Speed Or Acceleration Responsive Patents (Class 477/186)
  • Patent number: 11744529
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a collision detection and prevention system for medical X-ray equipment, in particular a supplementary system that augments an existing safety system, which is useful when the X-ray equipment includes an auxiliary apparatus, such as a radiation shield, which may interfere with the existing collision detection and prevention system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventors: Jonathan Yifat, Yossi Bar, Amir Belson
  • Patent number: 11273823
    Abstract: A method for determining a maximum speed of a vehicle during a parking maneuver, in which at least one surroundings condition is detected with the aid of at least one sensor unit and supplied to a control unit as an input variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Englert, Lukas Oppolzer, Thomas Brettschneider, Tobias Putzer, Toni Frenzel
  • Patent number: 11235739
    Abstract: A control device configured to control a vehicle is provided. The device comprises a traveling control unit capable of executing a one-pedal function of controlling both a driving force and a braking force of the vehicle in accordance with an operation amount of an accelerator pedal, and an output control unit of notifying a driver of an instruction to depress a brake pedal in a case in which a seatbelt is detached during execution of the one-pedal function and during traveling of the vehicle, and the vehicle stops in that state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Noriaki Suzuki, Yosuke Mizutani, Kohei Maruyama, Shinya Kobayashi, Shunpei Matsumura
  • Patent number: 10921821
    Abstract: Platoon management control systems and methods arrange two or more vehicles cooperatively travelling seriatim as a platoon along an associated roadway into a platoon arrangement in accordance with their relative braking capabilities and other brake-related performance characteristics such as braking efficiency. Braking efficiency can change over time and is in general affected by many factors such as brake temperature, brake type, burnishing, vehicle weight, number of tires, tire wear, vehicle loading, road surface type and weather conditions. The relative braking capabilities are learned or otherwise calculated or determined in each vehicle and shared between the vehicles of the platoon. The platoon may be reorganized based on differences between the learned or otherwise calculated or determined relative braking capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Michael K Lesher, T. Stephen Miller, Jr., Joseph M Macnamara
  • Patent number: 10125835
    Abstract: Electric parking brake devices are configured such that a parking lever is driven by an electric actuator. The electric actuator is provided with: an electric motor drivable in a forward/reverse direction and operationally controlled by a motor control unit according to rotational loads; a conversion mechanism capable of converting a rotational motion into a linear motion, moving the parking lever from a return position toward an operating position through forward rotation of the electric motor, and moving the parking lever from the operating position toward the return position through the reverse rotation of the electric motor; and a load applying mechanism (a stopper and a disc spring assembly) for applying a predetermined rotational load to the electric motor by driving a constituent member of the conversion mechanism after the parking lever is moved from the operating position to the return position through the reverse rotation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yusuke Oshio, Tetsuaki Tsuzuki, Kentaro Yuasa
  • Patent number: 9802616
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assisting a driver of a motor vehicle, in particular of an electric vehicle, during a driving process for overcoming an obstacle which is close to the ground and has a slow speed. In this context, the method has the following steps: transmission (S1) of a torque to the wheels which are to be driven in order to overcome the obstacle, detection (S6) that the obstacle has been overcome, and automatic reduction in the torque and/or automatic generation (S7) of a braking torque in order to decelerate the motor vehicle directly after the detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Horst, Ulrich Gottwick, Juergen Binder, Rodrigo Biurrun Sotelo
  • Patent number: 9096220
    Abstract: A method and system for changing a running mode when a battery discharge of a hybrid vehicle is limited include detecting each state of the drive motor and the battery, determining whether a need for a change to a running mode in which an operation of the engine is requested when the drive motor operates and the battery discharge is limited. A starting motor is operated first with an available power of the battery when the change to the running mode is requested. The engine is controlled so that the starting motor may perform a charging operation, for synchronization of an engine clutch, and for driving the drive motor with available power of the battery when the engine has been started by the starting motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Sang Joon Kim, Joonyoung Park
  • Patent number: 9017220
    Abstract: A method for operating a brake system for a work machine that includes at least one operating brake acting directly or indirectly on at least one ground engagement element of the work machine and at least one operating brake actuator which is movable between a fully engaged position and a fully released position and an accelerator actuator for activating propulsion of the work machine. In an activated state of the brake system the operating brake actuator is moved automatically to its fully engaged position when the accelerator actuator is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Alfred Richter, Frederic Lastre
  • Patent number: 9005082
    Abstract: An ECU increases an engine rotation speed when the ECU determines that an inclination angle of an uphill is larger than or equal to a predetermined value, an accelerator is off and a vehicle speed in a direction opposite to a travelling direction of a vehicle, indicated by a specified range, is increasing. Subsequently, the ECU acquires an engine stall predicted vehicle speed, and calculates a predetermined value used in an immediate engine stall determination condition from a current rate of increase per unit time of a turbine rotation speed. Then, the ECU determines that immediate engine stall determination is affirmative when a rotation speed difference between the engine rotation speed and the turbine rotation speed becomes smaller than the predetermined value, and executes engine stall prevention control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Okamura, Takao Nishimura, Masatomo Yoshihara, Fumikazu Satou
  • Patent number: 8939870
    Abstract: A method of controlling a rolling or coasting function of a vehicle with a drive train having a drive motor, an automatic or automated transmission, a controllable shifting means, a brake device and a drive speed control device. The vehicle speed is regulated by the drive speed control device and the braking device is activated, as needed, when driving on a downhill gradient section. To effectively and reliably use the rolling or coasting function in suitable driving situations, taking into account the influence of the driving speed control device, a rolling or a coasting condition for a downhill gradient taper is checked, when driving on the downhill gradient section, and, when the rolling or coasting condition is satisfied, the transmission controls interrupt the flow of power in the drive train before the vehicle entering a flat area, and/or before the driving speed control device generates an engine torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Maik Wurthner, Ingo Sauter, Joachim Staudinger, Johannes Kemler
  • Patent number: 8938343
    Abstract: A method of dissipating power on a propelled machine includes setting a target ground speed for the machine, and, if the throttle position is less than a first predetermined minimum and if the machine is on a negative grade in the direction of travel no greater than a second predetermined minimum, and the calculated machine resistance power is less than the calculated grade power, the method include engaging at least a portion of the energy-dissipating electrically or electrohydraulically controlled accessories to retard the machine to maintain the machine within a set range of a target speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Jensen
  • Patent number: 8924105
    Abstract: A controller can execute a method to reduce a speed of a vehicle by initiating a vehicle stop request in response to a vehicle signal received while the vehicle is in motion. The method includes: (a) applying a wheel brake in response to initiation of the vehicle stop request when the vehicle is moving at a vehicle speed less than or equal to a first vehicle speed threshold in order to reduce the vehicle speed; and (b) actuating a parking sprag assembly to stop rotation of an output member of a transmission when the vehicle speed is equal to or less than a second vehicle speed threshold. By example, the vehicle signal may be a park signal, an engine off signal, or a plurality of signals defining a condition set. The wheel brake may be at least one of an electronic park brake and a service brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Frederick P. Miesterfeld, Orson S. Wang
  • Publication number: 20140364275
    Abstract: In the driver assistance system, a function module is provided for a speed limiting function by which certain conditions for exceeding a predefined maximum speed and for decelerating again down to the maximum speed are implemented. The function module generates signals for carrying out one or more measures to generate or increase the braking torque. The signal for carrying out the measures can be only a binary signal, or can correspond to a required braking torque progression in the form of a regulating step so as to reach the maximum speed within a predefined time period. In the second case, the predefined time period is preferably shorter than a defined time window during which a warning intervention of the speed limiting function is suppressed during an exception where the maximum speed is allowed to be exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Walter KAGERER, Thiemo Pasenau, Daniel Simmermacher
  • Patent number: 8845492
    Abstract: A system comprising a controller configured to determine if a brake control of a vehicle is actuated; determine a delay time in response to a speed of the vehicle; determine if the delay time has passed from when the brake control was actuated; and if the delay time has passed, override an engine control of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventor: Ethan Charles Seifer
  • Patent number: 8801575
    Abstract: A powered vehicular interlock system includes a powered vehicle with a propulsion means, a final drive means, a braking means, and a vehicle operator's chamber having a floor and a seat. The system includes an automatic transmission, a braking activation interface located close to the floor on the floor first side section, and a propulsion activation interface located close to the floor on a floor second side section. The system includes a propulsion deactivation interlock system having a braking activation sensor, a deactivation module, and a power supply. In a first position, the propulsion deactivation interlock system is adapted to allow the powered vehicle to be propelled. For operation, upon activation of the braking activation interface to a second position, the propulsion deactivation interlock system adapted to prohibit the powered vehicle from being propelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Ryszard Nawrocki
  • Patent number: 8678975
    Abstract: A vehicle braking system includes an electric motor, an operating amount detector, a brake assist controller, a first braking device and a second braking device. The electric motor drives a driving wheel via a reduction ratio setting device. The first braking device makes the electric motor generate a first braking power under regenerative control. The second braking device generates a second braking power by actuating an actuator with an operating fluid to be pressurized through a hydraulic pressure source. When an initiation condition for a brake assist control is met, the reduction ratio setting device sets a reduction ratio so as to reduce the first braking power and then suspends a change in the reduction ratio, and the first braking device generates the first braking power as well as the second braking device generates the second braking power to produce a target braking power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Koike
  • Patent number: 8672809
    Abstract: An engine control apparatus capable of performing engine automatic stop includes an engine automatic stop inhibition means configured to inhibit the engine automatic stop after engine restart conditions are satisfied and the engine is restarted until a vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed, a brake operation detection means configured to detect a presence of increase of the amount of a brake operation in a state of the brake operation being performed after the vehicle has been stopped, and an engine stop control means configured to release inhibition of the engine automatic stop to allow the engine to be automatically stopped, if the brake operation detection means detects presence of increase of the amount of the brake operation while the engine automatic stop is inhibited by the engine automatic stop inhibition means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Saito, Nobuhiko Shima, Tetsuo Morita
  • Patent number: 8634939
    Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling a vehicle speed during a downhill travel. Based on the estimated grade of the downhill travel and further based on an input received from the operator, different combinations of an engine braking torque and a regenerative braking torque are used to maintain the vehicle speed during the downhill travel. A battery rate of charging is also adjusted based on the duration or distance of the downhill travel, as indicated by the operator input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Matthew Allen Warner, Mathew Alan Boesch, Fazal Urrahman Syed
  • Patent number: 8602942
    Abstract: A mechanical mechanism is used to prevent a rotor of an aircraft from rotating when the rotor is not in use. The mechanical mechanism disengages when the speed of the rotor exceeds a speed threshold and the mechanism reengages when the speed of the rotor is below the speed threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Zee.Aero Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey A. Long
  • Patent number: 8500603
    Abstract: The present invention provides a brake system for a vehicle with an idle stop and go comprising a valve assembly disposed in a brake line for supplying brake pressure to the wheels by operation of the brake pedal to open or close the brake line; and a controller controlling the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Younghak Kim, Byoungwoo Hwang
  • Patent number: 8388498
    Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes: a negative-type parking brake device that starts operating in response to a parking brake instruction; an output device that outputs the parking brake instruction; a service brake device that operates in response to an operation of a brake pedal by an operator; and a brake control device that operates the service brake device regardless of a pedal operation by the operator when the parking brake instruction is output from the output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuaki Kodaka, Hidetoshi Satake, Kazuhiro Ichimura
  • Patent number: 8308613
    Abstract: A combination brake pedal and an accelerator pedal assembly allowing the vehicle to be driven with both feet comprising a brake and an accelerator, the accelerator being operatively connected to an engine control lever that moves between an engaged and a disengaged position, when the accelerator is pressed the engine control lever moves to the engaged position to accelerate the vehicle, when the accelerator is not pressed the engine control lever moves to the disengaged position so the vehicle does not accelerate; and an accelerator pedal disengagement device operatively connected to the brake and accelerator for moving the engine control lever to the disengaged position when the brake pedal is pushed, wherein the accelerator pedal disengagement device prevents the accelerator pedal from causing the engine control lever to move to the engaged position when both the accelerator pedal and brake pedal are pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Ryszard Nawrocki
  • Patent number: 8165772
    Abstract: A method of managing slip in a transmission that is driven by a prime mover includes determining whether a slip condition of the transmission is present based on a slip value and reducing a torque output of the prime mover based on a torque reduction value when the slip condition is present. The method further includes storing the torque reduction value in an array if the slip condition is resolved as a result of the step of reducing and identifying a faulty component within the transmission based on the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Todd J. Thor
  • Patent number: 8155851
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing a braking effect in a motor vehicle with a hydraulic brake system. An energy supply unit, which is used to increase the brake pressure in at least one wheel brake, is switched on when the brake pressure adjusted by the driver in a master brake cylinder exceeds an activation threshold, which is determined depending on a detected vehicle deceleration. A check is made whether an unbraked trailer is coupled to the vehicle, and in that the activation threshold PAT is raised, if the presence of an unbraked trailer that is coupled to the vehicle is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., OHG
    Inventors: Thomas Kuzel, Jürgen Krüber, Bernd Ummer, Holger Esslinger
  • Patent number: 8112209
    Abstract: A vehicle driving force control device including an input shaft rotation number sensor which detects a transmission input shaft rotation number to be input from an engine to an automatic transmission, an accelerator opening sensor which detects accelerator opening, a TCU for calculating a required output of the automatic transmission based on the transmission input shaft rotation number and the accelerator opening, and an electronic control unit which controls the engine and the automatic transmission based on the required output. The TCU sets the required output to a constant value regardless of the transmission input shaft rotation number when the accelerator opening is not larger than a predetermined value, and sets to increase or decrease the required output according to increase and decrease of the transmission input shaft rotation number when the accelerator opening is larger than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ogawa, Kenji Arai
  • Publication number: 20110300992
    Abstract: A method for operating a brake system for a work machine that includes at least one operating brake acting directly or indirectly on at least one ground engagement element of the work machine and at least one operating brake actuator which is movable between a fully engaged position and a fully released position and an accelerator actuator for activating propulsion of the work machine. In an activated state of the brake system the operating brake actuator is moved automatically to its fully engaged position when the accelerator actuator is released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Alfred Richter, Frederic Lastre
  • Patent number: 8060275
    Abstract: An on-board diagnostic system of a vehicle comprises disabling diagnostic operation, such as a misfire monitor, based on road roughness. In one example, the disabling of the diagnostic operation is based on brake actuation and degradation of an anti-lock braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jahan Asgari, Timothy Feldkamp, Craig Stephens, Moses Fridman, Davor Hrovat, Arthur Varady, Mitch McConnell
  • Patent number: 8055427
    Abstract: A method is provided for automatically transitioning a cruise control speed from a current speed zone to a next speed zone. A location at which the speed zone limit changes from the current speed limit to the next speed limit forward of a driven vehicle is determined. A speed profile is determined for changing the vehicle speed from the current speed limit to the next speed limit. The speed profile includes non-linear changes in the vehicle speed between the current speed zone and the next speed zone for eliminating abrupt changes in the vehicle speed. A relative location is determined for initiating the non-linear changes in the speed of the vehicle. The non-linear changes are actuated in the speed of the vehicle at the relative location for gradually changing the speed to the next speed limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Kwang-Keun Shin
  • Publication number: 20110172057
    Abstract: In a control apparatus of an internal combustion engine having an electronic throttle system driving an actuator so that a throttle valve provided in the internal combustion engine is at a target opening according to driving conditions, a throttle opening is turned to a limp home opening when abnormality is detected in the driving conditions so as to allow retreat traveling of a vehicle. The control apparatus of the internal combustion engine includes a brake operation detecting unit detecting a brake operation, in which when a brake operation is added subsequently while the accelerator pedal is operated, the control apparatus sets the target opening to the limp home opening based on occurrence of a sequence of the operations, and drives the actuator so that the throttle opening turns to the limp home opening, regardless of whether abnormality is detected or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Yuichiro Shioura
  • Patent number: 7935024
    Abstract: A method for the operation of an automatic transmission in a motor vehicle. The downshifting of the transmission takes advantage of a braking action of a driving motor connected to the automatic transmission through a clutch, are terminated by the closing of a clutch during a compression phase lasting until the achievement of a predetermined threshold speed. For the improvement of the immediacy of the vehicle drive after the termination of the compression phase, the invention provides that at speeds less than the threshold speed, downshifting is carried out and is terminated with an open clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Matthias Winkel, Bertram Wengert
  • Patent number: 7909734
    Abstract: Vehicle operation is controllable and/or regulatable by specifying a driver request describing a setpoint rotational speed or a setpoint torque via an accelerator pedal, detecting the instantaneous position of the accelerator pedal and controlling and/or regulating the internal combustion engine such that the setpoint rotational speed or setpoint torque is achievable. To provide for a sustained-action brake to be easily operated in the vehicle, and increase the vehicle's range of use, one of possible braking actions of the vehicle is specified by selecting a determined position of the pedal. As a function of an instantaneously detected position of the accelerator pedal, the operation of the vehicle is controlled and/or regulated such that braking power specified via the accelerator pedal is achieved. A variation in the braking power specified via the accelerator pedal is also converted as continuously as possible to a corresponding braking power by suitably activating additional components or devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Guenter Kettenacker
  • Publication number: 20110015038
    Abstract: A motor vehicle (12) has a chassis (16) with wheels (26, 34) on which the motor vehicle travels, a powertrain having an engine (20) coupled to at least one of the wheels, a primary brake system (38) for braking the motor vehicle via foundation brakes at the wheels, and a secondary brake system for braking the vehicle via at least one powertrain brake mechanism (57) that can apply brake torque to at least one of the wheels to which the powertrain is coupled. The primary brake system has a mechanical operator (40) that when operated by a driver causes pressure to be created in the primary brake system for operating the foundation brakes to apply brake torque correlated with magnitude of the pressure. A device (42) signals a controller (44) that the foundation brakes are being applied. A selector (58) available to the driver signals the controller for selectively enabling use of the secondary brake system in conjunction with the primary brake system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Randall Lovell, Lawrence D. Hasfjord, David Bowers, Byron Dunham
  • Patent number: 7846064
    Abstract: A control system and method is disclosed for an electromagnetic clutch brake, including an electromagnetic clutch brake actuator coil surrounding a power input shaft for a multiple-ratio transmission in a vehicle powertrain. A protective circuit of the control system normally monitors data inputs that indicate conditions that are not favorable for clutch brake actuation. The protective circuit prevents actuation of the clutch brake under such conditions. The protective circuit may monitor a plurality of signals including a vehicle speed signal which prevents engagement of the clutch brake unless the vehicle speed is below a predetermined level. The system may further include a transmission neutral switch that permits bypassing monitoring the vehicle speed signal when the transmission neutral switch is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Hornbrook, John A. Schenkel
  • Patent number: 7806790
    Abstract: A slippage detection system for a continuously variable transmission capable of continuously changing a ratio between a speed of rotation of an input member and a speed of rotation of an output member is provided. The slippage detection system calculates a correlation coefficient relating to the input rotation speed and the output rotation speed, based on a plurality of measurement values of the input rotation speed and a plurality of measurement values of the output rotation speed, and determines slippage of the torque transmitting member in the continuously variable transmission based on the calculated correlation coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunihiro Iwatsuki, Kazumi Hoshiya, Yasuhiro Oshiumi, Yasunori Nakawaki, Masataka Osawa, Hiroyuki Nishizawa, Hiroyuki Yamaguchi, Hideyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7672771
    Abstract: There is provided a retarder control device which is simple in constitution and can reliably apply braking. An engine rotational speed detector detects an engine rotational speed, gear step detection means detects a gear step of a transmission, an accelerator operation detector detects the operated state of an accelerator, and a retarder controller previously stores automatic braking amount determination data representing the relation between the engine rotational speed and the automatic braking amount of a retarder corresponding to each gear step of the transmission and controls the retarder according to the automatic braking amount of the retarder calculated from the automatic braking amount determination data based on the detected engine rotational speed and gear step of the transmission when the accelerator is judged to be off from the detected operated state of the accelerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Nakanishi, Sachio Obara, Satoshi Sawafuji
  • Patent number: 7670259
    Abstract: A system for braking a vehicle includes a transmission having a plurality of gear sets for establishing a plurality of forward and reverse gear ratios and an actuator for changing the gear ratios. The system also includes a plurality of sensors for detecting a plurality of vehicle operating parameters and an auxiliary brake for reducing a speed of the vehicle. A controller having a processor configured to receive a plurality of output signals from the plurality of sensors has control logic for activating one of the actuator and the auxiliary brake based on the received output signals. A method for operating the system for braking is also provided. The method includes determining road grade, determining an acceleration of the vehicle, determining an activation status of the primary brake, determining a position of the throttle, determining whether extra braking is and activating the auxiliary brake based on the extra braking determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew L. Mitchell, Brett R. Caldwell
  • Publication number: 20100016123
    Abstract: A control system for a work vehicle includes; a negative-type parking brake device that starts operating in response to a parking brake instruction; an output device that outputs the parking brake instruction; a service brake device that operates in response to an operation of a brake pedal by an operator; and a brake control device that operates the service brake device regardless of a pedal operation by the operator when the parking brake instruction is output from the output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuaki Kodaka, Hidetoshi Satake, Kazuhiro Ichimura
  • Patent number: 7627413
    Abstract: A device for automatically controlling vehicle speed, including a processor, wherein the processor includes logic to determine a vehicle acceleration rate value, wherein the processor is configured to receive at least a first signal indicative of a first local required speed, a second signal indicative of a second local required speed received after the first signal, a third signal indicative of a value of a current vehicle speed, and information that enables the processor to determine the vehicle acceleration rate value, wherein the processor further includes logic to automatically determine a new set vehicle speed based at least on the first local required speed, the second local required speed, the current vehicle speed, and the determined vehicle acceleration rate value, and automatically initiate output of a signal to a vehicle speed controller to change vehicle speed to the new set vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawazoe, Hiroshi Tsuda
  • Patent number: 7627415
    Abstract: In a device for securing the standstill of a motor vehicle with a distance-related longitudinal dynamic control module, which is contained in at least one electronic control unit and by which the motor vehicle is decelerated down to a standstill while maintaining a defined distance from a target object, at least until reaching the standstill, a nominal brake torque is defined by the longitudinal dynamic control module for a brake control module. At a defined first time after a detected standstill of the motor vehicle, the longitudinal dynamic control module transmits a transfer signal to the brake control module. Thereupon, independently of the predefinition of a nominal brake torque by the longitudinal dynamic control module, the brake control module alone builds up and/or holds a wheel brake torque in the sense of a parking brake function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Oliver Tschernoster, Carsten Hass, Sonja de Castro Bonfim, Leander Kempenaars, Christian Scheinost, Bartono Adiprasito, Maria-Christina Laiou, Andreas Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 7608014
    Abstract: A deceleration control device for a vehicle including an automatic transmission capable of changing the gear ratio by a shift operation of a driver. The control device controls the load of a brake actuator or engine so that the vehicle is decelerated, when the driver performs a shift operation, under conditions that it is determined that the driver has the intention to decelerate and the automatic transmission is not downshifted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasushi Kobiki, Yoshiharu Harada, Motoaki Kamimura
  • Patent number: 7597651
    Abstract: A control system for an electromagnetic brake, including an electromagnetic brake actuator coil surrounding a power input shaft for a multiple-ratio transmission in a vehicle powertrain. An electromagnetic flux flow path for the actuator coil is electromagnetically isolated from the power input shaft and other elements of the powertrain thereby avoiding residual magnetization. A thermally responsive circuit protector is provided in the coil circuit that senses the temperature of the stator coil to avoid overheating of the stator coil. An overcurrent protector is provided for opening the stator coil circuit when current in the stator coil exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Hornbrook
  • Patent number: 7509197
    Abstract: A retarding system for a work machine having a power source, a transmission, and a manually operated braking mechanism is disclosed. The retarding system has an engine retarder associated with the power source and a controller in communication with the transmission, the manually operated braking mechanism, and the engine retarder. The controller is configured to determine a deceleration rate of the work machine and compare the deceleration rate of the work machine to a predetermined threshold rate. The controller is also configured to determined if the manually operated braking mechanism is active and to cause the transmission to downshift if the deceleration rate is less than the predetermined threshold rate and the manually operated braking mechanism is determined to be active. The controller is further configured to prevent the transmission from downshifting if the deceleration rate is less than the predetermined threshold rate and the manually operated braking mechanism is determined to be inactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Landes, Mark E. Rettig, Ryan E. Graham
  • Patent number: 7490528
    Abstract: An electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) system for shifting a transmission range of a transmission includes an electro-mechanical park inhibit assembly that operates to disallow the ETRS system from shifting from an Out-of-Park mode to a Park mode under certain circumstances. The park inhibit assembly includes a follower having a recess defined thereon and slidably disposed within a follower bore. In one embodiment a selectively energizable solenoid assembly is mounted substantially perpendicular to the follower and operates to bias a ball into the recess when energized thereby locking the ETRS system in the Out-of-Park mode. In another embodiment the park inhibit assembly includes a selectively energizable motor assembly mounted substantially perpendicular to the follower. The motor assembly operates to enforce the Park and Out-of-Park mode of the ETRS system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack P. Koski, Ryan M. Jenness, Stephen W. Powell, Mark A. Vernacchia
  • Patent number: 7410447
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for automatic downhill speed control or ADSC adapted to automatically absorb grade-induced energy so that the vehicle operator is no longer required to take action to maintain generally constant vehicle speed. ADSC is preferably triggered if the throttle is released and the vehicle accelerates. The specific amount of throttle release necessary to trigger ADSC is variable but may, according to a preferred embodiment, be set at 85% throttle reduction. According to another preferred embodiment, ADSC is not triggered unless the throttle is released for a predetermined amount of time such as, for example, 5 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Fereydoon Jamzadeh
  • Patent number: 7241249
    Abstract: In a driving condition control system, a sensing unit is configured to sense a first physical quantity indicative of a rotation of the first rotatable axle assembly and a second physical quantity indicative of a rotation of the second rotatable axle assembly. A correcting unit is configured to correct the torque according to the sensed first and second physical quantities of the rotations of the first and second rotational axle assemblies. This allows the torque to be precisely obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mamoru Sawada, Toshiki Matsumoto, Tsutomu Tashiro, Mamoru Mabuchi, Takehito Fujii, Motoaki Kataoka
  • Patent number: 7214166
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for distributing brake torque between at least one first and one second brake device on a motor vehicle including at least two wheel pairs. The first brake device is a friction brake which acts on at least one wheel pair and the second brake device acts on at least the driven wheel pair via the transmission and is disposed before the clutch device of the transmission. Brake torque is distributed between the first and the second brake device in a manner that compensates for the loss of brake torque which occurs when the second brake device is disengaged by the clutch device of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Marcus Steen, Erik Lauri, Svante Karlsson, Helene Panagopoulos
  • Patent number: 7134985
    Abstract: The invention is intended to provide a downhill speed control system which employs a method of setting a target vehicle speed in advance, thereby improving controllability when a vehicle runs down a slope, and giving an operator improved operability in setting of the target vehicle speed. Brakes are controlled so that, when the vehicle runs down the slope, an actual vehicle speed is matched with a target speed set by a switch which can set the target speed by selectively or continuously changing plural preset speeds. Also, control constants for PID control are modified depending on settings of a downslope gradient setting switch and a load setting switch. When an acceleration computed from the actual vehicle speed is larger than a target acceleration, the strength of applied brake is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Watanabe, Hiroshi Watanabe, Yasushi Tokuda
  • Patent number: 6979280
    Abstract: In a control apparatus for a vehicle, when a coast downshifting is performed in response to a downshifting command from a vehicle operator during braking operation under the fuel cut control, the braking force of the wheel brake is increased so as to increase the deceleration. This makes it possible to achieve a predetermined deceleration with a good response to the deceleration request of the vehicle operator represented by the downshifting command. The control apparatus is structured to decrease the braking force of the wheel brake such that the increase in the engine braking force is offset by the inertia caused by the rise in the engine speed resulting from downshifting upon the coast downshifting due to the vehicle speed increase. The control apparatus for the vehicle, thus, reduces the shock caused by the sharp increase in the engine braking force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Oshima, Hiromichi Kimura
  • Patent number: 6878096
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for ensuring the standstill of a vehicle, especially in combination with a control of the speed of the vehicle, are suggested, wherein a braking force is built up to realize a parking brake when standstill of the vehicle is detected and/or a transmission is switched into the park position. The brake force or the transmission position is also maintained when the supply voltage for the electrical systems of the vehicle is switched off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Winner, Albrecht Irion
  • Patent number: 6690260
    Abstract: A driver authentication apparatus and method permits a vehicle driver to be identified using a simpler method without using an ID card or the like, and without performing any special operation. The apparatus has a feature amount storing section for storing preset feature data of each registered driver; an operation detecting section for detecting an operation performed by the driver, and outputting data indicating details of the operation; and a feature data managing section for storing the data output from the operation detecting section and generating operation feature data of the driver based on the stored data, and comparing the operation feature data with the preset feature data stored in the feature amount storing section and determining any identity between the compared operation and preset feature data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Jun Ashihara