Fail-safe System Patents (Class 701/76)
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Patent number: 8204667Abstract: A method for controlling an antilock brake system on a vehicle, the method comprising calculating a prediction of tire normal forces and modifying a brake torque applied to a brake based on the predicted tire normal forces. The prediction of tire normal forces may be calculated using predicted longitudinal forces or estimates of longitudinal forces that are obtained by predicting a master-cylinder pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventor: John Patrick Joyce
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Patent number: 8131440Abstract: An initial movement state of a vehicle is specified in which a starting-off or acceleration is enabled by stepping on an accelerator pedal. In the specified initial movement state, a starting-off direction of the vehicle and an obstacle existing in the starting-off direction are specified. In the initial movement state, an incorrect starting-off sign action is detected which a driver of the vehicle indicates in a duration prior to the time when the vehicle practically starts off. When the incorrect starting-off sign action is detected, an incorrect starting-off prevention output is performed.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Shogo Kameyama
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Patent number: 8086383Abstract: A control input for operating an actual vehicle actuator and a control input for operating a vehicle model are determined by an FB distribution law based on a difference between a reference state amount determined by a vehicle model and an actual state amount of an actual vehicle such that the state amount error is approximated to zero, and then an actuator device of the actual vehicle and the model vehicle are operated based on the control inputs. The FB distribution law determines a control input for operating the model such that a state amount error is approximated to zero while restraining a predetermined restriction object amount from deviating from a permissible range. A vehicle control device capable of enhancing robustness against disturbance factors or their changes while performing operation control of actuators that is as suited to behaviors of an actual vehicle as possible is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Takenaka, Hiroshi Kono, Takayuki Toyoshima, Hiroyuki Urabe, Shuji Shiraishi, Yukihiro Orimoto
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Patent number: 8060275Abstract: An on-board diagnostic system of a vehicle comprises disabling diagnostic operation, such as a misfire monitor, based on road roughness. In one example, the disabling of the diagnostic operation is based on brake actuation and degradation of an anti-lock braking system.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jahan Asgari, Timothy Feldkamp, Craig Stephens, Moses Fridman, Davor Hrovat, Arthur Varady, Mitch McConnell
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Patent number: 8046137Abstract: Two data processing units having the same function, one of which is used for a master and the other for comparison, are provided, control of a circuit unit is performed by the master, the master data processing unit and the circuit unit are operated in synchronization with a first clock signal, the second data processing unit is operated in synchronization with a second clock signal having the same cycle and different phase from the first clock signal, and processing results of both the data processing units are compared in a comparison circuit. Flip flops are disposed on a signal path from the circuit unit to the comparison data processing unit and on a signal path from the master data processing unit to the comparator, and both the first and second clock signals are used for latch clocks of the flip flops in accordance with input signals thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventors: Hiromichi Yamada, Nobuyasu Kanekawa, Teruaki Sakata
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Patent number: 8010273Abstract: A method for controlling braking in a motor vehicle equipped with a brake servo unit capable of being implemented in a braking system including: a hydraulic master cylinder associated with a vacuum brake booster and with hydraulic circuits supplying the wheel brakes equipping the vehicle wheels; an ABS hydraulic unit with wheel antiskid function, and an electronic mechanism implementing emergency braking assisted by the hydraulic unit. The method detects serial repetition in time for implementing emergency braking operations and adapts the conditions for implementing an emergency braking in case of serial repetition.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Renault S.A.S.Inventors: Geraldine Vourch, Francois Yon, Gregory Kobiela
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Patent number: 8000873Abstract: A braking system, including a brake control arrangement in operational communication with a braking arrangement for braking a vehicle, and a penalty power source to deliver current or power to the brake control arrangement through a brake interface circuit. The brake interface circuit includes a main positive current switch urged to a closed position and configured to open upon loss or interruption of a penalty hold-off signal, and a main negative current switch urged to a closed position and configured to open upon loss or interruption of a penalty hold-off signal. Upon opening of either of the main positive current switch or the main negative current switch, the braking arrangement will automatically brake the vehicle as controlled by the brake control arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Wabtec Holding Corp.Inventors: Jeffrey D. Kernwein, James L. Fenske
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Patent number: 7917270Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle electronic stability control (“ESC”) system utilizing values for a variable obtained from a primary source and a redundant source includes the steps of receiving a first value for the variable from the primary source, receiving a second value for the variable from the redundant source, generating a normalized value as a function of the first value and the second value, determining whether the primary source is operating correctly, utilizing the first value for operation of the vehicle ESC system if the primary source is operating correctly, and utilizing the second value for operation of the vehicle ESC system if the primary source is not operating correctly and the second value is not greater in absolute value than the normalized value.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kerfegar K. Katrak, Hualin Tan, David M. Sidlosky, Theresa M. Kondel
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Patent number: 7890233Abstract: Two data processing units having the same function, one of which is used for a master and the other for comparison, are provided, control of a circuit unit is performed by the master, the master data processing unit and the circuit unit are operated in synchronization with a first clock signal, the second data processing unit is operated in synchronization with a second clock signal having the same cycle and different phase from the first clock signal, and processing results of both the data processing units are compared in a comparison circuit. Flip flops are disposed on a signal path from the circuit unit to the comparison data processing unit and on a signal path from the master data processing unit to the comparator, and both the first and second clock signals are used for latch clocks of the flip flops in accordance with input signals thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventors: Hiromichi Yamada, Nobuyasu Kanekawa, Teruaki Sakata
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Patent number: 7871136Abstract: A trouble diagnosis device of a vehicle body acceleration sensor by determining that the output fixing trouble of the vehicle body acceleration sensor or the like is not generated at a point of time that the fluctuation width of the output value of a vehicle body acceleration sensor becomes a predetermined value or above during the traveling of the vehicle with the vehicle speed equal to or more than the predetermined speed, and by stopping the trouble diagnosis of the output fixing trouble of the vehicle body acceleration sensor or the like until the vehicle speed is lowered to a value less than the predetermined speed thereafter, it is possible to avoid the trouble diagnosis of the output fixing trouble of the vehicle body acceleration sensor or the like when that the trouble diagnosis of the output fixing trouble of the vehicle body acceleration sensor or the like is unnecessary.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Bosch CorporationInventor: Takayuki Okai
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Patent number: 7850254Abstract: An extreme emergency braking system including at least two brake modules, a pedal feel emulator in communication with at least one of the brake modules by way of a first communication line, an electric park brake switch assembly in communication with the brake modules by at least a second communication line, and an electric circuit adapted to supply at least a first voltage to a first one of the brake modules and a second voltage to a second one of the brake modules, the supplied voltages being indicative of a state of the switch assembly, wherein the first communication line is independent of the second communication line.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: BWI Company Limited S.A.Inventors: Paul M. Degoul, Jean-Francois M. Larroux, Robert J. Disser
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Patent number: 7835843Abstract: An ECU executes a program that includes a step of determining whether an output shaft rotation speed NOUT is equal to or greater than a reference rotation speed at which determining regions with all of the gear speeds in a stepped automatic transmission do not overlap, a step of determining that there is an abnormality in the gear speed by dividing the turbine rotation speed NT by the output shaft rotation speed NOUT if the output shaft rotation speed NOUT is not equal to or greater than that reference rotation speed, and a step of determining that there is an abnormality in the gear speed by subtracting a value, which is obtained by multiplying the output shaft rotation speed NOUT by the gear ratio, from the turbine rotation speed NT if the output shaft rotation speed NOUT is equal to or greater than that reference rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tatsuya Kawamura, Toshio Sugimura, Hideo Masaki
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Patent number: 7826952Abstract: A system including a vehicle body having a plurality of wheels and a brake subsystem associated with each wheel. The system further includes a plurality of remote controllers, wherein each remote controller is associated with one of the brake subsystem and is configured to calculate basic braking functions for the associated brake subsystem and for each of the other brake subsystems. The remote controllers are operatively coupled together. The system further includes a central controller operatively coupled to each remote controller, wherein each remote controller has about the same or less processing capability than the central controller.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Inventors: Robert J. Disser, Jon T. Zumberge, Paul M. Degoul
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Publication number: 20100274458Abstract: A system, apparatus and method provide a means for controlling an electric brake actuator. An electromechanical actuator controller (EMAC) is configured to receive first data indicative of a desired braking force, second data indicative of a braking command generated by a brake input device, the second data different from said first data, and third data indicative of a braking mode. Based on the third data, the EMAC selectively uses the first data or the second data to control the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Inventors: Eric D. Cahill, Lawrence F. Corio, Bill May, Andrew B. Walsh, Scott Snelling
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Publication number: 20100168978Abstract: A vacuum brake booster and a method of operation of a vacuum brake booster of a vehicle brake system is disclosed. The vacuum brake booster includes a housing subdivided into at least one vacuum chamber and at least one working chamber. The vacuum chamber is connected to a vacuum source by way of a vacuum port. A sensor unit is associated with the vacuum chamber and is configured for sensing a pressure in the vacuum chamber and supplying a sensed pressure value to an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU includes an evaluating unit for evaluating the sensed pressure value and calculating the operating point of the vacuum brake booster solely on the basis of the sensed pressure in the vacuum chamber. Plausibilisation of the sensed pressure value is performed to monitor the overall system and identify defects of the sensor unit or the vacuum brake booster.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2007Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHGInventors: Peter Schubert, Patrick Merzoug, Nathan Zambou, Guntjof Magel, Ralph Gronau
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Publication number: 20100168979Abstract: In a method for determining an electrical operating variable, in particular the air play (L) and/or zero position (N) of a brake (1) having a friction element (12) which can be pressed in at least two application directions (A, B) against the friction surface of an element (14) to be braked, the air play or the zero position can be determined in a simple and precise manner by virtue of the friction element (12) being placed into a first and a second point of contact (K1, K2) with the element (14) to be braked, the position x1, x2 of the contact points K1, K2 being detected by means of sensors, and the operating variable (L, N) which is sought being determined therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Christian Baier-Welt, Richard Roberts, Martin Schautt
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Publication number: 20100082213Abstract: A method of applying a parking brake mechanism for a foundation brake includes several steps. The parking brake mechanism incorporates an electric actuator, an extensible device drivably connected to the electric actuator, and a resilient device arranged to act on the extensible device and maintain a desired level of force to be applied by the parking brake mechanism in the event of contraction of components of the foundation brake.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventors: Martin Pors Taylor, Ralf Leiter, Paul Roberts, Gareth Knox, Refaat A. El Malki
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Patent number: 7681961Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle includes an electrically operated parking brake drive device which generates an operating force for operating the wheel brakes or dedicated parking brakes in response to energization, and which operates even upon cancellation of the energization while in the operated state. A braking force related amount detector detects a physical quantity related to a braking force exhibited by each of the hydraulic pressure operated wheel brakes. When a detected physical quantity exceeds a reference value in a stopped state of the vehicle, a controller energizes the electrically operated parking brake drive device. Thus, the frequency of operation of the electrically operated parking brake drive device is decreased while eliminating inconvenient operations required to operate the electrically operated parking brake drive device, thereby reducing noise and improving durability.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ikuo Nonaga, Hiroshi Koan, Akihiko Koike, Tsuyoshi Sato, Makoto Taniguchi, Yutaka Kichima, Ichiro Ueno, Katsuyuki Takei, Takashi Kuboshima
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Patent number: 7676286Abstract: A system including a node, wherein the node includes two separate controllers, each of which is configured to output data to a bus, or receive data from a bus, or output data to and receive data from a bus. At least one controller is configured to monitor the output of the other controller and is configured such that if the at least one controller determines that the other controller is providing improper data or signals, at least part of the output data of the other controller is nullified, overridden or superseded by an output from the at least one controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Inventors: Robert J. Disser, Paul M. Degoul, Steven L. Tracht
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Patent number: 7668636Abstract: A brake-related ECU (46) terminates control on the basis of a control stop signal sent from a body-related ECU (40) connected with the brake-related ECU by a CAN 1, an engine revolving speed supplied from an engine ECU (42) connected with the brake-related ECU by the CAN 1, and wheel speeds detected by wheel speed sensors (20L, 20R, 22L, 22R) connected with the brake-related ECU by electric wiring (60).Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha.Inventors: Kazufumi Hayashikawa, Misato Takei
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Publication number: 20100036577Abstract: A braking apparatus includes a hydraulic brake device that generates pressure braking-force by wheel cylinder pressure, the hydraulic brake device including a master cylinder for exerting a master cylinder pressure on a brake oil according to a manipulation force generated by the manipulation of a brake pedal by a driver, a brake booster for assisting the manipulation force by a negative pressure generated by an internal combustion engine, and a negative pressure sensor for detecting the negative pressure of the brake booster, and a regenerative braking device for generating a regenerative braking-force by performing regenerative braking. The regenerative braking device generates a regenerative braking when the detected negative pressure is lower than a reference negative pressure to be greater than when the detected negative pressure is the reference negative pressure. The uncomfortable feeling felt by the driver in manipulating the brake is suppressed, and the fuel consumption is enhanced.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Inventors: Shinya Kodama, Michihito Shimada, Kazuya Maki
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Patent number: 7634342Abstract: A method for deploying torque commands from a vehicle stability assist control system to a four wheel drive system in a vehicle that includes utilizing a firewall within a four wheel drive system electronic control unit to analyze commands sent from a vehicle stability assist electronic control unit to the four wheel drive electronic control unit. Additionally, the commands from the vehicle stability assist electronic control unit, when the vehicle control system is in operation, are integrated with commands independently generated by the four wheel drive electronic control unit, and resultant wheel torque commands are generated to be provided to each individual wheel in the four wheel drive system.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: James W. Post, II
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Publication number: 20090306872Abstract: A method for controlling an antilock brake system on a vehicle, the method comprising calculating a prediction of tire normal forces and modifying a brake torque applied to a brake based on the predicted tire normal forces. The prediction of tire normal forces may be calculated using predicted longitudinal forces or estimates of longitudinal forces that are obtained by predicting a master-cylinder pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2009Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventor: John Patrick Joyce
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Publication number: 20090287388Abstract: A system for a hill descent control in the braking equipment of a motor vehicle comprising an electrically controllable service brake system, which is designed both for an anti-locking control function and for a braking function irrespective of actuation by the driver, a brake actuator which permits an individual adjustment of the braking pressures or braking moments generated for the individual wheels of a motor vehicle, which are the respective manipulated variables controlled by the hill descent control, an electronic control unit being provided for the electronic control and/or regulation which directly or indirectly detects variables related to operating conditions of the motor vehicle and adjusts additional braking moments when driving on steeply inclined roads, irrespective of whether a brake pedal is actuated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2006Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventors: Thomas Bach, Michael Bleser, Elmar Hoffmann, Harald Thelen
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Patent number: 7620465Abstract: A distributed architecture system including a plurality of nodes operatively coupled together by a bus. Each node includes a main controller configured to provide data to the bus and to an actuator, and a supervisory controller configured to provide data to the bus and to the actuator. Each node is configured such that during normal operations the main controller provides data to the actuator that controls the actuator and the supervisory controller generally does not provide data to the actuator that controls the actuator. Each node is configured such that if it is determined that the main controller is providing improper data, the supervisory controller provides data to the actuator that controls the actuator and the main controller does not provide data to the actuator that controls the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Paul M. Degoul, Robert J. Disser
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Patent number: 7571033Abstract: System for detecting stability/instability of behavior of a motor vehicle upon occurrence of tire slip or lock. State of the motor vehicle is determined on the basis of an alignment torque (Ta) applied from a road and a side slip angle (?). By taking advantage of such torque/slip-angle characteristic that although the alignment torque is proportional to a side slip angle when the latter is small, the alignment torque becomes smaller as the side slip angle increases, a normal value is determined from a straight line slope and the side slip angle in a region where the latter is small. Unstable behavior of the motor vehicle is determined when deviation of actual measured value from the normal value increases. Further, unstable state is determined when the slope of the alignment torque for the slip angle departs significantly from that of approximate straight line slope.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Fujioka, Takanori Matsunaga, Takashi Maeda, Toshinori Matsui, Masahiko Kurishige, Hideyuki Tanaka
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Patent number: 7529608Abstract: A drive control device is provided with a determining section and a voltage increasing section. The determining section determines if the actual acceleration is deficient in comparison with the acceleration requested by the driver or if the generator output is deficient in comparison with the acceleration requested by the driver. The voltage increasing section increases the voltage supplied to the electric generator from a vehicle mounted electric power source when the determining section determines that the actual acceleration or the generator output is deficient. As a result, the generator output deficiency is eliminated and the required motor torque is produced, thereby enabling the vehicle to start into motion appropriately in accordance with the acceleration requested by the driver.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2004Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kouichi Shimizu
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Publication number: 20090069977Abstract: Motor vehicles and methods are provided for automatically activating a motor vehicle turn signal. One motor vehicle includes a navigation system configured to determine a route to a destination, the route having a turn. The navigation system is also configured to monitor a present location of the motor vehicle and automatically activate a turn signal when the motor vehicle approaches the turn. A navigation system includes means for receiving a destination from a user, means for generating a route to the destination, the route having a turn, and means for activating the turn signal. The activating means is configured to automatically activate the turn signal when the motor vehicle approaches the turn. One method includes determining a motor vehicle route to a destination, the destination having a turn, monitoring the present location of the motor vehicle, and automatically activating a turn signal when the motor vehicle approaches the turn.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: CRAIG R. MARKYVECH
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Publication number: 20080275617Abstract: The subject of the invention concerns at least a method for the determination, without a pressure sensor, of a pressure in a brake booster actuated with an actuator for a motor vehicle with engine system including an inlet pipe subjected to inlet pipe pressure, for optimized performance of a braking operation, including the steps of: detecting the driving situation and simulating the pressure (BP_SIM) as a function of the driving situation, and a device for boosting the brake pressure in an Otto engine-driven motor vehicle with an actuator and a vacuum-dependent pressure-boosting device coupled to the actuator, wherein the pressure-boosting device is designed without a vacuum sensor, and a brake booster, with means for carrying out the method.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2006Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Oliver Kirmess, Oswald Helmut, Uwe Steinmann
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Publication number: 20080229741Abstract: In a vehicular brake system, an input piston and a pressure piston are coaxially and axially movably supported in a cylinder, and a brake pedal is coupled to the input piston. Pressure chambers formed on the axially opposite sides of the input piston communicate with each other via a communication passage. A control oil pressure can be supplied to a first supply port of the communication passage, and a reaction-force oil pressure can be supplied to a second supply port of a reaction-force chamber of the input piston, while braking oil pressures can be delivered from delivery ports of the respective pressure chambers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2006Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroshi Isono, Yasuji Mizutani
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Patent number: 7415325Abstract: A method and apparatus for data interchange between a tractor vehicle and a trailer vehicle coupled thereto. A first electronic device provided in or on the tractor is connected via a data link to a second electronic device provided in or on the trailer; the first and second devices being connected to sensors and/or actuators for controlling operating functions of the vehicle allocated thereto and for measuring status information. Initiated by an information request, the first device sends request data via the data link to the second device. The first device receives status information via the data link sent by the second device in response to the request data. The first device outputs, in a manner that correlates with the trailer, the received status information by means of an output device disposed on or in the tractor. The same output scheme is used for both the tractor and trailer.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: WABCO GmbH & Co. OHGInventors: Michael Knosmann, Gerhard Ruhnau, Matthias Radtke, Ulrich Weihe
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Patent number: 7412312Abstract: A system for automatically determining a public transport vehicle emergency braking characteristics, in particular of a railway vehicle, includes elements (1) for measuring the vehicle speed, elements (2) for measuring the distance travelled by it, and elements (3) for triggering an emergency braking of the vehicle to actuate its braking elements (4). The system includes elements for detecting (5) the activation of the elements (3) triggering the emergency braking and elements for detecting (5) when the vehicle stops, adapted to activate/deactivate the operation of elements (9) acquiring data concerning the speed and the distance travelled by the vehicle for a time interval running between the activation of the emergency triggering elements and the moment the vehicle stops, and elements (9) for analyzing the data to deliver at least a information concerning the distance travelled by the vehicle during the time interval.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Regie Autonome des Transports ParisiensInventors: Julien Leblanc, Bruno Perrin, Vincent Poupinet
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Patent number: 7402123Abstract: In an automatic transmission control system and method, an electronic control unit is programmed to output a command to establish another gear stage different from the gear stage at the time of occurrence of fault-induced disengagement by combination of engagements of the friction elements other than the friction elements to be engaged at the time of occurrence of fault-induced disengagement, and simultaneously output a plurality of commands to establish a plurality of gear stages corresponding to combination of engagements of the friction elements to be engaged and disengaged, respectively, at the gear stage at the time of occurrence of fault-induced disengagement, when the gear stage at the time of occurrence of the fault-induced disengagement is a predetermined gear stage and the friction element undergoing the fault-induced disengagement is not determined.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: Jatco LtdInventors: Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Hajime Tasaka, Hirofumi Michioka
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Patent number: 7359786Abstract: An electrically controlled braking system includes a first control unit and a second control unit in electrical communication via a communication link and a human machine-interface manipulatable by a vehicle operator. The human-machine interface includes a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor providing an input signal to the first control unit, and the second sensor providing an input signal to the second control unit. The first control unit and the second control unit compare the input signal received from the first sensor with the input signal received from the second sensor, and generate control signals at least in part based upon the input signal received from the first sensor, the input signal received from the second sensor, and the comparison of the input signal received from the first sensor with the input signal received from the second sensor.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2005Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Haldex Brake Products ABInventor: Anders Lindqvist
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Patent number: 7349775Abstract: System for detecting stability/instability of behavior of a motor vehicle upon occurrence of tire slip or lock. State of the motor vehicle is determined on the basis of an alignment torque (Ta) applied from a road and a side slip angle (?). By taking advantage of such torque/slip-angle characteristic that although the alignment torque is proportional to a side slip angle when the latter is small, the alignment torque becomes smaller as the side slip angle increases, a normal value is determined from a straight line slope and the side slip angle in a region where the latter is small. Unstable behavior of the motor vehicle is determined when deviation of actual measured value from the normal value increases. Further, unstable state is determined when the slope of the alignment torque for the slip angle departs significantly from that of approximate straight line slope.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroshi Fujioka, Takanori Matsunaga, Takashi Maeda, Toshinori Matsui, Masahiko Kurishige, Hideyuki Tanaka
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Patent number: 7319927Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a low speed operation of a vehicle. A speed activation switch is activated. A target vehicle speed is calculated in response to an accelerator pedal demand as determined by an accelerator pedal position where each respective accelerator pedal position is associated with a respective predetermined target vehicle speed. A vehicle turning geometry is determined in response to a steering wheel angle input. A target wheel speed of each of a plurality of vehicle wheels is calculated as a function of the target vehicle speed and turning geometry. An actual wheel speed of each wheel is measured. A net torque is determined in response to the target wheel speeds and actual wheel speeds. An engine output torque and a braking torque are determined in response to the net torque. The engine output torque and the total vehicle braking torque are controlled for cooperatively maintaining the target vehicle speed.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes CompanyInventors: Qiong Sun, Eric Schieb, Arnold H. Spieker, David W. Weber, Frank Lubischer
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Patent number: 7209821Abstract: In a system of accelerating a car using a brake operating mechanism, the driver is required to be ready to step on the brake operating mechanism so as to rapidly decelerate the car in order to avoid danger, if necessary, while he is releasing his foot from the brake operating mechanism, which is a burden for the driver. Therefore, a footrest function range and a braking force increasing function range are provided to an operating amount or an operating force of a pedal 13.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Toshimichi Minowa, Satoru Kuragaki, Kazuhiko Satou, Tokuji Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 7128376Abstract: A redundant architecture for a brake-by-wire system is provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Goodrich CorporationInventors: Aaron Charles Williams, Bryan Anthony Ash, Peter Stanton Conklin, David Zwick, David Townsend
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Patent number: 7096108Abstract: A brake system for a heavy vehicle includes a control network, a brake component, a central control unit, and a distributed electronic control unit. The central control unit generates central control signals adapted to control the brake component, which control signals are transmitted to the brake component over the control network. The distributed electronic control unit receives the central control signals, controls the brake component in accordance with the central control signals if the central control signals are received during expected time periods, and controls the brake component in accordance with an alternative control scheme if the central control signals are not received during the expected time periods.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Haldex Brake Products ABInventors: Peter Nilsson, Anders Lindqvist
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Patent number: 7013209Abstract: A vehicle anti-lock brake system determines when an ABS failure condition has occurred, configures a failure condition operating mode of the ABS control, and, finally, activates the ABS control based on the failure condition operational mode. When a brake actuator failure occurs, this allows the system to configure the failure condition operating mode to exclude the wheel having the failed brake actuator. Alternately, the system may configure the failure condition operating mode to exclude wheel speed data when an invalid wheel speed indicator is determined for a wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc., Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellshaInventors: Jon T. Zumberge, Kenneth R. Buckholtz, Hendrikus T. Smakman
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Patent number: 6952633Abstract: A device and a method for monitoring a lateral-acceleration sensor suitable for use in a motor vehicle. A first lateral-acceleration variable is detected which describes the lateral acceleration acting on the vehicle. The device also includes a detecting arrangement with which wheel-speed variables are detected that describe the speeds of the individual wheels. Also included is a first determination arrangement with which a variable describing the vehicle speed is determined as a function of at least one wheel-speed variable, and a second determination arrangement with which a second lateral-acceleration variable is determined as a function of at least one wheel-speed variable, as well as a monitoring arrangement in which at least one comparison of the first lateral-acceleration variable to the second lateral-acceleration variable is carried out for monitoring the lateral-acceleration sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Joerg Damaske
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Patent number: 6909956Abstract: A receiver capable of receiving a remote vehicle stop request signal is mounted to a commercial vehicle and connected to the vehicle antilock braking ECU by a vehicle communication bus. The receiver may also be capable of transmitting a signal, thereby allowing the desired vehicle to be isolated. Furthermore, a user input device may be mounted to the vehicle that allows manual input of a park signal. When the park signal has been received by the vehicle ECU, the vehicle braking system is employed, thereby preventing the movement of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventors: Thomas J. Weed, Kenneth A. Grolle, Joseph M. Macnamara, Kirit A. Thakkar
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Patent number: 6904991Abstract: A method and a device for stabilizing a vehicle having at least one wheel tending to spin, are provided. In response to the tendency to spin, a driver-independent braking intervention occurs in the at least one wheel. The engine torque is reduced if the driver-independent braking intervention has not resulted in stabilizing the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Guenter Barth, Frank Leibeling, Michael Kroehnert
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Patent number: 6905181Abstract: An electric parking brake system that includes a parking brake, and an electric motor, wherein the parking brake is activated by the electric motor. Operation of the parking brake is controlled such that a vehicle is decelerated at a target deceleration of a predetermined magnitude when an operation command to operate the parking brake is issued by a driver via an operation switch while the vehicle is running. If a service brake fails while a vehicle is running, when the driver depresses the operation switch to issue the operation command to a parking brake to brake the vehicle, the parking brake is controlled such that the vehicle is decelerated at the target deceleration of the predetermined magnitude set on the basis of the number of times of depressing the operation switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshihiro Iwagawa, Jun Miyakawa, Makoto Taniguchi, Yutaka Kichima, Katsuyuki Takei, Makoto Bessho
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Patent number: 6895322Abstract: An improved ABS control method incorporates entry criteria for initiating ABS control based on brake pedal position and rate of depression, adaptively adjusted by a reference pedal position corresponding to a predefined vehicle deceleration. A periodically-updated characterization of the relationship between brake pedal position and vehicle deceleration is used to establish the reference brake pedal position, and when insipient wheel lock is detected, the initiation of ABS control is delayed by an entry delay period that decreases with increasing rate of pedal depression and with the degree to which the pedal position exceeds the reference pedal position. In this way, the entry conditions are predicated primarily on the manner of brake pedal depression, with adaptive adjustment for variations in braking effectiveness.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Allen John Walenty, Kevin Gerard Leppek, David Alan Thatcher
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Publication number: 20040254696Abstract: A method for monitoring motor vehicle systems that include mechanical components and at least one control device detects, in a first step, input signals and output signals as quantitative signals that characterize the operating behavior, assigns discrete qualitative values to value intervals of the input signals and output signals, which are established using a particular sequence of threshold values. A change to one of the qualitative values is recognized as an event, and consecutive events are stored as an event sequence. The event sequence is compared with a model of the normal behavior of the motor vehicle system, in particular a model composed of all event sequences of the proper operation of the motor vehicle system. If there is a match, it is assumed that the motor vehicle system is operating properly. If there is no match, erroneous operation is assumed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: Dirk Foerstner, Reinhard Weber
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Publication number: 20040254711Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle anti-lock brake system is disclosed. The method includes determining an ABS failure condition has occurred, configuring a failure condition operating mode of the ABS control and, finally, activating the ABS control based on the failure condition operational mode. A computer readable medium storing a computer program for operating a vehicle ABS control is also described. Computer readable code for determining that an ABS failure condition has occurred, configuring a failure condition operating mode of the ABS control, and then activating the ABS based on the failure condition operational mode is described. A vehicle including an anti-lock brake system configured for operation when a failure condition occurs is described. Operating the anti-lock brake system comprises determining an ABS failure condition has occurred, configuring a failure condition operating mode of the ABS, and activating the ABS based on the failure condition operational mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Jon T. Zumberge, Kenneth R. Buckholtz, Hendrikus T. Smakman
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Patent number: 6823251Abstract: A microprocessor system for safety-critical control operations includes at least three central units which are preferably located jointly on one chip and execute the same program. Further, there is provision of read-only memories and random-access memories with additional memory locations for test data, input and output units and comparators which check the output signals of the central units for correlation. The central units are interconnected by way of bus systems and bypasses which enable the central units to jointly read and process the existing data, including the test data and commands, according to the same program. The central units are extended by redundant periphery units into two complete control signal circuits and are interconnected in such a manner that, upon failure, the faulty central unit is identified by a majority decision and an emergency operation function is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1999Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., OHGInventor: Bernhard Giers
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Patent number: 6804599Abstract: An electrical system for detecting and correcting loss of control, including wheel slipping or skidding, of a vehicle pulling a fifth wheel trailer includes a first wheel movement sensor disposed adjacent a driven wheel of the vehicle, and a second wheel movement sensor operably disposed adjacent to a non-driven wheel of the vehicle. A computer receives electrical signals from the sensors which indicate a function of either drive wheel rotational speed, or non-driven wheel rotational speed, respectively. The computer compares the signals produced by the wheel sensors and activates a disengaging mechanism which disengages a drive line of the vehicle by disengaging the drive line from a vehicle clutch when the driven wheel rotational speed exceeds the non-driven wheel rotational speed by a predetermined amount.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Inventor: Terry Lee Burnett
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Patent number: 6804564Abstract: A system for controlling and/or monitoring a control-unit group having at least two control units, a first control unit and at least one second control unit, the first control unit being designed for performing its control function and for monitoring this control function, as well as for monitoring the control function of the at least one second control unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Norbert Crispin, Wolfgang Haas, Andreas Frank, Thomas Meier