Remote Control Patents (Class 123/179.2)
  • Patent number: 9416742
    Abstract: A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method controls a transition from split fuel injection timing during an engine start to single event fuel injection during idle speed or engine torque control modes. The method better manages vehicle launch performance when the engine is restarted while coupled to an automatic transmission that is in gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Joseph Norman Ulrey, John Eric Rollinger, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Patent number: 9410524
    Abstract: A method is provided for automatically shutting off an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle by way of a start-stop device, which automatically shuts off the internal combustion engine as soon as the predefined operating conditions are met. An automatic shut-off of the internal combustion engine is prevented when an actuation of a garage door opener for the electric displacement of the garage door is detected. A correspondingly designed start-stop device is provided for automatically shutting off the internal combustion engine, wherein a control unit is designed such that signals of the garage door opener and/or of a detection unit, which detects an electric opening of the garage door, can be received and the automatic shut-off of the internal combustion engine is permitted or prevented depending on the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Benno Schweiger, Isabella Eckel, Lorenz Makeschin
  • Patent number: 9409560
    Abstract: A diesel fuel control system is provided for a hybrid electric vehicle. The system may include a control unit and an ambient air temperature sensor connected to the control unit. The control unit may be arranged to store information about a cold filter plugging point temperature of fuel. The system may include a connection from a velocity sensor of the vehicle to the control unit and a connection from a diesel temperature sensor. The control unit may be arranged to calculate the temperature of fuel in a fuel filter based on information from the temperature sensors and the velocity sensor, and may be arranged in connection with an engine control unit such that an internal combustion engine is arranged to start if the calculated temperature of the fuel is below the cold filter plugging point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Larsson, Victor Hofmeijer
  • Patent number: 9403417
    Abstract: A method for preconditioning a vehicle includes the steps of obtaining a temperature inside the vehicle and remotely starting an engine of the vehicle, an environmental control system of the vehicle, or both, if the temperature inside the vehicle is within a predetermined range of temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David T. Proefke, Clark E. McCall, William A. Biondo
  • Patent number: 9381877
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle having one or more electrical systems/devices, wherein the systems/devices are operable in at least two different modes. In a normal mode, a vehicle key is required for activation of at least one of the electrical devices. After enabling of a presentation mode, activation of the at least one device is possible without use of the vehicle key. The presentation mode is optimized for use in a dealership, where certain electrical/electronic functions of the vehicle should be available for use by a potential buyer without the requirements of a dealership employee being present with the vehicle key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lukas Preusser, Nils David Schloesser
  • Patent number: 9227483
    Abstract: A method of remotely starting a vehicle using a remote device is provided. The method includes: receiving a first temperature associated with the vehicle; evaluating the first temperature at the remote device; and initiating the starting of the vehicle by generating a signal to the vehicle based on the start request and the first temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Amanda J. Kalhous, Norman J. Weigert, Jarvis Chau, Michael J. Chappell, Gilles M. Delorme
  • Patent number: 9205826
    Abstract: A wiper system and a control method thereof are provided. The wiper system includes a first camera provided inside a vehicle to photograph outside of the vehicle beyond a windshield glass. A wiper apparatus removes foreign materials from the windshield glass, and a body control module operates the wiper apparatus. The telematics module communicates with a driver terminal and controls the body control module. The telematics module determines whether an external view is extractable from an image acquired by the first camera during an engine stop, and applies a wiper operation signal to the body control module based on the communication result according to a communication with the driver terminal if the external view is not extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyung Ro Lee, Jae Han Jung
  • Patent number: 8972152
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling the automatic shutdown of an idling vehicle engine. When the vehicle is parked in an enclosed space, the idling engine may be automatically shutdown, while when the vehicle is parked in an open space, the automatic shutdown may be delayed based on an ambient temperature. In this way, the vehicle cabin may be maintained at a temperature that provides enhanced driver comfort while allowing wasteful engine idling to be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mathew Alan Boesch
  • Patent number: 8884740
    Abstract: A method for activating a function of a vehicle, which is associated with a key which wirelessly interchanges data with the vehicle, is carried out with the aid of a telecommunications device which is different from the key. However, the telecommunications device attempts to communicate with the key in order to make the method safe. During communication with the key, an item of information is obtained and is compared with an item of comparative information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Heiko Kuebler, Eckart Donner
  • Patent number: 8798808
    Abstract: A method of controlling an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) or a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine (ICE) that is capable of automatically starting in response to a pre-defined event includes determining if the vehicle is within a pre-defined distance of a service station, determining if the ICE is running, determining if the vehicle is in an ignition on mode or in an ignition off mode, and automatically starting the ICE when the vehicle is within the pre-defined distance of the service station, the engine is not running and the ignition is in the ignition on mode to notify a service technician that the ICE is in the ignition on mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Marco J. Gatti, Paul A. Bauerle
  • Patent number: 8653390
    Abstract: An engine start/stop switch for a vehicle is provided, including a housing having one end portion exposed outwardly from a dashboard and the other end portion embedded in the dashboard; a button disposed in the housing and having one end portion exposed outwardly to be pressed to start or stop an engine; a slider disposed at the front end of the button to be slid along the inner peripheral surface of the housing; a circuit unit disposed to closely contact the front end of the slider to be electrified when pressed by the slider and to generate an engine start or stop signal; and a coil antenna interposed between the button and the slider to transmit driving waves to the transponder of a portable device carried by a driver. Further, the housing includes first and second housings detachably coupled to each other to encompass the button, slider and circuit unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: ALPS Electric Korea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woo Young Shim, Dong Ju Yang
  • Patent number: 8626356
    Abstract: Enabling the remote engine starter user to address accidental start obstacles resulting from specific vehicle enclosure structures. Remotely starting an internal combustion engine with onboard computer control of a vehicle enclosed within a confined enclosure that comprises determining a set of safe distances for each of the front, rear and top of the vehicle, respectively, from the front, rear and top of the enclosure. Then, it is sensed whether all of the distances of the front, rear and top of the vehicle from the enclosure are respectively further than each of the set of safe distances. The remote starting of the engine of the vehicle is enabled only if at least one of the distances is further than it's safe distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michelle Davis, Mark E Maresh, Eric A Stegner, Robert W Stegner
  • Patent number: 8584642
    Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a tow start operation of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle. In this case, a signal representing the activity and/or inactivity of a starter unit of the internal combustion engine is detected. A tow start operation of the internal combustion engine is determined when, following detection of a successful start-up process of the internal combustion engine, the signal representing the activity and/or inactivity of the starter unit has not displayed any activity of the starter unit since the beginning of the start-up process of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dirk Abendroth, Werner Weigl, Peter Straehle
  • Patent number: 8534253
    Abstract: A remote starting device starts up an engine when receiving an RF signal instructing to start up the engine from a remote control terminal. A first switch is provided in parallel to an accessory switch which is disposed in a first power supply line connecting a battery to an electrical device for controlling accessories. A second switch is provided in parallel to an ignition switch which is disposed in a second power supply line connecting the battery to an electrical device for controlling non-accessories. A first controller controls the second switch to be turned on when starting up the engine. A first detector detects an insertion state of a key into a key cylinder by a user. A second detector detects an electrical connection state in the first power supply line. A second controller controls the first switch to be turned off when the first detector detects that the key is inserted in a state where the engine is started up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventor: Manabu Matsubara
  • Patent number: 8494711
    Abstract: An automated start/stop system for a vehicle comprises an auto-stop module, a diagnostic module, and an auto-start module. The auto-stop module selectively initiates an auto-stop event and shuts down an engine while the vehicle is running. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in a clutch pedal position sensor of the vehicle. The auto-start module, while the vehicle is running and the engine is shut down, selectively initiates an auto-start event after the fault has been diagnosed when current drawn by a starter motor is less than a predetermined maximum starting current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Awadesh Tiwari, Vijay Shettigar, Amit Kumar, Srinivas B. Chande
  • Patent number: 8479706
    Abstract: A system for regulating the operation of an idling motor vehicle monitors one or more selected engine operational parameters such as coolant temperature, exhaust gas temperature, and catalytic converter temperature, and compares the measured parameters against selected benchmark criteria stored in the memory of a microprocessor. The microprocessor controls the vehicle's ignition system to shut down the engine when the measured parameters come within the corresponding benchmark criteria. The system preferably but not necessarily operates in conjunction with a remote vehicle starter system. The system may also or alternatively be adapted to shut down an idling motor vehicle engine when total idling time reaches a specified maximum value, which may be selected based on idling time restriction bylaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: James P. Speers, Byung Woo Min
  • Publication number: 20130160732
    Abstract: A system and method for remotely starting a vehicle. The system comprises a receiver associated with the vehicle adapted to receive input representing a vehicle start condition and to output start data representing the input. The system further comprising a timer adapted to output a time signal and a vehicle starter processor circuit adapted to receive the start data from the receive and the time signal from the timing circuit. The vehicle starter processor circuit is adapted to start the vehicle in response to the time signal and the input. The method comprises transmitting from a handheld device start data representing at least a start time, receiving the start data at a receiver associated with the vehicle and configuring a vehicle starter processor circuit to start the vehicle according to the start data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Jamie Colin Tucker
  • Publication number: 20130096733
    Abstract: An electronic ignition control system includes a keyfob having a biometric sensor that senses an identifying biological characteristic of the user. The keyfob also has a transmitter that transmits an air-borne signal dependent upon the identifying biological characteristic. A vehicle includes a motor and an ignition that starts the motor. The ignition has an unlocked state in which the user can cause the ignition to start the motor by actuating a start mechanism. The ignition also has a locked state in which actuation of the start mechanism by the user does not cause the ignition to start the motor. The vehicle also has a receiver that receives the air-borne signal from the transmitter. The vehicle further has a controller in communication with each of the ignition and the receiver. The controller switches the ignition from the locked state to the unlocked state dependent upon the air-borne signal received by the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Panasonic Automotive Systems Company of America, Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America
    Inventor: Jesus Manotas, JR.
  • Patent number: 8378800
    Abstract: A security system is disclosed with a digital processor-based wireless remote controller that sends command to perform system operations and receive confirmation of various aspects of the system. The security system monitors environmental and vehicle system parameters and automatically provides commands or prohibits issuance of commands to operate vehicles systems based on preset environmental and vehicle system conditions. The system reports command and response status to users through the remote controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: DEI Headquarters, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyson James Mackjust, Joseph Kunkel
  • Patent number: 8375913
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a method for remote starting an internal combustion engine of a vehicle that may include: detecting a wireless remote start signal; after detecting the wireless remote start signal, activating a carbon monoxide detector to detect a level of carbon monoxide adjacent to the vehicle; remote starting the internal combustion engine if the detected level of carbon monoxide is less than a predetermined first CO limit; disabling remote start of the internal combustion engine if the level of carbon monoxide is not less than the predetermined first CO limit; and automatically transmitting an emergency aid signal if the level of carbon monoxide is not less than the predetermined first CO limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Kwiecinski, Brian Bennie, Thomas M. McQuade, Daniel J. Bartz
  • Patent number: 8354919
    Abstract: A system for activating and deactivating a remotely controlled vehicle starter includes a handheld mobile communication device having at least a speaker mounted therein and a wireless transmitter having at least a start switch mounted therein. A first wire connects a negative voltage supply path to the speaker circuit with a negative voltage supply path to the start switch circuit. A variable resistor is provided and has a pair of end terminals. There is a second wire having each of a first end thereof electrically connected to a positive voltage supply path to the speaker circuit and an opposed second end thereof electrically connected to one terminal end of the variable resistor. A third wire is also provided to connect an opposed end terminal of the variable resistor to a positive voltage supply path to the start switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Jose L. Gallarzo
  • Patent number: 8280616
    Abstract: Disclosed is a remote starter system for remotely starting an engine of a vehicle. The remote starter system may comprise an integrated universal bypass module that allows the remote starter system to be utilized with vehicles equipped with a passive anti-theft system such as a transponder-based vehicle security system or a resistance-based vehicle security system. Alternatively, the remote starter system may comprise a kit comprising a remote starter system for remotely starting an engine of a vehicle and a universal bypass module that allows the remote starter system to be utilized with vehicles equipped with an anti-theft system such as a transponder-based vehicle security system or a resistance-based vehicle security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Access 2 Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Brett Barta
  • Publication number: 20120234930
    Abstract: A system and method for preconditioning a vehicle interior via a remote start device based on then-current weather conditions independent of the previous climate control head settings in place at the termination of the vehicle's last use are disclosed. The preconditioning system and method may be used in either electronic automatic temperature control (EATC) systems or in manual temperature control (MTC) systems. When used in conjunction with an EATC system, variables including sunload, Tset point (that is, the temperature door position), Tambient, and Tcabin are used to calculate the climate load demand. When used in conjunction with an MTC system, Tambient, Tset point, and Tcabin are used to calculate the climate load demand. In the event that the MTC system does not have a Tcabin sensor then Tevaporator thermister is used to calculate the climate load demand in the beginning of the remote start. The disclosed system and method also has windshield defrosting/defog and rear glass defrost capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Halim Wijaya
  • Patent number: 8244448
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a method for remote starting an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The method includes detecting a wireless remote start signal; after detecting the wireless remote start signal, communicating with a garage door opener to determine if a garage door is closed; remote starting the engine if no closed garage door indication is received; transmitting a wireless garage door open signal and remote starting the engine if a closed garage door indication is received; monitoring a time since remote starting the engine; monitoring for vehicle operator interaction with the vehicle; and if no vehicle operator interaction with the vehicle is detected before the monitored time reaches a predetermined amount of time and the wireless garage door open signal was transmitted when the engine was remote started, automatically transmitting a wireless garage door close signal and automatically turning off the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin L. Newman
  • Patent number: 8222992
    Abstract: A control system has a control device for performing a control of a predetermined process, and a communication device for communicating with the control device. The control device has a first transmission unit for transmitting a request signal requesting for transmission of a response signal to the communication device, a first reception unit for receiving the response signal transmitted through a predetermined procedure from the communication device in response to the request signal transmitted by the first transmission unit, an authentication unit for performing authentication of the communication device using identification information of the communication device contained in the response signal received by the first reception unit and identification information of the communication device registered in advance, and a process executing unit for executing the predetermined process when the authentication of the communication device by the authentication unit is successful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Tadao Nishiguchi, Yutaka Yasuda, Hideo Ebizawa, Ryohei Tashiro, Masato Kashiyama
  • Publication number: 20120031363
    Abstract: Disclosed is a remote starter system for remotely starting an engine of a vehicle. The remote starter system may comprise an integrated universal bypass module that allows the remote starter system to be utilized with vehicles equipped with a passive anti-theft system such as a transponder-based vehicle security system or a resistance-based vehicle security system. Alternatively, the remote starter system may comprise a kit comprising a remote starter system for remotely starting an engine of a vehicle and a universal bypass module that allows the remote starter system to be utilized with vehicles equipped with an anti-theft system such as a transponder-based vehicle security system or a resistance-based vehicle security system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Access 2 Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Brett Barta
  • Patent number: 8112185
    Abstract: A remote engine start confirmation and vehicle monitoring and control system includes a transmitter and a controller capable of receiving and processing transmitter signals, the controller comprising a monitoring circuit for detecting a first pulsed voltage pattern and a second pulsed voltage pattern across the battery during an engine start procedure, a signaling circuit for signaling the disengagement of the starter from the engine after a detection of the termination of the first pulsed voltage pattern and the start of the second pulsed voltage pattern, and an initiation circuit for initiating the monitoring of a vehicle condition, such as overheating or low fuel, after the detection. A method for controlling the vehicle operation includes detecting an occurrence of a vehicle condition and performing an operation based on the detection, such as terminating ignition voltage or fuel supply or notifying the operator of the vehicle condition via the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: DEI Headquarters, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony M. Wu
  • Patent number: 8096482
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a system for controlling a vehicle climate control system in response to starting an engine with a remote start operation is provided. The system includes a first sensor for generating a cabin temperature signal indicative of a temperature within the vehicle. The system further includes a controller for controlling idle speed of the engine in response to the cabin temperature signal such that the controlled idle speed enables the climate control system to achieve a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gerhard A. Dage
  • Patent number: 8069831
    Abstract: An accessory switch SWa and an ignition switch SWi are connected to a sub-relay RL1. A starter switch SWs is connected to a sub-relay RL2. The sub-relay RL2 is turned OFF when welding occurs in the starter switch SWs. When welding occurs in the accessory switch SWa, the starter switch SWs is turned OFF, or the starter switch SWs is not turned ON.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventor: Manabu Matsubara
  • Publication number: 20110197844
    Abstract: A remote starting device starts up an engine when receiving an RF signal instructing to start up the engine from a remote control terminal. A first switch is provided in parallel to an accessory switch which is disposed in a first power supply line connecting a battery to an electrical device for controlling accessories. A second switch is provided in parallel to an ignition switch which is disposed in a second power supply line connecting the battery to an electrical device for controlling non-accessories. A first controller controls the second switch to be turned on when starting up the engine. A first detector detects an insertion state of a key into a key cylinder by a user. A second detector detects an electrical connection state in the first power supply line. A second controller controls the first switch to be turned off when the first detector detects that the key is inserted in a state where the engine is started up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED
    Inventor: Manabu MATSUBARA
  • Publication number: 20110073059
    Abstract: A remote starting system for an engine of a vehicle includes a remote start handheld unit. A remote start controller may be positioned at the vehicle for starting the engine based upon the remote start handheld unit and causing the engine to run for a run time period before shutting off the vehicle engine. The remote start controller is resettable based upon the remote start handheld unit to cause the engine to run for an additional run time period while the engine is still running and before shutting off the engine. The remote start handheld unit includes an audible indicator for providing an audible indication to a user prior to expiration of the run time period to permit a user to use the remote start handheld unit to reset the run time period while the engine is still running and before shutting off the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Omega Patents, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Flick
  • Publication number: 20110030639
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a method for remote starting an internal combustion engine of a vehicle that may include: detecting a wireless remote start signal; after detecting the wireless remote start signal, activating a carbon monoxide detector to detect a level of carbon monoxide adjacent to the vehicle; remote starting the internal combustion engine if the detected level of carbon monoxide is less than a predetermined first CO limit; disabling remote start of the internal combustion engine if the level of carbon monoxide is not less than the predetermined first CO limit; and automatically transmitting an emergency aid signal if the level of carbon monoxide is not less than the predetermined first CO limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Kwiecinski, Brian Bennie, Thomas M. McQuade, Daniel J. Bartz
  • Publication number: 20110030638
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a method for remote starting an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The method includes detecting a wireless remote start signal; after detecting the wireless remote start signal, communicating with a garage door opener to determine if a garage door is closed; remote starting the engine if no closed garage door indication is received; transmitting a wireless garage door open signal and remote starting the engine if a closed garage door indication is received; monitoring a time since remote starting the engine; monitoring for vehicle operator interaction with the vehicle; and if no vehicle operator interaction with the vehicle is detected before the monitored time reaches a predetermined amount of time and the wireless garage door open signal was transmitted when the engine was remote started, automatically transmitting a wireless garage door close signal and automatically turning off the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin L. Newman
  • Patent number: 7819103
    Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle that omits a main switch without requiring a special operation to start the engine when battery power is supplied to engine-related electrical components. An electrical circuit has a pickup sensor that detects that the engine is in a start preparation state. An ECU connects an ignition coil, injector and fuel pump with the battery when the start preparation state is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuichi Sasaki, Michihisa Nakamura, Takahiko Hasegawa, Midori Nagata
  • Patent number: 7798930
    Abstract: A fixed pulley face of a drive V-pulley of a V-belt type continuously variable transmission includes a belt sliding contact disc having a conical belt sliding contact surface and fixed to a crankshaft so as to be integrally rotated, and a cooling fan fixed to the crankshaft so as to be integrally rotated in adjacent to a side surface opposite to the belt sliding contact surface of the belt sliding contact disc, and a starter driven gear is formed in an outer peripheral portion of the cooling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuharu Nojiri
  • Publication number: 20100212981
    Abstract: A system and control module for controlling an electrically heated catalyst includes a remote start module generating a remote start signal, a catalyst control module controlling the electrically heated catalyst based on the remote start signal and an engine control module starting the engine after preheating and/or when required by the vehicle to honor a request as defined in this document.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan Nathaniel Roos, Brain Spohn, Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G. Santoso
  • Publication number: 20100108008
    Abstract: A method for remotely starting an engine of a vehicle includes the steps of transmitting a first plurality of engine start signals to the vehicle and transmitting a second plurality of engine start signals to the vehicle. Each of the first plurality of engine start signals having a first power level. Each of the second plurality of engine start signals having a second power level that is less than the first power level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Clark E. McCall, William A. Biondo, David T. Proefke
  • Patent number: 7702451
    Abstract: A programmable engine-start system which includes a controller for mounting on a dashboard and which includes an input device for inputting a start time, a clock for keeping accurate time, a safety circuit for shutting off the engine, a display panel for displaying engine start status, a first wiring between the controller and the ignition switch, and a second wiring between the controller and a battery source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey Crossley
  • Patent number: 7667578
    Abstract: In a remote operation control device, an in-vehicle communication unit receives a drive request signal which is transmitted from a center to request a remote operation of a predetermined in-vehicle apparatus. When the drive request signal from the center is received by the in-vehicle communication unit, a preliminary checking request unit requests an in-vehicle electronic control unit which controls operation of the in-vehicle apparatus, to perform checking of whether a precondition for carrying out the remote operation of the in-vehicle apparatus is satisfied. A remote driving unit carries out the remote operation of the in-vehicle apparatus when it is determined after the drive request signal from the center is received by the in-vehicle communication unit that the precondition is satisfied as a result of response to the request for the checking by the preliminary checking request unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Watanabe, Naoki Taki
  • Patent number: 7650864
    Abstract: A vehicle starting system for activating an ignition of a vehicle. The system includes a remote transmitting device operable to communicate a start signal in response to a user input, and a control at a vehicle that receives the start signal. The control processes images captured by at least one imaging device to determine if the images are indicative of the vehicle being parked in an enclosed environment. The control activates an ignition of the vehicle in response to the start signal and the image processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hasib Hassan, Michael J. OSullivan
  • Patent number: 7647908
    Abstract: A method for remotely starting an engine of a vehicle includes the steps of assessing a state of charge of the vehicle battery, providing a first type of remote start request to the vehicle if the state of charge of the vehicle battery is greater than a predetermined threshold, and providing a second type of remote start request to the vehicle if the state of charge of the vehicle battery is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Biondo, Clark E. McCall, David T. Proefke
  • Patent number: 7638961
    Abstract: In response to a system-off instruction, the drive system control technique of the invention controls individual motors of an electric cooling water pump and an electric cooling fan to stop (step S100), waits for elapse of a preset reference time period since start of the control of stopping the motors (step S110), and turns off a relay to disconnect a supply of electric power from a battery to a CPU of a control unit (step S120). Inactivation of the relay after elapse of the preset reference time period since start of the control of stopping the motor disconnects the supply of electric power to the control unit in the state of sufficiently low back emf generated by the motors. This arrangement effectively prevents malfunction of the control unit due to the back emf generated by the motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Hoshiba
  • Patent number: 7634333
    Abstract: A remote starting device prevents the temperature of exhaust gas from being made too high or the amount of toxic gas around a vehicle from being made too large by engine starting by remote control. The remote starting device controls a starter for starting an engine of the vehicle when receiving an engine start command from a portable transmitter. The remote starting device includes a section for deciding whether the engine starting has been frequently conducted, and a section for limiting the engine starting through receiving the engine start command from the portable transmitter when it is decided that the engine starting has been frequently conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Manabu Matsubara, Minoru Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20090251284
    Abstract: A method for preventing a manual transmission vehicle equipped with a remote start device from starting when the vehicle is in-gear, including: receiving a start signal; beginning a vehicle start sequence; monitoring a sensor while starting the vehicle; and stopping the vehicle from starting when motion is detected by the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Shane Wilson, John DiCroce, Joseph Dentamaro
  • Patent number: 7598846
    Abstract: A vehicle disable system including an onboard computer linked to a throttle control relay. The onboard computer is capable of communicating to a remote control center by way of telecommunications link. If certain security protocols are breached, the control center communicates a shutdown command to the vehicle by way of the telecommunications link and the vehicle initiates a shutdown procedure for incapacitating the vehicle throttle controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Clarkson Griffin, Gerald P. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20090178639
    Abstract: A system for activating and deactivating a remotely controlled vehicle starter includes a handheld mobile communication device having at least a speaker mounted therein and a wireless transmitter having at least a start switch mounted therein. A first wire connects a negative voltage supply path to the speaker circuit with a negative voltage supply path to the start switch circuit. A variable resistor is provided and has a pair of end terminals. There is a second wire having each of a first end thereof electrically connected to a positive voltage supply path to the speaker circuit and an opposed second end thereof electrically connected to one terminal end of the variable resistor. A third wire is also provided to connect an opposed end terminal of the variable resistor to a positive voltage supply path to the start switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: JOSE L. GALLARZO
  • Patent number: 7532959
    Abstract: A remote start method and apparatus for an engine coupled to a manual transmission, the method and apparatus including means for determining whether the manual transmission gears are disengaged and an alarm system coupled to the engine ignition system is armed prior to enabling ignition of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Dei Headquarters, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin Ochs, Kevin Goodwin
  • Patent number: 7514811
    Abstract: A remote control engine starting device includes an immobilizer and a remote engine starter for starting an engine when an engine start command is given from a remote location. The immobilizer further includes an interrogating signal outputting section, which outputs an interrogating signal when a signal related to engine starting is received, and an engine start permitting section, which gives engine start permission when a remote engine starter code that the remote engine starter outputs in response to the interrogating signal matches a remote engine starter verifying code preregistered in the immobilizer. The remote engine starter further includes an engine start signal outputting sections which outputs a signal related to engine starting and a code outputting section, which in response to the interrogating signal, outputs the remote engine starter code preregistered in the remote engine starter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Manabu Matsubara, Minoru Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7497195
    Abstract: An engine control device for a construction machine of the present invention is configured so that the engine control device comprises an engine as a power source, a controller for performing an automatic stop control to automatically stop the engine when a predetermined automatic stop condition is met, a water temperature sensor for detecting a cooling water temperature of the engine, and that after start-up of the engine, even if the automatic stop condition is met, the engine is not automatically stopped until the detected water temperature reaches a predetermined value or more to complete a warm-up operation. The engine control device is also configured so that before the engine is automatically stopped, a cool-down operation of the engine is performed as required and after the engine is stopped, the engine is restarted as required and the warm-up operation is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyasu Umezu, Yoshiki Kamon
  • Patent number: 7483784
    Abstract: Provided is an engine starting system which is highly reliable in that a battery does not run out even if a manual switch is tampered and operated many times by a third party. Equipment on the propelled object side (2) includes an actuation signal refusing unit (22a) which avoids responding to an actuation signal from a switch (31) for a third predetermined time in at least one of the states where a number of actuation signals successively transmitted from the switch without producing an answer signal thereto has become equal to or larger than a prescribed number of times predetermined in a first predetermined time period and where the actuation signal has been kept tuned ON for a period equal to or longer than a second predetermined time period without producing an answer signal thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Toshiaki Hata