Advanced warnings for drivers of vehicles for upcoming signs
Granted: September 21, 2021
Patent Number:
11126871
Method and apparatus are disclosed for advanced warnings to drivers of vehicles for upcoming signs. An example vehicle includes a GPS receiver to determine a vehicle location. The example vehicle also includes a condition identifier to determine a familiarity level of a driver for the vehicle location and detect an upcoming sign. The example vehicle also includes a warning determiner to compare the familiarity level to a threshold level and provide, in response to the familiarity level…
Adjustable fixture to position parts for dimensional measurement
Granted: September 21, 2021
Patent Number:
11123833
A locating fixture includes an adjustable locating member for supporting and restraining a part. The adjustable locating member allows for rotational and translational adjustment for aligning to a particular part configuration. The adjustable locating member utilizes a plurality of indicia and a position indicator to assist in the alignment of the adjustable locating member to a desired position, which is then restrained at a desired position by a restraining element.
Systems for applying electrically conductive tape traces to a substrate and methods of use thereof
Granted: September 14, 2021
Patent Number:
11122691
A system for forming a conductive tape trace on a substrate includes a segment feeder arm configured to feed segments of conductive tape to the substrate and a segment placement armature configured to grasp and position the conductive tape segments in a predetermined pattern on the substrate. The conductive tape segments include a plurality of conductive tape bend segments and at least one conductive tape branch segment. The segment placement armature is configured to position and…
Dual-mode augmented reality interfaces for mobile devices
Granted: September 14, 2021
Patent Number:
11119585
Dual-mode augmented reality interfaces for mobile devices are disclosed herein. A dual-mode augmented reality interface of a mobile device includes a first mode to be presented via a user interface of the mobile device in response to detecting an occurrence of a first motion of the mobile device. The dual-mode augmented reality interface further includes a second mode to be presented via the user interface in response to detecting an absence of the first motion. The second mode is…
Methods and apparatus to ensure grounding between vehicles during vehicle-to-vehicle refueling operations
Granted: August 24, 2021
Patent Number:
11097940
Example methods and apparatus to ensure grounding between vehicles during a vehicle-to-vehicle refueling operation are described herein. An example vehicle described herein is to receive fuel from a refueling vehicle via a vehicle-to-vehicle refueling operation. The example vehicle includes a fuel tank having a vent passageway, a valve coupled to the vent passageway, and a controller to close the valve if the vehicle and the refueling vehicle are not electrically coupled during the…
Notched line runner socket
Granted: August 24, 2021
Patent Number:
11097402
A socket assembly includes a socket head, an input member, and a plurality of transfer members. The socket head is disposed about an axis and defines an aperture extending axially through the socket head and through a side of the socket head. The socket head includes external teeth. The input member is coaxial with the socket head. Each transfer member includes a first end drivingly coupled to the input member and a second end configured to engage the external teeth.
Methods and apparatus to ensure grounding between vehicles during vehicle-to-vehicle refueling operations
Granted: August 17, 2021
Patent Number:
11091364
Example methods and apparatus to ensure grounding between vehicles during a vehicle-to-vehicle refueling operation are described herein. An example vehicle described herein is to receive fuel from a refueling vehicle via a vehicle-to-vehicle refueling operation. The example vehicle includes a fuel door to cover an inlet nozzle of a fuel tank, a lock to lock or unlock the fuel door, and a controller to cause the lock to unlock the fuel door if the vehicle and the refueling vehicle are…
Molding tools with biomimetic conformal venting passageways and methods for forming biomimetic conformal venting passageways in molding tools
Granted: August 10, 2021
Patent Number:
11084189
A method of forming a molding tool includes performing a computer aided engineering (CAE) analysis on a molding tool design. The CAE analysis predicts flow of injection molded material and a location of gas entrapment within a molding recess of the molding tool design. At least one venting design constraint is applied to the molding tool design as a function of the gas entrapment location. Also, a biomimetic shaped passageway for venting gas away from the gas entrapment location is…
Optimizing alignment of steering column and steering wheel during vehicle production
Granted: July 13, 2021
Patent Number:
11059511
A vehicle is able to be set to operate in a factory mode (as opposed to a normal mode) in which certain features are disabled, such as an alarm system, a power liftgate, etc. This allows assembly workers to assemble, test, and calibrate the vehicle without various systems in the vehicle being undesirably activated. While in the factory mode, the vehicle can accomplish multiple ignition on/off cycles while being tested or driven between stations. A steering column and connected steering…
Device and method for detecting a cylinder deactivation mode using inferred compression
Granted: July 6, 2021
Patent Number:
11053908
A method of verifying a cylinder deactivation mode on an engine is provided. The method can include activating an ignition device in a deactivated cylinder during an exhaust stroke of the deactivated cylinder. The method can include measuring a voltage of the ignition device. The method can include comparing at least one of an amplitude and a timing of a measured spike of the voltage against a baseline voltage spike. The method can include indicating a status of the deactivation mode…
Method for tapping an engine component to orient a spark plug
Granted: July 6, 2021
Patent Number:
11052478
A device and method of tapping an engine component to orient a spark plug includes measuring a tap pitch, measuring a first distance between a tap end surface and a full tap tooth center at a first rotational location, calculating a phantom first tap tooth based on the pitch and first distance, determining a tap rotational offset from the first location to a location where the end surface intersects the phantom first tooth, calculating a tap rotational starting orientation that is the…
Surface roughening tool with translatable swaging blades
Granted: July 6, 2021
Patent Number:
11052468
A surface roughening tool includes a cylindrical body and at least one grooving blade outwardly radially projecting from the body and configured to form grooves and peaks into a surface. The surface roughening tool also includes at least one swaging blade outwardly radially projecting from the body and configured to deform the peaks. The at least one swaging blade is aligned with the at least one grooving blade along a circumference of the body.
Hydroforming of porthole extrusion with non-equiangular seams
Granted: July 6, 2021
Patent Number:
11052445
A method of forming a part includes extruding a billet through a die, forming a round, closed geometry tube from the billet, and hydroforming the round, closed geometry tube. The extrusion die contains an orifice with a central mandrel, a plurality of bridges, and a corresponding plurality of portholes between the bridges. A spacing of the bridges around the mandrel is non-equiangular. As a result, the round, closed geometry tube has non-equiangular welds after emerging from the die.
Autonomous vehicle self-scheduled refueling
Granted: June 15, 2021
Patent Number:
11034338
Vehicles can be equipped to operate in both autonomous and occupant piloted mode. Refueling stations can be equipped to refuel autonomous vehicles without occupant assistance. Refueling stations can be equipped with wireless networks that communicate with vehicles to permit autonomous vehicles to self-schedule refueling at fueling stations serving a mixture of autonomous, semi-autonomous and occupant piloted vehicles.
Mechanical applicator for use in stamping die process to apply thermo-chromatic ink to aluminum heat treated panels
Granted: June 15, 2021
Patent Number:
11033943
A system and method for applying a marking to a part in a stamping die is provided by the present disclosure. The system includes a mechanical application device having a controlled volume of a marking medium that is coupled to movement of the stamping die. In one form, the controlled volume of the marking medium is not regulated by either an external pneumatic source of an external electrical source.
Method and system for performing a vehicle height-radar alignment check to align a radar device provided in a vehicle
Granted: June 8, 2021
Patent Number:
11029390
The present disclosure is directed toward a method and system for checking a vehicle height and radar aim of a vehicle. The method includes estimating, by a forward imaging system disposed in a vehicle, a vehicle height, and determining whether the estimated vehicle height is within a predefined height tolerance. The method further includes performing, by a radar system disposed in the vehicle, a radar alignment test to determine whether a radar device of the radar system is aligned…
Device for scraping debris from metal wire
Granted: June 8, 2021
Patent Number:
11027321
A device and related method for removing debris from a metal wire formed by a process utilizing a lubricant is provided. The device includes at least two segments forming a passage through which the wire passes, each having a leading edge for stripping debris from the wire, and a resilient member positioned around the at least two segments and applying a force to the segments sufficient to cause contact between the leading edges and at least the debris on the metal wire passing through…
Fuel cell system for a vehicle
Granted: June 1, 2021
Patent Number:
11024860
A fuel cell system and a method of controlling the fuel cell system is provided. A fuel cell generates power, and a coolant system provides coolant flow through the stack. A controller is configured to, in response to at least one of an ambient temperature and a coolant temperature being below a threshold value after a vehicle shut down command or event, command the coolant system to circulate coolant through the stack to reduce ice formation in the stack prior to commanding a purge of…
Method of manufacturing a lightweight vehicle window glass article
Granted: June 1, 2021
Patent Number:
11020941
A window including a layer of optically clear structural polymer core and two layers of optically clear silicone applied to first and second sides of the core. A method is disclosed for manufacturing a window that comprises injection molding a layer of optically clear structural polymer and solidifying the structural polymer core. Optically clear silicone is then injected onto the entire surface of both of the first and second sides of the optically clear structural polymer core.
Warm die trimming in hot forming applications
Granted: May 25, 2021
Patent Number:
11014137
A method of forming a part is provided by the present disclosure. The method includes forming a blank from a material, heating the blank, stamping the blank into a panel, and trimming the panel in a trim die. Trimming the panel includes heating a portion of the trim die locally adjacent a trim area of the panel at a temperature below an austenitizing (phase transformation) temperature of the material and trimming the panel with a cutting member.
