Backup, Interrupt, Reset, Or Test Patents (Class 701/114)
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Patent number: 7349796Abstract: Detection of which of a plurality of reference angle positions a crankshaft of an engine arrives at is executed to subsequently determine a crank angle region in which an output pattern of a cam angle signal is determined, based on which of the plurality of reference angle positions the crankshaft arrives at, whereby determination of a piston position in each cylinder is made, based on the output pattern of the cam angle signal in the crank angle region.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yuichi Toyama, Hirokazu Shimizu
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Patent number: 7346448Abstract: A measuring and testing system for a test piece (1) with at least one operational fluid, particularly to test an internal combustion engine, is provided with at least one measuring arrangement connected to a space (2) of the test piece (1) containing operational fluid, and comprising a partial measuring arrangement (4, 5, 6) for the quantity parameter of the operational fluid and at least one additional partial measuring arrangement (6, 7) for at least one quality parameter for the characterization of the physical and/or chemical condition of the operational fluid, as well as a control and evaluation unit (6) connected to the measuring arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: AVL List GmbHInventors: Franz Graf, Karol Schleifer, Klaus-Christoph Harms
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Patent number: 7337772Abstract: The temperature of an exhaust gas flowing through an exhaust passage 3 is estimated or detected, and the temperature of an active element of an exhaust gas sensor 8. (O2 sensor) is controlled at a predetermined target temperature by a heater using the estimated or detected temperature of the exhaust gas. For estimating the temperature of the exhaust gas in the vicinity of the exhaust gas sensor 8, the exhaust passage 3 extending up to the exhaust gas sensor 8 is divided into a plurality of partial exhaust passageways 3a through 3d, the temperatures of the exhaust gas in the partial exhaust passageways 3a through 3d are estimated successively from an exhaust port 2 of an engine 1. The temperature of the exhaust gas is estimated according to an algorithm which takes into account a heat transfer between the exhaust gas and passage-defining members 6a, 6b, 7 which define the exhaust passage 3 and a heat radiation from the passage-defining members into the atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2004Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuji Yasui, Yoshihisa Iwaki
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Publication number: 20080051983Abstract: A Calibration Method for Air Intake Tracts for Internal Combustion Engines is disclosed. The method tunes the replacement cold air intake so that the Original Equipment Mass Airflow Sensor will function with the emissions control system without check engine light illumination. The method uses the exhaust effluent composition to benchmark the OEM intake system and then to match the cold air intake to that benchmark test result. The method could use the exhaust effluent composition for calibration as well as verification, or the method could use Sensor signal output for calibration and then exhaust effluent composition for verification of the design specification.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2006Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventor: Ron Delgado
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Patent number: 7333886Abstract: In a method for estimating an injected quantity of fuel of an isolated injection, the segment time of the cylinder in which the isolated injection takes place is evaluated numerically by forming the second temporal derivation. With the aid of the second temporal derivation of the segment time the injection parameters are updated using test quantity-test torque characteristic map.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ralf Böhnig, Michael Hardt, Peter Ruβe
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Patent number: 7328100Abstract: In a failure detection system of coils that produce outputs in response to rotation of a crankshaft of a general-purpose engine (including a power coil that produces an output indicative of the engine speed), the outputs produced by the coils are inputted to determine whether the coils produce the outputs, and it is discriminated that one of the coils (i.e., power coil) has failed when the coil does not produce the output, thereby enabling detection of failure such as wire breaking of the power coil and preventing overrunning of the engine and other such problems.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Tomoki Fukushima, Yoshihisa Shinogi
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Patent number: 7324891Abstract: An engine control method and compensation suitable for the case that both of two manifold pressure sensors in individual groups have failed. When detection outputs from two manifold pressure sensors are different from each other, a first comparing section determines that one of the two sensors is abnormal. A manifold pressure estimating section calculates an estimated manifold pressure value according to an engine speed, throttle opening, and atmospheric pressure. A calculating section calculates a difference ?PMb between the detection output PMb and the estimated value PMcal. A calculating section calculates a difference ?PMa between the detection output PMa and the estimated value PMcal. A second comparing section identifies an abnormal one of these two manifold pressure sensors corresponding to a larger one of these differences ?PMa and ?PMb. When the remaining manifold pressure sensor has also failed, the estimated value PMcal is used as a substitutional value, then continuing the engine control.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2006Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shumpei Hasegawa
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Patent number: 7321822Abstract: Alternating torque {tilde over (M)}kv(?) or the mean indicated pressure Pml is to be determined from the angular velocity ? from the engine speed, for engine management, for example. Charge pressure compensation (5) must be effected in order for a usable result to be obtained. By preference sensor wheel error compensation (2) and inertial force compensation (4) are also effected. The mean indicated pressure Pml is obtained from the alternating torque {tilde over (M)}v(?) in a characteristic diagram.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Audi AGInventors: Thorsten Schmidt, Winfried Schultalbers, Henning Rasche, Hermann Fehrenbach, Kurt Bluhm, Carsten Hohmann
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Patent number: 7315779Abstract: A vehicle has a straddle seat, a handlebar, an engine, an electronic control unit (ECU), a throttle valve, a throttle valve actuator, and a throttle operator. A throttle operator position sensor senses a throttle operator position. A vehicle speed sensor senses a vehicle speed. The ECU sends a control signal to the throttle valve actuator based on the throttle operator position and the vehicle speed. The throttle valve actuator adjusts the opening of the throttle valve in response to the control signal. If the vehicle speed is lower than a predetermined maximum vehicle speed, the throttle valve actuator adjusts the opening of the throttle valve based on the throttle operator position signal. If the vehicle speed is higher than the predetermined maximum vehicle speed, the throttle valve actuator reduces the degree of opening of the throttle valve. A method of controlling an engine is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2007Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Roger Rioux, Dominic Dagenais, Marc Gagnon
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Publication number: 20070288151Abstract: In an engine output control apparatus of a power train employing an engine and an automatic transmission, capable of executing engine output control for excessive torque input prevention engine torque limiting action and for a shift speed control of the transmission, at least two different kinds of engine output control systems having control characteristics differing from each other, are provided. A controller selectively uses these engine output control systems depending on a power-train operating condition, such that a first one of the engine output control systems having a superior transient response is used for the engine output control for shift response control during shifting, and that a second one of the engine output control systems having a superior steady-state stability is used for the engine output control for excessive torque input prevention engine torque limiting action during non-shifting.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2007Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventors: Ryouji Kadono, Masahiro Iriyama, Tetsuya Fuke, Ryouichi Ootaki, Yusuke Kimura, Tatsuo Ochiai
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Method of controlling elements used to execute elementary functions of an internal combustion engine
Patent number: 7308354Abstract: A method of controlling elements used to execute the elementary functions of internal combustion engines. The method controls the elements using measurement signals provided by sensors, determines theoretical signals that have to be provided by reference sensors at a current operating point of the engine, determines deviations between the theoretical signals and the signals measured by the reference sensors, and establishes signal correction instructions for the elements according to the determined deviations.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Renault s.a.s.Inventors: Marc Daneau, Bernard Dionnet, Xavier Gruson, Philippe Pelletier -
Patent number: 7306496Abstract: An apparatus including a trolling motor having at least one operational subsystem and the trolling motor also having an integral electronic controller for controlling the operational subsystem wherein the improvement comprises an integral electronic diagnostic system which will receive diagnostic information from the operational subsystem and will transmit the diagnostic information for reception externally of the trolling motor.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Eric J. Carmen, Mikel E. Janitz, Justin Nguyen
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Patent number: 7305819Abstract: In a temperature control system of a plant such as an engine exhaust system, there are provided a catalyst heat model calculating a temperature estimated value of the plant, a temperature sensor model inputting the calculated value to calculate an output estimated value of a temperature sensor, a temperature controller controlling the plant temperature based on the estimated value, and a model parameter corrector correcting the plant model parameter so as to minimize error between the temperature sensor output and the calculated output estimated value. With this, even in the case where the temperature sensor has a large response lag, the temperature estimated value can nevertheless be corrected with high accuracy, without, for example, causing severe overshooting.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuji Yasui
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Patent number: 7308355Abstract: In a method for diagnosing a charge cycle valve stroke adjusting system of an internal-combustion engine having at least one exhaust gas sensor which supplies an output signal continuously varying with an exhaust gas constituent, the spread width of the output signal is determined, and compared with a reference value. Defects of the valve stroke adjusting system are detected on the basis of the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Dietmar Schwarzenthal, Nils Nagel, Thomas Melzig
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Patent number: 7305301Abstract: An engine control system for regulating operation of an engine having a throttle includes a first module that determines an intermediate parameter based on engine operating parameters and a second module that determines a pressure upstream of the throttle based on the intermediate parameter. A third module regulates operation of the engine based on the pressure. The engine operation is regulated based on a pre-determined relationship between a throttle position and an effective throttle area.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Wenbo Wang, Michael A. Kropinski, Kurt D. McLain
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Patent number: 7302337Abstract: A method for identifying a fault associated with an individual cylinder of a multicylinder combustion engine, comprising the steps of: accelerating the combustion engine to a first engine speed (L1); interrupting the fuel supply to all cylinders except the individual cylinder, which receives a predetermined amount of fuel supply, when the first engine speed is reached; and counting the time it takes for the speed of the combustion engine to decrease from either the first engine speed or a second engine speed (L2), which is lower than the first engine speed, down to a third engine speed (L3). A computer, a computer program and a computer program product which use the method.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Scania CV AB ((publ)Inventor: Mats Järgenstedt
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Patent number: 7299123Abstract: A reliable method of sensing the inlet air flow in a combustion chamber of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine includes assessing the inlet air flow with soft-computing techniques basically exploiting a combustion pressure signal generated by a pressure sensor installed in the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Ferdinando Taglialatela-Scafati, Nicola Cesario, Pasquale Cassese
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Patent number: 7299121Abstract: An electronic control device is provided for an aviation engine. Each cylinder of the engine is equipped with main ignition plugs and back-up ignition plugs. Lane A including a first CPU and lane B including a second CPU are included in an ECU. The ignition control system is multiplexed by the two lanes A, B. The first and second CPU independently calculate ignition timing for each cylinder based on each sensor signal, and then exchange the results of these calculations with each other. At each cylinder, ignition timing is synchronized in such a manner that ignition timing of the main ignition plugs and ignition timing of the back-up ignition plugs match. The electronic control device so configured has a high level of redundancy with a small number of CPU's. Thus, electronic control device can be provided for the aviation engine with few limitations placed in relation to installation location.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Uruno, Akira Hamauzu, Kiyoaki Yokoyama, Hirohisa Kitaura
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Patent number: 7295913Abstract: An engine control apparatus for a motorcycle capable of detecting an abnormality such that there is no change in vehicle behavior even when the abnormality is brought about. A control CPU controls injection and ignition of an engine and a throttle valve. A monitor CPU detects an abnormality of the engine control apparatus. The control CPU calculates a fuel injection amount, an ignition timing, and an opening degree of the throttle valve necessary for controlling the engine and executes a predetermined engine control. The monitor CPU detects the abnormality of the engine control apparatus. A comparison of control values to detect the abnormality by the monitor CPU is executed by a detection interval equal to or smaller than 10 ms.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeshi Matsuda, Hidenori Akatsuka, Daichi Noborio
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Patent number: 7295917Abstract: A method for determining a combustion chamber pressure of an internal combustion engine is described, which is used for a simple and accurate correction of the determined combustion chamber pressure. For this purpose, a first time curve of the combustion chamber pressure is compared with a second time curve of the combustion chamber pressure. A correction factor is determined as a function of the comparison result. The determined combustion chamber pressure is corrected via the correction factor.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Jens Damitz, Michael Kessler, Ulrich Sommers
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Patent number: 7292926Abstract: It is claimed that statements regarding cylinder pressure are obtained for optimization of the combustion process in internal combustion engines. The internal combustion engine is modeled with a plurality of model parameters (1 to 5) for this purpose. Once it has been acquired, a model alternating torque (MW) is compared to an actual alternating torque (IW). The model parameters are modified in accordance with the result of the comparison. The model yields realistic values of the combustion chamber value on the basis of the modified model parameters.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Audi AGInventors: Thorsten Schmidt, Winfried Schultalbers, Henning Rasche, Hermann Fehrenbach, Joachim Scheu
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Publication number: 20070250255Abstract: The invention comprises a method to determine a position of a piston in a cylinder of an engine during ongoing operation, comprising adapting pressure sensing devices to monitor in-cylinder pressure, and, operating the engine. In-cylinder pressure is monitored along with a corresponding engine crank position. The engine is operated in a motoring mode and in a cylinder firing mode, and a plurality of instantaneous in-cylinder pressure states are determined during compression and expansion strokes. Pressure ratios are determined based upon the instantaneous in-cylinder pressure states, which are used to determine an engine crank angle and compression ratio error and, adjust the monitored engine crank position based upon the crank angle error and readjust engine operation according to these sensed errors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2007Publication date: October 25, 2007Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Frederic Anton Matekunas, Paul Anthony Battiston, Patrick G. Szymkowicz, Anupam Gangopadhyay
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Publication number: 20070250254Abstract: Provided is an on-vehicle control apparatus capable of automatically initializing control variables in a backup RAM only in rewriting a control program in the market. The on-vehicle control apparatus includes a CPU for controlling an on-vehicle device according to a control program, a non-volatile ROM for storing the control program therein, a backup RAM for storing control variables therein, a backup power supply circuit for supplying power to the backup RAM, a boot program for rewriting the control program, an address changeover circuit for making a changeover in execution address, and a memory rewrite unit. The memory rewrite unit outputs a rewrite signal, a command signal group including a command for activating the boot program, and an erasure command signal for erasing a diagnostic code. The control program initializes the control variables in the backup RAM in response to the erasure command signal when being activated after having been rewritten.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2006Publication date: October 25, 2007Inventor: Yasuhiro Kimoto
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Patent number: 7286927Abstract: An engine diagnostic system is provided that enables a service technician to evaluate engine cylinder contribution to output power. The service technician couples one or more signal leads to the vehicle's battery, alternator, or accessory receptacle (e.g., cigarette lighter receptacle) to provide an alternator output signal to a signal analyzer. The signal analyzer processes the alternator output signal to generate an engine signature, which represents engine cylinder contribution to engine output power.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Snap-On IncorporatedInventors: Robert D. DeCarlo, Michael B. Meeker, Dennis M. Mutzabaugh, Ronald M. J. Lammers, Nicolaas M. J. Stoffels
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Patent number: 7286925Abstract: A method and a device for the pulsation correction of measured values of a flow device, which is used to measure pulsating gas flows in internal combustion engines. A raw signal of the flow sensor is fed to an adder of a compensation circuit. The raw signal is at the same time fed to a multiple frequency filter, which has at least one high-pass filter, at least one low-pass filter and at least one band-pass filter. The filtered signals are written into addresses of a correction characteristics map. The values stored in addresses are added to the raw signal by the adder.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Tobias Lang
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Patent number: 7286926Abstract: A deterioration detecting apparatus for an exhaust gas sensor of an internal combustion engine, the exhaust gas sensor including a sensor element and a heater that heats the sensor element, computes a first sensor characteristic parameter, which is related to a characteristic of the sensor element, by estimating an interchange state of thermal energy between the sensor element and a periphery of the sensor element. The deterioration detecting apparatus senses impedance of the sensor element. The deterioration detecting apparatus computes a second sensor characteristic parameter, which is related to the characteristic of the sensor element, based on the sensed impedance. The deterioration detecting apparatus determines a degree of deterioration of the exhaust gas sensor by comparing the first sensor characteristic parameter and the second sensor characteristic parameter.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2006Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Yoshiyuki Gotoh, Hisashi Iida, Hiroshi Tashiro
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Patent number: 7280911Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the control of an engine having at least two control units, which is constructed of at least two cylinder rows or of two partial engines is provided. A control unit is assigned to each cylinder row or each partial engine, which control unit, on the basis of detected operating parameters, controls the function of the respective cylinder bank assigned to it or of the partial engine assigned to it. The control units mutually exchanging their control variables, and the detected operating parameters and the control variables emitted by the control units being monitored jointly to determine their credibility.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengessellschaftInventors: Thomas Rauner, Stephan Pelters
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Patent number: 7280910Abstract: A method and an apparatus for protecting an engine are disclosed which are capable of preventing damage to the engine or associated parts thereof. The engine is provided with an electronic control fuel injection system. A quasi-abnormality of at least one of variables in connection with the engine and the associated parts thereof, such as an engine cooling water, a fuel pressure or the like is detected by a sensor. When the quasi-abnormality of the variable and such a quasi-abnormal state lasts for a predetermined period of time, a throttle opening of an electronic control throttle is regulated so as to limit an engine rotational speed to a low rate.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiji Miyamoto, Toshihiro Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7280905Abstract: A system 10 and method for maximizing power output from an internal combustion engine includes a control module 12, a motor power output measuring member 14, a microprocessor based digital computer 16, connections 18 between a control module input 13 and the computer 16, and connections 20 between a control module output 15 and one or more existing motor power variable control members 22 including, but not limited to, fuel injectors, ignition timing components and air flow control components.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2006Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Inventor: Marc W. Salvisberg
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Patent number: 7280912Abstract: A method for controlling operation of an electronic control unit for use in an internal combustion engine, the electronic control unit being used to control different engine modes, the method including providing a function mode map having a plurality of data map points wherein the function mode map is divided into at least a first type region containing data map points representing mode map output values only of a first mode type and a second type region containing data map points representing mode map output values only of a second mode type; and providing at least one further data map having a plurality of further data map points, each of the further map points representing a further data map output value.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2006Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey John Thompson, Abdolreza Fallahi
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Publication number: 20070227506Abstract: The invention relates to a drive circuit for an injector arrangement comprising a fuel injector, and method of detecting faults in the drive circuit. The drive circuit comprises diagnostic means (RH, RL) that is operable to sense a measured voltage (VBIAS) between the injector and a known voltage level (VBAT, VGND). The measured voltage (VBIAS) is biased with respect to the known voltage (VBAT, VGND) to a predicted voltage (VPinjN, VBcalc) unless the drive circuit has a fault. A fault signal is provided on sensing of a measured voltage (VBIAS) that differs from the predicted voltage (VPinjN, VBcalc). The drive circuit may additionally, or alternatively, comprise diagnostic means (RF). The diagnostic means (RF) is operable to sense a detected current (Idect) and to provide a fault signal on detection of a fault, when the detected current (Idect) is at variance from a threshold current (Itrip).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2007Publication date: October 4, 2007Inventors: Louisa Perryman, Nigel P. Baker, Steven Martin, Martin A. P. Sykes
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Patent number: 7272485Abstract: A fuel nature measuring device for measuring the nature of fuel stored in a fuel tank includes a measurement passage, a gas flow generator, a pressure detector, an concentration operator, a temperature detector, and a volatility calculator. The measurement passage has an orifice. The gas flow generator generates gas flow in the measurement passage. The pressure detector detects a differential pressure between opposite ends of the orifice. The concentration operator determines a concentration of evaporated fuel in the fuel tank based on the differential pressure detected when the opposite ends of the measurement passage communicate with the fuel tank and the fuel flows in the measurement passage. The temperature detector determines a temperature of the fuel in the fuel tank. The volatility calculator calculates a volatility of the fuel in the fuel tank based on the concentration of the evaporated fuel and the temperature of the fuel in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Denso CorporationInventors: Noriyasu Amano, Takanobu Kawano, Nobuhiko Koyama
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Patent number: 7270116Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises an engine controller (ECU) governing fuel supply to the combustion engine by a fuelling map, which adapts the amount of fuel supplied to the engine responsive to engine speed, engine load and a volumetric efficiency of the engine. A variable intake system with at least one valve changes an effective tuning length of said variable intake system wherein degradation of said variable intake system can be diagnosed by comparing a calculated pressure variation of an inlet pressure of said variable intake system with a predetermined value for the pressure variation. The engine controller (ECU) adapts the fuelling map responsive to the diagnosis of degradation of the at least one valve of the variable intake system.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joakim Pauli, Anders Lingenhult
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Patent number: 7272488Abstract: Disclosed is a leak detecting device for a fuel vapor treatment unit that purges a vapor gas generated through evaporation of fuel in a fuel tank (2) into an intake system (22) of an engine (21). The leak detecting device includes a valve (5) that can selectively seal the fuel vapor treatment unit; a pressure detecting sensor (8) that detects a pressure in the fuel vapor treatment unit; and a controller (10). The controller (10) is programmed to: issue a command to close the valve (5) with a view to sealing the fuel vapor treatment unit during stoppage of the engine (21); calculate deviation amounts (P?P0) of the detected pressures during stoppage of the engine (21) after the fuel vapor treatment unit has been sealed; integrate absolute values (|P?P0|) of the deviation amounts, and determine, based on an integrated value (s), whether or not there is a leak occurring in the fuel vapor treatment unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takane Hayashi, Takeshi Tsuyuki, Hiroya Ishii
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Patent number: 7269501Abstract: A method and device for monitoring the functionality of a valve stroke adjusting device of an internal combustion engine in a cold start phase. The internal combustion engine includes an electronically controllable throttle, the control utilizing an integral component to control the throttle, and the functionality is monitored by determining the integral component in a cold start phase, comparing the integral component with at least one predetermined threshold value and evaluating the functionality of the valve stroke adjusting device on the basis of the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellscaftInventors: Thomas Melzig, Nils Nagel
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Patent number: 7269500Abstract: A process for determining the operating parameters of an injection device of a combustion engine includes the steps of: (a) selecting an injector to test; (b) calculating a mean velocity associated with a preceding injector arranged before the injector to test; c) applying to the injector to test an injection control signal including at least one test pulse having an adjustable parameter; (d) calculating a mean velocity associated with the injector to test; (e) calculating a difference between the mean velocity calculated in step d) and the mean velocity calculated in step b); (f) repeating steps b) to d) for at least another engine cycle, each time varying the parameter of the test pulse; (g) determining a value of the parameter of the test pulse for which the mean velocity difference exceeds a predetermined threshold; and storing the parameter value.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thierry Cochet, Guillaume Meissonnier
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Patent number: 7266442Abstract: A method and system to optimize values of a plurality of calibration discharge coefficients useable in a computer program operable to estimate mass air flow into an internal combustion engine having an air intake system comprising a throttle body and a plurality of sensors is presented. This includes collecting engine operation data points, including throttle position. Discharge coefficients are calculated, one for each engine operation data point. The discharge coefficients are partitioned based upon throttle position. Calibration discharge coefficients are calculated for each partitioned plurality of discharge coefficients. This includes circumscribing each calibration discharge coefficient based upon predetermined thresholds. This further includes monitoring and collecting input signals correlatable to airflow from the sensors during ongoing engine operation, preferably comprising throttle position, manifold pressure, intake air temperature, and, atmospheric pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Thomas L. Ting, Bruce K. Walker
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Method for monitoring a component situated in an exhaust gas region of an internal combustion engine
Patent number: 7263434Abstract: A method for monitoring a component situated in an exhaust gas region of an internal combustion engine in which the low pass behavior, which is determined by the heat capacity of the component, is monitored by a valuation of a measure of a first exhaust gas temperature, which appears upstream of the component that is to be monitored, and of a second exhaust gas temperature, which is recorded by a second temperature sensor downstream from the component to be monitored.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Ripper, Stefan Wickert, Torsten Handler, Dirk Samuelsen, Klaus Mueller -
Patent number: 7263427Abstract: A failed manifold pressure sensor is identified in a control apparatus having two manifold pressure detecting systems as a failsafe. A first comparing unit outputs an abnormal signal when a difference ?P between manifold pressures PMa and PMb detected respectively by two sensors is larger than a threshold value DP. A manifold pressure estimating unit estimates the manifold pressure from the engine revolution Ne, a throttle opening PLP, and an atmospheric pressure PAa. The difference calculating unit calculates a difference ?PMb between the detected manifold pressure PMb and the estimated manifold pressure PMcal. The difference calculating unit calculates a difference ?PMa between the detected manifold pressure PMa and the estimated manifold pressure PMcal. A second comparing unit compares the difference ?PMa and the difference ?PMb in response to the aforementioned abnormal signal. The failed manifold pressure sensor is specified according to which one of the difference ?PMa and the difference ?PMb is larger.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2006Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shumpei Hasegawa, Takashi Sasaki, Haruo Nakayama
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Patent number: 7261669Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes an engine and an electric machine operable to provide torque to drive the vehicle. A control system, including at least one controller, is configured to selectively and automatically start and stop the engine when the vehicle is in a first operating mode. The control system further includes control logic executable to place the vehicle in a second operating mode wherein the engine can be cranked but not started. The execution of the control logic to place the vehicle in the second operating mode is effected by operation of at least one vehicle system.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Bart Devita, Pawel Rygulski
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Patent number: 7263433Abstract: A system is described for improving engine and vehicle performance by considering the effects of exhaust conditions on catalyst particle growth. Specifically, engine operation is adjusted to reduce operating in such conditions, and a diagnostic routine is described for determining the effects of any operation that can cause such particle growth. Further, routines are described for controlling various vehicle conditions, such as deceleration fuel shut-off, to reduce effects of the particle growth on emission performance.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Harendra S. Gandhi, Christian T. Goralski, Jr., Robert W. McCabe, George Graham, Hungwen Jen
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Patent number: 7260471Abstract: An engine (drive force) control apparatus for a motorcycle that prevents a change in vehicle behavior by noise or the like. A control CPU electronically controls injection and ignition of fuel and a throttle valve. An abnormality detecting portion detects an abnormality of the engine control apparatus by a predetermined abnormality detecting period. When the abnormality is detected, primary abnormality processing of the engine control apparatus is executed. When the abnormality is not detected, primary abnormality processing is released and an electronic control at normal time of the engine control apparatus is executed. When an abnormality detecting signal detected by the abnormality detecting portion continues even an elapse of a predetermined abnormality determining time period, primary abnormality processing is shifted to secondary abnormality processing.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeshi Matsuda, Hidenori Akatsuka, Daichi Noborio
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Patent number: 7260470Abstract: A method for calibrating at least two sensors for sensing a variable characterizing the combustion process in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, operated in individual-cylinder fashion and having at least two cylinders, is provided. According to the present invention, at least one operating point of the internal combustion engine, at which an equalization of the at least two cylinders by at least one fuel quantity equalization method is performable with high accuracy, is determined. At the at least one operating point of the internal combustion engine, an equalization of the at least two cylinders is performed by the at least one fuel quantity equalization method. After the equalization of the at least two cylinders has been accomplished, at least one sensor parameter of the at least two sensors is mutually adjusted.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2003Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Jens Damitz, Dirk Samuelsen, Ruediger Fehrmann, Matthias Schueler
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Patent number: 7257481Abstract: An exhaust gas diagnosis system and a vehicle control system for automotive vehicles to reduce the communication lines and the power lines connected to the antiweatherability-required exhaust gas sensor arranged on the exterior of the vehicle are disclosed. The exhaust gas diagnosis system is configured of an engine control unit (electronic control unit), radio terminal units having the sensor function to detect the exhaust gas, and a radio communication repeater to conduct communication and share a part of the process executed by the conventional engine control unit. The communication lines between the sensor and the electronic control unit and the power lines to the sensor required in the conventional systems are eliminated while at the same time reducing the load on the electronic control unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Takanori Shimura, Masayuki Miyazaki, Kentaro Yoshimura, Yuichiro Morita
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Patent number: 7257482Abstract: Misfire of an engine is detected by extracting a pressure component of combustion from an output of a pressure sensor disposed in a cylinder. An engine misfire detection apparatus obtains a combustion parameter Cr that is a correlation between a reference signal Fc synchronous with the combustion cycle of the engine and cylinder pressure Pc obtained from an output of a pressure sensor disposed in the cylinder. The apparatus detects a misfire of the engine based on the combustion parameter. A misfire can be accurately detected even under a low load condition because the combustion parameter indicating the combustion component is extracted from the cylinder pressure as a correlation between the reference signal synchronous with the combustion cycle of the engine and the cylinder pressure obtained from the sensor output.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuji Yasui
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Patent number: 7254478Abstract: A method of estimating the quantity of secondary reaction airflow supplied to the exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine by an air injection reaction (AIR) system models airflows in an AIR pump, an AIR valve, and a plenum coupling the pump to the valve. The pump flow is modeled based on the pump speed (or pump motor voltage), the pump inlet air temperature and the pressure ratio across the pump, and the valve flow is modeled based on the pressure ratio across the valve and the valve inlet air temperature. The plenum pressure used in the pump and valve pressure ratios is modeled based on the net plenum airflow and the plenum air temperature. The estimated AIR airflow is useful for managing the air/fuel ratio in the engine exhaust system and enhancing the reliability of AIR diagnostics.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Andrew D. Herman, Peter M. Olin
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Patent number: 7254477Abstract: A system that measures the density of the air in the intake of an internal combustion engine and calculates the gain or loss in performance provides a display to an operator in real time in a single, quickly assimilated reading. A display can indicate the combined power increasing effects of turbo/superchargers that increase density and power by compressing the air, as well as charge air coolers that increase density by decreasing the temperature. Density can be measured directly, or calculated from sensor readings. Densities, as well as temperatures and pressures can be displayed as absolute values, as percentage gains or losses verses a known reference such as ambient, or as a loss or gain between density increasing devices to indicate the individual performance of the component. One embodiment incorporates a cradle mounted PDA type handheld computing device on the dashboard to provide the display, input/output and processing hardware.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Inventor: Gale C. Banks
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Patent number: 7254476Abstract: A method for ascertaining valve timing for gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine in which a combustion chamber pressure characteristic is determined, a state function being calculated from the combustion chamber pressure characteristic and a combustion chamber volume characteristic, and the timing of the gas exchange valves is determined by analyzing the state function.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Uwe Kassner
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Patent number: 7251557Abstract: An internal combustion engine that can be operated in compression ignition mode, comprising a fuel injector (2) for each cylinder; a fuel injection control unit (4) for controlling fuel injection quantity and a piston (5) in each cylinder whose compression action causes a mixture of air and fuel to be ignited. The engine is further provided with inlet and outlet valves (6, 7) and sensors (12–16) for measuring various engine operating parameters, is disclosed. During compression ignition mode, the control unit controls the fuel injector to perform a first fuel injection before, and a second fuel injection after top dead center of the piston stroke during or after a negative valve overlap period. A method for operating the engine and a computer readable storage device (4) having stored therein data representing instructions executable by a computer to implement a compression ignition for an internal combustion engine is also described.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Hans Strom, Lucien Koopmans
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Patent number: 7251551Abstract: An on-vehicle electronic control device includes an auxiliary microprocessor and subjects a microprocessor allocated to a main part of control to an external diagnosis, thereby improving reliability of performance. A microprocessor including a nonvolatile program memory into which a control program is written is serially connected to an auxiliary microprocessor including an auxiliary nonvolatile program memory. The microprocessor and the auxiliary microprocessor function in cooperation to control on-vehicle electric load groups in response to input signals from on-vehicle sensor groups and on-vehicle analog sensor group. The nonvolatile program memory and the microprocessor are subjected to runaway monitoring performed by a watchdog timer and to an external checksum diagnosis performed periodically by the auxiliary microprocessor. If an anomaly occurs in the runaway monitoring, the external checksum diagnosis, and a checksum interval, parts of electric loads are cut off of power supply by load power relay.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2004Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyuki Mitsueda, Katsuya Nakamoto, Kohji Hashimoto