Backup, Interrupt, Reset, Or Test Patents (Class 701/114)
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Patent number: 6935317Abstract: A fuel supply system includes one fuel supply and diagnostic module that is used to control various fuel supply system components. The fuel supply and diagnostics module includes a fuel system control unit that operates separately from an engine control unit. The engine control unit and fuel system control unit are electrically connected together via a two-wire connection. The fuel supply and diagnostics module includes a fuel pump with controls and diagnostics generated by the fuel system control unit. The fuel supply and diagnostics module also includes a fuel level sensor and leak detection apparatus that also have controls and diagnostic generated by the fuel system control unit. The fuel supply and diagnostics module is easily installed into a fuel tank as a single unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive CorporationInventors: Juergen Wiesenberger, Richard Hurley
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Patent number: 6937933Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a drive unit, in particular, of an internal combustion engine in a vehicle, in which at least one performance quantity of the drive unit is detected and at least one actuator of the drive unit is controlled with controlled variables, depending on this performance quantity, according to predefinable or preselectable functionalities. In a controller, at least two processors process the possible functionalities, where these functionalities are defined by program code in at least one assigned program memory per processor. These possible functionalities of the processors, i.e., the program codes in the program memories assigned to the processors are identical.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2000Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ruediger Jautelat, Rainer Sommer, Taskin Ege
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Patent number: 6934622Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes first and second exhaust paths, and a first NOx adsorber located in the first exhaust path. A flow control valve controls the relative amounts of exhaust gas flowing through the first and second exhaust paths. A first injector injects a reductant into the exhaust gas stream. The injector is located so as to inject the reductant at a location adjacent to the flow control valve to cause mixing of the reductant and the exhaust gas and to allow regeneration of the first NOx adsorber.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Detroit Diesel CorporationInventor: Kevin Dean Sisken
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Patent number: 6928361Abstract: A control apparatus for a motor vehicle is provided in which each of a plurality of output values of the vehicle varies depending upon a plurality of input control parameters for controlling the vehicle. The control apparatus changes the input control parameter or parameters so that each of the output values becomes substantially equal to a corresponding target output value. The control apparatus then determines adapted values of the input control parameters, based on values of the input control parameters obtained when each of the output values becomes substantially equal to the corresponding target output value or falls within a permissible adaptation range of the target output value.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigeki Nakayama, Toshio Suematsu, Takao Fukuma, Tomihisa Oda, Yasuo Harada, Akio Matsunaga, Tomoyuki Ono, Teruhiko Miyake, Yoshitsugu Suzuki
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Patent number: 6925374Abstract: A misfire detection apparatus of an internal combustion engine for detecting combustion or a misfire of an air fuel mixture in the internal combustion engine based on an ion current generated at the combustion time of the air fuel mixture. The misfire detection apparatus includes ion current detection means and misfire determination means. The ion current detection means detects the ion current responsive to the amount of ions occurring in a cylinder just after combustion of the air fuel mixture in the cylinder in the internal combustion engine. The misfire determination means calculates a predetermined function based on the ion current detection value and determines that the condition is combustion when the magnitude exceeds a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kenji Matsushita, Kimihiko Tanaya, Koichi Okamura, Mitsuru Koiwa
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Patent number: 6925376Abstract: A system for diagnosing operation of a cooling system for an internal combustion engine includes a coolant temperature sensor producing a temperature signal corresponding to coolant fluid temperature, means for determining either an engine load or a throttle percentage, and a control computer configured to diagnose operation of the cooling system as a function of the temperature signal, either the engine load or throttle percentage, and a fuel delivery command for controllably supplying fuel to the engine. After expiration of a diagnostic period, the control computer diagnoses the cooling system as normally operating if the diagnostic period ended by the temperature signal meeting or exceeding a predefined temperature and if a total energy used by the engine during the diagnostic period is less than an estimated energy, and diagnoses the cooling system as failing if the total energy used during the diagnostic period otherwise meets or exceeds the estimated energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Cummins, Inc.Inventors: Xiaoqiu Li, Todd C. Slater, Mark R. Stepper, Anthony J. Abbenante, Stephanie L. Goerges, Yue Yun Wang
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Patent number: 6925375Abstract: A method of determining an engine controller module (ECM) parameter set, the method includes specifying at least one criteria, determining whether at least one existing parameter set matches the specified criteria, presenting a report that indicates at least one matching parameter set when there is at least one matching parameter set, and presenting an alert when there is no matching parameter set, wherein the method is implemented via an ECM vendor extranet on a World Wide Web server.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Detroit Diesel CorporationInventors: Curtis Paul Ritter, Jeffery Scott Hawkins, James Edward Zuccaro, Victor James Meloche, Karen Elizabeth Weber
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Patent number: 6922628Abstract: The present invention includes an engine diagnostic method and routine, wherein a method of using an ionization signal to perform an engine diagnostic routine includes the steps of detecting the ionization signal; integrating the ionization signal over a first sampling window to generate a first integration ionization value; detecting a peak of the ionization signal over said first sampling window to generate a first peak ionization value; integrating the ionization over a second sampling window to generate a second integration ionization value; detecting a peak of the ionization signal over a second sampling window to generate a second peak ionization value; and diagnosing the engine using said ionization signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Guoming G. Zhu, Chao Daniels
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Patent number: 6920387Abstract: A control system for determining the net power output of an engine associated with a work machine or other vehicle wherein parasitic loads encountered during engine operation are taken into account, the control system including an electronic controller coupled to the engine, at least one sensor coupled to the controller for inputting at least one signal representative of certain operating parameters associated with the engine, and at least one other sensor coupled to the controller for inputting at least one signal representative of the operation of any parasitic load encountered during engine operation, the controller being operable to determine the total output power of the engine and the power requirements associated with any parasitic load based upon the sensor signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2001Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: James W. Landes, Mark E. Rettig
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Patent number: 6917875Abstract: A signal processing apparatus for detecting and displaying the properties of diesel fuel powered compression-ignition engines senses strain pulses in the fuel injection rail structure to perform a variety of testing functions. Among other capabilities, the apparatus permits the user to establish stroboscope timing, to measure engine RPM, to view the relationship between crankshaft position and injection time, and to examine the time-dependent properties of strain pulses on individual fuel injectors in order to evaluate the condition of the diesel engine.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Inventors: Dale R. Boysen, Scott R. Sebastian, William W. Wittliff, III, Martin P. Franz
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Patent number: 6917873Abstract: A vehicle system controls a compression ignition internal combustion engine equipped with a supercharger system including a plurality of superchargers. The compression ignition internal combustion engine has an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The vehicle system determines a desired intake manifold supercharging state (tQac) and a desired EGR rate (Megr). The vehicle system includes control logics, each having a first input parameter and a second input parameter, for determining desired set points (Rvnt1 & Rvnt2) for the plurality of superchargers, respectively. The desired set points are used to control the plurality of superchargers, respectively. The vehicle system also includes control logic for determining the first input parameters in response to the desired intake manifold supercharging state. The vehicle system further includes control logic for determining the second input parameters in response to the desired EGR rate.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 12, 2005Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyuki Itoyama
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Patent number: 6915203Abstract: An engine control system has a self-diagnosis function of an exhaust system. The self-diagnosis function includes a first mode for detecting a failure or abnormality of the exhaust system as a whole, and a second mode for determining and locating a specific failed component in the exhaust system. The first mode is executed during the engine is operated under a normal condition. Therefore it is possible to detect the failure of the exhaust system without lowering a drive performance or increasing emissions. In case of detecting any failure in the first mode, the second mode is activated in response to a command signal that can be entered via a service tool. In the second mode, the engine is operated in order to determine the failed component. In the second mode, determining the failed component takes priority over keeping the drive performance or reducing emissions.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: DENSO CorporationInventors: Yoshinori Maegawa, Syujiro Morinaga, Hisashi Iida, Tatsuya Oka, Masakazu Yamada
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Patent number: 6912460Abstract: The method for knock detection includes establishing that knock is occurring in the internal combustion engine when the amplified knock signal exceeds a predetermined reference level in a predetermined manner. The reference level is determined on the basis of individual cylinders and the increase in the reference level is limited when a new reference level leaves a predetermined reference level range or the gradient of the sound increase exceeds a predetermined threshold value. For determination of the reference level range and/or the threshold for the gradient average values of the signals originating from the sound of other cylinders are considered.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Juergen Sauler, Oskar Torno, Axel Heinstein, Carsten Kluth, Werner Haeming
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Patent number: 6909961Abstract: A method and an arrangement are suggested for determining a temperature quantity in a mass flow line which includes a throttle position and to which an additional gas mass flow is supplied after the throttle position. The temperature ahead of the throttle position is determined on the basis of the portion of the additional gas mass flow in the total flow in dependence upon the temperature of the mixture of the two gas mass flows as well as the temperature of the introduced gas mass flow.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ernst Wild, Mario Falk
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Patent number: 6907343Abstract: In a malfunction detecting system of an engine cooling apparatus constituted as a radiator having a thermostat that opens/closes a communicating passage between the engine and the radiator, estimated coolant temperature is calculated using a thermal load parameter correlated to rise in the coolant temperature after engine starting, whilst an engine standing time period is detected. Then, the detected engine standing time period is compared with a predetermined value and based on a result of comparison, one of preset threshold values including a malfunction discrimination threshold value and a malfunction discrimination execute threshold value is selected.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2004Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshinori Tsukamoto, Eisaku Gosyo
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Patent number: 6907341Abstract: A misfire detector is provided that is accurate even in the case of a disturbance due to causes such as driving on a rough road. The misfire detector is equipped with a crankshaft revolution detector to measure the time period required for the crankshaft of an internal-combustion engine to revolve for a given angle. A signal-processor is also provided for detecting the misfiring of the internal-combustion engine by processing the time period. In one embodiment, the misfire detector has two filters having the same sensitivity to the misfire frequency, and differing in the sensitivity to frequencies adjacent to said misfire frequency. It can be determined that a misfire has occurred if the ratio or difference between the outputs of the two filters stays within a fixed range and one or both of the filters have respective outputs exceeding a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toshihiro Aono, Eisaku Fukuchi, Toshio Hori, Yutaka Takaku
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Patent number: 6904354Abstract: A system and a method for correcting the injection characteristics of at least one injector, having a device for storing information and an arrangement for controlling the at least one injector, taking into account the stored information. The information may be ascertained by comparing setpoint values to actual values individually at a plurality of test points of at least one injector, and may be specific.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Peter Kuegel, Guenter Veit, Ernst Kloppenburg
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Patent number: 6904543Abstract: An engine control ECU includes a microcomputer, which includes CPU, RAM, ROM, FPU and I/O. The FPU performs floating-point calculations and the CPU carries out operations other than the floating-point calculations. The CPU checks whether non-numeric exists, and performs backup processing when the non-numeric is found. In the backup processing, the RAM data is initialized by writing default values harmless to control as the RAM data. In addition to or alternative to the initialization, the CPU disables a floating-point calculation of the FPU. Without using the FPU, the CPU performs engine control operations by using integer data instead of floating-point data.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Mitsuhiro Kawai, Masato Yano, Takatoshi Sugimura
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Patent number: 6904352Abstract: A method for estimating engine torque loss due to a fan. A table of maximum fan torque losses is compiled at a plurality of engine speeds. An engine control unit (ECU) is configured with the table of maximum fan torque losses. A first maximum fan torque loss and a second maximum fan torque loss for an engine speed are retrieved from the table. A maximum fan torque loss for the engine speed is estimated by interpolating between the first maximum fan torque loss and the second maximum fan torque loss. An engine torque loss estimate is calculated by adjusting the maximum fan torque loss based on a set of predetermined fan characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Detroit Diesel CorporationInventors: Jeffery S. Hawkins, Richard M. Avery, Jr., Leopold Super
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Patent number: 6904357Abstract: A method and an arrangement control the output quantity (NMOTACT) of a drive unit (1) of a vehicle. The method and arrangement make possible a time-optimal control strategy especially during a shift operation of the vehicle. The output quantity (NMOTACT) is adjusted with the aid of an adjusting quantity (MDES) and tracks an input value (NMOTDES). In at least one pregiven operating state of the vehicle, the actuating quantity (NMOTDES) is brought to a pregiven limit value (MO, MU) when a pregiven control deviation (dnv) of the output quantity (NMOTACT) is exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Dirk Hartmann, Holger Jessen, Mathieu Courtes
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Patent number: 6901326Abstract: Circuit layout to control at least one electrical component of a motor vehicle via a control signal, wherein the circuit layout comprises a digital control unit that provides an output signal during its operation, the circuit layout has a supply terminal, and the digital control unit starts its operation when the supply terminal has an operating voltage above a predetermined threshold value. The digital control unit stops its operation when the supply terminal has an operating value below the threshold value, wherein the circuit layout comprises a circuit block in order to provide for the control signal, during the operation of the digital control unit the circuit block provides for the control signal based on the output signal of the digital control unit, and the circuit block maintains the momentary control signal for a predetermined period of time after the operation of the digital control unit is ended.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignees: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, Siemens VDO Automotive CorporationInventors: Stephan Bolz, Günter Lugent, Mauricio Eduardo Hernandez-Distancia
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Patent number: 6901327Abstract: A computer controller is described for disabling fuel injection into cylinder groups of an engine. The system controls engine output a reduced engine torques without reducing engine air amounts below an engine misfire amount by reducing the number of cylinders carrying out combustion. Engine airflow is controlled to maintain accurate torque at requested levels throughout engine operating ranges.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Karl Bidner, Gopichandra Surnilla, Michael John Cullen, Shane Elwart
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Patent number: 6898510Abstract: In a method of controlling an internal combustion engine, at least one operating variable is controlled, a pre-control ignition timing efficiency is formed as a function of operating parameters of the engine and/or external intervention measures, and the pre-control ignition timing efficiency determines the setpoint values of the at least one operating variable. In a transition from a first operating state to a second operating state, the pre-control ignition timing efficiency is varied by a transition function.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Andreas Roth, Michael Nicolaou
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Patent number: 6898499Abstract: A control system enables a considerable decrease in electric power consumption of backup power, leading to effective prevention of a dead battery, while data in each control unit which need be maintained even after power is turned off is properly maintained. An ECU has a first transmitter to transmit data which need be maintained to an ECU for storage when a change in position of an IGSW connected to a battery to the off position is detected, and a power supply cutoff circuit to cut off the power supply to the other ECUs after the completion of the transmission of data to the ECU for storage by the first transmitter, wherein the ECU for storage has a first storage controller to store the data transmitted from the other ECUs in RAM, and a power switching circuit to detect the change of the IGSW to the off position and switch the power of the ECU for storage to the backup power.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Fujitsu Ten LimitedInventors: Hiroshi Arita, Shuuji Kimura
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Patent number: 6898509Abstract: A method of controlling an internal combustion engine is provided, in which at least two operating states are differentiated, at least one operating variable of the engine being controlled, a setpoint torque being predetermined on the basis of the optimum operating point for the respective operating state and on the basis of the position of a throttle valve operated by the driver, and the value of at least one operating variable to be output being determined from the setpoint torque. A cylinder-individual firing angle retardation value is predetermined by a knock control system, so that the cylinder-individual firing angle retardation value is taken into account directly in calculating the setpoint torque.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2001Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Michael Nicolaou, Juergen Neubert
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Patent number: 6898512Abstract: A method of testing a shut down system for an electronically controlled diesel engine including the steps of changing the primary or main rating to a test rating that runs at reduced nominal horsepower and at speeds higher than the overspeed trigger point to actuate the shut down system during the test.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2004Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Detroit Diesel CorporationInventors: Curtis P. Ritter, Jeffrey A. Strauss
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Patent number: 6898511Abstract: A method and an arrangement for monitoring a pressure sensor are suggested which determines a value representing the ambient pressure of an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, an index for the extent of the correction of the mixture composition via the mixture control system is determined and the supplied air mass is detected from the throttle flap angle and the intake manifold pressure. A fault in the determination of the ambient pressure is detected when the measured air mass deviates from the computed air mass and the correction of the mixture control system is less than a predetermined limit value and when, for an open throttle flap, intake manifold pressure and ambient pressure deviate impermissibly from each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Helmut Denz, Ernst Wild
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Patent number: 6892129Abstract: A vehicle electronic control system has a control CPU and a monitor CPU. The control CPU performs a fail-safe processing thereby to reduce an engine output torque, when the monitor CPU monitoring the control CPU detects that the control CPU fails to perform throttle control for an engine. When the monitor CPU detects that the control CPU fails to perform the fail-safe processing, it performs a fail-safe processing in place of the control CPU. In this fail-safe processing, the monitor CPU continues to reset the control CPU so that the engine may be forcibly stopped.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignees: Denso Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hidemasa Miyano
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Patent number: 6889133Abstract: A system for detecting conditions indicative of substandard performance of cylinders in an internal combustion engine includes an engine control unit disposed in operable communication with the engine and a computer disposed in informational communication with the engine control unit. A method for utilizing the system includes comparing fuel requirements of the engine operating under power of all cylinders and under the successive arrest of each of the cylinders or sets of cylinders. The process is repeated until each cylinder or set of cylinders is arrested and all of the data can be compiled and considered to determine the performance of each cylinder or set of cylinders. The system measures the required fuel with all cylinders operating and enables a recommendation to be made with respect to corrective or maintenance measures that should be undertaken with respect to the isolation of the individual cylinder(s) which may be determined to be weak or non-functioning.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Cecil Daniel, Laurence Richard Handler, Robert Douglas Cryer, Dario Patricio Escobar, James Kostrubanic, Rocco Volpe, Jr., Ajith Kuttannair Kuma, Vince Dunsworth
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Patent number: 6885934Abstract: A method of determining a camshaft position. The method comprises determining temperatures, measuring camshaft deviations, and determining a camshaft deviation gradient. Embodiments of the invention may also take the form of a camshaft position temperature compensation system having a memory, a gradient processing module, a temperature sensor, a camshaft position sensor, and an approximation module.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch CorporationInventor: Hansjoerg Bochum
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Patent number: 6885932Abstract: A method and system for a misfire detection acquires (301) a series of acceleration data (302) representative of acceleration behavior of an engine. The data is sampled (304) to obtain acceleration data samples at a rate sufficient to obtain up to fourth-order perturbations of the data. The samples are filtered (322) to provide bandwidth limited samples, which are provided to at least two channels (325, 329). The samples are pattern matched (332) in a first channel to enhance harmonic phenomena and pattern canceled (330) in a second channel to enhance random phenomena. Hard and random misfires are detected (334) dependent on a magnitude of the filtered acceleration data samples. Preferably, a third channel (335) is added to detect multiple misfires.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Louis Yizhang Liu, Richard J. Gilbert, Donald P. Kultgen, Jeffrey D. Naber, Hanlong Yang
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Patent number: 6882928Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for diagnosing emissions in a multi-banked catalyst emissions system for a motor vehicle. A method of diagnosing emissions in a multi-banked emissions system suitably includes obtaining an emissions measurement for each bank in the multi-banked emissions system, converting the emissions measurements to scaled values, adding the scaled values to obtain a total emission value, and triggering an indication if the total emission value exceeds a pre-determined maximum. A system for processing emissions from an engine in a motor vehicle typically includes multiple exhaust banks and a processor. Each of the exhaust banks includes a catalytic converter and at least one oxygen sensor. The processor receives measurements from the oxygen sensors, converts the measurements to scaled values as a percentage of a threshold value, computes a total emission value from the scaled values, and triggers an indication if the total emission value exceeds the threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: James R. Yurgil
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Patent number: 6882929Abstract: A method and system may be provided to perform a process for controlling NOx emissions of an target engine. In one embodiment of the invention, the process may include determining predicted NOx values based on a model reflecting a predetermined relationship between control parameters and NOx emissions, wherein the control parameters include ambient humidity, manifold pressure, manifold temperature, fuel rate, and engine speed associated with the engine. Further, the process may include adjusting the model based on a determination of whether the predicted NOx values meet a predetermined criteria associated with actual NOx values. The adjusted model may be stored in a memory associated with the engine whereby NOx emissions exhausted from the engine may be reduced based on virtual NOx emission values determined from the adjusted model.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Cho Y. Liang, Syamaia Srinivasan, Evan E. Jacobson
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Patent number: 6879903Abstract: A method of estimating an injection delay of a fuel injector. A baseline injection delay curve representing an injection delay for a predetermined type of fuel injector is established for a range of rail pressures. At least one test rail pressure for the predetermined type of fuel injector is identified based on the baseline injection delay curve. An injection delay of a selected fuel injector of the predetermined type is measured at the at least one test rail pressure. The injection delay of the selected fuel injector is estimated based on the baseline injection delay curve and the measured injection delay of the selected fuel injector at the identified test rail pressure.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Salim A. Jaliwala, Michael S. Lukich, Scott R. Schuricht, Rammohan Sankar
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Patent number: 6879906Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine determine a catalyst gain based on an exhaust gas sensor positioned upstream relative to a catalyst and at least one exhaust gas sensor positioned downstream relative to at least a portion of the catalyst and use the gain to determine the condition or performance of the catalyst. The gain may be determined by modeling the catalyst as an integrator with an unknown gain and estimating the gain using a polynomial approximation. The gain is compared to an expected value or threshold associated with current operating conditions, such as catalyst temperature and/or mass air flow.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Imad Hassan Makki, Gopichandra Surnilla, James Michael Kerns, Stephen B. Smith
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Patent number: 6873902Abstract: Methods and devices for measuring and calculating various kinds of parameters of a running engine are disclosed. A camera may be positioned to capture a plurality of images of a moving component that is being driven by the an engine. From the plurality of images, a velocity of the moving component may be measured, and an acceleration then derived. From the derived acceleration, various parameters of the running engine may be calculated, including but not limited to, number of firing cylinders, rotational rate, and relative cylinder balance. These and other parameters may then be reported, such as through a display screen, to a user. The methods and devices disclosed herein may also generate recommendations for specific kinds of maintenance to an engine based on the results of parameter measurements and calculations, then report those recommendations to a user.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Snap-On IncorporatedInventor: William Welch
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Patent number: 6871135Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for operating an internal combustion engine (1) wherein a fault of a pressure system with a pressure sensor (14) is determined by a first diagnostic system (14?) of the engine (1). The pressure sensor (14) is especially a pressure sensor of a high pressure fuel system of the engine. For a plausibility consideration of a pressure system fault, which is determined by the first diagnostic system (14?), at least one further diagnostic system (18?) of the engine (1) is checked as to a second fault.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Jens Wolber, Thomas Frenz, Karsten Hinn, Timm Hollmann
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Patent number: 6871136Abstract: A method and control system for verifying cold start emissions reduction control in a vehicle using an internal combustion engine utilizes measured engine speed and commanded ignition timing to calculate an estimated actual engine-out thermal energy flow. An expected thermal energy flow is calculated based on designed engine speed and ignition timing. A residual energy flow is calculated based on a difference between the estimated actual thermal energy flow and the expected thermal energy flow. Meanwhile, a system quality-weighting factor is calculated based on several measured engine parameters. A qualified energy flow residual is calculated based on the system quality weight and the residual energy flow. The qualified energy residual flow is accumulated, averaged based on the accumulated quality weight, and then filtered.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2004Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Wenbo Wang, Richard B. Jess, Lyle E. Hamilton, Daniel G. Bolstrum, Matthew J. Roelle, John F. Van Gilder, David N. Belton, Richard W. Amann, Fang-Cheng J. Fu
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Patent number: 6868330Abstract: A method of operating a knock detection system of a multi-cylinder piston engine in which the knock detection system comprises a sensor arranged in connection with each cylinder and a measurement circuit connected to the sensor includes running the engine at a load being less than full load and setting the output signal of each separate sensor between certain preset limits by adjusting one or more adjustment variables of the measurement circuit. The values of the adjustment variables for each separate cylinder are stored in the detection system. During normal use, the engine is run and the previously stored values of the adjustment values for each cylinder are used in the knock detection system.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Wartsila Finland OyInventor: Ari Saikkonen
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Patent number: 6868327Abstract: A device for estimating the amount of intake air of an internal combustion engine comprising intake pipe pressure calculation means for calculating an intake pipe pressure, at this time, downstream of the throttle valve, and intake air amount calculation means for calculating the amount of intake air, at this time, based on the intake pipe pressure at this time calculated by said intake pipe pressure calculation means, is provided. The intake pipe pressure calculation means calculates the intake pipe pressure at this time by using the intake pipe pressure calculated at the last time and the amount of air passing through the throttle valve at the last time calculated by means for calculating the amount of air passing through the throttle valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Harufumi Muto
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Patent number: 6868326Abstract: There are provided a control apparatus capable of controlling a controlled object with reduce dead time in sign inversion between the input to and the output from one of ?? and ?? modulation algorithms, thereby attaining improved convergence of the output from the controlled object to a target value and improved controllability. An ECU of the control apparatus calculates a limiting value DSMVO2L of a reference input DSMVO2, as DSMVO2L=?1 when DSMVO2<?1, DSMVO2L=1 when 1<DSMVO2, and DSMVO2L=DSMVO2 in the other cases. By inputting the limiting value DSMVO2L to a ? ? modulation algorithm, a DSM output is calculated, according to which the air-fuel ratio of a mixture supplied to an internal combustion engine is controlled such that output from an oxygen concentration sensor converges to a target value.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuji Yasui
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Patent number: 6868328Abstract: A method and system for controlling fuel for an internal combustion engine. Two fuel demand signals are provided, one from an idle speed fuel controller (i.e., a base fuel demand signal) and one from pedal position (i.e., an unmodified pedal fuel demand signal). The pedal position signal is a function of engine speed and actual pedal position. A modified pedal position fuel demand signal is produced. The modified pedal fuel demand signal is equal to the unmodified pedal fuel demand increased by a bias value. The bias value is a predetermined offset, or hysteresis value, from the base fuel demand signal. The actual fuel supplied to the engine is equal to the greater of the base fuel demand signal and the modified pedal fuel demand signal. With such method, the amount of dead pedal time delay is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Brien Lloyd Fulton
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Patent number: 6865474Abstract: A control device for an internal combustion engine includes a control circuit and at least one interface for communication of the control circuit with a sensor and/or an actuator for detecting and/or controlling of operating parameters of the internal combustion engine, as well as an additional interface for communication with a dynamo-electric generator, for detecting and/or controlling of operating parameters of the generator.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Guenter Braun, Rainer Sommer, Frank Worbis, Taskin Ege
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Patent number: 6865473Abstract: A method and a device for controlling an internal combustion engine having a central control unit and a peripheral control unit are described. The central control unit transmits request signals to the peripheral control unit. At least two load circuits receive control signals from the peripheral control unit. The peripheral control unit checks the request signals and/or additional signals for plausibility.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2001Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Juergen Moessinger, Andreas Raff, Juergen Gross, Michael Gerlach
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Patent number: 6862516Abstract: When detection of malfunction is interrupted for any reason, the integrated purge amount is cleared, and the next malfunction judgment conditions are determined satisfied when said integrated purge amount is not less than a second predetermined value shorter than said first predetermined value. The detection of malfunction is carried out again by purging the canister taking a time shorter than conventionally required. As a result, a fuel gas purge system having failure diagnostic function and being capable of improving frequency in detection of malfunction and preventing deterioration in drivability and emission is obtained.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinya Fujimoto
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Patent number: 6862518Abstract: In the method of monitoring a cooling fluid circuit of an internal combustion engine with setting a first error signal if a deviation of an actual value of a temperature from a desired value of the temperature exceeds a predetermined amount, a second error signal is set, which indicates a possible lack of antifreeze if a starting temperature is below the freezing point of water, a first error signal was present, the first error signal is no longer present after a predetermined time which is a function of the engine starting temperature and a build-in energy balance exceeds a threshold which is a function of the engine starting temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Juergen Schwabe, Peter Wiltsch
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Patent number: 6856891Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for eliminating a step in a control input before and after switching between control processing based on one modulation algorithm selected from a ? modulation algorithm, a ?? modulation algorithm, and a ?? modulation algorithm and control processing based on a response specified control algorithm to avoid a sudden change in the output of a controlled object in the event of the switching.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuji Yasui
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Patent number: 6850835Abstract: A method and apparatus for trimming a fuel injector located on an engine. The method and apparatus includes modifying an engine speed control, interrupting at least one injection event, monitoring a change associated with an engine speed, and responsively trimming the injector.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Travis Barnes, Mike Lukich, Scott Leman
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Patent number: 6850833Abstract: A system for diagnosing operation of a delta pressure sensor used with an internal combustion engine comprises an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold each operatively coupled to the engine, an EGR conduit fluidly coupled between the intake and exhaust manifolds, and a flow restriction mechanism disposed in-line with the EGR conduit, wherein the delta pressure sensor produces a delta pressure signal indicative of a pressure differential across the flow restriction mechanism. A control computer compares the delta pressure signal to a modeled delta pressure value modeled as a function of at least engine speed and one of engine load and engine output torque percentage, and diagnoses a fault state of the delta pressure sensor based on the comparison.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Cummins, Inc.Inventors: Yue Yun Wang, Peter Rauznitz, Martin T. Brooks
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Patent number: 6847872Abstract: Diagnostic codes from a vehicle or other system in transit are transmitted to an opportunity server, which forwards the codes to a supplemental diagnostic service provider. The diagnostic service provider determines if supplemental diagnostics software functions are available, and if so, downloads them to the vehicle. After executing the supplemental diagnostics, the vehicle reports updated codes to the opportunity server. Multiple cycles of selection, downloading and execution of supplemental diagnostics may be performed until fault isolation is achieved, following which the opportunity server issues requests for bids to potential repair service provides. Responding offers are received, coalesced and presented to the operator. The operator of the vehicle is presented with one or more coalesced offers, upon selection of which, a service is scheduled.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: William Kress Bodin, Derral C. Thorson