And Other Vehicle Control Patents (Class 701/53)
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Patent number: 8433486Abstract: A method to determine a preferred operating point for an internal combustion engine includes determining a current set of candidate operating points for a current search iteration. The method further includes iteratively determining an operating cost for operating the internal combustion engine at each candidate operating point of the current search iteration, and determining the preferred operating point for operating the internal combustion engine after a predetermined number of search iterations.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2008Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Anthony H. Heap, Bin Wu, Wilfried Brunssen, Jason J McConnell, Kee Yong Kim, Brian R Medema
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Patent number: 8433484Abstract: An oil pressure control device for a transmission engages or disengages a frictional engagement element of the transmission by controlling an oil pressure supplied from a mechanical oil pump driven by a power source for driving a vehicle and an electric oil pump driven by an electric motor, and includes: an air entering determining unit which determines whether or not air enters the electric oil pump; and an air discharging unit which, when an ignition switch of the power source is switched from an ON state to an OFF state after the air entering determining unit has determined that air enters the electric oil pump, drives the electric oil pump such that the air entering the electric oil pump is discharged from the electric oil pump together with an oil.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Jatco LtdInventors: Kousuke Waku, Hideshi Wakayama, Masayuki Miyazono
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Patent number: 8433455Abstract: A method for predicting the remaining travel distance of an electric vehicle. The method includes determining a useable battery energy value based on battery state-of-charge and battery capacity and a power value needed to heat or cool a vehicle cabin. The method determines an available battery energy value based on the useable battery energy value and an estimated energy value to provide the vehicle cabin heating or cooling, where the estimated energy value is determined using the power value. The method determines a recent energy used value based on an actual recent HVAC energy used value, a recent energy used value with no HVAC system loads and a recent energy used value with maximum HVAC system loads. The method determines a recent distance traveled value and determines the range by dividing the recent distance traveled value by the recent energy used value and multiplying by the available battery energy value.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Teddy Siy, Matthew A. Herrmann, Todd P. Lindemann, Jason P. Hafer
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Publication number: 20130096786Abstract: The control system for an automatic transmission may include, a detecting portion of driving information adapted to detect the driving information including a temperature of an engine coolant, temperature of a transmission oil, a positional change of an accelerator pedal, a current shift-speed, and driving speed. a control portion adapted to determine a virtual positional change of the accelerator pedal based on an actual positional change of the accelerator pedal and a tip-in speed transmitted from the detecting portion of driving information, to determine a target shift-speed according to the actual positional change of the accelerator pedal or the virtual positional change of the accelerator pedal and the driving speed, and to control a shift to the target shift-speed. an actuator adapted to engage the target shift-speed according to a control signal received from the control portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2012Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
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Patent number: 8423247Abstract: A speed change control system for industrial vehicle, includes: a speed ratio detecting unit that detects a speed ratio of speeds of an input shaft and of an output shaft of a torque converter; speed changer for operating based on the torque converter speed ratio that shifts up or down a speed stage of a transmission in response to the detected speed ratio; a braking detection unit that detects an operation of a braking device for traveling; and a downshift limit unit that permits a downshift to a 1st speed by the speed changer when a non-operation of the braking device is detected by the braking detection unit and limits a lowest speed stage upon downshift by the speed changer to a 2nd speed when an operation of the braking device is detected.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2007Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Tetsuji Tanaka, Eiichi Sakai
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Patent number: 8423250Abstract: An anti-collision control is provided under circumstances where it is determined that there is a risk of collision between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle. The anti-collision control utilizes host vehicle information, preceding vehicle information, and surrounding road conditions to determine whether or not a collision with the preceding vehicle can be avoided through a steering operation. If avoidance is determined to be possible, then a shift-hold control is applied to the AT, whereas if avoidance is determined to be impossible, then a down-shift control is applied to the AT.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshito Kondou, Takayuki Miyajima, Atsushi Takeuchi, Yoshiyuki Yasui, Hiroyuki Kodama
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Patent number: 8423253Abstract: A torque applying device is provided for applying a driving torque to at least a pair of wheels, and a torque restraining device is provided for restraining the torque created on the wheels to be applied with the torque by the torque applying device. A friction braking device is provided for applying a braking torque to each wheel in response to operation of a brake pedal. An automatic braking control device automatically actuates the friction braking device independently of operation of the brake pedal, to apply the braking torque to each wheel. And, a torque restraining cancellation device is provided for cancelling the torque restraining operation for a time period determined in response to a vehicle speed decreasing state, after a condition for initiating the automatic braking control was fulfilled.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukio Mori, Koicho Kokubo
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Patent number: 8423213Abstract: A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle drive apparatus, the vehicle control device configured with a phase determining mechanism that determines the end of the torque phase in a shift operation, and a rotary electrical machine control mechanism that controls the torque of the rotary electrical machine using a variation of input torque. The vehicle control device is also configured with an engagement control mechanism that provides feedback controlling supplied oil pressure to an engagement side element as an engagement element on a side to be engaged after switching of shift speeds so that the rotation speed change rate of the input member becomes the target rotation speed change rate.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kohei Tsuda, Yomei Hakumura, Masahiro Asai, Yoichi Tajima, Tomokazu Ito
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Publication number: 20130090794Abstract: Disclosed is a method for providing a smooth and stable synchronization operation of a transmission achieved in spite of the sudden change of a vehicle speed in the automated manual transmission (AMT) hybrid vehicle that suppresses a collapse of the synchronization by generating a torque by a motor connected to an input shaft in consideration of changes in inertia of the motor and a control target rotational speed during shifting.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2012Publication date: April 11, 2013Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Byung Jun Sung, Sang Pil Jang
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Patent number: 8417428Abstract: An alternator controlling method includes: performing alternator braking/driving force control such that alternator braking/driving force generated by an alternator mounted in a vehicle and applied to the vehicle is controlled based on a running state of the vehicle; calculating an SOC value based on a charge status of a battery; calculating an SOC correction value based on the alternator braking/driving force Fo; determining an accelerating/decelerating state of the vehicle; setting a target voltage based on the accelerating/decelerating state and the SOC correction value; and performing battery charging control by causing the alternator to generate electrical power based on the target voltage. This enables efficient recovery of energy produced during electrical power generation by the alternator, taking account of the alternator braking/driving force control.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hirotada Otake
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Patent number: 8412422Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus including a brake mechanism that produces braking force through actuation of a first actuator, a shift mechanism that changes the shift position of a transmission through actuation of a second actuator, a controller that controls the electric power supplied to the first actuator and the electric power supplied to the second actuator; a first electric power supply unit that supplies electric power to the controller; a second electric power supply unit that supplies electric power to the first actuator; and a third electric power supply unit that supplies electric power to the second actuator. An actuator control unit controls the electric power supplied to the second actuator from the second electric power supply unit or from the third electric power supply unit when the second actuator is not able to operate using electric power supplied from the first electric power supply unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2012Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Kamada, Yasushi Hanaki, Naoki Taki, Akira Nagasaka, Yoshinobu Nozaki, Akira Nagae
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Patent number: 8412423Abstract: An alarm apparatus for an automatic transmission may include a transmission control unit (TCU) controlling the automatic transmission of a vehicle, an accelerator pedal unit, a driving unit driving the accelerator pedal unit to perform a predetermined operation, and a control unit interworking with the TCU and controlling the driving unit such that the accelerator pedal unit performs the predetermined operation at a predetermined time before a speed change time, when the speed change time calculated and outputted by the TCU may be inputted to the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Eunsik Kim
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Patent number: 8406962Abstract: A method for determining an operating state of elements of a transmission may include acquiring rotational speeds of both members constituting the elements, determining whether the rotational speeds of the members may be the same, and determining that the elements may be directly connected when the rotational speeds of the members may be the same, and that the elements may be disconnected or slip when the rotational speeds of the members may be different.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Youngchul Kim, Sanghyun Jeong, Jangmi Lee, Sanglok Song, Yeonho Kim, Jaeshin Yi, Haksung Lee, Seungki Kong
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Patent number: 8406969Abstract: In order to suppress the clutch applying shocks at a garage shift time of a continuously variable transmission equipped with a hydraulic type forward-backward switching device, an ECU starts a timer of a predetermined time period, when the engine starts. If the garage shift occurs before a timer-up, the ECU starts a standby oil pressure control to feed the forward-backward switching device with a standby oil pressure lowered to such a level as to leave the forward-backward switching device unapplied. The ECU calculates a first fill hydraulic value in accordance with the time period from the engine start to the garage shift operation. After the time up, the ECU ends the standby oil pressure control, and executes a first fill control at the first fill hydraulic value calculated.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yuya Shimozato
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Publication number: 20130060433Abstract: When the vehicle decelerates on the ascending slope, a required brake axle torque is calculated in accordance with vehicle deceleration, so that the swinging back is suppressed. At start timing after that, initial and final values of the required brake axle torque and a correction duration are determined. During the correction duration from the start timing, the required brake axle torque is decreased from the initial value to the final value. Then, based on change in a detected vehicular speed at or before a time which is a last moment of a period in which the detected vehicular speed detected based on detection signals of the wheel speed sensors are equal to or larger than a minimum detectable vehicular speed, a stop time at which an actual vehicle speed becomes zero is estimated, a period from the start time to the stop time is identified as the correction duration.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicants: Denso Corporation, Advics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaki Maruyama, Masayoshi Takeda, Koji Fujiki, Daisuke Tokumochi
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Publication number: 20130054099Abstract: A control system for a transmission engages at least three clutches to create braking within the transmission to slow a machine during a shuttle shifting operation. The control system may apply the clutches so as to allocate wear between the clutches equally or unequally, as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: TIMOTHY LORENTZ, MATHEW GULDAN, HOON LEE
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Publication number: 20130054098Abstract: A control system for a transmission engages three clutches to create braking within the transmission to slow a machine during a shuttle shifting operation. The control system may apply the clutches so as to allocate wear between the clutches equally or unequally, as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Timothy LORENTZ, Mathew GULDAN, Hoon LEE
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Publication number: 20130030648Abstract: In a control system, a first estimator estimates, as a first controlled force, a force being applied to a controlled object. A second estimator estimates, as a second controlled force, a force being transferred to the controlled object. An external force estimator estimates, as an external force, a force being exerted on the vehicle as the vehicle runs. A dynamics estimator estimates, based on the first controlled force, the second controlled force, and the external force, a value of a parameter that represents the dynamics of the controlled object. A compensator compensates for at least one of the first controlled force and the second controlled force such that the value of the parameter is within a preset target range.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Toshiki Matsumoto, Mamoru Sawada, Motoaki Kataoka
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Patent number: 8364357Abstract: A shifting point display for indicating shift advice is provided in a motor vehicle having a manual transmission and a control unit for the continuous determination of a current operating point of the motor vehicle. At least one characteristic upshift indication curve or a characteristic downshift indication curve is stored in an electronic memory. An upshift indication or a downshift indication is displayed when the characteristic upshift indication curve or the characteristic downshift indication curve is reached by the current operating point and a currently differently engaged gear.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Gerd Kraemer, Alberto Croci
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Patent number: 8359145Abstract: In an energy storage and recovery system for a hybrid vehicle 1, the operating ratio range of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) 10 which transfers drive between the vehicle's driveline 8 and a flywheel 9 is effectively extended by the use of an integrated starter-generator (ISG) 13 connected to the flywheel shaft 12. When there is a high mismatch of rotational speed between the propshaft 8 and the flywheel shaft 12, prior to connecting the two shafts by a clutch 11, the ISG 13 either spins up or decelerates the flywheel 9 until its speed is brought within the optimum operating range of the CVT 10. This measure reduces wear and tear on the clutch 11.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: January 22, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Timothy James Bowman, Donatus Andreas Josephine Kees
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Patent number: 8352109Abstract: A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle drive apparatus, the vehicle control device configured with a release control mechanism that provides feedback controlling supplied oil pressure to a release side element, and an engagement control mechanism that increases supplied oil pressure to an engagement side element as an engagement element on a side to be engaged in a state that the differential rotation speed is substantially constant. The control device is further configured with a phase determining mechanism that determines if the torque phase has started when a condition that a phenomenon accompanying a change of the differential rotation speed due to increase of the supplied oil pressure to the engagement side element is detected is met.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kohei Tsuda, Yomei Hakumura, Masahiro Asai, Yoichi Tajima, Tomokazu Ito
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Publication number: 20130006487Abstract: A method for controlling engine temperature of an engine with a wide dynamic range is disclosed. In one example, the derivative of an engine temperature is assessed by a controller. The controller may adjust engine actuators to limit engine temperature in response to the derivative.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Benjamin Carl Mukkala, Nathanael David Shaw, Jason Eugene Devries, Brian Michael O'Neil, Michael Joseph Guinta
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Patent number: 8346446Abstract: A clutchless transmission apparatus and control method thereof. The transmission apparatus comprises a motor (10) and a transmission (20), said motor (10) is connected to said transmission (20) and supplies power to said transmission (20) via an input shaft of the transmission (20), wherein said apparatus further comprises a control device (30), which is electrically connected to said motor (10) and said transmission (20), wherein said control device (30) is configured to determine whether a gear-position shifting is required based on rotation speed of said transmission (20), if a gear-position shifting is required, regulates torque of said motor (10) to control said transmission (20) to disengage, and then regulates the rotation speed of said motor (10) based on the rotation speed of said transmission (20) to control said transmission (20) to engage for shifting gear-position.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: BYD Co. Ltd.Inventors: Kai Liu, Jian Gong, Xuguang Zhou, Bo Zu, Guangming Yang, Axi Qi, Xiaohua Tang, Bo Zhou, Xunjin Xu
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Publication number: 20120316739Abstract: An alarm apparatus for an automatic transmission may include a transmission control unit (TCU) controlling the automatic transmission of a vehicle, an accelerator pedal unit, a driving unit driving the accelerator pedal unit to perform a predetermined operation, and a control unit interworking with the TCU and controlling the driving unit such that the accelerator pedal unit performs the predetermined operation at a predetermined time before a speed change time, when the speed change time calculated and outputted by the TCU may be inputted to the control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Eunsik KIM
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Publication number: 20120316738Abstract: A control system and method for controlling a multiple gear ratio automatic transmission in a powertrain for an automatic transmission having pressure activated friction torque elements to effect gear ratio upshifts. The friction torque elements are synchronously engaged and released during a torque phase of an upshift event as torque from a torque source is increased while allowing the off-going friction elements to slip, followed by an inertia phase during which torque from a torque source is modulated. A perceptible transmission output torque reduction during an upshift is avoided. Measured torque values are used during a torque phase of the upshift to correct an estimated oncoming friction element target torque so that transient torque disturbances at an oncoming clutch are avoided and torque transients at the output shaft are reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Christopher John Teslak, Gregory Michael Pietron, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Yuji Fujii, Michael Glenn Fodor, Diana Yanakiev, Seung-Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 8326501Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor responsive to a first electronic control signal to transition between an active state and an inactive state and a transmission responsive to a second electronic control signal to transition between at least a reverse state, a neutral state and a drive state. A user-actuated control is mounted to an interior surface in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The control has at least one contact surface that contacts the user when the user operates the control, wherein the contact surface is integrated with a logo. A circuit is coupled to the control to generate at least one of the first electronic control signal and the second electronic control signal in response to user actuation of the control.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventor: Dan Hustyi
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Patent number: 8301349Abstract: A control method and system for a vehicle transmission that incorporates gradient road resistance in selecting an appropriate gear ratio for an automatic manual transmission or an automatic transmission are disclosed. The traction resistance of a vehicle is calculated in order to determine the traction force required for maintaining, increasing, or decreasing vehicle speed in response to operator input. Traction resistance may be a function of rolling resistance, air resistance, and the component of the gravitational force acting parallel to the road surface. The change in traction resistance is also determined. The calculated traction resistance and change in traction resistance may advantageously be used to calculate an offset to a shift point motor speed in order to delay or advance a transmission upshift when climbing a grade.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Ingo-Gerd Sauter
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Patent number: 8287431Abstract: When shifting an automatic transmission into a higher gear, it is determined that an inertia phase has started when an input rotation speed of the automatic transmission has started to decrease. Here, if throttle opening amount reduction control is being performed to reduce the output torque of the engine when it is determined that the inertia phase has started, it is highly likely that that determination is erroneous because that control causes the input rotation speed of the automatic transmission (i.e., the engine speed) to decrease. When it is highly likely that the determination that the inertia phase has started is erroneous in this way, learning of a hydraulic pressure command value is prohibited. As a result, erroneous learning of the hydraulic pressure command value can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nobufusa Kobayashi, Toshio Sugimura, Tomohiro Asami, Takaaki Tokura, Yoshio Hasegawa
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Patent number: 8290668Abstract: A control apparatus includes a shift-pressure learning correction controlling section configured to perform a shift-pressure learning correction in which a physical quantity representing a progress of shift is measured at a time of a current downshift, and in which an engagement command pressure for a friction element is corrected at a time of a next downshift on the basis of a divergence between the measured physical quantity and a target physical quantity; a shift-torque increase controlling section configured to perform a torque increase control in which a command for temporarily increasing torque of a drive source starts to be outputted when a start estimation timing of torque phase has just come during a transition period given between start and end of the downshift; and a learning convergence judging section configured to judge whether the shift-pressure learning correction has converged.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Jatco LtdInventors: Kazuki Hirasako, Masami Suzuki
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Patent number: 8285450Abstract: A differential limiting control device for a vehicle calculates a yaw rate correspondence control amount according to deviation between actual yaw rate and target yaw rate when a vehicle turns, and also judges the vehicle's steering characteristic of the moment and magnitude relation between wheel speeds of right and left front wheels. The differential limiting control device then applies compensation toward an increase or decrease side based on a yaw rate correspondence control amount to a base control amount according to a combination of the steering characteristic and the magnitude relation between the wheel speeds, and controls a differential limiting force between the right and left front wheels based upon a final control amount obtained after the compensation.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuichi Ushiroda, Kaoru Sawase, Yusuke Fujii
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Publication number: 20120239264Abstract: A speed change controlling apparatus in which the mode of driving force transmission is depends upon the roll angle of a vehicle body. When a roll angle is within a range from a second roll angle, which corresponds to a full bank state, to a first roll angle, speed change operation is carried out by soft speed change control in which variation of the driving force with respect to time is smaller than that by normal speed change control. If the roll angle is within another range from the first roll angle to a third roll angle, then normal speed change is carried out and if the roll angle is within a further range from an uprightly standing state to the third roll angle, then speed change operation is executed by direct speed change. When the roll angle is greater than the second roll angle, speed change is inhibited.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Kojima, Masaki Nakagawara, Takashi Ozeki, Yoshiaki Tsukada
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Patent number: 8255587Abstract: A protocol adapter for transferring diagnostic messages between networks within a vehicle and a host computer. The protocol adapter operates as a voltage translator to support J1708 software. The protocol adapter also recognizes when the protocol adapter is connected to a host computer running the J1939 and/or J1708 protocols and automatically switches to that protocol.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2011Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Dearborn Group, Inc.Inventors: Robert E. McClure, David M. Such
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Patent number: 8255125Abstract: Earth moving equipment and other heavy machinery for environmentally harsh conditions are controlled by a control panel supplied with a lock, and such panels are frequently removable to prevent theft or unauthorized operation. The interface is in the form of a plug-and-socket, the parts of which have to be sealed against dust and humidity when not interfacing. In order to prevent wear and to assure reliable control, according to the invention, no part of the connection between the control panel and a receptable is galvanic, the power supply for the control panel is wireless, such as inductive or optical, while communications may occur by means of a two-way radio protocol or by optical means.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Mikrofyn A/SInventor: Anders Lindskov
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Patent number: 8249783Abstract: A vehicle automatic transmission includes a plurality of gears provided on an input shaft, a countershaft, and an output shaft and are meshed with one another. A plurality of hydraulic clutches are each configured to couple any of the gears to the input shaft, the countershaft, or the output shaft to establish a predetermined shift stage. An engagement unit is configured to couple a reverse gear to the input shaft or the countershaft to establish a reverse shift stage. A shift-position detection unit is configured to detect a shift position. A vehicle-speed detection unit is configured to detect a vehicle speed. A control unit is configured to detect, based on an output of the shift-position detection unit, a first time and a second time. The control unit is configured to delay a timing when the engagement unit operates after the shift position changes to an R-position.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuya Ishikawa, Joko Karasawa, Makoto Kobayashi, Yuji Koga
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Patent number: 8249769Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine, a planetary gear mechanism linked to the output shaft of the engine and to a driveshaft, a first motor linked the planetary gear, a second motor inputting and outputting power to and from the driveshaft, and a battery inputting and outputting electric power to and from the motors, when the battery temperature Tb is lower than the preset reference temperature Tbref, drive control prohibits the intermittent operation of the engine and controls the engine and the motors to output the torque demand to the driveshaft with warm-up control of the battery. When the battery temperature Tb is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature Tbref and the cooling water temperature Tw is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature Twref, drive control performs the intermittent operation of the engine and controls the engine and the motors to output the torque demand to the driveshaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2008Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takao Itoh, Koji Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8239113Abstract: A vehicle control method for a vehicle having powertrain with an internal combustion engine and a transmission having a clutch, the method comprising of transitioning through a lash region of the transmission during clutch slipping conditions in response to a driver tip-in; and during the transition, first retarding ignition timing past maximum torque timing while increasing engine airflow, and then second, advancing ignition timing from the retarded timing while continuing to increase engine airflow.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeff Doering, Brad Riedle, Rob Ciarrochi, Hank Kwong, John Rollinger, Frederick Page, Jeff Travis
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Publication number: 20120197502Abstract: A system for calibrating an input electrical signal to an individual pressure control device includes the steps of providing a target pressure-to-current (P/I) threshold, providing a lower estimated P/I threshold, and providing an estimated P/I curve that passes between the target P/I threshold and the lower estimated P/I threshold. Next, the method determines a lower actual P/I threshold at a pressure equal to the pressure at the lower estimated P/I threshold. A maximum offset current is calculated from the difference between the currents at the lower actual P/I threshold and the lower estimated P/I threshold. Finally, the system calculates a calibrated P/I curve. The calibrated P/I curve includes the target P/I threshold and the lower actual P/I threshold. The slope of the calibrated P/I curve is calculated as a proportional value of the maximum offset current.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Thomas H. Wilson
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Patent number: 8234045Abstract: Systems and methods for mitigating failure mode effects in a steer-by-wire system. The system includes a controller configured to alter a direction of the vehicle when the controller is in a failure mode. A steering device is coupled to a detector. The detector is configured to detect a steering input from a driver and output a signal representative of the steering input. A first actuator is coupled to a first control device. The first control device is configured to generate a first control signal representative of the steering input when the controller is in the failure mode. The first actuator alters the direction of the vehicle by removing energy from the vehicle. A second actuator is coupled to a second control device. The second control device is configured to generate a second control signal representative of the steering input when the controller is in the failure mode. The second actuator alters the direction of the vehicle by adding energy to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: William Spadafora, David Llewellyn, Perry Paielli, Jason Kramer
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Patent number: 8234048Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes torque generative devices to transfer power to an output member. An operator torque request, a rotational direction and speed of the output member, and a signal output from a transmission range selector are monitored. When a change in a direction of intended motion is determined, the powertrain system can change rotational direction of the output member when the speed of the output member is less than a threshold. The powertrain can inhibit a change in the rotational direction of the output member.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Hanne Buur, William R. Cawthorne
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Patent number: 8229612Abstract: A hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine, a planetary gear mechanism linked to the output shaft of the engine and to a driveshaft, a first motor linked to the planetary gear, a second motor inputting and outputting power to and from the driveshaft, and a battery inputting and outputting electric power to and from the motors. When a cooling water temperature Tw of the engine is lower than a threshold Twref, the intermittent operation of the engine is prohibited, and a controller performs a warm-up control on a condition that a battery temperature Tb is a preset reference temperature T?, while performing a low state of charge control on condition that a battery temperature Tb is higher than or equal to a preset reference temperature T? and lower than a preset reference temperature T?.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takao Itoh, Koji Yamamoto
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Patent number: 8229618Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for controlling movement of a vehicle. Movement of an operator located at a side of the vehicle is identified with a plurality of sensors located in the vehicle and the vehicle is moved in a path that maintains the operator at the side of the vehicle while the operator is moving.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Jonathan Louis Tolstedt, Noel Wayne Anderson
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Patent number: 8224538Abstract: An automatic transmission includes gears, torque-transmitting mechanisms, interconnecting members, an input member and an output member. A method of controlling the automatic transmission includes data acquisition from the output shaft torque sensor, commanding a hydraulic fluid pressure pulse time and a pressure pulse value to engage a first torque-transmitting mechanism, calculating a rate-of-change of a first data output from the output shaft torque sensor, calculating a rate-of-change of a second data output from the output shaft torque sensor, comparing the results of the rate-of-change calculations and adjusting the hydraulic fluid pressure pulse time and a pressure pulse value if the rate of change of the second data output is not equal to the rate-of-change of the first data output.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Zhen Zhang, Shushan Bai, John R. Maten
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Patent number: 8224512Abstract: A control system is provided which allows the operator of a marine vessel to select a transmission position (e.g. forward, neutral, or reverse) and an engine speed in the event that a throttle lever malfunctions. By providing messages to the operator on an annunciator and receiving selections from the operator on a plurality of push button switches, a microprocessor selects gear positions and engine operating speed in response to commands received from the operator.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Michael P. Dengel, Gene A. Smedema
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Patent number: 8224544Abstract: A method and apparatus to control an electro-mechanical transmission is provided, selectively operative in a plurality of fixed gear modes and continuously variable modes, and comprising first and second electrical machines and hydraulically-actuated clutches. Included is launching a vehicle so equipped, comprising operating the electro-mechanical transmission in a continuously variable mode to transmit motive torque from the first electrical machine to the driveline, and, selectively increasing an operating speed of the engine and selectively actuating a second clutch to transmit motive torque generated by the second electrical machine when an operator torque request exceeds a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jy-Jen F. Sah, Anthony H. Heap, Gregory A. Hubbard
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Patent number: 8219289Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus for a vehicle that includes a brake mechanism that produces braking force through the actuation of a first actuator and a shift mechanism that changes the shift position of a transmission through the actuation of a second actuator. The vehicle control apparatus includes: a controller that controls the electric power supplied to the first actuator and that controls the electric power supplied to the second actuator; a first electric power supply unit that supplies electric power to the controller; a second electric power supply unit that supplies electric power to the first actuator; and a third electric power supply unit that supplies electric power to the second actuator.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Kamada, Yasushi Hanaki, Naoki Taki, Akira Nagasaka, Yoshinobu Nozaki, Akira Nagae
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Publication number: 20120173099Abstract: A method for setting a vehicle in motion: The vehicle includes a combustion engine for generating driving force for transmission to at least one powered wheel via a clutch and a gearbox. The driving force is selectively transmitted from the engine to the powered wheels by closure of the clutch. Gear changes by the gearbox are at least partly controlled by a control system. With the clutch closed and upon demand for the vehicle to be set in motion with the clutch closed, the control system activates the vehicle's starter motor with gear engaged, and uses the starter motor to accelerate the combustion engine to an initial speed which represents a speed at which the combustion engine will start.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2010Publication date: July 5, 2012Inventors: Peter Juhlin-Dannfelt, Richard Boström, Peter Asplund, Johan Kingstedt
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Patent number: 8214117Abstract: A driving force controlling apparatus includes a driving force controller configured to determine a state of a road surface. A driving force controller is configured to control a driving force of a vehicle based on the road surface state. A rear-wheel speed sensor is configured to detect a rear-wheel speed. A low-friction-coefficient road surface determining device is configured to determine whether the road surface is a low-friction-coefficient road surface using the rear-wheel speed on a predetermined condition. A determination prohibition device is configured to prohibit the low-friction-coefficient road surface determining device from determining whether the road surface is a low-friction-coefficient road surface, if (a) the rear-wheel speed sensor is abnormal, or if (b) a predetermined time has elapsed from when a shift range is changed from a reverse range to a drive range and/or (c) a gear position has become greater than or equal to a predetermined gear position.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yutaka Ishikawa, Makoto Kobayashi, Takahito Fujita
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Patent number: 8209103Abstract: The drive control of the invention adopted in a hybrid vehicle specifies an operation line L to give a greater torque in a low rotation speed area of an engine with an increase in vehicle speed and controls the operation of the engine according to the specified operation line L. The engine can thus be driven at a higher-efficiency drive point, while the driving-related background noise effectively masks some abnormal noise or muffled noise, which may be caused by the operation of the engine in a low rotation speed-high torque area. This arrangement desirably prevents the driver and the other passenger from feeling odd and uncomfortable due to the abnormal noise or muffled noise and enhances the energy efficiency of the hybrid vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shunsuke Oyama, Yasuhiro Kaya
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Patent number: 8209073Abstract: A climate control system and method for optimizing energy consumption in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is provided. By varying evaporator temperatures based on occupant settings and environmental conditions, electric compressor speed can be optimized to provide the necessary cooling capacities resulting in energy savings. Determining the impact that increasing or decreasing engine cooling fan speed has on the overall energy consumption of the climate control system without affecting target discharge air temperature provides for energy saving opportunities. Optimizing energy consumption according to the provided strategy provides for improved fuel economy without sacrificing passenger comfort.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Halim Wijaya, Gerhard A. Dage, Wayne Frank Buescher, Christopher Mark Greiner
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Patent number: RE43857Abstract: An automatic shift control is executed in an automatic transmission with 5 shift speeds of range hold type in the highest gear stage of a shift range at the manual shift mode. Upon selection of a shift mode from the automatic shift mode to the manual shift mode, the shift range at the manual shift mode is selected in accordance with the vehicle speed detected at the automatic shift mode. If the vehicle speed is in the low-speed range, the shift range 3 is selected. If the vehicle speed is in the medium-speed range, the shift range 4 is selected. If the vehicle speed is in the high-speed range, the shift range 5 is selected.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hitoshi Matsunaga, Yoshiharu Harada