Having An Electrical Device Between Input And Speed Regulator Patents (Class 123/399)
  • Patent number: 8340888
    Abstract: A control system for a powertrain includes an energy determination module and a speed control module. The energy determination module determines a rotational energy input to the powertrain during a first period of a negative lash event of the powertrain. The speed control module selectively limits an increase in a rotational speed of the engine to a first predetermined rate based on the rotational energy during a second period of the negative lash event following the first period. The rotational energy is based on an acceleration rate of the rotational speed, and the speed control module limits the increase when the acceleration rate is greater than a predetermined acceleration rate. The speed control module further selectively increases the rotational speed at a second predetermined rate during a third period beginning at an end of the second period. A related method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventors: Michael L. Kociba, Ning Jin, Andrew W. Baur, Daniel N Wehrwein
  • Patent number: 8336523
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle having an emergency running device, there is the problem that, in the event of certain fault symptoms occurring, an emergency running function is initiated and the torque of the engine is in the process limited to an unsuitable low value. In the worst case, this can lead to insufficient acceleration, for example during an overtaking maneuver, and to an accident occurring. It is therefore proposed that the determination of an optimized emergency running function be defined as a function both of the present driving state of the motor vehicle and also of the type of fault symptom depending on which the risk and the level of danger are graded into classes and an optimized emergency running function is then determined and initiated. Thus, sufficient torque and rotational speed can be provided for reliable vehicle control even in an unfavorable traffic situation without damaging the endangered components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Käsbauer
  • Publication number: 20120304965
    Abstract: A motorcycle having a head pipe, a vehicle body frame including a pair of left and right main flames extending rearward from the head pipe, and an engine below the vehicle body frame and including a cylinder having an inclined cylinder axis, and an intake device. The intake device has an air cleaner box above the engine and the main frames; a throttle body provided with throttle bores and a valve shaft penetrating the throttle bores, the throttle body is located on a rear side of the engine between the pair of left and right main frames and guides intake air from the air cleaner box to the engine; and a measuring device located on a rear side of the throttle body which rotates about a rotational shaft parallel to the valve shaft to measure a throttle operation amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsushi UCHIYAMA, Ikuo YAMADA
  • Publication number: 20120304964
    Abstract: A motor-driven throttle valve control device having high reliability and resistance to electrostatic noise from the gear cover connector is obtained by compactly forming an inductance-based noncontact rotation angle detecting device at the end of the throttle shaft. In the present invention, an excitation conductor is attached to the tip of the throttle shaft to which the throttle valve is attached. The gear cover is provided with a magnetic field exciting conductor and a signal detection conductor to face the excitation conductor. Further, an insulating member is arranged between the rotating shaft (throttle shaft) and the magnetic field exciting conductor and signal detection conductor. With this configuration, a motor-driven throttle valve control device having an inductance-based noncontact rotation angle detecting device, not affected by electrostatic noise and having high reliability, is realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Toyoshi NEMOTO, Hidefumi Hatsuzawa
  • Patent number: 8316822
    Abstract: A vehicle speed limiter is described, for use with, and for example fitted to, a vehicle throttle system (1) comprising a mechanically actuatable throttle member (3), an engine (10) speed controller (7), and a throttle signal unit in data communication with an engine speed controller and operably coupled to the throttle member so as to generate an electronic throttle signal in functional response to the degree of actuation of the throttle member, and to transmit a throttle signal to the engine speed controller whereby the engine speed is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Autokontrol Limited
    Inventor: George Malcolm Gray
  • Patent number: 8314524
    Abstract: An electrical internal combustion engine actuating arrangement includes a housing cover with a position sensor and a housing body having disposed therein an electric drive motor and an output shaft having a position transducer. The housing cover and the electric drive motor are connected via at least one electrical plug connection arrangement including a plug blade and an opposite plug clamp having a plug-in slot. The housing body and the housing cover include a positioning arrangement having a positioning pin and a positioning bore configured to receive the positioning pin. The at least one electrical plug connection arrangement includes, on a side of the plug clamp, a plug blade guide with a guide slot arranged in parallel with the plug-in slot and a plug-in axis of the positioning arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Pierburg GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Neise, Thomas Schroeder
  • Patent number: 8306725
    Abstract: Provided is directed to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption due to unnecessary rapid acceleration when a vehicle drives between intersections, and it is an object to allow for economical driving by reducing the fuel cost, and minimize environmental pollution by minimizing the exhaust gas of vehicle, by providing an economical speed for drivers such that vehicles that have passed through an intersection in accordance with the present traffic light economically drives to the next intersection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Myunghee Son, Haesook Jeon
  • Patent number: 8291886
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the fuel flow rate in a direct metering fuel control system to compensate for actuator flow. The system includes a fuel metering pump that supplies fuel to a fluid-operated actuator and to a gas turbine engine combustor and determines, using a generated model of the fuel metering pump and/or the fluid-operated actuator, fuel flow rate needed by the gas turbine engine and/or the actuator fuel flow rate needed by the fluid-operated actuator. The fuel flow rate of the fuel metering pump is controlled based on the determined actuator fuel flow rate and the determined engine fuel flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Mahoney, Jay R. Sims, Richard Ling
  • Patent number: 8291887
    Abstract: A throttle control device for a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a throttle sensor is disposed in a case at a fixed position to detect an amount of a rotation operation of a throttle grip in accordance with a rotation of a throttle pipe. An operation of an actuator which drives a throttle valve to open and close is controlled by a control unit on the basis of a detected value of the throttle sensor. The throttle control device does not require a cancel switch to cancel an operation of an automatic cruise control device, which in turn reduces the number of parts, allowing size reduction of the case fixed on a bar handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichi Nozoe, Kunihiko Fukui
  • Patent number: 8280615
    Abstract: An air inlet system of an engine includes a throttle, a fan, a motor, and a throttle sensor. The fan is connected to the throttle. The motor is for driving the fan to force air into at least one intake manifold of the engine through the throttle. The throttle sensor is for controlling the rotational speed of the fan according to the motion of a throttle pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Tzu-Nan Chuang
  • Patent number: 8267076
    Abstract: The present invention performs correction appropriately according to errors in the fuel system and air system respectively and corrects both variations in the air-fuel ratio and torque. When the difference between a target air-fuel ratio and a real air-fuel ratio is equal to or below a predetermined value when feedback control based on the air-fuel ratio of an exhaust manifold 10A is in progress, the air-fuel ratio of a cylinder cyl—1 having the largest variation of angular acceleration is corrected to the rich side, for example, by increasing the amount of fuel. Angular acceleration per cylinder is then detected again and when the variation in angular acceleration among cylinders is not eliminated, it is judged that there is an error in the amount of air control of the cylinder having the largest variation and the amount of air, amount of fuel, ignition timing or the like are corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Nakagawa, Kazuhiko Kanetoshi, Kouzou Katogi, Takanobu Ichihara, Minoru Ohsuga
  • Patent number: 8260508
    Abstract: An engine speed control system for an agricultural vehicle includes a variable throttle controller, a mode selector, and a control device. The variable throttle control permits an operator to select a variably adjustable engine speed and the mode selector permits the operator to select between a plurality of pre-set engine speeds. The control device receives output signals from the throttle controller, generates engine speed commands, and delivers the commands to an engine controller for controlling the speed of the agricultural vehicle's engine. The control device is operable to generate a first engine speed command associated with one of the pre-set engine speeds when an operator activates the mode selector and to temporarily or permanently override the first engine speed command with a second engine speed command associated with the throttle controller when the operator activates the throttle controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Trail Price, Manu George
  • Patent number: 8255127
    Abstract: An engine speed control system for an agricultural vehicle includes a variable throttle controller, a mode selector, and a control device. The variable throttle control permits an operator to select a variably adjustable engine speed and the mode selector permits the operator to select between a plurality of pre-set engine speeds. The control device receives output signals from the throttle controller, generates engine speed commands, and delivers the commands to an engine controller for controlling the speed of the agricultural vehicle's engine. The control device is operable to generate a first engine speed command associated with one of the pre-set engine speeds when an operator activates the mode selector and to temporarily or permanently override the first engine speed command with a second engine speed command associated with the throttle controller when the operator activates the throttle controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Trail Price, Manu George
  • Patent number: 8224512
    Abstract: A control system is provided which allows the operator of a marine vessel to select a transmission position (e.g. forward, neutral, or reverse) and an engine speed in the event that a throttle lever malfunctions. By providing messages to the operator on an annunciator and receiving selections from the operator on a plurality of push button switches, a microprocessor selects gear positions and engine operating speed in response to commands received from the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Dengel, Gene A. Smedema
  • Patent number: 8215286
    Abstract: An electronic control system for a carburetor, includes: a transmission device linked to a valve; an electric actuator for driving the valve; and an electronic control unit for controlling operation of the electric actuator, the electric actuator being disposed between the transmission device and the electronic control unit, The transmission device, the electric actuator and the electronic control unit are housed and held in a casing mounted on the carburetor. A ventilation apparatus which places an interior of the casing in communication with an outside atmosphere relative to the carburetor is connected to the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Maekawa, Keiichiro Bungo, Yasuhide Ono, Hayato Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8201541
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating at least one rotating closure element in a flow channel; alternately opening and blocking the flow channel relative to a reference variable and with an adjustable phase position; flowing through a cross-section; changing a phase position; and utilizing at least one of a flow force and a flow torque to act on the closure element for at least one of temporarily accelerating and temporarily decelerating the closure element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Elsäβer, Martin Helmis
  • Patent number: 8201542
    Abstract: A safety device for the throttle operation includes a shaft, a linking plate having an end connected and moving with the shaft and another end provided with an projecting bent wing, a pulling plate having one end formed with a shaft hole for combining with the shaft and located at a side of the bent wing and another end resting on an end surface of the bent wing and connected with a throttle line. The bent wing moves the throttle line to move the pulling plate for an angle for opening the throttle. The safety device further includes a contact switch for contacting the linking plate so an engine control system may be electrified by the contact switch to reduce its speed to a slow condition even if the throttle line is stuck immovable and unable to return to its original position after pulling open the throttle, keeping safe a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Aeon Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hui-Hui Huang, Wen Ru Tseng
  • Patent number: 8185278
    Abstract: An engine speed control system for an agricultural vehicle includes a variable throttle controller, a mode selector, and a control device. The variable throttle control permits an operator to select a variably adjustable engine speed and the mode selector permits the operator to select between a plurality of pre-set engine speeds. The control device receives output signals from the throttle controller, generates engine speed commands, and delivers the commands to an engine controller for controlling the speed of the agricultural vehicle's engine. The control device is operable to generate a first engine speed command associated with one of the pre-set engine speeds when an operator activates the mode selector and to temporarily or permanently override the first engine speed command with a second engine speed command associated with the throttle controller when the operator activates the throttle controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Trail Price, Manu George
  • Patent number: 8175783
    Abstract: An organ type accelerator pedal assembly may include a vibration generating module coupled to a carrier connected with a foot plate, and engaged with a first actuator through a power transfer member to bring a vibration to the carrier, a pushing-force generating module actuated by a second actuator and movably disposed under the vibration generating module to provide a pushing-force to the foot plate when contacting with the vibration generating module, and/or a control unit controlling the first actuator and/or the second actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hangil Park
  • Patent number: 8175766
    Abstract: A throttle control system is provided for generating a throttle control signal in an electric vehicle. The throttle control system includes: a throttle position sensor operable to detect a throttle twist input by an operator and to responsively generate a throttle twist input signal; a controller operatively coupled to the throttle position sensor for receiving the throttle twist input signal and responsively generating a throttle control signal; and a feedback circuit operatively coupled to the controller for receiving the throttle control signal and outputting a corresponding feedback signal to the controller; wherein the controller compares the feedback signal and the throttle control signal to detect an error condition in the throttle control signal, and when an error condition is detected, determines a responsive action corresponding to the severity of the error condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Brammo, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Lee, Daniel M. Riegels, Michael R. Sorensen, Brian J. Wismann
  • Patent number: 8161939
    Abstract: A vehicle power control that includes a throttle mounting portion and a throttle that is movably mounted to the throttle mounting portion and configured for manipulation and operation by a rider. The power control also includes a sensor in contactless association with at least one of the throttle and throttle mounting portion. The sensor is configured for sensing a position of the throttle with respect to the mounting portion, in the contactless association, and generating a signal based on the sensed position for controlling motive power of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Vectrix International Limited
    Inventors: David Dugas, Craig Bliss, Peter S. Hughes
  • Patent number: 8156922
    Abstract: An electrical actuating arrangement for an internal combustion engine includes an electric drive motor disposed in a housing body. The electric drive motor includes a motor housing with a drive side closed by a plastic front plate. A mounting flange is disposed on a drive side of the electric drive motor, the mounting flange being integral with the motor housing. The plastic front plate extends at least partially radially beyond the motor housing and is configured to seat via a clamping fit in a corresponding recess of the housing body so as to radially fix the electric drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Pierburg GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Glaesser, Isao Fukumoto, Ralf Neise, Peter Nitsch
  • Publication number: 20120085319
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine can be operated in response to a received first throttle control input in a first operating regime that includes delivering a first air-fuel mixture having a first air/fuel ratio to a combustion volume to deliver a first output power in a first output power range between zero and a transition output power level. The engine can be operated in response to a received second throttle control input in a second operating regime that includes delivering a second air/fuel ratio richer than the first air/fuel ratio to the combustion volume to deliver a second output power in a second output power range between the transition output power level and a maximum output power level. Related methods, systems, and article of manufacture are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: James M. Cleeves, Michael Hawkes
  • Patent number: 8155862
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling an internal combustion engine are provided. The method may include closing said intake valve at a timing in a first range, which is before a maximum charge closing timing with which an amount of air inducted into said cylinder from said air intake passage would be maximized at a given engine speed, during a cylinder cycle when a desired amount of air to be inducted into said cylinder is less than or equal to a predetermined air amount at the given engine speed. The method may further include closing said intake valve at a timing in a second range, which is after said maximum charge closing timing and separated from said first range during a cylinder cycle, when a desired amount of air to be inducted into said cylinder is greater than said predetermined air amount at the given engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiaki Nishimoto, Naohiro Yamaguchi, Masahisa Yamakawa, Takashi Youso, Kouji Shishime, Hiroaki Abe, Hiroki Morimoto, Naoya Matsuo, Naoya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8151764
    Abstract: In an electronic throttle control system, a target intake pipe pressure as well as a presumed value for the intake pipe pressure is calculated, so that a deviation between the target value and the presumed value for the intake pipe pressure is calculated. The deviation is compensated in an advancing side by an amount corresponding to a delay of response in the throttle control system. An intake air amount passing through a throttle valve is calculated based on the above compensated deviation and a presumed intake air amount. A target opening degree of a throttle valve is finally calculated based on the above-calculated intake air amount passing through a throttle valve. Accordingly, a response and stability of the throttle control can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisayo Yoshikawa, Masahiro Ito, Kenji Kasashima
  • Patent number: 8151766
    Abstract: A combustion engine includes an cylinder block having a combustion chamber formed therein, a throttle body forming a part of an air intake passage for introducing an air therethrough into the combustion chamber, a throttle valve accommodated in the throttle body for adjusting a cross section of the air intake passage, and an electrically driven throttle device having an actuator for driving the throttle valve. At least a portion of the throttle body is positioned intermediate between the actuator and the cylinder block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Fukuuchi
  • Patent number: 8141358
    Abstract: A method for controlling cylinder air charge of an engine having a compressor is presented. In one example, the description includes a method for coordinating the control of the throttle, turbo charger, and valves such that the desired cylinder air charge may be achieved while engine pumping work may be decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ilya Kolmanovsky, Alex Gibson, Donald Lewis
  • Patent number: 8141537
    Abstract: A controlling device for an internal combustion engine includes an estimating portion to calculate an estimation value relative to an open degree of a valve based on a predetermined estimation formula. A signal of a sensor is changed, when the valve has a predetermined open degree defined between a full close and a full open. The estimating portion determines that an actual open degree of the valve is smaller than the predetermined open degree, in a case that the signal of the sensor is not changed when the estimation value becomes equal to or larger than the predetermined open degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiaki Uda
  • Patent number: 8145407
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automobile equipped with an engine having an electronically-controlled throttle valve adapted to have an opening angle which is controlled according to an accelerator-pedal depression amount. The engine further includes an accelerator pedal sensor, an actuator adapted to selectively open and close the throttle valve, and a controller. The controller is adapted to calculate a target throttle opening angle corresponding to the accelerator-pedal depression amount, and output a continuous control signal corresponding to the target throttle opening angle, to the actuator. The controller is operable, in a traveling environment of the automobile or an operating condition of the engine where a required engine power is less than an engine power corresponding to the target throttle opening angle, to convert the continuous control signal into a pulsed control signal, and output the pulsed control signal to the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Rusk Intellectual Reserve AG
    Inventor: Ryuji Ueno
  • Patent number: 8140240
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for controlling the speed of a vehicle engine utilizing total system integration and an on-board power system for electrical power generation and distribution, which ensure that control of multiple components can be maintained, that critical operational parameters can be modified by generating calibration values, and that an electrical load can be met in both stationary and mobile vehicle applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Mississippi State University
    Inventors: G. Marshall Molen, Angela E. Card
  • Patent number: 8135509
    Abstract: An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g, Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson
  • Patent number: 8126639
    Abstract: In a method for closed loop controlling the air system in an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel internal combustion engine with a first actuating element for recirculated exhaust gas in the exhaust gas recirculation tract and a second actuating element for air in the inlet tract, the two actuating elements being adjusted as a function of each other. In order to increase the quality of closed loop control, provision is made for each actuating element to be controlled separately by its own respective controller, each controller being optimally configured for the respective controlled system, and a target value being provided for each controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Roduner, Markus Bachinger, Michael Stolz, Alois Danninger, Klemens Neunteufl
  • Publication number: 20120042851
    Abstract: One aspect is an electronic throttle control system including an electronic control unit configured to receive actuation signals indicative of a user action and to generate an actuation signal indicative of the user action. A throttle plate motor is configured to receive the actuation signal from the electronic control unit and to move a throttle plate in response thereto. A throttle position sensor is configured to sense the actual position of the throttle plate and to generate an actual position signal indicative of the throttle plate position. A throttle modifier is coupled between the throttle position sensor and the electronic control unit and configured to modify the actual position signal into a modified position signal, and to send the modified position signal to the electronic control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: V & H PERFORMANCE, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Heath, Jorge A. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8116954
    Abstract: An engine control module comprises a torque control module, an engine speed (RPM) control module, and an actuator module. The torque control module determines a first desired torque based on a requested torque. The RPM control module selectively determines a second desired torque based on a desired RPM. The torque control module determines the first desired torque further based on the second desired torque when the engine control module is transitioning from an RPM control mode to a torque control mode. The RPM control module determines the second desired torque further based on the first desired torque when the engine control module is transitioning from the torque control mode to the RPM control mode. The actuator module controls an actuator of an engine based on the first and second desired torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Livshiz, Scott J. Chynoweth, Todd R. Shupe, Christopher E. Whitney, Robert C. Simon, Jr., Vivek Mehta, Ning Jin
  • Patent number: 8113166
    Abstract: An auto choke device for an engine includes a choke valve for varying the opening of an intake passage of the engine, and a starter motor for starting the engine. Upon activation of the starter motor, the choke valve starts valve opening motion from a fully closed position. The choke valve continues the valve opening motion at a certain valve opening speed until it achieves a start opening set based on the temperature of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignees: Kyoto Denkiki Co., Ltd., Yamaha Motor Power Products Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshimichi Kumagai, Masanobu Yamamoto, Shinichi Kajiya
  • Patent number: 8113171
    Abstract: An engine intake system is provided that includes a sensor unit (16) formed by mounting a throttle sensor (18) and a negative pressure sensor (20) on a sensor housing (17) mounted on a mounting face (15) on one side of a throttle body (1), and a negative pressure transmission path (35) providing communication between an intake path (2) and the negative pressure sensor (20) is formed in a crank shape from a first passage (35a) having one end opening on a peripheral face of an upper half of the intake path (2) in proximity to a horizontal plane (H) containing the axis of the intake path (2), a groove-shaped second passage (35b) formed between mating faces of the throttle body (1) and the sensor housing (17) so as to extend while bending upward from the other end of the first passage (35a) at substantially right angles, and a third passage (35c) formed in the throttle body (1) so as to extend from the upper end of the second passage (35b) in a direction opposite to the first passage (35a) and reach the negative
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshige Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8103431
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) module that compares MAP of an engine to a predetermined MAP and an air/spark module that decreases flow of air and that advances ignition spark when the MAP module indicates that the MAP is greater than a predetermined MAP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventors: David R. Lancaster, Anthony Santana
  • Publication number: 20120000442
    Abstract: When control to maintain a constant engine rotation number is executed, the electronic control unit constantly monitors an error of detected throttle position data with respect to a desired throttle control value, executes a first stage of a failure judgment method to judge that a failure of a throttle control system has occurred in a case where an absolute value of the error exceeds a predetermined threshold value continuously for a predetermined time or longer, and executes a second stage of the failure judgment method to judge that a serious failure has occurred in the system in a case where a detected engine rotation number exceeds a predetermined rotation number continuously for a predetermined time or longer, to perform predetermined operations in accordance with the judgment results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: NIKKI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Buso Takigawa, Umerujan Sawut, Tohti Gheyret, Norichika Kojima, Tsutomu Murakami
  • Patent number: 8090522
    Abstract: A system for an engine with a turbocharger system includes a rate determination module, a limiting rate selection module, a throttle inlet absolute pressure (TIAP) calculation module, and a throttle control module. The rate determination module generates a pressure rate value based on a pressure difference between a current TIAP signal from a TIAP sensor and a previous TIAP signal. The limiting rate selection module selects a limiting rate based on the pressure rate value. The TIAP calculation module generates a calculated TIAP signal based on the limiting rate and the current TIAP signal. The throttle control module generates a throttle control signal based on the calculated TIAP signal and actuates an inlet throttle valve of the engine based on the throttle control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Inventors: Marco J. Gatti, Paul A. Bauerle, James L. Worthing, Layne K. Wiggins, J. Oscar Aparicio, Jr., Joseph E. Ploucha
  • Publication number: 20110308496
    Abstract: A throttle valve controller for an internal combustion engine has a throttle valve driven by a motor. The target opening of the throttle valve is determined based on the operating state of the vehicle or internal combustion engine. A first lower limit is determined beforehand as the minimum target opening, and a second lower limit is set which is smaller than the first lower limit if the determined target opening is smaller than a predetermined opening and/or if the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine is lower than a predetermined speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko AKAGI, Hidefumi Iwaki, Kenji Ono
  • Patent number: 8074622
    Abstract: Many devices, such as a turbocharger, use an apparatus to control their functions. For example, pneumatic and electric actuators are used to provide positional control of a mechanism on the turbocharger. The actuator must connect to the vehicles electrical system to provide suitable communication and control of the actuator. They must also have internal control and interconnection of devices such as sensors, electronic control unit, external electrical connector, and internal electrical connections. The electrical connections, placement of sensor, and placement of the controller are critical to the performance, reliability, and cost of the actuator. The control and interconnection system will provide the aforementioned requirements including a “quick connect” capability for electrical connections and ease of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Telep, Robert D. Keefover, Murray F. Busato, Donald Podwoiski
  • Patent number: 8068944
    Abstract: The present application relates to a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine. It is an object of the present application to prevent an excessive reaction of a throttle valve when the opening of the throttle valve is controlled on the basis of a plurality of required torques. The control apparatus includes: required torque consolidation means for calculating an after-consolidation required torque; first torque control means which causes an actual torque to follow variation of the after-consolidation required torque by changing the opening of the throttle valve in accordance with the variation of the after-consolidation required torque; and second torque control means which fixes the opening of the throttle valve and causes the actual torque to follow variation of the after-consolidation required torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8055431
    Abstract: A driving amount controller for reducing the response delay or erroneous deviation in the control of a driving amount of a controlled system, for example, in the control of the opening of a throttle valve. When a target opening DTHR is varied starting from the condition where the throttle valve is stopped, an ECU 20 on a vehicle calculates an output of a motor necessary for a starting operation of the motor, and outputs a control signal Sc obtained through compensation of a deficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Asada, Makoto Tsuyuguchi, Toru Takeda
  • Patent number: 8051832
    Abstract: An air intake control system is provided for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The control system includes an intake port of a cylinder head for an engine main body, a throttle body having a throttle valve and connected to the intake port, an electric actuator having an electric motor and arranged on the throttle body to drive open or close the throttle valve, and a connector disposed on a housing of the electric actuator in a position facing toward one axial end of a crankshaft. The connector is provided in order to connect to an outside conductor to the electric motor of the electric actuator. The resulting configuration facilitates the work to connecting the outside conductor to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhito Hotta, Takeru Abe, Masanobu Urabe, Takaaki Tsukui
  • Patent number: 8051834
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling a throttle valve and an EGR valve in internal combustion engine. The method includes, the steps of measuring an actual fresh mass air flow value entering the engine, determining an exhaust oxygen concentration set point indicative of the oxygen concentration in the exhaust manifold, calculating an air reference value as a function of the exhaust oxygen concentration set point ([O2]spEM) and determining an oxygen concentration feedback value representative of the oxygen concentration in the engine. The method further includes, but is not limited to the steps of obtaining a position information for the throttle valve by comparing the actual fresh mass air flow value and air reference value and obtaining a position information for the EGR valve by comparing the oxygen concentration feedback value and oxygen concentration set point. The method also includes the steps of controlling the throttle valve and the EGR valve according to the position information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nando Vennettilli, Massimiliano Maira
  • Patent number: 8050841
    Abstract: An air-per-cylinder (APC) security system for a vehicle comprises an APC determination module, an APC threshold determination module, and an APC diagnostic module. The APC determination module determines first and second APC values for first and second cylinders of an engine, respectively, based on mass airflow (MAF) into the engine. The APC threshold determination module determines an APC threshold based on the first APC value and a spark timing for the first cylinder. The APC diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in the APC determination module when the second APC value is greater than a sum of the first APC value and the APC threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Mark H. Costin, Timothy J. Hartrey, Layne K. Wiggins, Bryan D. Lehman, Roberto De Paula, Joseph M. Stempnik
  • Patent number: 8042514
    Abstract: A throttle body includes first and second intake conduits, first and second valves, and first and second gears. The first and second intake conduits are configured for respective placement in fluid communication with first and second cylinder housings of an engine. The first valve is associated with the first intake conduit and is movable to selectively adjust restriction of the first intake conduit to passage of fluid. The second valve is associated with the second intake conduit and is movable to selectively adjust restriction of the second intake conduit to passage of fluid. The first gear is attached to the first valve and the second gear attached to the second valve. The second gear is engaged with the first gear such that the first and second gears correspondingly rotate. Engines and saddle-type vehicles are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: David W. Arnold, Michael Bury
  • Patent number: 8042515
    Abstract: A compact throttle device with a short air intake pipe length. A throttle device includes: throttle bodies that define air intake paths; throttle valves that are disposed in the air intake paths and adjust the air flow rate in the air intake paths; a throttle shaft that rotatably supports the throttle valves; a motor that rotates the throttle shaft; and a gear that connects the throttle shaft to the motor. A pin is provided as a protrusion on the peripheral surface of the throttle shaft. The gear externally fitted and fixed to the throttle shaft has, on a fixing ring that is externally fitted to the throttle shaft, a housing groove for housing the pin, the housing groove being impelled against the pin by a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Mikuni Corporation
    Inventor: Takahiro Kato
  • Patent number: RE42939
    Abstract: A motor-driven throttle valve control device has a throttle shaft and a coupling lever rotatably provided on the shaft, both being coupled by a spring. A default spring energizes the coupling lever toward a position of the default opening of the throttle valve. The throttle shaft rotates separately from the coupling lever in the direction of the full open throttle valve from a point at which the coupling lever comes into contact with a stopper defining the default position and, together with the coupling lever, in the full close direction of the throttle valve from the point. Thereby, the throttle valve can be kept at the default position by the default spring through the coupling lever when a motor driving the throttle valve is not powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yamada, Yasuhiro Kamimura, Kenji Ono, Norihiro Isozaki
  • Patent number: RE42940
    Abstract: A throttle control apparatus for an engine on a vehicle is provided, in which the number of component parts in the position detection means and the driven means is reduced to improve the accuracy in its position control and at the same time an integrated wiring is achieved and connectors are aggregated. The position detection means for detecting the position of a control valve, the driven means for controlling the position of the control valve, the means for processing control signals, an output from the position control means for controlling the position of the control valve are disposed within a sealed space defined by a body supporting a control valve shaft, and a cover. Based on the fact that the number of component parts of the position detection means may be reduced, the mechanical hysteresis and electrical hysteresis may also be reduced to improve the accuracy in controlling the control valve position, and it is possible to aggregate the connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamimura, Yasushi Sasaki, Sadayuki Aoki, Kazuo Nagayama