Abstract: Various aspects of a system and method for driving assistance along a path are disclosed herein. In accordance with an embodiment, a unique identifier is received from a communication device at an electronic control unit (ECU) of a first vehicle. The unique identifier is received when the first vehicle has reached a first location along a first portion of the path. A communication channel is established between the first vehicle and the communication device based on the received unique identifier. Data associated with a second portion of the path is received by the ECU from the communication device based on the established communication channel. Alert information associated with the second portion of the path is generated by the ECU based on the received data.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a trigger module, a fuel control module, and a cylinder control module. The trigger module generates a trigger when an engine speed is greater than a first predetermined speed. The first predetermined speed is greater than zero. The fuel control module cuts off fuel to cylinders of the engine in response to the generation of the trigger. The cylinder control module selectively disables opening of intake and exhaust valves of the cylinders in response to the generation of the trigger after the fuel is cut off.

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.

Abstract: An electronic digital governor assembly includes a case, a printed circuit board housed within said case, the printed circuit board having control circuitry configured for controlling at least one parameter of an energy production device, and a user interface including a digital display for displaying a value of the at least one parameter and at least one button for selectively adjusting the value.

Abstract: Supply of supplementary fuel is controlled by activation of a valve in response to certain engine operating conditions or parameters. For example, the supplementary fuel may be supplied to facilitate starting and warming up a cold engine, or to cool and/or slow down an engine operating above a threshold speed.

Abstract: A power train is provided having an engine operably coupled to a transmission. The power train also has at least one operator interface device, each operator interface device being configured to generate an operator request. In addition, the power train has a controller configured to, in response to a first operator request, override a second operator request for a desired target engine speed by lowering a current engine speed to a modified target engine speed below the desired target engine speed.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for operating an engine in a vehicle in response to fuel having varying amounts of alcohol. One example method comprises delivering fuel to the engine, limiting engine speed during vehicle operation to a maximum permitted engine speed, the maximum permitted engine speed responsive to the amount of alcohol in the fuel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating at least one drive motor, particularly an internal combustion engine, of an automobile, particularly a motor vehicle, wherein the engine speed of the drive motor in the detected idle state of the motor vehicle does not exceed a predetermined maximum value by means of engine speed limitation. It is provided that the idle state detected is verified at least once by means of a test cycle.

Abstract: A vehicle speed control system for controlling a vehicle on a chassis dynamometer is comprised of a controller which is arranged to receive a vehicle speed command, to obtain an anticipated vehicle speed command from the vehicle speed command taking account of a delay factor of a control system of the vehicle, to calculate a driving force a driving force command from the anticipated vehicle speed command, to obtain an accelerator opening command from a previously stored driving force characteristic map based on the driving force command and a detected vehicle speed, and to control an accelerator opening of the vehicle according to the accelerator opening command so as to adjust the detected vehicle at the vehicle speed command.

Abstract: A wheel speed detection system including a rotator, a sensor head, a detector, a pulse converter, a speed calculator and a threshold shifter. Plural concave and convex portions are formed on a periphery of the rotator rotating together with a wheel. The sensor head includes a coil to generate an alternate current magnetic field. The detector excites the coil to generate an eddy current on the concave and convex portions, and outputs alternate current detection signals corresponding to changes in the eddy current generated with rotation of the rotator. The pulse converter converts the alternate current detection signals into pulse signals according to preset threshold levels. The speed calculator calculates rotational speed of the wheel based on the pulse signals. The threshold shifter shifts the threshold levels corresponding to a difference between a default average and an average of the alternate current detection signals actually outputted from the detector.

Abstract: A multipurpose engine controller comprises a control unit for switching between supplying and stopping power supplied from an ignition circuit to a spark plug on the basis of two states, i.e., the operating state of the multipurpose engine determined based on a detection signal from the engine speed sensor, and the state of the level of the oil inside the crankcase determined based on a detection signal from the float-type oil level sensor.

Abstract: A method and a device for operating a drive unit of a vehicle are provided, which result in reduced fuel consumption in the overrun condition. An output variable of the drive unit is set, in this context, according to a preset driving strategy in the overrun condition of the drive unit. At least two preset driving strategies are specified for the overrun condition of the drive unit. In the overrun condition, one of the specified driving strategies is selected as a function of a driving situation.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling the speed of a vehicle are described. In the transition from a dynamic to a steady-state operating state, the initially accepted setpoint value is corrected using a correcting value which depends on the system deviation prevailing at the time when the longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle has reached, exceeded, or fallen below a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates to an engine cooling system monitoring system. There is a need for a cooling system monitoring system for an engine system wherein the coolant is maintained at a precise temperature. Thus, a cooling system monitoring system is provided for an engine system having internal combustion engine, a fan driven by a variable speed fan drive, and a radiator for cooling coolant circulating through the engine. The monitoring system includes a fan speed sensor generating a fan speed signal, a control unit and a display device controlled by the control unit. The control unit generates a cooling system status signal as a function of the fan speed signal and a maximum fan speed value. The display device has visible position range associated with a normal engine operating temperature, and has an indicator movable within said position range in response to the cooling system status signal to indicate a status of the engine cooling system.

Abstract: An engine control system and an engine control method are disclosed wherein a combustible component quantity of intake air, reflecting combustible components in a crankcase of an engine, is calculated on the basis of a deviation between basic injection quantity for a target rotational speed to be attained and an actual injection quantity during operation to perform idling stabilizing control. A ratio of the combustible components mixed to engine oil is calculated on the basis of the combustible component quantity of intake air and a temperature of engine oil. During a status of the engine with a given temperature of engine oil and the mixing ratio of the combustible components in engine oil, a fuel injection affect eliminating operation is executed.

Abstract: A method and system for operating an engine wherein ignition of the engine is activated according to a predetermined timing schedule that references engine speed, and the ignition is suppressed above a predetermined engine speed threshold to allow engine speed to fall below the predetermined engine speed threshold. Thereafter, ignition is reactivated according to timing that is retarded relative to the predetermined timing schedule for a predetermined number of engine revolutions substantially when the engine speed has fallen below the predetermined engine speed threshold, thereby mitigating undesirable spikes in combustion chamber maximum pressure.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for controlling the drive unit of a vehicle is suggested wherein a limiter is provided to limit the engine rpm to a pregiven limit value in at least one operating state. The limiter is controlled to be ineffective in this at least one operating state in dependence upon at least one additional operating variable.

Abstract: An engine control system for a compression ignition engine employs a microprocessor-based controller that detects engine operation in a speed range previously determined to be undesirable, and responding to the detection by changing operation of the engine. In the preferred embodiment, the controller commands a parameter for adjusting engine operation to reach a different speed outside of first and second thresholds defining the undesirable range in a time period subsequent to the detection.

Abstract: A vehicle speed reducing system for limiting the speed of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle speed reducing system includes a detector unit for determining a suspension status and a road speed of a vehicle, and outputting a suspension status signal and a vehicle speed signal. A vehicle control device determines whether the vehicle is driven at a non-standard ride height (i.e., air suspended) and exceeds a predetermined maximum speed limit based on the suspension status signal and the vehicle speed signal, respectively. An engine control device limits the speed of the vehicle to a predetermined minimum speed limit if it is determined that the vehicle is driven at the non-standard ride height and exceeds the predetermined maximum speed limit. Since the air suspended vehicle is limited to a minimum speed limit, damage to the vehicle's components is prevented.

Abstract: A working vehicle is provided for improving safety and work efficiency by changing a travel speed limit appropriately depending on forms and conditions of work. The working vehicle is driven with an engine, and a working machine such as a working pump is mounted on the vehicle. Fuel supplied to the engine is regulated by an injector. Travel speeds of the working vehicle are detected with a vehicle speed sensor. A control unit is provided with a high speed travel mode which limits vehicle speed at or below a predetermined high speed limit and a low speed travel mode which limits vehicle speed at or below a low speed limit which is set below the high speed limit. In this way, either the high speed travel mode or the low speed travel mode is set according to a changeover signal from a travel mode changeover switch.

Abstract: A method of providing an incentive in the form of increased allowable vehicle operating speed for meeting a minimum fuel economy goal. The operation of the vehicle is limited to speeds below the allowable vehicle operating speed. Signals indicative of vehicle fuel economy over a predetermined distance of vehicle travel are collected and stored. A determination is made as to whether the operator has met the minimum fuel economy based on the collected signals, such as percentage of operating time spent idling. The allowable vehicle operating speed is increased to an incentive speed when said operator has met the minimum fuel economy. The collected signals are replaced with newly collected signals after the vehicle has traveled the predetermined distance. The allowable vehicle operating speed is equal to the incentive speed during the interval in which the vehicle has not yet traveled the predetermined distance of vehicle travel.

Abstract: A system (12) and method for automatically monitoring and/or controlling the actual speed of a vehicle (10) relative to the legal speed limit of the geographic area the vehicle is located in. A wireless transmission (32) containing location or legal speed limit information is received from a transmission source (24). If location information is obtained, database (40) is queried to obtain legal speed limit information for the physical location of the vehicle. The legal speed limit is stored into a memory space (36). Alternatively, the legal speed limit is used to control the actual speed of the vehicle. In a monitor mode, the system (12) compares the actual speed of the vehicle to the legal speed limit with a processor (37), and the relative information may be communicated to the driver. In an offset mode, the system (12) controls the actual speed of the vehicle to an offset amount relative to the legal speed limit, where the offset amount is set by the driver of the vehicle.

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).

Abstract: A target torque is determined in a target torque determination device on the basis of an accelerator operation amount detected by an accelerator operation amount detector and power source output detected by a power source output detector. A target driving force is determined in a target driving-force determination device on the basis of driving force detected by a driving-force detector and the target torque. A target acceleration is determined in a target acceleration determination device on the basis of a travel resistance detected by a travel resistance detecting device and the target driving force. The operation of an actuator is controlled on the basis of an acceleration detected by an acceleration detecting device and the target acceleration. Thus, it is possible to provide a power source output control in accordance with the travel resistance, while simultaneously taking into consideration the current state of the power source and the responsiveness thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle engine speed controller for automatically determining the electrical load demand made of the engine electrical system from portable auxiliary and vehicle mounted electrically operated or controlled equipment, singly or in combination, and controlling the engine throttle speed setting through a governor with certain fail safe control mechanisms.

Abstract: An overload warning apparatus for an internal combustion engine, wherein a switch is mounted adjacent the throttle control plate of the carburetor such that an outwardly extending leg of the plate engages and depresses a switch upon movement of the plate into its wide open position. Once depressed, the switch closes an electrical circuit to energize an indicator to alert an operator of the wide open throttle condition. Alternatively, the switch is located adjacent the governor lever of the engine such that the governor lever depresses the switch upon movement of the lever to a position causing the throttle plate to be moved into its wide open position.

Abstract: An automotive cruise control system equipped with an actuator to regulate the state of an automobile in accordance with a control signal indicative of an actuator control amount so that the vehicle maintains a target speed, the actuator control amount being determined on the basis of the speed of the vehicle and the operation state of the actuator. The automotive cruise control system is arranged so as to divide the vehicle into first and second systems: the first system on-line-identifies a model corresponding to the state of the vehicle; the second system on-line-identifies a model corresponding to the actuator used in the vehicle. The actuator control amount is calculated on the basis of the first and second system models to produce the actuator control signal in correspondence with these models.

Abstract: An electronic integrated engine and vehicle management and control system includes an electronic vehicle control module and a fuel injection control module, in communication with each other, which together control the total vehicle and engine operation functions of a heavy duty vehicle. A novel fuel injection timing device is utilized with the control module to allow precise and sophisticated control of engine timing based on a number of engine and vehicle operating parameters as determined by the control modules. Functions such as engine speed control, vehicle road speed control, engine protection shutdown, fuel economy, braking control and diagnostics are performed by the system.

Abstract: An accelerator sensor is provided for detecting the degree of depression of an accelerator depression pedal of a vehicle. A torque sensor is provided for detecting the output torque of the transmission. The torque detected by the torque sensor is compared with a predetermined value. When the detected torque is larger than the predetermined value, an engine stop signal is produced, thereby stopping operation of the engine.

Abstract: A constant speed drive unit or cruise control in which an output approximate to a required gain characteristic is obtained from a speed signal, frequency conversion of the approximate output is carried out, and a motor is driven with a converted frequency pulse, whereby variable gain control approximate to a gain of the automobile is achieved. When speed deviation (difference between actual speed and set speed) is small, operation is switched to a constant gain control to improve control stability.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a control circuit for controlling the speed of an electric fuel pump for an internal combustion engine having fuel injection and includes a speed limit-value comparator for controlling the speed or delivery rate of the fuel pump to a value below the minimum speed or delivery rate for a speed of the engine above a specific predetermined limit speed which is impermissibly high. The minimum speed or minimum delivery rate is then the delivery rate which is required for at least building up the system pressure in the fuel injection system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for disabling an automobile powered by an engine utilizing an automatic transmission with a gear selector movable between non-drive and drive positions. After the engine is started up with the gear selector in a non-drive position, the movement of the latter into a drive position initiates a timer to deliver a signal for a predetermined period of time such as 15 seconds. That signal is employed to disable the engine within the vehicle if during that period an acceleration or throttle measuring device indicates that excessive acceleration is occurring or that a seat sensor device indicates that the driver is not present. Acceleration is measured by sensing intake manifold pressure or throttle position.

Abstract: The invention comprises a tachometer for aircraft for determining engine operating parameters from magneto signals from right and left magnetos. A signal conditioning circuit receives ignition signals from at least one magneto and modifies the ignition signals to provide a right and left train of input pulses for the microprocessor. The microprocessor follows a stored program to develop filtered quantitites depicting right rpm, and left rpm for respective right and left engines, or right and left magnetos of a single engine. The maximum rpm achieved during operation is also stored, along with the difference between the right and left rpms, the change in rpm over a period of time, and average rpm of two engines. A mode switch selects from right rpm, left rpm, maximum rpm, difference rpm, change in rpm over time, and average rpm for display on the display means. A method for calculating highly accurate engine RPM is disclosed.

Abstract: In a speed control system for a vehicle, when a desired running speed of the vehicle is to be preset, the desired running speed of the vehicle is compared with the actual running speed so that when the resulting difference between the desired running speed and the actual running speed exceeds a predetermined range, the operation of presetting the desired running speed is limited.

Abstract: A novel constant-speed drive system for automotive vehicles is disclosed, in which in response to an instruction for constant-speed drive while the vehicle is under acceleration, it is decided whether the vehicle acceleration at that particular time is higher than a predetermined value, and in accordance with the result of this decision, the change rate of the opening of the throttle valve is determined by use of an equation in which the value of a factor is set accordingly. In the case where the acceleration is comparatively high, the value of the factor may be changed to improve the responsiveness of the change rate of the opening of the throttle valve with the change in vehicle speed, thus making it possible to fully prevent the overshoot of the running vehicle speed.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for a construction machine having an engine includes sensors for detecting abnormality conditions at various predetermined inspection positions. A warning system, cooperating with the sensors, provides an engine idling signal and a visual display in accordance with the detected abnormality condition. A delay circuit causes the warning system to activate the visual display only if the abnormality condition continues for a predetermined time after issuance of the engine idling signal. The engine idling signal itself is provided without delay upon detection of the abnormality condition, and causes the engine to idle.

Abstract: In order to prolong the life of the engine the maximum temperature and engine speed thereof are limited in accordance with the temperature of the engine coolant by controlling the amount of fuel supplied to said engine. During "running-in" of the engine the maximum temperature and engine speed limits are gradually increased until a predetermined amount of distance has been traversed by the vehicle in which the engine is disposed.

Abstract: Cruise control system and method for maintaining a vehicle such as an automobile at a desired speed. An overspeed sensor monitors the engine speed and disengages the system in the event of a sudden increase in the engine speed, as occurs, for example, when the clutch of a vehicle having a manual transmission is disengaged.

Abstract: An engine governor having overriding means for limiting the flow of fuel to an engine, means for moving the overriding means to an intermediate reference position upon actuation of the governor, and means for moving the overriding means from the reference position to other positions for limiting the flow of fuel to that suitable for operating the engine at speeds close to a set speed. Means for actuating the governor before the engine reaches the set speed, means for moving the overriding means from the reference position to the other limiting positions at a very slow rate, and means for moving the overriding means toward limiting the fuel flow to a minimum when an over-running load causes the engine speed to run a predetermined amount above the set speed.

Abstract: An engine governor having overriding means for limiting the flow of fuel to an engine, means for moving the overriding means to an intermediate reference position upon actuation of the governor, and means for moving the overriding means from the reference position to other positions for limiting the flow of fuel to that suitable for operating the engine at speeds close to a set speed. Means for actuating the governor before the engine reaches the set speed, means for moving the overriding means from the reference position to the other limiting positions at a very slow rate, and means for moving the overriding means toward limiting the fuel flow to a minimum when an over-running load causes the engine speed to run a predetermined amount above the set speed.

Abstract: An electrical speed control system for selectively connecting an accessory to a vehicle engine having a conventional alternator driven thereby, utilizes the voltage output of the alternator stator to determine the rotational speed of the engine, and permits the accessory to be connected to the engine when the shaft speed is at or below a maximum safe engagement speed, and disconnects the accessory when the speed is above a maximum safe speed for the accessory. The speed control system further prevents reengagement of the accessory after reaching and falling below the high-speed disengage point until the rotational speed of the engine has fallen below the maximum safe engagement speed level.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for disengaging an electronic speed control system when the rate of change of the automobile engine speed exceeds a predetermined amount is disclosed. A ferrite or powdered iron ring current transformer generates an input signal to the electronic circuit from one of the spark plug wires in the engine. The pulses from the ring current transformer are passed through a monostable multivibrator circuit and a filter network to a differentiator. The output of the differentiator is connected to a high limit detector and a low limit detector. When the rate of change of engine speed exceeds a predetermined amount, a signal is generated to disengage the speed control circuit.

Abstract: A failsafe system for an engine-control servomotor compares a servomotor command signal to a feedback signal from the servomotor. When the magnitude of the difference between the two signals is greater than a predetermined value for a predetermined time, the failsafe system shuts down the servomotor or performs some other engine shut-down procedure. The failsafe system includes a comparator for comparing the two signals, the output of which leads to two other op-amp-type comparators connected in parallel, which work on negative or positive outputs of the first-mentioned comparator, respectively. Each of the later comparators receives a reference voltage input against which to compare the output of the first-mentioned comparator. Their outputs lead parallelly to time-delay circuits which check for a positive output for a predetermined length of time by a well-known capacitor-integration technique.

Abstract: A device for controlling the speed of travel of an automotive vehicle, having a desired-value transmitter 2 which is adjustable by a gas pedal 1 and the output signal of which can act on a setting member 5 of an element which controls the fuel/air mixture. The device has a setting-member transmitter 29, which produces a signal corresponding to the position of the setting member 5, as well as an alarm circuit 6, 7 via which an alarm signal can be fed to an alarm device when, the desired-value transmitter 2 not being actuated, the setting member 5 is in a gas position. The alarm circuit 6, 7 is developed in such a manner that an error in the alarm circuit 6, 7 can also be indicated.

Abstract: This specification discloses an engine control apparatus to limit engine speed. Various sensors can be used to generate electrical signals which are processed by logic means to generate a signal to limit engine speed. There is thus provided an additional safeguard against uncontrolled vehicle acceleration. Typical sensed operating conditions used to determine the need for an output limiting engine speed include engine speed, vehicle speed, throttle angle position, engine load and a brake sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the speed of an engine of a vehicle includes a processor (26) for comparing actual speed of the engine with a reference speed and for generating output signals if the actual speed is in excess of the reference speed, the output signals controlling valves (13, 14 and 15) of an air supply system (12) to a retarder of the vehicle and being arranged to operate sequentially to control progressively magnitude of power applied to the retarder if control of the vehicle is not effected to reduce speed of the engine during sequential periods of predetermined duration.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit is disclosed for an engine and load speed governor of the type comprising an overriding throttle closing device. The control circuit comprises engine speed signal generating circuit and a load speed generating circuit to provide electrical speed signals to the input of a microprocessor. The microprocessor develops motor control signals for a reversible electric motor which drives the actuator for the throttle limiting device. The motor control signals for operation in the close throttle direction and the open throttle direction are developed at different outputs of the microprocessor and applied to respective inputs of a motor driver circuit. The motor control signals produced by the microprocessor are time modulated, either pulse rate or pulse width, in accordance with the operating conditions of the engine or load to provide operation of the motor at precisely controlled slow speeds.

Abstract: Controls are provided to directly or indirectly avoid operation of the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle in a range of speed and output power which is detrimental to engine efficiency. The controls become operative upon attainment of a predetermined limit value for engine parameters.

Abstract: The maximum speed in an internal combustion engine is limited by circuitry which can be adjusted to conditions requiring a lower-than-normal top speed, for example during initial delivery to the customer and during the break-in period of the engine. The top speed limiter includes a comparator for suppressing or altering the fuel injection pulses. As a feature of the invention, the reference signal applied to the comparator and representing the top engine speed can be changed either manually or on the basis of elapsed time or mileage.

Abstract: For use on an automotive vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine and an automatic speed control system, a device for detecting accidental engine load removal and for providing disengagement of the speed control system to prevent an engine runaway condition. The device comprises a circuit that compares present engine speed with a previous engine speed furnished after a time delay to produce an output signal when a preselected engine speed differential occurs during the delay period. The output signal is utilized to disengage the speed control system directly or alternatively, to turn off the engine ignition system.