Abstract: A vehicle warm-up control apparatus includes: a motor; an inverter; an electric storage device; a boost converter connected to a low-voltage-side power line and a high-voltage-side power liner; and a control unit for controlling the inverter and the boost converter, the boost converter including a first switching device as an upper arm, a second switching device as a lower arm, and a reactor. Further, the second switching device is composed of a semiconductor device variable in resistance value, and when warm-up is requested, the control unit executes warm-up control to set the resistance value of the second switching device higher than the resistance value during operation when the warm-up is not requested, and supply heat generated in the second switching device by passing current through the second switching device to a device for which the warm-up is requested.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine of a vehicle is equipped with a plurality of cylinders, and ignition devices provided for the cylinders respectively. The vehicle is mounted with an ECU. The ECU performs an ignition timing decision process for deciding a basic ignition timing of the ignition devices in accordance with a load of the internal combustion engine. The ECU performs a misfire determination process for determining that a misfire has occurred on a condition that the torque has decreased below a threshold set in advance. The ECU performs a retardation process for controlling an ignition timing toward a retardation side from the basic ignition timing when a state of the vehicle satisfies a condition determined in advance. A determination on the occurrence of a misfire based on a relationship in magnitude between the torque and the threshold is not made during the retardation process, in the misfire determination process.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission pressure monitoring system includes a hydrostatic transmission and a pressure sensor data source. The hydrostatic transmission includes, in turn, a transmission casing, a pivoting yoke assembly rotatably mounted in the transmission casing, a hydrostatic pump-motor arrangement containing a hydraulic pump-motor circuit at least partially formed in the pivoting yoke assembly, and a pressure scaling device fluidly coupled to the hydraulic pump-motor circuit. The pressure scaling device is configured to generate a pressure-scaled output signal substantially proportional to a peak circuit pressure within the hydraulic pump-motor circuit. The pressure sensor data source is fluidly coupled to the pressure scaling device and is configured to generate pressure sensor data indicative of the pressure-scaled output signal.

Abstract: A personal mobility vehicle comprising a control unit for controlling a steering function of the vehicle, wherein the control unit is adapted to receive route information from a personal smart device and to control the vehicle at least semi-autonomously based on the route information.

Abstract: A system for controlling blade tip clearances in a gas turbine engine may comprise an active clearance control system and a controller in operable communication with the active clearance control system. The controller may be configured to identify a cruise condition, reduce a thrust limit of the gas turbine engine to a de-rated maximum climb thrust, determine a first target tip clearance based on the de-rated maximum climb thrust, and send a command signal correlating to the first target tip clearance to the active clearance control system.

Abstract: A method for controlling an actuator of an actuator unit of a motor vehicle includes detecting desired activation of the actuator, detecting whether a currently present operating state of the motor vehicle is a first operating state or a second operating state, selecting either a first control routine upon detecting the first operating state or a second control routine upon detecting the second operating state, and actuating the drive motor with the selected first control routine or second control routine. A drive motor of the actuator unit is controlled depending on the operating state of the motor vehicle. In the first operating state, an actuation of the actuator occurs according to the first control routine with high dynamics of the drive motor, and in the second operating state, the actuation of the actuator occurs according to the second control routine with adjusted dynamics of the drive motor.

Abstract: A misfire detection device for an internal combustion engine includes a storage device and processing circuitry. The storage device stores mapping data. The mapping data is data specifying a mapping that outputs a misfire variable using a rotation waveform variable as an input. The misfire variable is a variable related to a probability that a misfire has occurred in the internal combustion engine. The rotation waveform variable is a variable based on an instantaneous speed variable corresponding to each of discontinuous rotational angle intervals selected from multiple continuous rotational angle intervals.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system that allows engagement of an electronic plug-in device (EPID) with an on-board diagnostic II (OBD-II) port of a vehicle. The EPID includes an accelerometer and a processor. The accelerometer detects vibrations associated with engine operation. The processor, in communication with the accelerometer, executes instructions to receive an input waveform from the accelerometer. The processor may determine whether the input waveform from the accelerometer is associated with the engine operation. The processor may transition the EPID from a sleep state to a wake state if the input waveform is detected to be associated with the engine operation. In contrast, the processor may transition the EPID from the wake state to the sleep state when the input waveform is not associated with the engine operation.

Abstract: An information processing device includes an input configured to input a starting position, a destination and searching conditions, and processing circuitry configured to transmit the starting position, the destination and the searching conditions, acquire a route and a charging station for a vehicle propelled by a motor and a battery which are generated from travelling history information acquired from plurality of vehicles according to the starting position, the destination and the searching conditions, and information on the searching conditions, and perform control to display the acquired route and the charging station together with the information on searching condition on a screen.

Abstract: A method for operating a telematics system that determines the current geographic position of a user device with respect to a static boundary separating a first zone and a second zone, determines at least one first parameter, determines a dynamic boundary separating the first zone and the second zone, based on the course of the static boundary, the current geographic position and the at least one first parameter, determines whether the current position of the user device is located in the first zone or the second zone based on the course of the dynamic boundary, and activates or deactivates one or more telematics services depending on the zone the user device is located in.

Abstract: A fault signal recovery apparatus and method for collecting signals obtained in a plant and recovering normal signals from fault signals contained in the measured signals through a machine learning method includes receiving an input X including only normal signals for a plurality of tags, an input U including fault signals for a first group of tags among the plurality of tags and normal signals for a second group of tags, and an input S having information on the first group of tags including fault signals, and estimating and recovering normal signals for the first group of tags including fault signals based on feature information F, recovery model information P, and ensemble learning.

Abstract: A misfire detection device for an internal combustion engine includes a storage device and processing circuitry. The storage device stores mapping data. The mapping data is data specifying a mapping that outputs a misfire variable using a rotation waveform variable as an input. The misfire variable is a variable related to a probability that a misfire has occurred in the internal combustion engine. The rotation waveform variable is a variable based on an instantaneous speed variable corresponding to each of discontinuous rotational angle intervals selected from multiple continuous rotational angle intervals.

Abstract: A system and algorithm-based method of determining engine health and assuring available propulsion power based on historical data reflecting the individual engine's unique performance “fingerprint.

Abstract: An apparatus continually monitors predictive maintenance information and analyzes incoming measurements resulting in recommendations for improving setup information, such as machine information and measurement configurations. Smart sensors generate sensor signals corresponding to the parameters of a machine and a transducer converts the sensor signals into digital sensor data, which is stored into memory. An analyzer determines current operating characteristics of each machine and runs an improvement cycle in which it calculates new setup information. For example, the analyzer may calculate a new alert limit, which is a new measurement configuration that may be saved in the database as a new stored measurement configuration replacing an old measurement configuration. The analyzer may also calculate new machine information.

Abstract: An electrical system for a vehicle may include a main power supply and a power supply controller electrically connected to the main power supply and configured to selectively electrically connect the main power supply to, and disconnect the main power supply from, a vehicle subsystem. The electrical system may also include a supervisor power supply controller configured to receive signals indicative of an operational status of the vehicle, and determine, based at least in part on the signals, expected signals associated with operation of a plurality of vehicle subsystems. The supervisor power supply controller may also receive signals associated with operation of a vehicle subsystem, and determine that the signals associated with operation of the vehicle subsystem are indicative of a fault. The supervisor power supply controller may cause the power supply controller associated with the vehicle subsystem to disconnect the vehicle subsystem from the main power supply.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to optimizing vehicle driver performance and route travel. Specifically, tracking an activity level, such as a number of steps of a fleet vehicle driver may enable a fleet management system to increase both an efficiency of a particular fleet vehicle driver and an overall efficiency of the entire fleet. As such, the present disclosure provides for the determination of inefficiencies in a fleet vehicle driver stop location, and optimizes the routes for each fleet vehicle in a fleet management system based on the tracked information.

Abstract: A misfire detection device for an internal combustion engine includes a storage device and processing circuitry. The storage device stores mapping data. The mapping data is data specifying a mapping that outputs a misfire variable using a rotation waveform variable as an input. The misfire variable is a variable related to a probability that a misfire has occurred in the internal combustion engine. The rotation waveform variable is a variable based on an instantaneous speed variable corresponding to each of discontinuous rotational angle intervals selected from multiple continuous rotational angle intervals.

Abstract: A charge control device can include a plurality of control units that are mutually connected by a communication line and control charging of different batteries. The control units can each include a communication state acquisition unit that acquires a communication state of another control unit of the control units through the communication line. The control units can each include a detection unit that detects an abnormality of the other control unit based on the communication state of the other control unit acquired by the communication state acquisition unit. The control units can each include a suppression unit that suppresses an operation of the other control unit for which an abnormality is detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: A method for operating an electrically actuable feed pump in a hydraulic circuit, which draws in fluid from a fluid sump with a normal supplying of fluid. The fluid circulated in the hydraulic circuit can be returned back, and air is sucked in at least partially with an undersupply of fluid. The electric motor is integrated in a control circuit, which is provided with a control unit, which actuates the electric motor based on an actual rotational speed and a setpoint rotational speed with an actuation rotational speed. The evaluation unit compares the actual rotational speed to a reference rotational speed and in particular always with an identical current consumption. The evaluation unit then determines based on the comparison whether a fluid undersupply is present.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling an angular position of a camshaft relative to an angular position of a crankshaft includes detecting rotational movement of an electric motor output shaft controlling a camshaft phaser; detecting rotational movement of the crankshaft; determining the relative difference between the rotational movement of the electric motor output shaft and the rotational movement of the crankshaft; and determining whether the angular position of the camshaft relative to the angular position of the crankshaft is advancing, retarding, or remaining constant.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide various examples of a surgical procedure analysis system for extracting an actual procedure duration that involves actual surgical tool-tissue interactions from a total procedure duration of a surgical procedure. In one aspect, the process for generating the haptic feedback signal includes the steps of: obtaining the total procedure duration of the surgical procedure; receiving a set of operating room (OR) data from a set of OR data sources collected during the surgical procedure; analyzing the set of OR data to detect a set of non-surgical events during the surgical procedure that do not involve surgical tool-tissue interactions; extracting a set of durations corresponding to the set of events; and determining the actual procedure duration by subtracting the combined set of durations corresponding to the set of events from the total procedure duration.

Abstract: A method for reporting vehicle fuel data includes operatively connecting an onboard computing device to a data bus of a vehicle. Using the onboard computing device, the method further includes continuously electronically monitoring and obtaining vehicle operation data. The vehicle operation data includes vehicle fuel consumption data, mileage data, and GPS location data. The vehicle operation data and driver identification data are electronically recorded and stored in a memory device of the onboard computing device. A fuel data log is electronically generated using the vehicle operation data continuously monitored, obtained and calculated from the data bus of the vehicle, and stored in the memory device of the onboard computing device. Using data processing software, the method further includes electronically generating a fuel data report incorporating portions of the fuel data log.

Abstract: A method for operating a speed-controlled fluid pump includes: providing an electrical control current for the fluid pump; providing a maximum value for the electrical control current, which maximum value corresponds to a maximum permissible pressure at an outlet side of the fluid pump; providing a threshold value for the control current, the threshold value corresponding to a further maximum permissible pressure at the outlet side of the fluid pump and is predefined in dependence upon at least one boundary condition, the threshold value being less than the maximum value for the electrical control current; and controlling the fluid pump with not more than the threshold value for the control current, if it has been determined that the at least one boundary condition holds, so as to limit the pressure at the outlet side of the fluid pump to a value provided for the at least one boundary condition.

Abstract: The present application provides a method of evaluating valve creep damage in a turbine by a data acquisition system. The method may include the steps of receiving a number of operating parameters from a number of sensors including steam temperatures and steam pressures about the valve over time, generating a design material model for the valve, determining an indicator for consumed creep lifetime based on the steam temperature and steam pressures about the valve over time as compared to the design material model, and altering one or more of the operating parameters and/or initiating repair procedures based upon the consumed creep lifetime indicator.

Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft includes at least one gas turbine engine, an electric auxiliary fan driving motor configured to selectively receive electric power input from one or more electric power sources, and at least one auxiliary propulsion fan configured to selectively receive a motive force from either or both of the at least one gas turbine engine and the electric auxiliary fan driving motor. The propulsion system also includes a controller configured to establish a plurality of takeoff thrust settings of the at least one gas turbine engine and the electric auxiliary fan driving motor such that a minimum total aircraft thrust required for takeoff of the aircraft is produced.

Abstract: A method, system, and engine are configured to determine a parameter based on rotational speeds of a crankshaft, over at least three cylinder combustion cycles. The method, system, and engine determine two or more estimated crankshaft rotational speeds at two or more positions in a leading cylinder combustion cycle, two or more estimated crankshaft rotational speeds at two or more positions in a middle cylinder combustion cycle, and two or more estimated crankshaft rotational speeds at two or more positions in a following cylinder combustion cycle. The method, system, and engine are configured to determine a calculated metric based on each of the determined leading estimated crankshaft rotational speeds, the determined middle estimated crankshaft rotational speeds, and the determined following estimated crankshaft rotational speeds. An engine parameter, such as misfire, is then determined based on the calculated metric.

Abstract: A system and method for path planning of autonomous vehicles based on gradient are disclosed. A particular embodiment includes: generating and scoring a first suggested trajectory for an autonomous vehicle; generating a trajectory gradient based on the first suggested trajectory; generating and scoring a second suggested trajectory for the autonomous vehicle, the second suggested trajectory being based on the first suggested trajectory and a human driving model; and outputting the second suggested trajectory if the score corresponding to the second suggested trajectory is within a score differential threshold relative to the score corresponding to the first suggested trajectory.

Abstract: A graphical user interface allowing one or more users to rapidly perceive and respond to varying operational states. Glyphs depicting differing levels of detail are provided for a top-level manager versus a lower-level operator. As applied to the vehicle paradigm, each individual glyph presents information as to the vehicle's current assigned task, mode, state, status, and its progress in completing that task. Each display shows multiple glyphs representing multiple vehicles. A vehicle m need of attention rises in the depiction whereas a vehicle not needing attention remains in a low position.

Abstract: This application discusses various ways to adjust the performance of a variable input control in accordance with previous use data. In some embodiments, the previous use data can be associated with particular users of the variable input control. In this way, a response provided by the user input control can be adjusted to accommodate particular patterns of use on a user by user basis. In some embodiments, the variable input control can take the form of an accelerator pedal of a vehicle. Performance of the accelerator pedal can be adjusted by changing an amount of engine power provided for a particular accelerator pedal position. The adjustment can arrange commonly utilized power settings in the middle of the accelerator pedal range of motion to make manipulation of the accelerator pedal more comfortable and convenient for each user of the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A method of controlling driving of a vehicle when battery charging is limited is provided. The method includes calculating a target wheel torque from a speed of the vehicle, calculating a target motor torque from a differential gear device of the vehicle, and calculating a discharge power of a hybrid starter generator when the target motor torque and a motor charging limitation torque are compared with each other and the target motor torque is greater than the motor charging limitation torque. A fuel injection of the vehicle is blocked and an engine clutch is disengaged when the discharge power of the hybrid starter generator and a discharging limitation power of the hybrid starter generator are compared with each other and the discharge power of the hybrid starter generator is less than the discharging limitation power of the hybrid starter generator. Additionally, an engine reference speed of the vehicle is determined.

Abstract: One example aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for scheduling a vehicle wash. The method can include receiving, at one or more computing devices, data indicative of an actual performance efficiency factor, wherein the data is collected from one or more sensors. The method can include determining, at the one or more computing devices, an expected performance efficiency factor based on a model. The method can include performing, at the one or more computing devices, a comparison of the actual performance efficiency factor with the expected performance efficiency factor. The method can include scheduling, at the one or more computing devices, the vehicle wash based on the comparison.

Abstract: A display controller is able to selectively perform a rearward normal display mode in which a first view-angle image is displayed in the display unit as an image of a first area of the rearward image and a rearward enlarged display mode in which a second view-angle image is displayed in the display unit as an image of a second area of the rearward image smaller than the first view-angle image in an enlarged manner. The display controller performs the rearward enlarged display mode when: an upward slope of a road on which an own car is traveling has increased; a vehicle speed of the own car has decreased after the upward slope of the road has increased; there is no preceding car that is closely lined up with the own car; and there is a following car that is not closely lined up with the own car.

Abstract: A DC charging circuit has a pair of switches and a battery pack with a maximum voltage capacity, and a power inverter module (PIM). The pair of switches connects/disconnects the battery pack to/from the PIM. An electric machine has phase windings sharing a motor neutral terminal. The phase windings are electrically connected to respective switching pair of the PIM. A switching module has one or two additional switches selectively connecting the PIM to the station, and a center switch selectively connecting the station to the motor neutral terminal. A controller executes a method that establishes a boost mode of the PIM when the maximum voltage capacity exceeds the maximum charging voltage. The boost mode is established by closing the pair of switches of the RESS, closing the center switch of the switching module and one of the additional switches, and opening the other additional switch if present.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system for transmitting first electromagnetic waves that propagate on a surface of a component of a transit system, and receiving second electromagnetic waves that propagate on the surface of the component of the transit system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting a fuel leak in a fuel system of an aircraft having at least two engines, where both a first engine and a second engine are each assigned a tank device and each at least one sensor device connected to a control and evaluation device. By means of the at least one sensor device, values for the assigned engine are determined from a group of defined parameters. The control and evaluation device compares the values determined by the sensor devices, corresponding with one another, and detects a fuel leak of the fuel system when there is a divergence in the values of a parameter that exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: Simplification of a device configuration and control is realized, which enables attraction and release by a magnet without using a battery. A magnet work machine includes a generator motor (8) driven by an engine (7); and an inverter (10) which controls a magnet (6) and the generator motor (8) such that the magnet (6) is energized by electric power from the generator motor (8) to attract metal scraps or the like, and during demagnetization for releasing metal scraps or the like, electric power applied to the magnet (6) is transmitted to the generator motor (8) as regenerative power so as to be consumed. The inverter (10) determines a torque of the generator motor (8) as a motor according to a voltage change of a main circuit based on a detected main circuit voltage so as to suppress the voltage change, and gives the torque as a command.

Abstract: Provided is a motor generator, which is always connected to an engine via a belt, and is configured to carry out start control of the engine and power generation control, the motor generator having a two-output power transmission mechanism including: a belt driving mechanism, which is configured to drive the engine through the belt; and a gear driving mechanism, which includes a pinion gear to be coupled to a ring gear on the engine side in accordance with an external instruction, and is configured to drive the engine by the pinion gear being coupled to the ring gear, in which an output of the belt driving mechanism and an output of the gear driving mechanism are arranged at positions opposing each other in an axial direction of a rotor of the motor generator.

Abstract: A system and method for the calculation of a fuel lacquer index using environmental monitoring is disclosed. The system and method may comprise: capturing a fuel temperature data; determining a fuel quality rating; calculating a volumetric fuel flow; calculating a fuel filter differential pressure; and calculating a fuel lacquer index. The fuel lacquer index may be calculated as a percentage value based upon the fuel temperature data, the fuel quality rating, the volumetric fuel flow, and the fuel filter differential pressure.

Abstract: This application discusses various ways to adjust the performance of a variable input control in accordance with previous use data. In some embodiments, the previous use data can be associated with particular users of the variable input control. In this way, a response provided by the user input control can be adjusted to accommodate particular patterns of use on a user by user basis. In some embodiments, the variable input control can take the form of an accelerator pedal of a vehicle. Performance of the accelerator pedal can be adjusted by changing an amount of engine power provided for a particular accelerator pedal position. The adjustment can arrange commonly utilized power settings in the middle of the accelerator pedal range of motion to make manipulation of the accelerator pedal more comfortable and convenient for each user of the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a shifting control method for a hybrid vehicle. The shifting control method includes: detecting operating parameters of the hybrid vehicle, where the operating parameters of the hybrid vehicle includes vehicle speed, vehicle acceleration as reflected from an accelerator-pedal signal and a current gear of the hybrid vehicle; determining a work mode of the hybrid vehicle; performing speed adjustment and shifting control to the first motor-generator according to a work mode and the operating parameters of the hybrid vehicle to implement shifting control of the hybrid vehicle, where the work mode includes an electric-vehicle mode and a hybrid-electric-vehicle mode. The method considers performing speed adjustment and shifting control under various working conditions. This improves smoothness and comfort of the vehicle and enlarges the use scope. The present disclosure further discloses a power transmission system of a hybrid vehicle and a hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: An operation plan preparation and evaluation device including a storage unit for storing master data related to equipment and a component, transaction data related to the equipment and the component generated when an operation plan is prepared, and an initial parameter used when the operation plan is prepared, and a control unit for preparing the operation plan based on the master data, the transaction data, and the initial parameter, in which the control unit performs a factor setting process of assigning a predetermined set value as the initial parameter, an operation plan preparation process of preparing the operation plan based on the initial parameter serving as the set value, the master data, and the transaction data, and an operation plan evaluation process of evaluating a plurality of respective operation plans prepared by repeatedly performing the operation plan preparation process while varying the initial parameter, and deriving an optimum operation plan.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to a method of controlling the thrust of the jets of a multi-jet aircraft, during the aircraft takeoff phase, which successively comprises a first step of controlling the jets to a first thrust level, until the aircraft reaches a first predetermined speed, and a second step of controlling the jets to a second thrust level, less than the first thrust level, when the aircraft exhibits a speed greater than the first predetermined speed, the first predetermined speed being less than the minimum ground control speed of the aircraft when the jets are at the second thrust level.

Abstract: A method for determining an imbalance of at least one cylinder in an arrangement of at least two cylinders in a system is provided, which includes an internal combustion engine, the imbalance of the at least one cylinder being present in relation to at least one property of an exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine and the determination of the imbalance of the at least one cylinder occurring with a sensor device for detecting at least one property of the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. A diagnostic threshold is ascertained through a dynamic characterization of the system with the sensor device, the dynamic characterization taking place after an excitation of the system. The diagnostic threshold makes it possible to delimit a range of potential erroneous detections which are caused due to a dispersion of an evaluating signal resulting from the imbalance of the at least one cylinder.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle including a front motor for driving front wheels, a rear motor for driving rear wheels, and a step-up converter for stepping-up the voltage from a battery and supplying power to the front motor, in which an engine is started to shift the vehicle from an EV mode into a series mode when the output power of the step-up converter is lower than the required power of the front motor, the hybrid vehicle includes a hybrid control unit which computes maximum output power of the step-up converter and, when the output power of the step-up converter is more than the maximum output power, increases the distribution ratio of the travel driving torque of the rear wheel, thereby increasing the output torque of the rear motor.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a first freewheel interposed between a first drive shaft of a first engine and a rotor. The state of operation of said first freewheel is correct if the first inlet speed of rotation of the first drive shaft lies in a second range of values corresponding to the current stage of operation while the outlet speed of rotation of the rotor lies in a first range of values corresponding to the current stage of operation.

Abstract: This application discusses various ways to adjust the performance of a variable input control in accordance with previous use data. In some embodiments, the previous use data can be associated with particular users of the variable input control. In this way, a response provided by the user input control can be adjusted to accommodate particular patterns of use on a user by user basis. In some embodiments, the variable input control can take the form of an accelerator pedal of a vehicle. Performance of the accelerator pedal can be adjusted by changing an amount of engine power provided for a particular accelerator pedal position. The adjustment can arrange commonly utilized power settings in the middle of the accelerator pedal range of motion to make manipulation of the accelerator pedal more comfortable and convenient for each user of the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: A powertrain assembly includes a transmission, an engine, first and second motor/generators and a controller. The controller includes a processor and memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method for controlling engine pulse torque cancellation commands. The controller is programmed to determine an engine pulse torque (TP). The controller is programmed to calculate a first motor torque pulse command (TA) for the first motor/generator as a product of a first gear factor (G1), the engine pulse torque (TP) and a first ratio (IA/IE) of a predetermined first moment of inertia (IA) for the first motor/generator and a predetermined engine moment of inertia (IE). Similarly, the controller is programmed to calculate a second motor torque pulse command (TB) for the second motor/generator. The controller is programmed to control the first and second motor/generators in response to the first and second motor torque pulse commands, respectively.

Abstract: This application discusses various ways to adjust the performance of a variable input control in accordance with previous use data. In some embodiments, the previous use data can be associated with particular users of the variable input control. In this way, a response provided by the user input control can be adjusted to accommodate particular patterns of use on a user by user basis. In some embodiments, the variable input control can take the form of an accelerator pedal of a vehicle. Performance of the accelerator pedal can be adjusted by changing an amount of engine power provided for a particular accelerator pedal position. The adjustment can arrange commonly utilized power settings in the middle of the accelerator pedal range of motion to make manipulation of the accelerator pedal more comfortable and convenient for each user of the accelerator pedal.

Abstract: In an alcohol concentration estimation apparatus for an engine, a first crank angular speed (?1) within a first predetermined interval overlapping with the compression top dead center is calculated, and a first variation amount (??1) is calculated by subtracting ?1 from an average engine speed. A second crank angular speed (?2) within a second predetermined interval overlapping with the combustion bottom dead center is calculated, and a second variation amount (??2) is calculated by subtracting ?1 from ?2. In a relationship between air fuel ratio A/F and an indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP)/charging efficiency (?c) of the engine when the engine is operated with a predetermined fuel injection map indicating a relationship between A/F and IMEP/?c for each desired alcohol concentration, IMEP/?c is substituted by ??2/??1 ratio to estimate an alcohol concentration in fuel. The alcohol concentration estimation apparatus eliminates requirement of sensors for detecting an intake air mass.

Abstract: A security arrangement for a motor vehicle having a vehicle management system and an on board diagnostics port to permit the external interrogation of the management system. The security arrangement includes a blocker having an electrical line, a switch and a controller to control the position of the switch, the switch having a closed position in which the electrical line is complete and an open position in which the electrical line is incomplete. The controller has a record of an identifier and is configured to close the switch when the identifier is communicated to the controller. The identifier can be communicated to the controller by way of data-input means or by a removable adaptor.