CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160116311 | DASH LINE POINTER - A gauge assembly having a pointer arm extending away from a hub is supported for movement about an axis to indicate a current vehicle condition. This is accomplished when the pointer points to a specific location and telltales on the gauge surface. The pointer arm has a pointer arm viewing surface with one or more clear portions and one or more illuminated portions along the length of the pointer arm viewing surface. The pointer arm further includes one or more raised steps formed on a bottom surface of the pointer arm located opposite the viewing surface of the pointer arm. The one or more raised steps is aligned with the one or more illuminated portions and the one or more raised steps have a reflective surface for reflecting light through the one more illuminated portions on the viewing surface. | 04-28-2016 |
20160107642 | COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM USING DRIVER EYE MONITORING DURING GEAR CHANGE - A collision avoidance system is provided which includes a sensory system to determine a driver's intended forward or reverse travel direction by determination of a driver's head and eye position. A controller is provided that is cognizant of a driver's recent transmission gear shift to a forward or rearward direction. The controller prevents movement of the vehicle upon a conflict with the driver's intended travel direction and recent driver's gear shift. | 04-21-2016 |
20160107578 | METHOD OF SELECTING MIRRORS FOR ADJUSTMENT - A mirror adjustment system is provided including a switch to allow a vehicle operator to provide input to adjust a rearview mirror. A sensory system is provided to determine which mirror the driver intends to adjust. A controller is provided which is cognizant of a driver's intended mirror and causes the intended mirror to respond to the driver's switch input. | 04-21-2016 |
20160097224 | AUTOMATIC DOOR CHILD SAFETY LOCK RELEASE IN A CRASH EVENT - An automated child safety unlocking system for automobiles which disengages the child safety locks and unlocks the doors at appropriate times during events such as vehicle crashes. The vehicle ECU continually monitors the status of the vehicle to check if a crash event has occurred via various methods such as the status of airbag deployment, accelerometers placed in the car, and crumple points. In the event of a crash the vehicle ECU transmits one of at least two CSL command signals a child safety lock ECU. The command signals are each specific to an event severity and event type, and the child safety lock ECU then interprets the signal and acts according to the signal type. If the data interpreted indicates a crash, the child safety lock ECU unlocks the child safety locks, and if it does not determine a crash has not occurred, the locks remain engaged. | 04-07-2016 |
20160094809 | TOURING CAM CONTROL - A video recording system for a moving automotive vehicle is provided. The video recording system includes a camera system for recording front, rear, and lateral views from a moving automotive vehicle. A primary display system is provided which is accessible to the operator of the vehicle. A primary camera control system accessible to the vehicle operator is provided to modify views of the camera system. A secondary display system is provided which is accessible to a passenger of the vehicle. A secondary camera control system is also provided which is accessible to the passenger of the vehicle to modify views of the camera system. | 03-31-2016 |
20160093405 | STEPPER POINTER - A gauge assembly which has a gauge surface including graphics representing a vehicle operating parameter. A pointer arm is provided which is made out of a light guide or light transmitting material. The pointer arm includes a step portion in an operative portion of the second bottom surface for reducing light received by said second surface adjacent the step portion and providing an overall even light throughout the operative illuminated viewing surface of the pointer arm. | 03-31-2016 |
20160091645 | DEAD-FRONT LENS FOR INTERIOR VEHICLE DISPLAY - A vehicle instrument cluster lens assembly for a vehicle instruments panel includes a first layer comprised of a quarter-wave plate (λ/4). A second layer which is a polarizer, a third layer of another quarter-wave plate (λ/4); the first and a fourth layer being a polarizer light to a new orientation. The quarter-wave plates change the orientation of the light angle that it can be seen with a polarized eye glass lens. The vehicle lens assembly functions in a dual manner depending on the light source direction and orientation of the light to prevent light emitted from the instrument as well as making the display light visible to viewers wearing polarized sunglasses. | 03-31-2016 |
20160091345 | LED BEAM DISPLAY FOR INTERIOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS - A vehicle instrument cluster having a viewing area that is a planar non-glossy reflective surface. In one embodiment of the invention the viewing area is a black color. The vehicle instrument cluster further includes two or more light emitting diodes each having a light emission surface positioned to selectively project a light beam pattern onto the reflective surface visible on the viewing area. The light beam pattern creates a character or icon on the viewing surface, or the light beam pattern is combined with other light beam patterns from the other two or more light emitting diodes to create a character or icon on the viewing surface. The light beam pattern can be selectively changed between two or more colors projected from the light emission surface. | 03-31-2016 |
20160090104 | HANDS ACCELERATING CONTROL SYSTEM - A touch vehicle control system having a gesture interface device with one or more touchless sensors that detect a position of a driver's appendage within a range of movement detected by the sensors. The touchless sensors send a signal to the controller that is indicative of the position of the driver's appendage within the range of movement which is then interpreted to be a vehicle command signal for a vehicle's mechanical system. Command signals include, but are not limited to acceleration, braking, parking brake, turn signals, etc. | 03-31-2016 |
20160089977 | THREE DIMENSIONAL VIEW INTERACTIVE ACTIVATION SYSTEM TO DEPLOY INFORMATION - An interactive activation system having a base with a display module that projects two or more icons. The display module is connected to the base. A case is connected to the base and covers the display output module. The case has one or more apertures that aligned with the display output module in a manner that allows the two or more icons to be projected through the one or more apertures. An output screen is connected to the case and has at least one reflective surface that is positioned relative to the one or more apertures of the case. This allows the two or more icons projected by the display output module to be reflected by the reflective surface of the output screen toward a viewing zone. | 03-31-2016 |
20160082914 | CARGO AREA AIRBAG - A vehicle cargo restraint system is provided for a vehicle having a forward seating area and an interior rearward cargo area. The system includes a pane mounted adjacent an interior roof of the vehicle. An airbag is provided for powering the panel from a position adjacent the roof of the vehicle to a position wherein a portion of the panel is adjacent the forward seating area dividing the forward seating area from the cargo area of the vehicle. | 03-24-2016 |
20160082876 | INCREASING POINTER BRIGHTNESS TO INDICATE WARNING LEVEL - Vehicle instrument gauges and an instrument cluster with warning telltales each having a gauge surface area with two or more indicia on a viewing surface area. At least one of the indicia is a warning indicia with an illuminated marker positionable between the indicia. The illuminated marker has a nominal luminescence mode when positioned in an area of the viewing surface area to indicate optimal vehicle operating conditions, a range of increased luminescence mode when indicating changing vehicle operating conditions and the illuminated marker will begin to brighten as the position of the illuminated marker moves toward the warning indicia, a maximum luminescence mode when in a caution zone area and used to indicate that the vehicle operating conditions need attention soon, and flashing mode indicating that the vehicle operating conditions need immediate attention. | 03-24-2016 |
20150353063 | TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM HAVING TRAILER GAIN OPTIMIZATION - A method optimizes trailer braking gain for a trailer that is towed behind a vehicle. The method receives an operator selected trailer gain. During a braking event, braking data from at least one sensor is received. Based on the received data and the selected trailer gain, an output trailer gain is provided. During the braking event, pressure in a master cylinder of a vehicle and an actual deceleration of the vehicle is monitored. The method determines if the actual deceleration is sufficient for the monitored master cylinder pressure and if not sufficient, the output trailer gain is automatically adjusted to provide an optimized trailer gain to brakes of the trailer until the actual deceleration of the vehicle matches an expected deceleration at the monitored pressure value. | 12-10-2015 |
20150345452 | Stepped Orifice Hole - An orifice plate used as part of a fuel injector. The orifice plate has a base portion, an offset portion integrally formed with the base portion, a flow entry side and a flow exit side, where the base portion and the offset portion are part of the flow entry side and the flow exit side. A plurality of exit apertures is integrally formed with the offset portion. Each of the plurality of exit apertures includes a plurality of stepped portions, and at least one inner diameter, and each exit aperture is disposed at an angle relative to a central axis extending through the orifice plate. Each exit aperture is of a depth that is about twice the size of the inner diameter, providing optimal atomization of the fluid as the fluid flows through the exit apertures. | 12-03-2015 |
20150323481 | Stoichiometric Air To Fuel Ratio Sensor System - A sensor system ( | 11-12-2015 |
20150316708 | LIGHT GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR DISPLAY ILLUMINATION - A light guide assembly for an instrument display includes a light housing, a light source and a light guide. The light guide directs light from the light source through an opening in the light housing, and includes at least a first branch and a second branch. A diffuser is disposed above an opening in the light housing. The diffuser includes a bottom surface facing an interior of the light housing and a top surface facing opposite the bottom surface. A dimming feature is disposed on a portion of the top surface of the diffuser, such that the dimming feature reduces a brightness of the portion of the top surface thereby maintaining at least approximately a constant brightness across the diffuser. | 11-05-2015 |
20150306958 | INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INCLUDING TELLTALE ILLUMINATION - An instrumentation gauge for a vehicle includes a single piece light guide divided into multiple sections by an opaque light guide insert. The single piece light guide includes at least one telltale graphic printed on a surface of the light guide in each of the light guide sections. When light is communicated into a given section of the light guide, the light scatters on the telltale graphic causing the graphic to be illuminated and distinguishable from a same or similar colored background. | 10-29-2015 |
20150306800 | WIRE BUNDLE OVERMOLD STRUCTURE - A method joins wire assemblies to define a wire harness by providing a mold assembly having a plurality of surface features therein to define an overmold structure. A portion of at least two individual and unconnected wire assemblies is placed into the mold assembly. The mold assembly is closed. During a molding process, uncured material is injected into the mold. The material is permitted to cure to define the overmold structure fixed to and joining the at least two wire assemblies. The portions of the wire assemblies are removed from the mold with the overmold structure thereon to define a wire harness, with opposing ends of the wire assemblies being free from covering by the overmold structure. | 10-29-2015 |
20150291091 | POINTERLESS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGE - A pointerless instrument cluster utilizes a light source and a focal component to project a light image onto a gauge face plate, thereby projecting an image of a pointer onto the gauge. | 10-15-2015 |
20150269401 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPROGRAMMING A VEHCILE COMPONENT - A method for reprogramming an automotive device writes a programming sequence to a transponder read/write memory, interfaces the transponder with at least one vehicle system while the at least one vehicle system is installed in a vehicle, and transfers the programming sequence to the at least one vehicle system. | 09-24-2015 |
20150256114 | END OF MOTION DETECTION CIRCUIT FOR DIESEL ENGINES - A detection circuit for a diesel injection valve includes a first threshold, a first comparator for receiving a BEMF signal from the valve and compare the BEMF signal to the first threshold, a filter for filtering the BEMF signal thereby providing a filtered BEMF signal, a second threshold, and a second comparator for comparing a difference between the BEMF signal and the filtered BEMF signal to the second threshold, indicating an end of motion of the valve. An output of the first comparator and an output of the second comparator are joined to define an output signal. The output signal is activated only when the BEMF signal is above the first threshold and when the difference between the BEMF signal and the filtered BEMF signal is greater than the second threshold. | 09-10-2015 |
20150239305 | Pressure Check Tool And Method Of Operating The Same - At a portable tool, vehicle identification information is requested from a vehicle and responsively received from the vehicle. Based upon the vehicle information, one or more tire pressure sensor activation/trigger methods or parameters are determined. The determined one or more tire pressure sensor activation/trigger methods or parameters are used to activate singularly or a plurality of tire pressure monitoring (TPM) sensors at the vehicle. Tire pressure information is responsively received from the activated TPM sensors. | 08-27-2015 |
20150239304 | Apparatus And Method For Cloning Tire Pressure Monitor System Information - A first data transmission and a second data transmission from a TPMS monitor are received and stored. The first data transmission and the second data transmission are compared and at least one changing portion of the data transmission is identified based upon the comparison. Sensed data is received from a tire pressure sensor. A data resolution is determined and a third data transmission formed. The at least one changing portion of the third data transmission is replaced with the sensed data according to the resolution. The third data transmission is transmitted including the sensed data. | 08-27-2015 |
20150237627 | Apparatus and Method For Changing Frequency Deviation - A protocol to be used in the transmission is determined. Based upon the protocol, the transmission frequency range of a clock is selectively altered. TPMS data is transmitted according to the altered transmission frequency range of the clock. | 08-20-2015 |
20150211449 | PASSIVE BYPASS VALVE FOR AN ACTIVE PURGE PUMP SYSTEM MODULE - An active purge system module which includes a passive bypass valve assembly that allows for purge of a canister with engine vacuum or through the use of a pump, and also provides the functions of allowing air to escape the fuel tank during refueling. The valve assembly includes two valve members, which are moved between open and closed positions to direct air through the valve assembly during periods of engine vacuum, or when the valve assembly receives positive pressure from a pressure pump. The module is also used to perform a leak check when the valves are both in a closed position. | 07-30-2015 |
20150160180 | SENSOR STRUCTURE FOR EVAP HYDROCARBON CONCENTRATION AND FLOW RATE - A system and method controls a ratio of fuel to gas delivered to an internal combustion engine. Fuel for the engine is stored in a fuel supply. The fuel supply generates fuel vapor that is retained in a canister. The canister is in fluid communication with the engine via a flow path. Hydrocarbon concentration of fuel vapor in the flow path is determined. Pressure drop across a restrictive orifice provided in the flow path is measured to determine a flow rate of the fuel vapor in the flow path. A flow of the fuel vapor through the flow path and to the engine is controlled and injection valves that inject fuel into the engine are controlled so that an amount of fuel injected into the engine is based on the determined concentration of hydrocarbons in the fuel vapor. | 06-11-2015 |
20150138751 | ILLUMINATION RING IN POINTER HUB - A pointer assembly for a gauge is disclosed and includes a pointer including a pointer arm extending from a pointer base and a crown attached to the pointer body including an illuminatable ring. A cap is mounted over the pointer and the crown and includes a first slot revealing the illuminatable ring and a second slot revealing a portion of the pointer arm. | 05-21-2015 |
20150138738 | METHOD AND STRUCTURE FOR LIMITING COVER DEFLECTION IN AN ECU WHEN EXPOSED TO HIGH ALTITUDE ENVIRONMENTS - An engine control unit (ECU) includes a housing, a cover sealingly engaged with the housing, a circuit board disposed in the housing and support structure disposed in the housing and associated with an inner surface of the cover. At least one fastener couples both the support structure and the circuit board to the housing. An adhesive bonds at least portions of the support structure to portions of the inner surface of the cover. The support structure is constructed and arranged to limit deflection of the cover when internal pressure increase in the ECU. | 05-21-2015 |
20150137463 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING AIR SUSPENSION TO IMPROVE VEHICLE UNLOADING - An aft suspension system for a pickup truck comprises four corner assemblies, where one corner assembly is located at a suspension position corresponding to each of the wheel corners for the vehicle. An air supply unit includes a reservoir, a compressor, and an ECU is fluidly connected to the corner assemblies. The air supply unit is capable of independently adjusting the corner assemblies from one another. The air suspension system is operable to place the corner assemblies in a unloading position or a trailer, which corresponds to two of the corner assemblies in raised positions and the other of the two corner assemblies located in lowered positions to create a maximum height differential between the front and rear corner assemblies. | 05-21-2015 |
20150132493 | Double Cut Single Point Cutoff Tool For Cutting And Finishing An End Surface Of A Fuel Injector Pole Piece - A method removes a fuel injector pole piece from bar stock and provides a cutoff tool having a first cutting surface and a second cutting surface separate from the first cutting surface. The pole piece and bar stock are caused to rotate about a longitudinal axis. The tool is advanced with respect to the pole piece so that the first cutting surface severs the pole piece from the bar stock and defines an unfinished end surface of the pole piece, with a certain cutting force being exerted on the tool. The tool is further advanced with respect to the pole piece so that the second cutting surface removes material from the unfinished end surface to define a finished end surface of the pole piece, with a cutting force on the tool being substantially less than the certain cutting force. | 05-14-2015 |
20150127338 | CO-TALKER NULLING FOR AUTOMATIC SPEECH RECOGNITION SYSTEMS - Speech from a driver and speech from a passenger in a vehicle is selected directionally using two or more microphones. Samples of speech from a driver and picked up by a first microphone are delayed until samples of the speech picked up by a second microphone is in phase with the speech picked up by the first microphone. Samples of a passenger's speech and picked up by the second microphone are delayed until samples of the passenger's speech picked up by the first microphone are out-of-phase with the speech picked up by the second microphone. | 05-07-2015 |
20150127331 | SPEECH PROBABILITY PRESENCE MODIFIER IMPROVING LOG-MMSE BASED NOISE SUPPRESSION PERFORMANCE - Acoustic noise in an audio signal is reduced by calculating a speech probability presence (SPP) factor using minimum mean square error (MMSE). The SPP factor, which has a value typically ranging between zero and one, is modified or warped responsive to a value obtained from the evaluation of a sigmoid function, the shape of which is determined by a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which is obtained by an evaluation of the signal energy and noise energy output from a microphone over time. | 05-07-2015 |
20150127330 | EXTERNALLY ESTIMATED SNR BASED MODIFIERS FOR INTERNAL MMSE CALCULATIONS - Acoustic noise in an audio signal is reduced by calculating a speech probability presence (SPP) factor using minimum mean square error (MMSE). The SPP factor, which has a value typically ranging between zero and one, is modified or warped responsive to a value obtained from the evaluation of a sigmoid function, the shape of which is determined by a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which is obtained by an evaluation of the signal energy and noise energy output from a microphone over time. The shape and aggressiveness of the sigmoid function is determined using an extrinsically-determined SNR, not determined by the MMSE determination. | 05-07-2015 |
20150127329 | ACCURATE FORWARD SNR ESTIMATION BASED ON MMSE SPEECH PROBABILITY PRESENCE - Acoustic noise in an audio signal is reduced by calculating a speech probability presence (SPP) factor using minimum mean square error (MMSE). The SPP factor, which has a value typically ranging between zero and one, is modified or warped responsive to a value obtained from the evaluation of a sigmoid function, the shape of which is determined by a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which is obtained by an evaluation of the signal energy and noise energy output from a microphone over time. The shape and aggressiveness of the sigmoid function is determined using an extrinsically-determined SNR, not determined by the MMSE determination. The extrinsically-determined SNR is obtained from a long term history of previously-determined speech presence probabilities and a long term history of previously-determined noise histories. | 05-07-2015 |
20150122917 | Liquid Intrusion Sealing Structure Of A Urea Injector - A fluid injector includes a body associated with an outlet of the injector. An inlet tube is coupled to the body and has an open end for receiving fluid to be injected. An inlet cup has an open end and covers the open end of the inlet tube and also covers a portion of the body. The injector includes sealing structure including a primary seal providing a seal between the inlet cup and the inlet tube, a secondary seal between the body and the inlet cup and constructed and arranged to prevent liquid that is external to the injector from entering an interior of the injector through the open end of the inlet cup, and a surface feature on the body or on the inlet cup constructed and arranged to compress a portion of the secondary seal between the inlet cup and the body. | 05-07-2015 |
20150115051 | PURGE SYSTEM FOR REDUCTANT DELIVERY UNIT FOR A SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION SYSTEM - A purge procedure which is part of an injector, that may be used as part of a reductant delivery unit (RDU), where the RDU is part of a selective catalytic reduction system for injecting diesel exhaust fluid into an exhaust system, to control exhaust emissions. The RDU delivers a reductant carrier to the engine exhaust system. The purge process includes a control strategy to improve the quality of the purge cycle (i.e., increase the amount of fluid evacuated). The sequence of the purge event is adjusted in order to generate a strong vacuum in the fluid supply line and the injector—this enhances the efficiency of the purge by increasing the initial flow rates through the injector. However, upon opening the injector, the pressure inside the fluid path increases to a level just below the ambient pressure outside the injector, therefore the gas flow rate is substantially reduced. | 04-30-2015 |
20150059322 | LIQUID COOLED REDUCTANT DELIVERY UNIT FOR AUTOMOTIVE SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION SYSTEMS - A reductant delivery unit having active cooling which is constructed to have sufficient structural robustness, and to improve corrosion resistance of the assembly, where an attack on the base injector is conceivable with the use of incorrect coolant media. The reductant delivery unit has an upper shield, a lower shield connected to the upper shield, and an inner sleeve. The reductant delivery unit also includes a lower sleeve connected to the inner sleeve and the lower shield. A liquid cooling cavity is formed by the connection between the inner sleeve and the lower shield, the lower sleeve and the lower shield, and the lower sleeve and the inner sleeve. Coolant flows into the liquid cooling cavity to provide a cooling function to an injector partially located within the inner sleeve, and a corrugated portion of the lower sleeve transfers heat away from at least a portion of the injector. | 03-05-2015 |
20150057931 | ADAPTING VEHICLE PERSONALITY USING ANALYZED DRIVER PERFORMANCE METRICS - A vehicle's driving personality is adapted to a driver by determining a driver's ability to operate the vehicle by monitoring the driver's operation. The driver's operation, such as vehicle speed, lane usage, and braking, is compared to known characteristics of the road segment on which the vehicle is being driven. The driver's competency is evaluated by comparing how the driver operates a vehicle on a segment of roadway to how the vehicle could be operated and stay within limits imposed by law. A driver's ability to operate the vehicle can also be obtained from sensors that monitor a driver's heart rate, respiration rate, eye movement, and other health-indicating autonomic responses. After the driver's capabilities are determined, navigation instructions provided to the driver thereafter are modified to route the driver over roads that are either preferred or appropriate for the driver's physical abilities. | 02-26-2015 |
20150040675 | Absolute Pressure Sensor With Improved Bonding Boundary - A pressure sensor includes a top cap with a recess formed in an end of the top cap and a cavity formed in the end of the top cap to communicate with the recess. The cavity extends further axially into the top cap than the recess thereby having depth greater than a depth of the recess. Outer edges of the recess extend laterally outward beyond outer edges of the cavity thereby defining a bonding boundary. A silicon substrate has a sensing circuit on a top side thereof. The top cap is bonded to the top side of the silicon substrate in a range from the outer edges of the top cap to the bonding boundary. The recess and the cavity of the top cap face the top side of the silicon substrate and form a reference vacuum cavity. When pressure is exerted on a backside of the substrate, a portion of the substrate is constructed and arranged to deflect. | 02-12-2015 |
20150015389 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR RECORDING AND TRANSMITTING IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION OF TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SENSORS TO A VEHICLE - The present invention relates to recording and storing identification information of tire pressure monitoring sensors and transmission of the stored identification information to a tire pressure monitoring system. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method of integrating one or more tire pressure monitoring sensors with a tire pressure monitoring system of a vehicle. The method includes programming and/or configuring a tire pressure monitoring sensor with a suitable program software for a tire pressure monitoring system of a vehicle. The method also includes utilizing a configuration tool to cause the tire pressure monitoring sensor to generate a signal including an identifier. The method further includes recording the identifier on a memory device of the configuration tool. The method further includes transmitting the recorded identifier from the configuration tool to a memory device of a vehicle when the vehicle enters a learning mode. | 01-15-2015 |
20140373508 | REDUCTANT DELIVERY UNIT FOR AUTOMOTIVE SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION WITH THERMALLY OPTIMIZED PEAK-AND-HOLD ACTUATION BASED ON AN INJECTOR OPEN EVENT - A trigger circuit is provided for a peak and hold driver circuit for a reductant delivery unit (RDU) having a solenoid-operated injector for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after-treatment for vehicles. The peak and hold driver circuit is constructed and arranged to actuate the injector in a rise-to-peak current phase followed by a low current hold phase. The trigger circuit includes an injector open detection circuit constructed and arranged, based on a detected opening event of the injector, to trigger a transition from the rise-to-peak phase to the subsequent hold phase of the injector. | 12-25-2014 |
20140329513 | PREVENTING CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING - A first biometric sensor is configured to obtain a first biometric identifier from the driver of a motor vehicle and provide the driver's biometric identifier to a computer. A second biometric sensor coupled to a cell phone or other wireless communications device enabler/disabler, is configured to obtain a second biometric identifier from a person who attempts to operate the motor vehicle-located wireless communications device. The second biometric identifier is also provided to the same computer. A comparison of the two biometric identifiers enables a determination of whether the driver, or someone else, attempts to use the wireless communications device. | 11-06-2014 |
20140326534 | NATURAL VACUUM LEAK DETECTION NOISE ATTENUATION DEVICE - A noise attenuation device for reducing resonance in a natural vacuum leak detector. The device includes a housing, a first connector connected to the housing, and a first fitting connected to the first connector. Also included is a second connector which is connected to the housing on an opposite end of the housing in relation to the first connector, and a second fitting connected to the second connector. A plurality of tubes is disposed within the housing between the first connector and the second connector such that air flows through the first fitting, the first connector, the plurality of tubes, through the second connector and the second fitting. A plurality of flow paths is created by the plurality of tubes, and the plurality of flow paths reduces the turbulence and the pulsation of air flow through the housing, reducing or eliminating resonance in the natural vacuum leak detector. | 11-06-2014 |
20140314644 | REDUCTANT DELIVERY UNIT FOR AUTOMOTIVE SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION WITH REDUCING AGENT HEATING - A reductant delivery unit for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after-treatment for vehicles includes a solenoid operated fluid injector associated with an exhaust gas flow path upstream of a SCR catalytic converter. The fluid injector has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet receiving a source of reducing agent and the fluid outlet communicating with the exhaust gas flow path so that the fluid injector controls injection of urea solution into the exhaust gas flow path. The fluid injector has an inlet tube for directing the reducing agent between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A shield is fixed with respect to the fluid injector and surrounds at least portions of the fluid injector. A coil heater is integral with the fluid injector and is constructed and arranged, when energized, to inductively heat the inlet tube to thereby heat the reducing agent within the inlet tube. | 10-23-2014 |
20140313763 | VIBRATION ABSORBING FEATURES FOR PLASTIC ASSEMBLIES - An instrument cluster assembly having a biasable member for reducing noise produced by vibration, where the instrument cluster assembly includes a light housing, a perimeter sidewall formed as part of the light housing, and at least one biasable member integrally formed with the perimeter sidewall. A mask is selectively connected to the light housing, and an inner perimeter sidewall is formed as part of the mask. The biasable member includes a base portion formed with the perimeter sidewall, and a flange portion integrally formed with the base portion. At least a portion of the flange portion is in contact with the inner perimeter sidewall of the mask, such that the flange portion deflects to absorb vibration between the light housing and the mask. | 10-23-2014 |
20140311602 | TURBO PURGE VALVE-CHECK VALVE OBD VACUUM RELIEF - An integrated valve assembly, which integrates two check valves and a solenoid assembly which functions as a purge valve. When the solenoid assembly is in an open position, during a first mode of operation, vacuum pressure places the first check valve in an open position and the second check valve in a closed position, and during a second mode of operation, pressurized air places the first check valve in a closed position, and vacuum pressure generated by a venturi valve member places the second check valve in an open position. Each check valve utilizes a nylon insert along with an over molded rubber seal. The design of the check valves prevents actuation at low vacuums and flows when the vehicle is shut off. The integrated valve assembly eliminates the need for an OBD relief valve, and simplifies the EVAP system, saving costs, complexity, and eliminates several possible leak connections. | 10-23-2014 |
20140311597 | Compact Fuel Pressure Regulator - A flow-through pressure regulator includes housing structure having a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet. A seal band is defined by the housing structure. A valve element is movable between open and closed positions. The valve element has a sealing surface that engages the seal band in the closed position to prevent fuel from passing from the fuel inlet to the fuel outlet. A compression spring is disposed in the housing structure. The spring is constructed and arranged to bias the valve element to the closed position in opposition to pressure exerted on the valve element by fuel at the fuel inlet. A guide member is associated with the valve element and is constructed and arranged to align the valve element with respect to the seal band. A calibration member is associated with an end of the spring and is constructed and arranged to pre-set compression of the spring. | 10-23-2014 |
20140292505 | TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SENSOR WITH CHANGING FUNCTIONALITY BASED UPON VEHICLE ACTION - A tire pressure monitoring system includes a plurality of tire pressure monitoring sensors including low frequency wireless receivers and high frequency wireless transmitters. The system further includes a plurality of low frequency transmitters each being disposed proximate one of the plurality of tire pressure monitoring sensors. The system further includes a control module in communication with the plurality of tire pressure monitoring sensors through the plurality of low frequency transmitters. In a first phase of operation the control module causes the low frequency transmitters to transmit low frequency wireless signals to the tire pressure monitoring sensors causing the tire pressure monitoring sensors to transmit data to the control module at a rate. In a second phase or operation the tire pressure monitoring sensors transmit data to the control module at a second rate. | 10-02-2014 |
20140291341 | OVERMOLDED ECU DEVICE - A sealing device which is used to seal a leak test aperture in an ECU. The sealing device is selectively disposed in the leak test aperture, and an inner surface is formed as part of the leak test aperture. The sealing device has a first portion, and a second portion connected to the first portion. The sealing device is press-fitted into the leak aperture such that the first portion is in contact with the inner surface, securing the position of the sealing device in the leak test aperture, and the second portion is also in contact with the inner surface to prevent moisture and debris from passing through the leak test aperture. The second diameter is larger than the first diameter such that the second diameter of the second portion applies a pressure to the inner surface of the leak test aperture, forming a seal. | 10-02-2014 |
20140266661 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR INTEGRATION OF TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SENSORS WITH A TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM - The present invention relates to methods, systems and devices for integration of tire pressure monitoring sensors with a tire pressure monitoring system utilizing a telecommunication device. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a method of integrating a tire pressure monitoring sensor with a tire pressure monitoring system of a vehicle. The method includes the step of establishing a communication link between a telecommunication device and a tire pressure monitoring sensor, the communication link including a low frequency transmission device. The method further includes transmitting a signal through the communication link to cause the tire pressure monitoring sensor to communicate with a tire pressure monitoring system of a vehicle. The method further includes | 09-18-2014 |
20140250928 | VARIABLE PID ENABLE FOR COMPRESSOR CONTROL ALGORITHM - A control system, which may be a Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control system, controls a component by adjusting the control input and the execution of the control output whenever a change in a state of a component exceeds a certain value. A method is also described. | 09-11-2014 |
20140245825 | TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING WITH AUTO-SCALING PRESSURE RESOLUTION - The present disclosure relates to methods, system and devices for monitoring tire pressure data of vehicle wheel units. In an example a method of monitoring and expressing tire pressure data information is provided. The method includes selecting a first threshold pressure value for a tire to establish a first pressure range and a second pressure range. The method also includes monitoring pressure of the tire and generating signals indicative of tire pressure. The method further includes that in the first pressure range the signals are converted to digital signals according to a first conversion variable and in the second pressure range the signals are converted according to a second conversion variable. | 09-04-2014 |
20140239424 | CAP BONDING STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR BACKSIDE ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSORS - A pressure sensor includes a pressure sensing element having a diaphragm, a cavity, and bridge circuitry connected to the diaphragm. A top surface is formed as part of the pressure sensing element such that at least a portion of the top surface is part of the diaphragm, and the plurality of piezoresistors are located on the top surface. A cap is bonded to the top surface through the use of a plurality of layers. One of the layers is a silicon dioxide layer, another layer is a silicon nitride layer, another layer is an oxide layer, and another of the layers is a polysilicon layer. The plurality of layers provides proper bonding between the cap and the top surface of the pressure sensing element. | 08-28-2014 |
20140235076 | SINGLE LAYER LEADFRAME WITH INTEGRATED THREE-ROW CONNECTOR - A lead frame assembly having a lead frame made of a single layer, a housing substantially surrounding the lead frame, and a plurality of leads formed as part of the lead frame. The lead frame assembly also includes a plurality of interfaces, allowing various devices to interact with the lead frame, such as sensors, thermistors, solenoids, engine controllers, or electronic control units, or the like. The interfaces may be formed as part of the lead frame, oriented in different directions, and may be located in different planes, making the lead frame assembly suitable for applications with different packaging requirements. The interfaces may be a plurality of connectors, where at least one of the plurality of connectors are disposed in the same plane as the lead frame, and another of the plurality of connectors is disposed in a different plane from the lead frame. | 08-21-2014 |
20140195120 | ADAPTIVE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND STEER ASSIST SYSTEMS BASED ON DRIVER FOCUS - An automotive vehicle includes a driver analyzer and a driver assistance system, both of which are coupled to a controller. The controller includes a non-transitory storage medium storing instructions for causing the controller to determine a level of attentiveness of a driver of the automotive vehicle and to adapt a response of the driver assistance system in response to the determined level of attentiveness. | 07-10-2014 |
20140191883 | ADAPTIVE DRIVER ASSISTANCE ALERTS FUNCTIONALITY - A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes a plurality of lights linearly arranged substantially around an interior perimeter of the vehicle. A controller is controllably coupled to the plurality of lights, such that the controller is operable to control the plurality of lights. A hazard detection system is communicatively coupled to the controller. The controller includes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions for causing the controller to illuminate at least one of the plurality of lights corresponding to a location of a hazard detected by the hazard detection system | 07-10-2014 |
20140190759 | AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE BRAKING AND STEERING SYSTEM - A steering system for a vehicle includes a front wheel supported for rotation about a first axis and a pivot axis transverse to the first axis and spaced inboard of a centerline of the front wheel. The front wheel is movable about the pivot axis to change direction of the vehicle. A brake coupled to the front wheel provides braking rotation of the front wheel and a controller controls operation of the brake to generate a desired braking force in a direction determined to adjust a vehicle direction. | 07-10-2014 |
20140190453 | Method to Detect Partial Failure of Direct-Injection Boost Voltage - A power supply diagnostic circuit includes a switching power supply that generates a voltage for powering a fuel injector. An injector control module selectively applies the voltage to the fuel injector and monitors a resultant electrical current flow through the fuel injector. The switching power supply includes a dual path circuit comprising two inductors, two MOSFETs, and two diodes. The injector control module determines whether one path of the dual path circuit is defective based on the electrical current flow. | 07-10-2014 |
20140181105 | VEHICLE POINT AND SELECT - A point and select method, apparatus and system are disclosed. The method comprises capturing a pointing direction of a user, obtaining geopositioning information, communicating the pointing direction and the geopositioning information to a database, the database configured to analyze the pointing direction and the geopositioning information to arrive at at least one of context dependent options and context dependent information, receiving and communicating to the user the at least one of context dependent options and context dependent information, and upon a user requesting one of the at least one context dependent option, receiving and fulfilling the requested option. | 06-26-2014 |
20140180534 | TIRE TREAD TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND DIAGNOSTICS FOR IN-VEHICLE DISPLAY - A tire tread temperature sensing and display apparatus, system and method are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a temperature sensor, a controller and a display. The sensor is configured to be mounted to a vehicle and to sense tire tread temperature. The controller is configured to receive and process temperature measurements and to communicate to a display, the display configured to display temperature related information in response to communication from the controller. | 06-26-2014 |
20140179130 | DYNAMICALLY STABLE SURFACE MOUNT POST HEADER - A surface mount post header comprising at least one post and at least one lead, the post and the lead extending from a body and being distinct from each other, the body defining body's longitudinal axis, the lead configured to at least partially define a base of support for the post header on a surface of a substrate; the lead comprising a foot portion distal from the body, wherein at least one longitudinal portion of the foot portion forms an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with a projection of the body's longitudinal axis on the base of support is disclosed. In addition, a surface mount post header with a pick and place pad, and an assembly comprising the header and the substrate are disclosed. | 06-26-2014 |
20140177175 | Gold Pad Mini PCB Module - A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly includes a first printed circuit board that includes first circuit traces formed of copper. A second printed circuit board includes second circuit traces that are formed of nickel/gold plated copper and terminations that are soldered to the first circuit traces. An electrical component contacts the second circuit traces. | 06-26-2014 |
20140176713 | VEHICULAR BIFOCAL REAR CAMERA SYSTEM - A rear camera system, and method, and an apparatus configured to provide at least a rear-view and a backup mode are described. The system comprises a controller communicatively coupled to the camera/lens/actuator device. The camera/lens/actuator device comprises a camera, a lens system, and an actuator. The lens system comprises at least two lens setups, a first setup configured for long distance vision and a second setup configured for short distance vision. The camera is in a movable relationship with the lens system, such that the camera and the lens system are configured to be aligned at the first setup when rear-view mode is engaged and at the second setup when backup mode is engaged. The actuator is configured to engage each of the rear-view and the backup modes. | 06-26-2014 |
20140176300 | AUTOMOBILE POWER WINDOW ENABLE AND DISABLE METHOD - A method, apparatus and system for controlling the actuation of a movable structure, the moveable structure configured to open and close an aperture in a vehicle, is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a sequence containing a request to at least one of open and close the aperture, interpreting the sequence as a request to one of enable and disable the actuation of the moveable structure, and in response to the interpretation, one of enabling and disabling the actuation of the moveable structure. | 06-26-2014 |
20140176131 | SELECTIVE SLOPE LINEAR POSITION SENSOR - A three-magnet assembly configured for use in a position sensing system is disclosed. In an example, the three-magnet assembly establishes a non-linear spatially varying magnetic field configured to be measured by a magnetic field measurement device so that resolvable measurements are spatially distributed in a non-linear fashion. The resolvable measurements are distributed to a relatively higher concentration in at least one first region along a measurement stroke and to a relatively lower concentration in at least one second region along a measurement stroke, the second region being different from the first region. In an example, the different concentrations of resolvable measurements are utilized to spatially vary the precision of a position sensor along a measurement stroke. A system and methods for correlating magnetic field measurements to expected positions are also disclosed. | 06-26-2014 |
20140174335 | DUAL COLOR POINTER ARM FOR AN INSTRUMENT GAUGE - A dual colored pointer arm for an instrument gauge constructed of a clear material and having a coated bi-color top surface. | 06-26-2014 |
20140172279 | METHOD TO REDUCE ENGINE COMBUSTION AND HARMONIC NOISE FOR MISFIRE DETECTION - A method and system for determining combustion and harmonic noise correction factors for current operating conditions corresponding to the actual vehicle and applying the combustion and harmonic noise correction factors to a sensor signal, thereby removing engine combustion and harmonic noise from the sensor signal and leaving a misfire data signal in the sensor signal. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172239 | TURNING GUIDE ASSISTANT FOR TRAILER TOWING - A turning guide assistant system relates to automotive vehicles, and more particularly to advanced driver assistance systems and active safety systems for automotive vehicles. The turning guide assistant system provides a plurality of projected beams located along the vehicle. When a turning maneuver for the vehicle is performed the beams will clearly display the path of the vehicle on the road. The path will be easily visible to those proximate to the vehicle helping them to stay outside or move outside the path of the vehicle. The turning guide assistant system may include audio and visual alarms external to the vehicle for those in the proximity to reduce the number of accidents. Additionally, the system will alert and warn the driver of any objects detected in the vehicle path. | 06-19-2014 |
20140172234 | GPS DATA FOR IMPROVING PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION - A pedestrian protection system from a vehicle utilizes GPS data to reduce the number of false positive detections for impacting an object determined to be a pedestrian. The GPS data is used to focus on area of increased and/or decreased pedestrian presence to alter a reaction threshold for the vehicle. Additionally, the GPS data can be used for more accurate analysis of the likelihood of an impact. | 06-19-2014 |
20140171264 | VACUUM PUMP FOR A BRAKE SYSTEM WITH CLUTCH ATTACHMENT TO AN ENGINE - A brake system for a vehicle comprises a vacuum pump mounted to an engine, wherein the vacuum pump is selectively connected to be driven by the engine. A clutch is mounted within a housing for the vacuum pump. The clutch can be selectively engaged to drive the vacuum pump with the engine. A sensor is connected to the clutch such that the clutch is actuated to engage when the sensor determines that one of a vacuum within the pump is below a predetermined vacuum threshold and when the engine speed is below a predetermined speed threshold. | 06-19-2014 |
20140170952 | ELECTRONICS MODULE ENCLOSURE - An electronics housing includes a first enclosure portion defining an internal cavity, a second enclosure portion sealing the internal cavity, at least one vent positioned in one of the first enclosure portion and the second enclosure portion, the vent comprising a through hole protruding from an exterior edge of the vent to an interior edge of the vent, a malleable sealing member disposed in the vent, and a rigid retaining member disposed in the vent. | 06-19-2014 |
20140168939 | MOTOR AND POINTER JACK - A pointer with an integrated light emitting diode (LED) designed with the female side of a jack connector. A motor is designed with the male side of the jack connector, replacing the shaft of the motor. The pointer is assembled with the male side of the jack connector integrated in the motor. The pointer is designed as an in-mold, integrated LED and female side of the jack connector. LED terminals are connected to the jack connector. The motor integrates the male side of the jack connector, replacing the shaft of the motor. LED supply voltage signals (VCC,GND) reach the printed circuit board (PCB) through the jack connector by implementing new contact springs in the base of the motor. Inside the motor the shaft is connected to the contact springs with brushes. | 06-19-2014 |
20140168938 | INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER - An instrument cluster assembly is disclosed and includes at least one gauge. The gauge includes a dial surface having a primary scale and a secondary scale. A needle indicator assembly comprising a primary needle and a secondary needle is rotatable about an axis and spaced from the dial surface. The tip of the primary needle is positioned to indicate on the primary scale, and the tip of the secondary needle is positioned to indicate on the secondary scale. The gauge further includes a primary light source for illuminating the primary needle and a secondary light source for illuminating the secondary needle. The primary light source and the secondary light source are independently illuminable. | 06-19-2014 |
20140168435 | STANDBY VIRTUAL BUMPER FOR PARKED VEHICLE PROTECTION - A method of providing parked vehicle protection comprises determining if a vehicle ignition is in an off position and monitoring an exterior area proximate to a vehicle with a plurality of sensors when the vehicle ignition is off to detect an object proximate to the vehicle. The ECU determines whether the object is within a first object range and provides a first external warning when the object is within the first object range and determines whether the object is within a second object range and provides a second external warning when the object is within the second object range. | 06-19-2014 |
20140168123 | Touch Tell Tales - A disclosed digital display is mounted within a vehicle steering wheel and displays a selectively touch actuateable tell tales. The digital display is actuateable responsive to touching a specific designated location on the display corresponding to an actuated telltale. A controller is operable for actuating the digital display to change the display to communicate information relating to the actuated telltale. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167948 | INTELLIGENT TACHOMETER - An instrument panel assembly for a motor vehicle includes a housing and an instrument panel surface supported within the housing. A telltale supported on the instrument panel surface is configured to alert a vehicle operator that a shift between gears is desirable responsive to a predetermined vehicle operating condition. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167947 | PHYSICAL POINTER OVER FLAT DISPLAY VEHICLE INSTRUMENT PANEL - A disclosed vehicle instrument panel assembly includes a display disposed within a first plane and configured for generating an image indicative of vehicle operation and a pointer disposed on a second plane spaced apart from the first plane and extending at least partially over the display to highlight the image generated by the display. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167943 | WIRELESS PROGRAMMABLE CLUSTER - A disclosed instrument cluster assembly for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of instruments for displaying information indicative of a vehicle operating parameter, at least one memory device for storing data utilized for generating information indicative of vehicle operating parameters and a controller in communication with the plurality instruments and the at least one memory device for controlling operation and display of information indicative of the vehicle operating parameter. A wireless communication device is included and is in communication with both the controller and memory device for receiving data through a wireless connection that is utilized by one of the controller and the at least one memory device for generating information indicative of vehicle operating parameters. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167883 | FAST RESPONSE HIGH-ORDER LOW-PASS FILTER - A fast-response high-order low-pass filter circuit is provided. The circuit includes a plurality of low pass filter (LPF) poles that are connected in series, a forward bypass channel that includes a first delta voltage module that conducts at a first predetermined voltage and a first impedance module that provides a first impedance and is in series with the first delta voltage module, and a reverse bypass channel that includes a second delta voltage module that conducts at a second predetermined voltage and a second impedance module that provides a second impedance and is in series with the second delta voltage module. The forward and reverse bypass channels are arranged to bypass current around at least one of the plurality of LPF poles when a voltage difference across the at least one of the plurality of LPF poles exceeds one of the first predetermined voltage and the second predetermined voltage. | 06-19-2014 |
20140167827 | Apparatus and Method For Slew Rate Control - The slew rate of a transistor is controlled. Upon a transition of a MOSFET control signal, an operating voltage of the MOSFET is measured and a determination of whether the voltage is between a predetermined set of values is made. Based upon the determination, a counter is incremented, and the count of the counter corresponding slew rate. The turn-on current of the MOSFET is controlled based upon the count. | 06-19-2014 |
20140165904 | NEGATIVE SLOPE POINTER - A gauge assembly for a motor vehicle includes a gauge surface with graphics representing a vehicle operating parameter and a pointer supported for movement about an axis to indicate a current condition of the vehicle operating parameter by pointing to a specific location on the gauge surface. The pointer includes a pointer arm extending away from a hub and a bottom surface with a negative slope angled away from a plane normal to the axis toward the gauge surface. | 06-19-2014 |
20140165903 | POINTER CAP FOR CLUSTER GAUGE - A gauge assembly is disclosed and includes a gauge surface including graphics representing a vehicle operating parameter and a pointer supported for movement about an axis to indicate a current condition of the vehicle operating parameter by pointing to a specific location on the gauge surface. A cap mounted to the pointer along the axis is formed from a plastic film material different than the material forming the pointer. | 06-19-2014 |
20140165901 | INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER - An instrument cluster assembly is disclosed and includes at least one gauge. The gauge comprises a dial surface and a ring spaced apart from the dial surface. The ring has an outer surface and an inner surface that includes ring graphics. The gauge further comprises a pointer rotatable about an axis. The pointer may include a pointer arm including a portion extending into a space defined between the inner surface of the ring and the dial surface and at least partially visible through the ring. The dial surface my include dial graphics. | 06-19-2014 |
20140165026 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND TOOLS FOR PROGRAMMING TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SENSORS - The present invention relates to methods, systems and tools for programming tire pressure monitoring sensors based upon ascertained vehicle identification numbers. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of programming a tire pressure monitoring sensor of a vehicle wheel unit. The method includes obtaining identification information of a vehicle with a programming tool for a tire pressure monitoring sensor. The method further includes comparing the identification information with a database of identification information to determine a program software that is compatible with the vehicle. The method further includes programming the tire pressure monitoring sensor with the program software. | 06-12-2014 |
20140161671 | EXHAUST MODE SELECTOR SYSTEM - The present invention is an exhaust mode selector system which is able to control an exhaust system, as the exhaust system changes to accommodate various driving conditions. The exhaust system includes various exhaust flow paths to configure the exhaust system for operating in a highway mode, used for when the vehicle is operating on the highway, and a city mode, used for when the vehicle is operating under city driving conditions. A controller is able to position one or more valves to various configurations to transition between city driving and highway driving. Each of the valves being configurable provides for optimization of the balance between required power, fuel economy, and noise reduction. | 06-12-2014 |
20140152469 | VEHICLE SPEED ADVISOR - A vehicle speed advisor system that provides an indication of the local speed limit to the driver in order to warn the driver when the local speed limit has been exceeded. The system detects the actual GPS position and obtains the allowed local speed limit of that position in a USB or flash memory, which is then displayed using a speed limit indicator in the scale of the speedometer of the instrument cluster in one mode of operation when the speed limit has not been reached, or in a second mode of operation when the speed limit has been reached or surpassed. The driver does not have to look at the street to see the allowed driving speed because the instrument cluster always provides an indication of the local speed limit. | 06-05-2014 |
20140150752 | Method And System For Cleaning A Charcoal Canister Of An Emissions System Using A Fuel Cell - An evaporative emission control system for a vehicle includes a fuel tank, a vapor collection canister in communication with the fuel tank so as to receive hydrocarbons, a fuel cell in communication with the canister, and a pump constructed and arranged to pump hydrocarbons from the canister to the fuel cell so that the fuel cell can purge the canister by converting the hydrocarbons to water, carbon dioxide and electricity. | 06-05-2014 |
20140149909 | ON-SCREEN GEAR SELECTOR FOR AUTOMATIC TRASMISSION - An on-screen gear selector for an automatic transmission, which provides an interface between the driver and the automatic transmission. The gear selector provides the current selection by the driver to the transmission control unit. The virtual on-screen gear selector provides safety and security features, and is incorporated into the software of the gear selector, such as not allowing the transmission to change from park until the brake pedal is depressed, or not allowing the transmission to change from drive to a lower gear or reverse if the speed of the vehicle is above a predetermined value, thereby avoiding damage to the transmission. The use of the on-screen gear selector also provides the benefit of reducing space and weight of the vehicle, by having less mechanical parts. | 05-29-2014 |
20140148990 | LOCALIZATION WITH SYNCHRONIZED EMISSIONS FOR COUPLED WHEELS - A disclosed system for monitoring and locating a position of a tire pressure monitoring device within a tire includes a controller configured to detect a first transmission from a first sensor installed within a first wheel and a second transmission from a second sensor installed within a second wheel coupled to the first wheel. The controller and system utilizes a relative angular position corresponding to receipt of the transmissions to identify a lead and trailing tire pressure monitoring device. The controller is then enabled to correlate the signals with a known sequence of sensors to determine within which of the coupled tire assembly includes which tire pressure monitoring device. | 05-29-2014 |
20140144407 | SECTOR GEAR WITH INTEGRATED BUSHING - A throttle body having an integrated sector gear which includes a sector gear component, a bushing integrally formed with the sector gear component such that the bushing and sector gear component are a single part, and an insert, where the bushing and the sector gear formed around the insert. The insert includes a first arm and a second arm, and the insert is configurable to be formed with the sector gear and the bushing to be suitable for use with one or more packaging requirements of the throttle body. | 05-29-2014 |
20140138568 | PURGING AND SEALING - REDUCTANT DELIVERY UNIT FOR SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION SYSTEMS - A sealing device which is used as part of an injector in a reductant delivery unit (RDU), where the RDU is part of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for injecting diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) into an exhaust system, used for controlling exhaust emissions. This invention improves the purging efficiency of the RDU, in addition to improving the sealing performance of the unit by reducing the fluid volume to be evacuated from the injector, and provides an additional sealing barrier to reduce the sealing load of the existing sealing elements. An additional sealing device having a ring seal and a stopper element (also referred to as a “plug”) is pressed into the upper valve body of the injector, which results in a reduced fluid volume that is left behind after a purging event, due to the reduced initial volume at the beginning of the purge. | 05-22-2014 |
20140137543 | Reductant Delivery Unit For SCR Systems Having Improved Deposit Resistance - A reductant delivery unit for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after-treatment for vehicles includes a fluid injector having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet receives a source of urea solution. An injector flange is coupled directly with an end of the fluid injector and has a flange outlet in fluid communication with the fluid outlet of the fluid injector. The flange outlet is associated with an exhaust gas flow path upstream of a SCR catalytic converter with the fluid injector controlling injection of urea solution into the exhaust gas flow path. Internal surface structure that defines the flange outlet includes a conical surface joined with at least one radius surface. The radius surface is constructed and arranged to resist formation of deposits on the internal surface structure due to break down of the urea solution. | 05-22-2014 |
20140129107 | Electronic brake system line lock feature - A method applying a line lock feature, i.e. a wheel hold mode, with a brake system for a vehicle comprises initiating a wheel hold mode for the brake system and applying pressure to the wheels of a non-driven axle. The wheel brake pressure is maintained at the wheels of the non-driven axle independent of application of the brake pedal. The wheel brake pressure at the wheels of the non-driven axle is released when a release trigger event occurs. The release trigger event may be an automatic trigger event or a driver actuated trigger event. | 05-08-2014 |
20140125327 | Inductive Position Sensor With Field Shaping Elements - An inductive position sensor determines a position of an object. The sensor incudes a circuit board, a wire source coil constructed and arranged to provide a certain operating frequency, a first wire sensing coil, and a second wire sensing coil. The source coil, and first and second sensing coils are embedded in the circuit board, and each of the first and second sensing coils are constructed and arranged to provide an output as the object passes by source coil and the first and second sensing coils. Eddy current generating material is associated with any of the coils so as to provide an eddy current that interferes with wire to wire communication between the sensing coils and the source coil, so as to alter the output of the sensing coils to improve accuracy of the sensor to shape the output. | 05-08-2014 |
20140118111 | DETERMINING THE STATE OF A GARAGE DOOR USING VEHICLE SENSORS - A garage door can be detected as being open by sensing various physical conditions the existence of which indicate the garage door as being open. When a door is determined to be open, a notification message is wirelessly transmitted to a predetermined entity or person notifying them that the door is open. Corrective action can then be taken to close the door to keep the vehicle and contents of the garage secure. | 05-01-2014 |
20140105758 | PRESSURE CONTROL BY PHASE CURRENT AND INITIAL ADJUSTMENT AT CAR LINE - A closed loop control system for a fuel pump based on characteristics of speed, pressure, and current. The pressure generated by the pump system is increased at the point in time when the pump system is working against a dead head system (i.e., coasting) to a level that a calibration valve is opened to a determined working point. By measuring the characteristic phase current as a function of the speed, the characteristic is able to be compared, with the pre-calibrated value of the hardware to perform an error compensation algorithm. The error compensation is overlaid with the standard pressure characteristic as a function of speed and phase current, and uses the pre-calibrated opening pressure value (i.e., the inflection point) of the calibration valve and/or in addition the change of the speed to the initial (first calibration), or to a sliding average therefrom. | 04-17-2014 |
20140103468 | MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL PRESSURE SENSOR HAVING REDUCED THERMALLY-INDUCED STRESS - Thermally-induced stress on a silicon micro-electromechanical pressure transducer (MEMS sensor) is reduced by attaching the MEMS sensor to a plastic filled with low C | 04-17-2014 |
20140102210 | Pressure Sensor With Robustness Against Mounting Stress - A pressure sensor includes a metal port member having a first closed end and a second opposing opened end. A metal shell surrounds a portion of the periphery of the port. A first weld connection joins the port to the shell. A metal base has upper and lower surfaces and a second weld connection joins the shell to the lower surface of the base. Sensing structure is associated with the closed end of the port member. The sensing structure is constructed and arranged to sense pressure changes at the closed end of the port member. A connector housing covers the sensing structure. | 04-17-2014 |
20140087693 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A CLONED BASE STATION - Communications are established with a first base station and the communications include first validation information associated with the first base station. Second validation information is obtained and the second validation information is stored in a data structure. The second validation information is associated with a second and valid base station. The first validation information is compared to the second validation information stored in the data structure and it is determined whether the first base station is valid based upon the comparison. When the comparing indicates that the first base station is not valid, a warning is initiated to a user. | 03-27-2014 |
20140074359 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANIMAL CRASH AVOIDANCE - A safety system for a vehicle is utilized as an animal detection system. By using an infrared camera and other sensors and/or cameras the safety system may detect an object in an area around the vehicle. A controller analyzes data from the sensors and/or cameras and determines if the object is an animal. If the object is determined to be an animal the controller initiates a response to avoid or minimize the chance of impacting the animal. A warning signal(s) is provided to the vehicle operator. A deterrent signal(s) is used to deter the animal from approaching the vehicle. Also, the animal detection system may send a signal to at least one other safety system for the vehicle to provide a crash avoidance response and/or to provide a crash preparation response. | 03-13-2014 |
20140052332 | TPMS CONNECTED TO PROPULSION SYSTEM - A tire pressure monitoring system which is linked to the control unit or other control device of a vehicle which limits the operation, or completely disables the operation of, the vehicle when the pressure in one or more of the tires of the vehicle is insufficient. The operation of the vehicle may be limited so as to completely disable the operation of the engine, transmission, or a combination of both. The rotational speed of the engine may be limited, or the operation of the transmission may be limited. A combination of limitations may be placed on both the engine and transmission, to prohibit the vehicle from being operated at unsafe speeds due to the tire pressure in one or more of the tires being at an undesirable level. | 02-20-2014 |
20140048629 | SEALED ARMATURE BALL TUBE ASSEMBLY - An injector having a tube attached to an armature. The injector includes a solenoid portion and a valve portion controlled by the solenoid portion. The armature includes a small diameter portion. Also included is a tube having a cavity, a first end of the tube is connected to the small diameter portion, and a ball is connected to a second end of the tube, such that the ball is selectively in contact with a valve seat. A hermetic weld connects the ball to the second end, and at least one heat affected zone is located in proximity to the hermetic weld. A coating substantially surrounds the heat affected zone and at least a portion of the ball, such that the coating prevents the heat affected zone from being exposed to diesel exhaust fluid and thus subsequent corrosion. | 02-20-2014 |
20140043000 | CURRENT CONTROLLER HAVING PROGRAMMABLE CURRENT-CONTROL PARAMETERS AND HARDWARE-IMPLEMENTED SUPPORT FUNCTIONS - A current-control profile may be built from a sequence of phases in which the current is controlled in a defined manner. The electrical behavior of these phases may be configured within a list, which contains one entry, or slot, for each phase and which may be stored in a memory device. The order for stepping through the list is not hard-wired into the control circuit. Instead, such an order is part of the configuration for each entry, or slot, itself. Each entry/slot contains the information about the next phase, or the next possible phases depending upon the occurrence of any trigger events. In this way, the list of entries/slots is linked dynamically by the configuration thereby allowing for generation, in a flexible way, of current profiles with different characteristics and different numbers of phases and sequences. | 02-13-2014 |
20140018000 | BLUETOOTH PHONE RECONNECTION STRATEGY - When a wireless communications module, such as a Bluetooth transceiver in a vehicle, is confronted with numerous devices that it can choose to connect to, one particular device of many is chosen by the Bluetooth transceiver by determining a connection priority for each available, connectible device. Priority can be determined by factors that change over time and for different users and different devices. Examples include time of day, day of the week, direction, who is driving a vehicle, where a vehicle is going, and where a vehicle has been. The importance of any given factor can be user-specified or programmed into the Bluetooth transceiver. | 01-16-2014 |
20140000576 | CHASSIS MOUNT MULTI-INPUT H-BRIDGE ELECTRICAL HARNESS | 01-02-2014 |
20140000376 | PRESSURE SENSING DEVICE WITH STEPPED CAVITY TO MINIMIZE THERMAL NOISE | 01-02-2014 |
20130333361 | COKING RESISTANT AFTERTREATMENT DOSING VALUE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A dosing valve for administering a reducing agent into an exhaust stream within an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. The dosing valve includes a valve needle internally coaxial to a valve body and held in a closed position by a force of compressed spring acting axially and held in relation to the valve needle and valve body. The negative impact of varnish and dehydrogenated compounds, or coking products, of hydrocarbon based reducing agents, is substantially reduced or eliminated. Additionally, this includes decreased sensitivity to the negative impact of the precipitates and crystals that come out of the solution due to temperature change with urea-based reducing agents. | 12-19-2013 |
20130327855 | Stepped Orifice Hole - An orifice plate used as part of a fuel injector. The orifice plate has a base portion, an offset portion integrally formed with the base portion, a flow entry side and a flow exit side, where the base portion and the offset portion are part of the flow entry side and the flow exit side. A plurality of exit apertures is integrally formed with the offset portion. Each of the plurality of exit apertures includes a plurality of stepped portions, and at least one inner diameter, and each exit aperture is disposed at an angle relative to a central axis extending through the orifice plate. Each exit aperture is of a depth that is about twice the size of the inner diameter, providing optimal atomization of the fluid as the fluid flows through the exit apertures. | 12-12-2013 |
20130324195 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A FREQUENCY DOMAIN ECHO SUPPRESSION FILTER - Residual frequency components of a reference signal are suppressed from an error signal. A magnitude of the frequency domain representation of the reference signal is divided by a magnitude of the frequency domain representation of LMS-filtered representation of the error signal to obtain a frequency domain ratio of the frequency domain representation of the reference signal to the frequency domain representation of the LMS-filtered signal. The frequency domain ratio of the frequency domain representation of the reference signal to the frequency domain representation of the LMS-filtered signal is multiplied by the frequency domain ratio of the frequency domain representation of the reference signal to the frequency domain representation of the LMS-filtered signal, to obtain a frequency domain signal having reduced residual frequency components of the reference signal. | 12-05-2013 |
20130314851 | INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ILLUMINATED DISPLAY ELEMENT - An instrument cluster includes a housing that provides a chamber. A light source is in communication with the chamber. A non-opaque display element is in communication with the chamber and has an exterior surface. An indicium is etched interiorly of the exterior surface without the indicium providing a portion of the exterior surface. The light source is configured to illuminate the indicium. | 11-28-2013 |
20130314321 | VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY - An automotive instrument cluster human machine interface (HMI) has a display screen and an input. The display screen displays a polyhedral with each face of the polyhedron having unique information. The input is operable to rotate the polyhedron such that a new face is displayed on the display screen. | 11-28-2013 |
20130311075 | MOTORCYCLE AND HELMET PROVIDING ADVANCE DRIVER ASSISTANCE - A safety system for motorcycle comprises at least one sensor mounted to the motorcycle to sense a feature of an environment surrounding the vehicle. An electronic control unit is configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensor and determine a probability that a safety incident may occur based upon the at least one feature. The probability is compared to at least a first threshold and the electronic control unit is configured to send at least one indicator signal when the at least one feature is above the first threshold. The indicator signal may be displayed on a helmet display. The safety system may be one of blind spot detection, forward collision alert, rear collision alert, cross-traffic alert, merging-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and traffic sign recognition. | 11-21-2013 |
20130279054 | OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION METHOD USING EXPOSED DEVICE SUPPLY RAIL - A semiconductor device may be protected from over-voltages via a comparator-controlled, high-current FET coupled to the semiconductor device output and between circuit devices that carry high voltages. A three-terminal, N-channel field effect transistor (FET) may have its source coupled to the output of the semiconductor device to be protected from over voltage. The FET drain may be connected to the load to be driven by the semiconductor device. A transistor, or other voltage comparator, may be configured and connected in order to compare the voltage on the FET drain to a V | 10-24-2013 |
20130254462 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO REDUCE FLASH MEMORY DEVICE PROGRAMMING TIME OVER A C.A.N. BUS - Data frames, such as Controller Access Network frames, that are to be programmed into a FLASH memory device, are sent from a programming station to a target device via a relatively high-speed bus and stored temporarily at the target device in numbered frame buffers. Each frame carries a payload. Before a frame is sent, an identifier is assigned to it, or an identifier is appended to the frame. The identifier identifies a particular buffer in the target device where the frame is to be stored in the target device until the target device is able to process the frame and write its payload into a FLASH memory device. | 09-26-2013 |
20130218426 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO DETERMINE TORQUE IN A POWERTRAIN SYSTEM - A method for monitoring torque in a gear train includes coincidentally determining angles of rotation of first and second rotationally coupled members of the gear train. Each of the members employs a respective rotational position sensor. Each of said angles of rotation are determined based upon times corresponding to a last signal pulse, a next-to-last signal pulse, and a total quantity of signal pulses generated by the respective rotational position sensor during a current sampling interval. A twist angle corresponding to a difference between the angles of rotation of the first and second rotationally coupled members of the gear train is determined, and torque corresponding to the twist angle is calculated. | 08-22-2013 |
20130217384 | CURRENT DRAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN TELEMATICS DEVICES USING ADJACENT CELL SIGNAL MEASUREMENT REDUCTION - The current drawn by a wireless communications device that is configured to periodically scan control channels can be reduced by reducing the number of control channels to be scanned. The relative strengths of a serving cell control channel and the relative strengths of neighboring cell control channels are determined and the scanning of neighboring cell control channels is discontinued if the communications device is not moving and the signal strength of the serving cell is above a threshold value selected to provide a signal level at which data on a control channel can be reliably recovered. | 08-22-2013 |
20130217358 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO DETERMINE IF A CELLULAR JAMMING SIGNAL IS MALICIOUS OR NON-MALICIOUS BASED ON RECEIVED SIGNAL STRENGTH - A signal on a wireless communication system control channel can be identified as authentic or malicious by monitoring control channel signal strength changes. When a control channel signal level increases abnormally fast or too quickly, i.e., above a threshold value rate of increase, the control channel signal is identified as likely being from a malicious source, such as a jamming transmitter. | 08-22-2013 |
20130217353 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO DETERMINE IF A CONTROL CHANNEL SIGNAL IS MALICIOUS OR NON-MALICIOUS BASED ON A GPS LOCATION - A signal on a wireless communication system control channel can be identified as authentic or malicious by monitoring control channel signal strength changes. When a control channel signal level increases abnormally, a geographic location is obtained from a navigation system, such as a GPS. The determined location is compared to locations in a data base of locations where control channel jamming transmitters are known to exist, and/or likely to exist. If the then-current location is not in the data base, the detected control channel signal level increase is considered to be malicious, i.e., from a jamming transmitter, often used by car thieves. | 08-22-2013 |
20130211671 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DETERMINING POWER OF BASE VALUES USED IN VEHICLE APPLICATIONS - A signal representing a numerical value from a vehicular application is received. A power value is calculated and the power value is a predetermined based raised to the power of the numerical value. The calculating using multiplication and shifting operations and the calculating further accesses a look-up table stored in a memory. The calculated power value is returned to the vehicular application. At the vehicular application, the calculated power value is utilized in a calculation and a result of the calculation is obtained. A parameter of the vehicular application according is altered to the result. | 08-15-2013 |
20130193753 | TELEMATICS MASTER OF POWER - When a vehicle is “off” many electrically powered devices will continue to draw power from the battery, which will eventually deplete the battery. Instead of leaving such devices on, when the engine is shut off, a message is transmitted from a vehicle's telematics communications device to one or more of: the operator, a telematics service provider or elsewhere, and which notifies the recipient of the power-down condition. The recipient of the message can thereafter respond with a directive that tells the telematics communications device which devices to leave powered on, turn off or schedule to be shut off. Absent such a message, the system powers down devices according to a default power down ordering. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192378 | SEMICONDUCTOR SENSING DEVICE TO MINIMIZE THERMAL NOISE - An MEMS pressure sensor is designed to reduce or eliminate thermal noise, such as temperature offset voltage output. The pressure sensor includes a pressure sensing element having a diaphragm, and a cavity formed as part of the pressure sensing element, where the cavity receives a fluid such that the diaphragm at least partially deflects. The pressure sensing element also includes a plurality of piezoresistors, which are operable to generate a signal based on the amount of deflection in the diaphragm. At least one trench is integrally formed as part of the pressure sensing element, and an adhesive connects the pressure sensing element to the at least one substrate such that at least a portion of the adhesive is attached to the trench and redistributes thermally induced stresses on the pressure sensing element such that the thermally induced noise is substantially eliminated. | 08-01-2013 |
20130189979 | ENHANCEMENT FOR POWER-DOWN SEQUENCE - When a cellular telephone is powered down, it sends a power-down message to a network it was registered with. If the cellular telephone does not receive an acknowledgement of the power-down message from the network, a flag is set in the cellular telephone. The power-down sequence is concluded by the cellular telephone, and the cellular telephone is shut off or put into a reduced power consumption state. When the telephone is turned back on the flag is evaluated to see if it was set during the course of powering down. The status of the flag when the phone is powered up is then used by the cellular telephone to determine whether it should make a network access request to a network the telephone was registered to, during the power-up operation in order to cause that cellular network to update its database regarding the whereabouts of the powered-up cellular telephone. | 07-25-2013 |
20130184036 | Echo Canceler Circuit and Method - An echo canceler circuit ( | 07-18-2013 |
20130177451 | WASHER SYSTEM AND PUMP FOR SAME - A pump for a washer system includes a housing enclosing a motor driven pump and providing first and second outlets. First and second check valves are fluidly connected to and downstream from the first and second outlets. In one example, the first and second check valves are arranged in the housing. The check valves are configured such that one of the check valves is open to provide the fluid through the one of the outlets while the other check valve is closed to block fluid through the other of the outlets. In operation, a pumping element is rotated to pump fluid through an open first check valve, with the second check valve in the closed position. Reversing rotation of the pumping element pumps fluid through an open second check valve with the first check valve in the closed position. | 07-11-2013 |
20130176706 | CANTILEVER INDICATOR FOR VEHICLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER - An instrument panel assembly for a vehicle includes a main gauge that defines a main display area and a plurality of cantilevered light guides that are supported on the main gauge and extend outwardly from the main gauge. Each of the light guides are formed from a clear material providing visibility through each of the light guides. A corresponding plurality of lights selectively illuminates each of the plurality of cantilevered light guides. An etched surface is formed on the surface of each of the cantilevered light guides in the shape of a numeral or symbol. The illumination of the etched area on the clear cantilevered light guide creates the appearance that the symbols or numerals are floating proximate the main gauge and thereby generate desired aesthetic features while communicating information to a vehicle operator. | 07-11-2013 |
20130166936 | ROBUST MICROPROCESSOR RESET LATCH - A microprocessor reset control operates in one of two reset states and transitions from the first state to the second state when a first signal falls below a first threshold and from the second state to the first state when a second signal exceeds a second threshold. | 06-27-2013 |
20130166807 | SAFELY EJECTING A CLIENT DEVICE USING A DEDICATED BUTTON - Methods and systems for ejecting a device, including providing a host device, providing a client device, the client device being coupled to the host device, receiving a request to eject the client device, the request being initiated using a dedicated eject button, and in response to receiving the request, software-ejecting the client device. | 06-27-2013 |
20130166281 | OPTIMALLY SORTING A LIST OF ELEMENTS BASED ON THEIR SINGLETONS - A method provides a non-optimized list of elements, with some of the elements having multiple terms. A table of sub-elements is generated from the elements list, with each sub-element having one term only and with a number of times a sub-element appears in the elements list being weighted in the sub-elements table. A weighted singleton histogram table is generated using a singleton dictionary, and a total popularity score of each singleton is computed from the sub-elements table. For each element from the elements list, an elements score is generated based on the total popularity score of each singleton within the element. An optimally sorted list of the elements list is generated based on the elements scores. | 06-27-2013 |
20130164184 | AUTOMOTIVE ANIT-CONTAMINATION SYSTEM - An anti-contamination system having a container, a pump, a tube, an exhaust pipe, and a dispenser system. The pump is used to direct a water and calcium oxide solution through the tube to the dispenser system. The high temperature of the exhaust gases is used as a reactor and the exhaust pipe as a controlled atmosphere volume. The heat from the exhaust gas/pipe is used to heat water mixed with calcium oxide to create calcium hydroxide and steam, which is injected by the dispenser system into the exhaust pipe such that the exhaust gas reacts with the steam and the calcium hydroxide. The exhaust pipe is made with stainless steel to avoid corrosion due the chemical reactions that occur inside, and the gases expelled to the atmosphere are clean with only minimal solid residues like calcium sulfate that are troughed away as small pellets, without any pollution contribution. | 06-27-2013 |
20130164153 | Fuel Pump Module Feed-Line Filter Hose - A fuel pump module includes a fuel module flange covering and sealing an opening in a fuel tank of a vehicle. The flange has a top connector extending outside the fuel tank for delivering fuel to an engine, and a bottom connector extending inside the fuel tank and in fluid communication with the top connector. A filter hose includes a flexible tubular shell having first and second ends and an interior, and flexible filter structure disposed within the interior of the shell. The module includes a fuel pump. The first end of the shell is coupled to the bottom connector of the flange and the second end of the shell is coupled to an outlet of the fuel pump so that the filter structure filters fuel exiting the outlet of the pump so that filtered fuel can be delivered through the flange to the engine. | 06-27-2013 |
20130162284 | METHOD AND APARATUS FOR HIGH SIDE TRANSISTOR PROTECTION - A method and apparatus for detecting a high energy event in a transistor includes performing the steps of: monitoring a gate to source voltage of a transistor during transistor start up, continuously determining a derivative of the monitored gate to source voltage with respect to time, and detecting a high energy event when the derivative of the gate to source voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold. | 06-27-2013 |
20130162244 | DLA ROTOR FLUX DESNITY SCAN METHOD AND TOOL - A method of measuring flux density and run out to accommodate rotors of different diameters, evaluate intrinsic properties of magnet material and the magnetization process. Circular run out measurement capability is also used to evaluate bearing journal “ovality.” The method includes the use of a scan tool, or a DLA Rotor Flux Density Scan Fixture, which evaluates the electromagnetic field strength (gauss), combined with surface run out and presents the data in a scalable pictorial format. The scan tool includes a probe which measures a magnetic field strength and circular run out of the perimeter of the magnet. Simultaneously, a non-contact measurement sensor is used to measure the rotor surface for subtle variations. The resulting sine wave gauss data and the surface dimension data are manipulated into a scalable “radar” plot. The radar plot correlates magnetic pole field strength and surface circular run out variation to the index position. | 06-27-2013 |
20130160871 | VARIABLE ORIENTATION FLUID LEVEL SENSOR WITH OPTIONAL SLOSH GUARD - A fluid level sensor assembly comprises a sensor mounted to a sensor housing. A carrier extends from the sensor housing in an angled orientation. A float is located within the carrier such that the float may move along a longitudinal axis of the carrier. A fragment is secured to the float, and the sensor detects a location of the fragment as the float moves within the carrier. | 06-27-2013 |
20130160746 | Method And System For Regulated Exhaust Heating Of A Charcoal Canister Of An Emissions System To Reduce Heel - A evaporative emission control system includes a fuel tank, canister communicating with the fuel tank, air intake structure directing air to an internal combustion engine, a purge valve connected between the canister and the air intake structure, a vent valve associated with a source of ambient air, mixing structure associated with vent valve to selectively receive the ambient air that passes through the vent valve, a feed line connected between an exhaust flow path associated with the engine and the mixing structure, an output air flow from the mixing structure being received by the canister, and an exhaust valve in the feed line for controlling pressurized exhaust air flow, from the exhaust flow path, to the mixing structure. The exhaust air flow is mixed with the ambient air in the mixing structure with the output air flow therefrom purging the canister of hydrocarbons to be consumed by the engine. | 06-27-2013 |
20130160562 | PRESSURE SENSOR WITH INTERCONNECTOR HAVING A COMPLIANT PIN ASSEMBLY - A pin and circuit board assembly includes at least three pins ( | 06-27-2013 |
20130160436 | ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC TRACTION SUPPORT - A traction control system comprises a wheel hydraulic motor and pump assembly selectively connectable to a wheel for a vehicle to provide drive to the wheel. An electronic control unit is connected to a main hydraulic control valve to control fluid flow from the main hydraulic motor and pump assembly to the wheel motor and pump assembly. A high pressure accumulator and reservoir are fluidly connected to the main hydraulic motor and pump assembly to provide pressurized fluid to the system. | 06-27-2013 |
20130158989 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR NOISE REMOVAL - A continuous stream of noise is created from a plurality of input signals. A smoothing spectrum estimate is continuously calculated from the continuous stream of noise. Noise is responsively removed from a selected one of the plurality of input signals using the smoothing spectrum estimate. The removal of the noise from the selected input signal is performed substantially synchronously and in time alignment with the creating of the continuous stream of noise and the calculating of the smoothing spectrum estimate. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158863 | TRAILER BACKING PATH PREDICTION USING GPS AND CAMERA IMAGES - A method of controlling a vehicle and trailer assembly comprises obtaining an image for a current position of the vehicle and trailer assembly from a GPS system. The image is displayed on a display screen and a location is selected to indicate a desired final position for the vehicle and trailer assembly. An intended trailer backing path is determined with the desired final position of the vehicle and trailer assembly and a predicted trailer backing path is determined based upon a steering angle of the vehicle and an angle between the vehicle and the trailer. The predicted trailer backing path and the intended trailer backing path are displayed on the display screen to assist the operator in steering the vehicle. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158847 | CONFIGURABLE TRAFFIC ZONE CONTROL SYSTEM - A configurable traffic zone control system ( | 06-20-2013 |
20130158829 | FUEL ECONOMY MODE TO MODIFY CRUISE CONTROL FOR AN AUTOMOBILE - A method of operating a cruise control system for a vehicle comprises selecting a fuel economy mode for the cruise control system and determining a desired fuel economy. A fuel economy level of the vehicle is maintained at the desired fuel economy while in the fuel economy mode for the cruise control system. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158803 | TRAILER BACKING AID USING GPS MAPPING AND CAMERA IMAGE DISPLAY - A method of controlling a vehicle and trailer assembly comprises initiating an input mode for a trailer backing system. A first set of data points, a second set of data points, and a third set of data points are input into the trailer backing system. The input mode for the trailer backing system is ended. An intended backing path is determined based upon the first, second, and third set of data points. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158790 | PHOTO-ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOW TINTER - An electrically-adjustable light transmitter changes its light transmissivity responsive to an electric signal. By applying the electrically-adjustable light transmitter to a window and thereafter changing the electric signal to it, a window can be tinted and un-tinted. Jurisdictions that prohibit tinted vehicle windows are listed in a data base. A current location determined by a GPS is compared to data base entries. If the location is within an area where tinted windows are prohibited, a controller automatically un-tints the windows, or reduces the window tint to comply with applicable local laws. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158746 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELF-DETECTING VEHICLE THEFT - A system and method for self-detecting vehicle theft is provided that includes a first antenna and a second antenna, both located on a vehicle. The first antenna transmits the signal and the second antenna receives the signal. A monitoring module in communication with the second antenna is configured to determine whether the signal has changed. A vehicle security system is configured to activate based on a change in the signal. | 06-20-2013 |
20130154411 | ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD - An electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) shielding printed circuit board (PCB) has at least a routing layer and a ground layer. The shielding PCB has an opening that receives a motor bushing and at least one opening that receives motor terminals. | 06-20-2013 |
20130152905 | HYDROCARBON SENSOR FOR PURGING CANISTER OF EXTENDED RANGE ELECTRIC VEHICLE - An evaporative fuel vapor control system ( | 06-20-2013 |
20130152904 | Turbo Purge Module For Turbocharged Vehicle - A turbo purge module includes a purge valve connected between a vapor collection canister and an intake manifold. A venturi nozzle receives pressurized air from the turbocharger, when the turbocharger is operating, to create a vacuum to draw vapors from the canister through the purge valve to an inlet of the turbocharger and the intake manifold to be purged in the engine. A first check valve prevents pressure from the intake manifold from reaching the canister when the turbocharger is operating. A second check valve prevents vacuum pressure from the intake manifold from communicating with the venturi nozzle when the turbocharger is at idle, with vapor from the canister being drawn through the purge valve and the intake manifold to be purged in the engine. The purge valve, venturi nozzle, first check valve, and second check valve are integrated into a single component. | 06-20-2013 |
20130151101 | ELECTRONIC BRAKE SYSTEM CONTROLS ADAPTATION BASED UPON BRAKE COMPONENT CONDITION - A method of operating a brake system comprises determining a predicted braking effectiveness for a plurality of vehicle braking operations and determining an actual braking effectiveness for the plurality of vehicle braking operations. The predicted braking effectiveness is compared to the actual braking effectiveness. An adjustment factor for the brake system is determined based upon the comparison and the brake system response is adjusted based on the determined adjustment factor. | 06-13-2013 |
20130146577 | VEHICLE MOUNTED OPTICAL AND SENSOR CLEANING SYSTEM - A sensor or camera assembly for a vehicle comprises a housing that is mountable to a vehicle component. The sensor or camera is located within the housing and has an exterior facing surface. A defrost element is located proximate to the sensor or camera and is electrically connectable to a defrost system. The defrost element is arranged to defrost the surface of the sensor or camera. A nozzle is located proximate to the sensor or camera and is fluidly connectable to a washer system for the vehicle. The nozzle is arranged to direct a fluid from the washer system over the surface of the sensor or camera. Therefore, the camera or sensor cleaning system minimizes any reduction in effectiveness and efficiency of the sensor by use of the clean or defrost feature. Maintaining effectiveness and efficiency of the sensor provides a key improvement in safety for the vehicle. | 06-13-2013 |
20130146034 | Switch-Mode Synthetic Power Inductor - A fuel delivery system for a vehicle includes a fuel injector that meters fuel flow and provides for preheating fuel to aid combustion. A control circuit including a synthetic inductor drives a heated element within the fuel flow. | 06-13-2013 |
20130145752 | METHOD OF USING A PUMP POSITION SENSOR FOR AN EBS PUMP CHECK - A method of performing a pump check for a brake system comprises determining a first position of a pump with a pump position sensor upon ignition of a vehicle. A pump motor is powered based upon a preselected operating condition. A second position of the pump is determined with the pump position sensor. The first position of the pump and the second position of the pump are compared. The pump motor is confirmed as operational when the second position of the pump is different from the first position of the pump. | 06-13-2013 |
20130144483 | SYSTEM OPERATION FOR TELEMATICS SYSTEMS THAT USE A BATTERY - A vehicle telematics system repeatedly reports vehicle status, including the location of a stolen vehicle. As wireless reports are transmitted over time, battery capacity will decrease if the engine is not running. As the vehicle battery capacity decreases over time, status reports are adjusted to extend battery life and therefore the time over which at least some vehicle status information can be obtained. | 06-06-2013 |
20130139603 | JOINTLESS PRESSURE SENSOR PORT - A jointless pressure sensor port which includes a body portion, a flange portion integrally formed with the body portion, and a cylindrical portion integrally formed with and extending away from the flange portion. The port also includes an aperture having a first area, where the aperture is formed as part of the cylindrical portion. A channel is located along an axis and has at least one channel region. The channel at least partially extends through the cylindrical portion, the flange portion, and the body portion. A diaphragm includes a second area which is larger than the first area, the diaphragm also has a top surface and a bottom surface. A pressure sensor is disposed on the top surface, and the diaphragm is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the channel. The body portion, flange portion, and cylindrical portion form a jointless and seamless pressure sensor part. | 06-06-2013 |
20130131928 | Rear End Advanced Collision Technology - A method of controlling stability of a vehicle comprises monitoring vehicle information with an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit determines if a rear collision from a second vehicle approaching from a rear direction is likely. A first response signal is sent to at least one vehicle system from the electronic control unit prior to the rear collision. The at least one vehicle system changes state based upon the first response signal to prepare the vehicle for the rear collision. | 05-23-2013 |
20130120573 | REAR VIEW CAMERA DISPLAY DURING BRAKING - A display system for a vehicle comprises a display mounted within a passenger compartment of a vehicle and at least one camera mounted to the vehicle and facing at least partially in a rear direction. A sensor is connected to the display system for the vehicle. An ECU is controllably connected to the display and the at least one camera. The ECU provides an image from the at least one camera when a predetermined threshold of brake application is sensed or anti-lock brake activity is sensed. | 05-16-2013 |
20130120210 | GPS ANTENNA ON-SHIELD/HOUSING WITH GROUNDING - An electrically-conductive housing is configured to support a patch antenna and to enclose or cover electronic components mounted onto a circuit board to which the housing is attached. The housing is formed to have a grounded passageway for a feed line for the patch antenna. The passageway thus acts as a RF shield. An optional ferrule can be placed into the shield to align the feed line. An optional feed line contact can be placed into the ferrule to allow for the housing construct to behave as an RF connector. | 05-16-2013 |
20130105999 | THIN SEMICONDUCTOR DIE PACKAGE | 05-02-2013 |
20130105962 | THERMAL DISSIPATION IN CHIP | 05-02-2013 |
20130104842 | Idle Air Control Valve with Plastic Housing and Retention Features | 05-02-2013 |
20130096820 | VIRTUAL DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A display system for a vehicle comprises display screens mounted within a passenger compartment of a vehicle. Cameras are mounted on the exterior of the vehicle corresponding to the positions of the display screens. A sensor(s) is directed toward a driver for the vehicle to sense a driver eye position. An ECU for the display system analyzes the driver eye position and determines a line of sight. An image from the camera is displayed on the display screen that corresponds to the driver's line of sight. Consequently, rather than the vehicle obstructing the driver's view the display system provides images to the driver of what would be seen if the vehicle body was not there. Thus, the display system provides virtually transparent portions of the vehicle body which widens the field of view provided to the driver. | 04-18-2013 |
20130096771 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROL OF PRESENTATION OF MEDIA TO USERS OF A VEHICLE - A vehicle includes or is provided with a vehicular service. One or more communications are received from one or more occupants of a vehicle. The identity of the one or more occupants that made the communications is determined. It is also determined whether the vehicle is moving. When the occupant is identified as a driver and when the vehicle is moving, the driver is prevented from using the vehicular service when interaction with the vehicular service would result in driver distraction. When the occupant is identified as a non-driver and when the vehicle is moving, the non-driver is allowed to utilize the vehicular service. | 04-18-2013 |
20130093889 | SMART REAR-VIEW DISPLAY - A display system for a vehicle comprises a display mounted within a passenger compartment of a vehicle and at least one camera mounted to the vehicle and facing at least partially in a rear direction. The display shows the images recorded by the camera(s) to provide a rear view for the driver of the vehicle. An ECU for the display system analyzes the images to provide additional information. The ECU controls the camera viewing angle as well to provide wide-angle images, and to pan or zoom the camera(s). | 04-18-2013 |
20130093584 | Integrated Rear Camera Display - A integrated rear camera display system for a vehicle comprises a display screen mounted to a housing and at least one device used by another system for the vehicle. The housing at least partially contains the at least one device. The housing is configured for mounting to a windshield for the vehicle such that the display screen is viewable by a driver of the vehicle. The display screen shows an image from a rear-facing camera to provide the driver of the vehicle with an unobstructed rear view of the vehicle. | 04-18-2013 |
20130087863 | DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE SENSOR DEVICE - A MEMS differential pressure sensing element is provided by two separate silicon dies attached to opposite sides of a silicon or glass spacer. The spacer is hollow. If the spacer is silicon, the dies are preferably attached to the hollow spacer using silicon-to-silicon bonding provided in part by silicon oxide layers. If the spacer is glass, the dies can be attached to the hollow spacer using anodic bonding. Conductive vias extend through the layers and provide electrical connections between Wheatstone bridge circuits formed from piezoresistors in the silicon dies. | 04-11-2013 |
20130085639 | PROACTIVE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM - A method of controlling stability of a vehicle comprises monitoring vehicle information with an electronic control unit. An approaching unstable driving condition is detected from the vehicle information with an electronic control unit. A signal is sent from the electronic control unit to at least one vehicle system to apply at least one proactive vehicle stability control action prior to the occurrence of the unstable driving condition. | 04-04-2013 |
20130063134 | ROTARY ARC POSITION SENSOR WITH LINEAR OUTPUT - A rotary position sensor includes a member with a shaft associated with the member such that movement of the member rotates the shaft. An arc-shaped permanent magnet is coupled to a periphery of the shaft for rotation therewith. First and second adjacent magnetic field concentrators define a gap there-between. Sensor structure is disposed in the gap. Upon movement of the member causing rotation of the shaft and magnet, the concentrators and sensor structure remain stationary, with the magnet providing a magnetic pole that changes the magnetic field in the gap. The sensor structure is constructed and arranged to respond to the changes in the magnetic field to identify a position of the member. | 03-14-2013 |
20130054048 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A vehicle control system comprising a control device having a plurality of positions, a processing device, and a display device. The control device is configured to transmit data regarding a position of the control device when an object is proximate to the control device. The processing device is configured to receive the data from the control device, identify the control device transmitting the data, and transmit data regarding the first position and identity of the control device. The display device is configured to receive the data from the processing device, visually display a virtual control having a plurality of positions, and allow adjustment of the plurality of positions of the virtual control to at least a second position of the virtual control, wherein the second position is different from the first position. | 02-28-2013 |
20130041524 | SMART TRAILER RFID SYSTEM - A smart trailer RFID system includes a vehicle such as a trailer or cargo van having one or more RFID tag readers configured to acquire load-specific data from RFID tags attached to a load. The load-specific data is collected by a computer and conveyed wirelessly to a tow vehicle. Depending on the nature of the load, the load data can be used to control or change operation of the tow vehicle or be displayed to a vehicle operator. | 02-14-2013 |
20130039027 | HOUSING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS IN AUTOMOTIVE FUSES - Systems methods for housing electronics in an automobile, the system comprising including a set of electronic components and a connector configured to be attached to the set of electronic components, the connector being configured to connect to an automotive fuse box. | 02-14-2013 |
20130038732 | FIELD OF VIEW MATCHING VIDEO DISPLAY SYSTEM - A field of view matching video display system may comprise a tracking device, a rear-facing camera, a processing device, and a display. The tracking device is configured to capture a first video image in a predefined area in the vehicle and provide a first video image signal. The rear-facing camera is configured to capture a second video image and provide a second video image signal. The processing device is configured to analyze the first video image obtained via the first video image signal to determine a head position of the driver, determine a first field of view for the driver based on the head position of the driver, generate a third video image that substantially corresponds with at least a portion of the first field of view of the driver, and provide a third video image signal. The display is configured to show the third video image. | 02-14-2013 |
20130038731 | MOVEABLE BACKUP CAMERA - A camera that is movable is provided for a vehicle. It can be placed at the rear of a vehicle or at the rear of a towed trailer to capture images that might not be within the driver's field of view. Captured images are modulated onto a radio frequency signal, which is broadcast and picked up by a mating radio frequency receiver, typically located inside the towing vehicle. Captured-picture information on the radio frequency signal is recovered and used to generate an image on a display device that can be seen by the driver. An attaching device is provided to the camera to allow the camera to be attached to the vehicle or a trailer and its location changed as needed. The camera thus provides a method and apparatus for wirelessly conveying to the driver, images in an otherwise obstructed field of view. | 02-14-2013 |
20130038730 | TRANSPARENT VIDEO SCREEN AND ALTERNATE REVERSE CAMERA MONITOR - An apparatus and method by which a rear-facing, ceiling-mounted entertainment display for a vehicle can be made transparent or virtually transparent to a vehicle's driver uses a camera and a second, forward-facing display panel on which an image what the entertainment display blocks from the driver's view. The camera is attached to the entertainment display and captures image-forming light blocked to the driver's rear-view mirror by the downwardly extending entertainment display. The second display panel projects forwardly, i.e., toward the rear-view mirror, what the camera sees looking rearwardly. | 02-14-2013 |
20130038436 | SMART TRAILER - A trailer is provided with various parametric sensors. Trailer operating characteristics obtained from the sensors are conveyed to an attached tow vehicle. The tow vehicle is configured to respond to trailer operating conditions or characteristics and/or warn the tow vehicle operator of trailer conditions. The tow vehicle's operation can also be changed responsive to an attached trailer. | 02-14-2013 |
20130024193 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL - A speech signal is received at an input. At least one electrical value associated with the received speech signal is tracked. A dynamic adjustment of the speech signal is determined. The dynamic adjustment is selected at least in part so as to minimize a distortion and minimize an over-amplification of the speech signal based at least in part upon an analysis of the at least one electrical value. The dynamic adjustment is further selected to obtain a desired output signal characteristic for the speech signal presented at an output. The dynamic adjustment value is applied to the speech signal and the adjusted speech signal is presented at the output. The gain of the signal can also be limited to prevent over-amplification. | 01-24-2013 |
20130015378 | ARTICULATING POPPET TO SEAL A NATURAL VACUUM LEAK DETECTION DEVICE - A Natural Vacuum Leak Detection (NVLD) device having an articulated poppet to allow the sealing surface of the poppet portion to articulate, or wobble, on the end of a poppet pin, where the poppet pin is mounted to the end of the flange portion. The flange portion has the friction spring, and poppet spring pushing on it. The seal surface of the flange portion is able to move to evenly apply force to the lip seal, and provide a full seal. Because the seal surface of the flange portion is able to articulate, or wobble, the flange portion is able to compensate for misalignment between the poppet stem portion and lip seal. | 01-17-2013 |
20120318244 | CANISTER PURGE VALVE WITH INTEGRATED VACUUM GENERATOR AND CHECK VALVES - An integrated canister purge valve for a turbocharged vehicle engine includes a valve member having a housing and being constructed and arranged to control vapor purge flow from a fuel tank and canister structure to an air intake manifold. A body is coupled to the housing. The body defines an interior space. Structure separating the interior space into a first chamber and a second chamber isolated from the first chamber. The first chamber has an inlet port and an outlet port. A vacuum generator is provided in the first chamber and in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet ports. A first check valve is in the first chamber between the vacuum generator and the valve member and a second check valve is in the second chamber between the valve member and a manifold outlet port. | 12-20-2012 |
20120318243 | CANISTER PURGE VALVE WITH MODULAR LOWER BODY HAVING INTEGERAL CHECK VALVES - A canister purge valve for a vehicle includes a valve member constructed and arranged to control vapor purge flow from a fuel tank and canister structure to an air intake manifold. A modular body is removably coupled to a housing of the valve member. The body defines an internal volume in communication with the valve member to receive vapor purge flow. The body includes at least one outlet port. A check valve is disposed in the body and is associated with the at least one outlet port so that under certain conditions, the check valve permits vapor purge flow to flow from the volume through the outlet port and, under different conditions, prevents flow into the volume. | 12-20-2012 |
20120316731 | Mini-Spare Yaw Mitigation During Driver Braking - A method of controlling a brake system comprises monitoring vehicle information with an electronic control unit. An algorithm is performed to detect the presence of a mini-spare tire assembly. A yaw offset value is pre-determined by the electronic control unit when a mini-spare tire assembly is detected at one of the steerable tire assembly locations. The yaw offset is then applied upon detection of a brake event. | 12-13-2012 |
20120313770 | DRIVER ASSISTANCE DETECTION SYSTEM - A driver assistance detection system and method for determining levels of functionality of an interactive device in a vehicle are provided. The driver assistance detection system comprises a vision-based detection device, a processing device, and an interactive device. The vision-based detection device is configured to visually detect objects, recognize whether the object is an object of interest, and then obtain data regarding a status of the object. The processing device is configured to receive data from the vision-based detection device, run a set of instructions and switch the interactive device between a first mode and a second mode. The interactive device is configured to have at least two modes, wherein the second mode has reduced functionality relative to the first mode. | 12-13-2012 |
20120303230 | ENGINE FRICTION BASED OIL VISCOSITY MONITOR - A powertrain control module determines engine oil properties based on friction in an engine. The powertrain control module includes an engine combustion module that models engine torque based on engine speed and engine pumping losses due to intake and exhaust gasses. A transmission module models transmission torque applied to the engine based on transmission speed and gear. An accessory loads module models torque applied to the engine by accessory loads including at least one of a power steering pump, an air conditioning compressor, a water pump, and an alternator. An oil viscosity module determines engine oil viscosity based on a friction torque and predetermined engine data that coincides with reference oils. The friction torque is based on the engine torque, transmission torque, and accessory loads torque. | 11-29-2012 |
20120295576 | ENHANCED TELEMATIC EMERGENCY RESPONSE - An enhanced emergency notification system comprising a vehicle location device located in a vehicle, an emergency notification device located in the vehicle, a receiving/transmitting device, and an emergency responder receiving device. The vehicle location device is configured to provide data regarding a current location of the vehicle. The emergency notification device is configured to send a first signal upon a specified event, wherein the first signal includes information on the location of the vehicle obtained from the vehicle location device. The receiving/transmitting device is configured to directly receive the first signal from the emergency notification device and transmit a second signal within a range, wherein the second signal includes at least the same information as the first signal. The emergency responder receiving device is configured to directly receive the second signal from the receiving/transmitting device when within the range. | 11-22-2012 |
20120290859 | USB HOST WAKE UP VIA A USB DEVICE WHEN IN SHUT DOWN MODE - A system and method for communicating between a controller and a device is provided: The controller communicates with the device over a communication link. The controller shutting off a power supply that is connected to the communication link, for example, due to inactivity parameters. The device generating a wake up signal and transmitting the wake up signal from the device to the controller while the power supply is shut off. | 11-15-2012 |
20120273289 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELF-DETECTING VEHICLE THEFT - A system and method for self-detecting vehicle theft is provided that includes a first antenna and a second antenna, both located on a vehicle. The first antenna transmits the signal and the second antenna receives the signal. A monitoring module in communication with the second antenna is configured to determine whether the signal has changed. A vehicle security system is configured to activate based on a change in the signal. | 11-01-2012 |
20120271510 | NAVIGATION SYSTEM CONTROLLED TURN SIGNALS - A turn signal control system for use with a right turn signal and a left turn signal of a motor vehicle and a vehicle navigation system is provided. The turn signal system includes a processor configured to be operably coupled to the vehicle navigation system. The processor is configured to receive map data and route data from the vehicle navigation system. The processor is configured to determine a turn zone of the vehicle based on a set of criteria. A turn signal controller is operably coupled to the processor and configured to activate one of the right and left turn signals when the vehicle is in the turn zone. A method of controlling a right and left turn signal is also provided. | 10-25-2012 |
20120269358 | ACTIVE SOUND CONTROL - An apparatus for controlling sound within a vehicle includes an acoustical damping device operable to determine a measured sound. The acoustical damping device is operable to output a noise canceling signal to a vehicle audio system to dampen the measured sound. A sound controller is operably coupled to the acoustical damping device and is configured to automatically receive an environment signal from an environment sensor. The sound controller is configured to determine an operating mode of the vehicle based on the environment signal. The operating mode is selectable from an operating mode list that includes a stress operating mode and a calm operating mode. The sound controller is configured to cause alteration of the noise canceling signal and reduction in damping in the stress operating mode with respect to the calm operating mode. | 10-25-2012 |
20120265526 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR VOICE ACTIVITY DETECTION - An input signal is received. A plurality of electrical characteristics from the input signal is obtained. A plurality of acoustic features is determined from the obtained electrical characteristics and each of the acoustic features being different from the others. At least some of the acoustic features are compared to a plurality of predetermined criteria. Based upon the comparing of the acoustic features to the plurality of predetermined criteria, it is determined when the signal is a voice signal or a noise signal. | 10-18-2012 |
20120261984 | Automotive Electrical System Configuration - Disclosed herein are a variety of different electrical system topologies intended to mitigate the impact of large intermittent loads on a | 10-18-2012 |
20120261409 | COMBINED METAL COVER AND ANTI-CRUSH HOLE SUPPORT - A housings for electronic devices is constructed from a plastic half and a metallic half and provided with a substantially crush-proof mounting foot. The mounting foot is made crush proof/crush resistant by a metallic insert into a plastic outer cylinder or collar. The metallic half and metallic insert are formed at the same time by stamping. The metallic insert is inserted as part of the housing assembly process and does not require a separate manual insertion. | 10-18-2012 |
20120257766 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEDIA PRESENTATION - A user who desires to use a media application at a vehicle is identified. A stop mark associated with the user is created and the stop mark is configured to uniquely identify the user compared to other users. The media application is presented to the user at the vehicle. The operation of the media application is halted at a stopping point when the user is using the media application and according to instructions from the user. The stopping point on the media is marked with the stop mark. Subsequently, the media application is restarted according to the stop mark when the user wishes to restart the media application. | 10-11-2012 |
20120254632 | CONTROLLING OF A POWER STATE UNDER EXTREME TEMPERATURES - A system for controlling a network access device is provided. The system includes a processor, the network access device, and a control circuit. The processor being in communication with the network access device through a communication link. The control circuit monitoring a temperature of the network access device and activating or deactivating the network access device based on the temperature. | 10-04-2012 |
20120253713 | ESTIMATING THE CAPACITY OF A LI-ION BATTERY BASED ON INITIAL PART OF THE DISCHARGE CURVE - A system and method for testing a battery is provided. A load is connected in electrical series connection with the battery. A sensor may be in communication with the battery for measuring a battery discharge curve. A processor monitors an output of the battery and determines a battery status based on a slope of an initial portion of the battery discharge curve. | 10-04-2012 |
20120252431 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING VOICE COMMUNICATION - A system and method for providing voice communication to an occupant of a vehicle through a mobile device. The system communicates with a mobile device with an occupant of the vehicle, for example using a telematics controller or network access device. The system receives an identification from the mobile device and transmits a request, as well as, the identification to a service provider. The service provider then initiates a communication to the mobile device based on the request and identification. | 10-04-2012 |
20120249284 | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING BATTERY CONDITIONS - A system and method for controlling battery conditions. The system includes a network access device battery. The network access device battery powers a network access device. A heating element may be connected to the network access device battery. The heating element may be a resistive load for determining a status of the network access device battery or the heating element may be activated based on a heating schedule. | 10-04-2012 |
20120237048 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ECHO SUPPRESSION - An input signal from the input source is received. An attenuation of an echo canceller filter is calculated using at least the input signal. A spectral component of a frequency band of an echo suppressor is adjusted to perform enhanced suppression using the calculated attenuation. A comfort noise factor is calculated using at least the input signal and the calculated attenuation. The comfort noise to the output of the echo suppressor is adjusted to obtain a modified input signal. | 09-20-2012 |
20120237018 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONVERGENCE CONTROL - Regardless of the presence of echo or uplink speech, a microphone signal is received at a small filter and this small filter is functionally and/or physically separate from an adaptive echo canceller filter. The signal is applied to the small filter and an error signal is determined from the signal utilizing the small filter. The small filter continuously adapts the received signals. A first adaptation factor is determined based at least upon the error signal and the microphone signal according to a first signal analysis approach and a second adaptation factor is determined based at least upon the microphone signal according to a second signal analysis approach. The first adaption factor is compared to the second adaptation factor and one of the first adaptation factor or the second adaptation factor is selected based upon at least one predetermined criteria. The selected adaptation factor is applied to the echo canceller filer to control the convergence of the echo canceller filter. | 09-20-2012 |
20120235674 | DETECTING ANGULAR POSITION OF A ROTATING DEVICE - An angular position of a rotating device is detected by sensing and counting high-resolution transitions of high-resolution digital sensors in response to the rotating device rotating; sensing low-resolution transitions of a low-resolution digital sensor in response to the rotating device rotating, the low-resolutions transitions being unevenly spaced apart; determining an angular position of the rotating device in response to determining a number of high-resolution transitions between pairs of low-resolution transitions. | 09-20-2012 |
20120231738 | ENHANCING VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMS BY ADDING REMOTE SENSORS FROM A PORTABLE DEVICE - A vehicle display device is provided with a communications interface, which couples the vehicle display device to portable input devices inside the vehicle. The portable input devices are thus provided with the ability to control the display device and what is displayed thereon. The communications interface also enables the portable input device to control vehicle subsystems such as a climate control system, entertainment system and the like. Portable input devices equipped with sensors have sensor-generated information displayed on the vehicle display device. | 09-13-2012 |
20120228925 | ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM - A hydraulic brake system equipped for anti-slip control and for active brake interventions has a self-priming pump. A pressure retention valve prevents the brake system's low-pressure accumulator and the wheel brakes from being evacuated below atmospheric pressure during a sensitive brake operation. A two-position valve deactivates the bias of the pressure retention valve by opening a fluid path from the low-pressure accumulator to the pump when it is desired that the wheel brakes be retracted farther to reduce drag and excessive wear of the brake friction elements. | 09-13-2012 |
20120226433 | System and Method for Improving the Fuel Economy of a Vehicle Combustion Engine - A system and method using a frontal distance sensor for detecting an obstacle in front of a vehicle determines the distance between the front of the vehicle and an obstacle in front of the vehicle and calculates the relative speed between the vehicle and the obstacle. If the relative speed is below a value representing a safety risk and the vehicle is decelerating, it is determined that the combustion engine torque is not required because the vehicle will likely continue to decelerate, and the combustion engine is turned off, even before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. | 09-06-2012 |
20120226410 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MINIMIZING THE POWER DRAIN ON A BATTERY OF A VEHICLE - A system and method for minimizing the power drain on a battery of a vehicle includes a processor, a global positioning system in communication with the processor, and a network access device in communication with the processor. The global position system is configured to determine the position of the vehicle. The processor is configured to reduce the power demands of the network access device on a battery of the vehicle when the vehicle is located in a predetermined location and turned off. | 09-06-2012 |
20120225634 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING PROFILE INFORMATION - A system and method for providing profile information for occupants of a vehicle to a service provider. The system may communicate with at least one mobile device to receive an identification from each mobile device. The system may store profile information of an occupant associated with each identification. The system may communicate with the service provider to transmit the profile information associated with the mobile devices if a crash condition is identified and communication with the mobile device occurred during a time period just prior to the crash condition. | 09-06-2012 |