Chang L Yang

US Patent:

6874470, Apr 5, 2005

Filed:

Mar 4, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/379492

Inventors:

Jeffrey R. Hedrick - Tecumseh MI, US
Ross Dykstra Pursifull - Dearborn MI, US
Chang Yang - Farmington Hills MI, US

Assignee:

Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

F02D001/00

US Classification:

123396, 123399

Abstract:

A method to control the position of a throttle valve in the presence of a fault. The method works independently of throttle position in an open-loop mode. The method assures that the throttle plate will assume the default position if: 1) the return spring is functional and the motor is functional; 2) the return spring has failed but the motor is functional; or 3) if the return spring is functional but the motor has failed. This method does not need to detect loss of return spring functionality and it does not need to detect loss of motor functionality. The detected fault that initiates the action need not be related to either the return spring or the motor.

US Patent:

7114487, Oct 3, 2006

Filed:

Jan 16, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/758706

Inventors:

Jeffrey R. Hedrick - Tecumseh MI, US
Ross D. Pursifull - Dearborn MI, US
Chang Yang - Farmington Hills MI, US

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

F02D 11/10

US Classification:

123399, 25112911, 701113

Abstract:

A method is disclosed for ensuring operation of a motorized throttle. The presence of an obstruction, such as ice, is detected inside the motorized throttle. The obstruction is then removed within a predetermined time to free the motorized throttle. A new closed throttle position is then recorded as a zero degree reference from which to control a throttle plate to a desired angle.