Abstract: With a simple configuration, responsiveness between an electronic control unit and a load drive circuit is monitored without deteriorating characteristics of the load drive circuit. The load drive circuit according to the present invention diagnoses an abnormality in responsiveness of a switch element that drives a load based on a drive command of the switch element and a signal at an output terminal of the switch element.

Abstract: A fuel economy calculator system for a vehicle including a fuel cell, a diagnostic port, and an ECU, the fuel economy calculator system includes a dongle configured to connect with the diagnostic port to enable the dongle to establish a wired communication link with the ECU, and a wireless device including a display unit, a memory storing program instructions and capacity data of the fuel cell, and a processor. The processor is configured to execute the program instructions to establish a link between the ECU and the wireless device, to receive a data set from the ECU via the connected dongle each time the ECU generates engine change state data, the data set including at least mileage data and remaining fuel data, to calculate fuel economy data of the vehicle based on the capacity data, a most recent data set, and a next most recent data.

Abstract: An indicator disposed proximate a fuel port of the vehicle is disclosed. The indicator comprises a persistent luminescent layer, a first light source, and one or more circuits. The persistent luminescent layer is configured to emit a first color of light. The first light source is configured to emit a charging emission to charge the persistent luminescent layer. The one or more circuits are configured to selectively activate one or more portions of the first light source such that the persistent luminescent layer is charged and illuminates the indicator in the first color.

Abstract: A filling level indicator includes a retainer, a bow rotatably supported on the retainer and having a lever arm fastened thereto, a float fastened to the lever arm, and a filling level sensor arranged in the retainer. The filling level sensor has a substrate, a resistance network arranged thereon, a contact spring structure, and a cover, connected to the substrate, that covers the resistance network and the contact spring structure. A magnet is connected to the bow or the lever arm and acts on the contact spring structure such that an electrical signal corresponding to the filling level is generated according to the pivoting range. The mount has a wall thickness that can be penetrated by the magnetic field of the magnet, and so metal particles are held on the outside of the mount by the magnetic field of the magnet.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a subsystem installed in a motor vehicle involves a diagnostic unit checking the subsystem for system errors at least during driving cycles of the motor vehicle, the check being carried out for an occurrence as well as for a correction of a system error. The diagnostic unit carries out a misuse assessment based on a frequency of detection of the occurrence and/or the correction of the system error in order to determine whether the detected occurrence and/or the detected correction of the system error is/are based on misuse. If occurrence of the system error is detected, a restricted operating mode is activated or an activated restricted operating mode is continued in which drivability of the vehicle is restricted after a predefinable number of driving cycles has elapsed or after a predefinable travel distance has passed without the correction of the system error being detected.

Abstract: A failure diagnosis apparatus for a fuel level sensor that detects a fuel remaining quantity within a fuel tank including at least a first tank and a second tank includes: a range deter mining unit for determining a range of a fuel remaining quantity on the basis of an output value of the fuel level sensor, the range being classified into a plurality of ranges in accordance with an output characteristic of the fuel level sensor; and a range failure diagnosis unit for carrying out failure diagnosis of the fuel level sensor for each range by comparing a fuel consumption quantity since the ranges are changed with a failure determining threshold value individually set up for each range.

Abstract: A method, system or computer usable program product for computing fuel economy for a vehicle by fuel source location including monitoring a fuel level for the vehicle, responsive to determining a first increase of the fuel level at a first fuel source location, computing a first fuel economy based on the first increase of the fuel level and a first distance travelled by the vehicle since a previous fuel source location, and allocating the first fuel economy to the previous fuel source location in a database.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems are disclosed herein to describe a range marker for a navigation system. The range marker may delineate a bounded area within a navigation map that a vehicle may travel based on the amount of fuel remaining. As the fuel continues to decrease during operation of the vehicle, the range marker may become smaller and smaller indicating a shrinking range since the fuel remaining decreases, thereby allowing the driver to easily identify which gas stations may be within a range of the vehicle (based on a current vehicle fuel level) and which gas stations might not be within the range of the vehicle.

Abstract: The fuel amount measuring device 10 comprises a plurality of detectors 22, 36 disposed within a vessel and an output circuit 38 configured to output an analog detection signal based on first analog signals outputted by the plurality of detectors. The analog detection signal corresponds to an amount of liquid within the vessel. Each of the plurality of detectors 22, 36 includes a float 24, 32; an arm member 26, 34 connected to the float such that vertical movement of the float is converted to rotational movement of the arm member, and a magnetic sensor 31, 41 configured to output a second analog signal corresponding to the rotational movement of the arm member. When the first analog signals outputted by the detectors 22, 36 are inputted to the output circuit 38, the output circuit 38 outputs the analog detection signal based on the inputted first analog signals.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a controller and a fuel system having a fuel tank, a fuel level indicator (FLI), and a pressure sensor. The controller is configured to: pull a vacuum on the tank from an initial pressure to a reference pressure, and provide a diagnostic code in response to comparing a fuel level indicated by the FLI to a rate of pressure change in the tank. A method for performing a fuel level indicator (FLI) diagnostic for a vehicle is provided. A vacuum is pulled on the fuel tank from an initial pressure to a reference pressure. A diagnostic code is provided in response to comparing a fuel level indicated by an FLI to a rate of pressure change.

Abstract: Approaches for indicating vehicle fuel efficiency for vehicle usage patterns are provided. Patterns of inefficient operation are detected and conveyed to a user to inform the user of the impact of his/her inefficient operation. In these embodiments, a fuel efficiency tool provides this capability. The fuel efficiency tool comprises: an analysis component configured to analyze usage patterns of a vehicle; a calculation component configured to calculate a vehicle fuel efficiency for each of the usage patterns; and a notification component configured to: provide a real-time notification to a user of the vehicle indicating each of the following via a feedback device within the vehicle: a numerical representation of the vehicle fuel efficiency calculated for each of the plurality of recurring driver habits; and a monetary value indicating an amount of money sacrificed by at least one vehicle usage pattern that is contributing to inefficient vehicle fuel consumption.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for ranking a driver's fuel efficiency among other drivers based on various variables associated with the environment in which the vehicle is being driven. More particularly, the present invention, selects, as a category, one or more factors affecting fuel efficiency, and, as one or more, variables another one or more. Vehicle data is then collected by a communications device which is associated with a particular trip. Next an average of the fuel efficiencies and an average of the variables for the trip are calculated accordingly the selected one more categories. The fuel efficiency of the trip corresponding to a same category for every coordinate point of the variable is then statistically processed to calculate the average of the fuel efficiency and the standard deviation of the fuel efficiency and regularized (processed as a GAP calculation) to determine the ranking of a vehicle driver.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with a controller and a fuel system having a fuel tank, a fuel level indicator (FLI), and a pressure sensor. The controller is configured to: pull a vacuum on the tank from an initial pressure to a reference pressure, and provide a diagnostic code in response to comparing a fuel level indicated by the FLI to a rate of pressure change in the tank. A method for performing a fuel level indicator (FLI) diagnostic for a vehicle is provided. A vacuum is pulled on the fuel tank from an initial pressure to a reference pressure. A diagnostic code is provided in response to comparing a fuel level indicated by an FLI to a rate of pressure change.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing the performance of a refueling event detection system for a vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of a) determining a fuel change amount based on a difference of an indicated fuel amount and a previously indicated fuel amount, b) determining a consumed amount of fuel consumed by the engine since a prior refueling event was detected, and c) diagnosing the performance of the refueling event detection system based on the consumed amount and the fuel change amount.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a component failure in a saddle-type fuel tank assembly is provided. The method includes a) updating a maximum amount to a subsequent amount of fuel if the subsequent amount of fuel is greater than the maximum amount, b) updating a minimum amount to the subsequent amount of fuel if the subsequent amount of fuel is less than the minimum amount, c) determining a fuel consumption amount, and d) determining that one or more of a first fuel level sender and a second fuel level sender have failed if the difference between the maximum amount and minimum amount is less than a first threshold, and the fuel consumption amount is greater than a second threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for on-line, real-time estimation of a residual mass in an engine cylinder during HCCI combustion. The residual mass is estimated based on an estimated residual mass for a previous combustion cycle. A value of a first performance variable for the first combustion cycle is determined based only on engine data measured by one or more sensors. A value of a second performance is estimated based at least in part on the estimated residual mass for the first combustion cycle. An adaptive scaling factor is determining for the first combustion cycle based on the determined value of the first performance variable and the estimated value of the second performance variable. An adjusted residual mass for the first combustion cycle is then determined based on the estimated residual mass for the first combustion cycle and the adaptive scaling factor for the first combustion cycle.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing the performance of a refueling event detection system for a vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of a) determining a fuel change amount based on a difference of an indicated fuel amount and a previously indicated fuel amount, b) determining a consumed amount of fuel consumed by the engine since a prior refueling event was detected, and c) diagnosing the performance of the refueling event detection system based on the consumed amount and the fuel change amount.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a component failure in a saddle-type fuel tank assembly is provided. The method includes a) updating a maximum amount to a subsequent amount of fuel if the subsequent amount of fuel is greater than the maximum amount, b) updating a minimum amount to the subsequent amount of fuel if the subsequent amount of fuel is less than the minimum amount, c) determining a fuel consumption amount, and d) determining that one or more of a first fuel level sender and a second fuel level sender have failed if the difference between the maximum amount and minimum amount is less than a first threshold, and the fuel consumption amount is greater than a second threshold.

Abstract: A method for detecting the tank fuel level of a motor vehicle includes: ascertaining the tank level sensor signal (UTSG) of a tank level sensor, determining a calculated tank level (Fcalc) as a function of a fuel quantity consumed by the internal combustion engine, and providing a corrected tank level signal as a function of the tank level sensor signal (UTSG) and the calculated tank level (Fcalc).

Abstract: A multi-functional, composite fuel display for displaying both fuel level information and fuel economy information is provided. The fuel level is displayed using a plurality of bar segments, each corresponding to a single unit of fuel. Once a single unit of fuel is consumed, the corresponding bar segment changes size to indicate an average fuel economy for that unit of fuel. The bar segment corresponding to the current unit of fuel being consumed changes size in real time to indicate instantaneous fuel economy. An indicator is provided over the bar segments corresponding to single unit of consumed fuel to indicate average fuel economy for the current tank of fuel.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant information controller includes a fuel volume determining section, a fuel economy determining section, a first distance determining section, a traveled distance determining section and a second distance determining section. The first distance determining section determines a first obtainable travel distance based on a remaining fuel volume from the fuel volume determining section and a fuel consumption rate from the fuel economy determining section. The traveled distance determining section determines a vehicle traveled distance between two locations.

Abstract: A multi-functional, composite fuel display for displaying both fuel level information and fuel economy information is provided. The fuel level is displayed using a plurality of bar segments, each corresponding to a single unit of fuel. Once a single unit of fuel is consumed, the corresponding bar segment changes size to indicate an average fuel economy for that unit of fuel. The bar segment corresponding to the current unit of fuel being consumed changes size in real time to indicate instantaneous fuel economy. An indicator is provided over the bar segments corresponding to single unit of consumed fuel to indicate average fuel economy for the current tank of fuel.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel amount measuring device for a vehicle positioned in a fuel tank of the vehicle to thereby measure an amount of remaining fuel. The fuel amount measuring device is implemented as a mechanical fuel amount measuring device including a base body, a resistive substrate, a retainer, and a contactor contacting the resistive substrate, wherein the resistive substrate and the contactor include a conductive film positioned therebetween and coated with a conductive material, such that the contactor and the resistive substrate are connected to each other by the conductive film. With the fuel amount measuring device, abrasion of the resistive substrate is prevented, thereby making it possible to improve durability of the fuel amount measuring device.

Abstract: A multi-functional, composite fuel display for displaying both fuel level information and fuel economy information is provided. The fuel level is displayed using a plurality of bar segments, each corresponding to a single unit of fuel. Once a single unit of fuel is consumed, the corresponding bar segment changes size to indicate an average fuel economy for that unit of fuel. The bar segment corresponding to the current unit of fuel being consumed changes size in real time to indicate instantaneous fuel economy. An indicator is provided over the bar segments corresponding to single unit of consumed fuel to indicate average fuel economy for the current tank of fuel.

Abstract: A control unit executes sensing of a fuel property of fuel based on a physical value, which is related to a combustion state of the fuel in an internal combustion engine, when it is determined that a predetermined prerequisite operational condition for the sensing of the fuel property is satisfied upon occurrence of at least one of consumption of a predetermined amount of fuel, traveling of a vehicle through a predetermined travel distance, and execution of a predetermined number of operation cycle(s). The predetermined prerequisite operational condition may be satisfied when an operational state of the internal combustion engine is a deceleration fuel cut-off state or an idle state.

Abstract: A remote fueling system is provided. The system comprises a wellbore servicing equipment unit comprising an internal combustion engine, a fuel tank coupled to the internal combustion engine, a fuel distribution channel, a fuel level sensor component, a fuel level indicator, and a fuel level indicator control box. The wellbore servicing equipment is mounted on a trailer upon which the wellbore servicing equipment is transported to the wellbore. The fuel level sensor component senses a fuel level inside the fuel tank. The fuel level indicator indicates a fuel level status of the fuel tank to remote fueling personnel at a standoff distance. The fuel level indicator control box is coupled to the fuel level sensor component and to the fuel level indicator and commands the indication presented by the fuel level indicator based on the fuel level inside the fuel tank sensed by the fuel level sensor component.

Abstract: A remote fueling system is provided. The system comprises a wellbore servicing equipment unit comprising an internal combustion engine, a fuel tank coupled to the internal combustion engine, a fuel distribution channel, a fuel level sensor component, a fuel level indicator, and a fuel level indicator control box. The wellbore servicing equipment is mounted on a trailer upon which the wellbore servicing equipment is transported to the wellbore. The fuel level sensor component senses a fuel level inside the fuel tank. The fuel level indicator indicates a fuel level status of the fuel tank to remote fueling personnel at a standoff distance. The fuel level indicator control box is coupled to the fuel level sensor component and to the fuel level indicator and commands the indication presented by the fuel level indicator based on the fuel level inside the fuel tank sensed by the fuel level sensor component.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining when to provide a refueling notification to a driver of a vehicle. A refueling behavior is determined for refueling the vehicle. The refueling behavior is associated at least in part to an amount of fuel customarily remaining in the vehicle when the vehicle is customarily refueled. A remaining amount of fuel in the vehicle and a fuel economy of the vehicle are determined. A distance the vehicle will travel to a next driving destination is estimated. An amount of fuel that will be used to travel to the next driving destination is estimated based on the estimated distance the vehicle will travel to the next driving destination and the fuel economy. A determination is made whether the amount of fuel that will be remaining in the vehicle after the vehicle travels to the next driving destination is less than the amount of a fuel customarily remaining in the vehicle when the vehicle is refueled.

Abstract: At least one aspect of the invention provides an improved fuel sensing system for a generator, in addition, one or more other aspects of the invention provide improved systems and methods for determining remaining run-time of a generator system.

Abstract: An apparatus, configured to estimate quantity of fuel stored in a vehicle, includes: a fuel tank; a fuel quantity measure; a filtering processor; a filter gain setter, configured to set a filter gain; and a vehicle status detector, configured to detect which one of a starting state, a halted state, a state achieved immediately after stoppage of the vehicle, and a traveling state, wherein the filter gain setter sets: a first gain as the filter gain when the vehicle is the starting state; a second gain as the filter gain, which is larger than the first gain, when the vehicle is in the traveling state or the state achieved immediately after stoppage of the vehicle; and a third gain as a filter gain, which is larger than the first gain and smaller than the second gain, when the vehicle is in the halted state.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine includes: a fuel amount detector; a smoothing calculation unit that calculates a smooth output value, which is obtained by smoothing an output value of the fuel amount detector in a temporal direction; a continuous low speed condition detection unit that detects a continuous low speed condition in which the vehicle speed remains in the low speed region continuously beyond a predetermined time period; a calculation processing unit that successively calculates a maximum value and a minimum value of the smooth output value; a reference setting unit that updates and stores a reference value in response to the engine stoppage and in accordance with the current minimum value calculated by the calculation processing unit; and a fuel supply determination unit that detects a fuel supply to the fuel tank during the continuous low speed condition.

Abstract: A method for monitoring fuel freshness in a vehicle includes the steps of determining a measure of time that the fuel has been in the vehicle and initiating a remedy if the measure of time is greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The fuel nature discriminating system of the present invention discriminates whether or not a fuel fed to a working machine is the normal one, and performs appropriate control operation by analyzing the result of discrimination. The fuel fed from a fuel supply nozzle flows into a fuel tank through a fuel catching portion. Fuel nature detecting means measures the nature of the fed fuel at a predetermined timing (or at the time of refueling). Measured data generating means generates measured data on the basis of the measurement result and also the remaining amount of fuel and the environmental temperature. And, in accordance with the result of analysis of the measured data, a measured data analyzing means executes restriction of the engine output, issues a warning to the user, and alteration of an evaluation of the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle display device which can display fuel consumption information of a vehicle in a useful and optimum mode for a driver. A meter_EUC calculates an instantaneous fuel consumption of a vehicle based on a mileage and a fuel injection quantity within a set time, calculates an average fuel consumption of the vehicle based on respective cumulative values of the mileage and the fuel injection quantity repeatedly calculated for every set time, and displays the deviation of the instantaneous fuel consumption with respect to the average fuel consumption as fuel consumption information on a fuel consumption meter. The display on the fuel consumption meter is performed by swinging a pointer with respect to a neutral position.

Abstract: A method for detecting the tank fuel level of a motor vehicle includes: ascertaining the tank level sensor signal (UTSG) of a tank level sensor, determining a calculated tank level (Fcalc) as a function of a fuel quantity consumed by the internal combustion engine, and providing a corrected tank level signal as a function of the tank level sensor signal (UTSG) and the calculated tank level (Fcalc).

Abstract: A method is provided for determining when to provide a refueling notification to a driver of a vehicle. A refueling behavior is determined for refueling the vehicle. The refueling behavior is associated at least in part to an amount of fuel customarily remaining in the vehicle when the vehicle is customarily refueled. A remaining amount of fuel in the vehicle and a fuel economy of the vehicle are determined. A distance the vehicle will travel to a next driving destination is estimated. An amount of fuel that will be used to travel to the next driving destination is estimated based on the estimated distance the vehicle will travel to the next driving destination and the fuel economy. A determination is made whether the amount of fuel that will be remaining in the vehicle after the vehicle travels to the next driving destination is less than the amount of a fuel customarily remaining in the vehicle when the vehicle is refueled.

Abstract: A control unit executes sensing of a fuel property of fuel based on a physical value, which is related to a combustion state of the fuel in an internal combustion engine, when it is determined that a predetermined prerequisite operational condition for the sensing of the fuel property is satisfied upon occurrence of at least one of consumption of a predetermined amount of fuel, traveling of a vehicle through a predetermined travel distance, and execution of a predetermined number of operation cycle(s). The predetermined prerequisite operational condition may be satisfied when an operational state of the internal combustion engine is a deceleration fuel cut-off state or an idle state.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a marine vessel comprising an engine driving a generator for supplying electrical power to a propulsion motor, an operator display, a fuel consumption sensor, a vessel position sensor, a vessel speed sensor, and a controller configured to receive inputs from the fuel consumption, vessel position and vessel speed sensors and calculate the vessel's efficiency through water and efficiency over land, wherein both efficiency values are displayed on the operator display as volume of fuel consumed per distance traveled (over land or through the water).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the amount of fuel aboard a spacecraft under weightless conditions utilize at least one orifice, at least one flow latch valve for the selection of an orifice to be used, and at least one control valve for releasing a stream of a pressurizing gas from at least one high-pressure tank in order to restore pressure in a fuel tank following a pressure reduction due to withdrawal of fuel. The amount of fuel remaining in the fuel tank is determined based on the time required to restore fuel tank pressure bv a flow of gas from the high pressure tank to the fuel tank, via the orifice.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a property of fuel detects the property of fuel at the time of fuel supply. A measuring chamber member is provided to a fuel tank. The greater portion of fuel supplied from a fuel supply nozzle falls down from a fuel supply aperture via a flow outlet into the fuel tank. However, a part of the fuel remains in a measuring space defined between a portion below the flow outlet and a bottom portion. A fuel property detection sensor is fitted to a main body so as to oppose the measuring space. When application of a cap to the fuel supply aperture has been detected by a fuel supply cap sensor, if increase of the remaining fuel amount has been detected by a remaining fuel amount sensor, or if the engine is started, a controller measures the property of the fuel with the fuel property detection sensor.

Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine includes: a fuel amount detector; a smoothing calculation unit that calculates a smooth output value, which is obtained by smoothing an output value of the fuel amount detector in a temporal direction; a continuous low speed condition detection unit that detects a continuous low speed condition in which the vehicle speed remains in the low speed region continuously beyond a predetermined time period; a calculation processing unit that successively calculates a maximum value and a minimum value of the smooth output value; a reference setting unit that updates and stores a reference value in response to the engine stoppage and in accordance with the current minimum value calculated by the calculation processing unit; and a fuel supply determination unit that detects a fuel supply to the fuel tank during the continuous low speed condition.

Abstract: A pressure sensor senses a pressure of a fuel vapor system at a fuel vapor passage. An electronic control unit executes a post-depressurization period flow diagnosis to determine whether the fuel vapor passage is clogged based on a behavior of the pressure in the fuel vapor system, which is sensed with the pressure sensor in a sealed state of the fuel vapor system after introduction of a negative pressure into the fuel vapor system.

Abstract: An apparatus, configured to estimate quantity of fuel stored in a vehicle, includes: a fuel tank; a fuel quantity measure; a filtering processor; a filter gain setter, configured to set a filter gain; and a vehicle status detector, configured to detect which one of a starting state, a halted state, a state achieved immediately after stoppage of the vehicle, and a traveling state, wherein the filter gain setter sets: a first gain as the filter gain when the vehicle is the starting state; a second gain as the filter gain, which is larger than the first gain, when the vehicle is in the traveling state or the state achieved immediately after stoppage of the vehicle; and a third gain as a filter gain, which is larger than the first gain and smaller than the second gain, when the vehicle is in the halted state.

Abstract: The present disclosure, in one implementation, is directed to a method of estimating composition of fuel in the fuel tank of a vehicle. A refuel event is detected. A determination is made whether a volume of fuel added to the fuel tank satisfies a first threshold. A fuel composition estimation is suspended if the refuel event satisfies the first threshold. A total volume of fuel is accumulated based on a plurality of refuel events satisfying the first threshold. A new fuel composition is estimated based on the accumulated total volume of fuel satisfying a second threshold.

Abstract: A method of determining the fuel consumption of an internal combustion engine 12, more particularly when operated on a test rig, wherein fuel is supplied in a circuit to the internal combustion engine and discharged therefrom and wherein a quantity of fuel is supplied to the circuit 11 via a branch line 22 from a fuel tank 23 and measured in the branch line, wherein temperature-related changes in the volume of the fuel are determined in the circuit 11 and wherein the consumed quantity {dot over (m)}S determined in the branch line 22 is corrected by a corrective quantity {dot over (m)}K corresponding to the temperature-related changes in volume in the circuit.