Backup, Interrupt, Reset, Or Test Patents (Class 701/114)
  • Patent number: 8249795
    Abstract: A method for detection of emissions levels during extended engine speed controlled operation is provided. The method includes monitoring mass airflow passing through the engine while operating the engine. The method further includes adjusting mass airflow responsive to engine speed to maintain a desired engine speed. The method further includes shutting down the engine when engine mass airflow becomes higher than a predetermined mass airflow threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Bala Chander, Nate Trask, Shane Elwart, Stephen B. Smith
  • Patent number: 8249794
    Abstract: When the intake air amount is smaller than the specific intake air amount, the unit air-fuel ratio change amount calculated during the engine operation is corrected such that the unit air-fuel ratio change amount increases in the condition that the base unit air-fuel ratio change amount is an upper limit and when the intake air amount is greater than the specific intake air amount, the unit air-fuel ratio change amount calculated during the engine operation is corrected such that the unit air-fuel ratio change amount decreases in the condition that the base unit air-fuel ratio change amount is a lower limit. When the corrected unit air-fuel ratio change amount is greater than the judgment value, it is judged that the inter-cylinder air-fuel ratio imbalance condition occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Miyamoto, Hiroshi Sawada, Yasushi Iwazaki, Tatsuya Tsuji, Toru Kidokoro
  • Patent number: 8234055
    Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The control system includes an engine movement module that selects from N engine rotation modes based on camshaft movement and crankshaft movement, where N is an integer greater than two, and where at least one of the N rotation modes is an assisted spinning mode. A diagnostic module enables one or more engine diagnostic modes based on the selected engine rotation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventors: Kelly T. Jozefowicz, John A. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 8229655
    Abstract: Systems and methods useful for detecting a combustion fault in a combustion engine include determining cylinder power density values for cylinders present on the engine during its operation and determining cylinder imbalance parameters for the cylinders, based on the cylinder power density values. The cylinder imbalance parameters are compared with a provided diagnostic threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yue-Yun Wang, Ibrahim Haskara, Chol-Bum M. Kweon, Frederic Anton Matekunas, Paul Anthony Battiston
  • Patent number: 8224559
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine configured to operate in a controlled auto-ignition combustion mode and equipped with a mass airflow metering device includes monitoring an engine combustion state, monitoring states of engine operating parameters, calculating a nominal intake air mass flowrate corresponding to the states of the engine operating parameters, estimating an intake air mass flowrate corresponding to the nominal intake air mass flowrate and the engine combustion state, measuring intake air mass flowrate with the mass airflow metering device, comparing the estimated and measured intake air mass flowrates, and detecting a fault related to the mass airflow metering device when a difference between the estimated and measured intake air mass flowrates exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chen-Fang Chang, Jun-Mo Kang, Man-Feng Chang
  • Patent number: 8219269
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a marine propulsion unit, which can activate an engine even when a computer system in an engine control unit is reset, includes a computer system arranged to actuate a starter motor using power from a battery on a hull in order to activate an engine, a reset state detection device arranged to detect a reset state of the computer system when the computer system is reset, and an analog circuit arranged to actuate the starter motor for a predetermined time period to activate the engine once the reset state is detected by the reset state detection device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriyoshi Ichikawa, Masaru Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8214135
    Abstract: A particulate filter ash loading prediction method including the steps of determining a maximum average time for the filter; performing a calculation of a running average of time between regenerations of the filter; calculating an end-of-service life ratio of the filter dependent upon the maximum average time and the running average. The method further includes the steps of determining a delta pressure adjustment factor to compensate for ash loading of the filter depending upon the end-of-service life ratio; and comparing the delta pressure adjustment factor to a predetermined maximum delta pressure value, and, if the delta pressure adjustment factor exceeds the predetermined maximum normalized delta pressure adjustment factor, then indicating that a service or replacement of the filter is needed due to the ash loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan Nevin, Antonio Triana, Danan Dou, Taner Tuken
  • Patent number: 8209112
    Abstract: A method and a device are provided for operating an internal combustion engine which allow for an improved diagnosis of the valve mechanism of cylinders of the internal combustion engine. For this purpose, a variable characteristic of a suction performance of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine is ascertained. The variable characteristic of the suction performance is ascertained as a function of the mass flow flowing into an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine and of a change of the intake manifold pressure during an intake phase of the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Hartmann, Georg Mallebrein, Nicolas Ide, Andreas Roth, Lutz Reuschenbach, Frank Schiller, Markus Deissler, Michael Drung
  • Patent number: 8209078
    Abstract: An electronic control unit (ECU) and a vehicle control system are disclosed. When a vehicle ID rewrite instruction and a malfunction information erasure instruction are inputted to the system from an external scantool, one ECU in the system erases the malfunction information stored therein and determines whether the malfunction information stored in another ECU has been erased. When it is determined that the malfunction information stored in every ECU has been erased, the vehicle ID is rewritten. According to the above system, it is possible to prevent violation of a requirement, the requirement being such that when a vehicle ID is rewritten, malfunction information should be erased at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kazunori Okada
  • Patent number: 8204674
    Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling an engine, an input switching unit switches an input signal to be inputted to an input path from a crank signal to a cam signal when it is determined that the crank signal is abnormal. An event signal generating unit generates a crank-input event signal while it is determined that the crank signal is abnormal by an abnormality determining unit. The crank-input event signal has a level that repetitively changes in a predetermined direction. Each level change of the crank-input event signal is synchronized with a corresponding level change of the crank signal. A monitoring unit monitors a level change of the crank-input event signal while it is determined that the crank signal is abnormal by the abnormality determining unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Haruhiko Kondo
  • Patent number: 8196569
    Abstract: In a method for operating an internal combustion engine having exhaust gas recirculation, air is supplied to at least one combustion chamber via an intake manifold at least partially closable with the aid of a final control element, and a part of the exhaust gases flowing into an exhaust pipe is conducted via an EGR channel, which is at least partially closable with the aid of an EGR valve unit, into an area of the intake manifold, which lies between the final control element and the combustion chamber. A first variable, which characterizes the mass flow of the gas conducted through the EGR channel, is ascertained from a set of state variables of the internal combustion engine, which apply for an operating state in which the engine is in overrun operation and the final control element is essentially closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Bleile, Horst Mueller
  • Patent number: 8190351
    Abstract: Disclosed is a diagnostic control apparatus for internal combustion engines capable of accurately diagnosing the presence and extent of air/fuel ratio variations in engine cylinders, even when the system has no part for detecting the air/fuel ratio in each cylinder. The diagnostic control apparatus measures the time required for the crankshaft to rotate to a specified angle for each cylinder; and based on this measured, required time, derives the 0.5 order component as the rotation fluctuation component for each two rotations of the crankshaft per each cylinder or the 1.0 order component as the rotation fluctuation component for each single rotation of the crankshaft; and also counts the number of times the 0.5 order component or 1.0 order component deviates from the preset range in the period set for each cylinder, and diagnoses an error in the output or in the air/fuel ratio for a particular cylinder when that count value exceeds a specified value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eisaku Fukuchi, Akihito Numata, Heikichi Kamoshita
  • Patent number: 8190352
    Abstract: A first exhaust gas sensor signal (vls_up) of a first exhaust gas sensor (AS1) is detected. In addition, a second exhaust gas sensor signal (vls_down) of a second exhaust gas sensor (AS2) is detected. A relevant first estimated value of an emission of at least one exhaust gas component is determined in relation to a position of the first exhaust gas sensor (AS1) in the exhaust gas tract as a function of the first exhaust gas sensor signal (vls_up) and a relevant second estimated value of an emission of the at least one exhaust gas component is determined in relation to a position of the second exhaust gas sensor (AS2) in the exhaust gas tract as a function of the second exhaust gas sensor signal (vls_down). A conversion rate (K) of the at least one exhaust gas component is estimated as a function of a ratio of the second estimated value and the first estimated value of the determined emission. The exhaust gas catalytic converter is diagnosed as a function of the determined conversion rate (K).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Brandt, Gerd Rösel
  • Patent number: 8190348
    Abstract: An engine damping system is disclosed. The engine damping system includes an actuating device that is hydraulically powered using a power steering system of a motor vehicle. The system also includes a steering position sensor to determine a steering mode of the motor vehicle. The system also includes an acceleration sensor to provide controlled feedback for the actuating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Charles J. Gagliano
  • Patent number: 8190397
    Abstract: A failure diagnosis apparatus for an exhaust pressure sensor for detecting the exhaust pressure in an exhaust gas recirculation passage which connects an exhaust passage and an intake passage of an internal combustion engine. A first preliminary determination that the exhaust pressure sensor is normal, is made when the engine is in a predetermined low load operating condition and a difference between the detected exhaust pressure and the atmospheric pressure is equal to or less than a first determination threshold value. A second preliminary determination that the exhaust pressure sensor is normal, is made when the engine is in a predetermined high load operating condition and the difference between the exhaust pressure detected by the exhaust pressure sensor and the atmospheric pressure is equal to or greater than a second determination threshold value. A final determination that the exhaust pressure sensor is normal, is made when both of the first and second preliminary determinations are made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 8176893
    Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having at least two spark plugs per cylinder include controlling at least one actuator to alter combustion within a selected cylinder such that the combustion burn rate determined by ion sense current signals associated with the at least two spark plugs of the selected cylinder approaches a desired combustion burn rate. A desired combustion burn rate is determined based on current engine/vehicle operating and ambient conditions with ion sense signals from each spark plug analyzed to determine combustion timing relative to corresponding ignition timing. Ignition timing and/or other actuators are controlled in response to provide a desired combustion burn rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Phil William Husak, Kelvin Lee Dobbins, Michael Damian Czekala
  • Patent number: 8170779
    Abstract: An abnormality diagnosis device is for an exhaust heat recovery equipment including an exhaust heat absorption part absorbing exhaust heat from an engine, a heat release part releasing at least part of the heat absorbed by the absorption part to engine coolant, a circulation loop passing through the absorption part and the release part, the medium circulating around the loop, and an opening and closing valve disposed in the loop between the absorption part and the release part. The equipment closes the valve to stop circulation of the medium when coolant temperature is a preset temperature or above. The device includes an abnormality determination device for determining whether the valve is in an abnormal opening state based on a heat amount transmitted from exhaust heat to coolant through the equipment, when coolant temperature is the preset temperature or above and thereby the valve is closed if the valve is normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Noriaki Iwase, Naoyuki Kamiya
  • Patent number: 8165789
    Abstract: An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g., Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Noal R. Pederson
  • Patent number: 8161946
    Abstract: A method comprising receiving a fuel injection signal from a first driver circuit via a control line, feeding the fuel injection signal to a second fuel injector driver circuit, sending a control signal output from the second fuel injector driver circuit to a fuel injector, monitoring the fuel injector for degradation based on operation according to the control signal, and in response to degradation of the fuel injector, changing a state of the control line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 8165778
    Abstract: At the time of reference position learning for ensuring accuracy in detecting a valve timing, an operation amount of an actuator is set such that intake valve phase changes to a position of most retarded angle as a reference phase. When the intake valve phase reaches the most retarded angle and the change in the intake valve phase stops (YES at S150), it is determined that the intake valve phase has reached the reference phase and the learning is terminated normally. If the learning operation does not end normally even after the time lapse from the start of learning exceeds a limit time Tlmt, the reference position learning is terminated forcibly (YES at S170), and power supply to the actuator is stopped. Thus, power consumption can be reduced and the apparatus can be protected at the time of reference position learning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasumichi Inoue, Zenichiro Mashiki, Haruyuki Urushihata
  • Patent number: 8155860
    Abstract: A real time, average pressure difference method for monitoring doser efficiency is described that determines the difference between the average pressure when the doser is not injecting and the average pressure when the doser is injecting at a predetermined commanded injection rate. The average pressure difference method results in improved doser efficiency monitoring. The method can be implemented in a number of areas. For example, in a diesel truck application, the doser efficiency can be monitored accurately in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Javier Franco, Thomas A. Grana, Daniel D. Wilhelm, Xiao Lin
  • Patent number: 8155858
    Abstract: A real time doser efficiency monitoring method is described that measures the average instant pressure difference within one duty cycle of the doser injector. The disclosed method results in improved doser efficiency monitoring. The disclosed method can be implemented in a number of areas. For example, in a diesel truck application, the doser efficiency can be monitored accurately, for example within 5% error, all the time, no matter whether the truck is in a transient or steady state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiao Lin, Daniel D. Wilhelm, Javier Franco
  • Patent number: 8145409
    Abstract: A method for determining degradation of an exhaust gas sensor positioned in an exhaust system for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is provided. The method includes sensor response durations to rich-to-lean and lean-to-rich transitions, as well as the symmetry of sensor response durations and delays to such transitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, Timothy Joseph Clark
  • Patent number: 8140248
    Abstract: A control system for providing an optimal estimate of NOx emission in an exhaust during a selective catalytic reduction process is provided. The control system includes a continuous emission monitoring sensor configured to generate a responsive signal representing a first estimate of NOx emission; wherein the responsive signal has a first time lag between a time of measurement of NOx emission and the time when the corresponding responsive signal is made available by the continuous emission monitoring sensor, and the continuous emission monitoring sensor has a first time constant. The control system also includes a virtual sensor configured to generate a relatively faster responsive signal representing a second estimate of NOx emission. The control system further includes a processor that includes a time delay compensation circuit configured to introduce a second time lag in the relatively faster responsive signal, wherein the second time lag matches the first time lag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charudatta Subhash Mehendale, Gordon Raymond Smith
  • Patent number: 8135508
    Abstract: An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g, Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson
  • Patent number: 8135509
    Abstract: An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g, Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson
  • Patent number: 8135552
    Abstract: A method for detecting a cable fault in a cabling of a flow meter is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The method includes testing one or more first pickoff wires and one or more second pickoff wires of the cabling for pickoff open wire faults. The method further includes testing the first pickoff wires and the second pickoff wires for pickoff connection orientation faults if no pickoff open wire faults are determined in the first pickoff wires and the second pickoff wires. The method further includes testing one or more driver wires of the cabling for driver open wire faults. The method further includes testing the driver wires for a driver connection orientation fault if no driver open wire faults are determined in the driver wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Micro Motion, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J Hays, Craig B McAnally
  • Patent number: 8131455
    Abstract: The engine control apparatus includes a computing section which performs computation for engine control in synchronization with rotation of an engine, and an A/D converter which A/D-converts an analog signal necessary for the computing section to perform the computation, the analog signal being outputted from an external device such as a knock sensor. The computing section and the A/D converter are configured to enable detection of garble in the data transmitted from the A/D converter to the computing section on the side of the computing section without affecting the operation of the A/D converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiharu Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8122711
    Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure to ascertain a concentration of sooty particles in an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine or a depletion of an emission control system of the internal combustion engine due to the loading of sooty particles, whereby the sooty particle concentration in the exhaust gas system is determined by means of a collecting particle sensor, which emits a sensor signal and whereby the depletion of the emission control system due to the loading of sooty particles is determined from the sooty particle concentration. The task is thereby solved, in that the sensor signal is corrected by means of predetermined corrections with regard to a sensor temperature and/or an exhaust gas temperature and/or a flow velocity of the exhaust gas and/or a voltage applied at the particle sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Schmidt, Helmut Marx, Henrik Schittenhelm
  • Patent number: 8121775
    Abstract: A misfire detecting device is provided for a water jet propulsion watercraft in which a propulsion unit operates through an operation of an engine to propel the water jet propulsion watercraft. The misfire detecting device includes injectors arranged to inject fuel into the engine under a fuel injection amount adjusting control implemented by an electric control device, ignition plugs arranged to ignite the fuel injected into the engine from the injectors to operate the engine, an oxygen sensor arranged to detect that a misfire occurs in the engine, a warning lamp and buzzer arranged to inform that the misfire occurs, etc. The misfire detecting device prevents the warning lamp and the buzzer from informing the warning if the misfire is caused through the control by the electric control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Fujino, Shigeyuki Ozawa
  • Patent number: 8109091
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation control system comprises a pressure condition evaluation module and a protection module. The pressure condition evaluation module evaluates at least one of vane movement of a turbocharger and engine pressure. The protection module selectively controls an exhaust gas recirculation valve based on the at least one of the vane movement of the turbocharger and the engine pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventors: Yun Xiao, Kouji Sakumoto
  • Patent number: 8112218
    Abstract: A method for reducing a temperature of an engine component is disclosed. In one example, an air-fuel ratio provided to an engine is adjusted to reduce a temperature of an engine component. The approach may be useful for controlling temperature and emissions from a turbocharged engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen George Russ
  • Patent number: 8108124
    Abstract: In a method for determining an uncontrolled acceleration of an internal combustion engine, a valve opening cross section is allocated to each load state of the internal combustion engine. In the event that a controller value is outside a limit range, an uncontrolled acceleration of the internal combustion engine is thereby detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Jung, Janos Radeczky, Michael Wirkowski
  • Patent number: 8106754
    Abstract: When an insulation resistance value of an ignition plug is smaller than a prescribed value, an engine operation state is switched so as to raise a temperature of the ignition plug, thereby promoting deposit cleaning. Such a measures-against-deposit carrying-out state is counted. When a count value exceeds a certain value, that is, when the measures against deposit have sufficiently been performed but the insulation resistance value of the ignition plug is smaller than the prescribed value, it is determined that conductive deposit has adhered to the ignition plug, and for example, an alarm light is turned on in order to urge a driver to perform maintenance of the ignition plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsushi Hashizume
  • Patent number: 8103433
    Abstract: Method to detect a faulty operating condition during a cylinder cutoff of an internal combustion engine with at least two cylinder banks, wherein the internal combustion engine comprises in each case a separate mechanism to determine the Lambda value of the combustion for each cylinder bank. When the Lambda values of the cylinder banks change in opposite directions, a faulty cylinder cutoff is suggested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Hartmann, Georg Mallebrein, Werner Mezger, Andreas Roth, Henri Barbier, Nikolas Poertner, Juergen Rappold, Ingo Fecht
  • Patent number: 8099231
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes an injection control module, a processing module, and a malfunction detection module. The injection control module commands a fuel injector to operate in a split injection mode. The processing module that measures engine vibration during a period after commanding the split injection mode. The malfunction detection module detects a malfunction of the fuel injector based on a comparison between the measured engine vibration and expected engine vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Yujiro Suwa
  • Patent number: 8091531
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for a pressure sensor includes a fuel pump module and a diagnostic control module. The fuel pump module activates a first pump and deactivates a second pump when an engine is operating in a diagnostic mode. The first pump supplies fuel to the second pump and the second pump supplies fuel to fuel injectors of the engine via a fuel rail. The diagnostic control module receives a measured pressure signal from a pressure sensor that indicates a pressure of the fuel rail during the diagnostic mode. The diagnostic control module detects a fault of the pressure sensor based on a comparison between the measured pressure signal and the commanded pressure signal for the first pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: Michael J. Lucido, Wenbo Wang, Christopher R. Graham
  • Patent number: 8095292
    Abstract: A system includes a control module, a valve control module, and a diagnostic module. The control module controls a valve of a variable intake manifold when the system operates in a first mode. The control module commands the valve to a first position when a desired airflow through the variable intake manifold is greater than a threshold and commands the valve to a second position when the desired airflow is less than the threshold. The valve control module controls the valve when the system operates in a second mode. The valve control module commands the valve to move from the second position to the first position when the desired airflow is less than the threshold. The diagnostic module determines an operating state of the valve based on whether the valve is detected at the first position a predetermined period after the valve control module commands the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventors: Kurt D. McLain, Layne K. Wiggins, Elizabeth Sarah Peterson
  • Patent number: 8095263
    Abstract: When an electronic control unit receives a rewriting request of vehicle identification information, the electronic control unit writes state information indicating a rewriting state in a memory and rewrites the vehicle identification information into new vehicle identification information. The electronic control unit sends an erasing order to a peripheral electronic unit for erasing failure information stored in the peripheral electronic unit and determines whether the peripheral electronic control unit sends an erasing completion signal indicating that the erasing of the failure information is completed. The electronic control unit erases the state information indicating the rewriting state when the rewriting of the vehicle identification information is completed and the peripheral electronic control unit sends the erasing completion signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Motohiro Yasue, Kokichi Shimizu, Kazunori Okada
  • Patent number: 8090521
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine including a first and a second bank of cylinders. One example method comprises, adjusting engine injection timing based on a first temperature of a first intake of the first bank and a second temperature of a second intake of the second bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ryan John Goes, Shawn Gallagher, Eric Dillen, Rajani Boddu
  • Patent number: 8086392
    Abstract: An engine control system includes an oxygen (O2) sensor diagnostic module that diagnoses an O2 sensor and requests a minimum air per cylinder (APC). A throttle actuator module controls a throttle to adjust a mass air flow based on the minimum APC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: Igor Anilovich, Jeffry A. Helmick, Richard B. Jess, John W. Siekkinen, Christopher E. Whitney, Robert C. Simon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8079351
    Abstract: A system for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is disclosed. In one example, characteristics of an oxygen sensor are a basis for determining degradation of a temperature sensor. In this way, the system can provide redundant exhaust gas temperature sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Shane Elwart, Michael Igor Kluzner, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 8078386
    Abstract: A method of controlling fuel supplied to an engine is provided. In one example, a cylinder includes port and direct fuel injection. The method includes supplying a second fuel type from a second tank to the direct injector and supplying a first fuel type from a first tank to the port injector; and responsive to mis-fueling, supplying the first fuel type from the first tank to the direct injector. In response to receiving an indication of a mis-fuel, the direct fuel injector may be supplied with the second type of fuel from the second fuel storage tank. By supplying at least some fuel to the direct injector from a different source, fuel may be supplied to the DI fuel injector at various conditions to cool the DI fuel injector. In this way, overheating of the DI fuel injector may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Albert Stein, Kevin Durand Byrd
  • Patent number: 8078389
    Abstract: The method comprises operating a calibration engine, and collecting combustion characteristic data and reference accelerometer signals, which are correlated with each other and stored in a calibration table. The calibration table can be used by an engine to determine a real-time normal combustion characteristic when the engine is operating by collecting a real-time accelerometer sensor signal and cross correlating with the correlated data stored in the calibration table. Accordingly, the apparatus comprises a calibration engine comprising a calibration sensor, a reference accelerometer sensor and a data storage device for storing the collected calibration data that is correlated with the collected reference accelerometer signals, and an engine equipped with an accelerometer sensor, a calibration table and an electronic engine controller programmed to receive real-time accelerometer signals and cross correlate them with reference accelerometer signals to determine a real-time normal combustion characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Huang, Richard Ancimer, Duran Cheung
  • Patent number: 8056538
    Abstract: A method and control module for enabling or disabling control of an engine includes a check module receiving signals through a wiring harness and comparing the check signals to a threshold. The control module also includes an engine control module disabling the engine when the check signals correspond to an unauthorized use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventors: Donald W. Harnack, Anthony E. Cubr, Sandip P Dholakia, Steven B Felix, Aaron T Allison
  • Patent number: 8050852
    Abstract: An abnormality detection device for an internal combustion engine capable of performing abnormality detection with accuracy, and an air/fuel ratio control apparatus for an internal combustion engine capable of performing air/fuel ratio control with accuracy. An estimated value of the amount of intake air at a valve closing time at which an intake value is closed, is computed. The in-cylinder air/fuel ratio in a cylinder is computed by using the estimated value. The obtained in-cylinder air/fuel ratio is used as an input air/fuel ratio to identify a parameter in a primary delay element. Determination as to the existence/nonexistence of an abnormality in a pre-catalyst sensor (A/F sensor) is made on the basis of the obtained parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoto Kato
  • Patent number: 8042520
    Abstract: A fuel pressure control system for a vehicle comprises a pressure regulator module and a pressure increasing module. The pressure regulator module regulates a fuel pressure supplied to an engine to a first predetermined pressure during an engine running period. The pressure increasing module selectively increases the fuel pressure to a second predetermined pressure during the engine running period when a counter value is one of greater than and less than a predetermined final value. The second predetermined pressure is greater than the first predetermined pressure, and the counter value is set to the predetermined final value after the engine is started for a first time after being assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventors: Jon C. Miller, Robert C. Gibson, Kauser Ferdous
  • Patent number: 8037671
    Abstract: A plateau phase of a test signal of an exhaust gas probe located in a catalytic converter is detected following a jump from a preset rich air/fuel ratio in a combustion chamber of one cylinder to a preset lean air/fuel ratio, the plateau phase being obtained following the jump, and the duration is determined as a storage period. A plateau phase of the test signal, which is obtained following a jump from a preset lean air/fuel ratio to a preset rich air/fuel ratio, is detected following the jump, and the duration of the plateau phase is determined as an evacuation period. An allocation rule for assigning the test signal to a detected air/fuel ratio is adjusted according to the storage period and the evacuation period. To calibrate the exhaust gas probe, the allocation rule is adapted according to a plateau value of the test signal during the plateau phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Rodatz, Gerd Rösel
  • Patent number: 8036786
    Abstract: Provided is an on-vehicle control apparatus capable of automatically initializing control variables in a backup RAM only in rewriting a control program in the market. The on-vehicle control apparatus includes a CPU for controlling an on-vehicle device according to a control program, a non-volatile ROM for storing the control program therein, a backup RAM for storing control variables therein, a backup power supply circuit for supplying power to the backup RAM, a boot program for rewriting the control program, an address changeover circuit for making a changeover in execution address, and a memory rewrite unit. The memory rewrite unit outputs a rewrite signal, a command signal group including a command for activating the boot program, and an erasure command signal for erasing a diagnostic code. The control program initializes the control variables in the backup RAM in response to the erasure command signal when being activated after having been rewritten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kimoto
  • Patent number: 8032291
    Abstract: A method for detection of emissions levels during extended engine speed controlled operation is provided. The method includes monitoring mass airflow passing through the engine while operating the engine. The method further includes adjusting mass airflow responsive to engine speed to maintain a desired engine speed. The method further includes shutting down the engine when engine mass airflow becomes higher than a predetermined mass airflow threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Bala Chander, Nate Trask, Shane Elwart, Stephen B. Smith