Abstract: A system and process for optimizing vehicle service intervals for a plurality of vehicle service items begins with determination of a minimum service interval. The minimum service interval is set by the need to provide critical, though routine services such as engine oil changes and chassis lubrication. Multiple potential service intervals exist for at least one component, typically engine oil changes, based on different vehicle operating variables. Depending upon the character of vehicle use, one variable will control determination of the recommended interval for engine oil, which, after conversion to distance, is compared with the chassis lubrication to find the minimum service interval. Additional components/fluids are included for service based on operational variables selected to determine service intervals for these components.

Abstract: A system and process for optimizing vehicle service intervals for a plurality of vehicle service items begins with determination of a minimum service interval. The minimum service interval is set by the need to provide critical, though routine services such as engine oil changes and chassis lubrication. Multiple potential service intervals exist for at least one component, typically engine oil changes, based on different vehicle operating variables. Depending upon the character of vehicle use, one variable will control determination of the recommended interval for engine oil, which, after conversion to distance, is compared with the chassis lubrication to find the minimum service interval. Additional components/fluids are included for service based on operational variables selected to determine service intervals for these components.

Abstract: Wheel acceleration on a vehicle is measured rotationally and laterally to isolate tire out of round and loose wheel conditions. A wheel accelerometer is mounted outwardly from the axis of rotation to provide both rolling and lateral acceleration measurements. Rotational acceleration should normally be a regular sinusoid under steady state, straight line movement of a vehicle. Lateral acceleration under the same conditions should be zero. Where a wheel is loose a sinusoidal acceleration pattern appears in the direction lateral to the vehicle's direction of travel. Where a portion of a tire is out of round due to physical changes, such as uneven wear or tread separation, the wheel rotational acceleration will assume a spreading frequency other than a simple sinusoid. Appropriate data processing facilities, coupled with wheel rotational speed data from the anti-lock braking system, are used to detect the acceleration changes.

Abstract: A plurality of automated vehicle inspection routines are provided keyed by user identification. Implementation relies on presence of a programmable computer installed on the vehicle with user input/output interfaces through which a user may enter user identification. Once entered the computer matches the user to an inspection routine, which may be customized to the particular individual, or which may apply to a class of users.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a lubricating oil circulation system provides estimates of the distance remaining before an oil change becomes imperative. An indirect estimate of the depletion of various additives and the deterioration of oil operating characteristics is based on engine operating variables including oil temperature, ignition timing and engine load. The limit of depletion of total base number is dynamic, since it is set against total acid number and the two figures are independently calculated.

Abstract: Vehicle on-board measurement of axle load and gross combined vehicle weight is improved for an air bladder suspended vehicle by allowing for suspension hysteresis. Suspension hysteresis results in at least two distinct air pressures being possible in an air bladder for a single load. The system also reduces the disruptive effect of vehicle acceleration and deceleration on load determination. Vehicle drive train management is enhanced using the load information to effect transmission gear selection.

Abstract: Vehicle on-board measurement of axle load and gross combined vehicle weight is improved for an air bladder suspended vehicle by allowing for suspension hysteresis. Suspension hysteresis results in at least two distinct air pressures being possible in an air bladder for a single load. The system also reduces the disruptive effect of vehicle acceleration and deceleration on load determination. Vehicle drive train management is enhanced using the load information to effect transmission gear selection.

Abstract: A motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and a lubricating oil circulation system provides estimates of the distance remaining before an oil change becomes imperative. An indirect estimate of the depletion of various additives and the deterioration of oil operating characteristics is based on engine operating variables including oil temperature, ignition timing and engine load. The limit of depletion of total base number is dynamic, since it is set against total acid number and the two figures are independently calculated.

Abstract: A knock control system for internal combustion engines comprising a knock sensor and a knock detection circuit that uses an electronic engine controller. The knock sensor creates an electrical output signal indicating the presence of engine structure vibrations resulting from engine combustion characteristics. The circuit filters the knock sensor signal, time gated at independent crankshaft angles, and transfers it to a noise channel and to a knock channel. A comparator distinguishes between background vibration and vibrations during the combustion event that are due to knock. The knock detection function, along with the crankshaft angle position reference signal, develops time gated "snapshot" signals indicating the magnitudes for both the background noise and the vibrations created by denotation and distinguishes between them.