Visteon Global Technolgoies, Inc.

Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Eco-fueling, Inc.

Kevin Jerome Pavlov

Stephen M Stachowski

Pahngroc Oh

Sohel Anwar

Zhesheng Li

Richard Michael Krzesicki

Carl Klaes

Scott A Funke

Girma Gete Desta

Gregory James Stout

Randy Stevenson

Zilai Zhao

Michael James Fodera

Grima Gete Desta

Zheshing Li

Scott Christopher Tonn

Sophia P Suo

A secondary fueling system for a diesel internal combustion engine includes an injector which injects an oxygen-containing secondary fuel into the engine's air intake system, a pump which pumps the secondary fuel to the injector, a sensor which senses pressure in the air intake system, and a secondary fuel controller which receives output signals from the sensor and pump, operator inputs for the engine, and data signals pertaining to operation of the engine from the main engine controller, determines an injection amount of the secondary fuel based thereon, and controls the pump based on the determined injection amount. A position of the injector in the engine's air intake system is distant from the engine's intake valves and is based on the engine's displacement, e.g., it relates to approximately equal to one quarter of the engine's displacement.

Secondary fuel injection system and method for diesel engines

A vehicle braking system and method of control is disclosed which includes electromagnetic and friction braking functionality. The electromagnetic braking system includes a generator which supplies power to eddy current devices. Accordingly, the eddy current devices apply a retarding torque on the wheels of the vehicle. In the event the generator produces an amount of power greater than that needed by the electromagnetic braking system, the generator will supply power to a supplemental power source such as a battery.

Method and apparatus for power management of a regenerative braking system

A drive assembly including an electric motor and frequency variable generator for use with a multi-axle vehicle. The vehicle generally includes an engine driving a first axle and a drive assembly with an electric motor driving a second drive axle. The drive assembly includes a frequency variable generator with an input shaft driven by the engine and the electric motor electrically communicates with the generator to receive output power from the generator. Other details of selected embodiments of the invention include the frequency variable generator having a rotor coupled to rotate with the engine output shaft and a stator electrically connected to the electric motor. An inverter is electrically connected to an electrical power source, such as a battery or the frequency variable generator, as well as to the rotor. A controller communicates with the inverter and is configured to control the magnitude and frequency of the power communicated from the inverter to the rotor winding.

Multi-axle vehicle drive system

A vehicle braking system and method of control is disclosed which includes electromagnetic and friction braking functionality. The electromagnetic braking system includes a generator which supplies power to eddy current devices. Accordingly, the eddy current devices apply a retarding torque on the wheels of the vehicle. In the event the generator is unable to supply a predetermined amount of power to eddy current devices, friction braking is activated thereby enhancing braking performance.

Method and apparatus for power management of a braking system

An adaptive seat belt system ( ) for an automotive vehicle ( ). The system ( ) includes a seat belt ( ) extensible about an occupant ( ) of a seat system ( ). A seat belt tension sensor ( ) is coupled to the seat belt ( ) and generates a seat belt tension signal. A seat belt actuator ( ) is mechanically coupled to the seat belt ( ) and adjusts tension of the seat belt ( ). A controller ( ) is electrically coupled to the tensioner sensor ( ) and the actuator ( ). The controller ( ) generates a seat belt tension adjustment signal in response to the seat belt tension signal and adjusts tension of the seat belt ( ) in response to the seat belt tension adjustment signal. A method for performing the same is also provided.

Adaptive seat belt tensioning system

The invention provides a reluctance generator for an eddy current braking system in a vehicle. The reluctance generator has a field winding and a compensation winding, which induce magnetomotive forces. The magnetomotive force induced by the compensation winding balances the magnetomotive force generated by a rotor in the reluctance generator. The field winding has less inductance.

Reluctance generator for an eddy current braking system

A method for tilting a seat of a vehicle based on a first threshold (low) and a first threshold (high) for a first parameter of the vehicle and a second threshold (low) and a second threshold (high) for a second parameter of the vehicle. The tilt angle of the seat is increased if the first parameter is greater that or equal to the first threshold (low) and the second parameter is greater than or equal to the second threshold (high) or if the parameter is greater than or equal to the first threshold (high) and the second parameter is greater than or equal to the second threshold (low).

Method for tilting a seat of a vehicle

An actuation system controls the flow of electric power to electromagnetic actuators to control motion or movement of at least two shafts or bodies. The system is preferentially applied to braking systems in automobiles and trucks, and may also be applied to other areas, including clutches and drive systems for other power transmission purposes. The electromagnetic retarders may also be used in combination with friction brake systems. Principal advantages of the combination system are the reliability and simplicity of friction and hydraulic components, and the lower wear and longer life of electromagnetic components.

Hybrid electromagnetic/friction actuation system

An eddy current brake or retarder device for bringing a vehicle to rest is disclosed. The device includes a stator mounted to a frame of the vehicle, a plurality of poles disposed along a perimeter of the stator, a plurality of coils each wound about each of the plurality of poles, wherein an adjacent pair of poles form an electromagnet when the coil is energized, and a rotor in communication with a transmission axle of the vehicle and located concentric with the stator. A relative rotation of the rotor with respect to the stator produces eddy currents between the poles of the stator and an outer surface of the rotor, causing the rotor to come to a rest.

Eddy current brake system

A motor-driven feedback mechanism for a braking pedal. A pedal is linked to a shaft and a bi-directional motor capable of operating in a first and a second direction is linked to the shaft. A gearbox is driven by the bi-directional motor and the gearbox is attached to the shaft to effect rotation of the pedal. A motor controller is linked to the motor and a microprocessor capable of controlling the motor controller is linked to the motor controller. At least one sensor for measuring a parameter of the pedal and providing feedback to the microprocessor is provided.

Motor-driven feedback mechanism

A method for adjusting an input parameter of an adjustable bolster ( ) on a seat ( ) of a vehicle ( ). The preferred method includes (a) establishing a relationship between the input parameter and a feedback force on the adjustable bolster ( ) and (b) adjusting the input parameter based on the relationship.

Method for adjusting an input parameter of an adjustable bolster on a seat

A trailer control system incorporates sensors on both the trailer and a tow vehicle towing the trailer to measure operating parameters of both the trailer and the tow vehicle or prime mover. A computer mounted in the trailer or in the tow vehicle gathers input data from the sensors, including a variety of measurements of force, displacement, and temperature for the tow vehicle, the trailer, and their components. The computer may also be used to apply braking forces to the wheels of the trailer. Using the simulator, a variety of components on the trailer may be tested, their performance measured, and a better trailer may be designed. A trailer may also incorporate such a system for better control of the trailer and the combination vehicle of which it is a part.

Trailer control system

The seating system of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been specifically designed for a vehicle having a deceleration sensor adapted to sense a deceleration event of the vehicle. The seating system of this preferred embodiment includes a seat assembly, a tilting mechanism adapted to tilt the seat assembly, and a control unit coupled to the deceleration sensor and adapted to activate the tilting mechanism upon the sensing of a deceleration event.

Seating system for a vehicle having a deceleration sensor

A method for adjusting a bolster ( ) on a seat ( ) involves sensing upper and lower limits of several vehicle parameters to determine bolster condition.

Method for engaging an adjustable bolster on a seat

An eddy current braking apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stator, a coil of wire, and a drum. The stator has a plurality of poles and is mountable to a frame of a vehicle. The coil of wire is wound about each of the plurality of poles and wherein adjacent coils are electrically connected to form an electromagnet. The drum is adapted to receive a wheel and tire assembly and wherein the drum is rotatably mounted to a vehicle axle, and wherein an eddy current is developed between the drum and the stator, from the relative motion of the drum with respect to the stator, thereby retarding rotation of the drum and wheel and tire assembly.

Growing community of inventors

Livonia, MI, United States of America

Kevin Jerome Pavlov