Internal-combustion Engine Ignition System Or Device Patents (Class 324/378)
  • Patent number: 10935462
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating an actual compression ratio of an engine cylinder based on the electric current applied to an actuator of the associated variable compression ratio mechanism. The compression ratio is estimated as a function of both a value and a location, relative to cylinder piston position, of a peak holding current applied by an electric motor on the actuator to maintain the actuator at a commanded compression ratio setting. In this way, the vehicle control system may more accurately infer the current actual compression ratio of each cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Glugla, Gopichandra Surnilla, Imtiaz Ali, Lyth Alobiedat
  • Patent number: 10790623
    Abstract: An interconnection unit includes a first connector configured to be coupled to an electronic device. There is a second connector configured to be coupled to a power station and to provide a path to the electronic device via the first connector. There is a low pass filter coupled between the first connector and the second connector and configured to allow the electronic device to receive power from the power station while maintaining data security of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ning Duan, Peng Gao, Chun Yang Ma, Zhi Hu Wang, Ren Jie Yao
  • Patent number: 10697420
    Abstract: A turbine engine ignition system comprising a spark plug having excitation and return terminals, and a spark plug exciter connected to the excitation terminal. The return terminal is connected to an equipotential reference-forming structure, the exciter device is connected to a command line for a signal to supply an excitation signal to the spark plug. The ignition system comprises a control device comprising current and voltage sensors, a first voltage comparator, a second current comparator, and a microcontroller receiving output from the two comparators. The first comparator compares the voltage sensor signal to a first reference value and the second comparator compares the current sensor signal to a second reference value. The microcontroller generates a signal indicating a malfunction of the ignition system if the current sensor signal is lower than the second reference value while the voltage sensor signal is higher than the first reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS SAS
    Inventors: Richard Ambroise, Xavier Collas
  • Patent number: 10635565
    Abstract: A system, includes: a distributed cache that stores state information for a plurality of configuration items (CIs). Management, instrumentation, and discovery (MID) servers form a cluster, each of the MID servers including one or more processors that receive, from the distributed cache, a subset of the state information associated with assigned CIs and perform a statistical analysis on the subset of the state information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: ServiceNow, Inc.
    Inventors: Kanwaldeep K. Dang, Purushottam Amradkhar, James Crotinger, Stephen Scott Tucker, Dustin Lennon
  • Patent number: 10590903
    Abstract: A method for monitoring an ignition system including a spark plug of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The method comprises determining an operation value associated with an electrical parameter indicative of an operation of the ignition system during actuation of the spark plug. The method further comprises determining at least one parameter indicative of a current engine operation condition of the internal combustion engine, and determining a current spark plug state of the spark plug based on the at least one engine parameter and the operation value associated with the electrical parameter of the ignition system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Darshit Shah, Heiko Lenhardt
  • Patent number: 10544773
    Abstract: An engine ignition system for a spark-ignited engine includes a sparkplug and a control system having primary ignition circuitry, secondary ignition circuitry coupled with electrodes of the sparkplug, and sensing circuitry. A control device determines a timing of spark production based on a pattern of varying of an electrical property in the primary ignition circuitry. An inflection point in a sensed current signal may be detected to determine the timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William Hoban, Morteza Rezaei, Ioan Paduret, James Siegle
  • Patent number: 10486713
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring a switch included in a vehicle. One method includes a method of monitoring a switch included in a vehicle. The method includes obtaining a current vehicle speed, and dynamically, by a controller, generating a duration for detecting a stuck state of the switch based on at least the current vehicle speed, detecting, by the controller, a duration of a high signal received from the switch. The method also includes comparing, by the controller, the duration of the high signal to the generated duration, and detecting, by the controller a stuck state of the switch when the duration of the high signal satisfies the generated duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ankit Shah, Hirak Chanda
  • Patent number: 10393545
    Abstract: A sensor unit (2) for a motor vehicle or trailer is disclosed. The sensor unit comprises a sensor measuring arrangement (16) for sensing at least one physical variable, a sensor housing (12) partly or fully enclosing the sensor measuring arrangement (16) and at least two connecting lines (18). The sensor unit (2) with the sensor housing (12) is electrically connectable to a conductive part of the motor vehicle or trailer and the sensor measuring arrangement (16) is connectable to an analyzer (6) via the connecting lines (18). Related methods, a sensing and analysis device, and motor vehicles or trailers including the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Bormann, Jens Gröger, Hartmut Schappler, Marek Swoboda
  • Patent number: 10288186
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for driving a solenoid valve. The apparatus comprises a PWM apparatus, an evaluation and control unit, and a current measuring apparatus The evaluation and control unit is configured to: in a test operation, generate and emit test PWM signals having test duty ratios, the test PWM signals inducing test currents through a magnet assembly of the solenoid valve that are below a response threshold that triggers a switching process of the solenoid valve; derive presently prevailing ambient conditions of the test operation from the test PWM signals and the induced test currents; and in a normal operation generate and emit a PWM signal based on the presently prevailing ambient conditions of the test operation, the PWM signal inducing a current that is above the response threshold and switches the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andrej Gardt, Christoph Eisele, Valentin Schubitschew, Volker Edelmann
  • Patent number: 10208697
    Abstract: A powertrain assembly includes an engine having at least one cylinder and at least one electric machine operatively connected to the engine. A motor speed sensor is operatively connected to and configured to obtain motor speed data of the electric machine. A controller is operatively connected to the motor speed sensor. The controller including a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method for detection of firing irregularities in the at least one cylinder. Execution of the instructions by the processor causes the controller to obtain the motor speed data at a predefined time interval from the motor speed sensor, until a predefined time window is reached. A fast Fourier transform of the motor speed data during the predefined time window is obtained. The controller is configured to control the engine based at least partially on the fast Fourier Transform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Martin E. Rosalik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9970406
    Abstract: An ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided which includes a state-of-discharge determiner working to determine whether a center and a ground electrode of a spark plug are electrically conducting with each other or insulated from each other. When the center and ground electrodes are determined to be conducted with each other, the ignition apparatus alters controlled conditions of a high-frequency power supply which supplies a high-frequency power to the spark plug so as to decrease an average of a primary voltage outputted from the high-frequency power supply to the spark plug, thereby reducing an actual current flowing between the center and ground electrodes of the spark plug. This eliminates the risk of mechanical wear of the center and ground electrodes which usually arises from the flow of high current between the center and ground electrodes, thus resulting in an increase in service life of the spark plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shota Kinoshita, Shinichi Okabe, Akimitsu Sugiura
  • Patent number: 9813436
    Abstract: A method of operating a predetermined electronic control unit is provided for a vehicle comprising: a vehicle network bus and one or more electronic control units coupled to the bus. The method comprises: providing the predetermined electronic control unit of with a processor, a memory, an interface to the vehicle network bus, and an intrusion detection program. The method further comprises: utilizing the predetermined electronic control unit to monitor data on the vehicle network bus; executing the intrusion detection program to detect one or more anomalies in the monitored data; and utilizing the predetermined electronic control unit to generate an alert upon detection of one or more anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby, Daniel J OBrien, John M Merritt, Stephan A Tarnutzer
  • Patent number: 9787702
    Abstract: An electronic control unit is provided for installation in a vehicle. The electronic control unit is operable to provide intrusion detection for the vehicle electronic systems. The electronic control unit comprises: a processor; a memory; and an interface to a vehicle network bus coupled to vehicle electronic control units. The processor utilizes the interface to monitor data on the vehicle network bus. An intrusion detection program is stored in the memory and is executable by the processor. The processor utilizes the intrusion detection program to detect one or more anomalies in the monitored data. The electronic control unit generates an alert upon detection of one or more anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby, Daniel J Obrien, John M Merritt, Stephan A Tarnutzer
  • Patent number: 9787694
    Abstract: An embodiment is provided of a mobile router for installation in a vehicle comprising a vehicle network bus coupled to a plurality of electronic control units. The mobile router comprises: a processor; a memory comprising a plurality of programs; a wireless wide area network interface; a wireless local area network interface; and an interface to the vehicle network bus coupled to vehicle electronic control units. The processor utilizes the interface to monitor data on the vehicle network bus. The plurality of programs comprises an intrusion detection program executable by the processor to detect one or more anomalies in the monitored data; and to generate an alert upon detection of one or more anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby, Daniel J OBrien, John M Merritt, Stephan A Tarnutzer
  • Patent number: 9787703
    Abstract: A method of operating a mobile router installed in a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a vehicle network bus coupled to a plurality of electronic control units. The mobile router comprises: a wireless wide area network interface a wireless local area network interface; an interface to the vehicle network bus; a processor; and a memory comprising a plurality of programs. The plurality of programs comprises an intrusion detection program executable by the processor. The method of operating a mobile router comprises: monitoring data on the vehicle network bus; utilizing the intrusion detection program to detect one or more anomalies in the monitored data; and generating an alert upon detection of one or more of anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby, Daniel J Obrien, John M Merritt, Stephan A Tarnutzer
  • Patent number: 9776597
    Abstract: In an embodiment of a vehicle, the vehicle comprises: a vehicle network bus; one or more electronic control units coupled to the bus. One electronic control unit comprises: a processor; a memory; an interface to the vehicle network bus; and an intrusion detection program stored in the memory and executable by the processor. The processor utilizes the interface to monitor data on the vehicle network bus and utilizes the intrusion detection program to detect one or more anomalies in the monitored data. The electronic control unit generates an alert upon detection of one or more anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby, Daniel J Obrien, John M Merritt, Stephan A Tarnutzer
  • Patent number: 9777695
    Abstract: A high-frequency discharge ignition device includes a current supply device which supplies an AC current to a spark discharge path formed in a gap of an ignition plug, a control device which controls the operation of the current supply device, and a voltage detection device which outputs a signal of a section where a magnetic induction voltage of a primary coil generated after a switch element of an ignition coil device is placed in a shutoff state exceeds a predetermined voltage, and the control device determines the timing when the spark discharge path has been formed in the gap of the ignition plug according to an output signal of the voltage detection device and operates the current supply device based on the timing when the spark discharge path has been formed in the gap of the ignition plug to supply the AC current to the spark discharge path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Itoi, Hiroshi Okuda, Kimihiko Tanaya
  • Patent number: 9762600
    Abstract: An embodiment is provided of a mobile router for installation in a vehicle comprising a vehicle network bus coupled to a plurality of electronic control units. The mobile router comprises: a processor; a memory comprising a plurality of programs; a wireless wide area network interface; a wireless local area network interface; and an interface to the vehicle network bus coupled to vehicle electronic control units. The processor utilizes the interface to monitor data on the vehicle network bus. The plurality of programs comprises an intrusion detection program executable by the processor to detect one or more anomalies in the monitored data; and to generate an alert upon detection of one or more anomalies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas S Moeller, Ronald W Pashby, Daniel J Obrien, John M Merritt, Stephan A Tarnutzer
  • Patent number: 9733230
    Abstract: This invention encompasses embodiments for multi-modal integrated simultaneous measurement of various aspects of fluids contained in circulating systems such as automotive reciprocating engines and vehicle transmissions. These circulating systems perform constant internal lubrication, and heat and contaminant removal to protect the internal moving parts from the inherent friction and damage in normal operation. Most commonly this is achieved with fluids based on hydrocarbon and/or related synthetics, which, over time, can lose their protective properties, and vary in their performance or breakdown/decay due to internal and external events. Several components within the lubricant fluid can be measured and can provide insight into the efficacy of the system to perform its designed mission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: MASTINC
    Inventors: Brian Von Herzen, Steven Van Fleet
  • Patent number: 9664130
    Abstract: Various methods and arrangements for determining a combustion control parameter for a working chamber in an engine are described. In one aspect, an engine controller includes a firing counter that stores a firing history for the working chamber. A combustion control module is used to determine a combustion control parameter, which is used to help manage combustion in the working chamber. The combustion control parameter is determined based at least in part on the firing history.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Wilcutts, Xin Yuan, Joshua P. Switkes, Li-Chun Chien, Steven E. Carlson, Christopher W. Chandler, Christopher C. Hand, Matthew A. Younkins, Adya S. Tripathi
  • Patent number: 9473831
    Abstract: This invention encompasses embodiments for multi-modal integrated simultaneous measurement of various aspects of fluids contained in circulating systems such as automotive reciprocating engines and vehicle transmissions. These circulating systems perform constant internal lubrication, and heat and contaminant removal to protect the internal moving parts from the inherent friction and damage in normal operation. Most commonly this is achieved with fluids based on hydrocarbon and/or related synthetics, which, over time, can lose their protective properties, and vary in their performance or breakdown/decay due to internal and external events. Several components within the lubricant fluid can be measured and can provide insight into the efficacy of the system to perform its designed mission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: MASTINC
    Inventors: Brian Von Herzen, Steven Van Fleet
  • Patent number: 9433042
    Abstract: A device and system for controlling a light source. The device has a positive terminal and a negative terminal for setting the high-end trim of a light source, the device includes several zener diodes each having a different zener voltage; and a selector having a plurality of positions, positioning the selector in each of the plurality of positions couples a corresponding one of the zener diodes between the positive terminal and the negative terminal. The cathode of the selected zener diode is coupled to the positive terminal and the anode of the selected zener diode is coupled to the negative terminal. The selected zener diode limits the voltage across the positive terminal and the negative terminal to set the high-end trim of a 0-10 volt lighting control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert R. Nankil, Pritam Yadav
  • Patent number: 9382893
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a semiconductor device that includes a voltage-controlled type semiconductor element connected to a primary side of an ignition coil for supplying a voltage to an ignition device of an internal combustion engine, a first resistor and a second resistor inserted in series in a supplying path of an input signal for controlling a gate of the voltage-controlled type semiconductor element and a current control circuit including a current limiting circuit for controlling current flowing through the voltage-controlled type semiconductor element. Aspects of the invention also include a first by-pass forming element that is connected in parallel to the second resistor and by-passes the second resistor in a turning ON process of the voltage-controlled type semiconductor element, and a second by-pass forming element that is connected in parallel to the first resistor and the second resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakamura, Shigemi Miyazawa, Hideki Miura
  • Patent number: 9350186
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a battery for supplying power to a starter motor of a vehicle, and a battery management unit for monitoring a condition of the battery, and for blocking the supply of power from the battery to the starter motor when a stability condition requirement for the battery is not satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ri-A Ju, Hyun Kim, Ji-Hong Lim, Suk-Kyum Kim, Seong-Joon Park
  • Patent number: 9086046
    Abstract: An ignition apparatus is provided with a Zener diode as a limiter device, which limits a primary voltage of an ignition coil to be less than a Zener voltage, and a switching circuit, which prohibits a limiter function of the Zener diode at a start of discharge and switches the limiter device to perform the limiter function for a predetermined time period following the start of discharge. A secondary voltage is limited to be more than a secondary limit value. Even when blowout arises in discharging, re-discharging is avoided from arising immediately after the blowout and exhaustion of a spark plug caused by repetition of discharging is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji Kajita, Masamichi Shibata, Yasuomi Imanaka, Atsuya Mizutani, Tsutomu Oosuka
  • Patent number: 8978632
    Abstract: A method of ion sensing in a CD ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprises: a) closing the controllable switch in synchronism with the internal combustion engine for a period of time to transfer energy to the ignition coil primary to cause a spark breakdown across the spark plug; and b) observing the current in the secondary winding circuit indicative of ionization in the vicinity of the spark plug electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hoerbiger Kompressortechnik Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Steinrueck, Gerhard Ranegger, Joseph M. Lepley, Steven B. Pirko
  • Patent number: 8973249
    Abstract: Test fixtures for automotive parts, methods of fabricating test fixtures for automotive parts, and methods of heat testing automotive parts are disclosed. A method of fabricating a test fixture for supporting an automotive part may include forming a plurality of vertical support blades. Each of the plurality of vertical support blades comprises a support portion contoured to correspond to at least a portion of an underside of the automotive part. The method further includes assembling the plurality of vertical support blades such that each vertical support blade is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from an adjacent vertical support blade. The method further includes attaching the plurality of vertical support blades to a base such that the support portion of each of the plurality of vertical support blades is positioned to engage the corresponding portion of the underside of the automotive part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew James Mahaffy
  • Publication number: 20140117991
    Abstract: A method of inspecting a glow plug including an inner conductor and an outer disposed member, where the inner conductor includes an electrically conductive heating unit and an energization member to provide an energization path to the heating unit, and the outer disposed member includes a housing for the heating unit and a metal tubular member disposed on an outer periphery of the energization member. The method includes inspecting for the presence of short circuit abnormality based on a value that varies in response to a current that flows through the inner conductor upon application of a high voltage higher than a voltage applied during normal use of the glow plug to the inner conductor for a time short enough to suppress a temperature rise of the inner conductor due to application of the high voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiaki KUMADA, Shunsuke Gotoh
  • Patent number: 8482288
    Abstract: The particulate matter detection device of the present invention is a particulate matter detection device 100 including an electrode portion 21 and detection means 23 for detecting an electrical characteristic of the electrode portion 21, whereby a particulate matter 36 contained in an exhaust gas 32 is detected on the basis of a change of the electrical characteristic due to the particulate matter 36 attached to the electrode portion 21. The particulate matter detection device i00 further includes removal means 25 and abnormality judgment means 26 for comparing an initial electrical characteristic in a use initial state of the device with the electrical characteristic measured in a state where the particulate matter 36 attached to the surface of the electrode portion 21 is removed by the removal means 25, to judge whether or not the particulate matter detection device i00 has an abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignees: NGK Insulators, Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yokoi, Takayuki Sakurai, Tatsuya Okayama, Masanobu Miki, Keizo Iwama, Makoto Hattori, Hidetaka Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8248074
    Abstract: A fault detection method is provided for detecting faults in an injector arrangement. The injector arrangement includes one or more piezoelectric fuel injectors connected in an injector drive circuit, and the injector drive circuit is arranged to control operation of the one or more piezoelectric fuel injectors. The fault detection method includes determining a sample voltage at a sample point in the injector drive circuit at a first sample time. The sample voltage is the voltage on an injector or is related to the voltage on an injector. The method further includes calculating a range of predicted voltages expected at the sample point at a second sample time following the first sample time, and determining the sample voltage at the sample point at the second sample time. The presence of a fault is detected if the sample voltage determined at the sample point at the second sample time is not within the range of predicted voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies Holding S.arl
    Inventors: Louisa J. Perryman, Daniel Jeremy Hopley
  • Patent number: 8050813
    Abstract: A control system comprising a powertrain relay diagnostic module that determines a single continuous period that a powertrain relay voltage is less than an ignition relay voltage, that compares the single continuous period to a single predetermined period, and that diagnoses a powertrain relay out of correlation (OOC) error when the single continuous period is greater than or equal to the single predetermined period, and an ignition relay diagnostic module that diagnoses an ignition relay OOC error when the ignition relay voltage is less than the powertrain relay voltage for a first predetermined cumulative period within a first predetermined total period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph M. Stempnik, Paul A. Bauerle, Debbie L. Makowske, Tracey A. Bagley-Reed, Sandra J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8023928
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring an analog data signal is provided that includes an analog data compression subsystem. The analog data compression subsystem includes a frequency bandpass filter, a rectifier, and an integrator such as a leaky integrator or one that is reset after being sampled. An analog data signal is bandpass filtered by the frequency bandpass filter, rectified, and integrated in the analog domain. The output of the integrator is converted into a digital data value by an analog-to-digital converter circuit that samples the integrator at a desired sample rate or duty cycle. The output of the integrator can trigger an event based upon established criteria. Multiple analog data compression subsystems can be used in parallel to monitor multiple frequency bands-of-interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Intuitive Research and Technology
    Inventors: Charles E. Fulks, III, Ray Kendall, Alan W. Segrest, Mark D. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20110210744
    Abstract: An automatic variable gain amplifier is provided. The automatic variable gain amplifier automatically adjusts the amplification of a signal, and in one embodiment, an ion signal, based on the amplitude of the peaks of the signal. The automatic variable gain amplifier detects the peaks of the signal, compares them to a threshold value, and, based on this comparison, varies the amount by which the signal is amplified. The automatic variable gain amplifier produces a composite output waveform for an input waveform with an amplitude that may vary over a plurality of orders of magnitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: WOODWARD GOVERNOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Barrett
  • Patent number: 7977939
    Abstract: A system and method for non-contact engine parameter sensing. A magnetized engine component establishes a magnetic field that varies in response to stress imparted within the engine. A magnetic field sensing element spaced from the magnetized engine component is configured to provide an output indicative of a state of combustion in response to the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Stoneridge Control Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Kayvan Hedayat, Norman Poirier
  • Patent number: 7952346
    Abstract: A method for estimating the magnetization level of one or more permanent magnets established in one or more permanent magnet rotors of a wind turbine generator includes the steps of: establishing one or more magnetization sensors at the stator of the generator, connecting the one or more magnetization sensors to a measuring mechanism, processing measured data in the measuring mechanism, and establishing values of magnetization. Furthermore the invention also relates to a wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Lars Helle, Morten Lindholm, Flemming Buus Bendixen
  • Patent number: 7948240
    Abstract: An abnormality diagnosing apparatus for a glow plug 8 provided in an engine 1. The glow plug 8 is energized by power supply from a battery 7 during a glow period from starting of the engine 1 to completion of engine starting. First, on the basis that power output edf from an alternator 12, which is driven to charge the battery 7, is within an appropriate range and that the variation ?edf of the power output edf at the end of the glow period is not more than a reference value a, it is determined if there is a possibility of an abnormality in the glow plug 8. After the determination, the plug 8 is energized temporarily. Then, on the basis that the power output edf is within a modified appropriate range, which has a greater upper limit than the previous appropriate range and that the variation ?edf while the plug 8 is energized is not more than the reference value a, it is determined that the an abnormality actually occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenichiro Kawase
  • Patent number: 7862230
    Abstract: On the fulfillment of a specified condition, a temperature signal outside an actuating device is detected to which a piezoelectric actuator is assigned. A piezoelectric temperature value is determined by the temperature signal. A temperature-capacitance characteristic value of the piezoelectric actuator is determined by the piezoelectric temperature value through specified mapping. A measured capacitance characteristic value is determined by a detected piezoelectric actuator charge and voltage corresponding to the temperature signal. A first correction capacitance characteristic value is determined by the measured capacitance characteristic value and the temperature-capacitance characteristic value. Independently, the charge and the voltage of the piezoelectric actuator is detected and the measured capacitance characteristic value is determined on the basis of these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Borgmann, Manfred Klepatsch, Stephan Wenzel
  • Patent number: 7859250
    Abstract: A sensor measures the position of an actuator of an internal combustion engine, wherein the actuator is electromotively driven by means of a drive connection. The housing of the actuator accommodates at least one position sensor which detects the position at the drive connection. At least one position sensor is connected to a circuit with an operating voltage source and receives signals from at least one position sensor. The circuit and the at least one position sensor are connected via a cable that conducts voltage and signals. The circuit comprises also at least one current measuring device connected in series to the operating voltage source. A current change is transmitted via the cable by means of the signals generated by the at least one position sensor depending on the position of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Wallrafen
  • Patent number: 7836864
    Abstract: An internal-combustion-engine combustion condition detection apparatus is provided with an ignition means that makes an ignition plug ignite a fuel; an ignition control means that controls the operation of the ignition means; an ion-current detection means that detects an ion current generated; an ion current detection range setting means that sets an ion-current detection range; a preignition detection means that detects preignition within a detection range to be set; a leakage current detection range setting means that sets a leakage-current detection range; and a leakage current determination means that determines whether or not a smolder exists, based on a current detected, within a detection range to be set, by the ion-current detection means. The ignition control means includes a non-combustion-stroke ignition control means; the leakage-current detection range set by the leakage current detection range setting means is set within the non-combustion stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiko Inada, Kimihiko Tanaya
  • Patent number: 7818105
    Abstract: When the mobile inspection terminal determines that the inspection standard information received from a server is the “specification”, it displays the received inspection standard information and out-of-standard specification information on a liquid crystal display. When it is confirmed in this state that selected inspection standard information is input, whether or not an part to be inspected is acceptable is determined based on the inspection standard information, and the server is notified of a result of determination. Further, when it is determined that the inspection standard information is the “measured value”, a measured value input screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display. When it is confirmed in this state that a measured value is input, whether or not the part to be inspected is acceptable or not is determined based on the input information, and the server is notified of a result of determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Engineering Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Tsubota, Norichika Kimura, Shigeo Kambe
  • Patent number: 7750638
    Abstract: A measuring device (1) for detecting signals, particularly signals in an ignition system of an internal combustion engine, has a signal line (2); and a measuring electrode (3) connected to the signal line (2) for coupling a signal to be detected into the signal line (2), wherein the measuring electrode has a flexible tip (4) , wherein the tip (4) includes tubular segments (4?); wherein one end of a segment (4?) is pivotably inserted into another end of another segment (4?); and wherein the tip (4) including the tubular segments (4?) is lockable into position in a bent state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Kark-Heinz Dittmann, Werner Bumen
  • Patent number: 7741973
    Abstract: A drive control device that includes: a driving circuit to drive a driving source; a condition detector to detect the condition of at least one of the driving source and the driving circuit to output a condition signal thereof; a controller to control the driving circuit based on the condition signal; an alarm detector to detect an occurrence of an alarm based on the condition signal; an alarm code generator to analyze the alarm detected by the alarm detector to generate an alarm code; and an alarm display to display the alarm code generated by the alarm code generator, in which the alarm display includes one or more lighting section to display the alarm code by a lighting pattern of the lighting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Toshiba Kikai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Sawaguchi, Hazime Endou, Masahiro Gotoh
  • Patent number: 7673614
    Abstract: An internal-combustion-engine combustion condition detection apparatus is provided with an ignition means that makes an ignition plug ignite a fuel; an ignition control means that controls the operation of the ignition means; an ion-current detection means that detects an ion current generated; an ion current detection range setting means that sets an ion-current detection range; a preignition detection means that detects preignition within a detection range to be set; a leakage current detection range setting means that sets a leakage-current detection range; and a leakage current determination means that determines whether or not a smolder exists, based on a current detected, within a detection range to be set, by the ion-current detection means. The ignition control means includes a non-combustion-stroke ignition control means; the leakage-current detection range set by the leakage current detection range setting means is set within the non-combustion stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiko Inada, Kimihiko Tanaya
  • Patent number: 7671601
    Abstract: In an abnormal condition detecting system, an electronic control unit determines that a condition for carrying out a process for detecting an abnormal condition of an electric motor and/or electric supply lines for the motor is satisfied, when a position of a control valve is at its initial closed position. Then, the electronic control unit stops supply of the electrical power to the electric motor, to start a detection of the abnormal condition (electrical disconnection) in the motor and/or the electric supply lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Takayama
  • Publication number: 20090261833
    Abstract: An abnormality diagnosing apparatus for a glow plug 8 provided in an engine 1. The glow plug 8 is energized by power supply from a battery 7 during a glow period from starting of the engine 1 to completion of engine starting. First, on the basis that power output edf from an alternator 12, which is driven to charge the battery 7, is within an appropriate range and that the variation ?edf of the power output edf at the end of the glow period is not more than a reference value a, it is determined if there is a possibility of an abnormality in the glow plug 8. After the determination, the plug 8 is energized temporarily. Then, on the basis that the power output edf is within a modified appropriate range, which has a greater upper limit than the previous appropriate range and that the variation ?edf while the plug 8 is energized is not more than the reference value a, it is determined that the an abnormality actually occurred.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenichiro Kawase
  • Publication number: 20090167311
    Abstract: An adaptive array wireless communication apparatus able to suitably select antenna elements, small in amount of processing, fast in convergence speed, and suitable for transmission/reception, and a method of the same, which controls the directionalities of array antenna elements based on array weights, controls an antenna element selecting unit 23 so that the antenna elements are intermittently determined, and adjusts a period of determination of the antenna elements based on information of the antenna elements determined at a controlling unit 26.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: KYOCERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fangwei Tong, Kenta Okino, Shigeru Kimura
  • Publication number: 20090066337
    Abstract: A method for determining degraded valve operation. According to the method, valve degradation can be determined from the duration of a spark event. This method allows for the determination of both intake and exhaust valve degradation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Nelson William Morrow, JR., James Donald McCoy, Michael Damian Czekala
  • Patent number: 7469171
    Abstract: A decentralized method and system for vehicle emissions testing uses the OBD unit of the vehicle to be tested and includes a remote data storage location in communication with a plurality of decentralized inspection stations or test locations. Each inspection location is designed to allow for “self-service” inspection through a kiosk that includes all of the hardware and software necessary to carry out the testing process and to communicate test data and information to the remote storage location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Gordon-Darby Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Tefft, S. Jay Gordon
  • Patent number: 7453271
    Abstract: A method of sensing water within a fuel-water separator assembly disposed within a fuel system of an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes the steps of: A) monitoring a single selectively activatable sensor within the fuel-water separator assembly to detect the presence of water; B) determining if the sensor is activated for greater than or equal to a first predetermined percentage of time, but less than or equal to a second predetermined percentage of time and providing a first level of warning if true; and C) determining if the sensor is activated for greater than the second predetermined percentage of time and providing a second level of warning if true. An apparatus configured to perform the claimed method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Straub
  • Publication number: 20080265899
    Abstract: A visual indicator system comprises a fuel injector pulse width signal generator in communication with an engine fuel injector by means of a circuit wire. A visual indicator is in circuit communication with the circuit wire and configured to light up in a first stage to indicate a good electrical connection of the fuel injector to the fuel injector pulse width signal generator to the engine fuel injector when the fuel injector signal generator, the engine fuel injector and the circuit wire are energized by a vehicle ignition system. The visual indicator is further configured to light up a second stage to indicate a good pulse width signal generator operation when an automobile engine is running through operation of the fuel injector signal generator, the engine fuel injector and the circuit wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Paul Spivak