38th week of 2014 patent applcation highlights part 187 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140277905 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO MANAGE A FLEET OF WORK MACHINES - Methods and apparatus are disclosed for managing a fleet of work machines. An example method disclosed herein includes determining corresponding performance metrics for a plurality of machine configurations to complete corresponding missions at a work site of an operation; assigning a machine configuration of the plurality of machine configurations to the plurality of missions based on the performance metrics. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277906 | Method and system for monitoring vehicles - The invention provides a method for monitoring a vehicle that features the steps of: 1) generating a data packet including vehicle data retrieved from the vehicle using a wireless appliance; 2) transmitting the data packet over an airlink with the wireless appliance so that the data packet passes through a network and to a host computer system; 3) processing the data packet with the host computer system to generate a set of data; and 4) displaying the set of data on a web page hosted on the internet. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277907 | ALTERNATOR AND STARTER TESTER WITH CAPACITIVE ELEMENT - A diagnostic system configured to test the performance of a vehicle component may include a processor configured to process test information from the vehicle component and control the vehicle component to be tested. The system may also include a memory configured to store the test information of the vehicle component and software that operates the vehicle component and a capacitive element configured to supply power to perform the testing of the vehicle component, wherein the memory and the capacitive element are in communication with the processor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277908 | GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE WITH VEHICLE SCANNED FUNCTION - A graphical user interface is provided that can be used on a diagnostic tool. The graphical user interface allows a technician to operate various functions of the diagnostic tool including searching for additional information on the Internet, receiving weather information that is relevant to certain diagnostic tests, and displaying in certain formats the retrieved vehicle data and when certain vehicles were last scanned or diagnosed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277909 | Auto ID and Fingerprint System and Method Thereof - A diagnostic tool that can communicate with a computing device such as smart phone is provided. The diagnostic tool can include a power management system that allows the dynastic tool to enter lower power state in order to prevent the power drain of vehicle battery. The diagnostic tool can also AutoID a vehicle or use a “fingerprinting” process to identify the vehicle. A crediting system is provided that can be used to credit a 3 | 2014-09-18 |
20140277910 | PREDICTIVE PEER-BASED TIRE HEALTH MONITORING - A method, apparatus and program product determine a health condition for the tires on one or more vehicles by performing an individual self-comparison and a peer-based comparison for each tire, where the individual self-comparison reduces variances between the plurality of tires on the vehicle, and the peer-based comparison reduces variances within each tire. Anomalies, such as severe leakage and tire inflations may be detected, and slow leakages may be predicted based upon historical data associated with the health condition. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277911 | Vibration Analyzer for Vehicle Diagnostics - A vibration analyzer with an integrated sensor and method are provided to sense a vibration in a component of a vehicle. The vibration analyzer includes a three-axis accelerometer, a controller, a connector, a wireless interface and a battery. The vibration analyzer receives vibration data and vehicle data and packages them together and transmits the packaged data to a remove device such as a scan tool. The vibration analyzer can be networked with the remote device or with another vibration analyzer. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277912 | GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE WITH ON BOARD AND OFF-BOARD RESOURCES - A graphical user interface is provided that can be used on a diagnostic tool. The graphical user interface allows a technician to operate various functions of the diagnostic tool including searching for additional information on the Internet, receiving weather information that is relevant to certain diagnostic tests, and displaying in certain formats the retrieved vehicle data and when certain vehicles were last scanned or diagnosed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277913 | GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE CAPABLE OF CHANGING UNITS OF MEASUREMENT - A graphical user interface is provided that can be used on a diagnostic tool. The graphical user interface allows a technician to operate various functions of the diagnostic tool including searching for additional information on the Internet, receiving weather information that is relevant to certain diagnostic tests, and displaying in certain formats the retrieved vehicle data and when certain vehicles were last scanned or diagnosed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277914 | GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE WITH ENLARGED DATA WINDOW FUNCTION - A graphical user interface is provided that can be used on a diagnostic tool. The graphical user interface allows a technician to operate various functions of the diagnostic tool including searching for additional information on the Internet, receiving weather information that is relevant to certain diagnostic tests, and displaying in certain formats the retrieved vehicle data and when certain vehicles were last scanned or diagnosed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277915 | Smart Power Management System and Method Thereof - A diagnostic tool that can communicate with a computing device such as smart phone is provided. The diagnostic tool can include a power management system that allows the dynastic tool to enter lower power state in order to prevent the power drain of vehicle battery. The diagnostic tool can also AutoID a vehicle or use a “fingerprinting” process to identify the vehicle. A crediting system is provided that can be used to credit a 3 | 2014-09-18 |
20140277916 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING TRANSPORTATION OF A VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A CRASH - A system, method, and computer-readable medium to facilitate treatment of a damaged vehicle by gathering crash information, estimating an extent of vehicle damage, and requesting transport of the damaged vehicle from the crash site to a treatment facility. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277917 | Wireless vehicle-monitoring system - Embodiments of the present invention provide a wireless appliance for monitoring a vehicle. The wireless appliance includes a microprocessor configured to select a vehicle-communication protocol of a host vehicle, and then communicate with the host vehicle through the vehicle-communication protocol. The appliance also includes a vehicle-communication circuit, in electrical communication with the microprocessor, which collects diagnostic data from the host vehicle using the vehicle-communication protocol. A GPS module, also in electrical communication with the microprocessor, generates location-based data. For transmitting these data, the appliance includes a first wireless transmitter operating on a terrestrial network and a second wireless transmitter operating on a satellite network. The microprocessor selects the first or second wireless transmitter for transmitting the diagnostic and location-based data. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277918 | METHOD FOR PROCESSING DATA AND AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE THEREOF - A method and apparatus for processing vehicle driving data in an electronic device are provided. The method includes receiving driving data, corresponding to a vehicle, from a driving data acquiring device; transmitting the driving data to a server; and receiving standard driving data, which is obtained by standardizing the driving data, from the server, wherein the standard driving data is compared with second standard driving data, other vehicle driving data, or other vehicle standard driving data. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277919 | Method for providing vehicle configurations - A method for providing vehicle configurations, the providing of at least one vehicle configuration is a function of a local position of the vehicle. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277920 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING A VEHICLE FROM RUNNING OUT OF FUEL - An apparatus for use with a motor vehicle to simulate fuel loss to encourage early refueling to prevent stranding. The apparatus may cause stumbling and hesitation by interrupting various engine management systems to simulate low fuel in the tank by cutting either spark or fuel momentarily or applying the brakes. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277921 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DATA ENTITY IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS OF MAINTENANCE DATA - A method for identifying and analyzing data entities from (maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO)) data is provided. The method includes obtaining MRO data comprising unstructured text information. The method also includes performing named entity recognition on the MRO data to extract entities from the unstructured text information and label the entities with a tag. The method further includes analyzing the labeled entities via a heuristic to estimate an effectiveness of a fix for a specific issue or to estimate a reliability of a component. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277922 | Diagnostic Tool with a Plurality of Operating Systems - A diagnostic tool may include a user interface operating system comprising a computer processor that operates in a first operating environment. The diagnostic tool may also include a vehicle diagnostic operating system comprising a computer processor that operates in a second operating environment, wherein the second operating environment is different from the first operating environment. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277923 | DEPLOYABLE FLIGHT RECORDER - A deployable airfoil unit is disclosed. It has a housing comprising a front surface and a rear surface joined by a top surface, two opposing side surfaces, and a bottom surface. The top surface and the front surface form an acute angle, and the top surface is larger than the bottom surface. A memory is configured to store flight data or cockpit voice data. A center of mass in the unit is configurable. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277924 | FLIGHT RECORDER DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - Embodiments of the invention provides an automatic deployable flight recorder (ADFR) system that includes a deployable fight recorder, a plurality of crash sensors, and a recorder release unit. The recorder release unit is communicatively coupled to the deployable fight recorder and the plurality of crash sensors, and is configured to initiate deployment of the deployable flight data recorder from an aircraft when a deployment criteria that is adjusted based on a flight condition of the aircraft is satisfied. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277925 | VEHICULAR SYSTEM, ECU, STORING INSTRUCTION TRANSMISSION DEVICE, AND STORAGE REQUEST TRANSMISSION DEVICE - A vehicular system includes a master ECU, a first slave ECU, and a second slave ECU. The second slave ECU transmits a storing request to the master ECU on detection of a malfunction. The master ECU transmits a storing instruction for causing diagnostic information to be stored, on reception of the storing request. The first slave ECU generates diagnostic information on the first slave ECU, on reception of the storing instruction from the master ECU. The first slave ECU further stores the generated diagnostic information in a retention storage medium. The retention storage medium is configured to retain validity determination information in a condition where the first slave ECU is not supplied with electric power source. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277926 | DYNAMIC TIRE SLIP ANGLE ESTIMATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A dynamic slip angle estimation system and method uses measured vehicle acceleration and yaw rate parameters in estimating a tire slip angle. From load sensor(s) mounted to the vehicle tire, a tire static load estimation is made and a tire slip angle is calculated at low frequency. The vehicle center of gravity longitudinal position and yaw moment of inertia is estimated from the static load on the vehicle tires. An observer calculates tire axle forces based on the vehicle acceleration and yaw rate. From the tire axle force estimations, the vehicle moment of inertia and vehicle center of gravity longitudinal position estimate and a low frequency direct measurement of the tire slip angle, a dynamic tire slip angle calculation is made. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277927 | FUEL CONSUMPTION COMPENSATION FOR EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS SYSTEM LEAK DETECTION METHODS - A method for monitoring an evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system that includes compensating a diagnostic leakage test based on a fuel consumption amount during a test interval is disclosed. The method includes establishing a leak test pressure in the EVAP system, operating the operating the associated valves and pumps such that the EVAP system is expected to be isolated, determining an actual pressure change of the EVAP system, determining an expected pressure change of the EVAP system based on vehicle operating conditions that include the fuel consumption amount, and indicating that a leak is detected if the actual pressure change differs from the expected pressure change by more than a difference threshold. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277928 | ELECTRONIC STROKE SENSOR FOR AIR DISC BRAKE - A vehicle brake monitor assembly for an air disk brake includes a brake actuator having a pushrod projecting from inside a chamber of said brake actuator. The pushrod releasably actuates a lever arm of a caliper thereby moving the disk brake into a braking position when the pushrod is in an extended position and releasing the disk brake from the braking position when the pushrod is in a retracted position. The pushrod includes a pushrod shaft and a contact member biased in a telescoping relationship relative to the pushrod shaft and the lever arm of the caliper abuts the contact member counteracting the bias of the contact member. A sensor is integrated with the assembly proximate the contact member and detects movement of the pushrod relative to the lever arm and to the pushrod shaft. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277929 | METHOD OF DETECTING WEAR OF A TYRE - A method for detecting a wear condition of a tyre utilizes tread pattern elements included on the tyre. The elements are adapted to generate first and second acoustic footprint noises (BEA1, BEA2), with one of the first and second acoustic footprint noises being characteristic of the wear condition of the tyre. According to the method, a parent frequency spectrum, which is capable of forming a frequency spectrum of one of the first and second acoustic footprint noises, and a child frequency spectrum, which is capable of forming a frequency spectrum of the other of the first and second acoustic footprint noises, are selected from a frequency spectrum of an acoustic signal acquired from the tyre. Two detection confidence indices are determined. If each detection confidence index meets a predetermined condition, a warning is emitted indicating that tyre wear has been detected. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277930 | Motor Vehicle Active Noise Reduction - A device and method that is configured to operate an active noise reduction system for a motor vehicle, where there is an active noise reduction system input signal that is related to the vehicle engine operation, and where the active noise reduction system comprises one or more adaptive filters that output noise reduction signals that are used to drive one or more transducers with their outputs directed to reduce engine noise. The engine harmonic noise level is estimated from the input signal that is related to the vehicle engine operation, and the output of the transducers is limited based on the estimate of the engine harmonic noise level. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277931 | VEHICLE POWER SYSTEMS AND METHODS EMPLOYING FUEL CELLS - Power systems and methods described herein can provide power system management and power delivery, among other functionality. The power systems and methods for a vehicle can employ a fuel cell, such as a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), as a power source in conjunction with another power sources, such as one or more vehicle batteries, capacitors, etc. The fuel cell can be conditionally used to provide power to the electrical system, thereby reducing the load on the vehicle batteries. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277932 | Method and System for Supervising Information Communication Based on Occupant and Vehicle Environment - A vehicle computer system includes one or more processors configured to receive context data representative of a vehicle's environment from one or more modules. The one or more processors are programmed and configured to receive the context data from one or more modules, determine an attention demand value utilizing the context data and a workload value corresponding to the context data, and output an indicator to activate or adjust a do not disturb feature based on the attention demand value. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277933 | INTERACTIVE ENGINE - A system includes a unit configured to read information of a vehicle system, a projector configured to display the information on a surface of a vehicle, and a sensor configured to receive gesture input from a user. The information displayed on the surface of the vehicle is manipulatable based on the gesture input. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277934 | Method and Apparatus for Ambient Lighting Incoming Message Alert - A system includes a processor configured to receive settings for one or more vehicle ambient lighting activation sequences. The processor is further configured to receive a signal relating to a notification for which an audio sound could be played. The processor is additionally configured to recognize that an ambient light activation has been enabled. Also, the processor is configured to output a sequence of activated ambient lights within a vehicle, based on the settings and responsive to the received signal. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277935 | VEHICLE TRACKING OF PERSONAL DEVICES WITH RESPONSE SYSTEM - A method for tracking an object through a system onboard a motor vehicle is provided. The method includes detecting a wireless device, determining a position of the wireless device, recognizing the position of the wireless device relative to the vehicle, analyzing the position of the wireless device with respect to a predefined conditional statement and activating an alert according to the satisfying of the predefined conditional statement. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277936 | System and Method for Controlling a Vehicle User Interface Based on Gesture Angle - An in-vehicle computing system allows a user to control components of the vehicle by performing gestures. The user provides a selecting input to indicate that he wishes to control one of the components. After the component is identified, the user performs a gesture to control the component. The gesture and the component that was previously selected are analyzed to generate a command for the component. Since the command is based on both the gesture and the identified component, the user can perform the same gesture in the same position within the vehicle to control different components. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277937 | IN-VEHICLE ACCESS OF MOBILE DEVICE FUNCTIONS - In-vehicle access of mobile device functions is provided wherein a vehicle is coupled to the mobile device, and obtains a list of apps installed thereon. A user manipulates vehicle controls to operate a select app and the vehicle modifies its display based on the app. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277938 | DUAL FUNCTION ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT - Methods and apparatus are provided for an electronic control unit that can be adjusted or changed to operate in different manners for different circumstances. The apparatus includes an electronic control unit (ECU) for operation of a plurality of electronic components, such as latch motors. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of inputs configured to receive a connection from a plurality of handle sensors, and a plurality of outputs configured to connect to the plurality of latch motors. The ECU also comprises a conversion loop with a receptacle and a receptacle circuit. The receptacle circuit can be configured as either an open or closed circuit, and the receptacle circuit is accessible via the receptacle. The ECU is configured to operate in either a first mode or a second mode depending on whether the receptacle circuit is open or closed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277939 | Time and Environment Aware Graphical Displays for Driver Information and Driver Assistance Systems - A graphics display system for driver information and driver assistance applications generates controllable and dynamic graphical effects in conjunction with 3D visualization of maps. The system generates a display of a map in a 3D virtual environment that responds to the environment changes in a dynamic and visually intuitive manner for a vehicle operator. The system processes environment information, including lighting condition, weather condition, and other data acquired from different sensors in the vehicle such as cameras and lighting sensors, or through networked information services. The graphics display can be integrated with different driver information and driver assistance system embodiments including mobile platforms, in-vehicle information systems, web platforms, and PC systems. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277940 | DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - A display system for use in a vehicle is disclosed including an imager configured to capture images corresponding to a field of view rearward of the vehicle. The imager is in communication with a processing unit configured to receive data representative of the captured images from the imager. A display is in communication with the processing unit which is configured to display images based on the data representative of the captured images received by the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to receive vehicle operating data from the vehicle and data corresponding to a detection of an object in proximity of the vehicle. In response to the vehicle operating data and the object detected, the processing unit is configured to control the field of view of the at least one imager. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277941 | Jackknife Condition for Backing up of a Vehicle Attached to a Long Wheelbase Dual Axle Trailers - A jackknife warning condition controller and control method notifies a driver of a potential jackknife situation while backing up a vehicle with an attached trailer. The vehicle has a front axle with steerable front wheels controlled by the driver and a rear axle with non-steerable rear wheels. The trailer has a front axle with non-steerable front wheels and a rear axle with steerable rear wheels controlled by a trailer steering controller. The jackknife controller receives an operator-controlled vehicle steering angle and a measured hitch angle. The jackknife warning condition controller determines a directional jackknife warning condition and compares the measured hitch angle with the determined directional jackknife warning condition. If the measured hitch angle satisfies the directional jackknife warning condition then a notification is sent to the driver. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277942 | TRAILER LENGTH ESTIMATION IN HITCH ANGLE APPLICATIONS - A vehicle system for estimating a trailer length is disclosed. The system incorporates at least one sensor configured to measure a wheel steer angle and a trailer angle in communication with a processor. The processor is operable to determine a first length by a first computation method and determine a second length by a second computation method. The processor is further operable to validate an estimated trailer length based on the first length and the second length and perform a back-up function for the trailer based on the estimated trailer length. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277943 | Display Apparatus and Method for Assisting Parking - A display apparatus and method for assisting parking is disclosed, the method comprising combining images of all directions of a vehicle photographed by a photographing unit installed on the vehicle into an around view, generating an expected travel trace of the vehicle using steering angle information of the vehicle, overlaying the expected travel trace of the vehicle on the around view, and displaying the overlaid around view along with the expected travel trace of the vehicle, wherein the expected travel trace includes a first expected travel trace made by rear wheels of the vehicle and a second expected travel trace made by front wheels of the vehicle. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277944 | ELECTRIC POWER ASSISTED STEERING SYSTEMS - A vehicle comprising an electric power assist steering (EPAS) system, wherein the EPAS system is configured to receive a detected value of steering wheel angle and/or steering wheel angular velocity and wherein the EPAS system is configured to improve the accuracy of the detected value of steering wheel angle and/or steering wheel angular velocity by compensating for any one or more of an angular phasing of the joint between any two linked components of the steering mechanism and the effect on steering wheel angle of the deflection across a torque sensor at least substantially due to the stiffness of that torque sensor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277945 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING ASSIST TORQUE BASED ON A VEHICLE STATE - A control system for providing an assist torque is provided. The control system includes a control algorithm module and a comfort limit module. The control algorithm module calculates a corrective steering torque based on a target vehicle state and an estimated vehicle state. The comfort limit module receives a handwheel torque. The comfort limit module calculates a limited corrective steering torque based on the corrective steering torque and the handwheel torque. The limited steering torque represents an allowable amount of the assist torque provided by the control system. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277946 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION IN ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING SYSTEMS - Methods and apparatus are provided for reducing steering wheel vibrations in electronic power steering systems. The apparatus includes a processor and performs a method that estimates an average angular wheel speed of at least one wheel of the vehicle; determines an average wheel angle from the average angular wheel speed; generates sine and cosine functions of the average angular wheel angle; processes the sine and cosine functions with a steering wheel torque signal received from a torque sensor to extract amplitude components of at least one of the sine and cosine functions; reconstructs the sine and cosine functions using the steering wheel torque signal; combines the sine and cosine functions to provide a control signal, and controls the EPS system via the control signal to attenuate smooth road shake vibrations in a steering wheel of the vehicle. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277947 | APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A SEAT OCCUPANCY - A seating determination apparatus includes a transition processing unit | 2014-09-18 |
20140277948 | SEAT BELT WARNING DEVICE - In a seatbelt warning apparatus, a control unit performs a transition process configured to transfer the mode to a baggage recognition mode on the condition that a load detection unit detects a load larger than a first load and smaller than a second load continuously for a preset time in the not-seated recognition mode, and to the not-seated recognition mode on the condition that the load detection unit detects a load smaller than a predetermined load continuously for a preset time in the baggage recognition mode, and a transfer time t | 2014-09-18 |
20140277949 | AIRBAG APPARATUS - An airbag apparatus connected with a battery includes activation circuits each of which has a squib and a high-side switching element, a safing switching element connected between the battery and the activation circuits, a safing switch control circuit controlling the safing switching element to provide a target voltage to the activation circuits, a terminal voltage acquiring circuit that acquires a terminal voltage of each squib, and a target voltage setting circuit that sets the target voltage. When a maximum-terminal voltage is lower than a reference voltage, the target voltage setting circuit sets the target voltage to be equal to the reference voltage. When the maximum-terminal voltage is higher than the reference voltage, the target voltage setting circuit sets the target voltage to correspond to the maximum-terminal voltage so that a reverse current is avoided in the high-side switching element. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277950 | EXTERNAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - Disclosed herein is an external airbag deployment method. The method includes setting, by a controller, a detection area located in front. In addition, the method includes setting, by the controller, a target object from objects detected in the detection area, when an object has a relative velocity greater than a first reference, an overlap greater than a second reference, and a TTE less than a third reference, wherein TTE is a remaining time until the object collides with an airbag cushion when the external airbag is predicted to be deployed. Furthermore, the method includes determining, by the controller, whether a relative velocity and an overlap, predicted at a time when the target object is predicted to collide with the vehicle, are greater than predetermined levels and deploying the external airbag when the predicted relative velocity and overlap are greater than the predetermined levels. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277951 | VEHICLE DEVICE CONTROLLER FOR OPERATING DEVICES INSTALLED IN VEHICLE - A vehicle device controller and a method for operating devices installed in a vehicle can operate devices by disposing electrodes with an elastic material therebetween on a steering wheel and utilizing the amount of change in capacitance due to gripping pressure by a driver. The vehicle device controller for operating devices installed in a vehicle may include electrodes disposed on a steering wheel and changing in capacitance in accordance with grip pressure by a driver. A capacitance detector detects the capacitance of the electrodes in connection with the electrodes, and a signal processor analyzes the pattern of the grip pressure by the driver based on the change in capacitance detected by the capacitance detector and generating an operation signal corresponding to the pattern of the grip pressure. A device operator operates the corresponding function of the operation target device in response to the operation signal from the signal processor. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277952 | System and Method for Controlling Vehicle Seat Movement - A system and method are disclosed for controlling movement of a seat in a vehicle. A sensor assembly includes a sensor configured to sense a presence of an object and to generate an output signal representing a proximity of the object to the sensor. A control unit is configured to receive the sensor output signal and to generate a control signal for use in controlling movement of the seat. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277953 | SEAT SLIDE APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE - A seat slide apparatus includes a lock device, which is switchable between locked and released states, and a control device, which controls the operation of the lock device. The control device includes a manipulation detection portion, a first control portion, which switches the lock device to the released state in response to the detection of the manipulation and switches the lock device to the locked state in response to the stoppage of the detection of the manipulation, a door opening-and-closing detection portion, which detects opening and closing of the vehicle door, and a second control portion. The second control portion determines whether a door open-time release condition under, which the movement of the vehicle seat should be permitted is satisfied when opening the vehicle door, and switches the lock device to the released state and maintains the released state if the door open-time release condition is satisfied. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277954 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING IMPLEMENT TRAIN POSITION - Leading vehicle position information can be used to determine a location and heading of one or more implements of a trailing vehicle in an implement train that includes the leading vehicle. In an example, the leading vehicle pulls one or more trailing vehicles, and information about the leading vehicle position or heading is used to update a function of one or more implements associated with trailing vehicles of the implement train. In an example, the present subject matter includes identifying a heading of a trailing vehicle based on its initial location, an intermediate location, and a destination location. In an example, the present subject matter includes identifying a speed of one or more points on a trailing vehicle. In some examples, the present subject matter includes determining a location, heading, or speed of multiple implements associated with multiple trailing vehicles. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277955 | DRIVEN LOADABLE CONSTRUCT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME - An apparatus, system, and method for a driven loadable construct, the apparatus, system and method utilizing a construct, at least one rotatable wheel mounted for enabling the construct to roll along a surface, at least one motor and power source coupled to the construct to be used to impart rotational energy to the at least one rotatable wheel, and a controller to control the signals for operation of the at least one rotatable wheel which moves the construct. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277956 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT NAVIGATION AND WORKING EDGE POSITIONING - A system and method for automatically controlling working edges on a heavy equipment vehicle is provided. A GNSS/INS system determines a location of the vehicle. A vision system calculates a location of the working edge in a vision system coordinate system by obtaining images of a target connected to the working edge using a camera with a fixed field view that incorporates the relative movement of the target and determining the relative position of the target in the images. The location is then transformed to the navigation system coordinate system. The transformed location information is used by a working edge control system to control the placement of the working edge. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277957 | System and Method for Determining a Ripping Path - A system for determining a ripping path includes a position sensing system, a work implement, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a plurality of positions of the machine as the machine moves along an operating path and the work implement moves a volume of material and sense the material characteristics of at each of the plurality of positions along the operating path. The controller is further configured to determine the ripping path based upon the material characteristics sensed at the plurality of positions and store the ripping path. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277958 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SENSOR CONTROLLED REACH CARRIAGE - Automated systems and methods control the velocity of the extension arm of a reach carriage. In particular, the extension arm is allowed to operate at full velocity when it is not approaching its extension or retraction limits. At the limits, the extension arm is gradually slowed to a stop. A sensing apparatus includes a sensor and a marker that moves with the movement of the extension arm. The marker moves into and out of the sensor's range, causing the sensor to generate a position signal. If the extension arm is nearing its limit, the marker is outside the sensor range. A control unit detects changes in the position signal and slows the extension arm accordingly. The control unit may apply a deceleration profile to cushion the extension arm at its limits. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277959 | MULTI-SEED PLANTER CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE SAME - A method of automatically planting two or more seed types with an agricultural planter includes monitoring a planter location on a prescription map of an agricultural field. The planter includes one or more remotely adjustable planting characteristics. A seed type is selected based on the monitored planter location on the prescription map, the seed type including two or more seed types. The selected seed type is dispensed to one or more seed metering systems of one or more row units based on the selected seed type. As the planter moves in the agricultural one or more of the remotely adjustable planting characteristics of the planter field is dynamically changed based on at least the seed type selected according to the monitored planter location. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277960 | HARVESTER WITH FUZZY CONTROL SYSTEM FOR DETECTING STEADY CROP PROCESSING STATE - A method, a system and a harvester ( | 2014-09-18 |
20140277961 | OPERATING STATE DETECTION SYSTEM FOR WORK MACHINE WITH FUSION CONSIDERING SENSOR VALUE RELIABILTY - A system for detecting an operating state of a work machine ( | 2014-09-18 |
20140277962 | IMPLEMENT PERFORMANCE - Disclosed are work implements, power machines and methods of operating implements and power machines using machine and implement controllers. An implement controller receives information from a power machine with which the work implement is paired indicative of operational characteristics of the power machine. The implement controller is configured to responsively provide information to the power machine to direct operation of the power machine based upon the received information. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277963 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING UNLOAD OF A MOBILE FARM IMPLEMENT - A method of unloading mobile farm implements is presented. Unloading the mobile farm implement is accomplished by transmitting commands to unfold an auger arm and to open a container door and by monitoring weight measurements from the implement. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277964 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING A BRAKE SYSTEM OF A MINING MACHINE - A mining machine including a brake operable to halt motion of a component of the mining machine; a first sensor operable to sense a characteristic of the brake to generate brake data; a second sensor operable to sense motion of the component of the mining machine to generate motion data; and a controller. The controller is operable to receive the brake data and the motion data, analyze the brake data and the motion data according to a brake set model and a brake release model, and output an alert in response to an issue with the analyzed brake data or the analyzed motion data. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277965 | GPS Planting System - A seed planting system that plants seeds at a precise location within a field to allow for efficient in-row cultivation is provided herein. The planting system receives a GPS signal, processes that signal to determine the precise time at which to dispense a seed from an agricultural seeder or planter, then generates an actuation signal that is transmitted to the seeder or planter. GPS signals are also processed to steer the seeder or planter so that seeds are properly placed within the field. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277966 | AUTOMATED BLADE WITH LOAD MANAGEMENT CONTROL - There is here disclosed an excavation machine having an automatic controlled excavation implement that adjusts the excavation implement to maximize the earth moved in accordance with vehicle operating parameters, and finished terrain parameters. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277967 | DISTRIBUTED WORKSITE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A distributed worksite data management system is provided. The system includes a plurality of machines, each having a data communication device and a controller on-board the machine. The controller is configured to read sensor data associated with the machine and transmit the sensor data to the data communication device. A worksite datacenter is accessible by the plurality of machines. The worksite datacenter is situated remotely from the worksite. The worksite datacenter includes a plurality of databases and application servers. An end user device is associated with the plurality of machines. The end user device is configured to visualize results of an execution of an application of the controller. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277968 | Tractor - Provided is a tractor which allows continuation of a plowing work by appropriately elevating a plow when slip occurs in wheels. The tractor includes draft controlling means ( | 2014-09-18 |
20140277969 | MOBILE CRANE - The present application relates to a mobile crane comprising a telescopic boom which has a hinged section and at least one telescopic section which can be telescoped out of it, or to a crawler-mounted crane. In accordance with one embodiment, as a position detection device, it has at least one transducer in the form of an inductively operating transponder, a receiver unit for the sensing of the position of the transducer, a control device for control in dependence on a signal of the receiver unit, as well as a signal transmission device in the form of a databus for the transmission of the signal data from the receiver unit to the control device. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277970 | Hybrid Construction Machine and Method for Controlling the Same - Provided is a hybrid construction machine together with a method for controlling that construction machine in a manner ensuring the operability of its combined operations regardless of fluctuations in the load on its work machine. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277971 | IN-TRUCK FUEL ECONOMY ESTIMATOR - 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. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277972 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DETERMINING LONG TERM DRIVING TENDENCY OF DRIVER - A system and a method of determining a long term driving tendency of a driver may include a data detector detecting data for determining the long term driving tendency and a short term driving tendency of the driver; and a controller determining the short term driving tendency and the long term driving tendency of the driver based on the data received from the data detector, and controlling an engine or a transmission according to the short term driving tendency of the driver or the long term driving tendency of the driver, wherein the controller continuously determines the short term driving tendency of the driver for a predetermined time and determines the long term driving tendency of the driver from a predetermined number (n) of short term driving tendencies of the driver. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277973 | VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER METHOD AND SYSTEM - A system and method of immobilizing a vehicle include receiving a driver presence signal and a transmission state signal and commanding a transmission tie-up in response to the driver presence signal and the transmission state signal. In one embodiment, controlling a transmission element to tie-up a transmission includes braking approximately simultaneously a combination of transmission elements to inhibit rotation of a transmission output and maintaining transmission line pressure to maintain the transmission tie-up when an engine is off. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277974 | AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CONTROL BASED ON CLUTCH TORQUE CAPACITY DETECTION USING CALCULATED TRANSMISSION INPUT TORQUE - A system and method for controlling a vehicle powertrain having a transmission to improve shift quality is based on detection of an initial rise time of an on-coming clutch torque capacity, which indicates the start of the torque phase. The initial rise time is detected using a transmission input shaft torque computation. The system may include a vehicle powertrain having an engine, a transmission coupled to the engine via a torque converter and a controller configured to initiate torque phase control when a difference between a first transmission input shaft torque and a second transmission input shaft torque exceeds a first predetermined threshold parameter during a shift event characterized by a preparatory phase, a torque phase and an inertia phase. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277975 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a transmission shift schedule in engine systems configured to operate with multiple fuels. During low engine speed and high engine load conditions, when an air charge temperature is elevated, engine operation is shifted from gasoline usage to CNG usage. The torque advantage of CNG usage is leveraged to advance a transmission upshift schedule and delay a downshift schedule to improve vehicle responsiveness when operating with CNG only. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277976 | VEHICLE CONTROLLER - A vehicle controller includes a lock-up clutch disposed to a power transmission path between an engine and a driving wheel, and a clutch configured to connect and disconnect the power transmission path, wherein at the time of switching driven traveling for causing a vehicle to travel by connecting the power transmission path and inertia traveling for causing the vehicle to travel by disconnecting the power transmission path, the lock-up clutch and the clutch are switched at switching start timings different from each other. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277977 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF EXECUTING A DOUBLE TRANSITION SHIFT IN A TRANSMISSION WITH TRANSITIONING CLUTCH HAVING OPPOSITE CLUTCH SLIP AND TORQUE CARRYING DIRECTIONS - A method of executing a double transition shift in a transmission includes determining via a controller that one of four clutches involved in the shift has a clutch slip direction relative to input member rotation direction in one of the current gear and the commanded gear and an opposite clutch torque direction relative to input member torque direction in the other of the current gear and the commanded gear. The controller then calculates clutch torques for at least some of the offgoing clutches and at least some of the oncoming clutches, and controls torque at the offgoing clutches and the oncoming clutches during the shift according to the calculated clutch torques to ensure that the clutch with the opposite slip and torque directions does not provide reaction torque during the shift unless clutch slip across said one of the four clutches is zero or in the clutch torque direction. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277978 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LEARNING FILLING PARAMETERS FOR A CLUTCH - A method and a device for calibrating a wet clutch is provided. The clutch comprises a pump, a piston, a proportional valve, a controller, and a pressure sensor. The method comprises the steps of closing the clutch by sending a pressure profile with fill parameters from the controller to the proportional valve, recording a pressure signal of the hydraulic fluid, comparing the pressure profile with the pressure signal, determining whether at least one defined feature is in the pressure signal that is indicative of errors in the fill parameters, and if said feature is determined in the pressure signal, modification of the pressure profile by changing at least one of the fill parameters. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277979 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING OPERATIONAL STATES OF VEHICLE REMOTE ACTUATORS DURING FAILURE CONDITIONS - A system and method for maintaining operational states of vehicle remote actuators during failure conditions is described. The system controller determines if the actuator controller is operating properly by monitoring an enable line and initiates a safe mode of operation if the actuator is not operating properly. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277980 | HILL HOLD DECAY - A hill hold decay (HDD) system of a vehicle. The system includes a longitudinal acceleration sensor, a wheel speed sensor, a brake pedal detector, a gas pedal detector, a gear sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine the vehicle has come to a standstill, determine a slope of the ground the vehicle is on, determine a direction of travel of the vehicle is downhill, detect a release of a brake release a brake force applied to a plurality of wheels of the vehicle at a constant first rate, determine a speed of the vehicle has reached a minimum threshold, release the brake force at a second rate as long as the speed of the vehicle is increasing, determine the speed of the vehicle has reached a maximum threshold, and release the brake force. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277981 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM - A method of operating a hydraulic brake system is described. A method of operating a hydraulic brake system of a motor vehicle having a mechatronic brake booster to boost a hydraulic pressure generated in a brake master cylinder of the brake system by a brake pedal of the motor vehicle determines whether a propulsion request is present during operation of the motor vehicle and actuates the mechatronic brake booster when a propulsion request has ended or been substantially reduced. During a predetermined time interval after the propulsion request has ended or been reduced, the mechatronic brake booster is operated at a minimum intensity such that no braking effect occurs during the predetermined time interval, unless a braking request occurs. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277982 | Method for Operating a Motor Vehicle - A method is provided for operating a motor vehicle having at least one drive unit which is suitable for providing a drive torque. A drive torque prompted by the driver by way of the accelerator pedal, in the case of a rapid change of the accelerator pedal position, is filtered by way of a guidance former and/or an accelerator pedal filter or its rate of change is limited, so that a slower drive torque reduction or drive torque buildup will occur. In the case of a prompted reduction of the drive torque, simultaneously with the slowed-down drive torque reduction, a corresponding triggering of a vehicle brake system is carried out for achieving a predefined vehicle deceleration. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277983 | VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING REGENERATIVE BRAKING - A vehicle includes a control system configured to implement a method for regenerative braking control. The control system has at least one controller and is configured to control regenerative braking torque to be no greater than a regenerative braking torque limit when a wheel slip of a wheel of the vehicle is above a threshold value. The regenerative braking torque limit is non-zero for at least some values of the wheel slip above the threshold value. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277984 | COORDINATED BRAKE CONTROL OF WHEELS ON A COMMON DIFFERENTIAL - A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and an electric motor for powering two wheels. The wheels are separated by a common differential. A controller is provided to execute certain commands related to the braking of the vehicle. During braking of the two wheels, one wheel exceeds its slip limit, causing the wheel speed of that wheel to drop and pull-down as the wheel catches the ground. In response to the one wheel pulling-down, the controller commands a reduction of brake actuation force on the pulled-down wheel, and also commands a reduction of a rate of increase of the brake actuation force on the non-pulled-down wheel. Simultaneous pull-down or pull-up of the wheels is thereby inhibited as brake actuation forces on each wheel are continued to be controlled in response to the other wheel's activity. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277985 | TRACTION CONTROL FOR POWER MACHINE - A disclosed power machine has a power source with a rotational output that drives a first axle assembly with first and second wheels with one of the first and second wheels being a sensed wheel. Wheel speed and rotational speed sensors monitor the rotation speed of the first sensed wheel and the rotational output, respectively. A controller communicates with the wheel speed sensor, the rotational output speed sensor, and a braking system that is operable to brake the first and second wheels. A controller calculates, as a function of the sensed wheel and rotational output speeds, a traction score indicative of whether one of the first wheel and second wheel is slipping and signals to the braking system to brake the first wheel when the traction score indicates that the first wheel is slipping and brake the second wheel when the traction score indicates that the second wheel is slipping. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277986 | Systems and Methods for Predicting Traffic Signal Information - Systems and methods for predicting traffic signal information are provided. An exemplary method includes obtaining data from a plurality of types of sources and analyzing the data to predict states of a plurality of traffic signals. The data include crowdsourced data. The predictive traffic signal information may be used to adjust an operation of an on-board system of a vehicle. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277987 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method of operating a vehicle at a driver selected target speed. The system and method configured to identify a target speed based on a position of a gear shift selector and control engine torque and brake pressure to control the vehicle to operate at the target speed. The system and method is further provides manipulating the engine torque and brake pressure of the vehicle in response to a driver's throttle and brake commands to operate at a speed desired by the driver. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277988 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for controlling vehicle speed in accordance with a current value of vehicle set-speed. The system responds to user input to change the current value of vehicle set-speed to a different value and is configured to store the current value of set-speed in a memory as a stored set-speed and to change the current value of set-speed in dependence on the user input. The speedometer indicates both the current and stored set-speeds. The system can return the current value of vehicle set-speed to the stored set-speed upon receipt of a “resume” or other user command. The system can enter into a descent control mode that applies braking torque but no drive torque and can also enter into a full functionality mode that provides either drive or braking torque to maintain the vehicle at the set-speed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277989 | ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD INCORPORATING REGENERATIVE BRAKING AND START-STOP FUNCTIONS - A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a cruise control module, an engine control module, and a brake control module. The cruise control module determines a cruise torque request based on at least one of a following distance of a vehicle and a rate at which the vehicle is approaching an object. The engine control module determines a negative torque capacity of a powertrain. The powertrain includes an engine and an electric motor. The brake control module applies a friction brake when the cruise torque request is less than the negative torque capacity of the powertrain. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277990 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADAPTIVELY CONTROLLING DISTANCE AND SPEED AND FOR STOPPING A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND A MOTOR VEHICLE WHICH WORKS WITH SAME - A method for stopping a motor vehicle, having an electronic environmental control device for evaluating the data of one or more environmental sensors, and an electronic braking control device for actuating a braking system, these exchanging information and/or instructions via a data bus. The method comprises: acquiring a distance to a vehicle travelling ahead; determining the motor vehicle travel speed; controlling the distance to the obstacle using the environmental control device if the travel speed exceeds a transfer threshold value; and stopping the motor vehicle using the braking control device if the travel speed is less than or equal to said transfer threshold value. Depending on the acquired distance, the environmental control device determines a target path for the braking control device at the end of which the motor vehicle should be stationary. The invention also relates to an electronic control device for a braking system, and a motor vehicle. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277991 | PROGNOSTIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT APPROACHES FOR PROPULSION CONTROL SYSTEMS - A real-time gas turbine management system includes a controller system coupled to a gas turbine engine. The controller system is configured to control demand on a first and second component of a gas turbine engine. The controller system is configured to identify a set point reference of the first component, identify a set point reference of the second component, and identify a data set indicative of a level of deterioration of the gas turbine engine. The controller system is also configured to change the set point reference of the first component to extend a lifespan of the gas turbine engine and/or change the set point reference of the second component to extend the lifespan of the gas turbine engine. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277992 | INTEGRATED HEALTH MANAGEMENT APPROACH TO PROPULSION CONTROL SYSTEM PROTECTION LIMITING - A real-time engine management system having a controller system configured to control demand on a first component of an engine. The controller system is also configured to access a first set of prognostic data about the first component, where the first set of prognostic data includes a remaining lifespan approximation of the first component operating at a present operating condition. The controller system is also configured to identify a temporal length of an engine procedure operating at the present operating condition, alter a current limit constant associated with the first component to increase the remaining lifespan approximation of the first component beyond the temporal length, and implement the current limit constant associated with the first component so that the first component does not fault during the engine procedure. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277993 | Motor Vehicle Lift Control System - An automatic motor vehicle lift control system responds to a motor vehicle wheelie event when a motor vehicle front lifts off from an operating surface. It functions to reduce power output from an engine of a vehicle in wheelie to prevent an accident. This automatic motor vehicle lift control system includes a number of functional components including sensor, central processing unit (cpu), control actuator and user interface. The sensor may be mounted on an external location of a vehicle. It functions to gather information of a physical state of a motor vehicle and then send it to the cpu for processing. The cpu receives input from the sensor and the user interface, as well as conduct processing and determination. The control actuator received order from the cpu and then act on the vehicle to avoid a wheelie accident. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277994 | SLIDING MODE CONTROLLER FOR ENGINE THERMAL MANAGEMENT - A sliding mode controller for one or more valves in an engine induction or exhaust system provides improved thermal control over an engine. Double discrete variable rate filters generate position and velocity profiles for various intake and exhaust valves. Alternatively, double discrete fixed rate filters may be used to generate position and velocity profiles. A control law includes a Signum function and is modified with a “boundary layer” to control valve chattering. Alternatively, gain scheduling may be used to remove valve chattering. A low pass filter on the controller output can be used to remove chattering phenomena. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277995 | Hierarchical Vehicle De-Rate and Notification System - An on-board vehicle computer system is configured to detect a condition of a vehicle; identify a de-rate cause for the vehicle in a hierarchical set of de-rate causes, wherein the de-rate cause is associated with the condition; select a de-rate type from a set of possible de-rate types based at least in part on the de-rate cause; select an initial de-rate level from a set of possible de-rate levels based at least in part on the de-rate cause; present an operator notification associated with the de-rate cause via an operator interface; activate a de-rate for the vehicle according to the de-rate type and the initial de-rate level; detect a change in the vehicle condition; and update the initial de-rate level based at least in part on the change in the vehicle condition. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277996 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AIRFLOW THROUGH A VENTILATION SYSTEM OF AN ENGINE WHEN CYLINDERS OF THE ENGINE ARE DEACTIVATED - A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an airflow determination module and a cylinder activation module. The airflow determination module determines an amount of airflow through a ventilation system for a crankcase of an engine. The cylinder activation module, when a cylinder of the engine is deactivated while the engine is running, selectively activates the cylinder based on the amount of airflow through the ventilation system. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277997 | Electronic Detection of Engine Malfunction - Technologies for detecting malfunctioning of an engine are disclosed. The technologies include filtering an operation signal of the engine, converting the filtered signal to a direct current signal, and determining whether the engine is malfunctioning based on an amplitude of the direct current signal. The operation signal may be filtered using a band-pass filter. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277998 | HYBRID VEHICLE EXHAUST DIAGNOSTICS - Methods are provided for performing diagnostic routines in a hybrid vehicle. In one example approach, a method for operating a hybrid vehicle comprises inhibiting engine shutdown and enabling deceleration fuel shut off to perform a monitoring test while a vehicle speed is above a threshold speed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140277999 | CAM PHASER CONTROL - Arrangements for stabilizing valve timing adjustment mechanisms such as cam phasers during operation of an engine are described. The described approaches are particularly well suited for use during skip fire control, although they may be used advantageously in other applications as well. In general, the phase of an adjustable phase camshaft is controlled relative to a crankshaft of an engine. In one aspect, at least one of (i) firing events in a skip fire firing sequence, and (ii) dynamically determined valve actuation events are used in the control of the camshaft phase during operation of the engine. In some embodiments, hydraulic pressure within a cam phaser is varied in a manner that maintains the phase of the camshaft substantially more stable through transitory variations in torque applied to the camshaft by the actuation of the valves than would occur without the variations in hydraulic pressure. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278000 | VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM - A vehicle control system includes: an engine; a power transmission device that transmits power from the engine to drive wheels; a mechanical pump that supplies oil for operating the power transmission device to the power transmission device by driving of the engine; and an electric pump that supplies the oil to the power transmission device by driving of a motor. The vehicle control system is capable of executing stopped economy running control for stopping the engine when a vehicle is stopped, and travel economy running control for stopping the engine while the vehicle is traveling. During the execution of the stopped economy running control, learning control is executed whereby a control value for controlling the oil pressure is updated such that the actual oil pressure generated by the electric pump is converged to a target value. During the execution of the travel economy running control the learning control is prohibited. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278001 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN OPERATING FREQUENCY OF A PURGE VALVE TO IMPROVE FUEL DISTRIBUTION TO CYLINDERS OF AN ENGINE - A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an engine speed module and a valve control module. The engine speed module determines a speed of an engine based on a position of a crankshaft. The valve control module selectively adjusts an operating frequency of a purge valve based on the engine speed. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278002 | ALTITUDE COMPENSATION FOR TARGET ENGINE SPEED IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle includes selecting a first target engine speed in response to a driver power request, calculating an available engine torque at the first target engine speed, adjusting the target engine speed if the available engine torque is insufficient to satisfy the driver power request, and commanding an engine to run at the target engine speed. The first target engine speed is optimized for fuel economy. The calculated available engine torque is less than a calculated maximum engine torque at the target engine speed, such that a torque reserve is maintained for engine vacuum. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278003 | REJUVENATION CONTROL OF PALLADIUM-ONLY DIESEL OXIDATION CATALYST - A method is disclosed for assessing and maintaining the use of a palladium-only (i.e., platinum free) oxidation catalyst body to oxidize carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in the exhaust stream of a diesel engine powered vehicle, which is operated at a fuel-lean air-to-fuel ratio (A/F) for much of the time it powers a vehicle. Periodically, a recent history of the temperatures of the exhaust gas at the inlet to the palladium oxidation catalyst body is prepared in a computer control module. And a recent history of the A/F of the operating engine is considered. These temperature and A/F values are then used in determining whether the engine should be temporarily operated in a fuel-rich or stoichiometric A/F mode to provide an exhaust gas composition suitable for rejuvenation of the palladium by reducing its oxide formed during lean operation of the engine. | 2014-09-18 |
20140278004 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A method for stopping an internal combustion engine, in which an air flow supplied via an air metering device, in particular a throttle valve of the internal combustion engine, is reduced after a stopping request has been ascertained, an undershoot point in time is ascertained, at which an ascertained speed of the internal combustion engine falls below a pre-definable speed threshold value, after the undershoot point in time, the air flow supplied via the air metering device of the internal combustion engine is increased again, the predefinable speed threshold value being selected in such a way that an intake cylinder no longer enters a compression stroke after the increase of the supplied air flow until the internal combustion engine is at a standstill, a degree of opening of the air metering device to increase the supplied air flow being selected as a function of a coasting speed of the internal combustion engine. | 2014-09-18 |