Abstract: When starting a screw-type air compressor in sub-zero conditions, current spikes are mitigated by detecting an over-current condition and/or a below-threshold temperature, and a warm-up routine is initiated in which compressor motor speed is ramped in a sawtooth fashion between two speeds that are substantially lower than a nominal operating speed of the compressor motor. In this manner, the internal components of the compressor are warmed prior to fully starting the compressor, which mitigates current spikes, reduces blown fuses, and extends the life of the compressor motor and other compressor components.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a blocked air discharge line of an air compressor are described, which include monitoring motor current (IMTR) drawn by a compressor motor, and calculating a three-point moving average for a steady state current drawn by the compressor motor upon the motor reaching steady state (nominal) operating speed. After expiration of a predetermined time period T1 that commences upon the compressor motor reaching steady state speed, a determination is made regarding whether a difference between a current drawn by the compressor motor and the three-point moving average has exceeded a predetermined current value I2 and is consistent with a current profile indicative of a blocked air line. If a blocked air line is detected, a compressor shut-off command is generated and transmitted to the compressor motor to shut the compressor motor off prior to opening of a safety valve on the compressor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a blocked air discharge line of an air compressor are described, which include monitoring motor current (IMTR) drawn by a compressor motor (14), and calculating a three-point moving average for a steady state current drawn by the compressor motor (14) upon the motor reaching steady state (nominal) operating speed. A current threshold (IMTR_LIMIT) (28) is calculated as a function of the three-point moving average, and a determination is made regarding whether a current drawn by the compressor motor (14) has exceeded the current threshold (28) and is consistent with a current profile (34) indicative of a blocked air line (15). If a blocked air line is detected, a compressor shut-off command is generated and transmitted to the compressor motor (14) to shut the compressor motor off prior to opening of a safety valve (21) on the compressor (12).

Abstract: The described systems and methods relate to employing an Electric Air Charging System (EACS) to maintain a hybrid commercial vehicle (or the like) battery within a desired range of charge. The innovation facilitates reducing battery charge when the state of charge is too high, such as by adjusting air compressor cut-in and cut-out pressure thresholds to cause the air compressor to compress air for the brake system when there is excess charge in the battery, as well as triggering a brake regeneration protocol and/or other charge regeneration protocol(s) to restore charge to the battery when the state of charge of the battery is too low.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a blocked air discharge line of an air compressor are described, which include monitoring motor current (IMTR) drawn by a compressor motor (14), and calculating a three-point moving average for a steady state current drawn by the compressor motor (14) upon the motor reaching steady state (nominal) operating speed. A current threshold (IMTR_LIMIT) (28) is calculated as a function of the three-point moving average, and a determination is made regarding whether a current drawn by the compressor motor (14) has exceeded the current threshold (28) and is consistent with a current profile (34) indicative of a blocked air line (15). If a blocked air line is detected, a compressor shut-off command is generated and transmitted to the compressor motor (14) to shut the compressor motor off prior to opening of a safety valve (21) on the compressor (12).

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a blocked air discharge line of an air compressor are described, which include monitoring motor current (IMTR) drawn by a compressor motor, and calculating a three-point moving average for a steady state current drawn by the compressor motor upon the motor reaching steady state (nominal) operating speed. After expiration of a predetermined time period T1 that commences upon the compressor motor reaching steady state speed, a determination is made regarding whether a difference between a current drawn by the compressor motor and the three-point moving average has exceeded a predetermined current value I2 and is consistent with a current profile indicative of a blocked air line. If a blocked air line is detected, a compressor shut-off command is generated and transmitted to the compressor motor to shut the compressor motor off prior to opening of a safety valve on the compressor.

Abstract: When starting a screw-type air compressor in sub-zero conditions, current spikes are mitigated by detecting an over-current condition and/or a below-threshold temperature, and a warm-up routine is initiated in which compressor motor speed is ramped in a sawtooth fashion between two speeds that are substantially lower than a nominal operating speed of the compressor motor. In this manner, the internal components of the compressor are warmed prior to fully starting the compressor, which mitigates current spikes, reduces blown fuses, and extends the life of the compressor motor and other compressor components.

Abstract: The described systems and methods relate to employing an Electric Air Charging System (EACS) to maintain a hybrid commercial vehicle (or the like) battery within a desired range of charge. The innovation facilitates reducing battery charge when the state of charge is too high, such as by adjusting air compressor cut-in and cut-out pressure thresholds to cause the air compressor to compress air for the brake system when there is excess charge in the battery, as well as triggering a brake regeneration protocol and/or other charge regeneration protocol(s) to restore charge to the battery when the state of charge of the battery is too low.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data over a power line of a switch mode power supply system includes encoding a switch frequency of the switch mode power supply with the data. A ripple voltage is generated at the encoded switch frequency relative to a voltage generated by the switch mode power supply. The ripple voltage is conducted over the power line of the system. The ripple voltage is de-coupled from the power line and the data is decoded from the encoded switch frequency of the coupled ripple voltage.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data over a power line of a switch mode power supply system comprises the steps of: encoding a switch frequency of the switch mode power supply with the data; generating a ripple voltage at the encoded switch frequency by the switch mode power supply; conducting the generated ripple voltage over the power line of the system; coupling the ripple voltage from the power line; and decoding the data from the encoded switch frequency of the coupled ripple voltage.

Abstract: A remote fault indicating unit (12) for an electronic system, such as a vehicle adaptive braking system, includes a series of visual indicators, such as light emitting diodes (50-59), on one surface of the housing and a computer serial port connector (13) for use when troubleshooting is done with a PC (18) equipped with the appropriate software. Each of the indicators (50-59) is activated in response to a predetermined malfunction sensed in the system, such as a defective speed sensor, defective modulator, or a defect in the electronic circuitry. The indicators (50-59) are reset with a switch (15) when the system is repaired. When the reset switch (15) is activated, all of the indicators (50-59) flash on and are then turned off. The reset switch (15) can also be activated for a longer period of time changing the ECU (14) configuration.