Matthew Warren Workman

US Patent:

58682147, Feb 9, 1999

Filed:

Aug 29, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/520714

Inventors:

Matthew W. Workman - Indianapolis IN

Assignee:

Cummins Engine Company, Inc. - Columbus IN

International Classification:

B60K 3104

US Classification:

180179

Abstract:

A cruise control governor which is able to dynamically define and switch between various goal droop curves in order to find the best goal droop curve for use with the current vehicle driving situation. For instance, the present invention will dynamically define and select different goal droop curves when the vehicle is lugging up a hill, coasting down a hill, cruising on level ground, preparing to crest a hill, or preparing to transition off of a downhill slope.

US Patent:

60213701, Feb 1, 2000

Filed:

Aug 5, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/905990

Inventors:

Steven M. Bellinger - Columbus IN
John P. Kresse - Shelbyville IN
Matthew W. Workman - Indianapolis IN
John Shoemaker - Nashville IN

Assignee:

Cummins Engine Company, Inc. - Columbus IN

International Classification:

F02D 4100

US Classification:

701110

Abstract:

A vehicle/engine acceleration rate management system includes means for determining vehicle acceleration rate and a control computer providing a fueling signal to an internal combustion engine fueling system. The control computer is responsive to a gear ratio signal indicative of one of a plurality of selectable transmission gear ratios currently engaged with the engine and a vehicle acceleration rate signal to control the vehicle acceleration rate by limiting the fueling signal whenever the vehicle acceleration rate signal exceeds a vehicle acceleration limit function. In one embodiment, such vehicle acceleration rate limiting is performed only for vehicle speeds above a threshold vehicle speed, and an identical engine acceleration rate limiting procedure is performed at vehicle speeds below the threshold vehicle speed. In either case, such acceleration rate limiting is preferably only performed under manual control of engine fueling via an accelerator pedal or the like.

US Patent:

58282971, Oct 27, 1998

Filed:

Jun 25, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/882520

Inventors:

Donald L. Banks - Greenwood IN
William F. Collins - Columbus IN
Matthew W. Workman - Indianapolis IN
Auden E. Rovelle-Quartz - Columbus IN

Assignee:

Cummins Engine Company, Inc. - Columbus IN

International Classification:

B60R 2510

US Classification:

340426

Abstract:

A vehicle anti-theft system includes an engine control computer operable to control engine fueling in a normal mode of operation according to operator demand via an accelerator pedal, and a code interface module responsive to a predefined security code to set the engine control computer in a secure mode of operation. In the secure mode, two fuel enabling values in the engine fueling algorithm are altered. Specifically, an engine startup enable value is altered so that the engine control computer disables fueling if the engine is not running, to thereby prevent an unauthorized individual from starting the engine. Likewise, an accelerator enable value is altered so that the engine control computer disregards the accelerator signal and controls fueling of the engine to thereby maintain an engine idling condition. The control computer is reset to its normal fueling control mode by re-entering the security code.

US Patent:

61344990, Oct 17, 2000

Filed:

May 29, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/086927

Inventors:

Charles E. Goode - Columbus IN
John P. Kresse - Shelbyville IN
Matthew W. Workman - Columbus IN
W. Patrick Niehus - Columbus IN
Ross B. Mursell - Camberwell, AU

Assignee:

Cummins Engine Company, Inc. - Columbus IN

International Classification:

F16H 6102

US Classification:

701 93

Abstract:

A road speed control system for a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine includes a control computer operable to control engine fueling based on inputs from at least an accelerator pedal position sensor, a vehicle speed signal, and at least one control signal. According to one aspect of the invention, the control computer is responsive to a first control signal to decrease the maximum road speed limit value and to a second control signal to increase the maximum road speed value, to thereby provide a road speed limiting system operable under manual engine fueling conditions. According to another aspect of the invention, the control computer is responsive to at least one control signal to activate a maximum road speed limit override feature for temporarily increasing the maximum road speed limit value to, for example, facilitate passing attempts.

US Patent:

55649998, Oct 15, 1996

Filed:

Jun 7, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/483253

Inventors:

Steven M. Bellinger - Columbus IN
Thomas A. Dollmeyer - Columbus IN
Lloyd E. Flory - Edinburgh IN
Matthew W. Workman - Indianapolis IN

Assignee:

Cummins Engine Company, Inc. - Columbus IN

International Classification:

B60K 4106

US Classification:

477111

Abstract:

The present invention allows the vehicle to be operated at higher than normally desired speeds during periods when there is a legitimate need for increased performance, such as downshifting in order to aid in climbing an uphill grade or accelerating with the goal of upshifting. Like the prior art systems, the present invention also imposes a maximum vehicle speed for all non-top gears, but only during steady state conditions (defined as a light engine load existing for a predetermined period of time). During transient conditions (discerned by recognizing gear changes and by high engine load conditions), the control system of the present invention provides lenience from the normal maximum vehicle speed limits for non-top gears. Such lenience provides for increased vehicle performance during periods when it is legitimately needed by the driver. During steady state conditions, the present invention prevents the use of non-top gear during high vehicle speed driving by limiting the vehicle road speed if the transmission is not in top gear.