Fail-safe System Patents (Class 701/107)
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Patent number: 8050850Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a valve timing change mechanism that changes the phase of an intake cam, and a lift amount change mechanism that changes lift amount by causing displacement of a control shaft. An electronic control unit performs a coordinated control in which the lift amount change mechanism is operated such that the position of the control shaft that is detected by a position detection sensor becomes the target position, and the valve timing change mechanism is operated according to a control state of the lift amount change mechanism. When a discrepancy between the actual position of the control shaft and the detected position thereof is estimated to be large, coordinated control is forbidden and the valve timing change mechanism is operated based on engine load.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naohide Fuwa, Tokiji Ito, Seiko Tamada, Hiroyuki Kanemoto
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Patent number: 8046128Abstract: A fault clearing system and method for an engine control system includes a plurality of processor modules to control and monitor the engine and set a plurality of faults. The plurality of processor modules includes an electronic throttle control (ETC) module to control and monitor a throttle of the engine, and a plurality of engine sensors and ETC sensors. An ETC diagnostic module monitors the ETC sensors and engine sensors, with the ETC diagnostic module setting a low voltage induced fault. The ETC diagnostic module will also enter one of a plurality of low voltage states in response to the low voltage induced fault. The ETC diagnostic module selectively controls the ETC module and selectively clears the faults in the ETC module and plurality of processor modules upon entry into one of the low voltage states.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Sharon L. Storch, Joseph M. Stempnik, Richard B. Jess, James L. Worthing, Daniel G. Bolstrum
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Patent number: 8046137Abstract: Two data processing units having the same function, one of which is used for a master and the other for comparison, are provided, control of a circuit unit is performed by the master, the master data processing unit and the circuit unit are operated in synchronization with a first clock signal, the second data processing unit is operated in synchronization with a second clock signal having the same cycle and different phase from the first clock signal, and processing results of both the data processing units are compared in a comparison circuit. Flip flops are disposed on a signal path from the circuit unit to the comparison data processing unit and on a signal path from the master data processing unit to the comparator, and both the first and second clock signals are used for latch clocks of the flip flops in accordance with input signals thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventors: Hiromichi Yamada, Nobuyasu Kanekawa, Teruaki Sakata
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Publication number: 20110231083Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel supply control apparatus and to a fuel supply control method, provided with an engine control unit and a fuel pump control unit. The engine control unit outputs an actuating signal for a fuel pump to the fuel pump control unit. The fuel pump control unit outputs a diagnostic signal indicating whether or not abnormality occurs in input of the actuating signal to the engine control unit. Furthermore, the engine control unit diagnoses whether or not abnormality occurs in input of the diagnostic signal and diagnoses based on the output signal from a fuel pressure sensor whether or not abnormality occurs in a control of fuel pressure. Then, the engine control unit performs a fail-safe function, based on whether or not the abnormality occurs in the input of the diagnostic signal, whether or not the abnormality occurs in the control of the fuel pressure, and whether or not the abnormality occurs in the input of the actuating signal in the fuel pump control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventors: Masayuki Saruwatari, Yuichi Toyama
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Patent number: 8024105Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting abnormal air-fuel ratio variation among cylinders of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine are provided. The apparatus includes: a catalyst that is provided in an exhaust passage of the multi-cylinder internal combustion engine; a catalyst temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of the catalyst; a catalyst temperature estimation unit that estimates a temperature of the catalyst based on an engine operating state; and an abnormality detection unit that determines whether abnormal air-fuel ratio variation among the cylinders has occurred based on the detected temperature of the catalyst and the estimated temperature of the catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasushi Iwazaki, Toru Kidokoro, Hiroshi Sawada, Keiji Imamura, Fumihiko Nakamura
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Patent number: 8006483Abstract: In an exhaust emission purifying apparatus for reductively purifying NOx in the exhaust emission by using a liquid reducing agent or its precursor, to be referred to as “liquid reducing agent” herein, a dosing flow rate of the liquid reducing agent according to engine operating conditions is computed, and the dosing of the liquid reducing agent is controlled based on the computed dosing flow rate, and also, it is judged whether or not a supply system of the liquid reducing agent is failed, based on a ratio between an integrated amount obtained by sequentially integrating the dosing flow rate and a consumed amount of the liquid reducing agent.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignees: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd., NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideki Matsunaga, Toshikazu Katou, Hiroyuki Kurita, Shinji Kumazawa, Masayuki Motomura, Katsunori Yazawa
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Patent number: 8010275Abstract: A throttle control module comprises a primary throttle position module, a redundant throttle position module, and a remedial action module. The primary throttle position module transforms a primary throttle area signal indicating desired throttle area into a primary throttle position signal indicating a first desired throttle position of a throttle valve. The throttle valve is actuated based upon the primary throttle position signal. The redundant throttle position module transforms a redundant throttle area signal indicating desired throttle area into a redundant throttle position signal indicating a second desired throttle position of the throttle valve. The remedial action module selectively generates a remedial action signal based upon a comparison of the first and second desired throttle positions.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2007Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Mark H. Costin
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Patent number: 7997253Abstract: A method for controlling the overpressure in a fuel-supply system of a common-rail type for an internal-combustion engine provided with a number of cylinders; the method has the steps of: supplying fuel under pressure to a common rail connected to a number of injectors by means of a high-pressure pump; detecting the effective value of the pressure of the fuel within the common rail; comparing the effective value of the pressure of the fuel within the common rail with a safety value; determining a condition of emergency if the effective value of the pressure of the fuel within the common rail is higher than the safety value; and driving, in the case of emergency, the injectors for discharging part of the fuel present in the common rail so as to contain the increase in pressure of the fuel within the common rail.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain, S.p.A.Inventors: Gabriele Serra, Matteo De Cesare, Francesco Paolo Ausiello
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Publication number: 20110196595Abstract: A method and a device for interrupting unintended acceleration or unintended maintenance of vehicle speed comprising providing a driver operated fuel delivery disconnect system, said fuel delivery disconnect system comprising an electronic module programmed to temporarily disconnect electrical feed to a fuel delivery mechanism. The temporary interruption of the electrical feed places the vehicle in an idle mode without disrupting other vehicle control systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2011Publication date: August 11, 2011Inventor: Donald R. Cook
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Patent number: 7937210Abstract: A device for controlling an internal combustion engine has sensors That measure the operating states of the internal combustion engine. The sensor signals are used for determining control signals for the internal combustion engine. Furthermore, testing means are provided which verify the sensor signals and if implausible sensor signals are detected, control of the internal combustion engine is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ulrich Koelle, Thorsten Mausbach, Georgios Daniilidis
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Patent number: 7909020Abstract: At least one of a petroleum fuel and an alcohol fuel stored in a fuel tank is supplied to an internal combustion engine. Specifically, the fuel in the fuel tank is supplied to an injector by a fuel pump module. The injector injects the fuel into an intake pipe. An ECU adjusts a fuel injection quantity according to an alcohol concentration of the fuel. When the fuel-supply-pressure to the injector is less than or equal to a threshold pressure, the ECU determines the fuel pump module has a malfunction. Especially, the ECU varies the threshold pressure according to the alcohol concentration of the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Kentaro Orikabe
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Patent number: 7890233Abstract: Two data processing units having the same function, one of which is used for a master and the other for comparison, are provided, control of a circuit unit is performed by the master, the master data processing unit and the circuit unit are operated in synchronization with a first clock signal, the second data processing unit is operated in synchronization with a second clock signal having the same cycle and different phase from the first clock signal, and processing results of both the data processing units are compared in a comparison circuit. Flip flops are disposed on a signal path from the circuit unit to the comparison data processing unit and on a signal path from the master data processing unit to the comparator, and both the first and second clock signals are used for latch clocks of the flip flops in accordance with input signals thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventors: Hiromichi Yamada, Nobuyasu Kanekawa, Teruaki Sakata
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Patent number: 7890242Abstract: Immediately after startup of the engine, secondary air is supplied by an air pump into each exhaust branch passage via a secondary-air supply passage. A pressure sensor is disposed in the secondary-air supply passage. An output voltage of the pressure sensor decreases as the battery voltage decreases. When the battery voltage is lower than a permissible voltage, the output value of the pressure sensor is inhibited from being used as an output value representing the pressure. Thus, atmospheric pressure can be accurately detected.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinya Kondou, Yasuhiro Oi
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Patent number: 7881858Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of an exhaust gas recirculation system in an internal combustion engine, including providing a pressure difference reading, which gives a pressure difference in an air supply section of the internal combustion engine or a pressure difference over the exhaust gas recirculation system; determining a pressure difference reference value as a function of one or more operating variables of the internal combustion engine; and detecting a fault in the exhaust gas recirculation system as a function of the pressure difference reading and of the pressure difference reference value.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Tobias Kress, Stefan Michael, Wilhelm Blumendeller, Horst Mueller
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Patent number: 7869931Abstract: When an engine torque trace is set during acceleration or deceleration, the ratio of increase or decrease in the engine torque per unit time is restricted so that when the engine torque generated during acceleration or deceleration approaches an engine torque (balance torque) at which the engine is oriented upright with respect to the engine mount, the engine torque stays near the balance torque for a prescribed time.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2007Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shinya Satou, Hitoshi Konno, Mamoru Nemoto
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Patent number: 7861683Abstract: After an engine automatic stop processing is started, a diagnosis of a starter is started at a time of t1 when an engine speed drops to a diagnosis starting speed. Before the engine speed drops to the lower limit speed at which an engine can be restarted without being cranked by the starter, the diagnosis of the starter is conducted. In the diagnosis of the starter, it is determined whether the starter is faulty based on a current passing through the starter when a relay is turned off to stop energization of the starter before the starter actually rotates after the relay is turned on. Thereby, a malfunction of the starter can be detected before the engine is automatically stopped. It is avoided to automatically stop the engine which is incapable of being automatically restarted due to the malfunction of the starter.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Soichi Saitoh, Eijirou Yamada
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Patent number: 7840336Abstract: In a gas turbine aeroengine control system, in Ch-A (first control channel), a first CPU monitors the operation of a second CPU and the second CPU monitors the operation of the first CPU; in Ch-B (second control channel), third and fourth CPUs similarly monitor each other, and when the operation of at least one of the first and second CPUs in Ch-A is found not to be normal, the output sent to an FCU (fuel control unit) is switched from the output of one or the other of the first and second CPUs of Ch-A to the output of one or the other of the third and fourth CPUs of Ch-B, thereby achieving improved CPU failure detection and realizing high redundancy and high reliability.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hironori Muramatsu, Yuichi Hattori, Makoto Tezuka
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Patent number: 7826962Abstract: The electronic control apparatus includes a microcomputer having a control function of controlling an actuator mounted on a vehicle in accordance with an input signal indicative of a running state of the vehicle, and a self-monitoring function of monitoring whether or not the control function is functioning properly on the basis of the input signal, and a monitor module communicably connected to the microcomputer and having a digital circuit for monitoring whether or not the self-monitoring function is functioning properly. The monitor module includes a reference counter counting up a clock serving as operation reference of the digital circuit. The microcomputer includes a module monitoring section configured to take in a count value of the reference counter and to monitor whether or not the monitor module is functioning properly on the basis of a changing state of the count value taken in.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Kosuke Ushijima, Fujiki Yamada
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Publication number: 20100269793Abstract: An engine control system includes a driver module and a diagnostics module. The driver module includes a high-side driver and a low-side driver, which selectively actuate a load. The driver module generates status signals based on detection of each of a plurality of failure modes of the high-side and low-side drivers. The diagnostics module increments a first error count for a first mode of the plurality of failure modes when the status signals indicate the driver module has detected the first mode. The diagnostics module increments a corresponding total count each time the driver module analyzes the first mode. The diagnostics module sets a fail state for a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) when the first error count for the first mode reaches a first predetermined threshold prior to the total count reaching a second predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Wenbo Wang, Mark D. Carr, Michael J. Lucido, Jon C. Miller, John F. Van Gilder, Daniel P. Grenn, Hamid M. Esfahan, Ian J. Mac Ewen
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Patent number: 7788019Abstract: When either one of two injectors of each cylinder becomes abnormal, a control device performs failsafe control of performing increase correction of injection quantity of a normal injector. If actual injection quantity is restricted with the maximum injection quantity that can be injected by the normal injector during the execution of the failsafe control, the control device restricts duty of an actuator of an intake air quantity adjustment mechanism (such as a throttle opening degree), thereby restricting intake air quantity to intake air quantity that does not cause melting damage of a catalyst. Thus, increase of deviation of an air-fuel ratio toward a lean side can be inhibited, and the melting damage of the catalyst can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Yamashita, Toshiki Annoura
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Patent number: 7774110Abstract: A failure diagnosis apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a diagnosis processing section for executing failure diagnosis processing on a device of the vehicle to generate a diagnosis result. The apparatus also includes a data managing section for managing data of the diagnosis result. After an execution condition is met for failure diagnosis, the diagnosis processing section outputs an execution demand to the data managing section for the failure diagnosis processing. In response to the execution demand, the data managing section outputs an execution permission to the diagnosis processing section for the failure diagnosis processing. Also, after the execution condition is met for the failure diagnosis, the diagnosis processing section starts executing the failure diagnosis processing regardless of whether the execution permission has been outputted by the data managing section. A method of failure diagnosis is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Kenichi Sago
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Patent number: 7765991Abstract: A method of controlling an internal combustion engine having a fuel vapor purging system and a fuel delivery system including a fuel pump and a fuel pressure sensor for detecting the fuel pressure provided by the fuel pump is disclosed. In one example, the method includes, during a degraded condition of the fuel pressure sensor, adjusting the fuel pump output in response to an operating condition, adjusting at least one of a condition of the fuel vapor purging system and adaptive learning of a characteristic of the fuel delivery system; and further adjusting the fuel pump output in response to an output of an exhaust gas sensor while also adjusting an amount of fuel injected into a cylinder of the engine in response to said output of the exhaust gas sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Thomas, James Kerns
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Patent number: 7752837Abstract: In a diagnosis apparatus for an internal combustion engine which determines the abnormality of a linear A/F sensor which is disposed on the upstream side of a catalyst of the engine and detects the A/F of exhaust gas, the apparatus includes a response/gain deterioration detection unit that separately detects the response deterioration in which the response of the linear A/F sensor is delayed and the gain deterioration in which the detection sensitivity of the linear A/F sensor is abnormal.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yoichi Iihoshi, Shin Yamauchi, Toshio Hori, Yoshikuni Kurashima
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Patent number: 7751966Abstract: In an abnormality diagnostic device and an abnormality diagnostic device for an air-fuel ratio sensor that detects the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, a system extending from a fuel injection valve to the air-fuel ratio sensor is model by a first order response delay, and a parameter in the first order response delay is identified based on an input air-fuel ratio that is given to the air-fuel ratio sensor and an output air-fuel ratio that is output from the air-fuel ratio sensor. Then, the presence/absence of abnormality regarding a predetermined characteristic of the air-fuel ratio sensor is determined based on the parameter identified. Thus, abnormality is diagnosed regarding individual characteristics of the air-fuel ratio sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasushi Iwazaki
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Patent number: 7729846Abstract: A control device for an engine includes an air-fuel ratio detector detecting an air-fuel ratio of an exhaust gas of the engine. A feedback controller performs a feedback control of an amount of a fuel injection of mixed fuel including alcohol so that the air-fuel ratio detected by the air-fuel ratio detector is come close to a target air-fuel ratio, the mixed fuel supplied from a fuel feeder. A concentration estimator estimates a concentration of the alcohol in the mixed fuel based on the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas and a correction amount for the amount of the fuel injection controlled by the feedback control. A malfunction determiner determines that the fuel feeder has a malfunction when the correction amount is greater than or equal to a value for a period which is longer than a first period in a second period. The second period is from a first time point when the feedback controller starts to perform the feedback control.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Junya Kitada, Shigetoshi Hirano, Koji Kawakita, Hitoshi Kamura, Katsuhiro Furuta
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Patent number: 7725247Abstract: A system extending from a fuel injection valve to an air-fuel ratio sensor is modeled by using a first order response delay element. Parameters of the first order response delay element T, k are identified based on an input u(t) based on an input air-fuel ratio that occurs when the input air-fuel ratio is relatively sharply changed in accordance with an engine operation requirement, and an output y(t) of the air-fuel ratio sensor that changes in response to a change in the input air-fuel ratio. Then, an abnormality of characteristics (response rate and output) of the air-fuel ratio sensor is determined based on the identified parameter.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasushi Iwazaki
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Patent number: 7717085Abstract: A method and system for operating a throttle system includes a throttle body generating a throttle position sensor signal and encoding the throttle position sensor signal to form an encoded throttle position sensor signal. The system also includes an electronic control module receiving the encoded throttle position sensor signal from a throttle body, forming a first replicated throttle position sensor signal and a second replicated second throttle position sensor signal from the encoded signal and communicating the first replicated throttle position sensor signal and the second throttle position sensor signal to a diagnostics module.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2008Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Inventor: Paul A. Bauerle
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Patent number: 7720595Abstract: An abnormality diagnostic device for an air-fuel ratio sensor that detects the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is provided. The abnormality diagnostic device includes: a device that an device that models a system extending from a fuel injection valve to the air-fuel ratio sensor by using a first order response delay element and a waste time element, and that identifies at least a waste time of the waste time element based on an input given to the air-fuel ratio sensor and an output obtained from the air-fuel ratio sensor; and another device that performs determination about an abnormality of the waste time based on the identified waste time.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasushi Iwazaki
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Publication number: 20100121556Abstract: The invention comprises a control method for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having a throttle-controlled engine and an electric motor, a battery and a generator. Compensation is made for differences between driver commanded torque and actual engine torque due to engine throttle contamination using a closed-loop control strategy that creates a throttle setting correction.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Douglas Raymond Martin
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Patent number: 7706931Abstract: A control system comprises: a plurality of input devices; a plurality of remote output devices; a plurality of dedicated connections and a digital data network interconnecting the plurality of input devices and the plurality of remote output devices. Each one of the plurality of output devices is connected to one of the plurality of input devices by an associated one of the plurality of dedicated connections. Each output device is operable to detect an addressing error in the digital network by comparing a value of a parameter received via its dedicated connection with the value of the same parameter received via the digital data network. Each output device is operable to use a network address dependent upon a value received via its dedicated connection.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2008Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventor: Steven Peers
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Patent number: 7706962Abstract: A fuel delivery device 11 has a delivery pipe 18, which supplies fuel to a fuel injection valve 21 of an internal combustion engine 10. An electromagnetic relief valve 22 releases the fuel from the delivery pipe 18 in response to an opening instruction and lowers the pressure of the fuel in the delivery pipe 18. A diagnosis device for the relief valve 22 has an electronic control unit 27 outputting the opening instruction to the relief valve 22 in response to a stopping instruction for stopping the engine 10. The unit 27 determines whether the relief valve 22 has a defect based on a manner in which the pressure of the fuel in the delivery pipe 18 changes after output of the stopping instruction. As a result, it is appropriately diagnosed whether the electromagnetic relief valve 22 has a defect.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shunsuke Fushiki, Naoto Suzuki
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Patent number: 7676286Abstract: A system including a node, wherein the node includes two separate controllers, each of which is configured to output data to a bus, or receive data from a bus, or output data to and receive data from a bus. At least one controller is configured to monitor the output of the other controller and is configured such that if the at least one controller determines that the other controller is providing improper data or signals, at least part of the output data of the other controller is nullified, overridden or superseded by an output from the at least one controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Inventors: Robert J. Disser, Paul M. Degoul, Steven L. Tracht
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Patent number: 7664590Abstract: A method of operating a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes introducing a fuel into a combustor, detecting a failure of ignition of the fuel, and preventing ignition until the introduced fuel is substantially removed from the gas turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mark Andrew Runkle, Steven William Backman, Paul David Black, Mark Andrew Cournoyer, Kevin Andrew Spengler, Daniel D. Morrison, Robert Joseph Iasillo, Christopher David Miller
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Patent number: 7644576Abstract: A sensor control device is connected with a plurality of exhaust sensors including an NOx sensor to be disposed around a catalyst, and is constructed such that a plurality of drive control circuits to be connected in a one-to-one relationship with the individual gas sensors are disposed in one casing. The sensor control device is provided with a communication output section that outputs signals through a digital communication line so that the signal transmissions/receptions with an ECU may be executed through the digital communication line. This digital communication line is physically a one-system cable but can transmit and receive signals of a plurality of kinds with predetermined communication protocols.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Inagaki, Ronald S. Patrick
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Patent number: 7643924Abstract: An ECU executes a program that includes the steps of setting an abnormality flag when a hydraulic pressure switch is on even though a lock-up clutch is in a lock-up OFF state, forcing an SLU off when the lock-up clutch is on and the abnormality flag is on, determining that there is an SLU failure when the lock-up clutch is still in a lock-up ON state after a predetermined period of time has passed, and determining that there is a hydraulic pressure switch failure when the lock-up clutch is not in the lock-up ON state after the predetermined period of time has passed.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tatsuya Kawamura, Toshio Sugimura, Hideo Masaki
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Patent number: 7603994Abstract: An exhaust gas discharged from a combustion chamber of each cylinder flows near an air-fuel ratio sensor via a junction. An ECU estimates an air-fuel ratio of each cylinder based upon a sensing value of an air-fuel ratio sensor. When a variation in the air-fuel ratio among the cylinders is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the ECU determines that an abnormality exists in the air-fuel ratio. When a quantity of the exhaust gas discharged from each cylinder is less than another predetermined value, an intake air quantity is increased and ignition timing is delayed before the determination of presence or absence of the abnormality.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2008Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Kuniaki Ueda
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Patent number: 7603980Abstract: An electronic throttle control apparatus includes first and second throttle position sensors that detect an opening of a throttle valve for adjusting an amount of supply air to an internal combustion engine, a throttle control unit that controls to drive the throttle valve, first and second accelerator position sensors that detect an operation amount of an accelerator pedal, and an ECU that calculates control parameters for the internal combustion engine on the basis of internal combustion engine operation information including an accelerator opening and a throttle opening and controls a throttle actuator such that a throttle opening position coincides with a target throttle opening position included in the control parameters. The ECU surely detects an abnormality in a sensor output due to contact failure or the like of the throttle position sensors and the accelerator position sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinji Watanabe
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Patent number: 7603252Abstract: A method for calculating the effective volume of a diesel particulate filter invention may include: determining whether regeneration efficiency exists; determining, if regeneration efficiency exists, whether a learning condition of the ash coefficient is satisfied; detecting an exhaust flow amount Qexh if the learning condition of the ash coefficient is satisfied; calculating change of a pressure difference ?(?Pash(n)) caused by the ash; calculating change of an ash coefficient ?(a4) by using the change of the pressure difference ?(?Pash(n)) caused by the ash and the exhaust flow amount Qexh; calculating a current ash coefficient a4(n) by using the change of the ash coefficient ?(a4) and a previous ash coefficient a4(n-1); and calculating the effective volume Ve by using the current ash coefficient a4(n) and a first filter coefficient a1.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Jae Yeon Lee, Youngjun Roh
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Publication number: 20090216429Abstract: When either one of two injectors of each cylinder becomes abnormal, a control device performs failsafe control of performing increase correction of injection quantity of a normal injector. If actual injection quantity is restricted with the maximum injection quantity that can be injected by the normal injector during the execution of the failsafe control, the control device restricts duty of an actuator of an intake air quantity adjustment mechanism (such as a throttle opening degree), thereby restricting intake air quantity to intake air quantity that does not cause melting damage of a catalyst. Thus, increase of deviation of an air-fuel ratio toward a lean side can be inhibited, and the melting damage of the catalyst can be prevented.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroshi Yamashita, Toshiki Annoura
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Patent number: 7536244Abstract: A failure diagnostic apparatus is provided with an offset power source for offsetting a ground-side voltage of an air-fuel ratio sensor, an activation state judging unit for judging whether the air-fuel ratio sensor is active, a failure diagnosing unit for judging for a failure from an offset-added output signal of the air-fuel ratio sensor in a period when the activation state judging unit judges that the air-fuel ratio sensor is active, an input resistance switching unit for switching the level of an input signal from the air-fuel ratio sensor when the failure diagnosing unit has detected a failure in the air-fuel ratio sensor, and a failure state judging unit for determining a type of failure of the air-fuel ratio sensor on the basis of a voltage level obtained when the input resistance switching unit has switched the input signal level.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2004Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mitsuyasu Kunihiro, Koji Nishimoto
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Patent number: 7530220Abstract: A method for enabling initiation of regeneration of a NOx adsorber catalyst. While the engine is operating to propel the vehicle, data indicative of NOx adsorption efficiency of the NOx adsorber catalyst, data indicative of temperature of exhaust gas passing through the NOx adsorber catalyst, data indicative of speed of the motor vehicle, and data indicative of engine fueling are processed according to an algorithm (10) that will enable regeneration to be initiated upon concurrence of the data indicative of NOx adsorption efficiency indicating an efficiency less than a defined efficiency, of the data indicative of temperature of exhaust gas passing through the NOx adsorber catalyst indicating a temperature suitable for initiating regeneration, of the data indicative of speed of the motor vehicle indicating vehicle speed suitable for initiating regeneration, and of the data indicative of engine torque indicating engine torque suitable for initiating regeneration.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventors: Michael J. Miller, Guoqing Zhang
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Patent number: 7520266Abstract: A fuel injector for an engine is disclosed. The fuel injector has a plunger disposed within a bore, a nozzle member, a valve needle, a check valve, a spill valve, and a controller. The check valve is movable between a first position at which the valve needle is communicated with the bore, and a second position at which the valve needle is fluidly communicated with a drain. The spill valve is movable between a first position at which fuel flows from the bore to the drain, and a second position at which the fuel from the bore is blocked. The controller moves the spill valve toward its second position and the check valve toward its second position during a downward displacing movement of the plunger. The controller detects an unsuccessful movement of the check valve to the second position, and prematurely halts the current injection event in response to the detection.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Travis E. Barnes, Rammohan Sankar, Clayton D. Walenta, Christopher F. Gallmeyer
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Patent number: 7513228Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, a variable lift and/or operating angle mechanism variably controls a lift and/or operating angle of an exhaust valve in accordance with a driving condition of the engine, a variable phase mechanism variably controls a phase of a lift center angle of the exhaust valve in accordance with the driving condition of the engine, a present position detecting section detects a present operating position of each of the variable lift and/or operating angle mechanism and variable phase mechanism, and a controlling section controls one of the variable lift and/or operating angle mechanism and the variable phase mechanism which operates normally in a direction in which an in-cylinder residual gas quantity becomes minimum when the other of the variable lift and/or operating angle mechanism and the variable phase mechanism has failed.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryosuke Hiyoshi, Tsuyoshi Arinaga, Shin Ishizaki
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Patent number: 7469177Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling automotive powertrains using a distributed control architecture are disclosed. A distributed control system may include a supervisory control unit for controlling one or more powertrain subsystems, and one or more subsystem control units in communication with the supervisory control unit. The supervisory control unit can be configured to execute a central optimization algorithm that computes variables from across multiple powertrain subsystems, and then outputs a number of globally approximated command values to each associated subsystem control unit. In some embodiments, the central optimization algorithm can be configured to solve a global cost function or optimization routine. One or more of the subsystem control units can be configured to execute a lower-level algorithm or routine, which can comprise a higher-fidelity model than that used by the central optimization algorithm.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Tariq Samad, Syed M. Shahed, Joseph Z. Lu, Gregory E. Stewart, Vladimir Ravlena
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Publication number: 20080262703Abstract: A correction apparatus for correcting an output of an oxygen sensor installed in an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine to measure the concentration of oxygen contained in exhaust gas. The apparatus works to execute a fuel cut operation to bring the pressure in the exhaust pipe to the atmospheric pressure and enters an under-atmosphere correction mode to sample an output of the oxygen sensor and determine a correction factor compensating for a deviation of the sampled output from a reference value representing an actual concentration of oxygen. The apparatus also works to calculate the pressure in the exhaust pipe after start of the fuel cut and determine whether the under-atmosphere correction mode is to be entered or not based on the pressure of exhaust gas, thereby ensuring the accuracy in correcting the output of the oxygen sensor regardless of a variation in the pressure of exhaust gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoo Kawase, Eiichi Kurokawa, Katsuhiko Nakabayashi, Takahito Masuko, Koji Sugiura
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Publication number: 20080249699Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for operating an injection device (5) for an internal combustion engine, the injection device (5) including injection valves (40), via which fuel is injected directly into combustion chambers (100) of the internal combustion engine. Means are provided for detecting misfirings (310), and for determining a fuel pressure (320). A mechanical fault of an injection valve (40) is detected when a misfire occurs in a cylinder (110) and the fuel pressure simultaneously drops below a threshold value (SW). An electrical fault in an injection device (5) is detected when misfirings of cylinders (110) assigned to an output stage bank of the injection device (5) are observed, and the fuel pressure has dropped below a threshold value (SW). The responses to the faults that are implemented differ depending on the faults that were detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2006Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Jens Wolber, Oliver Wiemers, Winfried Langer, Andreas Baumann, Christian Koehler, Norbert Mueller, Hans-Juergen Baehr, Matthias Walz
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Publication number: 20080249698Abstract: To prevent an increase in torque when the fixed state of a throttle valve is released. When diagnostics reads fixed diagnostics flag 1 indicating that the throttle valve is in a fixed state, control value ATVO that can maintain throttle aperture RTVO is set (S 11, S 12) based on detected value RTVO for the throttle aperture in the current fixed state, fuel injection volume TiO that is calculated according to new air volume Q is secured at fuel injection volume TiL or greater in order to achieve the engine torque for when fail-safe control is executed, and when air-fuel ratio), is less than the lower limit valueXL, causing an increase in the amount of smoke, control is executed to suppress the occurrence of said smoke.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2005Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Jin Yokoyama, Takanobu Aikawa
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Patent number: 7430483Abstract: A method of analyzing variations in an indicator of the behavior of a mechanism, in which noise is extracted, and any discontinuities from an indicator in order to obtain a trend, variations in the trend are compared with one or more reference values; and a fault of the mechanism is indicated as a function of the result of the comparison. Any outlier data in the indicated data are search for and subtracted, and any edge data are extracted from the data obtained from the search operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: EurocopterInventor: Johan Wiig
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Patent number: 7415351Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting an angular position signal representing the rotary motion of a rotating part of an internal-combustion engine. The internal-combustion engine includes at least one combustion chamber. In addition, a speed sensor of the type mentioned initially is provided, the speed sensor outputting a rotation-measurement signal representing the rotary motion of a sensing wheel connected with the rotating part. At least one pressure sensor is also provided that outputs a pressure signal representing the pressure in a combustion chamber. The method according to the present invention has the following steps: Detect the pressure signal, detect the rotation-measurement signal, calculate a correction quantity that is a function, at the least, of the detected pressure signal and rotation-measurement signal, and determine the angular position signal by linking the detected rotation-measurement signal with the correction quantity.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Franz Raichle, Wolfgang Fischer, Joerg Breuninger, Haris Hamedovic
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Patent number: 7403850Abstract: The automated fault diagnostic system operates on engine-compressor sets with one vibration sensor per sub-group of engine cylinders and one sensor per compressor cylinder. Vibration signals linked to crankshaft phase angle windows (“VT”) mark various engine events and compressor events. In data-acquisition-learning mode, VT is stored for each engine and compressor event per operating load condition, statistical process control (SPC) theory identifies alarm threshold bands. Operator input-overrides are permitted. If no baseline data is stored, the system automatically enters the learn mode. To monitor, current VT are obtained and current load condition is matched to the earlier load set and alarms issue linking predetermined engine or compressor event to the over-under VT. Baseline data, SPC analysis, alarms and monitoring are set for crankcase flow, engine cylinder exhaust temperatures, ignition system diagnostic messages. Compressor performance alarms use suction and discharge temperatures and pressures.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Dynalco Controls CorporationInventors: Benjamin J. Boutin, Robert J. Webber, Jr., Ferdinand G. Oliva, John F. Kealty, Javier Fernandez, Thomas J. Kitchens