US4459878A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Control system and method for a power delivery system having a continuously variable ratio transmission
Assignee: Aisin Corp
•
Filing: 1982-05-21
•
Granted: 1984-07-17
•
Expires: 2002-05-21
Abstract
Abstract A control system and method for a power delivery system, such as in an automotive vehicle, having an engine coupled to a continuously variable ratio transmission (CVT). Totally independent control of engine and transmission enable the engine to precisely follow a desired operating characteristic, such as the ideal operating line for low fuel consumption. CVT ratio is controlled as a function of commanded desired system performance (e.g., power or torque) and measured actual system performance, such as CVT torque output, while engine fuel requirements (e.g., throttle position) are strictly a function of measured engine speed. Fuel requirements are therefore precisely adjusted in accordance with the ideal characteristics for any load placed on the engine. Appropriate controls prevent anomalous engine and vehicle behavior, and allow for transient start-up from rest.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrew A. Frank
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 00:07
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60W; B60W10/00; B60W10/04; B60W10/06; B60W10/02; B60W10/10; B60W10/101; B60W10/107; B60W30/00; B60W30/18; B60W30/1819; B60W30/188; B60W30/1882; F; F16; F16H; F16H61/00; F16H61/66
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 72
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
A method of controlling the operation of a power delivery system including a prime mover and a continuously variable ratio transmission coupled to said prime mover for delivering power from said prime mover to an output shaft, said prime mover having fuel delivery means for delivering a variable quantity of fuel thereto, said power delivery system being controlled by command means for commanding a desired system performance, the method comprising the steps of: measuring the actual performance of the power delivery system; controlling the ratio of said transmission as a function of the desired system performance commanded by said command means and said measured actual system performance, the speed of said prime mover varying as a function of transmission ratio; predetermining a fuel function defining desired fuel requirements for said prime mover in relation to prime mover operating speed; measuring the speed of said prime mover; and controlling said fuel delivery means only in accordance with said fuel function so that the fuel delivered to said prime mover is determined only by the speed thereof.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
175 words
A method of controlling the operation of a power delivery system including a prime mover and a continuously variable ratio transmission coupled to said prime mover for delivering power from said prime mover to an output shaft, said prime mover having fuel delivery means for delivering a variable quantity of fuel thereto, said power delivery system being controlled by command means for commanding a desired system performance, the method comprising the steps of: measuring the actual performance of the power delivery system; controlling the ratio of said transmission as a function of the desired system performance commanded by said command means and said measured actual system performance, the speed of said prime mover varying as a function of transmission ratio; predetermining a fuel function defining desired fuel requirements for said prime mover in relation to prime mover operating speed; measuring the speed of said prime mover; and controlling said fuel delivery means only in accordance with said fuel function so that the fuel delivered to said prime mover is determined only by the speed thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of controlling the ratio of said transmission comprises changing the ratio of said transmission at a rate which is proportional to the difference between the desired system performance and the actual measured system performance.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the desired system performance commanded by said command means is desired output power or torque delivered to said output shaft, and the actual measured system performance is actual measured torque delivered to said output shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the step of controlling the ratio of said transmission comprises: changing the ratio of said transmission at a rate which is proportional to the difference between the power or torque commanded by said command means and said measured output torque.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the step of controlling the transmission ratio further comprises decreasing the ratio to increase the load on the prime mover if the measured speed of the prime mover exceeds a predetermined maximum operating speed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the step of controlling the transmission ratio further comprises increasing the ratio to decrease the load on the prime mover if the measured speed of the prime mover falls below a predetermined minimum permissible operating speed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said prime mover is the engine of an engine-driven vehicle, the method further comprising the step of decreasing the sensitivity of said command means during relatively fast vehicle operation.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
114 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of: measuring the speed of said output shaft; generating a ratio signal equal to the quotient of measured engine speed and measured output shaft speed; comparing said ratio signal to a predetermined fast operation ratio; and controlling the transmission ratio as a function of said measured output torque and output torque commanded by said command means, the commanded output torque being modified by the inverse of the measured output shaft speed when said ratio signal falls below said fast operation ratio, so that said power delivery system responds to commanded power during relatively fast vehicle operation, and responds to commanded torque during slower vehicle operation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
99 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising: measuring the speed of said output shaft; comparing said measured output shaft speed to a predetermined fast operation threshold value; and controlling the transmission ratio as a function of said measured output torque and output torque commanded by said command means, the commanded output torque being modified by the inverse of the measured output shaft speed when said measured output shaft speed exceeds said fast operation threshold value, so that said power delivery system responds to commanded power during relatively fast vehicle operation and responds to commanded torque during slower vehicle operation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said fuel function is the prime mover ideal operating line for low fuel consumption.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said prime mover is an internal combustion engine.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 11 wherein said fuel delivery means comprises a throttle.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said prime mover is the engine of an engine-driven vehicle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said fuel delivery means comprises a throttle.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of operatively coupling said command means to said fuel delivery means during stationary and relatively slow vehicle operation.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method of claim 15 wherein the step of operatively coupling said command means to said fuel delivery means comprises: measuring the speed of said output shaft; generating a ratio signal equal to the quotient of measured engine speed and measured output shaft speed; comparing said ratio signal to a predetermined slow operation ratio; and operatively coupling said command means to said fuel delivery means when said ratio signal exceeds said slow operation ratio.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 15 wherein said engine and said transmission are coupled by a clutch which is disengaged when said vehicle is stationary and is partially engaged during slow vehicle operation, wherein the output torque commanded by said command means is diminished in proportion to engine speed so that excessive clutch slippage is prevented.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
93 words
The method of claim 15 wherein said engine and said transmission are coupled by a clutch, the method further comprising the steps of: measuring the speed of said output shaft; generating a ratio signal equal to the quotient of measured engine speed and measured output shaft speed; comparing said ratio signal to a predetermined slow operation ratio; and operatively coupling said command means to said clutch when said ratio exceeds said slow operation ratio, so that said clutch is disengaged when said vehicle is stationary, and is partially engaged during slow vehicle operation.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of diminishing fuel flow to said fuel delivery means when the power or torque commanded by said command means falls below a predetermined minimum value.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of suspending fuel flow to said fuel delivery means when the speed of said engine exceeds a predetermined maximum permissible value.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 3 wherein the transmission provides substantially all ratios required to maintain constant output shaft speed for any normally encountered load while said fuel delivery means is controlled only in accordance with said fuel function.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
224 words
A system for controlling the operation of a power delivery system including a prime mover and a continuously variable ratio transmission coupled to said prime mover for delivering power from said prime mover to an output shaft, said prime mover having fuel delivery means for delivering a variable quantity of fuel thereto, said power delivery system being controlled by command means for commanding a desired power delivery system performance, the control system comprising: actual system performance measuring means for measuring the actual performance of the power delivery system; ratio control means operatively coupled to said command means and said actual system performance measuring means for controlling the ratio of said transmission as a function of the desired system performance commanded by said command means and the measured actual system performance, the speed of said prime mover varying as a function of transmission ratio; fuel function means defining a desired fuel requirement for said prime mover in relation to prime mover operating speed; speed measuring means for measuring the speed of said prime mover; and fuel control means operatively coupled to said fuel function means and said fuel delivery means for controlling said fuel delivery means only in accordance with the fuel requirement defined by said fuel function means, so that the fuel delivered to said prime mover is determined only by the speed thereof.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
224 words
A system for controlling the operation of a power delivery system including a prime mover and a continuously variable ratio transmission coupled to said prime mover for delivering power from said prime mover to an output shaft, said prime mover having fuel delivery means for delivering a variable quantity of fuel thereto, said power delivery system being controlled by command means for commanding a desired power delivery system performance, the control system comprising: actual system performance measuring means for measuring the actual performance of the power delivery system; ratio control means operatively coupled to said command means and said actual system performance measuring means for controlling the ratio of said transmission as a function of the desired system performance commanded by said command means and the measured actual system performance, the speed of said prime mover varying as a function of transmission ratio; fuel function means defining a desired fuel requirement for said prime mover in relation to prime mover operating speed; speed measuring means for measuring the speed of said prime mover; and fuel control means operatively coupled to said fuel function means and said fuel delivery means for controlling said fuel delivery means only in accordance with the fuel requirement defined by said fuel function means, so that the fuel delivered to said prime mover is determined only by the speed thereof.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
210 words
A power delivery system comprising: a prime mover; a continuously variable ratio transmission coupled to said prime mover; an output shaft coupled to said transmission for receiving power from said prime mover through said transmission; fuel delivery means for delivering a variable quantity of fuel to said prime mover; command means for commanding a desired power delivery system performance; actual system performance measuring means for measuring the actual performance of the power delivery system; ratio control means operatively coupled to said command means and said actual system performance measuring means for controlling the ratio of said transmission as a function of the desired system performance commanded by said command means and the measured actual system performance, the speed of said prime mover varying as a function of transmission ratio; fuel function means defining a desired fuel requirement for said prime mover in relation to prime mover operating speed; speed measuring means for measuring the speed of said prime mover; and fuel control means operatively coupled to said fuel function means and said fuel delivery means for controlling said fuel delivery means only in accordance with the fuel requirement defined by said fuel function means, so that the fuel delivered to said prime mover is determined only by the speed thereof.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
210 words
A power delivery system comprising: a prime mover; a continuously variable ratio transmission coupled to said prime mover; an output shaft coupled to said transmission for receiving power from said prime mover through said transmission; fuel delivery means for delivering a variable quantity of fuel to said prime mover; command means for commanding a desired power delivery system performance; actual system performance measuring means for measuring the actual performance of the power delivery system; ratio control means operatively coupled to said command means and said actual system performance measuring means for controlling the ratio of said transmission as a function of the desired system performance commanded by said command means and the measured actual system performance, the speed of said prime mover varying as a function of transmission ratio; fuel function means defining a desired fuel requirement for said prime mover in relation to prime mover operating speed; speed measuring means for measuring the speed of said prime mover; and fuel control means operatively coupled to said fuel function means and said fuel delivery means for controlling said fuel delivery means only in accordance with the fuel requirement defined by said fuel function means, so that the fuel delivered to said prime mover is determined only by the speed thereof.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 22 or 23 wherein said ratio control means changes the ratio of said transmission at a rate which is proportional to the difference between the desired system performance and the actual measured system performance.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 22 or 23 wherein the desired system performance commanded by said command means is desired output power or torque delivered to said output shaft, and the actual measured system performance is actual measured torque delivered to said output shaft.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 25 wherein said ratio control means changes the ratio of said transmission at a rate which is proportional to the difference between the power or torque commanded by said command means and said measured output torque.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 25 further comprising overspeed prevention means operatively coupled to said speed measuring means and to said ratio control means for decreasing the ratio of said transmission to increase the load on said prime mover if the measured speed of the prime mover exceeds a predetermined maximum operating speed.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 25 further comprising underspeed prevention means operatively coupled to said speed measuring means and to said ratio control means for increasing the ratio of said transmission to decrease the load on said prime mover if the measured speed of the prime mover falls below a predetermined minimum permissible operating speed.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 25 wherein said prime mover is the engine of an engine-driven vehicle, further comprising sensitivity adjusting means operatively coupled to said command means for decreasing the sensitivity of said command means during relatively fast vehicle operation.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
127 words
The system of claim 29 further comprising: output shaft speed measuring means; ratio signal generating means operatively coupled to said speed measuring means and to said output shaft speed measuring means for generating a ratio signal equal to the quotient of measured engine speed and measuring output shaft speed; said sensitivity adjusting means being operatively coupled to said ratio signal generating means to compare said ratio signal to a predetermined fast operation ratio and to modify the output torque commanded by said command means by the inverse of the measured output shaft speed when said ratio signal falls below said fast operation ratio, so that said power delivery system responds to commanded power during relatively fast vehicle operation, and responds to commanded torque during slower vehicle operation.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
96 words
The system of claim 29 further comprising output shaft speed measuring means, said sensitivity adjusting means being operatively coupled to said output shaft speed measuring means to compare said measured output shaft speed to a predetermined fast operation threshold value and to modify the output torque commanded by said command means by the inverse of the measured output shaft speed when said measured output shaft speed exceeds said fast operation threshold value, so that said power delivery system responds to commanded power during relatively fast vehicle operation, and responds to commanded torque during slower vehicle operation.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 25 wherein said fuel function means defines the prime mover ideal operating line for low fuel consumption.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 25 wherein said prime mover is an internal combustion engine.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 33 wherein said fuel delivery means comprises a throttle.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 25 wherein said prime mover is the engine of an engine-driven vehicle.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 35 wherein said fuel delivery means comprises a throttle.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 35 further comprising temporary coupling means for operatively coupling said command means to the fuel delivery means during stationary and relatively slow vehicle operation.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
88 words
The system of claim 37 further comprising means for measuring the speed of said output shaft, said temporary coupling means comprising: ratio signal generating means for generating a ratio signal equal to the quotient of measured engine speed and measured output shaft speed; ratio comparing means coupled to said ratio signal generating means for comparing said ratio signal to a predetermined slow operation ratio; and fuel coupling means for operatively coupling said command means to said fuel delivery means when said ratio signal exceeds said slow operation ratio.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
57 words
The system of claim 37 wherein said engine and said transmission are coupled by a clutch which is disengaged when said vehicle is stationary and is partially engaged during slow vehicle operation, said temporary coupling means diminishing the output torque commanded by said command means in proportion to engine speed, so that excessive clutch slippage is prevented.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
118 words
The system of claim 37 wherein said engine and said transmission are coupled by a clutch, and further comprising: means for measuring the speed of said output shaft; ratio signal generating means for generating a ratio signal equal to the quotient of measured engine speed and measured output shaft speed; ratio comparing means coupled to said ratio signal generating means for comparing said ratio signal to a predetermined slow operation ratio; and clutch coupling means operatively connected to said ratio comparing means for operatively coupling said command means to said clutch when said ratio exceeds said slow operation ratio, so that said clutch is disengaged when said vehicle is stationary and is partially engaged during slow vehicle operation.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 35 further comprising command fuel diminishing means for diminishing fuel flow to said fuel delivery means when the power or torque commanded by said command means falls below a predetermined minimum value.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
65 words
The system of claim 41 wherein said command fuel diminishing means comprises: a command comparing means for comparing the desired output power or torque commanded by said command means with said predetermined minimum value; and a fuel diminishing valve coupled to said command comparing means, for diminishing fuel delivery to said fuel delivery means when the desired output torque falls below said predetermined minimum value.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 41 further comprising speed fuel suspension means for suspending fuel flow to said fuel delivery means when the speed of said engine exceeds a predetermined maximum permissible value.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
60 words
The system of claim 43 wherein said speed fuel suspension means comprises: speed comparing means for comparing the speed of said engine with said predetermined maximum permissible value; and a fuel suspension mechanism coupled to said speed comparing means, to prevent fuel delivery to said fuel delivery means when the speed of said engine exceeds said predetermined maximum permissible value.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 25 wherein the transmission provides substantially all ratios required to maintain constant output shaft speed for any normally encountered load while said fuel delivery means is controlled only in accordance with said fuel function.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
162 words
A method of controlling the operation of the engine of an engine-driven vehicle having fuel delivery means for delivering a variable quantity of fuel thereto, said engine coupled to a continuously variable drive ratio transmission for delivering power from said engine to an output shaft, said vehicle having command means for commanding a desired output power or torque delivered to said output shaft, the drive ratio of said transmission varying as a function of commanded power or torque to thereby cause the speed of said engine to vary, the method comprising the steps of: predetermining a fuel function defining desired fuel requirement for said engine in relation to engine operating speed; measuring the speed of said engine; controlling said fuel delivery means only in accordance with said fuel function so that the fuel delivered to said engine is determined only by the speed thereof; and operatively coupling said command means to said fuel delivery means during stationary and relatively slow vehicle operation.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
162 words
A method of controlling the operation of the engine of an engine-driven vehicle having fuel delivery means for delivering a variable quantity of fuel thereto, said engine coupled to a continuously variable drive ratio transmission for delivering power from said engine to an output shaft, said vehicle having command means for commanding a desired output power or torque delivered to said output shaft, the drive ratio of said transmission varying as a function of commanded power or torque to thereby cause the speed of said engine to vary, the method comprising the steps of: predetermining a fuel function defining desired fuel requirement for said engine in relation to engine operating speed; measuring the speed of said engine; controlling said fuel delivery means only in accordance with said fuel function so that the fuel delivered to said engine is determined only by the speed thereof; and operatively coupling said command means to said fuel delivery means during stationary and relatively slow vehicle operation.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method of claim 46 wherein the step of operatively coupling said command means to said fuel delivery means comprises: measuring the speed of said output shaft; generating a ratio signal equal to the quotient of measured engine speed and measured output shaft speed; comparing said ratio signal to a predetermined slow operation ratio; and operatively coupling said command means to said fuel delivery means when said ratio signal exceeds said slow operation ratio.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 46 wherein said engine and said transmission are coupled by a clutch which is disengaged when said vehicle is stationary and is partially engaged during slow vehicle operation, wherein the output torque commanded by said command means is diminished in proportion to engine speed so that excessive clutch slippage is prevented.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
93 words
The method of claim 46 wherein said engine and said transmission are coupled by a clutch, the method further comprising the steps of: measuring the speed of said output shaft; generating a ratio signal equal to the quotient of measured engine speed and measured output shaft speed; comparing said ratio signal to a predetermined slow operation ratio; and operatively coupling said command means to said clutch when said ratio exceeds said slow operation ratio, so that said clutch is disengaged when said vehicle is stationary, and is partially engaged during slow vehicle operation.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 46 further comprising the step of diminishing fuel flow to said fuel delivery means when the power or torque commanded by said command means falls below a predetermined minimum value.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 47 further comprising the step of suspending fuel flow to said fuel delivery means when the speed of said engine exceeds a predetermined maximum permissible value.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 46 wherein said fuel function is the engine ideal operating line for low fuel consumption.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 46 wherein said engine is an internal combustion engine.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 46 wherein said fuel delivery means comprises a throttle.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 46 wherein the transmission provides substantially all ratios required to maintain constant vehicle speed for any normally encountered load while said fuel delivery means is controlled only in accordance with said fuel function.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
190 words
A system for controlling the operation of the engine of an engine-driven vehicle having fuel delivery means for delivering a variable quantity of fuel thereto, said engine coupled to a continuously variable drive ratio transmission for delivering power from said engine to an output shaft, said vehicle having command means for commanding a desired output power or torque delivered to said output shaft, the drive ratio of said transmission varying as a function of commanded power or torque to thereby cause the speed of said engine to vary, the system comprising: fuel function means defining a desired fuel requirement for said engine in relation to prime mover operating speed; speed measuring means for measuring the speed of said engine; fuel control means operatively coupled to said fuel function means and said fuel delivery means for controlling said fuel delivery means only in accordance with the fuel requirement defined by said fuel function means, so that the fuel delivered to said engine is determined only by the speed thereof; and temporary coupling means for operatively coupling said command means to the fuel delivery means during stationary and relatively slow vehicle operation.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
190 words
A system for controlling the operation of the engine of an engine-driven vehicle having fuel delivery means for delivering a variable quantity of fuel thereto, said engine coupled to a continuously variable drive ratio transmission for delivering power from said engine to an output shaft, said vehicle having command means for commanding a desired output power or torque delivered to said output shaft, the drive ratio of said transmission varying as a function of commanded power or torque to thereby cause the speed of said engine to vary, the system comprising: fuel function means defining a desired fuel requirement for said engine in relation to prime mover operating speed; speed measuring means for measuring the speed of said engine; fuel control means operatively coupled to said fuel function means and said fuel delivery means for controlling said fuel delivery means only in accordance with the fuel requirement defined by said fuel function means, so that the fuel delivered to said engine is determined only by the speed thereof; and temporary coupling means for operatively coupling said command means to the fuel delivery means during stationary and relatively slow vehicle operation.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
88 words
The system of claim 56 further comprising means for measuring the speed of said output shaft, said temporary coupling means comprising: ratio signal generating means for generating a ratio signal equal to the quotient of measured engine speed and measured output shaft speed; ratio comparing means coupled to said ratio signal generating means for comparing said ratio signal to a predetermined slow operation ratio; and fuel coupling means for operatively coupling said command means to said fuel delivery means when said ratio signal exceeds said slow operation ratio.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
57 words
The system of claim 56 wherein said engine and said transmission are coupled by a clutch which is disengaged when said vehicle is stationary and is partially engaged during slow vehicle operation, said temporary coupling means diminishing the output torque commanded by said command means in proportion to engine speed, so that excessive clutch slippage is prevented.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
117 words
The system of claim 56 wherein said engine and said transmission are coupled by clutch, and further comprising: means for measuring the speed of said output shaft; ratio signal generating means for generating a ratio signal equal to the quotient of measured engine speed and measured output shaft speed; ratio comparing means coupled to said ratio signal generating means for comparing said ratio signal to a predetermined slow operation ratio; and clutch coupling means operatively connected to said ratio comparing means for operatively coupling said command means to said clutch when said ratio exceeds said slow operation ratio, so that said clutch is disengaged when said vehicle is stationary and is partially engaged during slow vehicle operation.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 56 further comprising command fuel diminishing means for diminishing fuel flow to said fuel delivery means when the power or torque commanded by said command means falls below a predetermined minimum value.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
67 words
The system of claim 60 wherein said command fuel diminishing means comprises: a command comparing means for comparing the desired output power or torque commanded by said command means with said predetermined minimum value; and a fuel diminishing valve coupled to said command comparing means, for diminishing fuel delivery to said fuel delivery means when the desired output power or torque falls below said predetermined minimum value.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 60 further comprising speed fuel suspension means for suspending fuel flow to said fuel delivery means when the speed of said engine exceeds a predetermined maximum permissible value.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
60 words
The system of claim 62 wherein said speed fuel suspension means comprises: speed comparing means for comparing the speed of said engine with said predetermined maximum permissible value; and a fuel suspension mechanism, coupled to said speed comparing means, to prevent fuel delivery to said fuel delivery means when the speed of said engine exceeds said predetermined maximum permissible value.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 56 wherein said fuel function is the engine ideal operating line for fuel consumption.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 56 wherein said engine is an internal combustion engine.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 56 wherein said fuel delivery means comprises a throttle.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
37 words
The system of claim 56 wherein the transmission provides substantially all ratios required to maintain constant vehicle speed for any normally encountered load while said fuel delivery means is controlled only in accordance with said fuel function.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-07-17 | 1988-01-16 | 1988-07-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-07-17 | 1992-01-16 | 1992-07-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-07-17 | 1996-01-16 | 1996-07-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |