Speed, Acceleration, Deceleration Patents (Class 701/110)
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Patent number: 8103431Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) module that compares MAP of an engine to a predetermined MAP and an air/spark module that decreases flow of air and that advances ignition spark when the MAP module indicates that the MAP is greater than a predetermined MAP.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Inventors: David R. Lancaster, Anthony Santana
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Patent number: 8103425Abstract: A method of controlling an HCCI engine-based power system may include receiving performance information relating to a desired operating state for the HCCI engine-based power system, evaluating operational information associated with a current operating state of the HCCI engine-based power system, and determining one or more control parameter values based on the performance information and the operational information. The method may further include predicting a response of the HCCI engine-based power system based on the one or more control parameter values and determining whether the response satisfies one or more desired performance characteristics associated with the HCCI engine-based power system. If the response satisfies the one or more desired performance characteristics, control of at least one component of the HCCI engine-based power system may be enabled based on the one or more control parameter values.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Perkins Engines Company LimitedInventors: Cathy Y. Choi, Stephen A. Faulkner, Mary Lou Kesse
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Patent number: 8099229Abstract: An engine control system comprises an engine speed control module and an idle limiting module. The engine speed control module selectively controls an engine based on an idle speed request. The idle limiting module selectively reduces the idle speed request by an amount that is based on a wheel slip value.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2009Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Inventor: Steven J. Andrasko
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Patent number: 8090522Abstract: A system for an engine with a turbocharger system includes a rate determination module, a limiting rate selection module, a throttle inlet absolute pressure (TIAP) calculation module, and a throttle control module. The rate determination module generates a pressure rate value based on a pressure difference between a current TIAP signal from a TIAP sensor and a previous TIAP signal. The limiting rate selection module selects a limiting rate based on the pressure rate value. The TIAP calculation module generates a calculated TIAP signal based on the limiting rate and the current TIAP signal. The throttle control module generates a throttle control signal based on the calculated TIAP signal and actuates an inlet throttle valve of the engine based on the throttle control signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Inventors: Marco J. Gatti, Paul A. Bauerle, James L. Worthing, Layne K. Wiggins, J. Oscar Aparicio, Jr., Joseph E. Ploucha
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Patent number: 8090519Abstract: A control device that is used with an internal combustion engine to improve both the response and controllability of torque generated by the internal combustion engine. The control device calculates an operation amount of an intake actuator in accordance with a demanded air amount. The control device then calculates a torque that is generated when the intake actuator is operated by the calculated operation amount at a predetermined ignition timing setting, and calculates an ignition timing retard amount that is necessary to achieve a demanded torque in accordance with the difference between the calculated torque and the demanded torque. The control device ensures that the demanded torque and a demanded efficiency are both reflected in the demanded air amount.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinichi Soejima, Naoto Kato, Keisuke Kawai
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Patent number: 8090518Abstract: In a first operating mode, as a function of the determined torque request value at least one first final control element is actuated influencing an air path of an engine. Representative of an actual basic torque value, a specific engine characteristic value is determined as a function of which, a filter parameter value is determined such that a torque setpoint value is brought closer to the actual basic torque value. The filter parameter value is saved assigned to the specific characteristic value. In a second operating mode, the filter parameter value is determined as a function of the specific characteristic value and the setpoint torque value is predefined by filtering the driver-requested torque value as a function of the determined parameter value. As a function of the predefined setpoint torque value, at least one second final control element is actuated which influences the drive system torque outside the air path.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventor: Holger Lang
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Patent number: 8078384Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include determining presence of charge dilution and selecting a spark restrike mode to provide multiple spark events during a single combustion cycle. Charge dilution may be determined based on commanded air/fuel ratio and exhaust gas recirculation, for example. Multiple spark events may be controlled using time-based restrike or current-based restrike in response to one or more operating parameters or conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Paul Glugla, Garlan J. Huberts, Gopichandra Surnilla, Michael Damian Czekala
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Patent number: 8073575Abstract: To provide a vehicle which can move independently as an own independent vehicle and can run integrally in linkage with another vehicle. A plurality of single-seat vehicles which can move independently are combined and they move integrally while a predetermined formation is maintained through linkage among respective vehicles. One of all the vehicles moving in linkage serves as a host vehicle and an occupant in the host vehicle becomes a driver in the linkage moving. A host vehicle 1 runs with speed/direction according to running operation conducted by an occupant. Simultaneously therewith, the host vehicle 1 instructs following vehicles 2 to 4 to synchronize (follow) the host vehicle. The host vehicle 1 transmits a speed, a direction, and a relative position to the host vehicle to the following vehicles 2 to 4 as moving information in order to synchronize the following vehicles with the host vehicle (maintain linkage relationship).Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Kabushikikaisha Equos ResearchInventors: Takumi Tachibana, Nobuaki Miki, Munehisa Horiguchi, Fumihiko Sakakibara
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Patent number: 8065071Abstract: In a method of operating an internal combustion engine having at least two combustion chambers, each combustion chamber contributes torque to the total torque of the internal combustion engine, and the internal combustion engine is designed in such a way that a quantity of exhaust gas can be recycled into combustion chambers. The method has the steps: (a) detecting the torque contributions of at least two combustion chambers, then (b) changing the quantity of exhaust gas recycled into the combustion chambers, the torque contribution of which has been detected in step (a), then (c) detecting the torque contributions of at least two combustion chambers, the torque contribution of which has been detected in step (a), then (d) determining the change in the torque contributions as a result of the change in the quantity of recycled exhaust gas, and then (e) outputting a signal as a function of the change in the torque contributions.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Uwe Jung, Janos Radeczky, Michael Wirkowski
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Publication number: 20110276256Abstract: A control system for a powertrain includes an energy determination module and a speed control module. The energy determination module determines a rotational energy input to the powertrain during a first period of a negative lash event of the powertrain. The speed control module selectively limits an increase in a rotational speed of the engine to a first predetermined rate based on the rotational energy during a second period of the negative lash event following the first period. The rotational energy is based on an acceleration rate of the rotational speed, and the speed control module limits the increase when the acceleration rate is greater than a predetermined acceleration rate. The speed control module further selectively increases the rotational speed at a second predetermined rate during a third period beginning at an end of the second period. A related method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2010Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Michael L. Kociba, Ning Jin, Andrew W. Baur, Daniel N. Wehrwein
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Patent number: 8055431Abstract: A driving amount controller for reducing the response delay or erroneous deviation in the control of a driving amount of a controlled system, for example, in the control of the opening of a throttle valve. When a target opening DTHR is varied starting from the condition where the throttle valve is stopped, an ECU 20 on a vehicle calculates an output of a motor necessary for a starting operation of the motor, and outputs a control signal Sc obtained through compensation of a deficiency.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukihiro Asada, Makoto Tsuyuguchi, Toru Takeda
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Patent number: 8050850Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a valve timing change mechanism that changes the phase of an intake cam, and a lift amount change mechanism that changes lift amount by causing displacement of a control shaft. An electronic control unit performs a coordinated control in which the lift amount change mechanism is operated such that the position of the control shaft that is detected by a position detection sensor becomes the target position, and the valve timing change mechanism is operated according to a control state of the lift amount change mechanism. When a discrepancy between the actual position of the control shaft and the detected position thereof is estimated to be large, coordinated control is forbidden and the valve timing change mechanism is operated based on engine load.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naohide Fuwa, Tokiji Ito, Seiko Tamada, Hiroyuki Kanemoto
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Patent number: 8049601Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling one or more servos coupled to a model vehicle. An input signal having a series of input pulses encoded at an input pulse repetition frequency is received at a receiver coupled to a model vehicle having one or more servos. The input signal is decoded at the receiver. A servo control pulse is generated using at least one of the input pulses at the receiver. The servo control pulse is outputted to at least one of the servos at an output pulse repetition frequency that is different from the input pulse repetition frequency.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Castle Creations, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Jonathan R. Feldkamp
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Patent number: 8046154Abstract: A method for controlling a continuous variable valve timing apparatus that can control a phase angle of a camshaft quickly and precisely according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: calculating a difference between a target phase angle and a current phase angle of a camshaft; determining whether the difference between the target phase angle and the current phase angle of the camshaft is larger than or equal to a predetermined value; calculating a base torque Tb based on the target phase angle if the difference between the target phase angle and the current phase angle of the camshaft is larger than or equal to the predetermined value; calculating an effective torque Teff by modifying the base torque Tb corresponding to engine speed and temperature of engine oil; and calculating an effective current Ieff corresponding to the effective torque Teff.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Maru Yoon
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Patent number: 8041500Abstract: Engine surge includes oscillations in engine torque resulting in bucking or jerking motion of a vehicle that may degrade driver experience. The present application relates to increasing reformate entering an example engine cylinder in response to engine surge.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Thomas G. Leone
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Patent number: 8036815Abstract: In a system, a starter includes a motor for rotatably driving an output shaft with a pinion and an actuator that shifts the pinion toward a ring gear to be engaged with the ring gear. A monitor unit monitors a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine. The rotational speed of the internal combustion engine drops after an automatic control for stop of the engine. When an engine restart request occurs with the rotational speed being within a preset range during the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine dropping by the automatic control for stop of the engine, a drive unit drives the actuator to shift the pinion toward the ring gear to be engaged with the ring gear. The drive unit rotatably drives the motor with the pinion being engaged with the ring gear to thereby crank the crankshaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Kazushige Okumoto, Akira Kato, Takashi Senda, Mitsuhiro Murata, Masami Niimi, Kiyokazu Haruno
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Patent number: 8032292Abstract: An ignition procedure for internal combustion engines using multiple coils of a generator coupled to and turning synchronously with the engine. A magnetic field flows through the coils and generates a sequence of alternating current half waves induced in the coils. The half waves are used for: (1) charging an energy storage element that is discharged by an ignition switch via the primary coil winding for triggering an ignition spark; (2) processing via a control device for activating the ignition switch at an ignition time in dependence on the processed alternating current half waves and/or on the state of the internal combustion engine; and (3) the power supply for the control device (U8), and an operating mode for switching combustion off for the engine, whereby by means of the control device, the ignition switch is guided over less than the time span that is needed for a complete revolution of the magnetic generator.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Prufrex-Elektro-Apparatebau, Inh. Helga Muller, Geb. DutschkeInventors: Leo Kiessling, Stanislaw Cichon
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Patent number: 8027781Abstract: An internal combustion engine control device has a torque increase amount obtaining section that obtains engine rotation speed fluctuation amount (output torque increase amount) caused with small quantity injection as a torque increase amount sensing value, an adaptation value setting section that variably sets an adaptation value used for engine control in accordance with a fuel property determined based on the torque increase amount sensing value, a confirmation injection control section that performs the small quantity injection again while the engine control is performed based on the set adaptation value, and an accuracy determination section that determines accuracy of fuel property determination result or the adaptation value based on whether a confirmation sensing value, which is the engine rotation speed fluctuation amount obtained when the confirmation injection control section performs the small quantity injection, is outside a predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Kensuke Tanaka, Koji Tsutsumi, Xinyi Li, Naoya Wakayama
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Patent number: 8027780Abstract: A method and control module for controlling an engine includes a requested torque module that generates a requested torque and a maximum toque capacity module that determines a maximum torque capacity corresponding to a maximum torque capacity of the engine. A launch trim torque threshold determination module determines a launch trim torque threshold. A comparison module that compares the requested torque and the launch trim torque threshold. An output module that applies a fast rate limit to the requested torque up to the launch trim threshold when the requested torque is less than the launch trim torque threshold and a shower rate limited torque request when the requested torque is greater than the launch trim torque threshold.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Inventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Todd R. Shupe, Vivek Mehta, Kristian Keary, Richard B. Jess
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Patent number: 8024086Abstract: For determination of a relative movement of a chassis and a body of a wheeled vehicle, which is movably joined to the chassis, three linear accelerations of the wheeled vehicle, which extend perpendicular to each other, respectively, as well as at least two rotational speeds of one respective rotational movement or a component of a rotational movement about a coordinate axis of the wheeled vehicle are measured (in measuring device 1), the at least two coordinate axes running perpendicular to each other, respectively. A momentary position of the relative movement is determined (in evaluation unit 9) using the three linear accelerations and the at least two rotational rates.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Jens Fiedler, Andreas Mayer, Thomas Schweiger, Martin Stratesteffen
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Patent number: 8014938Abstract: A module that calculates power loss for an internal combustion engine includes an air intake calculation module that determines a final air per cylinder (APC) value. A fuel mass rate calculation module that determines a fuel mass rate value based on the final APC value. A power loss calculation module that determines a power loss value for the internal combustion engine based on the fuel mass rate value.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventors: Michael Livshiz, John P. Blanchard, John L. Lahti, Anthony H. Heap
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Patent number: 8010276Abstract: A method for controlling intake manifold oxygen for an engine having a fresh air inlet and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) circuit includes the steps of: establishing an ideal excess oxygen ratio for combustion in the engine; calculating a total mass flow of oxygen to be delivered to an intake manifold of the engine to maintain the ideal excess oxygen ratio; determining a mass flow of EGR oxygen in the mass flow of EGR gas; and controlling a desired mass flow of fresh oxygen to be delivered to the intake manifold such that the sum of the desired mass flow of fresh oxygen and the mass flow of EGR oxygen is equal to the desired total mass flow of oxygen, by re-adjusting the EGR valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventor: Dale Oehlerking
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Patent number: 8010272Abstract: A driving force control system includes an internal combustion engine model (1000) represented by a model linearized while including a first-order lag component, a calculator (2000) calculating deviation between target engine torque and estimated engine torque, a delay compensator (3000) compensating for response delay based on the deviation, and an adder (4000) calculating an engine controlled variable by adding delay-compensated deviation to the target engine torque.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Seiji Kuwahara, Masato Kaigawa
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Patent number: 8005606Abstract: When a predetermined operation state during idling is set, an ignition timing is set to a basic ignition timing at or following a compression top dead center point, and a temperature rise controlling operation is carried out for injecting fuel prior to the basic ignition timing. Then, a target value of an intake air quantity is set in accordance with an engine request torque that is set when controlling a temperature rise. Thereafter, a limit value of the intake air quantity that is set when controlling the temperature rise is set. When the target value of the intake air quantity is less than the limit value, the intake air quantity is adjusted so as to become the target value, whereas, when the target value is greater than the limit value, the intake air quantity is adjusted so as to become the limit value.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masashi Ono
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Patent number: 8005605Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of properly controlling both the temperature of an exhaust system and the air-fuel ratio of exhaust gases even when the control range of the air-fuel ratio of a combustion air-fuel mixture is limited, thereby improving the reduction of exhaust emissions. In the control system, a demanded torque-calculating section calculates a demanded torque. A first controller calculates a target equivalent ratio such that a DeNOx catalyst temperature converges to a predetermined target temperature. A second controller calculates three feedback correction values such that an output value from an oxygen concentration sensor converges to a target output value. A third controller calculates a torque fuel injection amount for generating the combustion air-fuel mixture, a post fuel injection amount for supplying unburned fuel to a DeNOx catalyst, etc. based on five values.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuji Yasui
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Patent number: 8000880Abstract: An engine control system comprises a fuel quality calculation module and a fueling module. The fuel quality calculation module calculates a fuel quality value for fuel provided to an engine based on at least one operating parameter of the engine. The fueling module selectively increases an amount of fuel provided to the engine based on the fuel quality value.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Inventors: Jonathan T. Shibata, Kenneth J. Buslepp, Donovan L. Dibble, Mary Beth Furness
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Patent number: 8000877Abstract: A fuel economy method and system consists of using a signal control unit connected to a throttle of a vehicle and to a mass sensor for sensing a mass of a load carried by the vehicle. When the sensor senses that the mass is within a predetermined mass range below a pre-determined load mass value, the signal control unit reduces the range of power output of the engine. The unmodified engine power output range and modified engine power output range extend from a minimum engine power output to, respectively, an unmodified maximum engine power output and to a modified maximum engine power output lower than the unmodified engine power output and thereby requiring less fuel. Accordingly, the range of engine power output, and notably the maximum engine power output available, is reduced when the mass is in the pre-determined mass range, thus reducing fuel consumption compared to the unmodified engine power output range.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Inventor: Jean-FranƧois Aussillou
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Publication number: 20110196567Abstract: A method and control module includes a pressure sensor data comparison module that compares measured pressure volume signal segments to ideal pressure volume segments. A valve actuation hardware remedy module performs a hardware remedy in response to comparing the measured pressure volume signal segments to the ideal pressure volume segments when a valve actuation hardware failure is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Matthew A. Wiles, Craig D. Marriott
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Patent number: 7996147Abstract: A method, in certain embodiments, includes controlling a first parameter set (e.g., fuel injection timing, engine speed, etc.) of an engine to reduce specific fuel consumption to account for a plurality of different fuels alone or in combination with one another. The method also may include controlling a second parameter set (e.g., engine duration, engine speed, manifold air pressure, fuel supply temperature, fuel supply pressure, etc.) of the engine to reduce the possibility of exceeding design limits associated with the engine to account for the plurality of different fuels alone or in combination with one another.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2008Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Manoj Prakash Gokhale
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Patent number: 7991540Abstract: A control system and method for improving vehicle fuel economy is provided. A base timing module generates a base timing signal. A trim module generates a timing trim signal based on a calibratable compensation factor. A vehicle speed trim module adjusts a calibration parameter (such as engine timing for example) based on the base timing signal and the timing trim signal. According to some implementations, the trim module includes a base trim module and a vehicle speed compensation module and a calibratable compensation factor module. The vehicle speed compensation module generates a vehicle speed compensation factor. The base trim module generates a base trim signal based on the vehicle speed compensation factor or the calibratable compensation factor. The base trim signal can be based on a speed of the engine. The base trim signal can further be based on a quantity of fuel delivered to the engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Inventor: Fabien G. Redon
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Patent number: 7975671Abstract: An engine speed control device includes an engine speed control lever that generates an engine speed instruction and a device for delivering the indicative information on the actual engine speed. An actuator applies a mechanical force on the lever according to the difference between the instruction and the indicative information on the actual engine speed.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: Airbus Operations SASInventors: Jean-Claude Perie, Valerie Roche, Mathieu Dulaur
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Patent number: 7974767Abstract: In a method for detecting an operating parameter of a power tool having an internal combustion engine with a cylinder, a piston delimiting a combustion chamber in the cylinder and driving a crankshaft supported rotatably in a crankcase, an intake supplying combustion air to the combustion chamber, an exhaust removing combustion gases from the combustion chamber, and a signal generator driven in rotation by the crankshaft emitting sequential alternating voltage signals, a period duration of the voltage signal is selected to correspond to the n-th portion of a crankshaft revolution with n greater than 2. The n-th portion of the crankshaft revolution provides a crankshaft angle interval. For each crankshaft angle interval at least one information is detected that represents a course plotted against the crankshaft angle. The course is scanned with regard to characteristic features that are correlated with an operating parameter of the power tool.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KGInventors: Georg Maier, Wolfgang Layher, Mohamed Abou-Aly, Heinrich Leufen, Eberhard Schieber
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Patent number: 7970523Abstract: A torque estimator is disclosed for estimating torque on a machine. A computer system may include a torque estimator module located on the machine. The torque estimator module may be configured to receive a plurality of engine parameters, receive a drivetrain component parameter, determine an estimated torque value at the drivetrain component based on the plurality of engine parameters and the drivetrain component parameter. The computer system also may include an analysis module located on the machine. The analysis module may be configured to receive the estimated torque value and the drivetrain component parameter, and update a histogram data structure based on the estimated torque value and the drivetrain component parameter. The analysis module may also be configured to evaluate the histogram data structure in order to determine if excessive torque is being applied to a drivetrain component.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael James Wallis, Paul Alan Ring, Giles Kent Sorrells, Conrad Gene Grembowicz, Jason Edward Carter
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Patent number: 7966810Abstract: It is suppressed that nanoparticles generated in an internal combustion engine are discharged into the atmosphere. In a cylinder or an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine, microparticles having a particle diameter larger than that of the nanoparticles are generated, and the nanoparticles generated in the internal combustion engine are adsorbed by the microparticles, thereby increasing the diameter of the nanoparticles. The microparticles can be generated in the cylinder as the soot, for example. Additionally, by providing a carbon microparticle generation device in the exhaust system, the microparticles can be generated, too. By making the nanoparticles adsorbed by the microparticles and increasing the diameter of the nanoparticles, discharging of the nanoparticles can be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Ito, Kotaro Hayashi, Tetsuya Yamashita, Shinichi Takeshima
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Publication number: 20110153175Abstract: The technology described herein provides an active driver control system. Additionally, in various example embodiments, this technology provides methods for optimizing fuel economy (or energy consumption) through active compensation of driver controlled inputs. The active compensation functionality is used to moderate āsweet spotā vehicle response with driver desired performance. In particular, the active compensation functionality can be used to smooth the vehicle response and attenuate undesired frequency content from the driver input. One of the benefits to this technology is that it assists all drivers in achieving better fuel economy in real world driving. Another benefit is that active compensation of driver controlled inputs can mitigate some of the negative effects of more aggressive driving styles.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Mengyang Zhang, Jayanthi Iyengar
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Patent number: 7962277Abstract: During the operation of an internal combustion engine, a check is made whether the engine functions in an error-free manner in relation to the engine noise. If not, a current value of a cylinder-specific fuel quantity in a cylinder is determined. A check is made whether a current injected cylinder-specific fuel quantity in one of the cylinders is too low or high to check with respect to a cylinder-specific motor speed N_CYL, by comparing a current value of the cylinder-specific injection quantity in the relevant cylinder with a stored reference value of the cylinder-specific injection quantity of the relevant cylinder at the current operating point. A check with respect to the cylinder-specific motor speeds of one of the cylinders is deactivated, if the current injected cylinder-specific fuel quantity in the relevant cylinder is too low or high to check the relevant cylinder with respect to the cylinder-specific motor speed N_CYL.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Carl-Eike Hofmeister, Michael KƤsbauer
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Publication number: 20110137504Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with a valve lift varying mechanism for intake valves and a valve phase varying mechanism for exhaust valves. A controller performs a control operation in response to a request to pause at least one cylinder while the engine is in operation. The control operation includes: a first operation of setting an intake valve lift to a zero-lift setpoint by the valve lift varying mechanism; and a second operation of setting an exhaust valve phase by the valve phase varying mechanism so as to set an exhaust valve opening timing to a first timing setpoint on an advance side of bottom dead center and set an exhaust valve closing timing to a second timing setpoint on a retard side of bottom dead center. The first and second timing setpoints are closer to top dead center than to bottom dead center.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Makoto Nakamura, Seinosuke Hara, Tomoyuki Murakami, Toru Kitayama
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Patent number: 7949459Abstract: A target throttle opening degree computing device of a control apparatus computes a target throttle opening degree of a throttle valve and includes a phase lead compensator. A filter filters the target throttle opening degree to provide an ultimate target throttle opening degree, which is used to drive a drive motor to adjust an opening degree of the throttle valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hisayo Yoshikawa, Shigeru Kamio, Masahiro Ito, Kenji Kasashima
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Patent number: 7946271Abstract: A system and method for providing a haptic device in a vehicle. The system comprises a foot operated pedal of a vehicle. A sensor is coupled to the pedal and is configured to sense a position of the pedal during use. The sensor is configured to output a sensor signal associated with the position of the pedal. A processor is coupled to the sensor and is configured to receive the sensor signal. The processor outputs a control signal upon the pedal moving past a threshold position. An actuator is coupled to the processor, wherein the actuator is configured to output a haptic feedback force to the pedal upon receiving the control signal from the processor.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Immersion CorporationInventor: Pedro Gregorio
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Patent number: 7945378Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine including the steps of detecting, determining, and switching. The detecting step detects a load on the engine. The determining step determines if the load is below a predetermined value. The switching step switches the engine to operate at a selected one of a plurality of torque power curves, dependent upon the determining step.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Alan D. Sheidler, Rodney A. Schindler, Chris Bursiek
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Patent number: 7937210Abstract: A device for controlling an internal combustion engine has sensors That measure the operating states of the internal combustion engine. The sensor signals are used for determining control signals for the internal combustion engine. Furthermore, testing means are provided which verify the sensor signals and if implausible sensor signals are detected, control of the internal combustion engine is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ulrich Koelle, Thorsten Mausbach, Georgios Daniilidis
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Patent number: 7937211Abstract: In a control device for an internal combustion engine including a throttle valve for adjusting the intake air amount that affects on the torque of the internal combustion engine, when a request for acceleration of the internal combustion engine is made, a torque gradient, which is a change in the torque of the internal combustion engine per unit time during the acceleration, is predicted based on an operating condition of the internal combustion engine before the acceleration, and the operation of the throttle valve is controlled based on the predicted torque gradient during the acceleration of the internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koji Aso
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Patent number: 7934485Abstract: A control device for an internal combustion engine which transmits output to a drive-train via a dual mass flywheel, the control device including: an engine rotational state detecting unit that detects a rotational state of the internal combustion engine; a rotational fluctuation inhibiting unit that executes a process of inhibiting rotational fluctuation for the internal combustion engine when a rotational state that is detected by the engine rotational state detecting unit satisfies a rotational fluctuation inhibiting condition; and a rotational fluctuation inhibiting condition adjusting unit that is adjusts the rotational fluctuation inhibiting condition based on a operating state of the internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masayoshi Ota, Yusuke Saigo, Yoshiyasu Ito
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RFID equipped vehicle immobilizer systems including speed control zones and methods relating thereto
Patent number: 7932836Abstract: A vehicle speed control system includes an RFID equipped vehicle having a computer system for controlling operating functions of the vehicle, a transmitting and receiving station positioned adjacent a speed control zone, capability for sending a speed control command from the transmitting and receiving station to the vehicle, cooperative components associated with the vehicle for receiving the speed control command from the transmitting and receiving station, and various elements associated with the vehicle for adjusting speed of the vehicle in response to the speed control command received from the station. The transmitting and receiving station includes electronic circuitry and related components for determining the speed of the RFID equipped vehicle as the vehicle enters the speed control zone.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: RFID Options, LLCInventor: Hap Nguyen -
Publication number: 20110088659Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine and an electric motor includes an engine speed control module, an air pressure control module, and an engine torque control module. The engine speed control module increases engine speed during a first calibration period based on a driver torque request and a predetermined torque threshold. The air pressure control module decreases intake manifold pressure (MAP) of the engine during a second calibration period based on the driver torque request and the predetermined torque threshold. The engine torque control module starts the engine during a period after the first and second calibration periods by activating N of M cylinders of the engine, wherein N is based on the driver torque request and the predetermined torque threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Lan Wang, Goro Tamai, Michael J. Pitsch, William L. Aldrich, III
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Patent number: 7925418Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for operating an engine in a vehicle in response to fuel having varying amounts of alcohol. One example method comprises delivering fuel to the engine, limiting engine speed during vehicle operation to a maximum permitted engine speed, the maximum permitted engine speed responsive to the amount of alcohol in the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Phil Andrew Fabien
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Patent number: 7925419Abstract: A fuel injection control system in which an appropriate command is obtained both before and after learning a correction amount. Command storage means 3 stores a command for pre-learning and a command for post-learning; the command for pre-learning is a command for a pre-learning time, which is a time before correction amount learning means 5 learns a correction amount, and a command for post-learning for a post-learning time, which is a time after the correction amount learning means 5 learns a correction amount; command injection amount determination means 4 refers to the command for pre-learning at the pre-learning time, and refers to the command for post-learning at the post-learning time.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventor: Kazumi Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 7918212Abstract: A method and control system for controlling an engine includes an instantaneous crankshaft acceleration determining module determining an instantaneous crankshaft acceleration. An engine parameter adjustment module adjusts an engine parameter in response to the instantaneous crankshaft acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Inventors: Julian R. Verdejo, Michael R. Grimes, Nicholas John Kalweit, David S. Mathews
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Patent number: 7917283Abstract: A predicted boat speed value generator, in accordance with one or more embodiments, receives an engine rotation signal, an intake pressure value, and other detection signals including shift position, and provides a predicted boat speed value. A control signal generator determines the fuel injection amount, the amount of air, and the ignition timing based on the predicted boat speed to provide respective control signals. The predicted boat speed value generator includes a predicted boat speed mapped value extraction process to search through the predicted boat speed value map during the constant speed operation and acceleration, based on the rotational speed and the intake pressure, to extract the predicted boat speed mapped value ādā for output. A predicted decelerating boat speed value output process establishes the initial predicted boat speed value to provide the attenuated predicted boat speed value in every cycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takuya Kado
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Patent number: 7912626Abstract: A motor vehicle includes an engine and an external setting unit configured to set an engine control amount. A control unit is configured to store a basic control map having a preset engine control amount contained therein. The control unit is also configured to communicate with the external setting unit. An engine setting system is configured to change the preset engine control amount by replacing the preset engine control amount with the engine control amount set by the external setting unit. The engine control amount set by the external setting unit is reflected in the basic control map. The engine control amount set by the external setting unit is reflected in the control map when a start preparing operation is detected.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasutaka Usukura