Inductive Or Magnetic Sensor Patents (Class 123/617)
  • Patent number: 11293355
    Abstract: Provided is an electronically controlled throttle device for an engine driving to open and close a throttle valve (8) of a valve body (3) to which rotation of a motor (15) is transmitted from a driven gear (14) via a throttle shaft (6), and disposing a substrate (22) on which an excitation conductor (23) and a signal detection conductor (24) are arranged to face an exciting conductor (21) rotating together with the throttle shaft (6). The driven gear (14) comprises an embedded core metal (25), and has one side surface to which an exciting conductor (21) is exposed, the core metal (25) and the exciting conductor (21) being insert-Molded of a synthetic resin material and prepared, and a caulked portion (6a) of the throttle shaft (6) is inserted and fixed into a shaft hole (25a) extending through the core metal (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: MIKUNI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Komoto
  • Patent number: 11047715
    Abstract: A sensor mounting structure for an engine is provided. The sensor mounting structure offers a greater flexibility in mounting a sensor which detects an operation of an actuation member disposed at an inner wall spaced apart from an outer wall of a cylinder head of a valve gear. A sensor mounting structure for an engine includes a valve gear provided at a cylinder head and a sensor detecting an operation of the valve gear. The sensor is mounted on a sensor mounting hole formed at a head inner wall of the cylinder head covered with a cylinder head cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dai Kataoka, Yuichi Tawarada, Kenichi Shiratori, Tomiyuki Sasaki, Masaki Cho, Satoru Okoshi
  • Patent number: 10605217
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system includes an engine configured to be selectively activated to provide torque to propel the vehicle and a starter module coupled to the engine and configured to start the engine from an inactive state. The starter module includes a brushless electric machine to generate an output torque to crank start the engine. The starter motor also includes a pinion gear coupled to the electric machine, where the pinion gear is actuatable to selectively engage a cranking input of the engine. A controller assembly is programmed to cause actuation of the pinion gear to engage the cranking input of the engine and transfer a cranking torque to activate the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chandra S. Namuduri, Lei Hao, Thomas W. Nehl
  • Patent number: 10566861
    Abstract: The invention as claimed, has utility in that it uses separate magnetic field impulses from energized coils and permanent magnets strategically placed together, to maintain an interminable magnetic field upon magnets of a rotor when current is flowing to the coil and when current is not flowing to the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: GLIP Generation Corporation
    Inventor: David Joseph
  • Patent number: 10508897
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a magnet device for providing the magnetic density changes/magnetic field changes in relation to a detecting position. The magnet device comprises a magnet member adapted to be mounted on a rotatable shaft and be rotated for producing the magnetic density changes/magnetic field changes in relation to the detecting position when the magnet member is rotating around the rotatable shaft. To concentrate/condense the density of the magnetic density changes/magnetic field changes, the magnet device includes a magnetic flux density concentrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignees: TE ConnectivityCorporation, Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Salvador Hernandez-Oliver, Qixin Xue, Yao Zhou
  • Patent number: 10422664
    Abstract: A device rotates at least one static magnetic field about an axis, producing a rotating magnetic dipole field, and is movable in relation to the surface of the ground. The field is periodically sensed using a receiver to produce a receiver output responsive to the field. A positional relationship between the receiver and the device is monitored using the output. In one aspect, changing the positional relationship, by moving the device nearer to a boring tool which supports the receiver, causes an increase in accuracy of depth determination. In another aspect, determination of an actual overhead position of the boring tool, and its application, are described. Use of a plurality of measurements over at least one-half revolution of each magnet is disclosed. Establishing a surface radial direction toward a boring tool and resolution of multi-valued parameters is described. Calibration techniques, as well as a three transmitter configuration are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Zeller, Guenter W. Brune, Albert W. Chau, John E. Mercer
  • Patent number: 10330745
    Abstract: A magnetic field sensor includes a plurality of magnetoresistance elements, each having at least one characteristic selected to provide a respective, different response to an applied magnetic field, wherein each of the plurality of magnetoresistance elements is coupled in parallel. Illustrative characteristics selected to provide the respective responses include dimensions and/or construction parameters such as materials, layer thickness and order, and spatial relationship of the magnetoresistance element to the applied magnetic field. A method includes providing each of a plurality of magnetoresistance elements with at least one characteristic selected to provide a respective, different response to an applied magnetic field, wherein each of the plurality of magnetoresistance elements is coupled in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Eagen, William P. Taylor
  • Patent number: 10139254
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a measurement sensor for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle has a body and an electronic measurement module mounted in the body. The method includes molding the body of the sensor so as to define, in one and the same material, a base for fastening the sensor, an element for receiving the electronic measurement module, and a seal. The element delineates a space for receiving the electronic measurement module and includes a first cylindrical portion with a circular cross section and a second cylindrical portion with a circular cross section. The diameter of the second cylindrical portion is smaller than the diameter of the first cylindrical portion. The method further includes mounting the electronic measurement module in the reception space, and overmolding the element for receiving the electronic measurement module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignees: Continental Automotive France, Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Throm, Hervè Contet, Denis Itard
  • Patent number: 10139248
    Abstract: Each of a first yoke and a second yoke has an intermediate portion between one end portion and the other end portion of the yoke. When the first and second yokes are viewed in an opposing direction, a width of the intermediate portion of each yoke, which is measured in a direction perpendicular to a rotational direction, is smaller than a width of the one end portion and a width of the other end portion of the yoke and is constant along an entire extent of the intermediate portion in the rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoaki Kouno, Tetsuji Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 10048143
    Abstract: A sensor unit and a sensor apparatus are provided in which the size of the sensor unit itself is prevented from varying regardless of whether or not a redundant sensor is included, eliminating the need to change the design of a component to which the sensor unit is attached. Terminals of a sensor unit include a plurality of lead connection portions to which Hall ICs can be attached and a plurality of cable connection portions electrically connected to outside. The terminals are provided according to the number of sensors so as to enable the Hall ICs corresponding to two magnetic sensors to be attached to the terminals. A lead to the Hall IC corresponding to at least one magnetic sensor is connected to the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuichi Toyama, Takatsugu Asano
  • Patent number: 9880024
    Abstract: A measurement device for determining an angular position, having a magnet device and a sensor device that are rotatable relative to one another. The magnet device has a first north pole face of a first magnetic north pole and a first south pole face of a first magnetic south pole. The magnet device has a second north pole face of a second magnetic north pole and a second south pole face of a second magnetic south pole. The sensor device is located in a region between the first north pole face and the first south pole face and between the second north pole face and the second south pole face. The sensor device has a first magnetic field sensor and a second magnetic field sensor. The first magnetic field sensor and the second magnetic field sensor are spaced apart from one another for ascertaining a magnetic field difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: TDK-Micronas GmbH
    Inventors: Timo Kaufmann, Joerg Franke
  • Patent number: 9791296
    Abstract: Systems and methods of synchronously switching electrical phases of a permanent magnet synchronous motor are provided. Some embodiments can include switching the phase of the motor by employing an encoder that includes a tone wheel affixed to a rotor such that the tone wheel redirects a magnetic field away from Hall effect sensors in a timed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: METROPOLITAN INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: John R. Kochan, Jr., John Brian Dempster, James A. Nimmer
  • Patent number: 9605599
    Abstract: A magnet holder (10) for use in an analogous or digital throttle position sensor for sensing the angle of a butterfly valve in a fuel supply unit of an internal combustion engine, said magnet holder (10) including a throttle lever member (11) adapted to be fixed to a shaft of the butterfly valve and carrying at least one magnet (17). A recess (12) for the magnet (17), or for each magnets if more than one magnet is used, is provided in the throttle lever member (11), the magnet (17) is located in said recess (12), or the magnets are located in said recesses if more than one magnet is used, and throttle lever member material (18) located around an entrance to the recess (12) or entrances to the recesses is staked over the magnet (17) or magnets, respectively, to cover each magnet (17) sufficiently to retain it in its associated recess (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: HUSQVARNA AB
    Inventor: Fredrik Lindström
  • Patent number: 8100104
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine crankshaft assembly includes a crankshaft having an output device, such as a flywheel or crankshaft damper, fastened to the crankshaft. An electronic engine control device is positioned between the crankshaft and the output device. The electronic engine control device includes a generally planar base which contacts both the output device and the crankshaft. The planar base is coated with a pressure-responsive friction-promoting material which causes the output device to be torsionally locked with respect to the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Leon A. Widdall, Rick L. Williams, Patrick B. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7980218
    Abstract: In a pump driving device in an engine, driving a pump shaft of a pump mounted to an engine body by a valve-operating cam shaft supported by the engine body, a bolt is threadedly engaged with one end of the cam shaft, the bolt having a head portion in which a polygonal hole is formed, and a polygonal shaft portion is formed at one end of the pump shaft so as to be fitted into the polygonal hole. The pump shaft is driven by the cam shaft via the polygonal hole and the polygonal shaft portion. Thus, a large driving torque can be transmitted from the cam shaft to the pump shaft without reducing any effective support surface of a journal portion of the cam shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masanori Tsubouchi
  • Patent number: 7905220
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for sensing the speed of an EMD 567/645/710 two-cycle diesel engine having a crankcase, electronic fuel injectors and an electronic control system for controlling the electronic fuel injectors. The device includes a spline shaft sized for insertion into the crankcase of the engine so that the spline shaft rotates with the engine, a gear operably secured to the spline shaft to rotate with the spline shaft and sized to rotate with the engine in a 1:1 ratio, and at least one electronic sensor located adjacent the gear to sense rotation of the gear. The at least one electronic sensor is connectable to the electronic control system to provide electronic signals to the electronic control system for determining when to inject fuel with the electronic fuel injectors. Also disclosed is a method for retrofitting the engine and a kit for retrofitting the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Haynes Corporation
    Inventors: Edward H. Harrison, Keith Mulder, Edward A Schlairet
  • Publication number: 20100012104
    Abstract: An ignition timing system and device with backup and multiple ignition timing systems. The ignition timing system has a rotating shaft with axially stacked first and second reluctors coupled to the rotating shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Vince Scalia, Fred Carrado, JR.
  • Patent number: 7475672
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing an ignition spark in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus comprises an inductive ignition device having a primary coil and a secondary coil, flow of current through the primary coil being controlled by an electronic switching element (e.g., a transistor) responsive to a triggering signal. A rotatable body (e.g., the engine flywheel) having detectable features on a periphery thereof is also provided. A sensor device is located adjacent to the rotatable body at a fixed position and is operative to produce an output in response to the detectable features. The apparatus also includes a controller operative to receive an output from the sensor device and responsively produce the triggering signal so as to have a selected dwell time and ignition position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: R.E. Phelon Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry O. Gray, David W. Canestrari, Bryant K. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 7359789
    Abstract: The invention provides a control system for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The control system includes a sensor controller and an engine controller. The sensor controller includes a first interface configured to be connected to a sensor coupled to the engine, a first one or more components to provide power regulation and electromagnetic compatibility for the sensor controller, a second interface configured to be connected to a local communication bus of the vehicle, and a first processor and memory configurable to provide control and diagnostics of the sensor. The engine controller includes a third interface configured to be connected to the local communication bus, a second one or more components to provide power regulation and electromagnetic compatibility for the engine controller, and a second processor and memory configurable to control at least one aspect of the internal combustion engine based on information from the sensor controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Vincent Hackel, Claus Schnabel, David Zevchak
  • Patent number: 7216625
    Abstract: A sensor for a throttle control device. The throttle control device includes a throttle body. A throttle valve is disposed within an intake air channel defined within the throttle body. A speed or gear reduction mechanism is coupled between a motor and the throttle valve. A sensor detects the rotational position, i.e., the rotational angle, of the motor and has a movable section and a fixed sensing section. The movable section is attached to a rotary shaft of the motor, so that the movable section rotates as the rotary shaft rotates. The fixed sensing section is mounted to the throttle body and is disposed within the movable section. By detecting the rotation of the motor a computing section can accurately determine the degree of opening of the throttle valve. The sensor outputs the degree of opening of the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ikeda, Koji Yoshikawa, Sunao Kitamura
  • Patent number: 7184876
    Abstract: Device for determining the position of an engine includes: a sensor that has a rotary part and a fixed part, whereby said fixed part comprises: elements (for generating a first signal based on the position of the rotary part relative to the fixed part), Second elements for generating a second phase-shifted signal relative to the first signal, elements for comparing the value of the second signal to a reference value, elements for detecting at least one characteristic event on the first signal, for generating a third signal of binary type, and for alternating the binary signal from a first value to a second after detection of at least one of the characteristic events if the result of the comparison is positive, engine control elements that include members for detecting the alternations of third signal and a counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive
    Inventors: Willem Teulings, Frederic Cantie
  • Patent number: 7066162
    Abstract: The period required to start a rope-start, two-cycle engine is reduced by enabling the engine's firing sequence to be initiated immediately upon determining the absolute rotational position of the engine and before determining the engine's direction of rotation. The rotational direction of the engine is then determined, and the firing sequence is disabled if the engine is counter-rotating. In this manner, the firing sequence is enabled much sooner in the engine's cycle than if the engine's rotational direction were determined before the firing sequence is enabled. The engine therefore starts more quickly. The method is particularly useful in battery-less engines which experience a delay in start-up due to the fact that the engine must rotate through at least part of a revolution before generating enough electrical power to operate the computer controlling operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: BRP US Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Tat-Keung Ng
  • Patent number: 7055762
    Abstract: The invention relates to an injection valve in which the movable valve parts and the valve seat (4) form the electrodes of a capacitor that is connected in an electric circuit, the capacity of said capacitor changing with the valve lift of the closing element. According to the invention, the valve seat (4) is configured in the form of an electrically conductive nozzle body (2) that is connected to the electric circuit and the closing element is configured in the form of a valve needle (5) that is connected to the electric circuit by its end surface opposite the valve seat (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gerber, Uwe Leuteritz, Martin Neumaier, Jörg Wonesch
  • Patent number: 7011074
    Abstract: A sensor for a throttle control device. The throttle control device includes a throttle body. A throttle valve is disposed within an intake air channel defined within the throttle body. A speed or gear reduction mechanism is coupled between a motor and the throttle valve. A sensor detects the rotational position, i.e., the rotational angle, of the motor and has a movable section and a fixed sensing section. The movable section is attached to a rotary shaft of the motor, so that the movable section rotates as the rotary shaft rotates. The fixed sensing section is mounted to the throttle body and is disposed within the movable section. By detecting the rotation of the motor a computing section can accurately determine the degree of opening of the throttle valve. The sensor outputs the degree of opening of the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ikeda, Koji Yoshikawa, Sunao Kitamura
  • Patent number: 6946830
    Abstract: A rotation-angular-position detecting apparatus of a rotor is capable of confirming an angular position of a rotation of the rotor within a relatively short period of time following a start of the rotation. The rotation-angular-position detecting apparatus includes a second rotor which rotates in a rotation interlocked with a first rotor with a plurality of first detection members formed at equal intervals in a rotational direction of the first rotor at a predetermined speed ratio with respect to the first rotor, and has a plurality of second detection members formed at unequal intervals in a rotational direction of the second rotor. A second pickup is provided for generating a second detection signal when sensing the proximity of any one of the second detection members on the second rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: A Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tatsuo Hayashi, Yoshiaki Hirakata
  • Patent number: 6946831
    Abstract: There is provided a compact, noncontact rotary position sensor that accurately detects a rotary position of a rotating object. A magnetism throttling portion is provided in a midway point of a magnetic path. Two magnetic induction elements are disposed adjacently each other at the magnetism throttling portion. This arrangement effectively allows a magnetic flux to converge at the location, at which the magnetic induction elements are mounted. A noncontact rotary position sensor offering high sensitivity and high accuracy can then be obtained. It is also possible to simplify routing of signal lines from the two magnetic induction elements, since the two magnetic induction elements are adjacent to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Miyata, Masanori Kubota, Kenji Ono, Takahiro Shimura, Takekazu Ootsuka, Hisashi Yukita
  • Patent number: 6845763
    Abstract: An ignition system for a vehicle includes a distributor having with a Hall Effect stator assembly and ignition module formed preferably as a thick film integrated (TFI) module, which receives a spark output (SPOUT) signal from an electronic control assembly (ECA). The ignition module includes a microprocessor for generating a control signal to an ignition coil and switching ON and OFF the primary current therein. A temperature sensing circuit is operative with the microprocessor for reducing the duty cycle or overall current or power as applied to the control signal from the TFI ignition module to the ignition coil and reducing the heat generated by the TFI ignition module when a temperature threshold for the TFI ignition module has been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Wetherill Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Morrissette, Reginald L. Browning
  • Patent number: 6840236
    Abstract: To accurately detect occurrence of erroneous detection of a crank pulse associated with dropout of a crank pulse or occurrence of noise. A cogless section is provided in cogs provided on an outer periphery of a crankshaft for transmitting a crank pulse. Occurrence of erroneous detection of a crank pulse is detected through use of an instantaneous rotational speed of the crankshaft computed from a crank pulse assigned to the cogless section and crank pulses assigned to cogs before and after the cogless section. When too few crank pulses are detected, a rapid increases arises in the instantaneous rotational speed of the crankshaft computed from the crank pulses after occurrence of a rapid decrease. The number of detected cramp pulses—which are fewer than the original crank pulses—is detected from the number of crank pulses existing between occurrence of a rapid decrease and occurrence of a rapid increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michiyasu Takahashi, Hitoshi Hasegawa, Yuichiro Sawada
  • Patent number: 6830015
    Abstract: A method and an electronic apparatus for reversing the rotation of a two-stroke internal combustion engine, provided with an ignition system powered by a permanent magnet voltage generator. The electronic apparatus comprises a microprocessor control unit programmed for controlling the sparking both during forward and backward rotations, and for controlling the reversal rotation procedure of the engine. The reversal procedure is controlled on the basis of information obtained from a first binary signal emitted by a bistable magnetic sensor activated by the magnetic flux of the generator, and from a second binary signal correlated to the polarities of output voltage of the voltage generator. The original forward or backward rotation is made to reverse by providing a sparking delay, and subsequently generating an advanced spark while the engine is still rotating in the original direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Ducati Energia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessandro Venturoli, Gianni Regazzi
  • Publication number: 20040211248
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine the device for determining an absolute rotary angle of a crankshaft, a component which is in operative connection with a camshaft has a plurality of markings, and the cost reduction is retained in that at least one sensor is arranged at the component and can determine the rotary direction of the camshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Uwe Kassner
  • Patent number: 6809513
    Abstract: A rotary position sensor includes a cylindrical housing having a partition wall which divides the interior of the housing into a first storing space and a second storing space. The first storing space stores a rotating mechanism and is closed with a first cover in such a manner that a shaft portion of a rotating member projects outside, and the second storing space stores an electrical circuit component and is closed with a second cover. A magnet included in the rotating mechanism is disposed at a position close to the partition wall, and a giant magnetoresistive element included in the electrical circuit component is disposed in a recess formed in the partition wall. Thus, the rotating mechanism and the electrical circuit component are completely separated from each other by the partition wall, so that a complex sealing process is not necessary and the detection accuracy can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyuichiro Terui, Hirofumi Okumura
  • Patent number: 6784658
    Abstract: A signal generator for an internal combustion engine for obtaining precise information on a rotational direction of the engine when the engine runs at extremely low speed, comprising: a rotor having a first series of reluctor corresponding to a cylinder of the engine, and a second series of reluctor having a predetermined phase relationship relative to the first series of reluctor; and a first sensor and a second sensor that detect the first series of reluctor and the second series of reluctor, respectively of the rotor to generate pulses, wherein a positional relationship between the first and the second series of reluctors, and a positional relationship between the first and the second sensors are set so that a difference occurs in a phase relationship between an output pulse of the first sensor and that of the second sensor in forward rotation and in reverse rotation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Kokusan Denki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Kawagoe, Yoshikazu Tsukada, Yoshinobu Arakawa, Kouji Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6752134
    Abstract: An improved electronic ignition arrangement for an internal combustion engine having an output drive shaft, a rotary shaft drivingly coupled to the output drive shaft, a plurality of spark plugs, an ignition coil, and a rotor and distributor arrangement to effect sequential firing of the spark plugs, the rotor coupled to the rotary shaft for rotation therewith, the ignition system arrangement producing a software modifiable control signal routed to the ignition coil to effect optimal sequential firing conditions for the ignition col and spark plugs and thereby improving performance of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Pertronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20040079349
    Abstract: An ignition system for a vehicle includes a distributor having with a Hall Effect stator assembly and ignition module formed preferably as a thick film integrated (TFI) module, which receives a spark output (SPOUT) signal from an electronic control assembly (ECA). The ignition module includes a microprocessor for generating a control signal to an ignition coil and switching ON and OFF the primary current therein. A temperature sensing circuit is operative with the microprocessor for reducing the duty cycle or overall current or power as applied to the control signal from the TFI ignition module to the ignition coil and reducing the heat generated by the TFI ignition module when a temperature threshold for the TFI ignition module has been exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: TRANSPO ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Gary E. Morrissette, Reginald L. Browning
  • Patent number: 6707292
    Abstract: An angular position sensor is provided including a rotatable magnet and at least one magnetically sensitive device. The at least one magnetically sensitive device is preferably a plurality of Hall effect sensors disposed on a circuit board for processing the generated electrical signals. The present invention includes a pair of focusing members designed to transmit and uniformly focus a magnetic field across the magnetically sensitive device, wherein the focusing members are tailored to be substantially planar and provide a uniform magnetic field gradient across the magnetically sensitive device. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention also includes at least one shielding member. The angular position sensor may be adapted for use in a control system for the electronic monitoring and control of the throttle plate position in a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Viola
  • Patent number: 6694949
    Abstract: A rotor of a crankshaft has protrusions. A timing sensor produces a rotation leading signal and a rotation trailing signal. A control unit measures a previous signal production interval and a present signal production interval based on the rotation signals, and determines that the rotor is in the forward rotation if an inequality of Tn/Tn−1≧K holds alternately but consecutively by four times on the side of the rotation trailing signal. As a result, at the time of manufacturing the rotor, the degree of freedom of design in the positional relations of the protrusions can be enhanced to control the ignition timing precisely and stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Ohira, Toshihiro Saga, Akihiro Hara
  • Publication number: 20030209231
    Abstract: A rotor of a crankshaft has protrusions. A timing sensor produces a rotation leading signal and a rotation trailing signal. A control unit measures a previous signal production interval and a present signal production interval based on the rotation signals, and determines that the rotor is in the forward rotation if an inequality of Tn/Tn−1≧K holds alternately but consecutively by four times on the side of the rotation trailing signal. As a result, at the time of manufacturing the rotor, the degree of freedom of design in the positional relations of the protrusions can be enhanced to control the ignition timing precisely and stably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Ohira, Toshihiro Saga, Akihiro Hara
  • Patent number: 6626145
    Abstract: An improved method and system for the control of an engine system such as the spark timing. The control senses the speed variations either during a portion of a complete cycle and a complete cycle and/or from cycle to cycle in order to determine the load on the engine from preprogrammed maps based upon the engine characteristics. From this load and the speed reading, it is possible to obtain the desired engine control. This not only reduces the costs of the system by reducing the number of sensors, but also permits adjustments to be made more rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha MORIC
    Inventors: Masahiko Enoyoshi, Naoya Isoda, Yoshiyuki Nagatsu
  • Patent number: 6575136
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting crank angle position in an internal combustion engine, in which a first rotator, which is interlocked with the crankshaft, has a plurality of detectable parts in the rotation direction, the detectable parts on the first rotator are provided so that adjoining spaces are nearly equal to each other. A second rotator which is interlocked with the camshaft has a plurality of detectable parts in the rotation direction, the detectable parts on the second rotator are provided so that permutations each consisting of at least two of consecutive angle intervals in one rotation direction differ from each other. With this configuration, the stroke of an internal combustion engine can be determined in a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Namari
  • Patent number: 6541959
    Abstract: A sensing system for measuring the angular displacement of a rotating shaft is disclosed. The sensing system comprises a rotor and a sensor assembly disposed within the rotor. The rotor is constructed and arranged to be securably mounted to the shaft such that the rotor rotates in concert with the shaft. Furthermore, the rotor defines a plurality of teeth extending radially inwardly towards a center of the shaft. The sensor assembly comprises a sensor housing and a magnet arrangement disposed within the housing. The magnet arrangement defines a magnetic flux path between the sensor assembly and the rotor. As a result, the magnet arrangement and the rotor cooperate to define a magnetic circuit. Changes in magnetic flux through the magnetic circuit can be measured to determine the angular displacement of the rotating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: S & S Cycle, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Gudgeon, Floyd I. Baker, Geoffrey D. Ziegahn
  • Patent number: 6518748
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuating drive includes at least one electromagnet with a coil and an armature having an armature plate that can move between a first contact surface on the electromagnet and a second contact surface. The position of the armature is determined as a function of the magnetic flux (&PHgr;) and the current (IS) through the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Butzmann, Joachim Melbert
  • Patent number: 6498480
    Abstract: A magnetic rotary transducer for providing a signal indicative of a rotational position of a control shaft about a rotational axis over a defined range of rotation is disclosed. The magnetic rotary transducer comprises a pair of magnets and a rotor including a pair of loop pole pieces, and an elongated pole piece having a first end adjoined to one of the loop pole pieces and a second end adjoined to the other loop pole piece. Each loop pole piece includes an inner surface defining an air gap area. The control shaft is positioned within the air gap area of one of the loop pole pieces and adjoined thereto whereby the rotor synchronously rotates with the control shaft about the axis over the defined range of rotation. The pair of magnets are adjoined to the other loop pole piece whereby two separate and distinct magnetic fields are generated within the air gap are of the loop pole piece. The magnetic rotary transducer further comprises a magnetic flux sensitive transducer positioned within the air gap area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Wabash Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan H. Manara
  • Patent number: 6489761
    Abstract: An analog angle encoder includes a non-magnetic stator which is cup-shaped, having a central post carrying at least one magnetosensitive device, and further including a rotor in the form of a ring captured by the stator, the rotor carrying at least one permanent magnet, wherein the rotor is rotatable relative to the stator. As the rotor rotates relative to the stator, the angle of the incident magnetic field changes relative to the magnetosensitive device, thereby causing the output from the device to vary sinusoidally with angular position. It is preferred to use magnetic configurations other than simple six sided magnets in order to achieve a more uniform magnetic field at the magnetosensitive device, as for example by utilizing cylindrical magnets, arcuate (concave faced) magnets, flat ferromagnetic layer pole pieces, arcuate (concave faced) ferromagnetic layer pole pieces, and ferromagnetic return paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thaddeus Schroeder, Bruno Patrice Bernard, Avoki M. Omekanda, Thomas Wolfgang Nehl
  • Patent number: 6448762
    Abstract: A rotation-angle-detection device includes a main housing, a resinous cover for covering an opening of the main housing, a permanent magnet disposed at the main housing to be rotatable in response to rotation of a throttle valve, and a magnetic sensor. The cover is longer in longitudinal direction than in lateral direction, and the magnetic sensor is fixed to the resinous cover. The magnetic sensor is disposed so that the detection direction and the longitudinal direction of the cover cross each other at a right angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kono, Takashi Hamaoka, Takamitsu Kubota, Katsuya Torii, Kunio Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6407543
    Abstract: Non-contact type Hall ICs detecting an rotation angle of a throttle valve, a stator core strengthening a magnetic field around the Hall ICs, a lead frame connecting the Hall ICs to an outside ECU are integrated in a sensor cover by resin molding. Thus, the Hall ICs, the stator core, and the lead frame are accurately positioned in the sensor cover. As a result, the Hall ICs are accurately positioned with respect to a permanent magnet disposed in a shaft side of the throttle valve, thereby improving an accuracy of detecting the rotation angle of the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Hagio, Takashi Hamaoka, Yoshiyuki Kono, Takamitsu Kubota, Tomokazu Kondo
  • Patent number: 6288534
    Abstract: A throttle valve position sensor in which a non-contacting, magnetic field sensor is coupled to or integral with a gear wheel of a geared throttle valve control. The sensor provides a more durable sensor. Sensor circuitry can be provided on the lid of the control, along with control motor electrical connections, so that the sensor and control motor can be connected by simple joining in a single operation. The throttle control valve is intended for internal combustion engines for motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: CTS Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Starkweather, James Patrick McKenna
  • Patent number: 6208131
    Abstract: A position and speed sensor comprising a circular element (1) rotatably driven about its axis. The circular element (1) has two position indicators (3, 4) of different angular width. A sensor means (5) is fixed in position with respect to and adjacent to the circular element (1). The sensor means (5) has a sensing element for sensing the passage of each of the position indicators (3, 4) past the sensing clement. An electrical signal is produced by the sensor means (5) corresponding to the passage of each of the sensed position indicators (3, 4). The signal has a duration corresponding to the angular widths of the sensed position indicators (3, 4). Also included is a means to process the electrical signal to produce information as to the angular position and angular velocity of the circular element. A method for reverse rotation detection using the position and speed sensor means (5) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Oribatal Engine Company
    Inventors: Martin John Cebis, Steven Michael Basso
  • Patent number: 6192861
    Abstract: In an ignition device for an engine 1, a spark plug 14 is operated to emit sparks with respect to the fuel-air mixture, so that the fuel-air mixture is ignited. A protrusion 19 provided on a flywheel 6 mounted on a crankshaft 5 is revolved with the rotation of the crankshaft 5. A magnet pickup 21 detects the passage of the protrusion 19. When the protrusion 19 passes near the magnet pickup 21, the magnet pickup 21 outputs a detection signal, in a pulse manner, having a peak value in response to the passing speed of the protrusion. When the detection signal outputted from the magnet pickup 21 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the electronic control unit (ECU) 18 operates to activate the spark plug 14 through an ignition coil 15 so that the ignition timing is advanced or delayed in accordance with the difference in rotational speed of the shaft 5, i.e., of the engine 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mikio Hamada, Satomi Wada
  • Patent number: 6122958
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetically controlled measuring apparatus for the volumetric measurement of the quantity of fuel injected by a fuel injection pump that has a displacement transducer which is surrounded by cooling chambers. The apparatus also includes a differential coil pair and a magnetically conductive core, which can be guided axially therein. The coil and the conductive core constitute part of a lifting rod connected to a measuring piston, with a coil carrier and a housing surrounding the coil carrier. The magnetically conductive core consisting of a ferritic material and being firmly surrounded by a sleeve, which forms the lifting rod, is not magnetizable and is provided with a slot extending continuously in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Manfred Mueller, Claus Stenger, Gebhard Ilg
  • Patent number: 6119666
    Abstract: A device for controlling a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine with a rotatable shaft has a transmitter wheel mountable on the rotatable shaft and having a number of uniform spaced angular marks spaced and at least one reference mark which as a synchronization mark for forming control pulses for the internal combustion engine, a sensor which senses the transmission wheel and supplies a rectangular output signal corresponding to its surface, a computing device which evaluates the output signal and compares time intervals of uniform signal flanks with one another or sets them relative to one another in a certain ratio, to recognize the reference mark, and after a first recognition of the reference mark occurrence of the reference mark by counting of the uniform signal flanks is recognized and in addition the distance of the signal flanks is tested and thereby the recognized reference mark is tested for plausibility, an error counter arranged so that when a non plausibility is recognized it is incremented
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Fischer, Kai-Lars Barbehoen