The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 25, 2003
Filed:
May. 08, 2001
Craig Rae Fowler, Caen, FR;
Jerome Quere, Bieville-Beuville, FR;
Dennis A. Kramer, Troy, MI (US);
Enrico Fin, Lake Orion, MI (US);
George Chene, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Ira B. Goldberg, Thousand Oaks, CA (US);
Stephen Chiu, Thousand Oaks, CA (US);
Charles Hopson, Lebanon, TN (US);
Pascal Garrido, Kilworthy, CA;
David M. Barry, Stratford Upon Avon, GB;
Dan Rogovin, Newbury Park, CA (US);
Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLC, Troy, MI (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for controlling multiple vehicle systems includes a single power supply that provides a direct current source. The power supply is comprised of a thirty-six volt (36 V) battery power distribution system. A converter is electrically connected to the power supply to convert direct current to alternating current. A plurality of induction motors are used to operate various vehicle systems. The motors receive alternating current via electrical connections between the converter and the motors. A central processor is connected to relays sending power to each of the motors and provides control signals to the motors based on input from control members used to activate each of the various vehicle systems. At least one sensor is associated with each of the motors to monitor voltage or current of the respective motor and to generate a diagnostic signal that is sent to the processor. The processor generates a warning signal when any of the diagnostic signals indicates that voltage within the respective motor is outside a predetermined range. A piezoelectric material is associated with each of the motors to provide an internal control signal for the motor. The piezoelectric material can be used to control acceleration or deceleration of the motor based on the rotational force of a rotor within the motor or can be use to activate an auxiliary winding in the motor based on mechanical input to the respective controller.