Patents by Inventor Dan Nagashima

Dan Nagashima has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9487207
    Abstract: A system and method of compensating for torque converter slip in a motor vehicle include measuring rotational speeds of an engine crankshaft and mainshaft, as well as measuring operating temperatures of a fluid associated with the motor vehicle. Engine output torque is adjusted as required by controlling some combination of ignition timing, intake air flow, fuel injection, and accessory load. A system and method for deactivating a torque compensation system retrieves a number of times the torque compensation system has been activated over a set period. If the number exceeds a predetermined number of activations, the torque compensation system is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dan Nagashima, Takahide Mizuno, Hirokazu Toyoshima, Lee O'Donnell, Naomichi Tonokura, Akio Muto, Yutaka Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9278698
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an apparatus for limiting engine speed using any one of multiple engine components. The apparatus includes a user interface manually actuable to select at least one of the multiple engine components for limiting engine speed. The user interface includes an identification signal generator and transmitter that is configured to, upon selection of the multiple engine component(s), generate and transmit an identification signal that identifies the engine component(s) that was selected. The apparatus also includes a controller that is configured to, upon receipt of the identification signal, provide an instruction to the identified engine component(s), such that the identified engine component(s) operates to limit engine speed upon occurrence of conditions warranting that engine speed be limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dan Nagashima
  • Publication number: 20150306956
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to an apparatus for limiting engine speed using any one of multiple engine components. The apparatus includes a user interface manually actuable to select at least one of the multiple engine components for limiting engine speed. The user interface includes an identification signal generator and transmitter that is configured to, upon selection of the multiple engine component(s), generate and transmit an identification signal that identifies the engine component(s) that was selected. The apparatus also includes a controller that is configured to, upon receipt of the identification signal, provide an instruction to the identified engine component(s), such that the identified engine component(s) operates to limit engine speed upon occurrence of conditions warranting that engine speed be limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dan Nagashima
  • Patent number: 8849540
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring engine coolant temperature sensors are described. In one embodiment, an expected engine coolant temperature may be determined based on the accumulated engine mass air flow. If the current engine coolant temperature is substantially different from the expected temperature, then an error signal may be generated. In one embodiment, the expected engine coolant temperature is compared to the actual engine coolant temperature if the engine coolant temperature has changed by a predetermined amount. In one embodiment, the expected engine coolant temperature is compared to the actual engine coolant temperature if the accumulated engine mass air flow is equal to or is greater than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dan Nagashima
  • Publication number: 20140195130
    Abstract: A system and method of compensating for torque converter slip in a motor vehicle include measuring rotational speeds of an engine crankshaft and mainshaft, as well as measuring operating temperatures of a fluid associated with the motor vehicle. Engine output torque is adjusted as required by controlling some combination of ignition timing, intake air flow, fuel injection, and accessory load. A system and method for deactivating a torque compensation system retrieves a number of times the torque compensation system has been activated over a set period. If the number exceeds a predetermined number of activations, the torque compensation system is deactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan Nagashima, Takahide Mizuno, Hirokazu Toyoshima, Lee O'Donnell, Naomichi Tonokura, Akio Muto, Yutaka Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8640838
    Abstract: A system and method of compensating for torque converter slip in a motor vehicle include measuring rotational speeds of an engine crankshaft and mainshaft, as well as measuring operating temperatures of a fluid associated with the motor vehicle. Engine output torque is adjusted as required by controlling some combination of ignition timing, intake air flow, fuel injection, and accessory load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan Nagashima, Takahide Mizuno, Hirokazu Toyoshima, Lee O'Donnell, Naomichi Tonokura, Akio Muto, Yutaka Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20130110373
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring engine coolant temperature sensors are described. In one embodiment, an expected engine coolant temperature may be determined based on the accumulated engine mass air flow. If the current engine coolant temperature is substantially different from the expected temperature, then an error signal may be generated. In one embodiment, the expected engine coolant temperature is compared to the actual engine coolant temperature if the engine coolant temperature has changed by a predetermined amount. In one embodiment, the expected engine coolant temperature is compared to the actual engine coolant temperature if the accumulated engine mass air flow is equal to or is greater than a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Dan Nagashima
  • Publication number: 20130073190
    Abstract: A method of controlling an engine during starting is disclosed. During cold starting and following a refueling, a default alcohol value is used to control various systems associated with the engine, including fuel injection and ignition timing. The default alcohol value is used to ensure reliable starting. During non-cold starting and following a refueling, the current alcohol value is used to minimize fuel inefficiencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Neisen, Dan Nagashima, Todd Luken, Takahide Mizuno
  • Patent number: 8219300
    Abstract: An engine control system and method for controlling engine air flow during a deceleration fuel cut includes an internal combustion engine, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), and an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the engine. The ECU establishes a desired air flow rate for the internal combustion engine, which is taken from an ABS failed condition look-up table when determined that the ABS has failed while the engine is in a deceleration fuel cut mode, and otherwise is taken from a normal condition look-up table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan Nagashima, Paul DeHart, Hirokazu Toyoshima, Takahide Mizuno, Yoshiharu Saitou, Yutaka Ishikawa, Akio Muto
  • Patent number: 8170772
    Abstract: A method of reducing icing-related engine misfires during operation of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle can include an engine and an engine control unit operable for at least partially controlling operation of the engine. The vehicle can further include a plurality of sensors in electrical communication with the engine control unit. The engine can include an air intake system and an exhaust system, wherein the air intake system can include a positive crankcase ventilation valve. The method includes predicting the presence of ice within the air intake system based upon an input to the engine control unit from at least one of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan Nagashima, John P. Mullett, Takashi Isobe, Kenji D. Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20110276239
    Abstract: A system and method of compensating for torque converter slip in a motor vehicle include measuring rotational speeds of an engine crankshaft and mainshaft, as well as measuring operating temperatures of a fluid associated with the motor vehicle. Engine output torque is adjusted as required by controlling some combination of ignition timing, intake air flow, fuel injection, and accessory load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dan Nagashima, Takahide Mizuno, Hirokazu Toyoshima, Lee O'Donnell, Naomichi Tonokura, Akio Muto, Yutaka Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20110208406
    Abstract: A method of reducing icing-related engine misfires during operation of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle can include an engine and an engine control unit operable for at least partially controlling operation of the engine. The vehicle can further include a plurality of sensors in electrical communication with the engine control unit. The engine can include an air intake system and an exhaust system, wherein the air intake system can include a positive crankcase ventilation valve. The method includes predicting the presence of ice within the air intake system based upon an input to the engine control unit from at least one of the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Dan Nagashima, John P. Mullett, Takashi Isobe, Kenji D. Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20100262351
    Abstract: An engine control system and method for controlling engine air flow during a deceleration fuel cut includes an internal combustion engine, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), and an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the engine. The ECU establishes a desired air flow rate for the internal combustion engine, which is taken from an ABS failed condition look-up table when determined that the ABS has failed while the engine is in a deceleration fuel cut mode, and otherwise is taken from a normal condition look-up table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Dan Nagashima, Paul DeHart, Hirokazu Toyoshima, Takahide Mizuno, Yoshiharu Saitou, Yutaka Ishikawa, Akio Muto
  • Publication number: 20100100297
    Abstract: A method of reducing icing-related engine misfires during operation of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle can include an engine and an engine control unit operable for at least partially controlling operation of the engine. The vehicle can further include a plurality of sensors in electrical communication with the engine control unit. The engine can include an air intake system and an exhaust system, wherein the air intake system can include a positive crankcase ventilation valve. The method includes predicting the presence of ice within the air intake system based upon an input to the engine control unit from at least one of the sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Dan Nagashima, John P. Mullett, Takashi Isobe, Kenji D. Matsuura