Regulator Changes Length Of Accelerator Linkage Patents (Class 123/342)
  • Patent number: 10422909
    Abstract: A marine survey apparatus comprises a plurality of cables towed by a vessel, the plurality of cables including two deflected tow cables each connected to the towing vessel. A primary surveying tool is attached to a cable, which cable is attached to the towing vessel and a spread rope. The deflected cables are connected to one another by the spread rope. The apparatus further comprises a water engaging drag device, which is attached to and trailed behind the spread rope. An elongate flexible element extends between the drag device and the vessel. The apparatus includes a control means for controlling the elongate flexible member and the drag device attached thereto. The survey apparatus is steerable to position the at least survey tool in a desired location by controlling the at least one drag device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventors: Dean Marshall, Dale Marshall
  • Patent number: 9529342
    Abstract: An actuator system for operating a flap valve in a motor vehicle, comprising: a drive system having an electronically commutated electric motor; a movable actuating member; a mechanism that couples the drive system to the actuating member so that a displacement of the actuating member is brought about upon activation of the drive system; a position sensor for sensing a position of the actuating member on the actuating member or in the mechanism, and for making available a corresponding position indication; a control unit to activate the drive system to move the actuating member, the electric motor of the drive system being electronically commutated, the control unit being configured to make available to the electric motor, in order to move the actuating member, activation signals dependent on the position indication made available, which signals bring about a predefined drive torque or a predefined rotation speed of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Alex Grossmann, Udo Sieber, Ralf Buehrle, Zeynep Tosun
  • Patent number: 9463686
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes: a chassis frame, a cargo bed, a cabin, and an engine. The utility vehicle further includes: a torque rod bracket fixed to an engine body forming a shell or outline of the engine and projecting upward from an upper end of the engine body; and a torque rod provided at a position higher than the upper end of the engine body and coupling the torque rod bracket and a frame member provided at one end in a vehicle width direction of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuji Ohshita, Takuma Nozaki, Hiroshi Nakatani
  • Patent number: 9381809
    Abstract: A dual stage accelerator pedal spring assembly is provided that allows the transition point between stroke stages to be set, thereby controlling pedal travel within the first stroke stage, and notifies the driver of a critical operating condition, such as a low battery pack level, via a pedal feedback system. The spring assembly, which uses two springs exhibiting different spring force, allows adjustment of the relative positions of the two springs in order to control the transition point between the first and second pedal stroke stages. The change in pedal resistance used to notify the driver of a change in a monitored vehicle characteristic is achieved by preloading one of the springs in the spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Gauthier
  • Patent number: 8437938
    Abstract: An axle torque control system includes an axle torque request module that receives an axle torque request and that selectively outputs the axle torque request. An axle torque conversion module receives the axle torque request and converts the axle torque request to an engine torque request. A rate limit module receives the engine torque request and a pedal engine torque request and selectively adjusts the engine torque request based on the pedal engine torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Vivek Mehta, Barbara A. Shuler, Patrick J. O'Leary, Jun Lu
  • Patent number: 8230845
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for separating fluid particles from a gas flow, in particular from a crankcase gas flow of an internal combustion engine. A valve is provided to allow a distribution of the gas flow to at least two cyclones depending on the volumetric flow. The valve consists of a cylinder through which the gas can flow. Inside the cylinder is a piston. This piston is designed inside the cylinder with a clearance fit or provided with one or several boreholes. In case of a low gas flow and because of the tolerances or boreholes, this gas flow will be directed around the cylinder to a first cyclone. When exceeding a certain volumetric flow the piston moves inside the cylinder and opens at least one more cyclone for the gas flow to flow through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Mann+Hummel GmbH
    Inventor: Torsten Hilpert
  • Patent number: 8196562
    Abstract: A throttle opening control device for a vehicle having an engine with an electronically controlled throttle valve and an accelerator operated by a rider is provided. The throttle opening control device includes an accelerator opening acquisition module for acquiring an opening of the accelerator, an engine rotation speed acquisition module for acquiring a rotation speed of the engine, and a throttle opening control module for controlling an opening of the throttle valve based on the opening of the accelerator and the rotation speed of the engine. The throttle opening control module is configured to limit the opening of the throttle valve when the rotation speed of the engine is lower than a pre-determined idle rotation speed to prevent reverse rotation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshitomi Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20110315113
    Abstract: Engine synchronization apparatus and system for multi-engine vehicles such as boats and aircraft providing limited authority throttle cable trim effected by an apparatus interposed between the throttle plate and throttle cable of a slave engine and mounted in a floating configuration. An actuator is mounted to the apparatus to trim the distance between the throttle plate and throttle cable attachment thereby trimming the throttle cable. A system is provided in which a difference signal derived from master and slave engine tachometer signals is used to control the actuator and synchronize the engines within a predetermined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Evoke Technology LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Egle, Aaron S. Dickey
  • Publication number: 20090229568
    Abstract: A throttle opening control device for a vehicle having an engine with an electronically controlled throttle valve and an accelerator operated by a rider is provided. The throttle opening control device includes an accelerator opening acquisition module for acquiring an opening of the accelerator, an engine rotation speed acquisition module for acquiring a rotation speed of the engine, and a throttle opening control module for controlling an opening of the throttle valve based on the opening of the accelerator and the rotation speed of the engine. The throttle opening control module is configured to limit the opening of the throttle valve when the rotation speed of the engine is lower than a pre-determined idle rotation speed to prevent reverse rotation of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Yoshitomi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7571710
    Abstract: A throttle valve controller configured to control opening and closing of a throttle valve disposed in an air-intake passage of a throttle body coupled to an engine, including an input member that is rotatable in association with a rider's hand operation, a power transmission device with an input part thereof coupled to the input member, an output member that is coupled to an output part of the power transmission device and causes the throttle valve to rotate in association therewith, an actuator configured to drive the power transmission device to cause the output member to rotate relative to the input member to change a rotational ratio of the output member to the input member independently of the hand operation, and a movable stopper configured to change and restrict a rotational range of the input member in a closing direction of the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoji Fukami, Satoru Sakanaka, Tatsuya Hirokami, Mitsuhiro Yazaki
  • Patent number: 7461631
    Abstract: A transmissible connecting mechanism having a cam plate and a lever are attached respectively to a lead air control valve shaft and an air-fuel mixture throttle valve shaft which are arranged so as to form an angle. A length of a contact element provided in the lever is extended in parallel to an axis of the air-fuel mixture throttle valve shaft, and the length of the contact element is such that the contact element and a cam surface formed in a cam plate are always brought into contact with each other. The lead air control valve shaft and the air-fuel mixture throttle valve shaft of the carburetor are connected in a transmissible manner, and it is possible to make a stratified scavenging two-cycle engine compact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Husqvarna Zenoah Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takamasa Ohtsuji
  • Patent number: 7159564
    Abstract: To easily carry out change pulling directions of opening and closing wires in a link type throttle valve control device, a throttle valve operation dram 61 and a first link lever 62 are mounted at a throttle valve operation shaft 3, the throttle valve operation dram 61 has opening and closing valve end inserting holes 61a, 61b, the throttle valve operation shaft 3 is rotatably provided at a stay plate 1 having first and second cable guide inserting holes 1d, 1e, and rotatably provided coaxially with a throttle valve shaft 52, first and second link levers 62, 56 mounted at the throttle valve shaft 52 are linked by a connection lever 63a, the stay plate 1 is rotated to a desired position around the throttle valve shaft 52, and in this state, the stay plate 1 is fixed at a throttle body 50 by screws 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichi Yanagii
  • Patent number: 7152580
    Abstract: A secondary engine speed control mechanism for small internal combustion engines, including an operator control which is manually operable to override an engine running speed which is set by the engine's primary speed control mechanism and governed by the governor. The secondary speed control mechanism may be selectively actuated by the operator in anticipation of an increased engine load to provide a temporary increase or “boost” to engine speed above the set, governed engine running speed. The secondary speed control mechanism may be either mechanically or electrically actuated, and may include an operator actuated, trigger-type mechanism or an electrical switch located on the handle of an implement with which the engine is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Tecumseh Products Company
    Inventors: Clyde R. Wetor, Thomas D. Stout, Gary L. Stenz, Daniel L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7104253
    Abstract: In one presently preferred embodiment a stratified scavenging carburetor has a scavenging air passage with an air control valve and a fuel and air mixing passage with a throttle control valve, and a lost motion coupling associated with the valves to delay opening of the closed air valve until the throttle valve has partially opened from its idle position to an off idle position and preferably thereafter to open the air valve in phased relationship with the throttle valve so that the valves become wide open at substantially the same time. Preferably the coupling has reels associated with the valve and connected by a flexible cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Paul J. Dow, David D. Hacker
  • Patent number: 6886529
    Abstract: A watercraft includes an engine output control device that can adjust the maximum output of the engine. The output device can be constructed of mechanical devices for adjusting the relationship between the movement of a throttle lever and a throttle valve, an electronic device for proportionally controlling the position of throttle valves in relation to the movement of the throttle lever, are other devices for controlling engine speeds in other ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akitaka Suzuki, Shigeharu Mineo, Hitoshi Motose
  • Patent number: 6855091
    Abstract: A system for controlling a transmission throttle valve allows the transmission response to be quickly adjusted. The system includes an adapter assembly which is mounted on the rotatable throttle member of a fuel management device. A cam assembly is selectively positionable on the adapter assembly so as to adjust the rate of throttle valve cable pull. The cam assembly has guide pins which move within guide slots on the adapter assembly. The cam assembly also has an adjustment slot which receives an adjustment screw connected to the adapter assembly. The cam assembly is positioned on the adapter assembly so that the adjustment screw occupies a desired location along the adjustment slot, and then the adjustment screw is tightened to lock the cam assembly in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 6761145
    Abstract: A throttle system for a general-purpose engine, having an actuator (motor) connected to a throttle valve to open or close it so as to regulate amount of intake air. An output transmission mechanism constituted as a link mechanism or a gear mechanism is provided between the actuator and the throttle valve to transmit an output of the actuator to the throttle value such that an output of the mechanism relative to the output of the actuator when the throttle valve is fully closed, is smaller than that when the throttle value is not fully closed. With this, the system can finely open and close the throttle valve when its opening is small and can open and close it at high speed when its opening is large, while preventing throttle valve seizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hayato Matsuda, Sei Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20040065299
    Abstract: A plurality of intake air amount control devices for controlling an amount of air drawn into a combustion chamber in association with a depression stroke of an accelerator pedal are provided. Each of the intake air amount control devices responds to a change in depression stroke of the accelerator pedal after the lapse of a predetermined delay period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Naohide Fuwa
  • Publication number: 20040011328
    Abstract: A device for controlling the engine (108) of a vehicle comprising an accelerator pedal (101) and an engine speed control circuit (102, 103, 106, 109) comprising in particular:
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Mariano Sans
  • Publication number: 20030196638
    Abstract: A throttle system for a general-purpose engine, having an actuator (motor) connected to a throttle valve to open or close it so as to regulate amount of intake air. An output transmission mechanism constituted as a link mechanism or a gear mechanism is provided between the actuator and the throttle valve to transmit an output of the actuator to the throttle value such that an output of the mechanism relative to the output of the actuator when the throttle valve is fully closed, is smaller than that when the throttle value is not fully closed. With this, the system can finely open and close the throttle valve when its opening is small and can open and close it at high speed when its opening is large, while preventing throttle valve seizing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hayato Matsuda, Sei Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20030140894
    Abstract: A watercraft includes an engine output control device that can adjust the maximum output of the engine. The output device can be constructed of mechanical devices for adjusting the relationship between the movement of a throttle lever and a throttle valve, an electronic device for proportionally controlling the position of throttle valves in relation to the movement of the throttle lever, are other devices for controlling engine speeds in other ways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Akitaka Suzuki, Shigeharu Mineo, Hitoshi Motose
  • Patent number: 6052644
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for limiting the vehicle speed of a working vehicle which can provide a smooth traveling condition during vehicle speed limit, and which can set a vehicle speed limit suited to environmental conditions. To this end, a vehicle speed control device (10) judges a vehicle speed limit traveling period when a vehicle speed signal is equal to or greater than a vehicle speed limit value, to calculate a corrected depressing stroke signal by a control gain based on a deviation value between the vehicle speed signal and the vehicle speed limit value so that the deviation value becomes smaller to output to an engine control device (40), and judges an accelerated traveling period, when the vehicle speed signal is smaller than the vehicle speed limit value and the corrected depressing stroke signal is larger than a depressing stroke signal, to output the depressing stroke signal to the engine control device (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanobu Murakami, Nobuki Hasegawa, Susumu Sato
  • Patent number: 5855196
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically controlling the activation of the throttle on a carburetor on the engine of a drag race car before the start of the race while staging the car. The apparatus eliminates some of the tasks a driver must perform during the process of staging and launching a race vehicle on the starting line(such as physically depressing the throttle pedal) using a starting line throttle actuation system for Pro tree and Full tree modes for controlling the throttle opening. In both Pro and Full tree modes, the staging process is simplified by allowing the driver to stage with the throttle pedal pre-depressed in the wide open down position, with the actual opening of the throttle controlled by the starting line throttle actuation control system. The apparatus has the driver use the same staging procedure for both Pro tree and Full tree races, thus eliminating separate training that has been required for Pro and Full tree races.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Curtis E. Rodden
    Inventor: Frank Hawley
  • Patent number: 5839419
    Abstract: An adjustable automatic starting line throttle actuation controller for use with a drag racing vehicle. The device controls the throttle from a preset partial throttle opening to a wide open throttle during the initial staging process of the race, while the driver holds the throttle in a wide open position. The device can control the opening of the carburetor linkage of the carburetor to a preset low r.p.m. at the starting line (during the staging process) before a race begins, and control the opening of the throttle for the first portion of the race after the race starts. A preferred version of the device has a dual piston cylinder having respective piston rods connected to the carburetor and one connected to the throttle pedal. An electronic activation assembly controls which piston rod is being actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Curtis E. Rodden
    Inventor: Frank Hawley
  • Patent number: 5738069
    Abstract: An adjustable speed control system (10) for a motor vehicle (12) comprising a first flexible cable (14) having a first end (16) connected to a throttle lever (18) on a carburetor (20) in an internal combustion engine (22) of the motor vehicle (12). A second flexible cable (24) has a first end connected to a throttle control handle on the motor vehicle (12). A structure (26) mounted within the motor vehicle (12) is for coupling a second end (28) of the first flexible cable (14) to a second end (30) of the second flexible cable (24). A facility (32) mounted within the motor vehicle (12) is for controlling movement of the second ends (28), (30) of the first flexible cable (14) and the second flexible cable (24) within the coupling structure (26), thereby limiting operation of the throttle lever (18) on the carburetor (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventors: Romeo David St. Pierre, Michael E. Lawrence, Kevin C. Gatti, Richard B. Rodgerson
  • Patent number: 5669352
    Abstract: An air/fuel control apparatus mounted on a racing automobile engine delivers fuel to the engine. A valve therein controls the flow of fuel to the engine, irrespective of the position of the accelerator foot pedal, and the valve is connected to a throttle linkage linking the pedal to the valve. The valve includes a double acting pneumatic cylinder means with a slidable piston therein. A movable shaft extends through both ends of a cylindrical housing, and moves with the piston. One first end of the shaft is coupled to the valve so that slidable movement of the piston opens and closes the valve to increase and decrease, respectively, flow of fuel to the carburetor of the engine. A cable rod connects the housing to the pedal so that movement of the pedal causes the housing to move with respect to the piston therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: William E. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5345157
    Abstract: An actuator for an accelarator includes a casing and a driving part having a reversibly revolvable motor disposed in the casing, a decelerator for decelerating revolution of the motor, and an output pulley, connected to the decelerator, for taking up or letting out a control cable cable. The actuator also includes a control part composed of an operation part, and a control mechanism for controlling the revolution of the motor on the basis of a deviation between a position of the operation part and a position of the output part,wherein the driving part and the control part are integrally coaxially connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignees: Nippon Cable System, Inc., Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Suzuki, Masatoshi Miki, Toshio Kuwabara, Morihiko Matsubara
  • Patent number: 5235948
    Abstract: A throttle valve control system for an automobile having an engine, a carburetor mounted on the engine, a throttle valve in the carburetor for controlling the flow of fuel to the engine, an accelerator pedal, and a throttle linkage interconnected between the accelerator pedal and the throttle valve, the throttle linkage including a throttle linkage adjustment means including a piston/cylinder assembly (11) for expanding and shortening the effective length of the throttle linkage. A throttle limiting closure assembly (16) is mounted onto the piston/cylinder assembly (11) and includes a threaded travel rod (39) and a pair of lock nuts (46) for selectively limiting the amount of expansion of the piston rod from the cylinder. A source of compressed gas is provided including a normally open control valve (19) and an gas flow controller (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: BG 300, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Grant, Michael E. Harris
  • Patent number: 5199401
    Abstract: A control system for an engine throttle valve actuator uses an actuator position feedback loop with a compensation factor which applies a reverse voltage having an amplitude based on actuator momentum to a DC motor to effectuate an electrical braking action to achieve high speed response with positional accuracy. A separate position limiting feedback loop is used to prevent excessive actuator excursions. The engine throttle valve is controlled to a selected position by using a throttle valve position feedback loop and a compensation factor to provide a feedback signal to a summing junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Walter K. O'Neil, Donald R. Haefner, Wayne E. Klindt, Mark L. Leonard, Daniel R. Parks, Don K. St. John
  • Patent number: 5191866
    Abstract: A throttle control system for an automotive vehicle includes a motion transmitting member having a length sufficient to extend between an accelerator pedal and a throttle crank so that depression of the accelerator will cause rotation of a throttle shaft attached to the crank. The motion transmitting member includes a provision allowing it to deflect so as to permit further movement of the accelerator pedal without further rotation of the throttle shaft once the throttle shaft has been moved to the wide open throttle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Tosdale
  • Patent number: 5172667
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the power drive of a vehicle, having a mechanical transmission device interposed between an actuator that determines a power drive output and a power drive operating element in which transmission device an adjusting element having a stop and being movable by a governor device to adjust the actuator is movable with respect to a coupler of the transmission device that has a counterpart stop from an unregulated position in which stops rest on one another to regulated positions in which stops are spaced apart from one another, counter to the action of one or more springs. In such an apparatus, an at least one intermittently operative coupling is provided to delay and/or stop the relative motion of the adjusting element relative to the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Guenter Spiegel
  • Patent number: 5152360
    Abstract: A vehicle engine throttle valve control device (10;121) is applied intermediate the vehicle operator's accelerator pedal (14) and the engine's throttle body (12) to selectively override or modify the operator's ability to control vehicle/engine speed and to assert independent control thereof as a function of various input parameters (49,50,52,54). Linkages (26,28) interconnect opposed ends of a lever (18;136) respectively, with accelerator and throttle. The lever rotates upon a pivot (20;126) which is selectively displaceable to effectively shorten or lengthen the linkage in response to an operator independent signal from a control circuit (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Donald R. Haefner, David M. Preston
  • Patent number: 5107811
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a control device of a driving engine which can be actuated purely mechanically, for varying the operation of engine as well as via a control motor as needed, independently of the mechanical operation in a direction of reduced output of the driving engine. The apparatus includes a restoring spring which acts upon a first driver element connected to the operating element. Since the coupling spring is not subject to tension exerted by the restoring spring, the coupling spring can be embodied as relatively weak. The apparatus is particularly well-suited to motor vehicles equipped with traction control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Huber, Guenter Spiegel
  • Patent number: 5078108
    Abstract: A throttle control system for an internal combustion engine includes a first lever which is pivotable around a longitudinal axis of a throttle shaft depending upon movement of an accelerator pedal, and a second lever which extends radially from the throttle shaft and is fixed thereto. The system further includes a transmitting mechanism which mechanically transmits pivotal motion of the first lever to the second lever so that the angular position of a throttle valve fixed to the throttle shaft varies in response to depression of the accelerator pedal. The transmitting mechanism optionally changes the ratio of the pivotal angle of the first lever from that of the second lever, so as to change the relationship between the depression rate of the accelerator pedal and the opening angle of the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Ishikawa, Masaaki Saito
  • Patent number: 5040507
    Abstract: A method and device for providing a time-varying minimum engine speed setting are disclosed. A first embodiment of the device includes programming within an electronic engine control module for variably supplying fuel to an engine via variable activation periods for the fuel injectors of a fuel injected engine. In another embodiment a rotating cam provides a positionally time-varying mechanism stop against which the throttle linkage is positioned when released by the operator. In another embodiment of the invention, a solenoid provides a minimum engine speed setting which varies between two different positions. The two different positions are produced by a solenoid, which is activated and deactivated at random to produce a pseudo-random variation in minimum engine speed. Pulse-width activation of the solenoid provides variable positioning of the solenoid actuator between the two end stop positions of the solenoid actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Hayes, Thomas E. Reinhart
  • Patent number: 5022368
    Abstract: A throttle cable intervention servoactuator having a connector link with a lefthand thread on one end and a righthand thread on the opposite end with correspondingly threaded connecting members engage the threaded ends of the link and the members each guided in a slot in a housing for non-rotating sliding movement with the connector link. A driven gear is journaled for rotation on the housing with the connector link extending centrally through the driven gear in free sliding engagement and engaged for rotation by the gear. The driven gear is rotated by a motor in response to a signal to change the effective length between the connector members when each are connected to one end of a throttle tension cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew A. Kenny, Daniel C. Stahly
  • Patent number: 5020623
    Abstract: A traction control system includes a control rod connected to a throttle lever and being slidable with respect to a housing to which an accelerator pedal is connected. The control rod is movable in response to a driving wheel acceleration slip signal so as to return the throttle lever. A control device controls the movement of the control rod. A set spring acts between the control rod and the housing. The set spring has such a spring force that the set spring is not compressed by the pressing-down of the accelerator pedal in the absence of the driving wheel acceleration slip signal, so that the control rod can be moved together with the housing. The spring force of the set spring is such that during the above movement of the control rod, the set spring is compressed when the accelerator pedal is strongly pressed down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignees: Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd., Akebono Research Development Centre Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshifumi Maehara
  • Patent number: 5020496
    Abstract: A control device of a driving engine which can be actuated purely mechanically, via a force transmission device or a control motor as needed, independently of a control position of the force transmission device in a direction of reduced output of the driving engine. The control device includes a restoring spring, a third driver element and a repose stop positioned away from the control device, in a final control element. The apparatus is particularly well-suited for motor vehicles equipped with traction control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Huber, Guenter Spiegel
  • Patent number: 5014806
    Abstract: A throttle control device for a motor vehicle having a first movable member with first and second ends. A second movable member is connected to and surrounds the first movable member except for the first and second ends. During normal operation of the motor vehicle, when the accelerator pedal which is linked to the first end of the first movable member is engaged, results in the opening of the throttle valve. If the motor vehicle slips during accelerating or while engaged in a constant-speed cruise control mode, a driving motor rotates the second movable member which results in the closing of the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomohiro Hamada
  • Patent number: 5002146
    Abstract: A traction control system comprises a control piston mounted within a control cylinder disposed between a throttle lever and an accelerator pedal, a first cable an end of which is connected to the control piston whereas the other end is connected to the throttle lever, a second cable an end of which is connected to the control piston whereas the other end is connected to the accelerator pedal, fixed pulleys guiding the second cable, a movable pulley urged by a balance spring toward a direction in which the second cable stretches, and a pressure control device supplying a fluid pressure to a control chamber of the control cylinder so that the control piston moves toward a direction in which the first cable slacks thereby allowing the throttle lever to return.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignees: Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd., Akebono Research and Developement Centre Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Sakai
  • Patent number: 4950965
    Abstract: A servoactuator for a vehicle throttle having a direct current motor driving a speed reducer with the output thereof connected to slidably move a fulcrum member having a lever arm pivoted thereon. The lever arm has a cable to the engine throttle connected to one end and a cable to the vehicle accelerator pedal connected to the other end on the opposite side of the pivot. In one embodiment the speed reducer drives an axial lead screw threaded in the fulcrum member. In a second embodiment the speed reducer output is a slotted crank arm having a pin on the fulcrum member slidably received therein. In a third embodiment the speed reducer output is connected by a two-bar linkage to the fulcrum member. A potentiometer is disposed to have the movable element thereof moved by one end of the lever to provide a throttle position feedback signal for use by an external motor control signal generator. The servoactuator is intended for use with a vehicle traction control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew A. Kenny, Loren H. Uthoff, Donald R. Haefner
  • Patent number: 4944268
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for varying the position of a fuel control device that controls the output of an internal combustion engine and is connected to an operating element via a transmission device. In such an apparatus, a control motor can be operatively connected via a gear with a first rotary element connected to the control device and rotatably supported relative to a coaxial second rotary element connected to the operating element. The two rotary elements are prestressed by a spring that forces an arm each to contact one another at stops facing one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Wilde
  • Patent number: 4940109
    Abstract: A vehicle engine throttle valve control device (10) is applied intermediate the vehicle operator's accelerator pedal (14) and the engine's throttle body (12) to selectively override or modify the operator's ability to control vehicle/engine speed and to assert independent control thereof as a function of various input parameters (49,50,52,54). Linkages (26,28) interconnect opposed ends of an assembly of half levers (21,23) with accelerator and throttle. The half levers rotate upon a pivot (20) which is selectively displacable to effectively shorten or lengthen the linkage in response to an operator independent signal from a control circuit (42). A half lever stop (27) fixes the relative positions of the half levers whenever the throttle body is in an off-idle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1990
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Preston, Donald R. Haefner
  • Patent number: 4938304
    Abstract: First, second and third levers are disposed pivotably and rotatably relative to each other about a predetermined axis. The first lever is operated in association with an accelerator to be rotated in a predetermined one direction in accordance with operation in a direction of opening the accelerator. The second lever is operated in association with a throttle valve so as to open the throttle valve when the second levler is pivotted in the predetermined one direction and it is urged by a first urging member in a direction of closing the throttle valve. The first lever is provided with a first stopper section and the second lever is provided with a second stopper section as to be abuttable with the first stopper section from the predetermined one direction. The first stopper section is urged in such a manner as being brought into abut with the second stopper section by means of a second urging member larger in an urging force than the first urging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hisaaki Yamaguchi, Itaru Okuno, Nagahisa Fujita, Koji Hosoda
  • Patent number: 4928646
    Abstract: A coupling apparatus for a speed regulator, or governor, of a typed used on motor vehicles for example, comprises a hollow connecting stud which is affixed to a governor positioning drive at a driven end telescoped to a hollow adjustment piece at a driving end. The hollow adjustment piece has a cap with an opening therein. A coupling rod passes through the opening having a driven end enlargement directed toward the governor positioning drive and a connecting apparatus at the other end connected to a speed adjusting apparatus. The coupling rod slides through the cap opening but the driven end enlargement is larger than that portion of the opening through which the coupling rod extends and can, therefore, not slide therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Hella KG Hueck & Co.
    Inventor: Friedhelm Diller
  • Patent number: 4911121
    Abstract: An engine protection device which has a valve assembly supplying engine oil to an hydraulic cylinder which in turn is attached to the throttle of an internal combustion engine or governor of a stationary engine. If the oil pressure drops below a predetermined level, a sensor in the valve unit will cause the oil to drain from the hydraulic cylinder so as to slow down or stop the operation of the engine. In addition to using the oil of the engine itself, air or gas can also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: Richard W. Barnes
  • Patent number: 4862852
    Abstract: Disclosed is a throttle control apparatus which includes a rack gear box which is adapted to be connected to a throttle wire for operating a throttle valve and is urged to the initial stage by a throttle return spring, and accelerator actuator which is arranged in the rack gear box, is adapted to be connected to an accelerator wire interlocked with an accelerator pedal and is urged to the initial stage by an accelerator return spring, a rack gear which is provided on the outer surface of the rack gear box, a driving motor including a pinion gear engaged with the rack gear through a clutch, and a pulley and a spring for urging the accelerator wire in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the accelerator wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Sougou Jidousya Anzen Kougai Gijutsu Kenkyu Kumiai
    Inventor: Isao Kamibayashi
  • Patent number: 4856476
    Abstract: A wire cable 11 extends between an accelerator pedal 19 and a motor pulley 14 controlled depending upon the driving conditions. A block 13 is disposed in contact with the wire cable, and the throttle valve 2 is opened and closed by the movement of the block. Accordingly, an optimum control of the throttle valve can be achieved by driving the block with both the accelerator pedal and the motor, and if the motor system fails the throttle valve can still be operated by the accelerator pedal alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 4848297
    Abstract: In an arrangement for an automotive vehicle for intervention into the connection between an operating member and a control member which determines the power of the internal combustion engine of the automotive vehicle, the operating member being connected with a first driver and the control member with a second driver, and between the first and second drivers there acts a coupling spring the force of which acts against a first stop being present between the first and second drivers. A third driver is connected to a setting member. The third driver is operatively connected via a second stop with the second driver, a movement of the setting member in the direction towards reducing the power acting against the second stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AG
    Inventors: Gerd Hickmann, Manfred Pfalzgraf
  • Patent number: 4848189
    Abstract: A throttle follower controller for establishing a release throttle position upon the release of the throttle by the vehicle operator which is maintained at a specified value for a predetermined time if the vehicle transmission is experiencing an upshift or if an upshift will occur upon the release of the throttle to provide for a smooth upshift. Upon completion of the upshift or if no upshift will occur upon release of the throttle, a controlled transition of the throttle angle to a predetermined lower coastdown value is established to prevent drive-on while preventing a sudden harsh drive line jerk upon release of the vehicle throttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Simon, Jr., Daniel B. O'Connell, David C. Poirier, John A. Calkins, Richard A. Marsh, Peter M. Medich, Richard C. Mamolen