Abstract: A method of controlling the speed of an engine whilst the engine is operating in a crank or idle state, including the steps of (a) determining when the engine is operating in said crank or idle state; (b) determining whether the engine speed is above an upper threshold speed, and (c) controlling the engine when the engine speed is above the upper threshold speed so as to effect a reduction in the engine speed to avoid an engine speed runaway event.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing and evaluating the rotation of the auxiliary drive of a utility vehicle is provided. The utility vehicle includes a main drive engine, a gearbox for the propulsion drive and at least one auxiliary drive to which an implement can be selectively connected. The power output of the main drive engine is branched to a first part to a propulsion drive and to a second part to the auxiliary drives. A rotation speed sensor senses rotation speed of the auxiliary drive and provides a speed signal to a control unit. The control unit determines the magnitude or amplitude of the second harmonic of the speed signal and transmits corresponding control signals when a predetermined threshold value is exceeded and/or is not reached. When the control unit determines that the second harmonic of the sensor signals exceeds the threshold value, it permits an increased power output of the main drive engine.

Abstract: A system (10) for controllably disabling cylinders in an internal combustion engine (12) includes a throttle (18) controlling air flow to an intake manifold (14), a number of cylinder deactivation devices (1001-100K) and an engine controller (28) controlling fueling (90), ignition timing (94) and throttle position (86). The controller (28) is operable to activate only the minimum number of cylinders required to achieve a desired engine/vehicle operating parameter value, open the throttle (18) to a computed throttle position, control ignition timing sufficiently to drive the current value of the engine/vehicle operating parameter to the desired engine/vehicle operating parameter value, and to then control the flow area of the throttle (18) while also controlling ignition timing to maintain the current value of the engine/vehicle operating parameter near the desired engine/vehicle operating parameter value. The engine/vehicle operating parameter may be engine output torque, engine speed or vehicle speed.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for controlling the drive unit of a vehicle is suggested wherein a limiter is provided to limit the engine rpm to a pregiven limit value in at least one operating state. The limiter is controlled to be ineffective in this at least one operating state in dependence upon at least one additional operating variable.

Abstract: In order to provide an internal combustion engine control unit for a jet propulsion type watercraft which can control an internal combustion engine so that a rider can perform risk avoidance safely, a throttle open degree detector 22 which detects a state of the throttle operated by a rider, and a controller 300 which, when the throttle open degree detected by the throttle open degree detector 22 is a predetermined value or lower, keeps the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine 2 at a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time after the throttle open degree has reached the predetermined value or lower, are provided.

Abstract: A power boost control system is provided for an agricultural vehicle with an engine which is normally governor controlled to run at throttle-selected constant engine speed up to a normal or rated engine speed. The power boost control system receives a road speed signal. Power boost is enabled if the sensed road speed is greater than an “on” threshold, above which is considered to be a transport speed. Power boost is disabled if sensed road speed is less than an “off” threshold, below which is considered to be less than a transport speed. When power boost is enabled, the controller will increase maximum power limits to above normal levels, so that, for example, the desired road or transport speed can be maintained as the vehicle goes up a hill.

Abstract: A method of regulating and controlling an internal combustion engine forming part of a hybrid power unit of a self-propelled vehicle, the method employing a first graph showing the power transmitted by the engine as a function of the rotation speed of a drive shaft, and for different injector openings of a power-regulating injection device; and a second graph showing the torque transmitted by the drive shaft as a function of the rotation speed of the drive shaft, and for different injector openings of the power-regulating injection device; the second graph also showing the injector opening of the power-regulating injection device.

Abstract: A method of regulating and controlling an internal combustion engine forming part of a hybrid power unit of a self-propelled vehicle, the method employing a first graph showing the power transmitted by the engine as a function of the rotation speed of a drive shaft, and for different injector openings of a power-regulating injection device; and a second graph showing the torque transmitted by the drive shaft as a function of the rotation speed of the drive shaft, and for different injector openings of the power-regulating injection device; the second graph also showing the injector opening of the power-regulating injection device.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling the drive unit of a vehicle are described, wherein in addition to the selection variable for an output variable of the drive unit, another setpoint variable representing the required dynamic setting of the output variable is preselected. The manipulated variable of the drive unit to be influenced is selected on the basis of the selection variable and the additional setpoint variable.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method control a negative pressure in an internal combustion engine equipped with a brake booster that uses a negative pressure produced on a downstream side of a throttle valve provided in an intake passage of the engine, as a power source for amplifying the pedal pressing force. A controller of the apparatus or method determines whether a negative pressure applied to the brake booster has reached a predetermined level when the internal combustion engine is started, and, if the negative pressure has not reached the predetermined level, increases an operating speed of the engine to a predetermined high speed and then keeps the throttle valve in a fully closed position during a period of time in which the engine proceeds to a steady-state operating mode.

Abstract: A method for characterizing an air flow target within an internal combustion engine. The method includes determining an air mass flow rate target, determining an engine speed term, and processing these terms to obtain an air flow target. The air flow target can be used as an input for vehicle controllers including those for controlling pressurized induction systems.

Abstract: An electronic engine control is provided that compensates the engine's power output capability based on the parasitic power load demands.

Abstract: An engine output control method for a vehicle having a throttleless internal combustion engine system responsive to a desired engine speed signal. The method includes generating a driver demanded engine speed value corresponding to an operator input and generating a speed control system engine speed value corresponding to a predetermined speed value to permit vehicle operation at a constant speed by a speed control system. The method arbitrates between the driver demanded engine speed value and the speed control system engine speed value to derive a first desired engine speed value. This value is limited by a vehicle speed limit value, engine speed limit value, and transmission speed limit value to generate a second desired engine speed value. The engine is then controlled as a function of the second desired engine speed value and an actual engine speed value. Engine control is accomplished by way of variable valve timing, fueling rate and/or fuel flow, and spark advance.

Abstract: Engine braking in a vehicle driveline during transmission upshifts is controlled to provide more efficient and accurate speed synchronization. The physical limitations on the engine brake components are taken into account to determine a delay between an off request and the actual time that the engine brake turns off. This delay is factored into the time when the engine brake off request is made prior to a predicted time when the actual engine speed will meet a desired engine speed. By accounting for such delay, overshoot and undershoot during speed synchronization is avoided.

Abstract: A method is described for limiting a change in torque transmitted through a vehicle powertrain when in a predetermined range. Such a method minimizes transmission gear separation, or “clunk”. In one approach, the rate cf change of powertrain output is limited when powertrain output is near zero transmitted torque. The limitation is not used under other circumstances so as not to hinder driver performance.

Abstract: In a method for controlling an electric drive, a controlled variable is adjusted to a desired value. To protect the electric drive, the controlled variable is first adjusted to the desired value in a precise manner. Thereafter, the control operation is interrupted, AND the difference between the controlled variable and the desired value is check continuously to see whether it exceed a preset threshold. Interruption of the control operation is terminated when the threshold has been reached or exceeded.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine of a system having an air-charger system connected to the engine includes sensing air-charger system temperature; comparing the air-charger system temperature to a temperature threshold; and adjusting an engine control parameter when the air-charger system temperature exceeds the temperature threshold. A system for controlling engine operation is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine monitor exhaust back pressure and take remedial action when the exhaust back pressure exceeds a corresponding threshold. The system and method respond to increased exhaust back pressures attributable to various causes to alert the vehicle operator and/or engage engine protection mechanisms depending on the back pressure severity level in an effort to avoid engine/component damage. Fault timers are provided for tracking time fault conditions are present and time that faults are active, with active faults being latched for the current ignition cycle. Available engine torque may be reduced in response to excessive exhaust back pressure. Anti-tampering logic is provided to detect attempts to defeat the protection feature.

Abstract: A throttle control apparatus for an internal combustion engine capable of controlling an opening degree of an electronic control type throttle with high accuracy by employing an inexpensive A/D converter. The apparatus includes a throttle opening degree detecting means for detecting opening degree of the electronic control type throttle (1, 2) for controlling operation of the engine, and a means (11) for controlling the opening degree to a target value in dependence on operation state of the engine. The throttle opening degree detecting means includes a throttle opening degree sensor (3) for generating a sensor voltage corresponding to the opening degree of the electronic control type throttle, an offset means (101, . . . , 104) for transforming the sensor voltage into a plurality of offset-weighted voltages (V1, . . . , V4), an A/D converter (12) for performing A/D conversion of the plurality of offset-weighted voltages (V1, . . .

Abstract: In the case of a method for operating an internal combustion engine (10), in particular of a motor vehicle, fuel is supplied under pressure via at least one injection valve (18). The injected fuel quantity is influenced by the injection time of injection valve (18). In order to be able to provide optimum operating comfort and good component reliability even in the event of an incorrect fuel pressure (pr), it is proposed to determine a maximum allowable torque (mimxth) of the internal combustion engine (10) that is dependent on the instantaneous fuel pressure (pr).

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling an output variable of a drive unit in the starting phase is described. A controller is provided, regulating the actual value of at least one output variable to a setpoint variable of this output variable which is specified as a function of time. When at least one condition marking entry into the starting phase exists, the setpoint value of the output variable is initialized with the actual value of the output variable.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting the throttle position in an air feed or intake assembly of an internal combustion engine in accord with desired torque including a two setting, switchable suction pipe. Torque fluctuations are inhibited during the switchover between the two settings so that uncomfortable drivability related effects are eliminated.

Abstract: The invention provides a control apparatus of a cylinder injection of fuel type internal combustion engine executing a dilute combustion, which can satisfy a requirement of rapidly changing an engine torque while restricting a deterioration of a driving property and an exhaust gas as much as possible. In a control apparatus of a multicylinder engine executing a dilute combustion, in the case that a requirement of reducing and changing an engine torque of the internal combustion engine is applied, the control apparatus executes a fuel cut of a predetermined number of cylinders, and controls so that a torque of operating cylinders except the cylinders executing the fuel cut becomes the required engine torque.

Abstract: A method of controlling a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle, the method including providing an internal combustion engine, providing a motor generator operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine, providing an automatic transmission operatively coupled to the internal combustion engine, and actuating the motor generator to a certain speed to restart the vehicle.

Abstract: A cruise control has a throttle controller for maintaining the speed of a vehicle at a desired speed. The cruise control can operate in a conventional cruise mode and a fuel economy cruise mode. When in the fuel economy cruise mode, the throttle is held at a fixed position as the vehicle travels within a prescribed range of speeds from the desired speed. The throttle remains fixed until an exit condition occurs or acceleration/deceleration input is supplied at which point the cruise control provides throttle adjustment at less than normal rates.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine, in particular for a motor vehicle, is described. The internal combustion engine is provided with a control unit for determining a setpoint fuel mass and/or a setpoint air mass as a function of a setpoint torque. The control unit is also provided for transitioning from a first operating mode to a second operating mode of the internal combustion engine. An actual torque is determined by the control unit during the transition to the second operating mode of the internal combustion engine. A torque difference between the setpoint torque and the actual torque is also calculated by the control unit. Finally, the setpoint fuel mass and/or the setpoint air mass is controlled by the control unit as a function of the torque difference.

Abstract: A method is described for limiting a change in torque transmitted through a vehicle powertrain when in a predetermined range. Such a method minimizes transmission gear separation, or “clunk”. In one approach, the rate of change of powertrain output is limited when powertrain output is near zero transmitted torque. The limitation is not used under other circumstances so as not to hinder driver performance.

Abstract: A power boost control system is provided for an agricultural vehicle with an engine which is normally governor controlled to run at throttle-selected constant engine speed up to a normal or rated engine speed. The power boost control system receives a road speed signal. Power boost is enabled if the sensed road speed is greater than an “on” threshold, above which is considered to be a transport speed. Power boost is disabled if sensed road speed is less than an “off” threshold, below which is considered to be less than a transport speed. When power boost is enabled, the controller will increase maximum power limits to above normal levels, so that, for example, the desired road or transport speed can be maintained as the vehicle goes up a hill.

Abstract: In an adaptive speed control system for a vehicle, a method and system for automatically adjusting a selected following interval for the vehicle based on driving conditions is provided. The method includes determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction. The system includes a receiver capable of receiving a signal indicative of a driven wheel speed of the vehicle, and a controller capable of determining a driving surface coefficient of friction based on the driven wheel speed, and capable of adjusting the selected following interval for the vehicle based on the driving surface coefficient of friction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the throttle position of a vehicle by modifying the pedal to throttle progression typically used by the electronic throttle controller to a throttle progression based on the driver's target acceleration and vehicle speed. Target acceleration is determined using a lookup table with inputs current vehicle speed and accelerator pedal displacement. Another lookup determines the end vehicle speed the driver will attain if the pedal displacement does not change. A signal indicating the new throttle position is the output of a controller whose input is the difference between end vehicle speed and current vehicle speed and whose gain is based on the target acceleration. Changes in throttle position can be limited based on an arbitration incorporating information received from other vehicle control systems. Preferably, control of the throttle will revert to the idle control system whenever the accelerator pedal is not displaced.

Abstract: A backup generator located at a remote site provides the advantages of being compact in size but providing backup power over a long period of time. A multi-level cabinet which includes room for a backup generator and a fuel tank is located in close proximity to the electronic devices for which the power will be provided. The fuel tank may be used to hold propane or a similar fuel, and the tank will be included in a stacked structure with the backup generator. The cabinet for the generator includes sufficient structure to protect the electronics of the backup generator from the elements. Connected between the backup generator and a primary power source to the electronic devices, such as a personal communications system (PCS) site, is a sensor which detects when a power failure has occurred. In the event that such a failure has occurred, the backup generator is activated and provides power to the site electronics.

Abstract: A control system controls operation of a vehicle drive train during acceleration to avoid regions of engine torque and speed which result in high emissions. The system responds to operator control signal, engine speed signals and optionally engine temperature signals and provides output signals to control the fuel injection to thereby control engine torque.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the throttle position of a vehicle by modifying the pedal to throttle progression typically used by the electronic throttle controller to a throttle progression based on the driver's target acceleration and vehicle speed. Target acceleration is determined using a lookup table with inputs current vehicle speed and accelerator pedal displacement. Another lookup determines the end vehicle speed the driver will attain if the pedal displacement does not change. A signal indicating the new throttle position is the output of a controller whose input is the difference between end vehicle speed and current vehicle speed and whose gain is based on the target acceleration. Changes in throttle position can be limited based on an arbitration incorporating information received from other vehicle control systems. Preferably, control of the throttle will revert to the idle control system whenever the accelerator pedal is not displaced.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control system for an internal combustion engine is comprised of an engine condition detecting unit and a control unit. The control unit is arranged to calculate a target engine torque on the basis of an engine operating condition, to calculate a target EGR ratio, a target excess air ratio and a target intake air quantity on the basis of the engine operating condition and the target engine torque, to calculate a target equivalence ratio on the basis of the target EGR ratio and the target excess air ratio, to calculate a target injection quantity on the basis of the engine operating condition and the target equivalence ratio, and to control an air-fuel ratio by bringing a real intake air quantity to the target intake air quantity and by bringing a real fuel injection quantity to the target fuel injection quantity.

Abstract: In a method for setting torque in the operation of a motor vehicle, especially in the case of a small engine torque change in the lower to medium load range, the driver-selected torque is magnified dynamically in time, and the enhancement component is then correspondingly reduced down to an enhancement component of zero as the actual value of the torque approaches the driver-selected torque. An increase in responsiveness and a better response behavior are achieved in response to small accelerator pedal movements.

Abstract: A system and method for determining control parameters for an engine include modifying a first engine torque based on estimated losses associated with a previously determined desired engine load to determine a second engine torque, modifying the second engine torque based on a desired ignition angle and air/fuel ratio to determine a third engine torque, determining a desired engine load based on the third engine torque, and converting the desired engine load to at least one engine control parameter. The invention recognizes that the transformation between torque and airflow is an affine transformation rather than a linear transformation. The present invention also recognizes the significant interrelations between various engine control parameters such as air/fuel ratio and ignition timing by determining control parameters after the desired torque has been fully compensated for losses and using a single function to account for air/fuel ratio and ignition angle excursions.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for operating a drive unit of a vehicle are suggested. A desired value is preset and an actual value corresponding to the desired value is determined. The desired value is filtered in at least one operating situation. At the start of filtering, the filter is initialized with the determined actual value.

Abstract: For operating an internal combustion engine has the steps are provided which include determining a pressure in a suction portion from a position of a throttle flap, passing a signal produced from the position of the throttle flap through delay means, using the passed signal for forming a limit for a permissible value region, utilizing as the delay means at least two delay elements, such that a delay of one of the delay elements is switched off when a speed changes with the position of the throttle valve above a positive limiting value, and the delay of the other delay element is switched off when the speed changes with the position of the throttle valve below a negative limiting value.

Abstract: A method is presented for improved interaction between driver demand, cruise control system and traction control system in an internal combustion vehicle. Desired engine output torque is adjusted based on the above inputs and vehicle operating conditions. This method improves drive feel and customer satisfaction with vehicle performance.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement control the drive unit of a vehicle. In this method and arrangement, an rpm limiting to a reference rpm takes place when the demand of the driver is withdrawn. The reference rpm is determined at the start of the withdrawal of the driver command.

Abstract: In a method for setting an intake manifold pressure or a mass volumetric efficiency of an internal combustion engine, a change in the setting of the engine throttle valve when needed during operation of the engine is increased beyond the desired setting by such an amount and for such a period of time that the change in the setting of the throttle valve corresponds at least approximately to the air mass flow rate which is required in order to set the internal combustion engine to the new load state.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for controlling a drive unit of a vehicle wherein maximum permissible value is pregiven for monitoring purposes for the output quantity for the drive unit. In this value, requirement values of at least one consumer and/or one ancillary function are included. The inclusion only takes place when the at least one consumer and/or the ancillary function is actually active. To determine whether the consumer and/or ancillary function is active, two pieces of data as to the activation state are evaluated, which pieces of data are independent of each other.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for operating internal combustion engines is suggested which is operated in at least one operating state with a lean air/fuel mixture. The fuel mass, which is to be injected, or the injection time, which is to be outputted, is determined in dependence upon a desired value. For monitoring the operability, the actual torque of the engine is determined on the basis of the fuel mass, which is to be injected, or the injection time, which is to be outputted, or the outputted injection time and compared to a maximum permissible torque and a fault reaction is initiated when the actual torque exceeds the maximum permissible torque. Parallel to the above, a quantity, which represents the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas, is compared to at least one pregiven limit value and a fault reaction is initiated when this quantity exceeds the limit value.

Abstract: The method for providing engine torque information according to the present invention comprises the steps of: obtaining optimal ignition timing from a chart of RPM points and an amount of air intake; obtaining revised optimal ignition timing by adding amounts of ignition timing changed by a present coolant temperature and a present air-fuel ratio to the optimal ignition timing; calculating a difference between the revised optimal ignition timing obtained and real ignition timing at a present driving state; obtaining an ignition efficiency value by using the calculated difference; obtaining indicated torque from a chart at a present driving state, and then calculating a revised present indicated torque by multiplying the indicated torque by the air-fuel ratio efficiency and the ignition efficiency value; calculating real engine torque by subtracting friction torque from the revised present indicated torque; and providing the real engine torque to other control means.

Abstract: Control system for an internal combustion engine, for setting a desired torque in response to operating conditions of the engine and controlling torque based on the set desired torque. A crank angle position sensor detects an engine rotational speed. An accelerator position sensor detects an accelerator position. A required torque is calculated based on results of detection by the crank angle position sensor and the accelerator position sensor. Further, the calculated required torque is smoothed. Then, the present value of the required torque calculated at the present time and the smoothed required torque are compared with each other. When it is determined that the engine is being accelerated, an acceleration assist amount is calculated based on a difference value between the present value of the required torque and the smoothed required torque. Then, the acceleration assist amount is added to the smoothed required torque, whereby the desired torque is set.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing and evaluating the rotation of the auxiliary drive of a utility vehicle is provided. The utility vehicle includes a main drive engine, a gearbox for the propulsion drive and at least one auxiliary drive to which an implement can be selectively connected. The power output of the main drive engine is branched to a first part to a propulsion drive and to a second part to the auxiliary drives. A rotation speed sensor senses rotation speed of the auxiliary drive and provides a speed signal to a control unit. The control unit determines the magnitude or amplitude of the second harmonic of the speed signal and transmits corresponding control signals when a predetermined threshold value is exceeded and/or is not reached. When the control unit determines that the second harmonic of the sensor signals exceeds the threshold value, it permits an increased power output of the main drive engine.

Abstract: Automotive control system designed to control a plurality of controlled elements installed in the vehicle is provided. The control system includes control circuits and a manager circuit. The control circuits are designed to perform given control tasks using pre-defined controlled variables. The manager circuit is designed to determine a target value of a preselected output parameter of at least one of the controlled elements in the form of a second controlled variable different from one of the controlled variables employed in the control circuit for the one of the controlled elements. The control system also includes an adaptor designed to translate the second controlled variable indicative of the target value of the output parameter into a value of the corresponding controlled variable. This allows the control system to be constructed easily without redesigning typical controlled elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the speed of a vehicle, the apparatus manipulates a cable having one end secured to a throttle and the other secured to a motor for applying a force to the cable. A motor controller provides commands to the motor and the motor controller receives an input in the form of a vehicle velocity setting and in response to the value of the setting setting the motor controller instructs the motor to pull the cable a predetermined distance corresponding to a predetermined throttle position, the predetermined distance is stored in a lookup table and the predetermined throttle position corresponds to a vehicle velocity that is similar to the vehicle velocity setting.

Abstract: In a device for controlling the speed of an internal combustion engine driving a utility unit with a speed control circuit for the internal combustion engine and with a load control circuit for the utility unit, the device includes sensors and an evaluation unit for detecting and evaluating the state of the system as a whole, and an arrangement for an intervention in the speed control circuit and/or the load control circuit depending on critical relevant system states in order to achieve a reduction in the system complexity and thus a better control of the dynamics of the system as a whole.