Lance M Ward

US Patent:

6932740, Aug 23, 2005

Filed:

Mar 9, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/031862

Inventors:

Lance M. Ward - Lansing MI, US
John D. Meaney - Hartland MI, US

Assignee:

TCI Automotive, LLC - Memphis TN

International Classification:

F16H059/76

US Classification:

477101, 477106, 477107, 12340659

Abstract:

A method for controlling the ignition of an internal combustion engine () for a motor vehicle. More specifically, the method controls the timing of ignition for each of cylinder of the internal combustion engine (). Control of the timing is based on two parameters, i. e. , the speed at which the internal combustion engine () is operating and the gear in which the transmission () is operating. The speed is measured in terms of revolutions per minute. The gear helps to gauge what type of load may be present on the internal combustion engine (). By identifying each of these parameters, it may easily be determined at what value the timing may be. If the specific speed of the vehicle is not located within the look-up table, where the data is stored, the method will interpolate the timing value based on values close to the value of the speed of the internal combustion engine () based on the neighboring values thereof.

US Patent:

6945230, Sep 20, 2005

Filed:

Jan 16, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/181260

Inventors:

Lance M. Ward - Lansing MI, US
John D. Meaney - Hartland MI, US

Assignee:

TCI Automotive, LLC - Memphis TN

International Classification:

F02P005/153

US Classification:

12340643, 12340641

Abstract:

A method eliminates detonation in an internal combustion engine () by identifying conditions that identify the imminence thereof. The method centers about the pressure inside the cylinder () of the internal combustion engine (). The method tracks the pressure and when small rapid changes or fluctuations () in the pressure occur, the ignition timing is advanced for that particular cylinder (). An alternative method utilizes a model of pressure based on an array of inputs and how the pressure should act based thereon. The method may also be used to maximize performance of the output of each cylinder () by retarding the ignition timing until the small fluctuations () appear. The ignition timing could immediately be advanced to prevent a detonation thus identifying a maximized output performance without reaching a detonation condition.

US Patent:

6961655, Nov 1, 2005

Filed:

Jan 8, 2001

Appl. No.:

10/181098

Inventors:

Lance M. Ward - Lansing MI, US
John D. Meaney - Hartland MI, US

Assignee:

TCI Automotive, LLC - Memphis TN

International Classification:

G06F017/00

US Classification:

701115, 701101, 370313

Abstract:

An internal combustion engine () includes an engine control unit (). The engine control unit () provides control logic and signals to operate the internal combustion engine (). The engine control unit () receives data from sensors () and outputs commands through command lines (). The engine control unit () also communicates to a remote computer to receive changes in parameters or output requirements. A remote communicator () facilitates the communication between the engine control unit () and the remote computer. The remote communicator () also allows functions of the engine control unit () to be enabled or disabled. If functions are enabled, the remote computer may also provide initial parameters of operation allowing the engine control unit () to properly control the internal combustion engine ().

US Patent:

7344012, Mar 18, 2008

Filed:

Jan 9, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/328374

Inventors:

Lance Ward - Lansing MI, US
Kevin Winstead - Falkner MS, US

Assignee:

TCI Automotive, LLC - Ashland MS

International Classification:

B60W 10/10

US Classification:

192218

Abstract:

A transmission brake assembly for controlling an output of a transmission of a motor vehicle includes a solenoid which is operatively engagable with a transmission. The solenoid selectively engages and disengages the transmission. A solenoid driver is electrically connected to the solenoid to drive the solenoid into and out of engagement with the transmission. The transmission brake assembly also includes a controller electrically connected to the solenoid driver. The controller turns the solenoid driver between an on state, an off state, and an intermediate state such that the solenoid partially engages the transmission to allow the motor vehicle to move forward at a minimal speed.

US Patent:

6460526, Oct 8, 2002

Filed:

Nov 2, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/705023

Inventors:

Lance M. Ward - Lansing MI

Assignee:

TCI Automotive, L.L.C. - Memphis TN

International Classification:

F02P 7077

US Classification:

123612, 123643

Abstract:

A method is disclosed for controlling spark distribution for an internal combustion engine. The method incorporates the use of an electronic distributor that is capable of being used with a number of internal combustion engines. The electronic distributor receives signals from the crankshaft and the camshaft with respect to their respective locations to identify which of the cylinders is to have the fuel found therein ignited. The electronic distributor is versatile because it uses the crankshaft position sensor as a clock signal. This enables the electronic distributor to be timed with any engine control unit/internal combustion engine combination having the same required inputs as the electronic distributor has outputs. Further, an electronic distributor is disclosed having an engine selection device that matches a counter incorporated into the electronic distributor to the internal combustion engine. This allows the electronic distributor to be retrofit to be utilized by a plurality of internal combustion engines.