BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS, LLC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160121870 | Method, Controller and System for Monitoring Brake Operation - Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for monitoring a brake operation are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect, the brake operation monitoring system comprises a plurality of wheel speed sensors, a brake demand sensor; a plurality of stability sensors and a controller. The controller comprises wheel speed ports; a brake demand port; stability sensor ports; a communication port for receiving a plurality of messages; and a processing unit comprising control logic. The control logic receives a brake demand signal, at least one stability signal indicative of the cornering of the vehicle, and individual wheel speeds. The control logic calculates a master value to compare to individual wheel speed signals if the brake demand signal indicates no braking. | 05-05-2016 |
20160086040 | WIDE BASELINE OBJECT DETECTION STEREO SYSTEM - When detecting an object of interest, such as a bicyclist passing a truck, two downward looking cameras both capture images of the cyclist and detect the cyclist as a deviation from the flat ground plane. The ground plane is reconstructed using a homography (projection) matrix of each camera and compared. Where the camera images do not agree, the ground is not flat. The cyclist is located as the intersection of the rays extending to either end of the area of disagreement between the images. | 03-24-2016 |
20160086033 | ADVANCED BLENDING OF STITCHED IMAGES FOR 3D OBJECT REPRODUCTION - When blending individual vehicle-mounted camera images into a coherent composite image of the vehicle surroundings, objects in the respective images are analyzed to determine the presence of a pedestrian. When the individual images are blended to form the composite image, multiple pedestrian shadow views of the pedestrian are replaced with background pixels to erase the pedestrian, and a semi-symbolic graphical representation of the pedestrian is superimposed at the location of the actual pedestrian in the composite image. The graphical representation is proportional to the pedestrian in the composite image and includes features unique to the pedestrian it represents. The composite image with the graphical representation is then presented to a viewer. | 03-24-2016 |
20160060911 | Apparatus for a Door Locking Module - Various example embodiments of a door locking module are disclosed. In accordance with one aspect, the door locking module comprises a door movement assembly and a locking mechanism. The door movement assembly includes a first linkage, the first linkage including a notch and movable along a first plane. The locking mechanism is operably coupled to the door movement assembly. The locking mechanism comprises a pin movable through the notch from an unlocked position to a locked position, wherein the first linkage is movable along the first plane when the pin is in the unlocked position and the pin prohibits movement of the first linkage along the first plane when the pin is in the locked position. | 03-03-2016 |
20160049020 | CABIN AND TRAILER BODY MOVEMENT DETERMINATION WITH CAMERA AT THE BACK OF THE CABIN - When calculating an angle of articulation between two portions of an articulated vehicle such as a tractor-trailer combination, a camera-based articulation angle measuring system comprises camera(s) mounted on the tractor and/or trailer that observe their counterpart and/or features on the other portion of the vehicle. The angles or locations of the counterpart features are measured in the image(s) produced by the camera(s). A geometric model is employed to convert the location and/or angular measurements into a corresponding articulation and/or roll angle for the tractor-trailer combination. | 02-18-2016 |
20160048966 | LEARNING THE DISTANCE BETWEEN CAMERAS FOR ARTICULATED VEHICLES - When calculating true inter-camera distance, offset images of a reference object such as a lane marker from at least two cameras coupled to an articulating vehicle are overlaid and shifted until the reference objects in each image are aligned. The distance by which the reference object images are shifted, as well as any rotation required to align the images, is used to calculate the actual distance between the cameras and to compensate for average yaw angle between the cameras when positioning the images for digital stitching to generate a composite “surround view” image. | 02-18-2016 |
20160039256 | Apparatus and Method for Configuring a Tire Pressure Monitoring System - Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system are disclosed. One method comprises rotating a first tire of a plurality of tires on a vehicle and receiving a signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire from a wheel speed sensor associated with the first tire. A controller associates the first tire with a wheel location in response to receiving the signal from the wheel speed sensor. A tire pressure sensor in the first tire generates a tire characteristic signal in response to the rotation of the first tire. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and associates the tire characteristic signal with the wheel location in response to receiving the tire characteristic signal within a predetermined time period from receiving the signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first wheel. | 02-11-2016 |
20160016444 | Apparatus and Method for Configuring a Tire Sensor System - Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire sensor system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method begins with rotating a plurality of tires on a vehicle. The tire sensor associated with a first wheel location generates a data transmission in response to the rotation of the plurality of tires, the data transmission comprising at least a unique sensor identification and a motion value. The controller transmits a brake control device control signal in a first predetermined event sequence to a first brake control device associated with the first wheel location. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and assigns the unique sensor identification with the first wheel location in response to determining the motion value of the tire characteristic signal corresponds with the first predetermined event sequence. | 01-21-2016 |
20150309784 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR UPDATING SOFTWARE COMPONENTS IN COORDINATION WITH OPERATIONAL MODES OF A MOTOR VEHICLE - Methods and apparatus are provided for updating at least one software component of a motor vehicle in coordination with predetermined safe operational modes of the vehicle permitting the updating without danger to a driver operating the motor vehicle. The method operates such that a receiver circuit of a hub controller of the motor vehicle receives and stores a software update module in a memory of the hub controller. A processor of the hub controller determines an operational condition of the motor vehicle and selectively updates at least one software component of the motor vehicle with the software update module responsive to the operational condition of the motor vehicle being in a predetermined safe operational mode permitting the updating without danger to a driver operating the motor vehicle. Preferably, the updating of the at least one software component with the software update module takes place only during DPF regeneration. | 10-29-2015 |
20150308426 | Unloader Valve Apparatus for an Air Compressor - An unloader valve apparatus is provided for an air compressor. The unloader valve apparatus comprises a cylindrical piston having a longitudinal central axis and movable along the longitudinal central axis between a loaded position and an unloaded position. The unloader valve apparatus further comprises a stopper member pivotable about a pivot axis between a blocking position in which the stopper member blocks an unloader port when the piston is in the loaded position and an unblocking position in which the stopper member is not blocking the unloader port and is thereby allowing compressed air from the compressor to flow through the unloader port when the piston is in the unloaded position. | 10-29-2015 |
20150294166 | Vehicle Driver Assistance Apparatus for Assisting a Vehicle Driver in Maneuvering the Vehicle Relative to an Object - A vehicle driver assistance apparatus is provided for a vehicle. The vehicle driver assistance apparatus comprises an image capture device arranged to capture image data which is representative of an object in vicinity of the vehicle. The vehicle driver assistance apparatus further comprises an electronic controller arranged to (i) process the captured image data to identify an edge line associated with the object, and (ii) process the captured image data further based upon the identified edge line to identify a distance between the vehicle and the edge line of the object. | 10-15-2015 |
20150286878 | Generating an Image of the Surroundings of an Articulated Vehicle - Systems and methods for generating an image of the surroundings of an articulated vehicle are provided. According to an aspect of the invention, a processor determines a relative position between a first vehicle of an articulated vehicle and a second vehicle of the articulated vehicle; receives a first image from a first camera arranged on the first vehicle and a second image from a second camera arranged on the second vehicle; and combines the first image and the second image based on the relative position between the first vehicle and the second vehicle to generate a combined image of surroundings of the articulated vehicle. | 10-08-2015 |
20150266460 | Compressed Air Unit Output Pressure Verification Device - A method and device for testing the output pressure of a compressed air unit is disclosed. A pressure verification device includes a first port configured for attachment to a compressed air unit. A first pressure relief valve is connected to a second port of the pressure verification device and is set to open at a first set pressure. A switching valve is connected to a third port. When the pressure is at least the first set pressure, a path to atmosphere is established from the first port through the first pressure relief valve when the switching valve is in the closed position. In addition, the first pressure relief valve comprises a means for at least one of an audible, a tactile and a visual indicator of the operation of the compressed air unit. | 09-24-2015 |
20150262378 | Systems and Methods for Tracking Points Within an Encasement - Systems and methods for tracking points within an encasement are provided. According to an aspect of the invention, a processor designates an encasement at a first location within a first image acquired at a first time; identifies points to track within the encasement; determines characteristics of the points to track; tracks the points over time based on the characteristics; and determines a second location of the encasement within a second image acquired at a second time based on positions of the tracked points at the second time. Identifying the points to track may include identifying points within the encasement that are significant and persistent. | 09-17-2015 |
20150258934 | VEHICLE DASH SWITCH MODULE - A dash switch module includes an operator interface device, a haptic feedback device associated with the operator interface device, and a visual feedback device associated with the operator interface device. The haptic feedback device provides a first haptic feedback if an operator's intended action is achieved via the operator interface device. The visual feedback device provides a first visual feedback if the operator's intended action is achieved via the operator interface device. | 09-17-2015 |
20150251646 | DUAL PURPOSE DRYERS FOR HIGH FLOW - A system and method of controlling an air dryer system having first and second air dryers configured to receive compressed air from a compressor, such as a compressor of a vehicle, including operating the first and second air dryers in a first mode corresponding to a high flow mode wherein the first and second air dryers are connected in parallel with the air compressor, monitoring a condition related to a low compressor output state, and operating the first and second air dryers in a second mode corresponding to a continuous flow mode when the low compressor output state is detected. | 09-10-2015 |
20150251645 | Air Dryer Purge Controller and Method - A method and controller for controlling the purge cycling of an air dryer assembly is disclosed. The controller includes a control output for transmitting a control signal for controlling the air dryer. The controller is capable of initiating an enhanced purge cycle for the air dryer based on a regeneration volume value. The regeneration volume value is based on the accumulated volume of air delivered to the air dryer for a first time or since a prior standard purge cycle. | 09-10-2015 |
20150219083 | Vehicle Air Compressor Apparatus for a Heavy Vehicle Air Braking System - A vehicle air compressor apparatus is provided for a heavy vehicle air braking system. The apparatus comprises a crankcase, and a cylinder head disposed on the crankcase. The cylinder head includes (i) an air inlet port through which air can be received for compression within the crankcase and the cylinder head, (ii) a discharge port through which compressed air can be delivered from the cylinder head, (iii) a first port through which compressed air can pass, and (iv) a second port through which cooled compressed air can pass. The apparatus further comprises a discharge air cooling jumper connected externally of the cylinder head between the first and second ports. The jumper is arranged to cool compressed air passing from the first port through a discharge air path of the jumper to the second port to provide cooler compressed air to be delivered from the cylinder head through the discharge port. | 08-06-2015 |
20150210257 | Towing Vehicle Controller Providing Brake Control to a Towed Vehicle and Method - Various embodiments of a towing vehicle controller and methods for brake control of a towed vehicle are provided. A towing vehicle controller includes an input for receiving a load signal indicative of a load of a towed and towing vehicle combination; an input for receiving a stability signal indicative of at least one of a yaw rate, a steering angle, and a lateral acceleration of the towing vehicle; and an input for receiving a deceleration signal indicative of an automated deceleration request. Control logic is capable of determining a comparison value prior to receiving the deceleration signal and after receiving the load signal and the stability signal, wherein the determination of the comparison value is based on the load signal and the stability signal. After the deceleration signal is received, the control logic determines a brake control transmission signal based on the deceleration signal and the comparison value. | 07-30-2015 |
20150175139 | Relay Valve Control Arrangement to Provide Variable Response Timing on Full Applications - A brake system and related components including a metering device are configured to regulate a control signal received from a brake control device such that a control valve delays the supply of a level of requested braking pressure for a prescribed amount of time. The metering device can be an inversion valve and orificed check valve in a control circuit adapted to allow relatively unrestricted flow until a threshold pressure is reached, after which pressure the inversion valve closes and the flow is metered through an orifice. This has the effect of allowing rapid brake actuation to a first level, and then slowing further application of the brake until full requested braking is achieved. An electronic control unit can also be configured to regulate a control signal to delay development of the requested brake pressure. | 06-25-2015 |
20150159715 | BRAKE PADS FOR A VEHICLE BRAKING ASSEMBLY - A brake pad is used in a drum brake. The brake pad includes a frictional material engaging a housing of an associated brake drum when it is desired to slow an associated vehicle. A slot is positioned to create airflow in a single direction across the brake pad. A channel extends through a top surface and a bottom surface of the brake pad. | 06-11-2015 |
20150134216 | System, Controller and Method for testing a solenoid - Various embodiments for determining a voltage rating of a solenoid in an electropneumatic valve are disclosed. A braking system controller comprises a power switch electrically connected to an associated first solenoid. The power switch provides a low current regulated voltage to the associated first solenoid. The current through the solenoid is converted to a voltage. The voltage is compared to a predetermined voltage range to determine the voltage rating of the associated first solenoid. In another embodiment, the control logic is capable of determining the voltage rating of multiple solenoids in each of the electropneumatic valves connected to the controller. | 05-14-2015 |
20150115702 | VOLUTE SPRING FOR A FOOT BRAKE VALVE - A foot brake valve for operating a vehicle brake system associated with wheels of the associated vehicle includes a plunger, a primary piston, and a volute spring. The plunger is positioned based on a position of an associated brake pedal depressed by an operator for engaging an associated service brakes of the vehicle. The primary piston positioned based on a position of the plunger. The volute spring biases the primary piston against a depression of the brake pedal. | 04-30-2015 |
20150094905 | VEHICLE INSPECTION VERIFICATION AND DIAGNOSTIC UNIT - A diagnostic display device is coupled to a vehicle data bus and receives vehicle identification information which is used to identify one or more expected onboard systems installed on the vehicle. Expected systems are queried to determine that they are present and operating properly. Presence and operation status information are stored and/or presented to a user to facilitate automated vehicle system inspection. | 04-02-2015 |
20150084402 | AUTOMATIC TRACTION RELAY VALVE DIAGNOSTIC USING PRESSURE TRANSDUCER FEEDBACK - A system and method of diagnosing and/or mitigating the effects of a malfunctioning brake valve configured to supply pressurized fluid to a brake unit via a pressure delivery line during automated braking operations including detecting a period of no braking activity, venting the pressure delivery line to atmosphere during the period of no braking activity, monitoring pressure in the pressure delivery line to detect a pressure change resulting from the venting, and generating an error signal if a detected pressure change exceeds a threshold value. The pressure modulating valve can be periodically cycled once a fault is detected to reduce the effects thereof. | 03-26-2015 |
20150066321 | Driver Braking Demand Indicator Apparatus for a Heavy Vehicle - A driver braking demand indicator apparatus comprises a brake valve including (i) a brake valve member movable in response to a driver moving a brake applicator member, and (ii) a delivery pressure line to operate a vehicle service brake circuit. The apparatus also comprises a travel sensor arranged to (i) sense movement of the brake valve member, and (ii) provide a first signal indicative of the extent of travel of the brake valve member when movement of the brake valve member is sensed. The apparatus further comprises a delivery pressure line sensor arranged to (i) sense pressure in the delivery pressure line of the brake valve, and (ii) provide a second signal indicative of the pressure in the delivery pressure line. The apparatus also comprises a controller arranged to process the first and second signals to provide a driver braking demand signal for at least one external device. | 03-05-2015 |
20150061367 | Foot Brake Valve Apparatus for a Heavy Vehicle Braking System - A foot brake valve apparatus is provided for a heavy vehicle braking system. The foot brake valve apparatus comprises a valve body having a first side face and a second side face opposite the first side face. The apparatus further comprises a primary supply pressure port associated with a primary braking circuit and adjoining the first side face, and a primary delivery pressure port associated with the primary braking circuit and adjoining the first side face. The apparatus also comprises a secondary supply pressure port associated with a secondary braking circuit and adjoining the first side face, and a secondary delivery pressure port associated with the secondary braking circuit and adjoining the first side face. | 03-05-2015 |
20150051804 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING RESPECTIVE BRAKING PRESSURES AT WHEELS ON A VEHICLE - A controller controls respective braking pressures at wheels on a vehicle. The controller includes a processor electrically communicating with a first switching valve, which controls a first of the braking pressure at a first of the wheels, and a second switching valve, which controls a second of the braking pressures at a second of the wheels. The processor, during a braking control event, controls the switching valve associated with the higher of the braking pressures to maintain the higher braking pressure while switching a state of the switching valve associated with the lower of the braking pressures to increase the lower braking pressure. | 02-19-2015 |
20140309900 | System and Method for Controlling an Electronic Parking Brake System - Various embodiments of a system and method of controlling an electronic parking brake system for an air braked vehicle are disclosed. A dash switch module receives a signal indicative of a parking brake request. The dash switch module transmits a parking brake control message using a first communication path in response to the parking brake request. A braking system controller transmits a check message in response to the parking brake control message using a second communication path. The dash switch module transmits a confirmation message using the second communication path in response to the confirmation message. The brake system controller transmits a control signal to the park control module to park or un-park the vehicle in response to the confirmation message. | 10-16-2014 |
20140297118 | METHOD TO REDUCE LOAD TRANSFER BETWEEN AXLES OF A COMMON SET DURING BRAKING - When a vehicle decelerates quickly or otherwise experiences a hard brake event, the described systems and methods facilitate reducing load transfer between axles of a common set of axles (e.g. a tandem axle, a tridem axle, etc.). Transfer of suspension pressure from a dynamically unloaded axle to a more loaded axle is limited by a suspension control component such as a valve or solenoid or the like that closes upon detection of a hard brake event in order to lock air in the suspension components of the respective axles. This in turn limits the dynamically unloaded axle from lifting, thereby permitting it to contribute more significantly to the braking effort and improving stopping distance. | 10-02-2014 |
20140293052 | IMAGE-BASED VEHICLE DETECTION AND DISTANCE MEASURING METHOD AND APPARATUS - In an example embodiment, an image based vehicle detection and measuring apparatus that employs an accelerated, structured, search method is described for quickly finding the extrema of a multivariable function. The input domain of the function is determined. The method exploits information as it becomes available, calculating a best possible value with the information available so far, and terminating further evaluation when the best possible value does not exceed the extreme value found so far. Ordering and best guess schemes are added to the best possible value idea to accelerate it further. The method is applied to speed up an image processing problem, an example of which is given, but has general application, for example, in fields such as vehicle detection. | 10-02-2014 |
20140288761 | ENHANCED DISPLAY UNIT - A diagnostic display device (DDD) receives vehicle information including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) over a vehicle data bus and comprises a barcode generator that generates a barcode concurrently representing a plurality of diagnostic trouble codes detected in the vehicle in which is employed. The DDD includes a display or screen on which the barcode image is presented. A technician or user can scan the barcode with a user device (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet PC, or the like), and the user device is then automatically directed to or retrieves an appropriate troubleshooting webpage or webpages on a manufacturer's website. Retrieved troubleshooting instructions, webpages, links thereto and the like are displayed to the user by the smart device and/or the display on the DDD. | 09-25-2014 |
20140238364 | Method to Enhance Gas Recirculation in Turbocharged Diesel Engines - An apparatus for improving exhaust gas recirculation performance is provided which induces improved exhaust gas recirculation flow during engine operating transients, including transients in which exhaust gas flow conditions are unfavorable. The apparatus includes a fresh air intake passage with a venturi section and an exhaust gas recirculation passage outlet, preferably in the form of a pitot tube, arranged in the fresh air intake passage adjacent to the venturi section such that a pressure-reducing flow in the fresh air is induced as a result of the Coand{hacek over (a)} effect. Establishing Coand{hacek over (a)} flow adjacent to the exhaust gas recirculation outlet substantially assists in drawing exhaust gas into the fresh air intake flow in transient operating conditions, including unfavorable exhaust-to-intake pressure difference conditions. The Coand{hacek over (a)} flow also assists in more rapid and thorough mixing the gases to provide a homogeneous mixture to minimize NOx production during engine operating transients. | 08-28-2014 |
20140210607 | DIVERSITY ANTENNA - An electronic component in a vehicle tire condition monitor system includes a first antenna, a second antenna, and a processor. The first antenna is oriented at an angle with respect to the second antenna. Both of the antennas are capable of receiving RF signals transmitted from a sensor associated with a respective tire of the vehicle. The RF signals represent a condition of the respective tire. The processor receives the RF signals transmitted by the sensor from at least one of the antennas. The first and second antennas receive the condition signals from any of a plurality of the sensors associated with respective tires on the vehicle. | 07-31-2014 |
20140200761 | BRAKE CHAMBER WITH SENSOR - A brake chamber includes a housing defining a service air brake volume. A diaphragm is associated with a plate that is movably secured within the housing. The diaphragm divides the service air brake volume into a pressure portion and a non.-pressure portion. Respective volumes of the pressure portion and the non-pressure portion change as the diaphragm moves within the housing. A sensor is in the service air brake volume. Electronics, associated with the sensor, determine a position of the plate in the housing. | 07-17-2014 |
20140158099 | System and Method for Improved Emissions Control - A system and method for improving exhaust gas recirculation performance is provided to induce improved exhaust gas recirculation flow during engine operating transients, including transients in which exhaust gas flow conditions are unfavorable. The apparatus includes an exhaust line including a mechatronic exhaust brake valve, an intake system including a PBS compressed air injection system, an exhaust gas recirculation passage between the exhaust and intake lines, and a controller which coordinates operation of the PBS and MEB. The controller is programmed to command the MEB to close for a period before the compressed air injection is initiated so as to build exhaust line backpressure pressure and maintain a desired pressure differential across the EGR passage so that recirculated exhaust gas flow continues to enter the intake during to PBS injection event to suppress formation of undesired excess NO | 06-12-2014 |
20140149011 | System, Controller and Method for Preventing Vehicle Rollaway - Various embodiments of a controller, system and method of preventing vehicle rollaway for a heavy vehicle are disclosed. The controller receives a service brake signal indicating an operator has engaged the service brakes, a parking brake signal indicating the operator intent to actuate the parking brake and a signal indicative of motion. The controller transmits a control signal to at least two braking system components in response the service brake signal, the parking brake signal, and the motion of the vehicle to maintain engagement of the vehicle service brakes after the service brake pressure signal begins to decrease. | 05-29-2014 |
20140116534 | HEAT-EXCHANGE DRYER APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD - Various embodiments of a heat-exchange dryer apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, a heat-exchange dryer apparatus includes a desiccant cartridge comprising desiccant material, a purge-air reservoir secured to the desiccant cartridge, and a compressed-air conduit disposed inside the purge-air reservoir. In another embodiment, a vehicle air-brake system includes an air compressor, a desiccant cartridge comprising desiccant material, and a heat exchange dryer apparatus disposed between the compressor and the desiccant. The temperature of the compressed air is decreased while the temperature of the purge air is increased and the desiccant adsorbs a greater amount of contaminants form the compressed air for improved drying. | 05-01-2014 |
20140078302 | Backward Movement Indicator Apparatus for a Vehicle - A backward movement indicator apparatus is provided for a vehicle having an alert device. The backward movement indicator apparatus comprises an image capture device arranged to capture image data which is representative of objects in vicinity of the vehicle. The backward movement apparatus further comprises an electronic controller arranged to process the captured image data to provide a signal which is indicative of the vehicle moving backwards. | 03-20-2014 |
20140054118 | Apparatus for Setting Park Brakes of a Heavy Vehicle During a Failure of a Service Brakes Holding Function of the Vehicle - An apparatus is provided for a vehicle having components of a parking brake system and components of a service brake system. The apparatus comprises a normally-energized solenoid operatively coupled to components of the parking brake system and for, when de-energized, exhausting air pressure in at least some components of the parking brake system to set park brakes. The apparatus further comprises an electronic controller arranged to (i) monitor a combination of one or more signals indicative of a service brakes holding function, (ii) monitor a combination of one or more signals indicative of a fault condition, and (iii) provide one or more signals to de-energize the normally-energized solenoid to exhaust air pressure in at least some components of the parking brake system and thereby to set park brakes when both signals indicative of a service brakes holding function and signals indicative of a fault condition of the vehicle are detected. | 02-27-2014 |
20140041973 | Secondary Parking Apparatus for a Heavy Vehicle - A secondary parking apparatus is provided for a vehicle having components of a parking brake system, components of an anti-lock brake system (ABS). and a manually-operable device. The secondary parking apparatus comprises an electronic controller arranged to (i) monitor the manually-operable device to detect an operator intent signal to apply parking brakes of the parking brake system, (ii) receive a combination of one or more signals indicative of a fault condition of the vehicle, and (iii) provide one or more control signals to be applied to components of the ABS to selectively exhaust air pressure from components of the ABS to atmosphere so that parking brakes of the parking brake system are applied to park the vehicle when both the operator intent signal and the combination of one or more signals indicative of a fault condition of the vehicle are detected. | 02-13-2014 |
20140034131 | Flow Diverter Valve and Method - Various embodiments of a flow diverter, a valve and a method of controlling air flow in the valve are disclosed. The flow diverter has a cylindrical body, a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart longitudinal members, an open end portion, a closed end portion and a raised element extending outwardly from the closed end portion. The flow diverter is disposed in a cavity in the valve. The cavity is in communication with a supply passage, an exhaust passage and a delivery passage. Air passes through the flow diverter to the delivery passage when the flow diverter is in a delivery position. Air moves the flow diverter from the delivery position to an exhaust position when air pressure in the delivery passage is greater than air pressure in the supply passage. The flow diverter restricts air from passing from the delivery passage to the supply passage when in the exhaust position. | 02-06-2014 |
20140025270 | RADAR INITIATED FOUNDATION BRAKING ONLY FOR AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING SITUATIONS - When providing adaptive cruise control (ACC) in addition to collision mitigation (CM) for a large vehicle, foundation braking is prohibited for maintaining a set following time behind a forward vehicle in order to mitigate unnecessary brake activations. When collision mitigation is activated, the collision mitigation system is given priority over other vehicle control systems with regard to the foundation brakes, in order to avoid a collision. A lateral acceleration module monitors lateral acceleration of the host vehicle during collision mitigation foundation brake application, and if lateral acceleration exceeds a predetermined threshold, foundation brakes are prohibited in order to prevent vehicle rollover. | 01-23-2014 |
20130320751 | DUAL CIRCUIT PNEUMATIC FOOT VALVE WITH ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED PROPORTIONAL MODULATOR (ECPM) AND OPERATOR INPUT SENSING - A foot valve that can be activated either by the driver or an electronic control unit, wherein the foot valve can be the central driving device for automated braking applications such as Hill Start Aid and Work Brake Systems. Pneumatic pressure delivered by an electronically controlled proportional modulator to the foot valve activates either primary and/or secondary portions of the brake valve. The driver can mechanically override the electronic intervention when he presses on the brake pedal. For applications such as ESC and ATC, driver demand can be sensed by sensors in the foot valve and transmitted to the braking system electronic controller on the vehicle. | 12-05-2013 |
20130319232 | PURGE EXHAUST PROCESSOR - A purge exhaust processor includes an inlet chamber, a sump chamber, a selectively charged surface in the inlet chamber, and an orifice. The inlet chamber receives purge exhaust including at least one of air, water vapor, oil aerosol, and water aerosol. The selectively charged surface agglomerates at least one of the oil aerosol and water aerosol into a liquid. The orifice is sized for passing the agglomerated liquid from the inlet chamber to the sump chamber. | 12-05-2013 |
20130251208 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EVALUATING BRIGHTNESS VALUES IN SENSOR IMAGES OF IMAGE-EVALUATING ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEMS, ESPECIALLY WITH RESPECT TO DAY/NIGHT DISTINCTION - The invention proposes a method and an arrangement for evaluating sensor images of an image-evaluating environment recognition system on a carrier, in which, in order to distinguish the light conditions in the area of the image-evaluating environment recognition system with regard to day or night, at least the gain and/or the exposure time of the at least one image sensor detecting the environment is/are monitored, a profile of the gain and/or the exposure time against time with relatively high gain or relatively long exposure times characterizing night-time light conditions, and a profile of the gain and/or the exposure time with relatively low gain and/or relatively short exposure times characterizing daytime light conditions. The environment recognition system according to the invention can also be used to search the detected environment for bright objects, the headlights of another carrier being used as additional information, for example. | 09-26-2013 |
20130204513 | PROTECT INFORMATION STORED IN ECU FROM UNINTENTIONAL WRITING AND OVERWRITING - Systems and methods that facilitate protecting vehicle impact event data from overwrite include an electronic control unit (ECU) having a processor that records event data related to vehicle operation, a memory that stores the event data, and an electronic tool that communicates with the ECU and comprises a data locking module that sends a data lock signal to the ECU to lock the stored event data as locked data such that the stored event data cannot be overwritten. The ECU, in response to the data lock signal, stores the event data as locked data in a dedicated portion of the memory to preserve the event data for subsequent review. | 08-08-2013 |
20130204490 | UPHILL VEHICLE ORIENTATION ADJUSTED COMPRESSOR CONTROL - A motor controller unit facilitates modifying pressure thresholds for an air compressor motor in a hybrid commercial vehicle as a function of vehicle pitch and comprises a memory that stores computer-executable instructions for modifying compressor cut-in and cut-out pressure thresholds as a function of vehicle pitch, and a processor configured to execute the computer-executable instructions. The instructions comprise monitoring a pitch of the vehicle, and determining that the vehicle is on an uphill grade. The instructions further comprise reducing compressor cut-in and cut-out pressure thresholds for an on-board air compressor motor to conserve state-of-charge until the pitch of the vehicle falls below a predetermined level, and, once the pitch of the vehicle falls below a predetermined percentage of the maximum pitch detected on the uphill grade, increasing the compressor cut-in and cut-out pressure thresholds to increase available braking pressure and brake regeneration opportunities for the vehicle. | 08-08-2013 |
20130204472 | CRUISE CONTROL WITH BRAKING ACTIVATED BRAKE REGENERATION - A controller unit facilitates determining that a fast approaching forward vehicle has breached a fast approach threshold and may initiate brake regeneration to slow a commercial hybrid host vehicle in which the controller is employed. The controller determines whether there is capacity in the state of charge (SOC) of a high voltage battery to permit brake regeneration, and/or determines whether there is capacity in on board air tanks to permit a compressor motor to compress air, thereby drawing charge from the battery to create brake regeneration capacity. When battery SOC is below a predetermined threshold and a fast approaching vehicle breaches a fast approach threshold, the controller sends a brake regeneration command to a traction motor to act as a generator to supply charge to the battery, which in turn slows the vehicle. | 08-08-2013 |
20130192464 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING REGENERATION OF AN AIR DRYER - A regeneration controller for an air dryer on a vehicle includes a location identifier that determines a current location, a regeneration profile identifier that selects a regeneration profile based on the current location, and a regeneration initiator that initiates regenerations of the air dryer based on the regeneration profile. | 08-01-2013 |
20130158801 | Controller and Method for Detecting Vehicle Pull - Various embodiments of a controller for a vehicle braking system capable of determining vehicle pull during automated braking, are disclosed. The controller comprises a yaw rate input for receiving a yaw rate signal indicative of a yaw rate of the vehicle; a stability input for receiving a stability signal from a stability sensor of the vehicle; a deceleration input for receiving a deceleration signal indicative of an automated deceleration request and a brake output for transmitting a brake control signal. The controller includes control logic to determine vehicle pull based on the yaw rate signal and the stability signal. | 06-20-2013 |
20130151067 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING TIRE STATUS - A vehicle electronic control unit includes a power input port, which receives electric power from a vehicle battery, and a power output port, which provides electric power to a vehicle electronic device including an antenna. The electronic device receives data transmissions from a vehicle sensor. The power output port provides substantially uninterrupted electric power from the vehicle battery to the vehicle electronic device. A communication port is electrically connected to a vehicle communication bus. The communication port receives data transmissions from the vehicle electronic device via the communication port. An electronic component, electrically connected to the communication port, is initially in a first state when a vehicle ignition is off. The electronic component, while in a second state and while the vehicle ignition is off, receives additional data transmissions from the vehicle electronic device indicating statuses of respective vehicle sensors. | 06-13-2013 |
20130131873 | DETECTION OF BLOCKED AIR LINE FOR ELECTRIC COMPRESSOR AT START UP - Systems and methods for detecting a blocked air discharge line of an air compressor are described, which include monitoring motor current (IMTR) drawn by a compressor motor ( | 05-23-2013 |
20130090820 | ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT CONFIGURATION TOOL - A tool for configuring a replacement electronic control unit for a vehicle is provided. The tool includes a computer storage medium having a computer program encoded thereon which may be stored on an electronic module or installed on a computing device that connects to a communications bus in the vehicle. The program includes code for accessing a first memory associated with an original electronic control unit for the vehicle, retrieving a configuration for the original electronic control unit from the first memory, associating the configuration with a vehicle identification number associated with the vehicle in a second memory remote from the vehicle and downloading the configuration from the second memory to a third memory associated with the replacement electronic control unit for the vehicle. | 04-11-2013 |
20130085649 | Towing Vehicle Controller Providing Brake Control to a Towed Vehicle and Method - Various embodiments of a towing vehicle controller and methods for brake control of a towed vehicle are provided. A towing vehicle controller includes: an input for receiving a load signal indicative of a load of a towed and towing vehicle combination; an input for receiving a stability signal indicative of at least one of a yaw rate, a steering angle, and a lateral acceleration of the towing vehicle; and an input for receiving a deceleration signal indicative of an automated deceleration request. Control logic is capable of determining a comparison value prior to receiving the deceleration signal and after receiving the load signal and the stability signal, wherein the determination of the comparison value is based on the load signal and the stability signal. After the deceleration signal is received, the control logic determines a brake control transmission signal based on the deceleration signal and the comparison value. | 04-04-2013 |
20130049442 | MOUNTING METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SENSOR - A tire pressure monitor mount includes a carrier ( | 02-28-2013 |
20130036912 | AIR DRYER CARTRIDGE - An air dryer cartridge | 02-14-2013 |
20120325029 | Adjustable Simulator Apparatus and Method for Testing Vehicle Components - Various embodiments of an adjustable simulator apparatus for testing vehicle components are disclosed herein. The apparatus can be used to test linearly translatable components, such as transmission or brake components, without connecting them to every cooperating component as they would be in a vehicle. In one embodiment, an adjustable simulator apparatus includes a housing having a bore along a generally longitudinal axis and a first retainer and a second retainer disposed in the housing and spaced apart from one another. At least one of the first and the second retainer is adjustable in its position and a compressible member is disposed between the retainers. The apparatus further includes a piston translatable within the bore and a mechanical stop disposed at least partially within the bore of the housing and extends through the second end of the compressible member. | 12-27-2012 |
20120316713 | STATE OF CHARGE ADJUSTED COMPRESSOR CONTROL - The described systems and methods relate to employing an Electric Air Charging System (EACS) to maintain a hybrid commercial vehicle (or the like) battery within a desired range of charge. The innovation facilitates reducing battery charge when the state of charge is too high, such as by adjusting air compressor cut-in and cut-out pressure thresholds to cause the air compressor to compress air for the brake system when there is excess charge in the battery, as well as triggering a brake regeneration protocol and/or other charge regeneration protocol(s) to restore charge to the battery when the state of charge of the battery is too low. | 12-13-2012 |
20120315151 | CURRENT CONTROL VIA SPEED CONTROL FOR DRIVING SCREW COMPRESSOR UNDER COLD CONDITIONS - When starting a screw-type air compressor in sub-zero conditions, current spikes are mitigated by detecting an over-current condition and/or a below-threshold temperature, and a warm-up routine is initiated in which compressor motor speed is ramped in a sawtooth fashion between two speeds that are substantially lower than a nominal operating speed of the compressor motor. In this manner, the internal components of the compressor are warmed prior to fully starting the compressor, which mitigates current spikes, reduces blown fuses, and extends the life of the compressor motor and other compressor components. | 12-13-2012 |
20120313028 | HAND CONTROL BRAKE VALVE - A vehicle hand control brake valve includes a piston, positioned based on an engagement of a vehicle parking brake, a service brake actuation valve, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism mechanically interacts with the service brake actuation valve to set a position of the service brake actuation valve. A level of actuation of vehicle service brakes is set based on the position of the service brake actuation valve. The service brake actuation valve is set to a position to actuate the service brakes when the control mechanism is set to a latch position. The control mechanism only is latched in the latch position when the vehicle parking brake is engaged. | 12-13-2012 |
20120312645 | MULTI-PRESSURE VALVE CONTROLLER AND METHOD FOR A VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM - A vehicle braking system includes a brake associated with a respective wheel of the vehicle, a multi-pressure valve associated with the brake, and a controller electrically communicating with the multi-pressure valve. The multi-pressure valve receives fluid at a first pressure at a supply port and is capable of delivering the fluid at a delivery port at a plurality of pressure profiles. A control signal is transmitted to the multi-pressure valve. The multi-pressure valve delivers the pressurized fluid to the brake, via the delivery port, at one of the plurality of delivery pressure profiles based on the control signal. | 12-13-2012 |
20120298895 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ELECTRO-PNEUMATIC DEVICE - An electro-pneumatic device includes a sensor portion and a valve portion. The sensor portion, which includes a sensor, receives and transmits electronic control signals of a plurality of frequencies. The sensor portion is powered by a first of the frequencies of the received control signals. The valve portion electrically communicates with the sensor. The valve portion includes a valve that is alternately set to an open state and a closed state based on a second of the plurality of frequencies of the received control signals. The sensor senses a delivery pressure of the valve and transmits electronic data signals representing the delivery pressure at a third of the plurality of frequencies. | 11-29-2012 |
20120298234 | VARIABLE CONFIGURATION TRACTION VALVE - A traction valve is provided for use in combination with a relay valve. The traction valve includes a body configured for connection to a housing of the relay valve and defining inlet, outlet and traction supply ports. A first fluid control valve used for traction control is supported on the body and includes a valve member that alternately permits and prevents fluid communication between the traction supply and outlet ports in the body. The body and the first fluid control valve are configured to receive any of a plurality of interchangeable second fluid control valves between the inlet port in the body and the first fluid control valve. Each of the plurality of interchangeable second fluid control valves is configured to perform a different function such that the traction valve assumes different configurations upon assembly of the various second fluid control valves with the body and the first fluid control valve. | 11-29-2012 |
20120296543 | AUTOMATIC WORK BRAKE - A vehicle, air brake system is presented with an improved service work brake arrangement. The arrangement may provide a service work brake function or both a service work brake function and a parking brake function for the vehicle. The arrangement may provide an improved service work brake arrangement disposed within a housing for reducing the number of components and plumbing required to achieve this functionality versus prior known systems. The arrangement may utilizes a pneumatic latching valve to deliver pressurized air for applying a vehicle's service brakes. The pneumatic latching valve opens upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from an electronically controlled valve and closes upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from another source. In addition, a controller and control logic may be provided for controlling the arrangement. | 11-22-2012 |
20120285565 | Spring Brake Valve - Methods and valve arrangements for controlling the flow of pressurized air from a tractor to a trailer reservoir and to a trailer spring brake chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, pressurized air from a tractor is supplied from a tractor to the trailer reservoir and to the trailer spring brake in different filling modes based on a user input. In another exemplary embodiment, pressurized service air is used to charge or partially charge the trailer reservoir. | 11-15-2012 |
20120259516 | ACC Extended Mode Operation - When employing an a cruise control system in a commercial or heavy-duty vehicle, an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system ( | 10-11-2012 |
20120255437 | Air Dryer Assembly - An air dryer cartridge assembly, used in a compressed air system, includes a rigid porous layer, a fibrous material layer, a diffusing layer and a desiccant for filtering and drying compressed air passing in a first direction during a charging cycle. The compressed air passes through diffusing layer, the fibrous material layer and the rigid porous layer in a second direction during a purging cycle. The desiccant, which is downstream of the rigid porous layer, the fibrous material layer and the diffusing layer during the charging cycle, reduces moisture in the compressed air during the charging cycle. The use of diffusing layer downstream of the fibrous material layer during a charging cycle disperses the compressed air so that moisture removal is improved in the desiccant. | 10-11-2012 |
20120223828 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING TIRE CONDITION - An electronic device includes an antenna that receives RF signals from a sensor associated with a respective tire of the vehicle. The RF signals represent a condition of the respective tire. A processor receives the RF signals from the antenna. The processor converts the RF signals to a proprietary serial bus formatted message. The processor transmits the proprietary serial bus formatted message to an electronic control unit via a vehicle communication bus. | 09-06-2012 |
20120221223 | Method of Operating a Vehicle Equipped With a Pneumatic Booster System - An apparatus and method for improving vehicle performance by application of pneumatic boost to vehicle engines, including diesel engines having at least one turbocharger supplying air to the engine, in a manner which increases engine torque output while minimizing the potential for exceed various operating limits to the maximum practicable extent. The vehicle's pneumatic booster system controller implements strategies for shaping the rate of the air injection during a boost event, tailoring the air injection to obtain maximum engine torque output while respecting the operating limits, by controlling the timing, duration, quantity and/or injection pattern during a boost event to achieve a refined distribution of compressed air injection over the course of the boost event to provide desired engine torque output and fuel efficiency while minimizing the potential for exceeding a wide variety of operation limits, regulatory, engineering and passenger comfort limits. | 08-30-2012 |
20120216533 | Method of Operating a Vehicle Equipped With a Pneumatic Booster System - An apparatus and method for improving vehicle performance by application of pneumatic boost to vehicle engines, including diesel engines having at least one turbocharger supplying air to the engine, in a manner which increases engine torque output while minimizing the potential for exceed various operating limits to the maximum practicable extent. The vehicle's pneumatic booster system controller implements strategies for shaping the rate of the air injection during a boost event, tailoring the air injection to obtain maximum engine torque output while respecting the operating limits, by controlling the timing, duration, quantity and/or injection pattern during a boost event to achieve a refined distribution of compressed air injection over the course of the boost event to provide desired engine torque output and fuel efficiency while minimizing the potential for exceeding a wide variety of operation limits, regulatory, engineering and passenger comfort limits. | 08-30-2012 |
20120216532 | Method of Operating a Vehicle Equipped With a Pneumatic Booster System - An apparatus and method for improving vehicle performance by application of pneumatic boost to vehicle engines, including diesel engines having at least one turbocharger supplying air to the engine, in a manner which increases engine torque output while minimizing the potential for exceed various operating limits to the maximum practicable extent. The vehicle's pneumatic booster system controller implements strategies for shaping the rate of the air injection during a boost event, tailoring the air injection to obtain maximum engine torque output while respecting the operating limits, by controlling the timing, duration, quantity and/or injection pattern during a boost event to achieve a refined distribution of compressed air injection over the course of the boost event to provide desired engine torque output and fuel efficiency while minimizing the potential for exceeding a wide variety of operation limits, regulatory, engineering and passenger comfort limits. | 08-30-2012 |
20120216531 | Method of Operating a Vehicle Equipped With a Pneumatic Booster System - An apparatus and method for improving vehicle performance by application of pneumatic boost to vehicle engines, including diesel engines having at least one turbocharger supplying air to the engine, in a manner which increases engine torque output while minimizing the potential for exceed various operating limits to the maximum practicable extent. The vehicle's pneumatic booster system controller implements strategies for shaping the rate of the air injection during a boost event, tailoring the air injection to obtain maximum engine torque output while respecting the operating limits, by controlling the timing, duration, quantity and/or injection pattern during a boost event to achieve a refined distribution of compressed air injection over the course of the boost event to provide desired engine torque output and fuel efficiency while minimizing the potential for exceeding a wide variety of operation limits, regulatory, engineering and passenger comfort limits. | 08-30-2012 |
20120197507 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING BRAKING PRESSURE - A vehicle control system includes a forward vehicle sensor transmitting a forward vehicle message based on a distance to a forward vehicle. An adaptive cruise controller receives the forward vehicle message and receives at least one additional message indicating a respective status of the vehicle, the adaptive cruise controller sets a braking pressure for an adaptive cruise controller braking event above a default braking pressure if the adaptive cruise controller determines, based on the at least one of the additional messages, that the vehicle will maintain stability during the adaptive cruise controller braking event. | 08-02-2012 |
20120138396 | Control Valve System - A pneumatic brake system that includes at least one pneumatic latching valve; a single device, such as a solenoid, for providing momentary pilot signals to pneumatic latching valve; a source of pressurized supply air in communication with the pneumatic latching valve; a spring brake or other pneumatic device in communication with the pneumatic latching valve; and, optionally, an indicator device for monitoring and displaying the state of the pneumatic latching valve. Upon receiving a first momentary pilot signal the pneumatic latching valve changes from closed to open and delivers pressurized air to the spring brake. Upon receiving a second momentary pilot signal, the pneumatic latching valve changes from open to closed and exhausts pressurized air from the spring brake to the external environment. The valve remains “latched” in its current state until the signaling device is energized and the next momentary pilot signal is received. | 06-07-2012 |
20120119894 | ACB FOLLOWING DISTANCE ALERT AND WARNING ADJUSTMENT AS A FUNCTION OF FORWARD VEHICLE SIZE AND HOST VEHICLE MASS - When employing an adaptive cruise-with-braking (ACB) system to control host vehicle following distance, a forward vehicle is detected using one or both of a radar sensor ( | 05-17-2012 |
20120089313 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING BRAKE FADE - A vehicle braking control system includes a vehicle brake associated with a wheel on the vehicle. A pedal activated by an operator of the vehicle controls application of the brake. An electronic control unit determines a grade mode of the vehicle and controls application of the brake independent of the operator activating the pedal while in an automatic braking mode. The electronic control unit sends a control signal to apply the brake in a manner to reduce brake fade while controlling a speed of the vehicle when the electronic control unit is in the automatic braking mode and the vehicle is in a downhill grade mode. | 04-12-2012 |
20120018003 | LATCHING VALVE - A latching valve includes a housing, a supply port, defined in the housing, which receives supply pressure, a delivery port defined in the housing, an exhaust port, defined in the housing, and an apply port defined in the housing. A housing bore fluidly communicates with the supply port, the delivery port, the exhaust port, and the apply port fluidly. A shuttle is sealingly and movably secured in the housing bore. The shuttle is alternately set to one of an apply position and a release position as a function of sequential pilot pressures at the apply port acting on the shuttle, and as a function of the supply pressure acting on one of an apply pair of sealed seats with different diameters in the housing bore and a release pair of sealed seats with different diameters in the housing bore. The delivery port fluidly communicates with the supply port while the shuttle is in the apply position. The delivery port fluidly communicates with the exhaust port while the shuttle is in the release position. | 01-26-2012 |
20120017997 | LATCHING VALVE - A latching valve system includes a housing, a supply port defined in the housing, a delivery port defined in the housing, an exhaust port defined in the housing, an apply port defined in the housing, and a release port defined in the housing. The apply port is sealingly fluidly isolated from the supply port, the delivery port, and the exhaust port. The release port is sealingly fluidly isolated from the supply port, the delivery port, and the exhaust port. An apply valve supplies an apply pilot pressure to the apply port as a function of a state of the apply valve. A release valve supplies a release pilot pressure to the release port as a function of a state of the release valve. A bore, defined in the housing, fluidly communicates with the supply port, the delivery port, the exhaust port, the apply port, and the release port. A shuttle, sealingly and movably secured in the bore, is set to one of an apply position and a release position as a function of the respective apply and release pilot pressures at the apply and release ports. The delivery port fluidly communicates with the supply port while the shuttle is in the apply position. The delivery port fluidly communicates with the exhaust port while the shuttle is in the release position. | 01-26-2012 |
20110288741 | Vehicle Pneumatic Booster System Operating Method and Apparatus - An apparatus and method for improving vehicle performance by application of pneumatic boost to vehicle engines, including diesel engines having at least one turbocharger supplying air to the engine, in a manner which increases engine torque output while minimizing the potential for exceed various operating limits to the maximum practicable extent. The vehicle's pneumatic booster system controller implements strategies for shaping the rate of the air injection during a boost event, tailoring the air injection to obtain maximum engine torque output while respecting the operating limits, by controlling the timing, duration, quantity and/or injection pattern during a boost event to achieve a refined distribution of compressed air injection over the course of the boost event to provide desired engine torque output and fuel efficiency while minimizing the potential for exceeding a wide variety of operation limits, regulatory, engineering and passenger comfort limits. | 11-24-2011 |
20110288730 | Vehicle Pneumatic Booster System Operating Method and Apparatus - An apparatus and method for improving vehicle performance by application of pneumatic boost to vehicle engines, including diesel engines having at least one turbocharger supplying air to the engine, in a manner which increases engine torque output while minimizing the potential for exceed various operating limits to the maximum practicable extent. The vehicle's pneumatic booster system controller implements strategies for shaping the rate of the air injection during a boost event, tailoring the air injection to obtain maximum engine torque output while respecting the operating limits, by controlling the timing, duration, quantity and/or injection pattern during a boost event to achieve a refined distribution of compressed air injection over the course of the boost event to provide desired engine torque output and fuel efficiency while minimizing the potential for exceeding a wide variety of operation limits, regulatory, engineering and passenger comfort limits. | 11-24-2011 |
20110288715 | Vehicle Pneumatic Booster System Operating Method and Apparatus - An apparatus and method for improving vehicle performance by application of pneumatic boost to vehicle engines, including diesel engines having at least one turbocharger supplying air to the engine, in a manner which increases engine torque output while minimizing the potential for exceed various operating limits to the maximum practicable extent. The vehicle's pneumatic booster system controller implements strategies for shaping the rate of the air injection during a boost event, tailoring the air injection to obtain maximum engine torque output while respecting the operating limits, by controlling the timing, duration, quantity and/or injection pattern during a boost event to achieve a refined distribution of compressed air injection over the course of the boost event to provide desired engine torque output and fuel efficiency while minimizing the potential for exceeding a wide variety of operation limits, regulatory, engineering and passenger comfort limits. | 11-24-2011 |
20110265643 | PISTON AND CYLINDER ASSEMBLY - A piston and cylinder assembly includes a housing defining a bore. A piston is sized to reciprocate in the bore. A first sealing member provides a sealing engagement between the piston and a wall of the bore. A first bushing, of a first material, is around a first portion of the piston toward a first end of the piston. A second bushing, of a second material, is around a second portion of the piston toward a second end of the piston. The first and second bushings guide the piston within the bore. The first material is different than the second material. | 11-03-2011 |
20110252966 | AIR DRYING ARRANGEMENT - An air drying arrangement for a commercial vehicle is provided having two or more desiccant canisters arranged in parallel on a single air dryer body. The arrangement may include a coupling device that attaches to the body and allows the two or more desiccant containing canisters to mount to the device. The arrangement may be configured to balance the flow of air to each of the desiccant containing canisters when drying air and/or when regenerating the desiccant. | 10-20-2011 |
20110214746 | VALVE WITH VENTING PORT - A valve includes a valve housing. A bore is in the valve housing. An inlet supply port fluidly communicates a pressurized supply fluid to the bore. A piston is movably positioned in the bore based on the pressure of the supply fluid. A portion of the piston extends into a frusto-conically shaped portion of the bore. A sealing member is associated with the portion of the piston sealingly engaging a surface of the frusto-conically shaped portion of the bore based on the pressure of the supply fluid. An inlet valve, movably positioned in the bore, is biased to sealingly engage a wall of the bore based on the pressure of the supply fluid. A control pressure supply port fluidly communicates a pressurized control fluid to the bore through the valve housing. A control pressure delivery port fluidly communicates with the control pressure supply port, via the bore, based on the pressure of the supply fluid. A venting port fluidly communicates with the control pressure delivery port, via the bore, based on the pressure of the supply fluid. | 09-08-2011 |
20110203405 | BRAKE PEDAL STOP - A braking assembly includes a depressible brake pedal. The brake pedal remains in a neutral position when not depressed. A link arm is mechanically linked with the brake pedal. The link arm moves as a function of a position of the brake pedal. A bell crank is mechanically linked with the link arm. The bell crank moves as a function of a position of the link arm. A stop member moves with the bell crank. The stop member abuts against the link arm to prevent the brake pedal from over-travelling beyond a predetermined distance past the neutral position after the depressed brake pedal is released. | 08-25-2011 |
20110191000 | ENGINE CONTROL REQUEST FROM ADAPTIVE CONTROL WITH BRAKING CONTROLLER - A vehicle control system includes a forward vehicle sensor transmitting a forward vehicle message based on a range to a forward vehicle. An adaptive cruise controller receives the forward vehicle message from the forward vehicle sensor. The adaptive cruise controller transmits a cruise controller message based on the range to the forward vehicle. A braking system controller receives the cruise controller message and transmits an engine control message based on the cruise controller message. An engine controller receives the engine control message and controls a torque and/or speed of an engine as a function of the engine control message. | 08-04-2011 |
20100250088 | ACC EXTENDED MODE OPERATION - When employing an a cruise control system in a commercial or heavy-duty vehicle, an adaptive cruise control (ACC) system ( | 09-30-2010 |
20100201085 | AXLE AIR DUMP FOR MULTIPLE AXLE VEHICLES - A system and process for controlling vehicle loading on a multi-axle vehicle and improving maneuverability is disclosed. The system includes a reservoir of pressurized air and associated leveling valve that uses a relay valve to improve refill times when the vehicle returns from a dump mode operation to normal operation. The process reduces pressure in one or more of the axles when maneuvering the vehicle at predetermined slow speeds and maintaining that first predetermined pressure while the other axle(s) is at a greater pressure than the first axle. By preventing complete exhaustion of pressure from the suspension system, restoring air pressure is attained more quickly. Also, use of a relay valve enables higher flow rates to improve the refill time of the pneumatic suspension system after the dump operation. | 08-12-2010 |
20100147406 | Service Work Brake Arrangement - A vehicle air brake system is presented with an improved service work brake arrangement. The arrangement may provide a service work brake function or both a service work brake function and a parking brake function for the vehicle. The arrangement may provide an improved service work brake arrangement disposed within a housing for reducing the number of components and plumbing required to achieve this functionality versus prior known systems. The arrangement may utilize a pneumatic latching valve to deliver pressurized air for applying a vehicle's service brakes. The pneumatic latching valve opens upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from an electronically controlled valve and closes upon receiving a pneumatic control signal from another source. In addition, a controller and control logic may be provided for controlling the arrangement. | 06-17-2010 |
20100139487 | Purge Exhaust Processor - A purge exhaust processor includes an inlet chamber receiving a purge exhaust. A portion of the purge exhaust including at least one of moisture, air, and oil is passed from the inlet chamber to a sump volume. A heat source changes a phase of the moisture from liquid to gas. A wick transfers the oil from the sump volume to an oil collector. | 06-10-2010 |
20100111707 | ROBUST PID CONTROL FOR BLDC MOTOR CONTROLLER - When controlling an air compressor ( | 05-06-2010 |
20100111706 | HIGH VOLTAGE BUS CAPACITOR PRE-CHARGER CIRCUIT - A precharge circuit ( | 05-06-2010 |
20090302250 | SOLENOID VALVE - In one embodiment, a solenoid valve includes a supply port that fluidly communicates with a source of compressed air, a delivery port, a bore that selectively fluidly communicates with the supply and delivery ports, an armature in the bore, a pole piece in the bore, and a coil that is selectively energized with electrical power. The coil is around the armature and pole piece. The armature and pole piece selectively sealingly engage and move as an armature/pole piece single unit as a function of the electrical power in the coil. A position of the armature/pole piece within the bore controls fluid communication between the supply port and the delivery port. | 12-10-2009 |
20090056292 | PURGE EXHAUST PROCESSOR - A purge exhaust processor includes an inlet chamber receiving a purge exhaust. A portion of the purge exhaust including at least one of moisture, air, and oil is passed from the inlet chamber to a sump volume. A heat source changes a phase of the moisture from liquid to gas. A wick transfers the oil from the sump volume to an oil collector. | 03-05-2009 |
20090045671 | VALVE WITH INTEGRATED QUICK RELEASE - A service brake/traction control valve includes a service brake control port, a traction control port, an exhaust port, and a control chamber. The control chamber fluidly communicates with the service brake control port and the traction control port as a function of a service brake event and as a function of a traction control event. The control chamber fluidly communicates with the exhaust port when the service brake event is released. The control chamber fluidly also communicates with the exhaust port when the traction control event is released. | 02-19-2009 |
20080314449 | CHECK VALVE - In one aspect of the present invention, it is contemplated that a valve includes a passage. A first sealing element is biased to restrict flow of a fluid in a first direction through the passage when an upstream volumetric flow rate of the fluid in the first direction is less than a first predetermined threshold. A second sealing element is biased to unrestrict flow of the fluid to a baseline unrestricted flow rate in a second direction through the passage when an upstream volumetric flow rate of the fluid in the second direction is less than a second predetermined threshold. | 12-25-2008 |
20080307965 | AIR DRYER WITH OIL REMOVAL FILTER - An air dryer, used in a compressed air system, includes an oil coalescing element for agglomerating oil in compressed air passing through the oil coalescing element in a first direction during a charging cycle and passing through the oil coalescing element in a second direction during a purging cycle. A drying material, which is downstream of the oil coalescing element during the charging cycle and upstream of the oil coalescing element during the purging cycle, reduces moisture in the compressed air during the charging cycle. | 12-18-2008 |
20080292471 | Air Compressor Control - Controlling air compressors based on a temperature of air compressed by the air compressor. A temperature of air compressed by the air compressor is sensed. The sensed compressed air temperature is compared with a predetermined threshold temperature. The air compressor is deactivated when the sensed temperature exceeds the threshold temperature. The threshold temperature may be selected to inhibit carbon formation caused by oil thermal breakdown. | 11-27-2008 |
20080288151 | Control Module for Single 3/2 Solenoid Controlled Relay Valve - In one embodiment, a vehicle braking system, for delivering pressurized air to a brake chamber to achieve a desired braking response, includes an air-pressure controlled relay valve for delivering the pressurized air to the brake chamber. A solenoid receives a variable control input pressure and delivers the control input pressure to the relay valve as a function of a state of the solenoid. An ECU controls the solenoid according to a control model for delivering the pressurized air to the brake chamber and achieving the desired braking response. | 11-20-2008 |
20080288148 | Single Channel Roll Stability System - A method and system for assessing and preventing overturn of a vehicle, the method and system being particularly suitable for use with commercial vehicles with brake systems typically used in North America, wherein a vehicle equipped with single brake pressure modulator is controlled to increase or decrease brake pressure, depending on braking state, to test vehicle wheel speed by response. If the vehicle wheel speed response indicates the inside wheels of the vehicle are off the ground or only lightly loaded, it may be assumed that the vehicle is approaching overturning. A braking intervention may be then executed by the single brake pressure modulator to prevent the incipient overturn event. | 11-20-2008 |
20080271964 | Electro-Pneumatic Latching Valve System - The electro-pneumatic latching valve system having an electrical switch unit that further includes an “apply” or “activate” switch, a “release” or “deactivate” switch, and a power supply. A first solenoid valve is in electrical communication with the activate switch and a second solenoid valve is in electrical communication with the deactivate switch. A pneumatic latching valve is in pneumatic communication with the first and second solenoid valves and a source of pressurized control and supply air is in pneumatic communication with the pneumatic latching valve and the solenoid valves. A terminal device, e.g., a spring brake, is in pneumatic communication with the latching valve, and the device is released or applied in response to pressurized supply air delivered to the device through the pneumatic latching valve in response to pneumatic control signals delivered to the pneumatic latching valve from the solenoid valves. | 11-06-2008 |