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. 23, 2004
Filed:
Oct. 31, 2002
Tsuyoshi Murakami, Kariya, JP;
Hideshi Hiruta, Hiroshima-ken, JP;
Hisao Fumoto, Hiroshima-ken, JP;
Hiroshi Takagi, Hiroshima-ken, JP;
Other;
Abstract
A four-wheel drive vehicle includes a coupling, which varies the distribution ratio of torque to the front wheels and the rear wheels. The distribution ratio of torque to the front wheels and the rear wheels is determined by the engaging force of the coupling. An ECU sets first to third determination threshold values for the opening degree of a throttle valve of an engine in accordance with the detected vehicle speed. The ECU determines whether the vehicle is in a steady driving state by comparing the detected throttle opening degree with the set first to third determination threshold values and controls the engaging force of the coupling in accordance with the determination result. Thus, the steady driving state of the vehicle is correctly determined.