Abstract: An equipment maintenance system (10) comprising a central data storage warehouse (16) for electronically storing technical information and for providing on-line technical assistance for repairing the equipment. A data transceiver (12) transmits data to and receives data from the central data storage warehouse (16). A communications link (22, 26, 28, 30) between the central data storage warehouse (16) and the wireless data transceiver enables accessing of the technical information from the central data storage warehouse (16) by the data transceiver (12). Test means (40) identifies failed system components and minimizes occurrences of false BIT flags, unnecessary system maintenance and removal of operational system components. The maintenance system finds particular utility when implemented in conjunction with a fleet of transport vehicles, such as aircraft (14), or with military weapon systems (14).

Abstract: An active brake control method including an improved method of developing the desired state variables, enabling the system designer to specify the damping ratio and the un-damped natural frequency of desired vehicle performance. The desired state variables are determined by converting a linear time domain model into a transfer function model and solving for the lateral velocity and yaw rate as a function of the driver steering angle, the damping ratio, the un-damped natural frequency of the vehicle, and the transfer function zeros. The damping ratio, the un-damped natural frequency of the vehicle, and the transfer function zeros may either be computed or specified in a look-up table as a function of vehicle speed. This allows the system designer to provide increased damping at high vehicle speeds, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a reverse shift restriction in a drive "D" range of a vehicle having an automatic transmission. The method for controlling a reverse shift restriction in a drive "D" range of a vehicle's automatic transmission, comprising the steps of generating a frequency signal representative of the vehicle speed and direction. Next, determination of whether creeping is occurring is necessary. The automatic transmission is controlled based on said determination said frequency signal.

Abstract: GPS position information is collected and stored in a computer system. The GPS position information includes time-stamps that indicates when the GPS position information was collected. The computer system uses the time stamps to generate an error correction file name for an error correction file that can be used to correct the GPS position information. Using the generated error correction file name, the computer system connects to a file server that stores differential GPS error correction files and copies the needed differential GPS error correction file. The computer system connects to the DGPS file server using the File Transfer Protocol of the global Internet. The computer system then corrects the GPS position information in the computer system using the retrieved DGPS error correction file.

Abstract: A wireless interface for diagnostic examination and programming of vehicular control systems. The wireless interface uses a vehicle processor which is coupled to at least one of a plurality of vehicular control systems. The vehicle processor is used for monitoring and controlling the different vehicular control systems located in the vehicle. A first transceiver is coupled to the vehicle processor for sending and receiving programming signals and operating signals to and from the vehicle processor. A second transceiver is provided for sending the programming signals to the first transceiver and for receiving the operating signals sent from the first transceiver.

Abstract: A suspension control apparatus for use with shock absorbers provided between sprung and unsprung masses of the vehicle at the respective road wheel positions for providing variable damping force characteristics. A control unit receives first sensor signals indicative of sensed vehicle sprung mass vertical behaviors for controlling the shock absorbers to have respective target damping force characteristics determined based on the vehicle sprung mass vertical behaviors. A surface condition of a road on which the vehicle is running is determined based on the first sensor signals. The control unit also receives a second sensor signal indicative of a sensed vehicle lateral acceleration for detecting vehicle steering operation. The second sensor signal is compared with a reference value. Vehicle steering operation is detected in response to a result of comparison of the second sensor signal with the reference value.

Abstract: A diagnostic for diagnosing fault conditions including leak and restriction conditions in a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system of an internal combustion engine in which temperature of intake air passed to the PCV system and temperature of exhaust gas exhausted from the PCV system are monitored under test conditions and a temperature change across the PCV system generated therefrom for comparison to an expected temperature change reference as a function of current engine operating conditions. A significant persistent deviation of the temperature change away from the expected temperature change is indicated as a fault condition of the PCV system.

Abstract: A method is provided for a vehicle yaw rate estimation using two accelerometers and a steer angle sensor. The new method combines two complimentary approaches to yaw rate estimation using accelerometers. A kinematic yaw rate estimate is weighted with a vehicle lateral acceleration at the center of gravity, and steering angle and vehicle forward speed are incorporated into a Kalman filter for estimating vehicle yaw rate based upon the kinematic yaw rate estimate, the lateral acceleration at the center of gravity, the vehicle steering angle, and the vehicle forward speed. The method incorporates use of either one or two accelerometers.

Abstract: A vehicle performance analyzer incorporating an acceleration-measuring method and apparatus to use an accelerometer to both measure vehicle performance and assist the user in entering the user-defined parameters or data. This use of an accelerometer to enter data can be widely applied to other electrical devices. The circuit and method uses an accelerometer to cycle discreet user-defined data for selection by the user. This accelerometer-based user interface to enter data is widely applicable to other electrical devices.