Fluid Pressure Patents (Class 340/451)
  • Patent number: 11597368
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an ESC-integrated regenerative braking system that includes a pedal cylinder unit connected to a reservoir unit to generate a hydraulic pressure by pressing a brake pedal, a motor driven by an electrical signal output in response to a displacement of the brake pedal, a master cylinder unit connected to the pedal cylinder unit to form a hydraulic pressure for braking through a master piston moving by the driving of the motor, a control unit configured to detect a leakage of oil, based on a change in pressure in a hydraulic passage, during single-stage control, two-stage control, single-stage single-acting control, or two-stage single-acting control of the master cylinder unit, and a hydraulic control valve provided in a hydraulic passage for connecting the reservoir unit to a wheel cylinder to brake each wheel, to be opened and closed under control of the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yong Cheol Seol, Jee Sang Lee, Wan Kyo Jung
  • Patent number: 11022010
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing the functioning of a variable displacement oil pump. In one example, a method may include commanding a change in displacement of the variable displacement oil pump during a vehicle keyed-off condition and diagnosing a degradation of the oil pump based on a corresponding change in an estimated crankcase pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 10626820
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing a variable valve timing system configured for enhancing precision of diagnosis regarding a variable valve timing system by precisely diagnosing whether an oil pressure detecting device of the variable valve timing system normally operates, may include a normal operation time determining operation of determining a normal operation time of an oil pressure detecting device to determine whether the oil pressure detecting device is normal after an engine starts, and a diagnosing operation of diagnosing whether the oil pressure detecting device is normal according to whether the oil pressure detecting device of the VVT system is turned off within the normal operation time or whether oil pressure reaches reference pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Yong Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 10190508
    Abstract: A system for detecting a pre-fill status of a fuel filter in a fuel system includes a monitoring mechanism structured to monitor a fluid property of the fuel system indicative of priming. A control mechanism is coupled with and structured to received data from the monitoring mechanism, and outputs a signal responsive to a time to prime the fuel system that is indicative of a filter pre-fill state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Martin A. Lehman
  • Patent number: 9759168
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for coordinating throttle bypass flows from brake booster vacuum reservoir, a fuel vapor purge system, and a crankcase ventilation system via active, electrical control of a crankcase ventilation valve. In one example, a method may include actively opening the crankcase ventilation valve to allow crankcase ventilation flow into the engine during conditions in which doing so will not result in engine air flow rate and/or engine fuel flow rate exceeding desired rates. Priority is given first to brake booster replenishment, then to fuel vapor purging, and then to crankcase ventilation during conditions where all three throttle bypass flows are desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 9664124
    Abstract: A method can include determining, at a controller for an engine, the controller having one or more processors, a desired air-per-cylinder (APC) for the engine based on an engine torque request. The method can include determining, at the controller, a target intake manifold absolute pressure (MAP) based on a volumetric efficiency of the engine for electronic throttle control (ETC), wherein the volumetric efficiency for ETC is based on the desired APC and an actual MAP. The method can include commanding, by the controller, a throttle of the engine to deliver the target MAP. The method can include determining, at the controller, a target position for an intake valve of the engine based on a volumetric efficiency of the engine for variable valve timing (VVT), engine speed, and the actual MAP. The method can also include commanding, by the controller, the intake valve to the target position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventor: Songping Yu
  • Patent number: 8988209
    Abstract: A monitoring device (20) of a vehicle wheel (11) is configured for detecting and transmitting, by a wireless connection, information relating to at least one characteristic quantity of the status of the wheel (11), such as the inflating pressure of a tire thereof. The device (20) has a casing (21-22) housing a circuit (30) adapted to transmit said information, the casing (21-22) being designed for coupling to an end portion (3a) of electrically conductive body (3) of a tire valve (2) of the wheel (11). The casing (21-22) includes a casing body (21) integrating interconnection means (28, 29, 40) prearranged to obtain both an electric connection of the circuit (30) to the end portion (3a) of the electrically conductive body (3) of the valve (2; 2?; 2?), and a mechanical coupling of the casing (21-22) to the end portion (3a) of the electrically conductive body (3) of the valve (2; 2?; 2?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Eltek S.p.A.
    Inventors: Domenico Cantarelli, Paolo Colombo
  • Patent number: 8904855
    Abstract: A fault sensing device for a vehicle includes a time measuring section functioning as a sleep mode while power to a controller is off. The time measuring section can measure a stop time of an engine, and can transmit information on the stop time to the controller when power to the controller is on. When the controller determines that a stop time of the engine is a predetermined time, the controller performs fault sensing for an oil pressure switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Okoshi, Kenichi Machida
  • Patent number: 8798849
    Abstract: A method and device for dual-channel transmission of safety-relevant sensor signals. In the method, two sensor signals to be monitored are generated parallel to one another by two sensors and the generated sensor signals are transmitted to a common evaluation unit via two separate, input-side transmission channels. Within the evaluation unit, the permissibility of the transmitted sensor signals is checked using prescribed calculation specifications that correspond to one another and an evaluation unit output signal representing permissibility or impermissibility is generated for each sensor signal. The individual processing steps of the two calculation specifications are decoupled by the evaluation unit for the two sensor signals and performed diversified within the evaluation unit. The generated output signals are output via two separate, output-side transmission channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Eggert, Heinz Langbauer
  • Patent number: 8710971
    Abstract: A control method of an LPI lamp for an LPI vehicle and logic for the control method can turn on again an LPG switch when the LPG switch is unintentionally turned off, by making a driver recognize whether the LPG switch is turned off, by switching an LPI lamp on and off. For this configuration, the control method of an LPI lamp for an LPI vehicle includes checking whether an LPG switch that stops fuel supply to an engine has been turned on or off, and switching the LPI lamp on and off, when it is determined that the LPG switch has been turned off, in an LPI vehicle in an ignition-on state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jungjoo Park
  • Patent number: 8659413
    Abstract: A fluid level monitoring system may include a control panel having a plurality of input devices, each corresponding to a monitored fluid of a machine, and a plurality of indicators, each corresponding to one of the input devices. The indicators may provide visual displays of fluid level statuses for the monitored fluids. The fluid level monitoring system may further include a message display device that may display a fluid level status message for one of the monitored fluids based on the actuation of the corresponding input device of the control panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Sutherland, Austin D. Ehle, Randy Aneloski, Luke J. Daiberl, Jack Elder
  • Patent number: 8536996
    Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes an information display for displaying a plurality of selectable information display levels according to an information display hierarchy. Each selectable information display level may include one or more visual gauges for conveying vehicle information. Each successive selectable information display level may include additional and/or alternative vehicle information when compared to the preceding selectable information display level. The information display system further includes a controller configured to display the plurality of selectable information display levels according to an at least one driver input. In this way, the information display can display a particular selectable information display level best suited to a driver's individual preferences or understanding of the vehicle's operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Watson, Angela L. Watson, Sohel Merchant, Craig Sandvig, Ivette Hernandez, Steven Bishop, Engin Erdogan, Altay Jun Wakui Sendil, Susanne Stage, Ryan J. Skaff, Derek Hartl, James Belloli, Jeffrey Greenberg, Michael Blommer
  • Patent number: 8441345
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure warning system for an internal combustion engine including a hydraulic pressure sensor that is prevented from being influenced by the heat of the engine and by the pulsation of an oil pump. A hydraulic pressure sensor detects hydraulic pressure in a lubricating oil passage of the engine and issues a warning based on hydraulic pressure detected by the hydraulic pressure sensor when the hydraulic pressure drops. The hydraulic pressure sensor is provided on a wall surface of a water jacket of a rear cylinder block so as to project therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Tsubakino, Shinji Saito, Masahiro Kuroki
  • Patent number: 8350689
    Abstract: The present invention provides a monitor of the hose connection of a pneumatic product-on-demand delivery system in an agricultural machine. This can be done in several ways. One way is to sense the product flow in the product hose and how long it is running. If the product is constantly running through the hose, that indicates a disconnection. A second way is to sense air pressure in the product hose to determine if it is still operating under pressure. If disconnected, the air pressure will drop indicating a disconnection. A third way is to sense a current through the connection to determine if it is on or off. All of these methods produce a signal that can be fed back to a monitor at the operator station and give the operator an alert if a disconnected hose is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Nathan Albert Mariman, Paul Reed Riewerts
  • Patent number: 8344868
    Abstract: An adaptive tire utilizing active material actuation to sense and/or modify an excessive and/or low inflation pressure, so as to autonomously maintain proper inflation pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Howard William Cox, William R. Rodgers
  • Patent number: 8339254
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable graphics. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format. The software is constructed and arranged to allow user configuration of the displayed graphics by clicking or touching the graphics image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Drew Technologies
    Inventors: Michael Drew, Brian Herron
  • Patent number: 8207841
    Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes an information display for displaying a plurality of selectable information display levels according to an information display hierarchy. Each selectable information display level may include one or more visual gauges for conveying vehicle information. Each successive selectable information display level may include additional and/or alternative vehicle information when compared to the preceding selectable information display level. The information display system further includes a controller configured to display the plurality of selectable information display levels according to an at least one driver input. In this way, the information display can display a particular selectable information display level best suited to a driver's individual preferences or understanding of the vehicle's operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Watson, Angela L. Watson, Sohel Merchant, Craig Sandvig, Ivette Hernández, Steven Bishop, Engin Erdogan, Altay Jun Wakui Sendil, Susanne Stage, Ryan J. Skaff, Derek Hartl, James Belloli, Jeffrey Greenberg, Michael Blommer
  • Publication number: 20120133499
    Abstract: A control method of an LPI lamp for an LPI vehicle and logic for the control method can turn on again an LPG switch when the LPG switch is unintentionally turned off, by making a driver recognize whether the LPG switch is turned off, by switching an LPI lamp on and off. For this configuration, the control method of an LPI lamp for an LPI vehicle includes checking whether an LPG switch that stops fuel supply to an engine has been turned on or off, and switching the LPI lamp on and off, when it is determined that the LPG switch has been turned off, in an LPI vehicle in an ignition-on state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jungjoo PARK
  • Patent number: 8138904
    Abstract: An elastic member 11 positioned between an inner surface of a casing 2 and a front face of a pressure sensing portion 8 of a pressure sensor 1 reduces a possibility of liquid and foreign matters in a tire directly reaching the pressure sensing portion 8. The elastic member also increases adhesiveness between the pressure sensing portion 8 of the pressure sensor 1 and a labyrinth structure and further prevents a potting agent 9b from flowing into the sensing portion 8. Moreover, the elastic member 11 is a member constituting at least a part of the labyrinth structure, so that it does not need that a wall is provided on the pressure sensor 1 and a dedicated seal member is provided on the pressure sensing portion 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Yamaguchi, Takao Kokubu
  • Patent number: 8072321
    Abstract: A pressure sensing device, such as a tire pressure monitoring unit comprises a pressure sensor for measuring pressure of a fluid, such as air or an inert gas, in an environment external to the device, such as within the cavity of a tire. A hollow resonator, or standing wave tube, is coupled to the pressure sensor. The resonator has a free end exposed to the external environment to the extent that pressure variations in the fluid are propagated through the hollow resonator to the pressure sensor via the free end. The hollow resonator has a resonant frequency substantially matching a target frequency such that resonance is established in the tube at the resonant frequency in response to the presence of an audio signal in the fluid having a frequency that substantially matches the target frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Schrader Electronics. Ltd.
    Inventor: William David Lynn
  • Patent number: 8044785
    Abstract: The degradation of a feeling of ride is prevented by preventing engagement/disengagement (sudden engagement/disengagement) of a motorcycle hydraulic clutch due to a lack of hydraulic pressure. Before a hydraulic sensor issues a hydraulic pressure-lowering detection signal Sx, an oil level sensor issues an oil level-lowering warning signal Sf in a state wherein a sufficient oil quantity is such so as not to bring an neutral drive switching clutch into a disengagement state is present even if hydraulic pressure lowers resulting from an inclined oil level due to sudden deceleration, sudden start, drive in a slope, or the like. Thus, the neutral drive switching clutch can be prevented from disengaging or engaging (suddenly disengaging or engaging).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Cho, Masahiko Nakatsuka, Yasutaka Usukura, Kazuhiro Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8022820
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable graphics. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format. The software is constructed and arranged to allow user configuration of the displayed graphics by clicking or touching the graphics image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Drew Technologies
    Inventors: Michael Drew, Brian Herron
  • Patent number: 7952473
    Abstract: A liquid level detecting apparatus includes a liquid level sensor of a variable resistance type which includes a sliding contact and a resistor, and which detects a resistance change corresponding to a change of a liquid level of a liquid in a tank and outputs a detection signal based on the change of the liquid level when the liquid level sensor is energized and a controlling unit which controls to supply energization pulses periodically to the liquid level sensor, and controls a displaying portion to display a remaining amount of the liquid in the tank, on the basis of the detection signal output from the liquid level sensor. The controlling unit changes a number of the energization pulses supplied to the liquid level sensor in a predetermined time, on the basis of the detection signal output from the liquid level sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Tanaka, Yasunori Kawaguchi, Toshio Oike
  • Publication number: 20110102168
    Abstract: The present invention provides a monitor of the hose connection of a pneumatic product-on-demand delivery system in an agricultural machine. This can be done in several ways. One way is to sense the product flow in the product hose and how long it is running. If the product is constantly running through the hose, that indicates a disconnection. A second way is to sense air pressure in the product hose to determine if it is still operating under pressure. If disconnected, the air pressure will drop indicating a disconnection. A third way is to sense a current through the connection to determine if it is on or off. All of these methods produce a signal that can be fed back to a monitor at the operator station and give the operator an alert if a disconnected hose is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Nathan Albert Mariman, Paul Reed Riewerts
  • Patent number: 7928837
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that includes a GPS receiver and connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector. The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module includes a display computer including a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable functions for display on a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer. The display module collects information from the GPS receiver via direct electrical communication and/or vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Drew Technologies
    Inventors: Michael Drew, Brian Herron
  • Publication number: 20100245070
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure warning system for an internal combustion engine including a hydraulic pressure sensor that is prevented from being influenced by the heat of the engine and by the pulsation of an oil pump. A hydraulic pressure sensor detects hydraulic pressure in a lubricating oil passage of the engine and issues a warning based on hydraulic pressure detected by the hydraulic pressure sensor when the hydraulic pressure drops. The hydraulic pressure sensor is provided on a wall surface of a water jacket of a rear cylinder block so as to project therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Yukihiro Tsubakino, Shinji Saito, Masahiro Kuroki
  • Patent number: 7786851
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a data acquisition and display system for vehicles that connects to the vehicle's on-board computer(s) via a data link connector (DLC). The system includes a display module suitable for permanent or temporary attachment within the interior of a vehicle. The display module preferably includes a full color monitor that also functions as a touch screen for inputting commands to the computer within the display module. The computer includes a suitable processor, operating system, software and tangible data storage media to allow multiple user configurable functions. The display module collects information from the vehicle via multiple busses and senders through the data link connector and displays the information on the screen of the display module in a user configured graphics format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Drew Technologies
    Inventors: Michael Drew, Brian Herron
  • Patent number: 7710250
    Abstract: A system for verifying fuel cap engagement utilizes a transducer coupled to a purge line of a fuel vapor recovery system to generate an electrical signal corresponding to one of the vapor pressure and the vapor flow rate in the purge line. A monitor receives the electrical signal and estimates the vapor pressure when the electrical signal corresponds to the vapor flow rate. The monitor likewise estimates the vapor flow rate when the electrical signal corresponds to the vapor pressure. The monitor also correlates the electrical signal and the estimate to generate a dataset relating vapor pressures to corresponding vapor flow rates at predetermined time intervals, computes a linear approximation of pressure versus flow rate, and computes a curve approximation of pressure versus flow rate. An indicator is actuated by the monitor when the difference between the computed linear and curve approximations is less than a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Marcos J. Deleon
  • Patent number: 7677274
    Abstract: A portable device for delivering nitrogen to multiple tires includes a gas source and supply line connected to a controller. The device also includes a gas delivery line comprising a manifold with a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with each other. A gas delivery line is operably connected to the controller and a plurality of extension lines with engagement chucks are operably connected to the outlets. The controller controls the supply of gas to the gas delivery line and controls a relief valve for venting the gas delivery line. The device also includes a sensor and a processor connected the controller and sensor which accepts user inputs. The controller, manifold and processor are affixed to a stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Kreska Technologies
    Inventor: Jay Lighter
  • Patent number: 7538662
    Abstract: A programmable vehicle gauge generates and presents display information in accordance with a user modifiable gauge processing configuration. In the exemplary embodiment, data from one or more digital sensor systems is extracted from a digital sensor signal in accordance with a user modifiable data extraction configuration, the extracted data is processed in accordance with a user modifiable display information generation configuration to generate the display information and a user modifiable presentation configuration defines how the display information is presented through an output device. In accordance with the user modifiable presentation configuration, a controller generates control signals to activate visual display devices in a particular format to present the display information generated from the extracted data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Innovate! Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Klaus K. Allmendinger
  • Publication number: 20080238646
    Abstract: A brake system includes a master cylinder which generates brake fluid pressure by a braking operation of a driver, an electric motor driven slave cylinder that generates brake fluid pressure according to an electrical signal based on the braking operation of the driver, a vehicle wheel cylinder for braking a wheel by the brake fluid pressure generated in the master cylinder or the slave cylinder, a brake light that informs a following vehicle of the operation of the wheel cylinder, and a first sensor and a second sensor that detect stroke positions of the brake pedal. During normal operation of the brake system the brake fluid pressure generated in the slave cylinder is transferred to the wheel cylinder. During abnormal operation of the brake system, the brake fluid pressure generated in the master cylinder is transferred to the wheel cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kunimichi Hatano
  • Patent number: 7415887
    Abstract: A tap assembly and method for mounting on a compound of a fluid system to test fluid in the system employs a non-elastic yet flexible band adapted to extend around a portion of the shell of the component. A tap having a fluid passageway is disposed on the band. Pliers, a ratchet or other structure may used to tighten the band thereby to force the tap to penetrate the shell of the component and establish fluid communication with the fluid therein. In one embodiment, the band is formed as two connectible sections to allow adjustability in size. The assembly and method are especially used for measuring oil pressure in an oil filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Shpakow
  • Patent number: 7352287
    Abstract: A pneumatic controller for controlling a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Veris Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Rupert
  • Patent number: 7236089
    Abstract: The vehicle-mounted display unit includes a display having a meter area and an auxiliary indication area. The meter area indicates a dial image for showing measured values of an operational condition of a motor vehicle. The auxiliary indication area indicates information other than the measured values. The display unit has a control device for controlling contents indicated on the display. The control device indicates a normal length pointer extended in the auxiliary indication area at a normal indication state, while the control device indicates a shorter length pointer in the auxiliary indication area when the other information is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Shunsuke Ono, Masahiro Muramatsu, Yoshiharu Matsuo
  • Patent number: 7180416
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for enabling a single sensor to indicate a greater quantity of information about a sensed event, or the occurrence of many different types of events. A sensor system employs a number of individual sensors with single-use indication means (such as an explosive charge). Each individual sensor is equipped with a chronometer. The sensors are programmed to transmit information through their single-use indication means at specific times with each specific time being indicative of a particular type of event or of specific information about an event. A central monitor chronologically records all sensor indications and compares indication times to a schedule of time keyed information to determine the nature of each sensor indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Charles Philip Amidon
  • Patent number: 7116218
    Abstract: A detection/communication apparatus to be installed on a vehicle having a plurality of tires. The apparatus includes: (a) tire state detectors which are provided on the respective tires and each of which detects a state of a corresponding one of the tires; (b) local transceivers which are provided on the respective tires and which transmit tire data sets relating to the respective tires; (c) a central receiver which is provided on a vehicle body and which receives the tire data sets transmitted by the local transceivers; (d) a particular-signal transmitter which is provided on the vehicle body and which transmits a particular signal; and (e) data-transmission modifiers which are provided on the respective tires. Each of the data-transmission modifiers is operable depending upon a state of reception of the particular signal by a corresponding one of the local transceivers, to modify transmission of a corresponding one of the tire data sets by the corresponding one of the local transceivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Ogawa, Takashi Doi, Masaaki Tabata, Hldeki Kusunoki, Kazuhisa Meguro, Shinichi Tomioka
  • Patent number: 7088227
    Abstract: An alarm for a hydraulic system, a hydraulic system incorporating an alarm, a vehicle having a hydraulic system which incorporates an alarm, and a method of giving an alarm in a hydraulic system, where the hydraulic system comprises hydraulic fluid which is put in contact with a pressure detector, the pressure detector being for giving a signal in response to a condition of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic system. An alarm generator integral with said pressure detector is provided for giving an audible alarm in response to a said signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: General Signal UK Limited
    Inventor: Gordon Ward
  • Patent number: 7034673
    Abstract: Method for monitoring an electrohydraulic braking system. The volume uptake is determined by the elasticity within the wheel brake that is subjected to certain fluctuations, on the one hand, and to a much greater degree by the clearance that is present, on the other hand. To make a reliable statement relating to the air charge, an estimation of the current clearance is first made, taking three ranges into consideration. If there is a normal clearance, a top evaluation threshold is taken as a basis, which assumes the clearance lies at the upper end of the normal range. When said evaluation threshold is exceeded, an alarm is triggered. If the clearance is assumed to lie at the bottom limit of the normal range, a bottom evaluation threshold applies, however, an alarm is only triggered in this case this situation has occurred several times in succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Centinental Teves AG & Co., OHG
    Inventors: Gunther Buschmann, Robert Schmidt, Thorsten Ullrich
  • Patent number: 7012536
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the conditions within the fuel storage compartments of a transport tank comprises an overfill pressure vacuum probe installed in each fuel storage compartment and which has a first sensor for detecting the presence of fuel at a predetermined level in the compartment, and a second sensor for detecting the pressure of a gaseous head above the fuel. A signal generator responsive to said first and second sensors produces a first signal representing a normal condition when the first sensor is not detecting fuel in the compartment at the predetermined level, a second signal when the second sensor detects a predetermined predetermined high pressure of the gaseous head, and a third signal when the second sensor detects a predetermined low pressure of the gaseous head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. McConnel, deceased, Colleen L. McConnel, legal representative, Jeffrey K. Hunter, Larry Ace Gibson
  • Patent number: 7005975
    Abstract: A method for detecting a missing or improperly installed fuel cap on a vehicle includes a first leak test that detects a leak in an evaporative emissions system of a vehicle. A refueling test detects a refueling of the vehicle when the first leak test detects the leak. A fuel cap indicator in the vehicle is activated when the first leak test detects the leak and the refueling test detects the refueling. The fuel cap indicator is deactivated after a predetermined time period. The fuel cap indicator remains deactivated when a predetermined number of leak tests consecutively detect the leak. The fuel cap indicator is deactivated when an occupant of the vehicle indicates that a fuel cap of the vehicle is properly installed. The occupant activates an actuator on an instrument panel of the vehicle to indicate the fuel cap is properly installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Chad W. Lehner
  • Patent number: 6992569
    Abstract: A safety shutdown system is provided for use with a fluid delivery system, such as used on a delivery vehicle. The safety shutdown system includes a plurality of sensors for sensing characteristics of a fluid delivery system. A controller includes a query timer function initiated in response to the sensed characteristic of the fluid delivery system and/or in response to activation of selected vehicle functions. The operator may repeatedly reset the query timer before it times out by pressing a button on a wireless transmitter. If the timer times out, however, the controller automatically shuts off a vehicle engine and/or closes a valve to prevent further fluid delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Spencer M. Nimberger, Kevin Cessac
  • Patent number: 6977583
    Abstract: The fluid life monitoring system of the present invention includes a pressure monitor coupled to an engine. The pressure monitor is configured to detect a change in the amount of time it takes the engine's lubricating fluid to reach a pre-determined fluid pressure and, based on a detected change, reset the fluid life monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Henry William Gornick
  • Patent number: 6967572
    Abstract: A radiator cap for use with a fluid cooling circuit associated with an engine, such as an automobile engine, includes elements that monitor various conditions in the radiator and provides a readout of such conditions. A circuit that has an audible signal is also included in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Dada O. Oladeinde
  • Patent number: 6788209
    Abstract: A software driven, solid state controlled, electro-mechanically operated system to monitor volatile liquid fuel or other hazardous liquids and provide emergency shut-off if the delivery system is ruptured. A computer receives input from transducers monitoring the flow rate of the liquid through the line and a pressure sensor insures the system is prepared to function. The monitoring apparatus presets a condition based on current environmental conditions. Measuring the flow rate provides input to software that validates all other entries. Delivery quantities allowing point of delivery control to vary the delivery quantity to individual locations. The software options are: Preset conditions; Owner/operator input via external computer for loading delivery and trip instructions; Instructional output on LCD screen to driver on customer information and scheduling; Data download to owner/operator on billing information, driver daily activities and volume of propane remaining in vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: BR&T Technology Development Corporation
    Inventors: Tony J. Cothern, Ronald H. Bindl, Rodney O. Craig, Don Cream, George B. Freeman
  • Patent number: 6778076
    Abstract: An oil pressure switch failure detection system for an outboard motor, having a first oil pressure switch which generates an ON signal indicating that the oil pressure is less than or equal to a first predetermined oil pressure and a second oil pressure switch which generates an ON signal indicating that the oil pressure is less than or equal to a second predetermined oil pressure which is set higher than the first predetermined oil pressure. In the system, by discriminating whether the generated signals of the first and second oil pressure switches are equal to be expected signals expected under operating conditions of the engine, it is determined whether at least one of the first and second oil pressure switches fails. With this, it become possible to detect failure of the first and second oil pressure switches, accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Sadafumi Shidara, Nobuhiro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6757993
    Abstract: In a working vehicle which includes left and right traveling devices, a pair of hydraulic traveling motors are installed to drive the respective traveling devices, and a pair of hydraulic directional control valves are provided for the respective hydraulic traveling motors in order to control the traveling of the vehicle. A throttle valve is provided in a pilot oil-passage, and connected to a drain oil-passage after passing serially through the pair of hydraulic directional control valves below the throttle valve. A pressure switch for warning the traveling state is operated by a pilot hydraulic pressure which is pressure of oil within an oil-passage between the throttle valve and an upstream one of the left and right hydraulic directional control valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masami Kondou
  • Patent number: 6734791
    Abstract: An improved electronics component assembly in a tire is provided. The assembly includes a tire and an electronics package for communicating information from the tire to a remote location. The electronics package is located inside of the tire and is connected to an inner portion of the tire. At least a first antenna wire is located inside of the tire and is connected to a portion of the tire. The first antenna wire is connected to the electronics package. The at least first antenna wire is connected to the electronics package so that tension in the at least first antenna wire imparts compression on the electronics package. Additionally, other exemplary embodiments of the present invention exist as previously stated were a second antenna wire is present in order to help impart compression on the electronics package. Also, other arrangements of the improved electronics component assembly are possible that impart shear or torsion alternatively or in addition to compression on the electronics package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Charles Edward Kelly, George Phillips O'Brien, Edwin Duane Parsons
  • Publication number: 20040085200
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the conditions within the fuel storage compartments of a transport tank comprises an overfill pressure vacuum probe installed in each fuel storage compartment and which has a first sensor for detecting the presence of fuel at a predetermined level in the compartment, and a second sensor for detecting the pressure of a gaseous head above the fuel. A signal generator responsive to said first and second sensors produces a first signal representing a normal condition when the first sensor is not detecting fuel in the compartment at the predetermined level, a second signal when the second sensor detects a predetermined predetermined high pressure of the gaseous head, and a third signal when the second sensor detects a predetermined low pressure of the gaseous head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Lee A. McConnel, Jeffrey K. Hunter, Larry Ace Gibson, Colleen L. McConnel
  • Patent number: 6636155
    Abstract: A mechanical gauge having a mechanism for setting multiple alarms within tolerance values. When such tolerance values defined by the mechanism are reached, the same mechanism activates an alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Prolec G.E. S De R.L. De C.V.
    Inventor: Jesús-Gerardo Elizondo-Salinas
  • Patent number: RE39845
    Abstract: A real-time maintenance alert system and method for use in a heavy-duty truck having an engine controller with memory are provided. The system includes a sensor operative to indicate an engine condition from the group consisting of: oil filter restriction, air filter restriction, fuel filter restriction, oil level, and coolant reserve tank fluid level. Control logic at the engine controller processes the sensor signal to determine a real-time fault condition, when appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: David Lawrence Hasfjord, Richard M. Avery, Jr., Dennis Michael Letang, James A. Gray, Donald M. McDonald, Marleen F. Thompson, Ian Daniel McKenzie, John Edward Longnecker