Brake Condition Change Modifies Engine Condition Patents (Class 477/203)
  • Patent number: 8308613
    Abstract: A combination brake pedal and an accelerator pedal assembly allowing the vehicle to be driven with both feet comprising a brake and an accelerator, the accelerator being operatively connected to an engine control lever that moves between an engaged and a disengaged position, when the accelerator is pressed the engine control lever moves to the engaged position to accelerate the vehicle, when the accelerator is not pressed the engine control lever moves to the disengaged position so the vehicle does not accelerate; and an accelerator pedal disengagement device operatively connected to the brake and accelerator for moving the engine control lever to the disengaged position when the brake pedal is pushed, wherein the accelerator pedal disengagement device prevents the accelerator pedal from causing the engine control lever to move to the engaged position when both the accelerator pedal and brake pedal are pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Ryszard Nawrocki
  • Patent number: 8257224
    Abstract: A method for controlling an inching procedure of a motor vehicle, which has at least one friction clutch arranged between a drive unit and a transmission. The torque of the clutch is specified by a control unit and set by a clutch actuator. If the brake and load lever are not actuated, a multi-stage is started by an torque set by the clutch. To perform the process, the torque is increased up to a specified maximum limit to reach a specified speed in a first stage. A specified time period is waited in a second stage if the specified speed does not reached the maximum limit. The torque is increased by a specified value in a third phase if the specified speed is not reached, and the torque is reduced in a fourth stage and a driver warning is output if the specified speed again is not reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Reuschel
  • Patent number: 8246516
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive train of a motor vehicle that has at least an automatic transmission and a drive unit. A starting rotational speed is determined for starting the motor vehicle, and a starting process is initiated with the determined starting rotational speed by engaging a starting element, in particular a starting clutch. The starting rotational speed may be individually set by a driver in such a way that, when the automatic transmission is in the neutral position, the engine speed of the drive unit may be determined by the driver by actuating the accelerator pedal, and that once the automatic transmission is shifted from the neutral position to a either a forward gear or a reverse gear, the engine speed of the drive unit, prevailing during the shift of the automatic transmission, is used as the starting rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Roland Mair
  • Publication number: 20120191314
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the engine torque delivered during engine operation. The method includes, but is not limited to setting a brake torque request value during the engine operation, deriving a request fuel quantity value on the basis of the brake torque request value. The comparison of the value of the brake torque requested with a measured and/or estimated brake torque value allows calculating a brake torque error value, which directly or indirectly modifies the request fuel quantity injected in the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Manuel TUGNOLO, Luca SCAVONE, Alberto CORSIATTO, Luca CHIAPUSSO
  • Patent number: 8162801
    Abstract: A control system includes an auto-stop module, an auto-start module, and a starter module. The auto-stop module stops an engine when a brake pedal position is greater than a threshold position and a transmission is in a drive gear. The auto-start module starts the engine when the brake pedal position is less than a minimum position and the engine stop is initiated. When the engine start is initiated and an engine speed is greater than zero, the starter module engages a pinion gear of a starter with a ring gear of an engine by reciprocally actuating the pinion gear N times between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein N is an integer greater than two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Sharon Liu, Henry A. Hainer, Michael Simon, Joshua D Cowgill, Douglas R. Verner
  • Patent number: 8060275
    Abstract: An on-board diagnostic system of a vehicle comprises disabling diagnostic operation, such as a misfire monitor, based on road roughness. In one example, the disabling of the diagnostic operation is based on brake actuation and degradation of an anti-lock braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jahan Asgari, Timothy Feldkamp, Craig Stephens, Moses Fridman, Davor Hrovat, Arthur Varady, Mitch McConnell
  • Publication number: 20110190095
    Abstract: A method and a corresponding system are provided for automatically turning off an internal-combustion engine in a motor vehicle having an automatic transmission, by use of a start-stop device which automatically turns off the internal-combustion engine when the vehicle is braked to a stopped position and was held in the stopped position for a predefined time interval by operating the brake pedal. Within the predefined time interval after the stopped position was reached, the motor vehicle driver is able to prevent the automatic turning-off of the internal-combustion engine. The turning-off of the internal-combustion engine is prevented when the brake pedal is released by the driver within the predefined time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marcus Bollig, Juergen Poggel
  • Publication number: 20110183812
    Abstract: An engine with a fast vacuum recovery brake booster system is disclosed. In one example, an actuator is adjusted in response to a flow between the brake booster and an engine intake manifold. Operation of the engine and vehicle brakes may be improved especially when the engine is boosted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Mansour Beshay
  • Patent number: 7959538
    Abstract: An engine of a working vehicle in which an adverse effect of oil temperature rise is avoided, by decreasing a load applied to an accelerator when the working vehicle moves while lifting a boom and approaches a place where the load in a bucket is to be dumped during dump approach and, reducing heat generated through operation of a brake, and deterioration in work efficiency of the working vehicle is avoided by preventing the lifting speed of a boom from decreasing. A hydraulic pump controller and a method for controlling the hydraulic pump are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasushi Hatanaka
  • Patent number: 7917272
    Abstract: In deceleration control apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, a deceleration control is performed in accordance with a turning travel situation of the vehicle; and an engine throttle opening angle is controlled gradually in a closure direction at a preset variation degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Suzuki, Genpei Naitou, Shinji Matsumoto, Tomohiro Jimbo
  • Publication number: 20110071001
    Abstract: A method for restarting an engine of a vehicle includes engaging a gear of a transmission that driveably connects the engine and wheels of the vehicle; maintaining a current brake pressure greater than a reference brake pressure; initiating an automatic engine restart; using a timer to count down during a period of predetermined length; using a pump to produce a desired magnitude of brake pressure sufficient to suppress a wheel torque surge produced by restarting the engine and to hold the vehicle stationary; and releasing the brake pressure if either the timer expires or a peak in engine speed occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Hai Yu, Mathew A. Boesch, Ryan A. McGee
  • Publication number: 20110065548
    Abstract: A method for restarting an engine of a vehicle stopped on a grade, comprising the steps of engaging a gear of a transmission through which the engine and wheels of the vehicle are driveably connected mutually, using brake pressure to engage wheel brakes and produce a road gradient wheel torque that holds the vehicle stationary on the grade, initiating an engine restart, operating the engine to produce wheel torque equal to or greater than the road gradient wheel torque, and releasing the brake pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Hai Yu, Ryan A. McGee, Ihab S. Soliman, Mathew A. Boesch
  • Publication number: 20110024206
    Abstract: A motor driving device includes a motor and a brake mechanism which brakes rotation of the motor. The motor and the brake mechanism are disposed in parallel to each other. A connection portion for connecting the motor and the brake mechanism is disposed between the motor and the brake mechanism. A size of the connection portion in the radial direction with respect to the axis of the motor is smaller than outer diameter of the motor as well as outer diameter of the brake mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki SAGARA, Kenji TAGUCHI, Takeshi NAGAO, Takashi UCHINO
  • Publication number: 20100285923
    Abstract: A selectable drivetrain control for a vehicle includes a controller configured to receive input signals and issue predetermined output command signals corresponding to the status of the input signals. A first sensor is configured to provide an input signal to the controller relating to the actuation status of a brake pedal. A second sensor is configured to provide an input signal to the controller relating to the actuation status of an accelerator pedal. A stability control selector is configured to provide an input signal to the controller relating to the engagement status of a stability control system of the vehicle. A drivetrain is configured to receive output command signals from the controller. The controller issues output command signals to the drivetrain to control the operational characteristics of the drivetrain, responsive to the engagement status of the stability control system while the brake and accelerator pedals are simultaneously actuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: JOSHUA SIGMUND
  • Publication number: 20100056338
    Abstract: A method for stabilizing a vehicle in an extreme driving situation, in particular in an overcontrol or undercontrol of the vehicle, in which a vehicle controller intervenes in the driving operation by an automatic actuation of at least one wheel brake in order to stabilize the vehicle. The vehicle is able to be stabilized much more rapidly if an additional drive torque, which produces an additional yawing moment that augments the stabilizing effect of the braking intervention, is generated at at least one wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Erban
  • Patent number: 7572204
    Abstract: A method of controlling fuel injection in an engine of a vehicle having an anti-lock braking system comprises under conditions of degraded operation of an anti-lock braking system, restricting deactivation of the fuel injection during deceleration vehicle operating conditions. According to another aspect, the method comprises under conditions where the anti-lock braking system is functioning, disabling fuel injection during at least some deceleration operations; and under conditions of degraded operation of the anti-lock braking system, restricting deactivation of the fuel injection during deceleration vehicle operating conditions. By considering the functioning of an ABS, it is possible to deactivate fuel injection during some deceleration operations during one condition to realize fuel economy gains and disable the deactivation of fuel injection at another condition to reduce engine stalls. Thus, the deceleration fuel shut off strategy may be used aggressively for improved fuel economy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Doering, David Bidner, Shane Elwart
  • Patent number: 7558666
    Abstract: An idle stop controller connects to a vehicle computer so as to implement an idle stop on request of the driver from a signal derived from a foot brake, a parking brake, or a voice-activated switch. It also implements an engine restart on request of the driver, and this can be done in several ways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Michael DiGonis
  • Patent number: 7497805
    Abstract: A method of controlling fuel injection in an engine of a vehicle comprises reactivating fuel injectors based on release or decrease of driver braking during deceleration fuel shut off operation. According to another aspect, a method of controlling fuel injection in an engine of a vehicle comprises reactivating fuel injectors based on release or decrease of driver braking during deceleration fuel shut off; and increasing air flow to a cylinder before reactivation of fuel injectors in response to said release or decrease of driver braking to enhance torque response. The methods allow an engine to exit DFSO earlier by making use the brake input and effort, which provides time to reactivate the fuel injection and stabilize torque control prior to tip-in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Seaman, David Bidner, Ken Behr, Mark Linenberg
  • Patent number: 7448983
    Abstract: A method for controlling an engine of a vehicle operated by a driver may comprise detecting actuation of a braking device of the vehicle by the driver; calculating a parameter indicative of an actual amount of braking effort by said driver based on vehicle conditions; and adjusting an engine operating parameter based on said parameter. The method can adjust a number of cylinders carrying out combustion, fuel cut operation, a level of powertrain output torque (positive, and/or negative), and/or other engine parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Ford GLobal Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Doering, David Bidner, Shane Elwart, Gopichandra Surnilla, Yonghua Li
  • Publication number: 20080242502
    Abstract: An overspeed system for a vehicle is disclosed. The overspeed system may have a power source, a transmission unit, and a torque converter assembly operatively coupling the power source to the transmission unit. The overspeed system may also have a travel speed sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a vehicle speed, and a controller in communication with the torque converter assembly and the travel speed sensor. The controller may be configured to prevent a decoupling of the torque converter assembly in response to the signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Hong-Chin Lin
  • Publication number: 20080201064
    Abstract: An idle stop controller connects to a vehicle computer so as to implement an idle stop on request of the driver from a signal derived from a foot brake, a parking brake, or a voice-activated switch. It also implements an engine restart on request of the driver, and this can be done in several ways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Michael DiGonis
  • Patent number: 7407464
    Abstract: An engine start control unit enables engine start when a user performs a predetermined normal time push operation on a push switch in a normal mode. The engine start control unit enables the engine start when the user performs a predetermined fail-safe push operation on the push switch in a fail-safe mode. The fail-safe push operation of the push switch requires an increased work load of the user in comparison to that of the normal time push operation of the push switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Tanioka, Toshiya Honda, Jun Ito
  • Patent number: 7374509
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid drive of a vehicle is described, the hybrid drive including as propulsion motors an internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor/generator, and the output shafts of the propulsion motors being operatively linkable to a power train of the vehicle. The propulsion motors and an electrically activatable braking system of the vehicle are activated in a coordinated manner as a function of a negative torque request, taking this negative torque request into account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Loeffler, Dieter Hoetzer
  • Patent number: 7354379
    Abstract: In a vehicle having idle stop functions and low vehicle speed-following drive functions, when a vehicle automatic stop flag F2 is identified as 1 at step S220, determines whether all engine stop conditions except depression of brake pedal are satisfied in step S240. When it is determined all the engine stop conditions except depression of the brake pedal are satisfied, ignition and fuel injection in each cylinder of engine are stopped to automatically stop the engine in step S260. In this arrangement, the driver's depression of brake is excluded from the engine stop conditions. Therefore, even when the motor vehicle automatically stops without the driver's depression of brake, the engine is automatically stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kouki Moriya
  • Patent number: 7344476
    Abstract: A system for staring an automatic car in safety and a method thereof, comprises: an engine speed detecting unit; a foot brake input detecting unit; a gear position detecting unit detecting whether a gear shift lever is in the neutral (N) position; a vehicle speed sensing unit parallel with the foot brake input detecting unit; a control unit making the engine not started when the foot brake is not operative and the gear shift velvet is not in the neutral position; a starting device starting the engine under the control of the control unit; and vacuum apparatus under the control of the control unit for sucking air in a Hydro-vac and turning the Hydro-vac into a vacuum state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Hyun-Oh Shin
  • Patent number: 7226389
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for facilitating hill-starting of a stationary motor vehicle. The method includes applying at least one braking device using a brake pedal and estimating the traveling resistance of the vehicle using a control unit (30). The control unit (30) determines a starting gear, a starting torque and a starting speed with regard to the estimated traveling resistance. The driver releases the brake pedal and the brakes are kept applied for a certain time. The driver operates an accelerator pedal to a position at least corresponding to the minimum transmitted torque and a clutch device (2) for a gearbox (3) is activated by the control unit (30) when the starting speed has been achieved. The control unit (30) releases the braking devices as a function of the increase in the transmitted driving torque of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Marcus Steen, Erik Lauri, Lars Karlsson
  • Patent number: 7165530
    Abstract: A method for controlling a variable-speed engine of a machine is provided. The machine may include a park-brake. The method may include receiving a signal indicating an engagement status of the park-brake. The method may also include operating the variable-speed engine at a first idle speed. Additionally, the method may include operating the variable-speed engine at a second idle speed, lower than the first idle speed, only if the signal indicates that the park-brake is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Jeffrey Edward Jensen, Marvin Kent Palmer, Lisa Marie Christopherson, Joel Robert Frerichs
  • Patent number: 7041030
    Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle, which enables a smooth torque transmission when an engine of the vehicle is started from an idling stop state. The hydraulic control apparatus includes an engine and a motor as power sources, a transmission having a torque converter, a clutch for a starting gear, an engine automatic stop and start device which is associated with the engine, a motor-driven oil pump for supplying oil pressure to the transmission, a brake pedal sensor, an accelerator pedal sensor, an engine revolution rate sensor. The oil pressure applied to the clutch is controlled to a level corresponding to a creeping torque when the engine is automatically stopped. When the brake pedal is released, the engine is automatically started, the accelerator pedal is not depressed, and the engine revolution rate is less than an idling revolution rate, the oil pressure applied to the clutch is maintained to the level corresponding to the creeping torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigetaka Kuroda, Naohisa Morishita, Kazuhisa Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7031826
    Abstract: A remote start control system for a vehicle including an engine, a transmission connected to the engine and a data communications bus carrying transmission position data related to a selected transmission position, may include a remote start transmitter, a receiver at the vehicle for receiving signals from the remote start transmitter, and a vehicle remote start controller. The vehicle remote start controller may be connected to the data communications bus and to the receiver for starting the engine based upon the transmission position data carried by the data communications bus and signals from the remote start transmitter. Alternately, or additionally, the data communications bus may carry engine speed data, vehicle brake position data, or vehicle security data. Accordingly, the engine may be started responsive to the engine speed data, the vehicle brake position data, or the vehicle security data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Patent number: 6969341
    Abstract: An engine deceleration control system for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is arranged to prohibit correcting an air quantity supplied to the engine when an elapsed time period from a moment of turning off of an accelerator of the engine is within a first predetermined time period, or when an elapsed time period from a moment of turning off of a lockup clutch of a torque converter is within a second predetermined time period or when a shifting of a transmission connected to the engine is being executed, and to cancel prohibiting the correction of the supplied air quantity when a braking operation is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takamitsu Hase, Tomohiko Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6932743
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus including an internal combustion engine for powering a ground travelling vehicle, a throttle control arrangement including a device for sensing position of an operator-adjustable pedal to provide a throttle control signal, a first sensor to sense rotational speed of the engine, a second sensor to sense brake status of the vehicle, a way to determine failure of the throttle control signal, and a way to operate the engine in a limp-home mode in response to the failure, which includes fueling the engine during the limp-home mode of operation in accordance with idle position of the pedal, rotational speed of the engine, and the brake status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Zieles, Stephanie L. Goerges, Jason R. Lowery
  • Patent number: 6929579
    Abstract: A motor vehicle drive arrangement including a motor and a stepless automatic transmission for driving drive wheels has a normal operating mode for normal driving operation and a brake engagement operating mode for a situation of excessive slip of a drive wheel. During the brake engagement operating mode, strong fluctuations of the transmission ratio could arise, or the vehicle might drive with a low motor torque but a high drive rotational speed, which are uncomfortable for the driver. To increase driving comfort, a normal motor torque value is prescribed in the normal operating mode, and in the brake engagement operating mode the motor torque is reduced to an actual motor torque value. A difference torque is determined between the normal and actual motor torque values. A maximum desired nominal drive rotational speed is varied dependent on the difference torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Oswin Roeder, Horst Wild
  • Publication number: 20040212252
    Abstract: A switch device that improves reliability in starting an engine is provided. The switch device includes a push button, a magnetic sensor, and a power supply ECU. The push button is pressed by a driver to start the engine. The magnetic sensor detects that the push button has been pressed, in a non-contact manner. The power supply ECU is connected to the magnetic sensor and supplies power to the magnetic sensor to enable the magnetic sensor to detect that the push button has been pressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Kiyokazu Ohtaki, Yukio Iwasaki, Tomoyuki Funayama, Koji Iwamoto
  • Publication number: 20040214689
    Abstract: In an eco-run control, determination of a stop of an internal combustion engine (1) is reliably and promptly made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Tomohiro Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20040166989
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for reversing the driving direction of a vehicle in motion, in which a movement of a gear selector to a position that indicates the new intended driving direction is detected (12). After the gear selector has assumed the new driving direction position, the vehicle's driving brakes are applied (14) depending upon the depression of the vehicle's gas pedal. The driving brakes (10) are applied proportionally to a change in position of the gas pedal. A speed of the engine (1) of the vehicle is increased with increased depression of the gas pedal. A gearbox (2) of the vehicle is disconnected (13) from the vehicle's engine (1) when the gear selector is detected to have been moved to the reverse driving direction position. A change (15) in the gearbox is effected from the current gear position to a position that indicates the selected gear for driving in the reverse direction after disconnection (13) of the vehicle's gearbox (2) from the vehicle's engine (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT COMPONENTS AB
    Inventor: Sven-Ake Carlsson
  • Patent number: 6773374
    Abstract: A brake negative pressure control apparatus and method, and an engine control unit for an internal combustion engine are provided for ensuring a negative pressure within a brake booster and a stable combustion while avoiding a complicated control. The brake negative pressure control apparatus comprises a negative pressure sensor for detecting a negative pressure within the brake booster, and an ECU for disabling the combustion mode to be set to the stratified combustion when the detected negative pressure is lower than a first predetermined negative pressure. The ECU controls a throttle valve opening in accordance with a target throttle valve opening in a homogeneous combustion mode when the ECU disables the combustion mode to be set to the stratified combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ken Ogawa, Choichi Sugawara, Kazuyoshi Ishii
  • Patent number: 6754579
    Abstract: An engine automatic stop and start system monitors a booster negative pressure and a braking operation. A combination of the booster negative pressure and the brake operation can effectively indicate that a booster negative pressure will be insufficient to ensure a brake function. The controller evaluates the booster negative pressure and the brake operation, and restarts the engine when it is estimated that the booster negative pressure may be decreased below a threshold. As a result, it is possible to restart the engine before the booster negative pressure is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Kamiya, Akira Kato, Naoki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6735938
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 6702718
    Abstract: An engine control apparatus includes a brake depression degree detecting device for detecting a degree of depression of a brake pedal in a vehicle. A brake depression degree judging device operates for judging whether or not the detected degree of depression of the brake pedal is smaller than a prescribed value. A deceleration detecting device operates for detecting a deceleration of the vehicle. An automatic engine stop and restart controlling device operates for automatically stopping an engine powering the vehicle when the deceleration detecting device detects a deceleration of the vehicle and the brake depression degree judging device judges that the detected degree of depression of the brake pedal is not smaller than the prescribed value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Tani, Akira Kato, Masaru Kamiya, Takahiro Souki
  • Patent number: 6692404
    Abstract: An engine control system for hybrid vehicles, so as to smoothly switch the driving operation from the cylinder-deactivated engine operation, in which at least a part of the total number of cylinders of the engine is deactivated, to the all-cylinder-activated engine operation while considering the driver's intention. When the vehicle is decelerated, the cylinder-deactivated engine operation is performed and regeneration using the motor is performed. The system includes a cylinder deactivation release determining section for releasing the cylinder-deactivated engine operation when an engine speed decreases to a reference engine speed with respect to the cylinder-deactivated engine operation; and a brake operation detecting section for detecting whether a brake pedal is depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Matsubara, Hironao Fukuchi, Kan Nakaune, Shigeo Hidai, Yasuo Nakamoto
  • Patent number: 6626798
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle with a butterfly valve, where the butterfly valve is opened and a fuel supply is cut off when the vehicle is in an overrun phase, the method including the steps of determining a first value of a position of the butterfly valve during the overrun phase as a function of a vehicle speed and an engine rpm value at a beginning of the overrun phase, adjusting the butterfly valve to the first value during the overrun phase; and adjusting the butterfly valve to a second value, which is calculated as a function of the vehicle speed and the engine rpm's, instead of to a value based on a gas pedal position for a certain predetermined time after an end of the overrun phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Michael Zillmer, Ekkehard Pott
  • Patent number: 6618997
    Abstract: A control method of sliding a vehicle door by a powered sliding device with a clutch mechanism comprises the steps of stopping a motor in a state that a rotation of a wire drum is restricted by an auxiliary brake when the slide door reaches at a desired semi-open position; displacing the clutch mechanism into a second coupled state by the motor while the auxiliary brake is actuated; releasing the restriction by the auxiliary brake when a predetermined time has elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsui Kinzoku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhito Yokomori
  • Patent number: 6561324
    Abstract: A drive unit includes a motor, a hydrodynamic retarder, at least one pump, at least one feed line for feeding operating medium to the retarder, and at least one bypass line which conveys operating medium past the retarder. A device for directing the flow of operating medium is arranged upstream of the retarder in the direction of flow. The device can feed the operating medium through the retarder via the feed line, feed the operating medium past the retarder via a bypass line, or divide the total flow of operating medium into at least two predetermined parts. A first predetermined part of the operating medium is fed through the retarder via the feed line. A second predetermined part of the operating medium is conveyed past the retarder via the bypass line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Friedrich, Klaus Vogelsang, Peter Heilinger, Peter Rose
  • Patent number: 6551212
    Abstract: A decelerator control system includes a first control member, a machine control device, an engine, at least one brake, and a transmission. The first control member is manually moveable and is adapted to produce a first operator control signal. The machine control device is adapted to receive the first operator control signal and responsively produce an engine control signal, a brake control signal, and a transmission control signal. The engine is adapted to receive the engine control signal and responsively control the speed of the engine. The brake is adapted to receive the brake control signal and responsively control an engagement of the brake. The transmission is adapted to receive the transmission control signal and responsively control an engagement of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Thomas G. Skinner, Jeff A. Steinmann
  • Patent number: 6530862
    Abstract: A system and method for braking a vehicle 12 having a variable compression ratio engine 14 and a compression braking system 16. System 10 is adapted to utilize the variable compression ratio engine 14 and the compression braking system 16 in a synergistic manner to selectively control and/or vary the generated compression braking torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ilya V Kolmanovsky
  • Publication number: 20030022757
    Abstract: A transmission comprises an engine, which is controllable to stop under a predetermined condition, and a speed change mechanism TM, which transmits the output rotation of the engine at different speed ratios. The speed change mechanism TM has a plurality of transmission paths (the LOW ratio, the SECOND speed ratio, etc.) disposed in parallel, a plurality of ratio-setting clutches (the LOW clutch 11, the SECOND speed clutch 12, etc.), each clutch for selecting a predetermined transmission path, and a speed change control system for selectively supplying a hydraulic pressure to any of the ratio-setting clutches to bring it into engagement. Engagement-initiation time is calculated for each ratio-setting clutch, so that the ratio-setting clutch requiring a minimum engagement-initiation time is selected as the clutch for the start-up speed ratio. When the engine is restarted from stopped state, this clutch for the start-up speed ratio is supplied with oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Eijiro Shimabukuro, Naohisa Morishita, Takamichi Shimada
  • Publication number: 20030004635
    Abstract: An engine automatic stop and start system monitors a booster negative pressure and a braking operation. A combination of the booster negative pressure and the brake operation can effectively indicate that a booster negative pressure will be insufficient to ensure a brake function. The controller evaluates the booster negative pressure and the brake operation, and restarts the engine when it is estimated that the booster negative pressure may be decreased below a threshold. As a result, it is possible to restart the engine before the booster negative pressure is decreased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaru Kamiya, Akira Kato, Naoki Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20020091037
    Abstract: A system and method for braking a vehicle 12 having a variable compression ratio engine 14 and a compression braking system 16. System 10 is adapted to utilize the variable compression ratio engine 14 and the compression braking system 16 in a synergistic manner to selectively control and/or vary the generated compression braking torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Ilya V. Kolmanovsky
  • Patent number: 6358180
    Abstract: An engine control system and method is disclosed, which reduces driver's feeling of unease relating to the operation of driving a vehicle which is idle-controlled so as to reduce the exhaust gas discharge, thereby improving the driving operability. The method comprising the steps of detecting a switch of the driving mode of the vehicle from a first normal driving range to a second normal driving range different from the first normal driving range; detecting whether the engine is currently in a stopped state due to an automatic stop operation; detecting whether a brake for stopping the vehicle is currently being operated; and automatically starting the engine if it is determined that the engine is currently in a stopped state due to the automatic stop operation, and that the driving mode has been switched to the second normal driving range, and that the brake is not currently being operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigetaka Kuroda, Atsushi Izumiura, Kazutomo Sawamura, Hideyuki Oki, Kan Nakaune, Takashi Kiyomiya
  • Publication number: 20020019291
    Abstract: A control system and a control method for an internal combustion engine employs an electronic control unit (ECU) in the internal combustion engine to control an output torque of the engine. The ECU anticipates that a driver will make an engine output torque change request based on an operation of an automatic transmission performed by the driver, a brake pedal operation performed by the driver, a vehicle speed detected by a vehicle speed sensor and other information, and changes in advance an amount of engine intake air, a throttle valve opening, an engine speed and other engine operating parameters that determine the engine output according to the engine output change request made by the driver. This allows even an engine operating parameter that is slow to change to be changed to a value close to that after the engine output torque has been changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasushi Ito