External Load Condition Responsive Patents (Class 123/339.16)
  • Patent number: 11203988
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an engine that is coupled to a transmission that includes a power take off output are presented. In one non-limiting example, the engine may be operated in a speed control mode and a user may request smoother engine operation or more efficient engine operation via a human/machine interface. The more efficient engine operation may include operating the engine with fewer activated cylinders as compared to operating the engine for smoother engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Glugla
  • Patent number: 10513257
    Abstract: An ignition switch is turned on, and when an abnormality is detected in any of electronic control instruments or sensors, real failure is established, and a fail-safe process is performed. After a lapse of a predetermined period from the establishment of the real failure, fault determination is established, a failure level is sent, and a hybrid fail-safe process is performed. Then, when the abnormality is eliminated, the real failure is not established, and the fail-safe process of an engine is finished. Then, when the ignition switch is turned off and then again turned on, sending of the failure level to a hybrid control unit is stopped, and the hybrid fail-safe process is finished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Omi, Katsunori Ueda, Kazunori Handa, Masayuki Takagaki, Dairoku Ishii
  • Patent number: 10400686
    Abstract: A method to diagnose post air charger compressor icing obstructions without the addition of a post compressor pressure sensor. The method detects when conditions exists for icing to occur and performs at least one icing mitigation strategy when the icing conditions exceed a predetermined icing condition threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven G Dickson, Jordan D Weaver
  • Patent number: 10291323
    Abstract: Components, systems, and methods for determining efficiency of an optical signal source in distributed communication systems are disclosed. Environmentally induced variations in the performance of optical sources used to convert electrical signals to optical signals (such as laser diodes) at the transmitters within the system can be evaluated in real time. Steps can be taken to compensate for these variations. The efficiency of the laser diode can be measured and provided to receivers in the distributed communication system. The receiver may use information related to the slope efficiency measurement to adjust the gain of the receiving amplifiers to provide desired adjustments to the gain. Thus, the receivers in the remote units (RU) receive information about the slope efficiency of the laser diodes at the head end equipment (HEE) and the HEE receives information about the slope efficiency of the laser diodes at the RU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC
    Inventors: Ofer Nisan, Rami Reuven, Pinhas Yehuda Rosenfelder, Ofer Shinaar
  • Patent number: 9739216
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for regulating the injection of fuel into a heat engine of a generator set including an alternator driven by the heat engine, the alternator including a voltage regulator, the heat engine including a speed regulator having an inlet that can receive an external speed setpoint, the method including the following steps: detecting a variation in torque and kinetic energy from electrical measurements on the alternator, carrying out an action on the input of the setpoint of the voltage regulator and/or the speed regulator, on the basis of the magnitude of the variation in torque relative to the kinetic energy level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: MOTEURS LEROY-SOMER
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Andrejak, Samuel Moser, Patrice Betge
  • Patent number: 9682626
    Abstract: A system for monitoring torque supplied by a motor of a motor vehicle, for example an electric or hybrid vehicle. The system includes a mechanism determining a driver's request for torque, a mechanism estimating torque produced by a propulsion unit, a mechanism filtering the driver torque request which is connected at an input to a mechanism determining consistency between the torque request and the torque produced including a mechanism determining consistency of positive torque and a mechanism determining consistency of negative torque each including a mechanism determining phases of quasi-static variation of the request and a mechanism detecting torque anomalies which can construct an acceptable torque template and determine that a torque anomaly has occurred as a function of the torque estimate, the torque request, and the acceptable torque template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventor: Marco Marsilia
  • Patent number: 9608557
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling operation of an electric motor in a height-adjustable furniture arrangement, wherein operation of the electric motor provides a height-adjusting function in the height-adjustable furniture arrangement. The method comprises the steps of providing, by a power supply unit connected to the electric motor, an incoming power comprising an incoming current and an incoming voltage, transforming the incoming current and the incoming voltage to a motor supply current and a motor supply voltage supplied to the electric motor, measuring load on the electric motor, and when the measured load requires a current higher than the incoming current for providing the height-adjusting function, setting the levels of the motor supply current and/or the motor supply voltage such that the motor supply current is higher than the incoming current and the motor supply voltage is lower than the incoming voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: KIH-UTVECKLING AB
    Inventors: Björn Clausen, Hans Pettersson
  • Patent number: 9573440
    Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating an engine throttle position sensor operation of a refrigeration system powered by a fuel fired engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Stockbridge, John R. Reason, John T. Steele
  • Patent number: 9464391
    Abstract: A conveyor system is disclosed for use with a cold planer having a milling drum. The conveyor system may have a primary conveyor configured to receive material from the milling drum, a first motor configured to drive the primary conveyor, a secondary conveyor configured to receive material from the primary conveyor, and a second motor configured to drive the primary conveyor. The conveyor system may also have a controller configured to selectively adjust a speed of the second motor independent of a speed of the first motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Harry Killion, Craig Martin Steffen
  • Patent number: 9399567
    Abstract: A vehicle control device controls a maximum velocity of a forklift by restricting a maximum speed of an engine. Further, the vehicle control device monitors a vehicle velocity. When the vehicle velocity is equal to or higher than a restriction triggering vehicle velocity obtained by subtracting a predetermined velocity from the maximum velocity, the vehicle control device restricts the maximum speed of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Yukikazu Koide, Norihiko Kato
  • Patent number: 9002620
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling an intake valve of a vehicular internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a variable valve operating mechanism configured to vary a valve lift and a valve phase angle of the intake valve, and a controller. The controller calculates a desired first target value at a current engine operating condition, a reacceleration estimated value based on an engine rotational speed and estimated operating load upon reacceleration, and a second target value at which engine torque is equivalent to engine torque at the first target value. The controller sets the first target value as a control target value, and then switches the control target value to the second target value when a minimum clearance between the intake valve and a piston is determined to become less than a permissible value during variation of the intake valve from the first target value toward the reacceleration estimated value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Suzuki, Hiraku Ooba, Shinobu Kamada
  • Patent number: 8942909
    Abstract: An intake air quantity information determining arrangement senses or computes one of an intake air quantity and a torque of an internal combustion engine as intake air quantity information. A misfire-avoidance control arrangement executes a misfire-avoidance control operation, which avoids misfire by controlling a throttle opening degree of a throttle valve such that a value of the intake air quantity information does not decrease below a normal combustion threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Keitarou Minami, Hideaki Ichihara, Hiroyuki Takezoe, Hiroshi Katsurahara
  • Publication number: 20150016886
    Abstract: A machine engine idle speed control system may include an automated autoadaptive mode to supplement typical economy and normal power modes. The autoadaptive mode may afford an operator with an automated option to optimize fuel economy and lower engine/machine noise. The autoadaptive mode may initially default to a typical lower engine idle speed of the economy mode. However, as the machine workload rises, demands on the engine may become greater, and at a predetermined threshold of engine workload the engine idle speed may be automatically increased to a higher set point. The engine control may then remain at the higher idle speed until engine load is reduced to some predetermined target, and/or after a certain time period has elapsed. The time period may be controlled by a configurable delay timer to avoid unnecessary/undesirable cycling between modes. In addition, an operator may always intervene to increase or decrease engine idle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.
    Inventor: Toby A. Frelich
  • Patent number: 8903634
    Abstract: The engine control apparatus includes a governor control mechanism for keeping the engine frequency constant, decides the “presence” or “absence” of the engine load by the throttle aperture and forcibly changes the engine frequency to a predetermined frequency depending on the presence or absence of the load, the engine control apparatus includes an engine controlling unit (10) for controlling fuel supply to an engine (1), an engine temperature detecting unit (4) for detecting an engine temperature of the engine (1), and a threshold changing unit (10a) for changing each throttle aperture as a threshold for deciding the “presence” or “absence” of an engine load depending on the engine temperature detected by the engine temperature detecting unit (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiichiro Bungo
  • Patent number: 8892334
    Abstract: An intake air quantity information determining arrangement senses or computes one of an intake air quantity and a torque of an internal combustion engine as intake air quantity information. A misfire-avoidance control arrangement executes a misfire-avoidance control operation, which avoids misfire by controlling a throttle opening degree of a throttle valve such that a value of the intake air quantity information does not decrease below a normal combustion threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Keitarou Minami, Hideaki Ichihara, Hiroyuki Takezoe, Hiroshi Katsurahara
  • Patent number: 8775037
    Abstract: A travel controller which controls the travel of a vehicle includes a road information acquisition unit which acquires road information of a scheduled travel route, a temporary target travel control pattern generation unit which generates a temporary target travel control pattern of the scheduled travel route on the basis of the road information, an engine state transition section estimation unit which estimates an engine state transition section where the state of an engine transits when the vehicle travels using the temporary target travel control pattern, a speed difference calculation unit which calculates a speed difference resulting from variation in engine output in the engine state transition section, a target travel control pattern generation unit which corrects the temporary target travel control pattern on the basis of the speed difference to generate a target travel control pattern, and a travel control unit which performs travel control on the basis of the target travel control pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirokazu Kato
  • Patent number: 8761977
    Abstract: A method for optimizing an engine idle speed in a vehicle having an engine, a motor generator unit (MGU), and an energy storage system (ESS) includes determining vehicle operating values, including at least one of: an electrical load of an accessory, a torque capacity of the MGU, a temperature of the MGU, an efficiency of the MGU, and a state of charge (SOC) of the ESS. The method also includes calculating a set of engine speed values using the set of vehicle operating values, and using a controller to command the engine idle speed as a function of the set of engine speed values. A vehicle includes an engine, an ESS, an MGU, and a controller having an algorithm adapted for optimizing an idle speed of the engine as set forth above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Donald Chan, William L. Aldrich, III, John L. Lahti, Birendra P. Bhattarai, Krunal P. Patel, Ning Jin
  • Patent number: 8616180
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to arrangements and uses for engine speed governors. In particular, an automatic idle system for a small engine can include an engine speed governor for connection to a small engine with a governor shaft rotatable in response to a speed of the engine. A governor linkage can include a first portion for connection to the governor shaft and a second portion for connection to a throttle control of the engine, the first portion being movably connected with or to the second portion. An actuator can be connected to the second portion of the governor linkage, the actuator being movable in response to a load on the engine to move the second portion relative to the first portion. In this configuration, when the engine is in a low-load state, the second portion can be moved relative to the first portion toward a throttle-closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles R. Spitler, Tyler Ricketts, Nathaniel Lenfert, Andrew E. Bejcek, Yasushi Fujita
  • Publication number: 20130333664
    Abstract: An engine speed management control system for machines such as cold planers to regulate the idle engine speed as components of the machine are operated to perform functions while the engine is idling. An auto engine speed control routine may determine a combination of active functions of the components being performed and a corresponding idle engine speed to generate sufficient power and pressurized fluid flow to perform the functions. Upon detecting a change in the combination of active functions, the algorithm may change the idle engine speed as dictated by the new combination, or may wait for a specified delay period to determine whether further changes occur to the combination of active functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR PAVING PRODUCTS
    Inventors: Daniel Killion, Andrew Krolnik, Craig Steffen
  • Patent number: 8396647
    Abstract: When an engine shifts to idle operation in a process of stopping an automobile, a target engine speed of an engine idle speed control is reduced and a threshold engine speed of an engine speed reduction prevention control is also reduced accordingly, provided that the automobile is traveling on a road surface with low friction coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Tsunooka, Yoshiyuki Shogenji
  • Patent number: 8347855
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a stop-start initiation module and a load control module. The stop-start initiation module shuts down the engine in response to an engine shutdown request. The load control module, in response to the engine shutdown request, increases a rate at which a rotational speed of the engine decreases during engine shutdown by increasing a rotational load input to the engine by an engine accessory coupled to a crankshaft of the engine. A method for an engine includes shutting down the engine in response to an engine shutdown request. The method further includes increasing, in response to the engine shutdown request, a rate at which a rotational speed of the engine decreases during engine shutdown by increasing a rotational load input to the engine by an engine accessory coupled to a crankshaft of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Norman Schoenek, Michael G. Reynolds, Amin Abboud, Gary E. McGee, Douglas R. Verner, Sharon Liu
  • Patent number: 8336520
    Abstract: Turbo lag is a known impediment of a turbocharged, small displacement engine providing the feel of a large displacement engine. A method of spinning up the exhaust turbine during an interval between the time that the operator moves his/her foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal to initiate a launch. A non-exhaustive list of actions that can be taken to increase exhaust enthalpy provided to the turbine include: opening the throttle, retarding the spark, and closing the wastegate. Additionally, a brake can be applied at one of the vehicle wheels to keep the engine from launching forward during this interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Sayid Miah
  • Patent number: 8261716
    Abstract: A device is provided for producing and/or augmenting a partial vacuum in a motor vehicle, in particular for operating a partial vacuum brake servo-unit. The device includes, but is not limited to a throttle unit, which has at least one throttle valve housing and a throttle valve which is arranged so as to be rotatable in an angle range in a throttle channel in the throttle valve housing for controlling a fluid flow in the throttle channel. The device also includes, but is not limited to means for producing and/or augmenting partial vacuum, the means being configured as partial vacuum augmentation means integrated into the throttle valve housing, which partial vacuum augmentation means act according to Bernoulli's principle in the manner of a sucking jet pump to produce an augmented partial vacuum for at least one brake servo-unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dietmar Bergbauer, Oliver Kirmess, Bjorn Nordmann, Helmut Oswald, Uwe Steinmann
  • Patent number: 8256399
    Abstract: An automatic management and control system for controlling a transport motored vehicle engine idle conditions, operation of vehicle accessories and engine controls when the vehicle is at a rest condition. This system has a controlled unit with a programmable computer having a memory for storing instructions for execution of an interactive management control program by the control unit. The control unit is conditioned by the operator of the vehicle to operate in a cabin heating mode or a cabin air-conditioning mode. The control unit is also conditioned by the control program to enable a defeat protection circuit to control a fast idle switch function in the cabin to prevent a vehicle operator person to attempt to override a idle shut-down mode of the control module when enabled for a set time period whereby to ensure autonomous automatic engine control by the control unit when the vehicle is in the rest condition with the control unit enabled to thereby optimize fuel efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: J.M. Bastille Transport Inc.
    Inventors: Gaétan Gamache, Alain Gamache
  • Patent number: 8113170
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling engine output in a vehicle having a hydraulic power steering system. The method may include, during an idle condition where an engine speed is set to an idle speed, adjusting engine output based on a learned absolute steering wheel angle to compensate for changes in engine load caused by operation of the hydraulic power steering system. The learned absolute steering wheel angle may be based on a steering wheel angle relative to a steering wheel position at vehicle startup and operating conditions from previous vehicle operation before the vehicle startup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brent Jacobsen, Mike Ryan Scannell, Ron Reichenbach, Hugh Hamilton, Marian Sue Chupa
  • Patent number: 8086391
    Abstract: Turbo lag is a known impediment of a turbocharged, small displacement engine providing the feel of a large displacement engine. A method of spinning up the exhaust turbine during an interval between the time that the operator moves his/her foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal to initiate a launch. A non-exhaustive list of actions that can be taken to increase exhaust enthalpy provided to the turbine include: opening the throttle, retarding the spark, and closing the wastegate. Additionally, a brake can be applied at one of the vehicle wheels to keep the engine from launching forward during this interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Sayid Miah
  • Patent number: 8065069
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle 20, when an ECO switch 88 is turned off while an intermittent operation of an engine 22 is prohibited in response to a warm-up demand of the engine 22 according to a cooling water temperature Tw or a heating demand, the engine 22 is autonomously operated at a target rotational speed Ne* derived and set from a normal autonomous rotational speed setting map (Steps 170, S190). When the ECO switch 88 is turned on while the warm-up is demanded, the engine 22 is autonomously operated at the target rotational speed Ne* set based on an ECO mode autonomous rotational speed setting map so as to be not more than the value derived from the normal autonomous rotational speed setting map (Steps 180, S190).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunihiko Jinno, Tadashi Nakagawa, Masahiko Maeda, Hideaki Yaguchi
  • Patent number: 8010264
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle is arranged such that a driving force of an engine and a driving force of an electric motor can be transmitted to driving wheels through an automatic transmission having a plurality of forward gears. When it is detected that the vehicle is in a predetermined state in which it is difficult for the electric motor to output an upper limit torque predetermined as a generable maximum torque, a vehicle ECU controls the automatic transmission using a gear shift map configured such that the automatic transmission is downshifted earlier in accordance with a change in the operating state of the vehicle and upshifted later in accordance with a change in the operating state of the vehicle in comparison with a gear shift map that is used when it is not detected that the vehicle is in the predetermined state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Ogata, Tatsuo Kiuchi
  • Patent number: 8001950
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling engine output in a vehicle having a hydraulic power steering system. The method may include, during an idle condition where an engine speed is set to an idle speed, adjusting engine output based on a learned absolute steering wheel angle to compensate for changes in engine load caused by operation of the hydraulic power steering system. The learned absolute steering wheel angle may be based on a steering wheel angle relative to a steering wheel position at vehicle startup and operating conditions from previous vehicle operation before the vehicle startup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brent Jacobsen, Mike Ryan Scannell, Ron Reichenbach, Hugh Hamilton, Marian Sue Chupa
  • Patent number: 7991534
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating a drive unit which enable better torque coordination for a speed controller. A load-reversal damping component is provided, which filters a first setpoint value for an output variable of the drive unit to damp a load reversal. A speed controller is provided, which specifies a second setpoint value for the output variable of the drive unit in order to adjust an actual value for an engine speed of the drive unit to a setpoint value for the engine speed. A first component of the second setpoint value for the output variable specified by the speed controller is taken into account in the formation of the first setpoint value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Seel, Michael Muhler, Michael Glora
  • Publication number: 20110088658
    Abstract: A method for optimizing an engine idle speed in a vehicle having an engine, a motor generator unit (MGU), and an energy storage system (ESS) includes determining vehicle operating values, including at least one of: an electrical load of an accessory, a torque capacity of the MGU, a temperature of the MGU, an efficiency of the MGU, and a state of charge (SOC) of the ESS. The method also includes calculating a set of engine speed values using the set of vehicle operating values, and using a controller to command the engine idle speed as a function of the set of engine speed values. A vehicle includes an engine, an ESS, an MGU, and a controller having an algorithm adapted for optimizing an idle speed of the engine as set forth above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Donald Chan, William L. Aldrich, III, John L. Lahti, Birendra P. Bhattarai, Krunal P. Patel, Ning Jin
  • Patent number: 7873463
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating a drive unit, a computer program product having program code and a computer program which allow for an adaptation of a torque loss even outside of an idling operating state of the drive unit. In this instance, the losses of an output variable of the drive unit, in particular of a torque, are adapted. The losses are adapted during a shutdown of the drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Zell, Nikolas Poertner
  • Publication number: 20110005024
    Abstract: The present subject matter relates to arrangements and uses for engine speed governors. In particular, an automatic idle system for a small engine can include an engine speed governor for connection to a small engine with a governor shaft rotatable in response to a speed of the engine. A governor linkage can include a first portion for connection to the governor shaft and a second portion for connection to a throttle control of the engine, the first portion being movably connected with or to the second portion. An actuator can be connected to the second portion of the governor linkage, the actuator being movable in response to a load on the engine to move the second portion relative to the first portion. In this configuration, when the engine is in a low-load state, the second portion can be moved relative to the first portion toward a throttle-closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Charles R. Spitler, Tyler Ricketts, Nathaniel Lenfert, Andrew E. Bejcek, Yasushi Fujita
  • Publication number: 20100193272
    Abstract: A method for controlling engine output of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle having a hydraulic power steering system. The method may includes, during an idle condition where an engine speed is set to an idle speed, adjusting engine output based on a learned absolute steering wheel angle to vary the engine speed from the idle speed to compensate for changes in engine load caused by operation of the hydraulic power steering system. The learned absolute steering wheel angle may be based on a steering wheel angle relative to a steering wheel position at vehicle startup and operating conditions from previous vehicle operation before the vehicle startup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brent Jacobsen, Mike Ryan Scannell, Ron Reichenbach, Hugh Hamilton, Marian Sue Chupa
  • Publication number: 20100100306
    Abstract: An automatic management and control system for controlling a transport motored vehicle engine idle conditions, operation of vehicle accessories and engine controls when the vehicle is at a rest condition. This system has a controlled unit with a programmable computer having a memory for storing instructions for execution of an interactive management control program by the control unit. The control unit is conditioned by the operator of the vehicle to operate in a cabin heating mode or a cabin air-conditioning mode. The control unit is also conditioned by the control program to enable a defeat protection circuit to control a fast idle switch function in the cabin to prevent a vehicle operator person to attempt to override a idle shut-down mode of the control module when enabled for a set time period whereby to ensure autonomous automatic engine control by the control unit when the vehicle is in the rest condition with the control unit enabled to thereby optimize fuel efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Gaetan Gamache, Alain Gamache
  • Patent number: 7672762
    Abstract: In an OFF condition of an ECO switch, a stop decision reference value Wstop is set to a value W1 (step S420). In an ON condition of the ECO switch, the stop decision reference value Wstop is set to a value W2 (step S430). When an output limit Wout of a battery set according to a battery temperature and a state of charge of the battery is not less than the set stop decision reference value Wstop, the engine is permitted to stop (step S450). When the output limit Wout is less than the set stop decision reference value Wstop, the engine is prohibited from stopping (step S460). The value W1 is specified as a value of electric power required for a smooth restart of the engine after its stop during a drive of the vehicle. The value W2 is specified to be close to a value of minimum electric power required for a restart of the engine after its stop during a drive of the vehicle and is set to be smaller than the value W1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabuhsiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsuyuki Matsubara
  • Publication number: 20090114187
    Abstract: Disclosed are an engine torque control apparatus and an engine torque control method that can stably control engine torque when a variation of a TPS signal converts from an idle state to a part load state or from the part load state to the idle state in an engine, in which an ISA is installed, thereby resolving a problem on drivability, such as a drop of an engine RPM and resolving a problem on drivability, such as flare of an engine RPM, and improving fuel consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Hyung Kee Kim
  • Patent number: 7498757
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle is capable of transmitting driving forces of an engine and an electric motor to driving wheels through an automatic transmission and of releasing mechanical connection between the engine and the transmission by a clutch. A torque control unit switches between deceleration implemented only by the motor and deceleration by the engine and the motor by controlling the clutch based upon magnitude relation between a required deceleration torque and an upper limit deceleration torque generable by the motor. The required torque and the upper limit deceleration torques become equal to each other when the revolution speed of the motor is predetermined revolution speed. The predetermined revolution speed for the required deceleration torque corresponding to a forward gear related to downshift of the transmission differs from revolution speed that falls in the range of revolution speed fluctuation of the motor at the time of the downshift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuo Kiuchi, Takashi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7322339
    Abstract: A fuel injection system for a direct fuel injection (DFI) engine is provided. The system includes: injection mode module selects a fuel injection mode to be one of a single injection mode and a dual injection mode during DFI engine idle operation based on a torque request; and a fuel injection command module that commands fuel injection events based on a crankshaft position and the fuel injection mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse M. Gwidt, David P. Sczomak, Matthew A. Wiles, Michael J. Lucido
  • Patent number: 7255088
    Abstract: An engine control system includes pressure sensors (73, 74), position sensors (75, 76), pressure sensors (77, 78), a target revolution speed modification value computing unit (90), and a modification value adder (70r). A target revolution speed NR2 for use in control is computed based on changes of status variables such that the target revolution speed NR2 increases from the target revolution speed NR1 applied from an input unit (71), and then moderately returns to the target revolution speed NR1. In accordance with the computed target revolution speed NR2 for use in control, a target fuel injection amount FN1 is computed and a fuel injection amount is controlled. As a result, a drop of an engine revolution speed attributable to an abrupt increase of an engine load can be suppressed without sacrificing the work efficiency, and lowering of durability caused by an excessive increase of the engine revolution speed can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Nakamura, Yasushi Arai, Yoichi Kowatari, Kouji Ishikawa, Hideo Karasawa
  • Patent number: 7222604
    Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a drive unit which allow an improved transition between idle regulation and drive unit propulsion are provided. A setpoint value for an output variable of the drive unit is predefined, it being possible to modify the setpoint value as a function of at least one reducing request and as a function of at least one load to be compensated for. The ratio of a first priority request for the modification of the predefined setpoint value as a function of the at least one load to be compensated for to a second priority request for the modification of the predefined setpoint value as a function of the at least one reducing request may be varied for different drive unit operating states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ruprecht Anz
  • Patent number: 7098779
    Abstract: Notification of an air intake restriction is provided for an internal combustion engine (101). Readings from one or more air pressure sensors (117, 119) utilized with an internal combustion engine (101) are processed to determine whether an air intake restriction is present. A notification is provided, for example, by displaying (209) a message on a display (123) in a driver's station of a vehicle housing the engine. Various data, including detection of an air intake restriction, may be transmitted (215) for use by personnel, for example, to provide maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen M. Pontius
  • Patent number: 7058502
    Abstract: A motor vehicle (20) has a diesel engine (22) and one or more sources (30, 36) providing data relevant to operations of the vehicle that are external to the engine but potentially influential on fueling of the engine. An engine control system (24) processes data according to an all-speed governing strategy for controlling engine fueling to develop all-speed governed fueling data (MFGOV) that sets engine fueling when a data input to the engine control system from the one or more sources discloses no need to influence engine fueling. When the data input from such one or more sources discloses a need to influence engine fueling, that data input causes engine fueling to be set by a strategy other than the all-speed governing strategy, a torque speed control strategy (54) in particular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: David V. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 7036484
    Abstract: An engine system includes an engine, an alternator, a load, and a controller that communicates with the engine, the alternator, and the load. The controller signals the engine to drive the alternator when the engine idles. When a load increase on the engine is detected, the controller reduces an alternator load on the engine in response to the load increase. Air flow into the engine is adjusted to compensate for the load increase, and concurrently the alternator load is increased. When a load decrease is detected, the alternator load is increased, and the air flow is subsequently adjusted while decreasing the alternator load. In another embodiment, spark timing of the engine is adjusted to compensate for the load decrease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: David S. Mathews, Nick S. Kapsokavathis
  • Patent number: 6990953
    Abstract: A controller 21 controls an intake air flow rate via an electronic throttle 14 based on a feedback correction amount set so that a rotation speed (NE) of an internal combustion engine (11) during idle running gradually approaches a target value (tNE). When the deviation (?NE) between the rotation speed (NE) and the target value (tNE) becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value (XNE), increase correction of the intake air flow rate is performed according to the deviation (?NE). When the deviation (?NE) falls below the predetermined value (XNE), a value corresponding to the increase correction amount at that time is added to the feedback correction amount, and subsequent increase correction amounts are set to zero, so the decreased engine rotation speed (NE) can be returned to the target value (tNE) with a rapid response, and future drops of the returned engine rotation speed (NE) are prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichiro Nakahara, Shigeyuki Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 6935307
    Abstract: A diesel engine capable of favorably preventing the generation of white smoke even when an engine load is shifted from a high load side to a low load side. For this purpose, a diesel engine (1) includes fuel injection timing control means (42) for controlling fuel injection timing, the fuel injection timing control means (42) advances the fuel injection timing by predetermined time when an engine load becomes a predetermined load (Ff) or lower in an engine stopping step of stopping the diesel engine while gradually reducing the engine load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Kinichirou Watanabe, Takashi Sakasai, Shouhei Nagasaka
  • Patent number: 6910460
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to maintain stable air-fuel ratio on a venturi type fuel supply device, irrespective of the external load such as air-conditioner and electrical load, and to provide stable engine speed on idling state. A venturi type fuel supply device comprises a venturi chamber located in the upstream of a throttle valve and a passage for supplying air-fuel mixture gas into the venturi chamber. The passage is further equipped with a variable air bleeder valve for taking in air. When the operating state of the external load of the engine changes, the opening of the air bleeder valve is adjusted in accordance with the change so as to control the air-fuel mixture ratio of the mixture gas incoming from the passage into the venturi chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Asano, Bunji Igarashi
  • Patent number: 6877481
    Abstract: Multi-cylinder stationary internal combustion engine (1)—in particular a gas otto engine—with at least one throttle valve (13) and with at least one compressor (15)—in particular turbo-supercharger—for driving at least one generator (3) for the production of electric current or for driving at least one other consumer of mechanical energy, the internal combustion engine (1) containing a regulator (10) which, for the shedding of load, sets the throttle valve (13) to a permissible minimum-closure position which differs from the completely closed position and disconnects at least one cylinder (9) in order to prevent overspeed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Jenbacher Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Albert Fahringer, Peter Skorjanz
  • Patent number: 6865883
    Abstract: A system and method for regenerating particulate filters, catalyzed soot filters and NOx catalysts for a vehicle having a compression ignition engine. An engine control module controls engine operation and regeneration functions. The engine preferably includes an integrated starter/alternator/flywheel/retarder assembly. A load bank heater is provided in the exhaust system that is activated to directly heat exhaust gases raising the temperature thereof and approaching the temperatures required for regeneration and desulfation. Activation of the heater applies a load through the integrated starter/alternator/flywheel/retarder assembly that increases the load on the engine and in turn further increases the temperature of the exhaust to levels required for regeneration and desulfation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Ted G. Gomulka
  • Patent number: 6857987
    Abstract: An idle speed compensation system for a vehicle includes an idle speed control system that varies airflow to an engine at idle and a transmission driven by the engine. A controller communicates with the idle speed control system, the engine, and the transmission. The controller generates an idle speed compensation signal based on a transmission load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Aldrich, III, Glenn P. O'Connell, Michael L. Velliky, Leonard G. Wozniak, Richard E. Parsons Jr.