With Indicator Or Control Of Power Plant (e.g., Performance) Patents (Class 701/99)
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Patent number: 8874309Abstract: A method for acquiring information from a driving operation of a vehicle, in which first information is acquired with respect to at least one operating state of the vehicle and additional second information is ascertained with respect to this at least one operating state using statistical methods, the first and second information concerning this at least one operating state being stored. A method for the assigning and diagnosis of at least one operating state of a vehicle, a control unit, a computer program and a computer-program product are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Andreas Genssle, Michael Kolitsch, Tobias Pfister
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Patent number: 8874297Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system of controlling anti-jerk for reducing vibration of an electric vehicle using power of a motor. The method includes outputting an actual speed of the motor; outputting a model speed of the motor; obtaining a vibration component based on a deviation between the output motor speed and actual speed of the motor; high pass filtering the vibration component to remove an error component in the vibration component; delaying a phase of the filtered vibration component for a preset time to compensate for phase error occurring during the high pass filtering; and applying a preset gain to the vibration component in which the phase is delayed for the preset time to generate an anti-jerk compensation torque based on the applying of the preset gain.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Jae Sung Bang
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Patent number: 8874334Abstract: A shift control system of a hybrid vehicle with an automatic transmission may include a fuzzy function calculator that receives an accel position sensor (APS) signal that may be an input variable, and outputs a severity value by determining a driver's driving severity value through a plurality of fuzzy rules including a fuzzy function for the APS signal, a sporty degree calculator that may be electrically connected with the fuzzy function calculator and determines a sporty degree corresponding to the severity value, and a mode determiner that may be electrically connected with the sporty degree calculator and determines whether an engine operates in accordance with the sporty degree.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Byeongwook Jeon, Heeyong Lee
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Patent number: 8862295Abstract: A method of controlling a supercapacitor energy storage unit (12), included in a motor vehicle micro-hybrid system, is disclosed. The storage unit is suitable for performing the functions of an alternator, starter and automatic stop-restart of the vehicle heat engine, regenerative braking and torque assistance. The energy storage unit (12) is a plurality of supercapacitor elementary cells connected in series (C1 to C10) and capable of delivering information (Vmax, Temp and DeltaV) on its internal status. The method includes various stages of: comparing a maximum elementary voltage (Vmax) with a first voltage threshold (Vmax1); comparing a temperature (Temp) with at least one temperature threshold (ST1=55° C., ST2=65° C. and ST3=70° C.); and, deciding on limitations of the availability of functions of the unit when the (Vmax) information reaches threshold (Vmax1) for a predetermined duration (T) and/or when the (Temp) information reaches the temperature threshold (ST1=55° C., ST2=65° C. and ST3=70° C.).Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2010Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques MoteurInventors: Bruno Dessirier, Marc Ranier, Serge Newiadomy, Benoit Soucaze-Guillous, Philippe Masson, Pierre Sardat, Michaël Chemin, Jean-Claude Matt
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Patent number: 8862363Abstract: An electronic engine controller includes a commanded rotor speed input, an altitude input, and a current rotor speed input, a computer processor, and a memory storing a prediction logic. The prediction logic is operable to cause the processor to determine a predictive value representative of a closed loop transient response of a propulsion system's actual corrected low rotor speed in response to a commanded change in low rotor speed.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: Ramesh Rajagopalan
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Patent number: 8862304Abstract: A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collects, charges and distributes portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Vehicle diagnostic data of a vehicle using the portable electrical energy storage device is stored on a diagnostic data storage system of the portable electrical energy storage device during use of a respective portable electrical energy storage device by a respective vehicle. Once the user places the portable electrical energy storage device in the collection, charging and distribution machine, or comes within wireless communications range of a collection, charging and distribution machine, a connection is established between the collection, charging and distribution machine and the portable electrical energy storage device.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2013Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Gogoro, Inc.Inventors: Ching Chen, Hok-Sum Horace Luke, Matthew Whiting Taylor, Yi-Tsung Wu
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Patent number: 8862428Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for monitoring of one or more machines or devices, such as washers and dryers, for a change of state and indicating when the change of state has occurred. In one aspect, the system comprises a monitor and alert unit which generates a signal indicative of the change of the state of the machine or device being monitored and a device or system to produce an alert notification based upon the signal. The monitor and alert unit includes an operational state sensor, a signal conditioner, and a comparator.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2013Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Inventors: Thomas Martin Lill, Ralph Shoemaker
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Patent number: 8855888Abstract: An engine misfire is identified by ordinary engine misfire detection processing when the operating condition of an engine comprising a rotation speed Ne and a torque Te does not belong to a resonance region of a rear portion including a damper as a torsion element (S120), and an engine misfire is identified by resonance-region engine misfire detection processing, which is different from the ordinary engine misfire detection processing, when the operating condition of an engine belongs to a resonance region of a rear portion including a damper (S130). This enables an engine misfire to be identified more reliably and with good accuracy regardless of whether the operating condition of an engine belongs to a resonance region of a rear portion including a damper.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2006Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takashi Suzuki
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Patent number: 8854210Abstract: An eco drive support apparatus which reports the eco degree of the driving operation of a vehicle by displaying a state relative to a judgment threshold which varies corresponding to the drive state of the vehicle. The apparatus has a power train ECU which computes the judgment threshold and an eco drive state amount expressing a ratio to the judgment threshold on the basis of the drive state of the vehicle and a meter ECU which indicates the eco drive state amount on the basis of information transmitted from the power train ECU. The power train ECU transmits the eco drive state amount to the meter ECU.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignees: Fujitsu Ten Limited, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomohiro Matsuo, Masato Ishio, Kohichi Tomiyama, Masatoshi Watanabe, Kan Saito
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Publication number: 20140297147Abstract: Vehicle mass is estimated in a hybrid motor vehicle. Upon determination of a significant change in vehicle mass, adjustments are made to control of the regenerative braking systems and to energy storage levels to improve fuel efficiency. Upon determination of an increase in vehicle mass, the amount of braking force applied to the vehicle by the regenerative braking system in response to brake pedal movement is increased in order to capture more braking energy before friction braking is used.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2013Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventor: Kevin Andrew Newman
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Publication number: 20140297153Abstract: An electronic control unit adjusts drive force generated by an engine in accordance with the amount of manipulation of an accelerator pedal. When the manipulation amount of the accelerator pedal meets a predetermined condition, the electronic control unit executes drive force limiting control for limiting the drive force generated by the engine and changes the degree of limiting of the drive force during the execution of the drive force limiting process according the gradient of the road surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2011Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masashi Takagi, Motonari Ohbayashi, Yuki Minase, Shinya Kodama, Toshihiro Takagi
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Publication number: 20140297154Abstract: A theft prevention device includes an FI-ECU that controls starting of an engine, a BCM that performs first code authentication between the BCM and the FI-ECU, a voltage detection unit that detects a voltage supplied from a power supply to the FI-ECU or the BCM, and a control unit that performs second code authentication with the BCM and controls a device VSA that is different from the FI-ECU. The BCM performs authentication with the control unit only when the voltage detected by the voltage detection unit indicates a predetermined value or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Naoto Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20140297126Abstract: An inverted pendulum type vehicle capable of making mounting and dismounting of an occupant smooth. A control device of an inverted pendulum type vehicle includes a control gain adjustment unit. The control gain adjustment unit changes the magnitude of the control gain used for motion control of an actuator device according to the tilting state of an occupant riding section in a situation where the stepping on of an occupant to the occupant riding section is executed or in a situation where the stepping off of the occupant from the occupant riding section is executed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Makoto HASEGAWA, Shinichiro KOBASHI, Shinya SHIROKURA, Hideo MURAKAMI
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Publication number: 20140297081Abstract: A vehicle includes a driving source, a shutter device, and a controller. The driving source is configured to generate a driving force. The shutter device is configured to adjust an amount of air for cooling the driving source. The controller is configured to control the driving source and is configured to restrict an operation of the driving source based on a temperature of the driving source when a failure of the shutter device is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takayuki Asami, Masashi Yoshimi
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Patent number: 8849534Abstract: A vehicle control system is provided which is designed to stop or restart an engine automatically. The system is equipped with a vehicle speed determining circuit which determines the speed of the vehicle and has a dead zone around where a real speed of the vehicle is zero. The vehicle speed determining circuit has a characteristic in which when falling in the dead zone, the determined speed shows zero. When the determined speed is zero, and the real speed is expected to have dropped to zero, the system applies a first braking force to the wheel to keep the vehicle stopped. When the determined speed has become zero following the automatic stop of the engine, the system applies a second braking force smaller in magnitude than the first braking force to the wheel, thereby decelerating the vehicle slowly to avoid unexpected sudden deceleration.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Tatsuya Saito
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Patent number: 8849540Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring engine coolant temperature sensors are described. In one embodiment, an expected engine coolant temperature may be determined based on the accumulated engine mass air flow. If the current engine coolant temperature is substantially different from the expected temperature, then an error signal may be generated. In one embodiment, the expected engine coolant temperature is compared to the actual engine coolant temperature if the engine coolant temperature has changed by a predetermined amount. In one embodiment, the expected engine coolant temperature is compared to the actual engine coolant temperature if the accumulated engine mass air flow is equal to or is greater than a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Dan Nagashima
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Patent number: 8849507Abstract: A driver assistance system for driver assistance for consumption controlled driving combines tactile and visual feedback functions, especially in the form of a drive configuration, a display concept and/or a deceleration assistant, wherein the emphasis is, on the one hand, on a modified accelerator pedal characteristic and, on the other hand, on providing ECO tips for an interactive output of efficient driving instructions.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Christian Popp, Norman Wiebking, Henrik Wigermo, Andreas Pfeiffer
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Patent number: 8849541Abstract: A method includes i) identifying a period of operation corresponding to a fuel supply requirement; ii) determining at least one ambient air condition in which the machine will operate during the period; iii) determining a duration of time in which, whilst in the ambient air condition, it is required to achieve a predetermined vapor trail characteristic; iv) determining a resultant fuel composition for use by the machine in the ambient air condition to achieve the characteristic, where the resultant fuel composition includes at least one of the first and second fuel compositions; v) determining the ratio of at least the first and second fuel compositions required for sufficient resultant fuel composition for the duration of time determined in step iii); and vi) producing a first signal indicative of the ratio of at least the first and second fuel compositions required for the duration of time determined in step iii).Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventor: Peter Swann
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Patent number: 8843259Abstract: An engine includes variable valve mechanisms capable of causing an intake valve and an exhaust valve to stop. An ECU estimates poisoning states of catalysts, and executes and prohibits stopping of the valves based on the poisoning states. When stopping of the valves is prohibited during a fuel-cut operation, the ECU drives a crankshaft of the engine by means of a motor to idle the engine. Thus, even in a hybrid vehicle in which the engine is stopped during a fuel-cut operation, a sufficient amount of oxygen can be rapidly supplied to the catalysts by utilizing a pumping action of pistons, and the catalysts can be caused to recover from rich poisoning efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Norihisa Nakagawa, Takashi Nishikiori
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Patent number: 8843286Abstract: A vehicle driving force suppression device is provided, and driving force suppression is conducted on the basis of existence of an obstacle which is on the opposite course to the selected shift position. Adding specific conditions related to acceleration pedal depression amount and speed, inclination of the road in the direction which an obstacle exists, or distance to the obstacle, magnitude of driving force suppression is decided.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shunsuke Tezuka, Rikio Kenmochi
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Publication number: 20140277971Abstract: A system and method for generating vehicle fuel economy estimates. Information describing a path of travel and a vehicle are received from a user. A detailed representation of the path of travel is obtained. Road condition information for segments of the path of travel is obtained, and the path of travel is verified as being traversable by the described vehicle. This information is used to generate a drive cycle profile, which contains at least the simulated path traversed by the vehicle, the speed of the vehicle along segments of the path, and any ambient conditions taken into account when predicting the speed of the vehicle. One or more drive cycle profiles are used to generate a fuel economy estimate for the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: PACCAR IncInventors: Kevin S. Oshiro, John D. Duffy, Christopher Balton
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Patent number: 8831834Abstract: In a vehicle information management system, a storage includes a storage region arranged to store abnormality data that includes diagnostic data, type information indicating a type of an abnormality, and occurrence number information that indicates the number of occurrences of each abnormality specified by the type information. When the type of an abnormality is specified by an abnormality specifying unit and a new diagnostic data is produced and if the abnormality data of the same type as the specified type is already stored in the storage region in the storage, an updating unit changes the occurrence number information to the latest information and overwrites and saves the diagnostic data in the storage region already stored with the abnormality data of the same type as the specified type.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoko Fujime
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Patent number: 8831865Abstract: Provided are a server, a system and a method by which a utility value of information relating to fuel efficiency of a vehicle can be improved. A fuel efficiency information management server (100) functions so that a driver of each vehicle or a third party is informed of a ranking corresponding to the fuel efficiency level of each vehicle, together with a travel state factor of each vehicle when the fuel efficiency is achieved, through a system of eco-information.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Sengoku, Yuichiro Ishido
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Publication number: 20140249731Abstract: A management system using Global Positioning System receivers for tracking remote units from a central office and quickly and conveniently determining if those remote units have varied from a set of predetermined parameters of operation. The system also includes provisions that allows information to be sent from the remote units to the central office and vice versa. The system also has safety features that promote the rapid dispatch of law enforcement personnel when requests for emergency assistance have been made from the remote units.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Marvin R. Hamrick, R.T. Mitchell Ingman
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Patent number: 8825340Abstract: Disclosed is a vibration control apparatus of a driving system for a vehicle. More specifically, a toque command generating portion receives a demand torque from a driver and generates a torque command for operating a motor. A torque control portion receives the torque command from the toque command generating portion, collects information on exterior disturbances, and controls an actual torque of the motor accordingly. Lastly, a damping portion extracts and filters a vibration element generated due to operation of the motor by control of the torque control portion and generates a target torque to eliminate vibrations from the motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Sang Joon Kim, Jae Sung Bang
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Patent number: 8825309Abstract: A cargo handling controller includes a rotation speed setting unit, an engine control unit, a memory, a rotation speed detection unit, a deviation calculator, an assistance amount setting unit, and a generator-motor control unit. The deviation calculator calculates a deviation of a feedback control rotation speed, which is determined from a target engine rotation speed stored in the memory a predetermined time earlier, and an actual rotation speed of the generator-motor, which is detected by the rotation speed detection unit. The assistance amount setting unit obtains a generator-motor assistance amount in accordance with the deviation. The generator-motor control unit sends a drive signal that is in accordance with the generator-motor assistance amount to the generator-motor.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2010Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota JidoshokkiInventors: Yukikazu Koide, Norihiko Kato
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Patent number: 8825317Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine that includes a dipper and a crowd drive. A method includes determining an acceleration associated with the industrial machine, determining a crowd retract factor based on the acceleration, comparing the crowd retract factor to a threshold crowd retract factor, setting a crowd speed reference and a crowd retract torque for the crowd drive for a period of time based on the comparison of the crowd retract factor to the threshold crowd retract factor.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Harnischfeger Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Colwell, William Hren, David Wendt, Michael Linstroth
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Patent number: 8825341Abstract: A vehicle information management system eliminates the need for a large capacity storage and allows an abnormality and a malfunction to be easily specified. An updating unit does not store diagnostic data obtained at the time of an engine stall in a storage if it is determined that the engine stalls is because of a rider's operation of the vehicle, and stores diagnostic data obtained at the time of the engine stall in the storage if it is determined that the engine stall is not attributable to a rider's operation of the vehicle, based on detection results from an operation detector and an engine state detector.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yoko Fujime
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Patent number: 8825251Abstract: A device for performing energy management in an electric vehicle which can be driven at least partially by an electric machine which can be supplied with electrical energy by a rechargeable battery, wherein the state of charge (SOC) of the rechargeable battery varies during charging and discharging, includes a driver-type recognition device for determining the driver-type (I, II). The driver-type recognition device monitors the discharge process of the rechargeable battery during driving and recognizes the driver-type (I, II) therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Audi AGInventor: Jochen Ungermann
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Publication number: 20140244075Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to measuring, via at least one sensor, at least one of a damage and a compromise associated with a vehicle, determining at least one of a region and a location of the at least one of a damage and a compromise and a level of the at least one of a damage and a compromise, and adapting an operational envelope for the vehicle based on the determined at least one of a region and a location of the at least one of a damage and a compromise and the level of the at least one of a damage and a compromise.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATIONInventors: Anthony Litwinowicz, Vineet Sahasrabudhe, Jonathan K. Garhart, Preston R. Bates
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Publication number: 20140244131Abstract: Method for operating a driver assistance system of a motor vehicle having a combined longitudinal and transverse guidance function, wherein, starting from the combined operation of the longitudinal and transverse guidance function, the longitudinal guidance function is disconnected in response to the presence of at least one determined first disconnection condition, whereas the transverse guidance function is maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: AudiAGInventors: WOLFGANG MIELICH, MANFRED HOLZMANN, REGINA MEIER
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Publication number: 20140244110Abstract: An interactive system for use in connection with recreational vehicle usage includes a server system, including an off-road trail database containing trail data, trail condition information, and points-of-interest information, as well as a trip mapping system accessible by any of a plurality of riders, allowing a rider to create a route based on the data in the off-road trip database. The server system further includes a trail maintenance interface accessible by users affiliated with an authorized group to edit the trail data, trail condition information, and points-of-interest information associated with the authorized group. The server system includes a location data management system configured to receive location data, allowing a rider to publish location information to one or more other riders, and a user feedback interface configured to receive trip data from riders for publication, including information describing an actual route and user data associated with that route.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Inventors: Joseph D. Tharaldson, David J. Koenig
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Patent number: 8818683Abstract: A method for operating a gas turbine engine includes coupling at least one sensor within the gas turbine engine to transmit a signal indicative of a vibration level of a rotor assembly within the gas turbine engine, detecting the vibration level of the rotor assembly based on the signal transmitted from the at least one sensor, comparing the detected vibration level to a predetermined vibration threshold, and generating an output if the detected vibration amplitude exceeds the threshold amplitude for a predetermined duration to facilitate identifying a gas turbine engine impulse event.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gert Johannes van der Merwe, David Allen Bradford
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Patent number: 8818592Abstract: A method of controlling a supercapacitor energy storage unit (12), included in a motor vehicle micro-hybrid system, is disclosed. The storage unit is suitable for performing the functions of an alternator, starter and automatic stop-restart of the vehicle heat engine, regenerative braking and torque assistance. The energy storage unit (12) is a plurality of supercapacitor elementary cells connected in series (C1 to C10) and capable of delivering information (Vmax, Temp and DeltaV) on its internal status. The method includes various stages of: comparing a temperature (Temp) with at least one temperature threshold (ST1=55° C., ST2=65° C. and ST3=70° C.); and, deciding on limitations of the availability of functions of the unit when the (Temp) information reaches the temperature threshold (ST1=55° C., ST2=65° C. and ST3=70° C.).Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques MoteurInventors: Bruno Dessirier, Marc Ranier, Serge Newiadomy, Benoit Soucaze-Guillous, Philippe Masson, Pierre Sardat, Michaël Chemin, Jean-Claude Matt
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Patent number: 8818570Abstract: An electronic control unit (“ECU”) limiter is disclosed. The ECU can include a vehicle-mounted component configured to measure and interact with components of the vehicle such as the engine, the transmission, etc, and a remote component configured to communicate with the vehicle-mounted component and vice versa. The vehicle-mounted component can be programmed to permit the vehicle to operate substantially without limitation until a certain parameter threshold is met, such as the engine usage reaching a certain predetermined quantity. The vehicle-mounted component can limit the engine in a variety of ways when the parameter threshold is met. The remote component can receive information from the vehicle-mounted component regarding the monitored parameters and the limitations caused by the vehicle-mounted component.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.Inventors: Daniel Johnson, Darrel Janisch
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Patent number: 8818676Abstract: An engine control system includes a torque request control module to determine a first engine torque request. An artificial neural network (ANN) torque request module determines a second engine torque request using an ANN model. A torque security check module that selectively generates a malfunction signal based on the difference between the first engine torque request and the second engine torque request.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Inventors: Jinchun Peng, Timothy J. Hartrey
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Patent number: 8818675Abstract: A method for ascertaining the speed of a motor vehicle with the aid of wheel rotational speed sensors. To improve the calculation of the vehicle speeds on the basis of the wheel speeds, a first group of wheels of the motor vehicle is decelerated and a second group of wheels of the motor vehicle is simultaneously accelerated.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Martin Schlemmer, Rafael Seiler
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Publication number: 20140236446Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system for a refuse vehicle and a method for controlling a refuse vehicle provided with at least one refuse container location sensor, at least one vehicle speed control, and one or more electronics. The one or more electronics receive and process signals from the at least one refuse container location sensor and outputs a control signal to the at least one vehicle speed control to stop the refuse vehicle at a predetermined location with respect to a refuse container.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2011Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: VOLVO GROUP NORTH AMERICA, LLCInventor: William Jason Spence
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Patent number: 8812224Abstract: A system and method can track alternative fuel based travel in alternative fuel vehicles. The system can include an alternative fuel based odometer or “green odometer” which may track distance traveled while a hybrid vehicle, such as PHEV, is only powered by an alternative fuel or power, such as electricity. This green odometer can track credits or incentives earned since the last alternative fuel reimbursement or credit given to the vehicle owner as well as the total reimbursements or credits earned over an alternative fuel vehicle's life. The total reimbursements or credits earned over the alternative fuel vehicle's life could be used as an additional measure of intrinsic value for the alternative fuel vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2010Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Comverge, Inc.Inventor: Paul Heitmann
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Patent number: 8812174Abstract: A controller system for vehicle which has a plurality of driving modes which influence driving feeling, and performs selection from the driving modes and the regulation by inputs from a selecting switch, a forward sequence regulating switch, and a reverse sequence regulating switch. For each input from the selecting switch, changing to the driving mode according to a predetermined normal order. For each input from each of the regulating switches, the current controlled step is changed in a predetermined tendency direction. In a state where the controlled step reaches a final step, the state of the final step is maintained even when the same regulating signal is inputted.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeru Ohshima, Satoshi Takaya, Ichiro Umetani
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Publication number: 20140229087Abstract: A method of estimating the fuel consumption of a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of estimating an overall power of said vehicle, by estimating a rolling power component, an aerodynamic resistance component and an acceleration component, using at least one parameter obtained from an on board diagnostic system of the vehicle; determining the type of fuel used by the vehicle; and estimating said fuel consumption by summing said components of said overall power and dividing by the energy value of said fuel type and by a predetermined engine efficiency value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2012Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: Lysanda LimitedInventors: John Keates, Glen Tunstall, Craig Barry
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Publication number: 20140222288Abstract: A trailer back-up assist apparatus comprises an obstacle sensing system operable to output information characterizing proximity of a object adjacent to a vehicle-trailer combination while the vehicle-trailer combination is being backed toward a targeted location and a trailer back-up assist system correction apparatus coupled to the obstacle sensing system. The trailer back-up assist system uses the information characterizing proximity of the object to determine if a path of the vehicle-trailer combination needs to be altered to limit a potential of the vehicle-trailer combination colliding with the object and implements a path correction action to alter the path of travel of the vehicle-trailer combination to reduce the potential for the vehicle-trailer combination colliding with the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Douglas Scott Rhode, Darrel Alan Recker
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Patent number: 8798838Abstract: A control device of a hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor/generator, a first clutch, an automatic transmission, a second clutch, and startup/shifting simultaneous processing section. When engine speed increase control for increasing the engine speed by the motor/generator in order to start up the engine during travel and downshifting control of the automatic transmission are processed in parallel, the startup/shifting simultaneous processing section uses the motor torque of the motor/generator to increase the increase of input speed by the downshifting control to a target input speed while engine speed increase control is being performed by the motor/generator.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., JATCO Ltd.Inventors: Fumihiro Yamanaka, Masami Suzuki
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Patent number: 8798846Abstract: A brake rotor temperature determination or estimation system and method for controlling output power of a power source in a vehicle. The system includes a brake rotor, a processor, a memory, a speed sensor and a temperature sensor. The speed sensor senses a speed of the vehicle. The temperature sensor senses a temperature of a brake rotor or ambient air in a vicinity of the brake rotor. Based upon data stored in the memory and inputs from the speed sensor or the temperature sensor, the processor determines if an output power of the power source should be limited based on rotor temperature thresholds. The power limits may be defined as discrete power limits corresponding to the particular thresholds of rotor temperature or may be defined as interpolated data values along a linear or nonlinear ramp or slope.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Shigenori Takahashi
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Patent number: 8798839Abstract: A hybrid vehicle control device is provided with an engine, a motor/generator, a first clutch, an automatic transmission, a second clutch, and a controller having a simultaneous process selection control section. The simultaneous process selection control section performs engine startup control and downshift control in parallel in cases where the torque outputtable by the motor subsequent to downshifting during overlap of an engine startup request and a downshift request is equal to or greater than the engine startup torque, or performs engine startup control first then downshift control in cases where the torque outputtable by the motor subsequent to downshifting is less than the engine startup torque.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., JATCO Ltd.Inventors: Fumihiro Yamanaka, Masami Suzuki
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Patent number: 8798891Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine having a cylinder provided with an intake valve, an exhaust valve, and a piston configured to rotate the engine's crankshaft. The method includes determining whether deceleration of the vehicle is desired and also includes ceasing supply of fuel to the cylinder when such condition is satisfied. The method additionally includes selecting a fuel-off actuation arrangement for the intake valve via a mechanism configured to provide variable valve timing and lift, such that a magnitude of compression pulses in the cylinder during deceleration is limited. A system for controlling the hybrid vehicle and a vehicle employing such a system are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Craig D. Marriott, Ben W. Moscherosch
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Patent number: 8798810Abstract: An energy protecting device for three and four-engined aircraft includes a detecting unit configured to detect failure of each engine. A control unit is configured to provide a protective function by controlling maximum thrust of each engine. A triggering unit is configured to monitor a plurality of parameters and trigger the control unit to provide maximum thrust at predetermined conditions of the monitored parameters. An inhibiting unit is linked to the triggering unit and is configured to inhibit the protective function, when at least one of the engine on the wings of the aircraft has failed. The control unit is also configured to control the engines that have not failed to minimize thrust imbalance.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Airbus Operations SASInventors: Franck Delaplace, Didier Ronceray, Jean Muller
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Publication number: 20140214301Abstract: A method is provided for graphic visualization of a propulsion energy level gauge relative to a vehicle range meter. A user interface system determines a current range of the vehicle based on a current remaining propulsion energy level of an energy storage device of the vehicle, and determines at least one hypothetical range of the vehicle based on at least one hypothetical level of remaining propulsion energy of the energy storage device. The graphic visualization is provided on a display, where the propulsion energy level gauge conveys the current remaining propulsion energy level and the hypothetical level of remaining propulsion energy, and the vehicle range meter conveys the current vehicle range and the hypothetical vehicle range. In the graphic visualization, the current remaining propulsion energy level is graphically associated with the current vehicle range, and the hypothetical level of remaining propulsion energy is graphically associated with the hypothetical vehicle range.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: VOLVO CAR CORPORATIONInventor: Claes EDGREN
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Publication number: 20140214286Abstract: A system and method combines integrated system health usage monitoring and flight tracking of a helicopter, and transmits the information to monitoring sites for managing flight operations in real time, thereby providing the functionality of both system health and flight tracking and reducing weight related constraints faced by helicopters. With enhanced availability of system health data, vital information for maintenance and flight position data-stream, operations, flight dispatch and maintenance can plan for required services more efficiently.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Nagarajan Chandran, Vidhyashankaran Ramamoorthy Iyer, Kanniganti Venkata Ramana
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Patent number: 8793064Abstract: Approaches for indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency for at least one vehicle usage pattern are provided. Vehicle usage patterns are analyzed to discern if the vehicle is being operated in a fuel-efficient manner. Patterns of inefficient operation are detected and conveyed to the user to inform the user of the impact of his/her inefficient operation. A fuel efficiency tool provides this capability. Specifically, the fuel efficiency tool comprises: an analysis component configured to analyze a set of vehicle usage patterns of a vehicle, and a calculation component configured to calculate a vehicle fuel efficiency for each of the set of vehicle usage patterns. The fuel efficiency tool further comprises a notification component configured to provide a notification to a user of the vehicle indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency calculated for at least one of the set of vehicle usage patterns.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Rendell L. Green, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell, James W. Seaman, Richard H. Stephan