Abstract: The present invention is an electronically controlled battery contactor that opens (disconnects) or closes (connects) the battery circuit from the other parts of a motor vehicle electrical system based on measured or sensed data derived from monitoring the electrical system, communicating with other on-board control units, and pre-programmed requirements specific to the vehicle operation. The primary functions are to protect the battery from excessive current drain when the vehicle is parked, protect against short circuits across the main electrical feed, and provide emergency disconnect for vehicle impact, rollover or sensed thermal events. A programmed delay function controls the opening of the contactor in conjunction with other electronic control units that may require electrical power for a period of time after vehicle shutdown. A master electrical disconnect switch is provided for manual override for servicing the vehicle or during an emergency.

Abstract: An engine-powered vehicle includes an engine, a battery corresponding to a battery voltage, a starter, an alternator, a plurality of switchable electrical loads, a key switch configured to control the switchable electrical loads and corresponding to a key voltage, and an electrical system health monitor (ESHM) controller. The ESHM controller is configured to monitor a plurality of voltages, to determine an operating state based on the plurality of voltages, and to determine whether an operating state is a valid operating state or a fault state. The ESHM controller is configured to set a fault alert for vehicle maintenance when the operating state is a fault state and, when the operating state is a valid operating state, to monitor a predetermined set of input parameters corresponding to the operating state, to detect certain anomalies based voltage waveforms of the plurality of voltages, and to perform a corrective action based on the anomalies.

Abstract: The present invention is an electronically controlled battery contactor that opens (disconnects) or closes (connects) the battery circuit from the other parts of a motor vehicle electrical system based on measured or sensed data derived from monitoring the electrical system, communicating with other on-board control units, and pre-programmed requirements specific to the vehicle operation. The primary functions are to protect the battery from excessive current drain when the vehicle is parked, protect against short circuits across the main electrical feed, and provide emergency disconnect for vehicle impact, rollover or sensed thermal events. A programmed delay function controls the opening of the contactor in conjunction with other electronic control units that may require electrical power for a period of time after vehicle shutdown. A master electrical disconnect switch is provided for manual override for servicing the vehicle or during an emergency.

Abstract: An engine-powered vehicle includes an engine, a battery corresponding to a battery voltage, a starter, an alternator, a plurality of switchable electrical loads, a key switch configured to control the switchable electrical loads and corresponding to a key voltage, and an electrical system health monitor (ESHM) controller. The ESHM controller is configured to monitor a plurality of voltages, to determine an operating state based on the plurality of voltages, and to determine whether an operating state is a valid operating state or a fault state. The ESHM controller is configured to set a fault alert for vehicle maintenance when the operating state is a fault state and, when the operating state is a valid operating state, to monitor a predetermined set of input parameters corresponding to the operating state, to detect certain anomalies based voltage waveforms of the plurality of voltages, and to perform a corrective action based on the anomalies.

Abstract: This invention provides fire prevention and detection for heavy-duty and medium-duty commercial and military vehicles by ensuring the engine is automatically and immediately shut down upon the occurrence of a catastrophic event that may lead to a fire. The shutdown is achieved through the isolation of the vehicle batteries and alternator and the disconnecting of those devices from all electrical circuits. Anomalies that cause the shutdown and disconnect include battery and vehicle load currents that are outside a preset range, excessive temperatures, detection of smoke in the drive compartment or sleeper, or detection of a frontal impact accident or vehicle rollover. Once disconnected, the battery contactor must be manually reset in order to restore electrical power to the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention provides fire prevention and detection for heavy-duty and medium-duty commercial and military vehicles by ensuring the engine is automatically and immediately shut down upon the occurrence of a catastrophic event that may lead to a fire. The shutdown is achieved through the isolation of the vehicle batteries and alternator and the disconnecting of those devices from all electrical circuits. Anomalies that cause the shutdown and disconnect include battery and vehicle load currents that are outside a preset range, excessive temperatures, detection of smoke in the drive compartment or sleeper, or detection of a frontal impact accident or vehicle rollover. Once disconnected, the battery contactor must be manually reset in order to restore electrical power to the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for closed loop control of a pressure-activated variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) for use in internal combustion engines, such as heavy duty diesel engines, provides sensors for detecting both intake manifold boost pressure as well as VGT actuator pressure. Sensors are also provided for detecting various engine operating parameters. Target VGT actuator pressures and target intake boost pressures are read from look-up tables according to the engine operating parameter values. Closed loop control of VGT geometry is effected based upon either VGT actuator pressure error or intake manifold boost pressure error as a function of engine operating mode, e.g., steady state or transient state operation. Turbine overspeed protection and adaptive compensation for transient state control are also performed.

Abstract: An electronic integrated engine and vehicle management and control system includes an electronic vehicle control module and a fuel injection control module, in communication with each other, which together control the total vehicle and engine operation functions of a heavy duty vehicle. A novel fuel injection timing device is utilized with the control module to allow precise and sophisticated control of engine timing based on a number of engine and vehicle operating parameters as determined by the control modules. Functions such as engine speed control, vehicle road speed control, engine protection shutdown, fuel economy, braking control and diagnostics are performed by the system.

Abstract: An automatic speed control for a heavy duty vehicle includes a controller which regulates communication between a compressed air source and an air actuated throttle mechanism. The controller generates a control signal which is a function of a speed error signal and the position of the air actuated throttle to regulate the compressed air source. The speed error signal is calculated as the difference between a commanded speed signal and an actual speed signal. To generate the control signal, the error signal and throttle position signal are operated on by different lead-lag transfer functions. These lead-lag terms are thereafter combined with a proportional speed error term to yield the desired control signal. The system further includes a throttle control feature for powering auxiliary equipment when the actual speed signal is zero. Another feature of the control limits the commanded speed signal to a set value when it exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: An adaptive braking system for a vehicle having fluid pressure operated brakes includes a skid detecting circuit for generating a skid detecting signal when an incipient skidding condition is detected, a pressure command generator which is responsive to the skid detecting signal for generating a pressure command signal, and a duty cycle translator responsive to the pressure command signal to actuate the brake pressure modulator. The duty cycle translator includes a circuit which generates a signal modeling the actual pressure level in the vehicle brake actuators. Since the modulator is actuated by a solenoid which is powered by the vehicle electrical supply, the opening and closing times of the solenoid will vary as a function of the power output of the vehicle power supply, which can vary over a substantial range depending upon ambient temperature and upon the strength of the vehicle battery.

Abstract: An adaptive braking system for a vehicle having fluid pressure operated brakes includes a skid detecting circuit for generating a signal when an incipient skidding condition is detected, a pressure command generator which is responsive to the skid detecting signal for generating a pressure command signal proportional to the commanded fluid pressure level in the vehicle's brakes, and a duty cycle translator responsive to the pressure command signal to actuate the brake pressure modulator. The pressure command generator is designed such that the pressure command signal always begins at some predetermined level when adaptive control of the vehicle's brakes is initiated.