Backup, Interrupt, Reset, Or Test Patents (Class 701/114)
  • Patent number: 8812220
    Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus for a multicylinder internal combustion engine includes: an EGR portion capable of executing an individual-cylinder EGR in which EGR gas is distributed and supplied individually to cylinders of the engine; a knock detection portion that detects a knock index value that represents degree of knocking, separately for each of the cylinders; an abnormality detection portion that determines presence or absence of a variation abnormality of air/fuel ratios of the cylinders during execution of the individual-cylinder EGR, and that pinpoints an abnormal cylinder after determining that the variation abnormality is present, and that calculates an imbalance index value that represents the degree of variation regarding the abnormal cylinder; and an abnormality location pinpointing portion that pinpoints an abnormality location in the abnormal cylinder based on the imbalance index value and the knock index value of the abnormal cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiro Shinagawa, Yuichi Kato
  • Patent number: 8803456
    Abstract: A motor drive control device is provided in which if any abnormality occurs in a drive control circuit, drive command signals the drive control circuit generates are interrupted at once, so that an AC motor can be stopped in safety. A monitor control circuit and drive command signal interruption circuit are provided to the drive control circuit that takes variable-speed control of the AC motor supplied with power from a DC drive power source via a semiconductor bridge circuit. If any abnormality occurs in the drive control circuit, the drive command signals the drive control circuit generates are interrupted at once. When starting operation, the drive control circuit and monitor control circuit cooperate with each other to conduct preliminary check as to whether or not the drive command signal interruption circuit operates normally, base on a predetermined time schedule, and stop the AC motor without fail if any abnormality occurs during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Zushi, Yusuke Matsuda, Mitsuyasu Kunihiro
  • Patent number: 8793052
    Abstract: A change of performance of an electromagnetic suspension unit is detected. When an integral ?|Vs??Vs*| of an absolute value of a difference between an actual value Vs* and an estimated value Vs? of an expansion/contraction velocity of a shock absorber is larger than a performance change threshold value Sth, it is detected that the performance of the electromagnetic suspension unit is changed. Further, when an integral ?|Vs*| of an absolute value of the actual value Vs* is larger than an integral ?|Vs?| of an absolute value of the estimated value Vs? by a predetermined value, performance of the shock absorber is changed such that a damping force of the shock absorber is reduced. Thus, the performance change of the electromagnetic suspension unit is detected based on the expansion/contraction velocity of the shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirofumi Inoue, Masanori Horie
  • Patent number: 8788184
    Abstract: A method for the self-diagnosis of an exhaust gas probe (20). The exhaust gas probe (20) has at least one heating element (26). The method includes a modeled heat output PH is determined for the heating element (26) by means of a computer program comparing parameters of the gas stream with a measured heat output, and determining, when the parameters of the gas stream exceeds the measured heat output by more than a defined tolerance limit, that one of the exhaust gas probe (20) is defective, and an exhaust gas section (17) in which the exhaust gas probe (20) is installed is faulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Baumann, Enno Baars, Johannes Grabis, Benjamin Hagemann, Bernhard Kamp
  • Patent number: 8762040
    Abstract: A method and device to help an aircraft change altitude in case of reduced separations is disclosed. The device, embarked on board the airplane, comprises means for determining a performing time range during which the altitude change maneuver within reduced spacings being desired by the pilots is able to be performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (SAS)
    Inventors: Pierre Depape, Christophe Maily, Jerome Gouillou, Julien Frard, Yohann Barbe
  • Patent number: 8762034
    Abstract: There are provided calculating a differential pressure deposition amount of PM deposited in a DPF based on an exhaust gas flow rate and a differential pressure of the DPF, calculating a model deposition amount of the PM using a model in which a PM amount burned in the DPF is subtracted from the PM amount, calculating a time change rate of the differential pressure deposition amount, and setting a first coefficient to be larger than a second coefficient when the exhaust gas flow rate exceeds a predetermined value and setting the first coefficient to be small when the exhaust gas flow rate exceeds the predetermined value and the time change rate is a predetermined threshold or more when multiplying the differential pressure deposition amount and the model deposition amount by the first and second coefficients, respectively, and calculating an addition value of the respective multiplied values as the PM deposition amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Oguri, Akikazu Miyahara
  • Patent number: 8746215
    Abstract: A vapor management system (10) includes a sense tube (47) disposed in a fuel tank (12). A differential pressure sensor (17) has one side connected to the sense tube and another side connected to a vapor cavity so that the pressure sensor can measure a differential pressure (DP) between a volume of the vapor cavity and a volume of the sense tube containing liquid fuel. A temperature sensor (26) is in the vapor cavity. A processor 1) receives DP and T measurements at certain time intervals to determine the temperature at time zero (T0), the differential pressure at time zero (DP0), the temperature at a certain time (Tt), and the differential pressure at a certain time (DPt), and 2) when (Tt?T0) is greater than a certain value, compares DPt to a certain differential pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Perry, Adrian O. Crisan
  • Patent number: 8739764
    Abstract: A common-rail-type fuel injection control device where an error in the correction of a fuel injection amount when an exhaust brake is used is eliminated enabling a more reliable correction of a fuel injection amount. A minute injection is performed plural times in a non-injection state. A difference between a reference energizing time, which becomes the reference for a fuel injection valve, and an actual energizing time based on a frequency component corresponding to a variation in an engine speed which is generated in the minute injection is learned. A correction control corrects an energizing time and timing. The correction control is corrected corresponding to a presence or non-presence of an operation of an exhaust brake and a magnitude of a supercharging pressure, and an amount of variation in an engine speed calculated based on a rotational variation frequency component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeyoshi Nakamura, Yasuhito Kirita, Osamu Mori
  • Patent number: 8744728
    Abstract: Over a diesel engine's lifetime, engine efficiency may be reduced and some of this may be attributable to sulfur deposit accumulation in the engine. A method for controlling operation of a diesel engine operating on a fuel is provided. The method may include adjusting an injection of fuel to the engine in response to a sulfur content of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Keli Alark, Richard Kellogg Morton
  • Patent number: 8720187
    Abstract: An exhaust diagnostic control system comprises a test enabling module, an exhaust gas temperature management module in communication with the test enabling module, and a component management module configured for executing a test for determining a reduction efficiency associated with the after-treatment component. The test enabling module is configured for assessing a reliability of an estimated level of reductant load on an after-treatment component, and, based on the reliability, selectively facilitating disablement of a subsequent test for determining an efficiency of NOx reduction in the after-treatment component. The exhaust gas temperature management module is configured for selectively adjusting a temperature of the after-treatment component to a predetermined temperature range using intrusive exhaust gas temperature management. The test for determining reduction efficiency comprises determining a NOx reduction efficiency of the after-treatment component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Janean E. Kowalkowski, Justin A. Shetney
  • Patent number: 8725393
    Abstract: A plant control apparatus includes a plant model and a control input determining device. The plant model estimates a control variable of a plant based on an input including a control parameter to adjust a first control variable of the plant. The control input determining device is configured to correct a temporary value of the control parameter so that a first control variable model value satisfies a predetermined constraint. The control input determining device is configured to determine a control input for the plant based on the temporary value of the control parameter that has been corrected. The first control variable model value is defined as an estimated value of the first control variable calculated by the plant model when the temporary value of the control parameter is input to the plant model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichiro Tsuzuki, Yuji Yasui
  • Patent number: 8694197
    Abstract: A method of diagnosing vehicle NOx sensor faults that includes sensing that an exhaust gas recirculating (EGR) valve is closed and that fuel flow to a vehicle engine is above a predetermined rate using an electronic control unit (ECU) located on a vehicle; recording the output received from an NOx sensor relative to an amount of fuel consumption over a period of time using the ECU; calculating the mean of the NOx sensor output relative to fuel consumption recorded over the period of time using the ECU; performing a least-squares estimation (LSE) using the ECU for more than one calculated mean based on an expected NOx sensor output; generating a NOx sensor gain for the NOx sensor using the ECU based on the LSE; and determining whether the NOx sensor gain is above or below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Sai S. V. Rajagopalan, Yue-Yun Wang, Scott T Feldmann
  • Patent number: 8682501
    Abstract: A data processing device includes a memory, an arithmetic circuit that accesses the memory by outputting an access control signal CTRL that controls access to the memory, a first data storage unit that stores first data used when a self-diagnosis is performed, a read-modify-write circuit that generates second data by replacing a part of the first data stored in the first data storage unit with modify data outputted from the arithmetic circuit, and a determination unit that diagnoses a failure of the read-modify-write circuit by comparing the second data with an expected value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Hosotani
  • Patent number: 8676534
    Abstract: A method for determining the rotation speed of at least one supercharger (14) in an internal combustion engine (1); the method includes detecting, through a microphone (25), the intensity of a sound signal generated by the rotation of the supercharger (14) and determining the evolution of the frequency content of the sound signal over time; determining, completely irrespective of the sound signal, a first estimation of the rotation speed of the supercharger (14) through which an interval of plausible frequencies for the rotation speed of the supercharger (14) may be determined; determining a second estimation of the rotation speed of the supercharger (14) according to the frequency content of the sound signal within the interval of plausible frequencies and validating the second estimation of the rotation speed of the supercharger (14) using the first estimation of the rotation speed of the supercharger (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele Serra, Matteo De Cesare, Federico Stola
  • Patent number: 8676425
    Abstract: A system is provided for processing container-grown plants positioned in a given area. The system includes a processing station positioned in the area for processing the container-grown plants. It also includes one or more autonomous mobile container handling robots configured to: (i) travel to a source location in the area and pick up a container-grown plant, (ii) transport the container-grown plant to the processing station where a process is performed on the container-grown plant, (iii) transport the container-grown plant from the processing station to a destination location in the area, (iv) deposit the container-grown plant at the destination location, and (v) repeat (i) through (iv) for a set of container-grown plants in the source location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Harvest Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Jones, Clara Vu, Paul E. Sandin, Charles M. Grinnell
  • Patent number: 8666641
    Abstract: A system or method for controlling a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine operable in a reduced displacement mode with at least one valve or cylinder selectively deactivated include monitoring valve operation by analyzing camshaft position to detect valve operation inconsistent with a current cylinder state (activated or deactivated) and controlling the engine in response to detecting the inconsistent operation. The camshaft position may be used to produce a surrogate signal indicative of intake/exhaust valve lift generated using camshaft sensor tooth deviation relative to an expected or reference tooth position for a corresponding crankshaft position and compared to a corresponding threshold. The surrogate signal indicative of valve lift may also be generated by pattern matching or correlation of one or more reference tooth position patterns to a measured or inferred tooth position pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Robert Andrew Wade, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Steven Joseph Szwabowski
  • Patent number: 8666642
    Abstract: A system for detecting memory corruption in an engine control module includes a variable selection module, an output module, an input module, and a response comparing module. The variable selection module selects a variable of a control system for testing. The output module outputs a predetermined value of said variable to a memory location where said variable is stored in said engine control module. The input module receives a response of said control system to said predetermined value when said predetermined value is written in said memory location. The response comparing module compares said response to a predetermined range and determines that said memory location is defective when said response is not within said predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph M. Stempnik, James A. Shore, Bryan D Lehman
  • Patent number: 8649961
    Abstract: A method to operate an electronic controlled internal combustion engine to perform on board NOx emissions level diagnostics. In one embodiment, the method may include operating the engine to maintain a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, determining whether the engine operating status is stable for one of cruise control, idle engine speed, engine torque, or high idle regeneration for a predetermined period of time, cycling the EGR valve between a first position for a predetermined period of time and then in a second position for a predetermined period of time, a determining a change in engine out NOx levels to determine whether an engine component or system is malfunctioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery Scott Hawkins, Marc Christian Allain, Justin R. Kollien
  • Patent number: 8649960
    Abstract: In a method for reading and/or storing injector-specific data for controlling an injection system of an internal combustion engine, an injector is charged by a control unit according to a predeterminable voltage curve and, depending on the case, is discharged directly by the control unit or by a power element located on a data storage medium and the voltage is measured by the control unit and by the data storage medium. Dependent upon a predeterminable voltage curve, a predeterminable amount of data is stored or read on a memory unit of the data storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Georg Bachmaier, Dominik Bergmann, Bernhard Fischer, Johann Görzen, Frank Herold, Stefan Lehmann, Thomas Schmid, Christian Tump
  • Patent number: 8635007
    Abstract: Embodiments for determining NH3 slip past a catalyst are provided. In one example, a filtering method for a NOx sensor of an exhaust gas system having an SCR catalytic converter comprises determining NOx concentration upstream of the catalytic converter, measuring NOx concentration downstream of the catalytic converter, modeling NOx conversion, modeling NH3 slip behavior, calculating a NOx error of the NOx modeling, calculating an NH3 error of the NH3 modeling, assigning data of the NOx sensor as NH3 measured values when a ratio of the NOx error to the NH3 error is greater than an upper threshold value, and assigning data of the NOx sensor as NOx measured values when the ratio of the NOx error to the NH3 error is smaller than a lower threshold value. In this way, NOx slip and NH3 slip may be determined from a common sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mario Balenovic, Yasser Mohamed Sayed Yacoub
  • Patent number: 8612125
    Abstract: A method for acquiring operating data of an internal combustion engine in a control unit during a diagnostic function of the control unit, and for transmitting the operating data from the control unit to a diagnostics device, the operating data being determined in the control unit with the aid of sensors assigned to the internal combustion engine. Desired operating data type and time resolution of the value reception is transmitted from the diagnostic device. Operating data are collected in the control unit with the aid of a diagnostic function. The diagnostics device and the control unit are connected via standardized interfaces, whose transmission speed is limited. Data values are buffered in a memory in the control unit. Speed of data acquisition may be selected independently of the transmission speed of the interface between the control unit and the diagnostics device. Data acquisition synchronous with the rotational speed is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Zeidler
  • Patent number: 8612124
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a filtering module, an indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) determination module, and a stuck mechanism indicator module. The filtering module generates engine speeds based on positions of teeth of a toothed wheel that rotates with a crankshaft and based on a crankshaft position signal generated by a crankshaft position sensor. The IMEP determination module determines an IMEP for a combustion cycle of a cylinder of an engine based on squares of first and second ones of the engine speeds during the combustion cycle. The stuck mechanism indicator module selectively diagnoses a fault in a variable valve lift (VVL) mechanism of the cylinder based on the IMEP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventors: Julian R. Verdejo, Kenneth J. Buslepp, Nicholas John Kalweit
  • Patent number: 8600647
    Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control apparatus includes a catalytic converter disposed at a position downstream of an exhaust gas aggregated portion; a downstream air-fuel ratio sensor disposed in an exhaust passage at a position downstream of the catalytic converter; first feedback amount updating means for updating a first feedback amount to have an output value of the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor coincide with a target downstream-side air-fuel ratio based on the output value of the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor; and a learning means for updating a leaning value of the first feedback amount in such a manner that the leaning value brings in a steady-state component of the first feedback amount based on the first feedback amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayuki Demura
  • Patent number: 8594913
    Abstract: A method and a device for determining, ascertaining and predicting at least one starting torque or starting torque characteristic curve required for starting an internal combustion engine for a vehicle, especially a hybrid vehicle having at least one internal combustion engine and at least one additional motor. The determination and the ascertainment of the starting torque or the starting torque characteristic curve are carried out during the operation of the vehicle. A method for operating at least one motor in a hybrid vehicle is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Steuernagel
  • Patent number: 8594914
    Abstract: A control system includes an error module, a selection module, a control module, and a hysteresis module. The error module determines an error value based on a difference between a desired position and a measured position of one of a throttle valve and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve of a vehicle. The selection module sets a control value equal to one of the error value and zero based on a comparison of the error value and a hysteresis value. The control module generates a control signal based on the desired position and the control value and actuates the one of the throttle valve and the EGR valve using the control signal. The hysteresis module selectively varies the hysteresis value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, James L. Worthing
  • Patent number: 8583349
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for an engine includes a stage transition module and a control module. The stage transition module generates a command signal based on a fuel control signal. The command signal commands a fuel system of the engine to intrusively transition between rich and lean states during a diagnostic test that includes first, second, and third stages. The first, second, and third stages are defined based on transitions between the rich and lean states. The control module during the second and third stages detects: an error with a first oxygen sensor based on a comparison between the command signal and a first oxygen signal from the first oxygen sensor; an error with a second oxygen sensor based on a second oxygen signal from the second oxygen sensor; and an error with a catalytic converter based on the first and second oxygen signals and a manifold absolute pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Igor Anilovich, John W. Siekkinen, Wesley W. Wald, Robert J. Genslak, Jeffry A. Helmick, John F. Van Gilder
  • Patent number: 8577541
    Abstract: A particulate filter ash loading prediction method including the steps of determining a service age for the particulate filter; calculating an ash accumulation rate in the particulate filter; determining a maximum service age for the particulate filter dependent upon the ash accumulation rate; and comparing the service age to the maximum service age. If the service age exceeds the maximum service age then indicating that a service and/or replacement of the particulate filter is needed due to ash loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan Nevin, Antonio Triana, Danan Dou, Taner Tuken
  • Patent number: 8577584
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine, in which a setpoint torque to be output by the internal combustion engine is restricted to a specifiable torque, in particular in response to an error in the control of the internal combustion engine. An engine speed of the internal combustion engine is determined as a function of at least one performance quantity of the internal combustion engine, and the specifiable torque is modified as a function of the determined engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Gwinner, Gholamabas Esteghlal
  • Patent number: 8573185
    Abstract: An anomaly in a high-pressure fuel system of an internal combustion engine is diagnosed early on and with high precision, and, further, the anomaly site is identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd
    Inventors: Ryusei Miura, Yoichi Iihoshi, Akihito Numata, Eisaku Fukuchi, Yoshikuni Kurashima
  • Patent number: 8555863
    Abstract: A control device is applied to an internal combustion engine capable of using CNG and gasoline by switching therebetween, and the CNG and the gasoline are associated, as fuel for use, with one and the other of two driving areas respectively, the driving areas being different from each other. The control device exceptionally switches the fuel for use from gasoline to CNG and implements an air-fuel ratio imbalance inspection (S6, S7), when the air-fuel ratio imbalance inspection is required for a CNG mode using CNG (S1), the engine is driving in a driving area (AR2) correlated to gasoline as fuel for use (S2), and gasoline mode using gasoline as fuel for use is ongoing (S3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yusuke Nakayama, Yoshihisa Shinoda, Keisuke Sano
  • Patent number: 8554455
    Abstract: An IIS system that performs control related to intermittent stopping of engine operation by idling stop control is applied to an internal combustion engine including a VVT mechanism that makes the valve timing of an engine valve variable and has an intermediate lock mechanism that mechanically locks the valve timing at an intermediate lock position between a most retarded position and a most advanced position. The IIS system is configured to inhibit the engine operation from being intermittently stopped at the occurrence of a failure of the VVT mechanism to avoid the internal combustion engine from being prevented from being restarted after the intermittent stop depending on the occurrence of the failure of the VVT mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Miyazato, Toshio Imamura, Yuu Yokoyama, Satoshi Yoshi, Yoshiki Endo, Yuu Ueda, Hiroyuki Ishii
  • Patent number: 8554454
    Abstract: A method for testing a fuel injector including providing an engine with a common rail fuel injection system having one or more fuel injectors; operating the engine at a selected set of operating conditions; conducting a motoring event; allowing a first settling duration; measuring a first rail pressure; operating a first selected injector including operating the first selected injector singly in response to a selected fuel quantity, a selected number of combustion cycles, and a selected number of injections per combustion cycle; allowing a second settling duration; measuring a second rail pressure; calculating a pressure difference value in response to the first rail pressure and the second rail pressure; inferring an amount of fuel delivered by the first selected injector in response to the pressure difference value; and evaluating a first performance factor of the first selected injector in response to the amount of fuel delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney J. Hemmerlein, Michael R. Tidwell, Anand Manthena
  • Patent number: 8554446
    Abstract: Provided is a control apparatus, which can successfully suppress that deterioration of combustion is caused in response to inflow of a large amount of blow-by gas to cylinders at the time of a valve return from a valve stop state in an internal combustion engine including a positive crankcase ventilation system and a variable valve operating mechanism that is capable of stopping at least one valve of an intake valve and exhaust valve in a closed state. A valve stop control is performed which stops the intake valve and exhaust valve in a closed state when a fuel cut of the internal combustion engine is executed. A deviation amount ?A/F between a predetermined target air fuel ratio and an actual air fuel ratio detected by an A/F sensor at the time of a valve return is obtained. A correction is performed to decrease a fuel injection amount by a fuel amount equivalent to the deviation amount ?A/F at the time of the subsequent valve returns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Sano, Kazuhiro Wakao, Takashi Nishikiori, Takashi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8538665
    Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor is provided for a motor vehicle. The gas sensor contains a digital controller and a detection circuit. The digital controller captures, by a feedback input, a value of the voltage applied to the inside of the gas sensor cell. The output of the digital controller provides a control value for the current flowing in the gas sensor cell. The detection circuit is used to detect the properties of the gas sensor cell and to adjust the dynamic control properties of the digital controller corresponding to the properties of the gas sensor cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Ekkehart-Peter Wagner
  • Patent number: 8527189
    Abstract: The present invention relates particularly to a method for detecting electric power blips during transmission of an electric signal representative of a magnitude detected by a sensor (1) to an electronic control unit associated with a motor, characterized in that it includes the steps of: a) measuring said electric signal known as “raw signal” (SBTE); b) proceeding with the filtering of said raw signal to obtain a “filtered signal” (STFE); c) calculating for a constant time pitch, |raw signal?filtered signal|, that is, the absolute value of the difference between the raw signal and the filtered signal; d) comparing said absolute value to a predetermined threshold of maximum variation (SVM); e) when said absolute value is greater than said predetermined threshold of maximum variation, declaring a state of power blip; f) otherwise, repeating the preceding steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventor: Christophe Mounetou
  • Patent number: 8527182
    Abstract: A fuel injection amount control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an ECU that commands a learning-purpose injection when a first learning condition regarding operation state and a second learning condition regarding load connection state are satisfied, and calculates an injection performance value that corresponds to the actual injection amount based on the amount of change in rotation speed, and further determines whether a delay of the learning process is permitted based on whether the learning process, despite occurrence of the delay, can be completed before the injector performance reaches a permissible limit value, and forces, when the delay is not permitted, the load connection state to be a specific connection state so as to satisfy the second learning condition. When it is determined that the delay of the learning process is permitted, the delay is permitted until the two learning conditions are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Minami, Takeshi Miyaura
  • Patent number: 8515605
    Abstract: A power supply device for a vehicle that is chargeable from an external power supply (90) provided external to the vehicle, including a main battery (BA) and a battery pack (39) that is attachable to and detachable from the vehicle. The battery pack (39) includes a sub battery (BB1) for driving electric loads (inverters 14 and 22) common to the main battery (BA) and the sub battery (BB1), and a connector (52) provided with a first storage unit storing information related to the sub battery (BB1). The power supply device for the vehicle further includes a control device (30) performing control related to the main battery (BA), and reading the information from the first storage unit and performing control related to the sub battery (BB1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshifumi Takaoka
  • Patent number: 8515651
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stabilizing a controller and to the use of that method for stabilizing a controller system in an internal combustion engine. It is proposed that the stability of the controller first be established or excluded, that the control characteristic of the controller be altered and that the stability be checked again, and that those steps be repeated in a loop. For use in internal combustion engines, it is proposed that the order of precedence for the stabilization be specified and optionally made dependent on external ambient parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stephane De Tricaud, Thomas Mueller
  • Patent number: 8508354
    Abstract: An accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling determining unit determines whether the number of engine revolutions of a vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, whether an accelerator opening rate is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, and whether a traveling state is an accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling state where a quantity of fuel injection to an engine is 0. When it is determined that the traveling state is the accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling state, the traveling distance adding-up unit adds up accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling distances. A fuel-saving driving rating unit rates driving by a driver based on each of the added-up values which were added up by the traveling distance adding-up unit. A fuel-saving driving advice generating unit notifies the driver of a fuel-saving driving advice together with a rating result in accordance with the rating result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignees: Fujitsu Ten Limited, Toyota Jidoshakabushiki Kaisha, Aisin AW Co., Ltd, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Harumoto, Kouei Kiyo, Shojiro Takeuchi, Naoki Miura, Masaki Nakamura, Hiroaki Sugiura, Yoshio Yamatani, Junichi Nonomura, Nobutaka Tauchi
  • Patent number: 8510024
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, an exhaust system having a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device, a NOx sensor, and first and second controllers. The first controller compares estimated NOx levels from an SCR model to actual levels from the sensor, and updates the SCR model when the values differ from each other. The second controller evaluates an updating frequency of the SCR model, and executes a control action when the frequency is excessive. A control system includes the sensor and two controllers noted above. A method of diagnosing the exhaust system includes measuring NOx gasses downstream of the SCR device, updating the SCR model when the deviation is present between estimated and measured NOx levels, comparing estimated ammonia (NH3) storage levels from the SCR model to modeled or estimated upper and lower NH3 storage level boundaries to determine excessive updating, and setting a diagnostic code when excessive updating is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Gady, Min Sun
  • Publication number: 20130204513
    Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate protecting vehicle impact event data from overwrite include an electronic control unit (ECU) having a processor that records event data related to vehicle operation, a memory that stores the event data, and an electronic tool that communicates with the ECU and comprises a data locking module that sends a data lock signal to the ECU to lock the stored event data as locked data such that the stored event data cannot be overwritten. The ECU, in response to the data lock signal, stores the event data as locked data in a dedicated portion of the memory to preserve the event data for subsequent review.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Ananda Pandy, Mark A. Bennett, Brendan J. Chan
  • Patent number: 8504280
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for an engine includes an error detection module and a diagnostic module. The error detection module selectively detects a fuel control error based on a change in a fuel correction value used to determine a quantity of fuel supplied directly to an exhaust system. The diagnostic module identifies a cause of the fuel control error based on a period since a last refueling event. The diagnostic module identifies the cause as one of variation in an actual heating value of the fuel and faulty operation of a fuel injection system that supplies the fuel. The diagnostic module further identifies the cause based on a first amount of the fuel contained in a fuel tank at a start of the last refueling event and a second amount of the fuel added to the fuel tank during the last refueling event. A control system and method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Scot A. Douglas, Jason Daniel Mullins
  • Patent number: 8494705
    Abstract: A universal power box for diagnosing, programming and powering an electronic control module includes at least one diesel engine control, a universal power box connector, and a diagnostic device connector. The power box connector is in circuit relationship to the diesel engine control and an electronic control module of a diesel engine. The diagnostic connector is in circuit relationship to the power box connector and a diagnostic device, which may be a third-party diagnostic device or a computer. A first wiring harness connects the power box connector to the vehicle side of the electronic control module. A second wiring harness connects the diagnostic device connector to the diagnostic device. A power source in circuit relationship to the power box connector provides power to the electronic control module when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Evans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8494706
    Abstract: The system and method for determining the operational condition of an electric fuel pump (16). The test apparatus (22) is configured to perform first, second and third tests. During the first test, a low voltage, low current signal is applied to produce an inductive reflectance from the pump armature winding. During the second test, continuity is assessed in the coil winding circuit. During the third test, a higher power, short duration pulse is applied to create rotational movement of the pump armature for the purpose of detecting mechanical and/or electrical issues not otherwise discerned from the prior tests. An optional fourth test may be conducted in which the pump (16) is run for a short period of time at standard operating power to generate a current waveform. Collected test data is compared to stored reference data sets using a processor contained within the test apparatus (22). If collected test data corresponds within an acceptable threshold range to the reference data, a PASS signal is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Robert J. McGaughey
  • Patent number: 8489312
    Abstract: A method and control module includes a manifold absolute pressure comparison module that determines a function of the manifold absolute pressure and an average manifold absolute pressure for a plurality of cylinders and that compares the manifold absolute pressure parameter to a manifold absolute pressure threshold. The control module includes a misfire event module that compares the misfire parameter to a misfire threshold. A hardware remedy module performs a valve actuation hardware remedy in response to comparing the manifold absolute pressure and comparing the misfire parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph R. Dulzo, Joshua D. Cowgill, Andrew P. Bagnasco
  • Patent number: 8485167
    Abstract: An abnormality detection apparatus includes: an air/fuel ratio control portion that performs a control of fluctuating the air/fuel ratio between rich and lean states; a data acquisition portion that acquires, as data for detecting abnormality, a parameter that corresponds to responsiveness during change of output of the A/F sensor between rich and lean peaks during the control; a straight line setting portion that sets a straight line that represents a tendency of change of the parameter relative to change in intake air amount of the engine based on the data acquired by performing acquisition of the data a plurality of times; and an abnormality determination portion that determines the presence/absence of abnormality of the A/F sensor based on comparison between the gradient of the set straight line and an abnormality criterion value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeo Ogiso, Hiroaki Tsuji, Yuya Yoshikawa, Keiko Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8483936
    Abstract: A method to calibrate the fuel injection in at least one combustion chamber of a Diesel engine includes: a) recording the combustion noise power or amplitude in the combustion chamber over a piston position range [?1i;?2i], b) at the same time, recording the piston position during the same piston position range [?1i;?2i], c) determining from the preceding recordings for which piston position Kmin-i the measured combustion noise power passes through a minimum Pmin-i when the piston moves from position ?1i to position ?2i, d) adjusting the fuel injection according to the determined piston position Kmin-i.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Renault Trucks
    Inventor: Florent Giovaresco
  • Patent number: 8478510
    Abstract: Over a diesel engine's lifetime, engine efficiency may be reduced and some of this may be attributable to sulfur deposit accumulation in the engine. A method for controlling operation of a diesel engine operating on a fuel is provided. The method may include adjusting an injection of fuel to the engine in response to a sulfur content of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Keli Alark, Richard Kellogg Morton
  • Publication number: 20130158844
    Abstract: A method for operating a control unit for an internal combustion engine is described, the control unit together with at least one additional control unit actuating the internal combustion engine in a first operating mode, wherein the control unit monitors the at least one additional control unit for a malfunction and/or failure, and in the event of a malfunction and/or failure of the at least one additional control unit, the control unit switches from the first operating mode to a second operating mode, in which the control unit is able to maintain an operation of the internal combustion engine independently of the at least one additional control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Torsten GRAHLE
  • Patent number: 8457862
    Abstract: An improved control and diagnostic algorithm for coordinating the operation and checking reliability of oil control valves for a vane-type camshaft phaser in an internal combustion engine. A first oil control valve governs the rotational position of the phaser rotor within the stator, and a second oil control valve controls the locking and unlocking of a locking pin operable between the rotor and the stator. The algorithm determines when a change is needed in the position of the locking pin, commands the rotor to a predetermined angular position to permit the position change to be carried out, determines whether the commanded change was carried out successfully, and reports instances wherein the commanded locking pin position change was unsuccessful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Pfeiffer