal airflow and pressure.	12-11-2014

Yu-Wen Zhang, Grand Rapids, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110099644	MIG-6 KNOCKOUT MICE AND ELUCIDATION OF ASSOCIATION OF MIG-6 WITH EARLY ONSET DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE AND ROLE AS A TUMOR SUPPRESSOR - The molecular mechanism underlying degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis (OA), is not fully understood. Disruption of mitogen inducible gene 6 (Mig-6) in mice by homologous recombination (KO mice) led to early onset OA as revealed by simultaneous enlargement and deformity of multiple joints, degradation of articular cartilage and the development of bony outgrowths or osteophytes within the joint space. The latter appeared to be derived from proliferation of mesenchymal progenitor cells followed by differentiation into chondrocytes. Because of the striking similarity to human OA, Mig-6 KO mice are a useful animal model for studying the mechanism of this disease and for testing new drugs or therapies for treating OA. These KO mice also developed epithelial hyperplasia, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma in organs such as lung, gallbladder, and bile duct. Mig-6 is therefore a tumor suppressor gene and is a candidate gene for the frequent Ip36 genetic alterations found in lung cancer. It can be used as a tumor biomarker as well as a target for cancer therapy. Mig-6 is located in human chromosome Ip36, a locus frequently associated with human lung cancer. Mig-6 is a negative regulator of EGF signaling, and like EGF, was induced by HGF/SF in human lung cancer cell lines. Frequently the receptors EGFR and Met were co-expressed, and Mig-6 was induced by both EGF and HGF/SF in a MAPK-dependent fashion. Not all tumor lines express Mig-6 in response to either EGF or HGF/SF. In these cases, missense and nonsense mutations in the Mig-6 coding region were found, as was evidence for Mig-6 transcriptional silencing.	04-28-2011

Yu-Wen Zhang, Ada, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130237441	Mig-6 Knockout Mice and Elucidation of Association of Mig-6 With Early Onset Degenerative Joint Disease and Role As A Tumor Suppressor - The molecular mechanism underlying degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis (OA), is not fully understood. Disruption of mitogen inducible gene 6 (Mig-6) in mice by homologous recombination (KO mice) led to early onset OA as revealed by simultaneous enlargement and deformity of multiple joints, degradation of articular cartilage and the development of bony outgrowths or osteophytes within the joint space. The latter appeared to be derived from proliferation of mesenchymal progenitor cells followed by differentiation into chondrocytes. Because of the striking similarity to human OA, Mig-6 KO mice arc a useful animal model for studying the mechanism of this disease and for testing new drugs or therapies for treating OA. These KO mice also developed epithelial hyperplasia, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma in organs such as lung, gallbladder, and bile duct. Mig-6 is therefore a tumor suppressor gene and is a candidate gene for the frequent Ip36 genetic alterations found in lung cancer. It can be used as a tumor biomarker as well as a target for cancer therapy. Mig-6 is located in human chromosome Ip36, a locus frequently associated with human lung cancer. Mig-6 is a negative regulator of EGF signaling, and like EGF, was induced by HGF/SF in human lung cancer cell lines. Frequently the receptors EGFR and Met were co-expressed, and Mig-6 was induced by both EGF and HGF/SF in a MAPK-dependent fashion. Not all tumor lines express Mig-6 in response to either EGF or HGF/SF. In these cases, missense and nonsense mutations in the Mig-6 coding region were found, as was evidence for Mig-6 transcriptional silencing.	09-12-2013

Yuying Zhang, Ann Arbor, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20150080744	METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSESSING PRETERM BIRTH AND OTHER PATHOLOGIES - The present invention is directed to an all-fiber-optic scanning endomicroscope capable of high-resolution second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging of biological tissues. The endomicroscope has an overall 2.0 mm diameter and consists of a single customized double-clad fiber, a compact rapid two-dimensional beam scanner, and a miniature compound objective lens for excitation beam delivery, scanning, focusing, and efficient SHG signal collection. Endomicroscopic SHG images of murine cervical tissue sections at different stages of normal pregnancy reveal progressive, quantifiable changes in cervical collagen morphology with resolution similar to that of bench-top SHG microscopy. A device according to an embodiment of the present invention can also be used to assess other pathologies, such as cancer. fibrosis, and inflammation. The present invention allows for diagnosis, monitoring of the effect of therapeutics, and surgical or interventional guidance. The present invention enables visualization of histology in-vivo, in the patient, and is label-free.	03-19-2015

Zhenfang Zhang, Ypsilanti, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20140360510	Training Device for Treating Snoring and Apnea - A training device for treating snoring and apnea is creates positive pressure within a user's nasal passages during exhalation. Exhaling through a breathing tube inflates a primary inflation chamber and a secondary inflation chamber. The secondary inflation chamber is positioned in proximity to the user's nose while inflated, blocking the majority of any nasal exhalations and controlling nasal airflow and pressure.	12-11-2014

Zhenggang Zhang, Troy, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20110002852	STEM CELLS FOR USE IN LOCATING AND TARGETING TUMOR CELLS - A composition for locating tumors, the composition includes stem cells. Stem cells for use in locating and treating tumors. A method of locating and treating a tumor by administering to a patient an effective amount of stem cells, wherein the stem cells locate and subsequently treat a tumor.	01-06-2011
20120021992	METHODS FOR IMPROVING NEUROLOGICAL OUTCOME AFTER NEURAL INJURY AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE - Thymosin β	01-26-2012

Zheng Gang Zhang, Troy, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20130259853	Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke or Intracranial Bleeding with tPA and Carbamylated Erythropoietin - The present invention relates a method for the treatment of intracranial bleeding comprising administration of a therapeutically effective amount of tPa and a therapeutically effective amount of carbamylated erythropoietin.	10-03-2013

Zhen J. Zhang, Canton, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20120088630	SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AUTOMATIC ENGINE STOP-START - A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to enable an automatic stop-start mode of operation based on vehicle conditions. In addition, the system and method is configured to selectively actuate an accumulator to prime the transmission for a smooth restart.	04-12-2012
20120088631	SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AUTOMATIC ENGINE STOP-START BASED ON TRANSMISSION CONDITIONS - A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to disable an automatic stop-start mode of operation based on accumulator pressure conditions.	04-12-2012
20120088632	SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AUTOMATIC ENGINE RESTART - A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to enable an automatic stop-start mode of operation that minimizes clutch fill during engine restart.	04-12-2012
20120089306	PRESSURE REGULATION METHOD FOR AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - A transmission control system for a vehicle includes a transmission control module (TCM), a solenoid valve, a pressure regulator valve, and a transmission element. The TCM includes a control algorithm providing output signals to valve drive electronics, where the valve drive electronics supply current to the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve controls an output pressure located in a passage between the pressure regulator valve and the transmission element. During an engine start-up condition of the vehicle, the control algorithm of the TCM includes control logic for activating a solenoid adjustment algorithm. The solenoid adjustment algorithm decreases the sensitivity of the valve drive electronics when supplying current to the solenoid valve. The solenoid adjustment algorithm is activated for a predetermined amount of time after engine start-up, and is then terminated. Alternatively, the solenoid adjustment algorithm is activated until a vehicle operating condition reaches a particular value, and is then terminated.	04-12-2012
20130047759	MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION WITH AN ENGINE START/STOP ENABLER - A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engageable to establish at least four forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member, and one or more latches associated with one or more of the torque-transmitting mechanisms. The one or more latches engages the respective torque-transmitting mechanisms during or prior to a start event.	02-28-2013
20130080009	SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ESTIMATING HYDRAULIC PRESSURE WITHIN AND CONTROLLING A DRY DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION - A control system for a dry dual clutch transmission (DCT) includes first, second, and third modules. The first module detects whether a hydraulic pressure sensor of a hydraulic fluid delivery system in the dry DCT has failed. The second module estimates a pressure of hydraulic fluid within an accumulator of the hydraulic fluid delivery system based on one of (i) torque generated by and temperature of a hydraulic fluid pump and (ii) a drain down period of the accumulator and a period since the hydraulic fluid pump was on. The third module controls start/stop of the hydraulic fluid pump based on the estimated hydraulic fluid pressure when the hydraulic pressure sensor has failed.	03-28-2013
20130116898	SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN AUTOMATIC ENGINE STOP-START ACCUMULATOR - A system and method for controlling automatic stop-start of a motor vehicle is provided. The system and method is configured to enable an automatic stop-start mode of operation based on vehicle conditions. In addition, the system and method is configured to selectively actuate an accumulator to prime the transmission for a smooth restart.	05-09-2013
20130232962	HYDRAULIC CONTROL FOR A VEHICLE POWERTRAIN - A hydraulic control system and method for controlling a hydraulic system of a vehicle powertrain is provided, which includes an accumulator arranged to accumulate fluid when an engine is turned on, to retain fluid when the engine is turned off, and to discharge fluid to the transmission when the engine is restarted. The accumulator is actively filled through a controlled valve, and it may also be filled passively, for example, via ball check-valve. The method of controlling the hydraulic system includes providing a fluid line pressure to the transmission by opening a fluid passage when the engine is turned on; opening a valve to actively accumulate fluid from the fluid line pressure into an accumulator; closing the valve to retain the fluid in the accumulator; and discharging the fluid from the accumulator to the fluid passage when the engine is restarted.	09-12-2013
20130263584	SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCUMULATOR FLUID MIXING - A system and method for controlling an accumulator for use with a hydraulic circuit is provided. The system and method is configured to determine a set of accumulator temperature indicators and discharge and charge the accumulator as a function of the set of accumulator temperature indicators.	10-10-2013
20130264164	METHOD OF OPERATING A TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH - A method of operating a torque converter clutch in an engine start-stop vehicle improves launch after an auto stop event. During the autostop event, hydraulic fluid is supplied to the torque converter clutch operator through one or more solenoid valves by an auxiliary electric pump. When the prime mover is started at the conclusion of the autostop event, the torque converter clutch is thus locked, assuring rapid and sufficient torque transfer through the torque converter to the transmission and improved acceleration during vehicle launch. As the vehicle accelerates, the hydraulic pressure in the clutch operator is reduced and slip through the clutch increased to achieve a smooth launch and return to conventional torque converter operation.	10-10-2013
20140011626	MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION WITH AN ENGINE START/STOP ENABLER - A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engageable to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member, and one or more latches associated with one or more of the torque-transmitting mechanisms. The one or more latches engages the respective torque-transmitting mechanisms during or prior to a start event.	01-09-2014
20140032065	ACCUMULATOR FLUID TEMPERATURE ESTIMATION ALGORITHM - A system includes an accumulator control module that selectively releases automatic transmission fluid from an accumulator. The accumulator control module also receives a plurality of measured characteristics of the accumulator. A temperature estimation module estimates a temperature of the automatic transmission fluid within the accumulator based on at least one of the measured characteristics of the accumulator. An engine start-stop module selectively disables automatic start-stop events of an internal combustion engine based on the estimated temperature of the automatic transmission fluid within the accumulator.	01-30-2014
20140046553	SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ACCUMULATOR BASED ON VEHICLE CONDITIONS - A system and method for controlling an accumulator in a transmission of a motor vehicle includes the steps of determining whether the motor vehicle has been turned off, sensing at least one operating condition of the motor vehicle, and comparing the at least one operating condition to a reference condition. If the at least one operating condition of the motor vehicle fulfills the reference condition and if the motor vehicle has been turned off then the accumulator is discharged.	02-13-2014
20140163845	HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATOR FILL ESTIMATION FOR CONTROLLING AUTOMATIC ENGINE STOP/START - A method of preventing an automatic engine stop includes: determining a pressure difference between an accumulator fill volume and a fluid conduit in selective fluid communication with the accumulator fill volume; determining a change in the accumulator fill volume from the determined pressure difference; adding the change in the accumulator fill volume to a previous estimate of the accumulator fill volume to determine a current estimate of the accumulator fill volume; comparing the current estimate of the accumulator fill volume to a predetermined threshold; and preventing an automatic engine stop if the current estimate of the accumulator fill volume is below the predetermined threshold.	06-12-2014

Zhen Steven Zhang, Canton, MI US

Patent application number	Description	Published
20090043456	VEHICLE DOOR ACTIVE AND PASSIVE CONTROL DEVICE - An apparatus for vehicle door deflection and movement control. The apparatus includes a primary electromagnetic device disposed generally in a vehicle door frame or generally in an area of a vehicle body adjacent the vehicle door frame, and a controller for activating the primary electromagnetic device to push or pull the vehicle door frame. The apparatus may further include a sensor for measuring vehicle door deflection during vehicle movement. The controller may activate the primary electromagnetic device based on deflection measurements by the sensor to pull the vehicle door frame to generally cancel the vehicle door deflection.	02-12-2009
20100179732	VEHICLE DOOR CLOSE/OPEN ASSIST AND ANTI-SLAM DEVICE - A vehicle door actuating device for a vehicle includes an actuator device disposed on one of a vehicle door and a door frame of the vehicle. A bumper is disposed on the other of the vehicle door and the door frame opposite the actuator device. A door sensor is disposed on the vehicle that measures door position and door movement. A controller receives data from the door sensor relating to the door position and door movement and activates the actuator device when the vehicle is in a parked position. The controller instructs the actuator device to repel the bumper to assist a user in opening the vehicle door and attract the bumper to assist a user in closing the vehicle door during closure.	07-15-2010