Abstract: A method for detecting faults in a switch assembly includes at least one switch for monitoring the position of a component that can be moved by means of a drive which has an electric motor includes shifting the movable component from a first position to a second position spatially separated from the first position, wherein the power consumption of the electric motor changes in a previously specified manner, and wherein the switch state of the switch during a proper functioning of the switch changes in a previously specified manner, analyzing the power consumption of the electric motor and the switch state of the switch in an analysis unit, and triggering a fault action if the power consumption of the electric motor has changed in the previously specified manner and the switch state of the switch has not changed in the previously specified manner.

Abstract: A control device for an automatic transmission in a vehicle with a constant speed travel mode includes: a determination section that determines whether the vehicle is traveling on a slope road; a slope adaptation control section that implements a first transmission shift control if not traveling on a slope road and, if traveling on a slope road, implements a second transmission shift control for selecting a transmission shift position of a lower speed than case of not traveling on a slope road; a delaying section that, upon switching from the second transmission shift control to the first transmission shift control, implements an upshift delay control for performing upshift one by one at a predetermined time interval; and a setting section that, in case of traveling at the constant speed travel mode, sets the time interval shorter in comparison with case of traveling not at the constant speed travel mode.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a working machine includes a feeding pump; and a plurality of variable displacement hydraulic machines being connected in parallel to the feeding pump; At least one of the variable displacement hydraulic machines is adapted to drive a ground engagement element of the working machine, and at least one of the variable displacement hydraulic machines is adapted to drive a vibrator for vibrating a ground engagement element of the working machine.

Abstract: Internal combustion engine and method for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine, wherein the method comprises: determining an operating load of the internal combustion engine, controlling the operation of the internal combustion engine on the basis of a standard control map which realizes a determined propulsion power of the internal combustion engine when the operating load of the internal combustion engine is constant and, when the operating load of the internal combustion engine increases to a predetermined extent, activating at least one control characteristic for modifying the standard control map so that the propulsion power of the internal combustion engine is increased.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transitioning a torque source between speed control and torque control modes during a vehicle creep mode are disclosed. In one example, torque of an electric machine is adjusted in response to a torque converter model. The torque converter model provides for a locked or unlocked torque converter clutch.

Abstract: An example method includes operating an electric machine to produce a torque output and a non-torque output. The method maintains the torque output and intentionally increases the non-torque output to produce a desired condition in an electric vehicle.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling a hybrid starter generator (HSG) of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) can distinguish a section in which tension influencing durability of a belt connected between an internal combustion engine and the HSG increases, and another section in which the tension decreases, in order to restrict a change in torque of the HSG connected to the belt.

Abstract: A method and a device for predefining a torque output of a motor vehicle drive engine when switching over accelerator pedal characteristic curves. The method and the device determine a setpoint change in the acceleration that is intended to sense occur as a result of the switching over. The method and device determine a change in torque as a function of the vehicle mass and the determined setpoint change in acceleration. The method and device determine a difference output from the change in torque, by which difference output a setpoint drive output is changed from a first drive output to a second drive output when switching over.

Abstract: A speed control system operable to control a motor vehicle to operate in accordance with a set-speed value, the control means being operable to allow a user to adjust the set-speed value by user actuation of a vehicle brake control or a vehicle accelerator control.

Abstract: An exemplary method includes adjusting a proportion of engine braking used to achieve a target deceleration of a vehicle to change an amount of thermal energy generated from engine braking. An exemplary assembly includes a friction brake to selectively provide friction braking to a vehicle, an engine brake to selectively provide engine braking to the vehicle, and a controller configured to adjust a proportion of the engine braking used to achieve a target deceleration of the vehicle to change an amount of thermal energy generated from engine braking.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle communications network including a combination of wired and wireless ECUs and wired and wireless peripherals. A communications backbone, either a CAN bus or a powerline, is electrically coupled to each of the ECUs. The wireless peripherals provide wireless signals to all of the wireless ECUs and each wireless ECU provides data messages on the backbone based on the signals received from the wireless peripherals to be received by a target ECU. Also, one or more of the ECUs puts messages on the backbone to be transmitted wirelessly by all of the wireless ECUs to be received by a wireless peripheral.

Abstract: In a working vehicle, it is possible to achieve a downsizing of an engine by securing an output torque in a low rotating region of the engine without using any supercharger. In the working vehicle having the engine mounted to a travel machine body, a common rail type fuel injection device which injects fuel to the engine, and a continuously variable transmission which shifts power from the engine, a rotating speed N of the engine is limited to two kinds, N#1 and N#2. Further, a change gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission is changed and regulated in such a manner as not to change a vehicle speed of the travel machine body before and after changing the rotation speed N whichever of the two kinds N#1 and N#2 the rotating speed N of the engine is changed to.

Abstract: An input apparatus disposed on a core unit of a steering wheel has an operable body. The operable body has multiple straining bodies that have a transfer surface part. The transfer surface part has a displacement transfer surface formed thereon, and the displacement transfer surface has a detector for detecting a displacement of the displacement transfer surface according to an operation force applied to an operation surface. The straining bodies and the operable body are arranged such that a portion of the operable body extends towards a rim of the steering wheel from, or across, a line connecting two straining bodies that are positioned closer to the rim than other straining bodies.

Abstract: A cruise control apparatus includes a current speed detector detects a current speed of a vehicle; a target speed setting unit sets a target speed of the vehicle; an acceleration and deceleration operation amount acquisition unit acquires an operation amount of acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle by a driver; and a cruise controller performs cruise control of the vehicle so that the current speed follows the target speed. The target speed setting unit monitors i) the operation amount or ii) change in the current speed detected by the current speed detector to performs a first determination of if the driver intends to maintain the vehicle speed at an intended speed different from the target speed, and if the first determination is positive, updates the target speed to the intended vehicle speed.

Abstract: A velocity-regulating system for motor vehicles has an electronic control device that produces control signals for regulating the velocity of the motor vehicle at a pre-specified target velocity and/or at a pre-specified distance from a preceding target object. The velocity-regulating system has an operating element whose actuation causes an intervention that influences the velocity regulation. The operating element is embodied as a touch-sensitive button that, when the button is pressed, produces a first intervention that influences the velocity regulation, and that, when the button is only touched, for the period during which button is touched, produces a second intervention that influences the active velocity regulation. Once the touching has ended, the original velocity regulation is continued.

Abstract: Prior to loading into a vehicle, a duct is attached to a battery such that the duct is moveable between a loading position and a post-loading position. Before the battery and duct are loaded into the vehicle, the duct is positioned in the loading position. After the battery and duct are loaded into the vehicle, the duct is positioned in the post-loading position and secured.

Abstract: This invention relates to a servo system for operating an exoskeleton adapted to encircle an object of interest and for supplying a force thereon. A servomotor is coupled to a power source and operates the position of the exoskeleton and thus the force exerted by the exoskeleton on the object of interest. A measuring unit measures a raw driving current signal Iraw supplied by the power source to drive the servomotor. A low pass filter applies a low pass frequency filtering on the measured a filtered current signal Ifiltered. A processing unit determines an actuated current signal Iactuated based on the servomotor setting parameters, where Iactuated indicates the contribution to Iraw from the servomotor when operating the position of the exoskeleton. The processing unit also determines a driving force current signal Iforce indicating the force exerted by the exoskeleton on the object of interest, where Iforce is proportional to the difference between Ifiltered and Iactuated.

Abstract: Provided is a self-propelled surface cleaning machine including a front wheel device, a steering device associated therewith, a steering angle sensor device capable of detecting a steering angle at the front wheel device, a rear wheel device having a left rear wheel and a right rear wheel, an electromotive drive device associated with each of the left rear wheel and the right rear wheel, a cleaning liquid application device by which cleaning liquid is applicable to a floor/ground in an application area arranged between the front wheel device and the rear wheel device, and a control device operatively connected for signal communication with the steering angle sensor device and the electromotive drive devices, wherein each electromotive drive device is controllable individually depending on signals from the steering angle sensor device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling inter-vehicle distance. The system includes a front sensor, a side and rear sensor, an inter-vehicle distance controlling unit, and a steering controlling unit. The front sensor obtains information relating to a preceding vehicle. The side and rear sensor obtains information relating to vehicles in right and left lanes. The inter-vehicle distance controlling unit determines an avoidance direction for a lane change from data detected by the side and rear sensor when it is determined from data detected by the front sensor that a front end collision is unavoidable through just brake input. The steering controlling unit receives information relating to the avoidance direction determined by the inter-vehicle distance controlling unit and applies a steering force to a steering device to guide a driver to a lane in the determined avoidance direction.

Abstract: An electronic passkey system enables modification of operating profiles of a vehicle. When the passkey is connected to the vehicle controller, the system determines if the passkey has been used previously. If so, the operating profile cannot be modified. If not, the vehicle profile can be modified. In other configurations the passkey can be used to modify the operating profile of multiple vehicles.

Abstract: A driving force control apparatus includes a driver model which is a functional block adjusting characteristics relevant to human senses and a powertrain manger which is a functional block adjusting vehicle's hardware characteristics. The driver model includes a target base driving force calculation unit (static characteristics) calculating a target driving force from an accelerator pedal position using a base driving force map or the like, and a target transient characteristics addition unit calculating a final target driving force from the target driving force using transient characteristics represented by a transfer function. The powertrain manager includes a target engine torque and AT gear calculation unit and a characteristics compensator compensating for response of the vehicle.

Abstract: An idling-time target phase setting unit (130) variably sets a target phase based on a target idle speed that is set by a target idle speed setting unit. (110) Especially, when the target idle speed is lower than a predetermined rotational speed and operating noise of a variable valve timing mechanism (2000) is easily heard by, for example, a driver, the.idling-time? target phase setting unit (130) sets the target phase so that a range, in which the valve phase is allowed to change, is restricted within a phase region where a speed reduction ratio is high and the operating noise is relatively low.

Abstract: A method for preserving battery operation and life during vehicle post idle shutdown, such vehicle having a delayed accessory power mode operative when an ignition state of the vehicle is in a non-engine running condition while an ignition switch of the vehicle is in the ON position to supply accessories in the vehicle the battery. The method includes: detecting whether the vehicle has been in an post idle shutdown condition and brake pedal not pressed and ignition state unchanged; and placing the vehicle in the delayed accessory power mode after detecting that the vehicle has been in an post idle shutdown condition and while the ignition switch is in the ON position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a motor, a belt, and a controller. The engine is configured to output torque via a crankshaft. The motor is configured to apply torque to and/or receive torque from the engine via an output shaft. The belt is operably disposed on the crankshaft of the engine and the output shaft of the motor. Rotation of the output shaft is transferred to the crankshaft via the belt. The controller is configured to identify a slip event by comparing a speed of the motor to a speed of the engine. The controller is further configured to count the number of slip events and diagnose a belt failure if the number of slip events exceeds a predetermined number of slip events over a predetermined number of drive cycles.

Abstract: A cruise control system comprises a passing detection module and a speed regulator module. The passing detection module selectively detects execution of a passing maneuver based on an accelerator pedal position (APP) measured by an APP sensor and actuation of a Set/Coast input to the cruise control system when a vehicle speed is greater than a target speed. The speed regulator module regulates the vehicle speed based on the target speed and updates the target speed to the vehicle speed when the passing maneuver is detected.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes a sensor that generates a vehicle speed signal. A cruise control system generates a cruise control signal to maintain a vehicle at a target speed. A control module compares the vehicle speed signal to the target speed signal. The control module calculates different cruise control gains to delay changes in throttle position of the cruise control system when the vehicle speed signal is greater than the target speed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for conserving fuel used by an engine. In some embodiments a control module processes a user-provided input, as a first function, into a second function. The second function can be used to direct the engine with a directive output power. The directive output power may have regions equal to, greater than, and/or less than what the power output would be if the engine were controlled using the user-provided input.

Abstract: A car speed alarm system is installed in a vehicle and has a modulation module and a demodulation module. The modulation module sends a car speed signal to cars behind when the car is decelerating. The cars behind use their demodulation module to read the transmitted car speed signal and notify their drivers, so that the drivers know how and when to reduce their speeds.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for the adaptive cruise control of a motor vehicle along the lines of a distance-constant control and a speed-constant control, respectively, which apparatus includes at least two devices interconnected by a data-exchange device. The first device includes at least one transmitting and receiving unit for detecting objects, which operates according to the radar principle and/or lidar principle, as well as at least one target-object-selection device. The second device includes at least one speed and distance controller, and is connected to the first device by a data-exchange system through which data with respect to two detected objects is transmitted.

Abstract: A wheel speed detection system including a rotator, a sensor head, a detector, a pulse converter, a speed calculator and a threshold shifter. Plural concave and convex portions are formed on a periphery of the rotator rotating together with a wheel. The sensor head includes a coil to generate an alternate current magnetic field. The detector excites the coil to generate an eddy current on the concave and convex portions, and outputs alternate current detection signals corresponding to changes in the eddy current generated with rotation of the rotator. The pulse converter converts the alternate current detection signals into pulse signals according to preset threshold levels. The speed calculator calculates rotational speed of the wheel based on the pulse signals. The threshold shifter shifts the threshold levels corresponding to a difference between a default average and an average of the alternate current detection signals actually outputted from the detector.

Abstract: A device for generating a haptic signal in a vehicle is provided, in which a driver's command can be given via a rotary gas handle. A servo unit is formed in such a manner that, as a function of at least one detected operational condition for driving, a theoretical speed of the vehicle can be generated. Based on the theoretical speed of the vehicle, a servo signal for actuation of a servo element of the vehicle is generated, where the servo element is formed such that a restoring force for the rotary gas handle or the torque required for moving the rotary gas handle is adjusted thereby.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for producing periodic lateral displacement of a cruise control cable associated with the engine of an automotive vehicle. The periodic displacement is produced by an activation arm which attaches to the cable and is caused to undergo reciprocal linear movement produced by a rotating disc that is driven at a controlled speed by a motor that operates off the electrical system of the vehicle.

Abstract: In a cruise control system installed in a vehicle and electrically connected to a plurality of switches installed therein, a detecting unit detects that one of the plurality of switches is operated. A cruise control unit executes cruise control of the vehicle based on an instruction corresponding to the one of the plurality of switches upon detection of the one of the plurality of switches being operated. When the detecting unit detects that, during the first switch being operated, the second switch is operated, and when a combination of first and second instructions sent from the detected first and second switches is matched with at least one predetermined combination of instructions to be sent from the plurality of switches, a cruise control disabling unit disables the cruise control unit to execute cruise control of the vehicle based on the second instruction.

Abstract: A device for automatically controlling vehicle speed, including a processor that receives at least (i) a first signal indicative of a first local required speed, (ii) a second signal indicative of a second local required speed received after the first signal, and (iii) a third signal indicative of a value of a current vehicle speed, wherein the processor includes logic to automatically determine a new set vehicle speed based at least on the first local required speed, the second local required speed, and the current vehicle speed and to automatically initiate output of a signal to a vehicle speed controller to change vehicle speed to a new set vehicle speed.

Abstract: A vehicle driving assist system of the present invention detects a vehicle condition and a traveling environment of a subject vehicle; and calculates an extent of influence on the subject vehicle due to future changes in surrounding environment. The vehicle driving assist system then calculates the risk potential around the subject vehicle based on the extent of influence. Operation reaction force of an accelerator pedal is controlled according to the risk potential thus calculated.

Abstract: A cruise control swerve release system effective for automatically disengaging a cruise control system when a vehicle experiences a lateral acceleration indicative of a loss or impending loss of driver control.

Abstract: A device for the operating of an automative cruise control system for an automobile vehicle comprises means to separate the travel of the accelerator pedal into two parts. The depressing of the pedal in the first travel part engages the automotive cruise control system, the pull-back force of the pedal being smaller in the first travel part than in the second travel part. The device can be applied especially to vehicles equipped with means for checking the distance and/or the speed of obstacles located in the path of the vehicle, the pace of these vehicles being regulated or controlled as a function of the information on distance and/or speed given by said means. More generally, it can be applied to any vehicles equipped means of automative cruise control.

Abstract: A method relieves the burden of a driver of a motor vehicle in which the drive train is provided with a gearbox which can be operated in an automatic mode and a manual mode. The method comprises the following automatic steps: a) detection whether the speed of the vehicle should be adjusted, b) initiation of the adjustment if necessary, and c) the carrying out of the adjustment. During step b) and/or step c) it is determined on one or several occasions whether the gearbox is operating in an automatic mode or in a manual mode in order to trigger a change into the automatic mode of the gearbox if the gearbox is operated in the manual mode.

Abstract: A device for the operating of an automative cruise control system for an automobile vehicle comprises means to separate the travel of the accelerator pedal into two parts. The depressing of the pedal in the first travel part engages the automative cruise control system, the pull-back force of the pedal being smaller in the first travel part than in the second travel part. The device can be applied especially to vehicles equipped with means for checking the distance and/or the speed of obstacles located in the path of the vehicle, the pace of these vehicles being regulated or controlled as a function of the information on distance and/or speed given by said means. More generally, it can be applied to any vehicles equipped means of automative cruise control.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the distance of a vehicle to a vehicle traveling ahead, in which the distance and the relative velocity of the vehicle traveling ahead are measured and the distance, in a distance control mode, is controlled by accelerating or decelerating the vehicle to a preestablished setpoint distance, wherein the deceleration permitted by the distance control process is limited and, in situations in which the setpoint distance cannot be maintained at this limited deceleration, the transition is made from the distance control process to a process limiting the distance to a minimum distance which is smaller than the setpoint distance, and the vehicle, after reaching the minimum distance, is further decelerated, so that the distance once again increases to the setpoint distance.

Abstract: A method and device for adaptive control of separation distance and/or driving speed of a motor vehicle, at least in a first operational mode an engine of the motor vehicle and in a second operational mode a brake of the motor vehicle being able to be activated as a function of a magnitude, representing an acceleration, the magnitude representing the setpoint acceleration is formed and/or limited at least as a function of at least one base value.

Abstract: A control system sets a set maximum speed of a utility vehicle, below the capable maximum speed of the vehicle, and recalibrates speed output signals corresponding to the set maximum speed. The system includes a microcontroller and a user-operated vehicle speed actuator, signal-connected to the microcontroller. The speed actuator is calibrated to actuate speeds, via the microcontroller, in a range from a minimum speed to a maximum speed. A user-operated speed set activator is used in conjunction with a ground speed sensor to set the set maximum speed. The microcontroller records the new maximum speed of the vehicle, and recalibrates the pedal position according to the new maximum speed.

Abstract: The vehicular deceleration control apparatus applies deceleration to a vehicle in accordance with the amount of operation of an accelerator. The deceleration control apparatus determines whether there is an abnormality based on a deviation between a set target deceleration and a detected actual deceleration. If an abnormality of a system is detected, the apparatus discontinues the control, and transmits a system abnormality signal to indicate the abnormality to other systems and to an operator.

Abstract: The speed of an automobile is limited by a throttle controller between the gas pedal and the throttle valve. The controller is actuated by a digital or analog processor in a speed limiter control module. The speed limiter control module receives vehicle speed and has a maximum speed input device such as a keypad and a readout display panel which indicates the maximum speed set. When the vehicle speed exceeds the set speed, the throttle controller disengages the gas pedal from the throttle valve to prevent the gas pedal from causing further speed increase. The speed limiter control module is lockable so that only authorized persons are allowed to reset the maximum speed. This allows the owner to preset a maximum speed and loan the automobile to his offspring or others knowing that they will be speed limited. In the same manner, maximum acceleration and/or engine RPM can be preset and controlled.

Abstract: A method for controlling the speed and spacing of a motor vehicle taking into account the spacing from any preceding vehicles, such that in the event that a relevant preceding vehicle is detected, a spacing control system is superimposed onto the speed control system, and such that the spacing control system automatically decelerates the controlled vehicle if the spacing from a preceding vehicle falls below a set reference spacing, such that the fact that the decrease in spacing below the reference spacing was brought about by the driver of the controlled vehicle is recognized on the basis of at least one further indicator; and/or such that the fact that the motor vehicle is traveling in the outermost left lane of the lanes provided for one direction of travel is recognized on the basis of at least one further indicator; and that in this case, automatic deceleration is attenuated or omitted.

Abstract: A vehicle driving control system is provided with failsafe for vehicles equipped with an electronically controlled throttle system. A central processing unit receives an output from a normally closed switch that turns OFF in response to a braking operation and an output from a logic circuit that outputs a pulse signal when normally closed switch is ON. When the normally closed switch turns OFF or the pulse signal from the logic circuit stops, it is determined that a braking operation is being performed. Accordingly, the constant speed driving control is canceled. Since a braking operation is detected by both the signal from the normally closed switch the signal from the logic circuit, the system will not lose the ability to cancel the driving control even when there is a problem with one of these circuitry arrangements.

Abstract: A shift control system for a continuously variable transmission which has a gear ratio control means for controlling gear ratio of said continuously variable transmission by determining a target gear ratio from a drive point determined on the basis of at least a throttle opening and a vehicle speed, and a vehicle distance control means for maintaining a proper vehicle distance by controlling a throttle opening of an engine, comprises: a shift speed control device provided in said gear ratio control means and making a shift speed higher than a shift speed established at the time when of a vehicle distance is not controlled by said vehicle distance control means, when a vehicle distance is controlled by said vehicle distance control means.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an engine in a vehicle which allows the vehicle operator to manually request a vehicle speed in excess of the established vehicle speed limit that includes establishing a normal vehicle speed limit, establishing a passing duration period, establishing a passing override reset interval, and controlling the engine in response to operator input to provide a greater vehicle speed for a cumulative period not greater than the passing duration period at any time during the passing override reset interval. The system and method may include the capability of establishing a passing speed increment and controlling the vehicle speed during passing to limit the vehicle to a speed not exceeding the normal vehicle speed limit plus the passing speed increment.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method to control the speed of a vehicle by means of a cruise control device, essentially by arranging the cruise control device in at least one of: a cruise control state (13), in which the speed of the vehicle is controlled preferably with regard to a selected constant speed (Vdet), a retardation state (14), in which the speed of the vehicle (Vcurr) is controlled towards a determined constant speed (Vdet), an acceleration state (15), in which the speed alteration is achieved preferably manually, an inactive state (16), in which the system is temporary or permanently switched off, and a distance control state (17), in which substantially a distance of the vehicle to a vehicle ahead is controlled. The method further comprises the step of arranging the cruise control in a temporary state (18), in which a speed (Vcurr) at transition time to this state is maintained.

Abstract: A vehicle follow-up control apparatus includes a distance sensor sensing an actual vehicle-to-vehicle distance from a controlled vehicle to a preceding vehicle, a vehicle speed sensor sensing an actual vehicle speed of the controlled vehicle, and a controller for calculating a desired vehicle speed to be achieved in the controlled vehicle. The desired vehicle speed is calculated in accordance with the actual vehicle-to-vehicle distance, the relative speed and a control gain which is adjusted in accordance with the relative speed.