Digital Or Programmed Data Processor Patents (Class 701/102)
  • Publication number: 20140214304
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for determining a surge level of a compressor. In one embodiment, a method for an engine comprises updating a stored estimate of a surge level of a compressor responsive to detection of a surge event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Robert Mischler, Luke Henry, Greg Thomas Polkus
  • Publication number: 20140207359
    Abstract: A system includes a command generator module, a compensation module, and a fraction module. The command generator module generates a first command value and one of activates and deactivates intake and exhaust valves of a first cylinder of an engine based on the first command value. The compensation module generates a compensation value for a second cylinder of the engine based on a response of a model to the first command value. The fraction module determines a target value based on a torque request, the target value corresponding to a fraction of a total number of cylinders of the engine to be activated. The command generator module further: generates a second command value based on the compensation value and a difference between the target value and the first command value; and one of activates and deactivates intake and exhaust valves of the second cylinder based on the second command value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Andrew W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20140207360
    Abstract: A pollution control system for an internal combustion engine includes a microcontroller and a power supply, a plurality of sensors configured to measure operating parameters of the engine, and a PCV valve responsive to a control signal from the microcontroller and configured to regulate a flow rate of blow-by gasses in the engine. The microcontroller includes programmable flash memory connected to a control processor, a power supply input, a sensor input configured to receive data from an engine sensor, and a signal output configured to transmit a signal from the control processor so as to control operation of a PCV valve regulating a flow rate of blow-by gasses in the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Serge V. Monros
  • Patent number: 8788179
    Abstract: An emission deterioration informing device senses actual injection timing, at which fuel injection is actually performed from an injector. The device calculates a deviation amount of the sensed actual injection timing from target injection timing. The device has a warning light for informing deterioration of exhaust emission when the calculated deviation amount is larger than a predetermined threshold value. The device determines whether an operation state of an internal combustion engine is an impact state, in which the exhaust emission receives a predetermined influence or more from the deviation of the actual injection timing from the target injection timing. The device allows lighting of the warning light when the operation state is determined to be the impact state. The device prohibits the lighting of the warning light when the operation state is not determined to be the impact state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Ohsaki
  • Publication number: 20140200791
    Abstract: In a turbocharged internal combustion engine, an amount of cylinder suction air is calculated with sufficiently high accuracy to suitably control the internal combustion engine in consideration of influences of an exhaust pressure on a volumetric efficiency equivalent value without requiring a huge memory capacity, in fewer adaptive man hours, and under a low operation load. A correction calculation parameter is calculated using an exhaust pressure, an exhaust pressure for pre-correction volumetric efficiency equivalent value, and an intake manifold pressure, and a post-corrected volumetric efficiency equivalent value is calculated by correcting a pre-correction volumetric efficiency equivalent value using the correction calculation parameter. An amount of air entering a cylinder from an intake manifold is calculated on the basis of the post-correction volumetric efficiency equivalent value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventors: Toshikatsu SAITO, Michihisa YOKONO, Tomokazu MAKINO
  • Publication number: 20140200792
    Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a vehicle includes an actuator ECU. The actuator ECU acquires a crankshaft angle (stopped crankshaft angle) at a time that an engine stops operating. The actuator ECU identifies a crankshaft angle depending on an edge of a first TDC pulse of a TDC pulse signal immediately after the engine has been started or restarted. Then, using the identified crankshaft angle as a reference, the actuator ECU corrects the stopped crankshaft angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuhiro YONE, Hideyuki OKAMOTO, Takashi YAMAGUCHI
  • Patent number: 8781710
    Abstract: A system includes a sampling module and a map generating module. The sampling module receives a first mapping of thermal efficiency of a spark-ignition engine generated based on operation of the spark-ignition engine with a dynamometer. A combustion chamber of the spark-ignition engine has a first compression ratio. The map generating module generates a second mapping of the thermal efficiency of the spark-ignition engine based on the first mapping and the combustion chamber having a second compression ratio. The second compression ratio is different than the first compression ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Stephen Davis
  • Patent number: 8781711
    Abstract: A combustion phase detection method of an engine has the advantages of being able to reduce exhaust gas and to improve combustion stability, to compensate injection and ignition delay time between combustion chambers and between cycles, and to detect a combustion phase in real time such that a heat generation rate and heat release can be effectively calculated in an early state of combustion with a simple calculation method to control combustion of an engine, by using a combustion pressure and a motoring pressure difference of an engine not affected by an offset value of the cylinder pressure. For this, a combustion phase detection method may include detecting a combustion phase by using a specific point of DRdV as follows: DR ? ? V ? : ? ? P diff ? ? V ? ? max ( P diff ? ? V ? ? ) Here, the Pdiff (P?Pmotoring) is a difference between a cylinder measure combust pressure (P) and a motoring pressure (Pmotoring), and V is a combustion chamber volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, IUCF-HYU (Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University)
    Inventors: Kyoungchan Han, Sunghwan Cho, Myoungho Sunwoo, Seungsuk Oh, Jongsuk Lim, Jaesung Chung, Kangyoon Lee
  • Patent number: 8776763
    Abstract: There is provided an internal combustion engine controller that realizes a reduction in maximum current value and current regulation without sacrificing boost performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chikara Omori, Ryoichi Oura, Mitsuhiko Watanabe, Takuya Mayuzumi
  • Patent number: 8781683
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels includes a power steering motor assembly connected with the steerable vehicle wheels. An engine driven pump connected with the power steering motor assembly is driven by an engine of the vehicle to supply fluid under pressure to the power steering motor assembly. A controller increases engine speed when the vehicle is motionless and a steering wheel is rotated. A method for controlling the speed of an engine to provide a predetermined steering assist to a steering apparatus includes determining if the vehicle is motionless and determining if the steering wheel is being rotated. The speed of the engine is increased if the vehicle is motionless and the steering wheel is being rotated to provide the predetermined steering assist to the steering apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Daniel E. Williams
  • Publication number: 20140195135
    Abstract: A vehicle drive control device performs acceleration/deceleration running by alternately repeating acceleration running and deceleration running, wherein it compares between an efficiency of the motor at a first operation point determined by a rotation speed and a torque of a motor and an efficiency of the motor at a second operation point for outputting a higher torque than the first operation point, and if a difference between the efficiencies is greater than a determination value, the acceleration running at the second operation point and the deceleration running being repeated, the second operation point being set a maximum efficiency line of the motor with the rotation speed and the torque of the motor as parameters to perform the acceleration running, and if acceleration during the acceleration running becomes larger than an acceleration limit value, a rotating machine acting at least as an electric generator generating electricity to charge a battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Terufumi Miyazaki, Yukihiko Ideshio, Toshihiko Kamiya, Shingo Eto, Hironori Asaoka, Yasuyuki Kato, Seigo Kanou, Makoto Iwanaka
  • Publication number: 20140195136
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device of an engine, calculating a control signal (Svb) to be supplied to a controlled object (60V) for controlling the controlled amount to a target controlled amount and when a history of a change of the controlled amount does not correspond to a predetermined history, supplies the control signal to the controlled object and on the other hand, when the history of the change of the controlled amount corresponds to the predetermined history, the device corrects the control signal and then, supplies the corrected control signal to the controlled object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Sho Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8769933
    Abstract: A method to operate a vehicle equipped an internal combustion engine and a transmission coupled to drive wheels. The vehicle is equipped with a parking brake and has an electronic control unit with memory and the engine in fluid communication with an exhaust aftertreatment system. The method includes the steps of determining whether the engine is operating in idle mode for a predetermined period of time; determining whether NOx emissions exceed a predetermined level after the predetermined period of time; and limiting the engine speed not to exceed a predetermined engine speed until an operator engages the parking brake and engages an engine ignition switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Marleen F. Thompson, Tomislav Ivo Golub
  • Patent number: 8775004
    Abstract: The vehicle smoothly generates the torque requested by the driver. The vehicle includes an elapsed time measurement unit, a torque limit value deciding unit, and an electric motor torque control unit. The elapsed time measurement unit measures the time elapsed since the vehicle has started moving in an EV mode, in which travel or starting is performed only with the drive force of an electric motor. The torque limit value deciding unit decides a torque limit value of the electric motor by means of the time elapsed since starting and the acceleration opening amount originating from the driver's instructions. The electric motor torque control unit controls the electric motor so as to limit the torque of the electric motor to or below the limit value. The disclosed control method is used in hybrid vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hino Motors, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8775051
    Abstract: An apparatus is used for diagnosing the temperature state of a catalyst converter. The catalyst converter includes a catalyst for cleaning an emission, and a conductive carrier for carrying the catalyst. The conductive carrier is energized for temperature rise of the catalyst, and the conductive carrier has a characteristic in which resistance drops with temperature increase. In the apparatus, a first obtaining unit obtains a first parameter having a first correlation with supply power to the conductive carrier for energization of the conductive carrier. A second obtaining unit obtains a second parameter having a second correlation with a temperature of the conductive carrier. A diagnosing unit diagnoses the temperature state of the conductive carrier based on a comparison between the first parameter and the second parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Taro Hirai, Noriaki Ikemoto, Takeshi Harada, Naoyuki Kamiya, Hisashi Iida
  • Patent number: 8775052
    Abstract: A method for isolating an actual sensor bias in a fuel delivery system having a fuel pump includes monitoring first, second and third fuel pump parameters, detecting first and second fuel pump sensor biases based on the monitored first, second and third fuel pump parameters, modeling a fourth fuel pump modeled parameter based on the monitored second and third fuel pump parameters, and isolating the actual sensor bias in one of the detected first and second fuel pump biases based on the monitored third fuel pump parameter and the modeled fourth fuel pump modeled parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Youssef A. Ghoneim, Mark N. Howell
  • Patent number: 8775053
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine control device having a particulate matter sensor which has a pair of electrodes disposed at a distance from each other and measures the amount of particulate matter in a gaseous body, and elimination means for burning and eliminating particulate matter attached to the particulate matter sensor. The control device performs a particulate matter elimination process to judge whether the amount of particulate matter attached to the particulate matter sensor is smaller than a reference particulate matter amount that is predefined as the minimum amount of remaining particulate matter required to bring the pair of electrodes into electrical conduction at one or more spots. When the amount of particulate matter is judged to be smaller than the reference particulate matter amount, the control device causes the elimination means to terminate the particulate matter elimination process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Nishijima, Tatsuhiro Hashida
  • Publication number: 20140188368
    Abstract: System for controlling an after-treatment system (ATS) temperature of a combustion engine, comprising means for carrying out an after-treatment warm up procedure, the system providing the interruption/inhibition of such warm-up means after a time period from the warm up procedure starting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: FPT Motorenforschung AG
    Inventors: Pascal Wilhelm, Thomas Eckhardt
  • Publication number: 20140188369
    Abstract: A control apparatus of an engine ignition spark plug includes a switch having a control terminal and an output terminal connected to an external transformer. The switch assumes a closed state for supplying energy to the transformer, and an open state for the transformer to supply energy to the spark plug. A measuring module measures a time duration where, in the open state, a voltage at the output terminal of the switch decreases from a first value to a second value. A detecting module detects an operating condition of the spark plug based on comparing the measured time duration to a time threshold, and to generate a detecting signal based on the comparing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.I.
    Inventors: GiovanniLuca TORRISI, CalogeroAndrea TRECARICHI
  • Patent number: 8768600
    Abstract: A device for measuring a spectrum of a light beam, in a wavelength range chosen beforehand, the spectrum being generated by a sample to be analyzed, the optical measuring device including at least one light source, a measurement cell and a measurement detector placed on a measurement optical pathway, the measurement optical pathway being taken by a measurement optical beam emitted by the light source, and encountering the measurement cell, a self-calibration unit allowing any drift of the light sources, due to environmental conditions or conditions of use, to be taken into account independently of whether a sample to be analyzed is present in or absent from the measurement cell, the self-calibration unit including elements for creating a reference optical pathway, taken by a reference optical beam emitted by the light source, and not encountering the measurement cell, and a reference detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive France
    Inventors: Jeremie Blanc, Benjamin L'Henoret, Laureen Merlina-Bonnafous
  • Patent number: 8768599
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a time determination module, a fuel age determination module, and an engine control module. The time determination module determines an engine off time, wherein the engine off time indicates an amount of time that an engine is off. The fuel age determination module determines an age of fuel in a fuel system of the engine. The engine control module starts the engine when one of the engine off time is greater than a predetermined time threshold and the age of the fuel is greater than a predetermined age threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: John P. Blanchard, Scott J. Chynoweth, Tameem K. Assaf, Jacob S. Tretter, Constantine J. Sasaridis, Michael A. Turley
  • Patent number: 8763371
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle is provided, wherein at least one SCR catalytic converter for the after-treatment of exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine is present. The method serves to assure that a sufficient quantity of reducing agent is supplied for the operation of the SCR catalytic converter. The motor vehicle has a fuel tank (10) with a fill level sensor A (11) and a reducing agent tank (12) with a fill level sensor B (13). Signals from the fill level sensor B (13) or signals from the fill level sensor A (11) and the fill level sensor B (13) are acquired and evaluated by a navigation unit (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rajesh Reddy Nandyala, Andreas Wuest, Vijay Peter Dhanraj
  • Publication number: 20140174392
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for controlling corona discharge and arc formations during a single corona event, i.e. intra-event control. A driver circuit provides energy to the corona igniter and detects any arc formation. In response to each arc formation, the energy provided to the corona igniter is shut off for short time. The driver circuit also obtains information about the arc formations, such as timing of the first arc formation and number of occurrences. A control unit then adjusts the energy provided to the corona igniter after the shut off time and during the same corona event based on the information about the arc formations. For example, the voltage level could be reduced or the shut-off time could be increased to limit arc formations and increase the size of the corona discharge during the same corona event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Federal-Mogul Ignition Company
    Inventors: John Antony Burrows, John E. Miller, Kristapher I. Mixell, James D. Lykowski
  • Publication number: 20140180511
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle system includes determining when the vehicle system approaches an airflow restricted area and distributing a total power output of the vehicle system among first and second vehicles of the vehicle system. The total power output is distributed by directing the first vehicle to decrease power output relative to a power output generated by the second vehicle and/or by directing the second vehicle to increase power output relative to the power output generated by the first vehicle. The method includes monitoring the power output of the second vehicle during travel of the vehicle system in the airflow restricted area to determine when the second vehicle derates and redistributing the total power output of the vehicle system among the at vehicles as the vehicle system travels in the airflow restricted area and responsive to the second vehicle derating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Wolfgang Daum
  • Publication number: 20140180559
    Abstract: An engine control system and method includes sensing the quality of fuel in the engine relative to emissions, by for example sensing the level of an emission related constituent, such as sulfur. A fuel quality sensor detects a fuel quality of a fuel such as the sulfur level in the fuel, and provides a signal in response to the fuel quality. The engine control system also includes a navigation device to determine whether an engine is located in a regulated or non-regulated region. The engine control system receives the signal and controls engine operation by, for example, enabling or disabling one or more engine algorithms to improve performance of the engine based on the fuel quality signal or, in other embodiments, the combination of the fuel quality and the location of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Jennifer K. Light-Holets
  • Publication number: 20140180558
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine that generates power for rotating drive wheels, a differential mechanism that is provided between the engine and the drive wheels, and has at least three rotary elements including a first rotary element coupled to the engine, and a second rotary element coupled to the drive wheels, and a controller configured to control the engine. The controller is configured to determine whether to perform correction to increase the power generated by the engine, or perform correction to reduce the power, depending on a rotational speed of the second rotary element, when it changes a rotational speed of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shunya KATO, Akihiro KIMURA, Yuma MORI, Hideki FURUTA
  • Publication number: 20140180513
    Abstract: A vehicle control system to control operation of a vehicle includes a powertrain system operable according to a plurality of operating modes that drive the vehicle. A sensor is mounted to the vehicle to detect a quality of air surrounding the vehicle. A vehicle control module is configured to select an operating mode of the powertrain system. The operating mode is selected to reduce at least one emission exhausted from the vehicle that contributes to a low air quality measure by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Kozloski, Clifford A. Pickover, Robert W. Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 8762026
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes a controller and at least one data storage medium storing a database. The database includes empirically-derived NOx values based on engine equivalence ratio and engine speed at predetermined reference conditions. The controller is configured to retrieve a NOx value from the database that corresponds to a measured value of the equivalence ratio and a measured value of the engine speed, and to modify the NOx value to compensate for differences between the reference conditions and the actual operating conditions of the engine assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kathryn Wolfe, Darrell W. Burleigh
  • Patent number: 8762027
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling a motor that determines whether or not to control the motor in order to control a variable valve lift device by using a measurement value of a valve lift and a target value of the valve lift; compares a predetermined base temperature with a temperature of an engine room in order to control the motor; determines a temperature factor corresponding to the temperature of the engine room when the temperature of the engine room is larger than the base temperature; and determines a driving signal value for the motor by applying the temperature factor to a predetermined base signal value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Chongwon Kim
  • Patent number: 8762028
    Abstract: A method of preventing damage to a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) of a vehicle adapted to Cylinder De-activation (CDA) may include monitoring GPF pressure difference that measures a pressure difference of the GPF and determines an accumulation amount of soot in the GPF in accordance with the measured pressure difference of GPF; comparing pressure difference that compares the measured pressure difference of the GPF with a predetermined reproduction pressure difference; calculating GPF temperature that calculates a temperature in the GPF in accordance with each one of CDA modes, based on the accumulation amount of soot and an average oxygen concentration of an exhaust gas for the each one of the CDA modes; and setting CDA mode that determines a number of cylinders available for an CDA operation based on the calculated temperature and a predetermined temperature established for preventing the GPF from a damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Taewook Kim, Jinha Lee
  • Publication number: 20140172268
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling the engine during a return to idle maneuver when the engine's oil is highly aerated. The system and method will implement a stepped return to idle maneuver when the engine oil has a predetermined amount of aeration. The predetermined amount of aeration is an amount that could cause an engine to stall due to valve lift loss if the engine speed were reduced to the idle speed in the conventional manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher L. Allmond
  • Publication number: 20140172269
    Abstract: A control strategy for a cryogenic LNG piston pump and method of operation same are disclosed. The piston pump may employ a bifurcated control strategy based on the operating speed of an engine to which the pump is providing fuel. More specifically, at engine idle speed, the control strategy may employ a first control strategy split wherein a compression stage and a suction stage of the pump are conducted at a first ratio. At engine rated speed, the control strategy may employ a second split wherein the compression stage and suction stage are conducted at a second ration, wherein the second ratio is different from the first ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Toby Perry
  • Publication number: 20140172273
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a pump control module, an actuator control module, and a torque reserve module. The pump control module switches a water pump between on and off. The water pump circulates coolant through an engine when the water pump is on. The actuator control module controls a first actuator of the engine based on a first torque request and that controls a second actuator of the engine based on a second torque request. The torque reserve module adjusts a torque reserve before the water pump is switched on or off based on a change in engine load expected when the water pump is switched on or off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Levijoki, Christopher Harold Knieper
  • Publication number: 20140172270
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing fuel consumption of an engine while operating a power take off. Whenever practical, the system and method will operate the engine with fewer than all cylinders when operating a power take off. Operating the engine with fewer than all cylinders will reduce fuel consumption and improve fuel economy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Robert E. Lee, Brian E. Beechie
  • Publication number: 20140172271
    Abstract: A method of controlling an electric continuous variable valve timing apparatus improves starting performance of an engine by a simplified phase control for the camshaft. The method, in which intake and exhaust timing of an engine is changed in accordance with a phase of the camshaft, may include: determining whether starting off of the engine is required during driving; recognizing a target phase of the camshaft for next starting of the engine; controlling the phase of the camshaft so that the intake timing of the engine is advanced in accordance with the target phase; and ending the phase control of the camshaft in accordance with a state of the engine or the camshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong Hee HAN, Hyun Jun LIM, Seok Hwan KO, Yoon Joo KIM, Jungho JANG, Hyuk IM, Jong II PARK
  • Publication number: 20140172272
    Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for improving the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines based on skip fire operation of the engine are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Adya S. TRIPATHI, Chester J. SILVESTRI
  • Patent number: 8755969
    Abstract: A bicycle suspension control apparatus includes a user operating device and a control device. The control device is operatively coupled to the user operating device to selectively control a front bicycle suspension between a plurality of operating states and a rear bicycle suspension between a plurality of operating states. The control device is configured to selectively change the operating states of both the front and rear bicycle suspensions to different ones of the operating states in response to a single operation of the user operating device. The control device controls the front and rear bicycle suspensions such that a first operating state change operation of one of the front and rear bicycle suspensions occurs later than a second operating state change operation of the other of the front and rear bicycle suspensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tadashi Ichida, Hideki Ikemoto, Toyoto Shirai
  • Patent number: 8751080
    Abstract: A method and a device for operating a drive train for a vehicle is described, which has at least one drive unit, which is suitable for outputting a drive torque. The rates of change for triggering a torque increase and a torque reduction of the drive torque of the at least one drive unit are specified. This occurs in such a way that the specifiable rates of change of the torque increase and the torque reduction of the drive torque of the at least one drive unit are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Maass
  • Publication number: 20140156172
    Abstract: Embodiments for adjusting engine operating parameters based on output from an exhaust humidity sensor are provided. One example method for an engine comprises based on a dew point of exhaust gas, adjusting an exhaust gas sensor heater configured to heat an exhaust gas sensor disposed in an exhaust passage of the engine, the dew point based on output from a humidity sensor disposed in the exhaust passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Jacobus Hendrik Visser, Stephen B. Smith, Timothy Clark
  • Publication number: 20140156175
    Abstract: A driver alert and de-rate control system for a vehicle includes a sensor configured to monitor an engine operating condition, and a control unit in communication with the sensor. The control unit is configured to estimate a time until automatic de-rate of the engine based on the engine operating condition and to modify a performance parameter of the vehicle in dependence upon the estimated time until automatic de-rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Henry Todd Young, Kenneth Paul Nedley, Sean Cillessen, Timothy Warren Brown
  • Publication number: 20140156166
    Abstract: An operations support system is provided for an engine. The system includes a diagnostics module configured to receive engine data from the engine and to generate diagnostics data based on the engine data using a thermodynamic model, the thermodynamic model being based on component maps associated with the engine; an acoustics module coupled to the diagnostics module and comprising an acoustics calculation unit, the acoustics calculation unit configured to receive the diagnostics data and to determine an acoustics level for the engine based on the diagnostics data; and a graphical user interface coupled to the acoustics module and configured to display the acoustics level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Moeckly, Richard Ling, Chuck Royalty
  • Publication number: 20140156167
    Abstract: A system for the delivery of ethanol or other solution additives to the intake manifold of compression ignition diesel engines comprising an electronic control module containing a microcomputer capable of monitoring SAE J1939 serial data, receive a signal from an additive monitoring sensor and have outputs to turn on a pump relay, indicator lamp and from 1 to n pulse width modulated electrical fluid injectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Electromotive, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. LUKACZYK, Jonathan W. RAWLINGS
  • Publication number: 20140156168
    Abstract: Proposed is a method for closed loop rail pressure control of a V-type internal combustion engine with an asymmetrical firing order, wherein an actual rail pressure is computed from the measured rail pressure; a system deviation is determined by means of the actual rail pressure and a set rail pressure; and wherein a correcting variable for actuating a pressure actuating element, in particular a suction throttle, for regulating the rail pressure is computed. The invention is characterized by the fact that the actual rail pressure is computed from the measured rail pressure by means of an averaging filter in that below a limit speed (nLi) the rail pressure is averaged over a constant time and in that above the limit speed (nLi) the rail pressure is averaged over a working cycle of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventor: Armin Dölker
  • Patent number: 8744722
    Abstract: A snowmobile having an electronic oil pump fluidly connected to an oil tank thereof is disclosed. The electronic oil pump is fluidly connected to an engine of the snowmobile for delivering lubricant to the engine. An electronic control unit is electrically connected to the electronic oil pump for controlling actuation of the electronic oil pump. A method of operating an electronic oil pump is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michel Bernier, Bruno Schuehmacher
  • Patent number: 8744670
    Abstract: A method for quickly calculating mileage includes the steps: A, receiving report data from a vehicular terminal and updating data center according to the report data; B, receiving an inquiry request which includes a vehicle number, a first time point which is earlier than a second time point and the second time point which are requested to inquire; C, inquiring the data center to acquire a first total mileage value to which the time point that is proximate to the first time point corresponds and a second total mileage value to which the time point that is proximate to the second time point corresponds; D, obtaining a running mileage L from the first time point to the second time point by subtracting the first total mileage value from the second total mileage value. A system for quickly calculating mileage quickly is also proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: ChinaGps Co., Ltd (Shenzhen)
    Inventors: Jie Zhu, Jialiang Chu, Decheng Huang, Youwen Zhang
  • Patent number: 8744702
    Abstract: A work vehicle control device includes: a rotation speed control unit that controls an engine rotation speed in correspondence to an accelerator pedal operation quantity indicating an operating extent of an accelerator pedal; a speed ratio detection unit that detects a ratio of speed at an input shaft and at an output shaft of a torque converter, which is disposed between the engine and wheels; a decision-making unit that makes a decision that a fuel efficiency deteriorating condition exists if the torque converter speed ratio is less than a predetermined value or if the torque converter speed ratio is equal to or greater than the predetermined value and a target engine rotation speed corresponding to an operation of the accelerator pedal is greater than a preset value; and an informing unit that informs results of the decision made by the decision-making unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Masaki Yoshikawa, Ei Takahashi, Katsutaka Hara
  • Publication number: 20140149017
    Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting vehicle operation in response to vehicle weight are described. In one example, an adaptive driver demand correction is adjusted in response to vehicle weight. The methods and systems may provide for more consistent powertrain response and lower vehicle emissions at lower vehicle weights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Joseph Szwabowski, John Ottavio Michelini, Dimitar Petrov Filev, Craig Thomas Hodorek, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Davor Hrovat
  • Publication number: 20140149023
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing an efficiency of engine starting of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. An engine position is determined with higher resolution using timing circuits that are triggered in coordination with the operation of a laser ignition device of the engine. The more accurately determined piston position information enables a cylinder for initiating combustion during an engine restart to be better identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth James Miller
  • Publication number: 20140149016
    Abstract: A flexible conduit may include a first layer defining an inner surface, a second layer defining an outer surface, and a metal reinforcement element disposed between the first and second layers, the metal reinforcement element having associated therewith a first physical property. One or more sensors is coupled to the metal reinforcement element and configured to detect the first physical property and generate a signal indicative of the first physical property. A controller is operably coupled to the sensor and configured to receive the signal and display physical property data, thereby to determine potential degradation of the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventor: Amiyo Basu
  • Publication number: 20140149018
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing an efficiency of engine starting of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises operating a laser ignition device in an engine cylinder and identifying engine position in response thereto; and igniting an air and fuel mixture in the cylinder with the laser ignition device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth James Miller