Patents by Inventor Marcus Steen

Marcus Steen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9096215
    Abstract: A method is provided to control a drivetrain of a vehicle, especially a utility vehicle, wherein the drivetrain includes an engine with a cooling system. The cooling system includes a fan. The cooling system and the drivetrain are controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU has access to a navigation system with topographic data. The method includes determining a topology of an upcoming route of the vehicle, estimating the load of the engine dependent of the topology of the upcoming route, estimating a temperature variation of the cooling system during the upcoming route, and controlling the drivetrain dependent on the estimated temperature variation, such that an actual temperature of the cooling system is kept below a temperature threshold value during the upcoming route of the vehicle. The temperature threshold value is dependent on a temperature at which said fan is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Marcus Steen
  • Patent number: 9027327
    Abstract: A method for regenerating an exhaust gas purification unit arranged in an internal combustion engine system includes setting a predefined minimum engine speed such that the exhaust gas mass flow exceeds a predefined flow value during the regeneration process. An internal combustion engine system including an exhaust gas purification unit adapted to be operated according to the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Lasivagnar AB
    Inventors: Niclas Johnson, Marcus Steen, Frank Dennis Langervik, Paulina Ramfelt
  • Publication number: 20140149006
    Abstract: A method is provided to control a drivetrain of a vehicle, especially a utility vehicle, wherein the drivetrain includes an engine with a cooling system. The cooling system includes a fan. The cooling system and the drivetrain are controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU has access to a navigation system with topographic data. The method includes determining a topology of an upcoming route of the vehicle, estimating the load of the engine dependent of the topology of the upcoming route, estimating a temperature variation of the cooling system during the upcoming route, and controlling the drivetrain dependent on the estimated temperature variation, such that an actual temperature of the cooling system is kept below a temperature threshold value during the upcoming route of the vehicle. The temperature threshold value is dependent on a temperature at which said fan is activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Marcus Steen
  • Patent number: 8645033
    Abstract: An engine driven vehicle includes at least one engine, and control devices that are arranged to control a transmission that is driven by the engine. The control devices are arranged to receive at least two sets of data, each set including at least one of a first signal that includes information about the gradient of the surface on which the vehicle is being driven sent from a first sensor, and at least one second signal that includes information about the vehicle's speed sent from a second sensor, and at least one third signal that includes information about the vehicle's acceleration. The control devices are also arranged to calculate at least one of two different resistance to travel constants k1 and k2, in response to the first, second and third signals, and to control the transmission in response to at least one of the constants k1 and k2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Marcus Steen, Anders Eriksson, Magnus Blanckenfiell, Anders Lindgren
  • Patent number: 7949452
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a clutch and an automated transmission between the engine and the drive wheels of the vehicle. A method for shift control in the motor vehicle when starting off or under way includes continuously performing computer simulations of the future driving of the vehicle, at least in response to information on road incline and throttle opening position, for a set of different shift schedules with combinations of engine speeds when shifting and shift steps, and selecting a shift schedule from the set of shift schedules which is optimal with regard to a selected criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Marcus Steen
  • Publication number: 20110054748
    Abstract: An engine driven vehicle includes at least one engine, and control devices that are arranged to control a transmission that is driven by the engine. The control devices are arranged to receive at least two sets of data, each set comprising at least one of a first signal that comprises information about the gradient of the surface on which the vehicle is being driven sent from a first sensor, and at least one second signal that comprises information about the vehicle's speed sent from a second sensor, and at least one third signal that comprises information about the vehicle's acceleration. The invention is characterized in that the control devices are also arranged to calculate at least one of two different resistance to travel constants k1 and k2, in response to the first, second and third signals, and to control the transmission in response to at least one of the constants k1 and k2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventors: Marcus Steen, Anders Eriksson, Magnus Blanckenfiell, Anders Lindgren
  • Publication number: 20100313551
    Abstract: A method for regenerating an exhaust gas purification unit arranged in an internal combustion engine system includes setting a predefined minimum engine speed such that the exhaust gas mass flow exceeds a predefined flow value during the regeneration process. An internal combustion engine system including an exhaust gas purification unit adapted to be operated according to the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventors: Niclas Johnson, Marcus Steen, Frank Dennis Langervik, Paulina Ramfelt
  • Patent number: 7747371
    Abstract: A motor-driven vehicle includes at least an engine, control devices arranged to control a transmission driven by the engine, a first sensor that is arranged to communicate with the control devices, and a second sensor that is arranged to communicate with the control devices, with the control devices being arranged to receive a first signal sent from the first sensor that includes information about the gradient of the surface on which the vehicle is being driven, and with the control devices being arranged to receive a second signal sent from the second sensor that includes information about torque. The control devices are arranged to correct the first signal in response to the second signal, and to control the transmission in response to the corrected first signal, and thereby compensate for the effect of the torque on the first sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Marcus Steen, Magnus Blanckenfjell, Anders Lindgren
  • Patent number: 7561952
    Abstract: A motor vehicle with a clutch (3) and an automated transmission (9) between the engine and the drive wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle has control elements (45,48) for engine function and transmission function depending on a set position of an electronic gear selector (46). The control elements, with the gear selector in its position for automatic shifting, selects a gear for starting off or under way, which is determined by the gear selection strategy stored in the control means as a function of various parameters fed into the control elements. The control elements, are arranged to perform, firstly, a simulation process related to the gear selection strategy with at least one alternative set of parameters (U2-UN) and, secondly; a comparative analysis based on a first set of control parameters (U1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Marcus Steen, Anders Eriksson
  • Patent number: 7487025
    Abstract: An automatic gearshifting process and/or disengagement process of a coupling-dependent power take off for a vehicle with the power take off engaged and when the vehicle is in motion. The power tapping at the power take off is minimized before a gearshift and/or disengagement of the claw clutch of the power take off takes place. One advantage is that gearshifting can be realized with engaged coupling-dependent power take off. Comfort is increased and coupling teeth wear is minimized, whilst, at the same time, a gear and the claw clutch of the power take off are able to be securely disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnor AB
    Inventors: Marcus Steen, Svante Karlsson, Erik Lauri
  • Patent number: 7445580
    Abstract: Vehicle (A) with an internal combustion engine (1), an automated transmission (2) coupled to the engine, and electronic control elements (3) which control the supply of fuel to the engine combustion chambers and recirculation of exhaust from the engine exhaust side (7) to its intake side (6). The control elements are disposed to compute, while the vehicle is moving, future driving resistance and the time until a future shifting between gears and to control valve elements (9) which regulate exhaust return flow during this time to optimize fuel consumption and emissions, when the gearshifting takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Sixten Berglund, Anders Eriksson, Marcus Stéen, Sören Udd
  • Patent number: 7440832
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for controlling actual torque in a driveline of a land-based motor vehicle. Taking a direct, non-predictive measure of actual torque induced in the driveline of the motor vehicle and ascertaining a magnitude thereof. Ascertaining a magnitude of a torque demand being requested to be instituted in the driveline. Comparing the ascertained magnitude of the direct, non-predictive measure of actual torque taken is compared with a driveline-configuration dependent maximum torque threshold; in this way, an over-threshold torque condition is ascertained in the driveline based thereupon if such a condition exists. In multi-geared transmissions, the variability can be accounted for through the engagement of different ratio gears. In the event that such an over-threshold torque condition is detected, at least one of several possible over-threshold torque compensating effects will be applied to reduce or diminish the excessive portion of the torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Marcus Steen, Anders Eriksson
  • Patent number: 7435201
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for achieving lower emissions during operation of a vehicle that includes comprising a combustion engine (10) that emits exhaust gases into an exhaust system (140) having a catalyzes (320). An injection device (310) is arranged to inject a substance into the exhaust system and a transmission (90) is provided that is driven by the engine. The method includes selecting a gear in the vehicle's transmission in response to at least information about whether catalytic conversion is required and information about the temperature (T) in the exhaust system so that the selected gear regulates the temperature in the exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Marcus Steen, Anders Eriksson, Sixten Berglund, Soren Udd
  • Publication number: 20080234905
    Abstract: A method for identifying a road condition during driving of a vehicle. The vehicle includes an engine with an engine output shaft connected to an automated mechanical transmission via a clutch. A transmission output shaft is connected to at least one driven wheel of the vehicle, and the system further includes a vehicle suspension system with sensors for measuring the vertical movement of wheels of the vehicle relative vehicle bodywork, at least one control unit adapted to receive a variety of input signals and process those signals in accordance with programmed logic rules to issue command output signals to the engine, for torque request, to the transmission for gear shifting and to the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventors: Marcus Steen, Anders Eriksson
  • Patent number: 7422544
    Abstract: A method of producing lower emissions in the operation of a vehicle includes an internal combustion engine which gives off exhaust gases to an exhaust system comprising a catalytic converter, injectors which are designed to inject hydrocarbon into at least one of the exhaust system and the engine combustion chamber, and a transmission that can be driven by the engine. The method includes a step in which a gear in the vehicle transmission is selected as a function at least of information that catalytic conversion is required and information on the temperature in the exhaust system, so that the gear selected regulates the temperature in the exhaust system. The catalytic converter is preferably of the LNC (Lean NO, Catalyst) type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Sixten Berglund, Anders Eriksson, Marcus Steen, Lucas Megas
  • Publication number: 20080208418
    Abstract: A motor-driven vehicle includes at least an engine, control devices arranged to control a transmission driven by the engine, a first sensor that is arranged to communicate with the control devices, and a second sensor that is arranged to communicate with the control devices, with the control devices being arranged to receive a first signal sent from the first sensor that includes information about the gradient of the surface on which the vehicle is being driven, and with the control devices being arranged to receive a second signal sent from the second sensor that includes information about torque. The control devices are arranged to correct the first signal in response to the second signal, and to control the transmission in response to the corrected first signal, and thereby compensate for the effect of the torque on the first sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: VOLVO LASTVAGNAR AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Marcus Steen, Magnus Blanckenfjell, Anders Lindgren
  • Patent number: 7401868
    Abstract: A method for optimizing a braking sequence in a vehicle with automatic transmission (3) and gearbox (9) and automatic cruise control, which cruise control controls acceleration and braking to achieve a set speed, taking into account the distance to the vehicle in front. Data simulations are carried out continually of how the vehicle will be driven in the future, for a set of different combinations of engine speed at which a gear change takes place, gear change step and braking sequence, and a braking sequence with associated gear change schedule is selected that will be optimal. The vehicle is equipped with at least two different braking systems, for example service brake and auxiliary brake (48, 6). The system selects to brake primarily with the braking system that has the least tendency to wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Marcus Steen, Anders Eriksson
  • Patent number: 7396317
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a drivetrain coupled to the internal combustion engine. A control unit is utilized for automatic gear selection, based on a function of the current rotational speed of an input shaft to the gearbox, and in which the control unit is designed to assume a first operating mode having a first working speed range with a first lower limit for downshifting to a gear with a higher transmission ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Marcus Steen, Anders Eriksson, Erik Lauri
  • Patent number: 7357753
    Abstract: Method for regulating the rotational speed of a clutch-independent power take-off. The power take-off is driven by an engine arranged in a vehicle. The engine is connected to an automatic stagegeared transmission by way of an automated vehicle clutch. At least one control unit is provided for controlling the transmission, the vehicle clutch and the engine. The control unit controls the rotational speed of the engine as a function of the position of the throttle lever and controls the transmission as a function of the position of a gear selector. The rotational speed of the engine is regulated by way of a control and the degree of engagement of the vehicle clutch is regulated by way of the throttle lever when the power take-off is engaged and a drive position is selected by way of the gear selector. The rotational speed of the engine is automatically reduced when equipment engaged to the power take-off approaches a limit position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Marcus Steen, Sixten Berglund, Anders Eriksson
  • Patent number: 7347804
    Abstract: Automatic engaging method (and disengaging method) for a coupling-independent power take-off (32), which power take-off (32) is driven by an internal combustion engine (1) arranged in a vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with an automatic stage-geared gearbox (9) and an automated disk clutch (3). The control unit (45) registers that engagement of he power take-off (32) is requested; the control unit (45) disengages the disk clutch (3); the control unit (45) reduces the engine speed or stops the engine (1); the control unit (45) engages the power take-off (32); the control unit (45) couples the disk clutch (3) together or, if the engine (1) is stopped, starts the engine (1) and couples the disk clutch (3) together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Marcus Steen, Lars Bråthe, Anders Eriksson