Ford and Mercedes Working Together on Fuel Cells

A patent application for a way to humidify a fuel stream for a hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle was recently published here. While the subject matter of the application is interesting, what is more interesting is the fact that it is jointly owned by both Daimler-Benz and Ford Global Technologies. The first page of the application is below.

Ducati's Radical New Motorcycle Frame

Ducati's newest sport bike may radically change how motorcycle frames are viewed in terms of motorcycle design. According to this patent application, Ducati has developed a motorcycle where the engine member replaces the bridging section of the frame. According to Ducati, this design dramatically decreases weight and increases aerodynamic performance. An image from the application is below.

Apple's "Aesthetically Pleasing" Universal Dock

Does the creativity at Cupertino know no bounds? According to this patent application, Apple has invented a docking station that uses memory foam. A picture from the application is below.

Yamaha's New V-Twin is a Quad!

Looks like Bombardier's Spyder is going to have some competition in the 3+ wheel street sport segment. According to this patent application, Yamaha has just developed a V-Twin Quat that looks amazing. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so below are three figues from the application. Enjoy!

Panasonic's Dangerous Driving Predictor

Anyone who has ever taken a motorcycle safety class has learned the SIPDE method - Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute. According to this patent application, it looks like Panasonic has come up with a device that will do the SIP part for you. A self explanatory image from the patent application is below.

New Ford Engines Will Clean the Air

We all know Ford has quite a few engineers working on making sure that future vehicles will not produce any hydrocarbon emissions from their tailpipes. Apparently, they also have a few engineers working on capturing hydrocarbon emissions from the front end. According to this patent application, Ford has developed an air intake system that scrubs incoming air for hydrocarbons. An image from the patent application is below.

Apple Switching to Replaceable Batteries

Looks like Apple may finally start offering iPhones and iPods with user replaceable batteries. According to this patent application, Apple has developed an ultra thin battery with a connector that allows it to be user replaceable. The patent application does not explain why it took them so long. An image from the application is below.

Supreme Court Hears In re Bilski

The United States Supreme Court heard oral argument today for In re Bilski. The transcript of the oral argument can be found here.

Apple Bringing Multi-touch to iPhone

Looks like iPhone may soon do what Droid doesn't. According to this patent application, Apple has developed a multi-touch interface system for use in portable devices. Perhaps this is a preview of the next iPhone's technology. What is interesting is that these panels can be applied to the inside of a curved surface. Who knows what Apple has in mind with that little twist. An image from the patent application is below.

BMW Tries To Patent Creative Thinking

We've written about BMW's attempts to patent the concept of auto leasing before. Now comes an attempt to patent the concept of problem solving. According to this patent application, BMW thinks it has invented the concept of "identifying technology-based solutions in the context of technical component development includ[ing] identifying technical components for particular technical systems, as well as the corresponding technological functions associated with the identified technical components." An image from the patent application is below.

Porsche's Aero Sunroof for the Panamera

With Porsche's new sedan coming to market soon, more details of its design are surfacing. According to this patent application, Porsche developed the sunroof for the Panamera with aerodynamics and high speed driving in mind. An image from the patent application, shown below, shows just how this four-door's sunroof is integrated into the aerodynamics of the rear spoiler.

Yamaha's CrossPlane Cooling System

Looks like Yamaha is taking the asymmetrical CrossPlane technology to a new level in its next engine. According to this patent application, Yamaha has developed a cooling system that will keep the engine narrow by placing it slightly out of forward alignment. A diagram from the application is below

.

Sony Ericsson's Newest Phone Camera

Looks like Sony Ericsson will be taking the cameras in its newest phones to the next level. According to this patent application, Sony Ericsson has developed a trick slide cover that can conceal a shutter based cell phone camera with a flash. A diagram from the patent application is below.

Honda Bringing Brake By Wire To Motorcycles

The days are numbered for that little tea-cup of fluid by your front brake lever. According to this patent application, Honda has developed a brake-by-wire system and may bring it to market soon. This may make moving the bike around in the garage a little more challenging, but - with the integrated ABS Honda also plans to incorporate into this system - it should also significantly improve braking performance. An image from the patent application is below.

Ford's 4 Cylinder Multi-Spark Engine

According to this patent application, Ford is working on bringing a multi-spark four cylinder engine to market. What is interesting is that the patent application suggest the system will also work in conjunction with cylinder deactivation technology. Combine this with a hybrid power-plant and 100mpg should be an easy feat. A diagram from the application is below.

Kawasaki Developing Its Own "Cross Plane" Engine

Looks like Yamaha is going to have some technological competition in the liter bike segment. According to this patent application, Kawasaki is well along in bringing an engine with unequal stroke lengths to market. Given the continued trickle down of MotoGP technology, we are not far off from having stock 200bhp liter bikes. An image from the application is below.

Bamboo Bicycles Coming Soon

Carbon started replacing metal in lugged bicycle frames about 30 years ago. Now a Taiwanese company is looking for the next great lightweight material for use in frames - and it may be bamboo. According to this patent application, bamboo has many benefits over carbon, including being lightweight, inexpensive, and renewable. We at SWDELAW think biking is great thing to do for the environment, and now you can have a biodegradable bike! An image from the application is below.

Continental's Motorcycle ABS System

Continental, the German company best known for its high performance tires, is working on a new ABS system for motorcycles that incorporates a roll-angle sensor. According to this patent application, the system will be able to modulate the application of braking pressure on each wheel based on the lean angle of the motorcycle. An image from the patent is below.

Ford Develops "Unique" Seating System

According to this application, Ford has come up with a "unique and versatile seating system for automobiles." Take a look at the pictures from the application below. Does anything look familiar?

Honda Integrating Airbags Into Sportbikes

Based on this patent application, it looks like Honda is planning on expanding its line of motorcycles equipped with airbags. From the diagrams below, the next generation of ST tourers may come with airbags. Let just hope this remains an option and doesn't become mandated by the DOT.

Next Gen PSP May Get Spinning Touchpad

According to this recently published patent application, it looks like the next generation of Sony's PSP (PlayStation Portable) will have an analog controller that incorporates spinning/rotational inputs. That should make driving simulation games much more entertaining. No word on whether this control wheel will be incorporated into the PSPgo. A diagram from the patent application is below.

Ford Bringing V-Chip To Cars

Looks like Ford is working on a new way for parents to control what their kids can and can't do with the family car. According to this patent application, Ford is working on a system that uses RFID coding to determine if the driver is using a "primary" key or a "secondary" key. Depending on which key is being used, the driver will (or won't) have the ability to do things such as disable traction control, use parking assist, or ignore the low fuel indicator. I guess if you let the teenager borrow the Mustang, its probably best that traction control stay on! A diagram from the patent application is below.

Cannondale's Power Suspension System

Cannondale is bringing a new level of electronics to bicycling. According to this patent application, Cannondale has been working on an integrated electronic control system that will let a user adjust rebound and dampening settings for front and rear suspension electronically. The unit is powered by an on-board battery and motor. It is operated through an integrated user interface that will also provide data (obtained from built-in sensors) relating to speed, incline, and tire pressure (among other things). This is motorcycle level electronics coming to bicycles. Some images from the patent application are below.

Ford's Automatic Door Opening System

Looks like Ford is working on making making it easier for its customers to step into a Ford, literally. According to this patent application, Ford has developed a system where sensors in the car detect the presence of a key fob in the pocket of an approaching owner. Once the owner reached a pre-determined distance, the doors automatically unlock and a spring-loaded mechanism pops one or more doors open. Sounds like something a mom that often carries groceries and a two year old would appreciate. An image from the patent is reproduced below.

BMW & GM Hybrid Driveline Patent Application

The joint research agreement between BMW, GM, Mercedes Benz and Chrysler is starting to pay dividends. This patent application addresses driveline lash in hybrid vehicles. In this case, the joint engineering cooperation may be more impressive than the actual invention. A diagram from the patent application is below.

Honda Rethinks Sportbike Engine Layout

Who says air intake has to be under the seat and exhaust outlets have to be in front of the engine? Not Honda, apparently. According to this patent application, Honda has found a way to tilt a motorcycle engine backwards in the frame and redirect the exhaust out of the back of the engine. Honda claims that this layout will lower the machine's center of gravity and thereby improve handling. Perhaps we will see this layout in the new Interceptor. Below are some images from the patent application.

BMW's Virtual Hazard Detector

BMW has come up with a new level of technology for use in an automobile. According to this patent application, BMW is working on using laser and thermal imaging sensors to detect potential hazards in the road and alert the driver to those hazards by rendering a virtual image of the upcoming obstacle to the driver. Here's a quote from the patent application:

At least one laser scanner provided in the vehicle scans the surroundings in front of the vehicle and determines the shape of an object and the distance of the object from the vehicle. At least one infrared camera, in particular a thermal imaging camera, is provided on the vehicle. The infrared camera records the surroundings in front of the vehicle and makes available the real or virtual image of the surroundings for display to the driver. The object is compared with at least a first reference object within the scope of a first pattern recognition process. If there is significant correspondence between the object and the reference object, that area on the real or virtual image displayed to the driver in which the object is to be found is determined, and the respective area of the image and/or the respective object is highlighted in the image.

Looks like we are very quickly approaching the point where driving a car will become more like piloting an F16. Below is an image from the patent application showing how the system will work.

Suzuki Bringing Airbags to Scooters

Looks like the Honda Goldwing will not be the only motorcycle with a factory equipped airbag for long. According to this patent application, Suzuki has developed a way to install an airbag into a scooter type vehicle. Perhaps the cost of adding airbags to two wheeled vehicles is dropping. Some pictures from the patent application are below.

Big Changes Coming to Bing Maps

Looks like Microsoft's new search portal, Bing.com, is going to get an upgrade to its mapping software that will help it go after Google maps. According to this patent application, Microsoft engineers are working on a routing program that will let a user specify which portions of the route are going to be traveled by foot, bicycle or public transportation. Depending on the mode of transport, the program will suggest routes that may not be passable by cars (i.e., bike paths and pedestrian walkways).

The patent application indicates that the route will be calculated in a way that takes the safety of the path into account based on the user's chosen mode of transport. Right now, Google maps will let you route by public transportation or by walking, but not by bicycle. There is also no way to split up a trip between two modes of transport. As a big fan of bicycling and public transportation, SWDELAW is looking forward to the update. An image from the patent is below.

BMW Tries Patenting Concept of Auto Leasing

Below is an excerpt from this recent patent application by BMW entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELLING ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES" :

An alternative fuel vehicle is provided to a consumer at an initial purchase price or lease rate which is subsidized by the vehicle manufacturer or financing institution. In one embodiment, the vehicle purchaser is then charged a periodic user fee that is a function of both the distance driven over some predetermined period of time and an applicable unit rate.

It seems that the Supreme Court's forthcoming ruling in In re Bilski may have some impact on how effective BMW will be in enforcing this novel concept.

New Carbon Fork from Specialized Bicycles

Specialized Bicycles is working on a new approach to making carbon front forks.  According to this patent application, Specialized's new carbon fork will have a transition between the fork crown and the steerer that is located within the head tube.  One wonders whether this kind of set up will improve steering quickness or high speed stability.  A photo of the new fork setup is below.

Shimano's New Carbon Fiber Derailleur

In addition to developing battery powered derailleurs, Shimano looks to also be making advances in traditional mechanical derailleurs.  A recent patent application (found here) details a new rear derailleur that will have a body made out of carbon fiber reinforced nylon.  The patent application claims this will yield significant weight savings.  An image of the new derailleur is below.

Harley Adding Reverse Drive to Big Twins

Harley's trikes have had a reverse gear for quite some time.  Now it looks like Harley has figured out how to build a transmission with a reverse gear that is compact enough to fit in all of its big twins.  According to this patent application, the reverse drive is shown going into a Rocker, but the size and shape of the tranny suggest that it could plug into any big twin, even older models.  Given Harley's aging consumer base, this may prove to be a popular option.  Some photos from the patent application can be found below.

Mazda's Next Gen Rotary Engine

Direct injection? Check.  Twin spark? Check.  Looks like there are a substantial number of improvements in store for Mazda's next generation Renesis engine.  The details can be found in this patent application, and a diagram of the new rotary mill is below.  Let's see how long it takes Mazda to get this engine into production.

Yamaha's Fuel Cell Motorcycle

The day of the fuel cell motorcycle may soon be upon us.  Based on this patent application, it looks like Yamaha is working on incorporating a fuel cell power source into the frame of a motorcycle.  The image below suggests that there is still space for a conventional combustion engine, so perhaps this will be a "hybrid" motorcycle.  Hopefully we'll find out soon.

New Harley Three Wheeler

According to this European patent application, it looks like Harley Davidson is going after some of Can-Am's Spyder sales.  The photos below just leave us speechless.

New Road Bike Brakes by TIME

Looks like TIME, the French bicycle maker, is going to be taking a new approach to rim based road bike brakes. According to this European patent application, it looks like the new brakes will be a cross between cantilever and caliper type brakes. Luckily, it seems that the mounting system for these brakes will be universal.

Ford's New Inline 6 Engine

Seems like the Europeans have all the fun (at least when it comes to vehicles produced by the Big 3). A recent European patent application, found here, describes Ford's newest high efficiency - and ultra quiet - Inline 6. I'm sure it will have goodies such as turbo charging and direct injection as well. Let's see if they can find a way to get this stateside. A diagram of the engine described in the patent application is reproduced below:

Nissan's New Triple Injection Engine

Direct injection is so 2008.  Nissan plans to go a step further with a new triple injection engine sometime in the future.  According to this patent application, the engine will have three injectors per cylinder, each delivering a different fuel.  The first injector will supply n-paraffin to start the combustion reaction, the next will supply hydrogen gas to speed the combustion reaction and the final injector will supply a high octane gasoline to drive the combustion reaction.  So does that mean your new Nissan will need three gas tanks?  Not according to the patent application:

"Both the n-paraffin and the hydrogen gas are obtained using the gasoline as a raw material. The gasoline is stored in a fuel tank 31. The fuel tank 31 is provided with a low-pressure fuel pump 32. The gasoline in the fuel tank 31 is pumped by the low-pressure fuel pump 32 and supplied to a fuel separator 33." 

Neat trick.  The new engine should be able to achieve substantially better fuel economy versus a traditional gasoline engine.  A photo of the cylinder head layout is below (the injectors are 21, 22 & 23):

Smile: Honda's Anti-DUI System Takes Your Picture

Looks like Honda is working on a new system to cut down on drunk driving. According to this patent application, the Honda system will first test your breath to determine whether you are "drunk." If you're drunk it will take your picture and use face recognition to keep you from getting behind the wheel that night. The fun part comes if you try to fool the system. Let's say you have your sober friend get behind the wheel to trick the car into starting. It will take a picture at start-up and then take another picture when the car is shifted into gear. If the picture from the ignition start and the gear shift don't match, it will cut the engine. Sound a little confusing? Maybe the diagram below will help:

One wonders what other kind of other mischief this in vehicle camera/face-recognition system could be used for. Maybe a wireless link to a police photo database? (Wait, isn't that the plot from Minority Report ...)

Ford's New Turbo Pushrod V8

Is this the newest engine for the 2010 Mustang GT? (Probably not.  According to our friends at Autoblog, this is most likely Ford's new Scorpion diesel engine - though the patent application's specification discusses using this layout in a gasoline engine as well- so its not strictly limited to oil burners.)

A recently published patent application (found here) lists a pushrod V8 - with FOUR valves per cylinder - as one embodiment for this new compact turbo charging system. Let's hope we get to see this on the streets soon.