Abstract: A method and system for controlling torque disturbances in direct injection stratified charge and lean burn port-fuel injection engines (12) through continuously variable transmission (40). The method and system include using the continuously variable transmission (40) to mitigate the effects of torque disturbances due to a lean NOx trap (22) purge cycle (100). The continuously variable transmission (40) is coordinated with other engine variables, such as throttle (36), fueling rate (Wf), injection timing (&ggr;), and spark timing (&dgr;), to keep the operation near the optimal regime. In periods of trap (22) purge, the engine control variables and the continuously variable transmission (40) are coordinated to maximize purge efficiency for a predetermined period of time. In periods of normal operation (102), the engine control variables and the continuously variable transmission (40) are coordinated to minimize fuel consumption subject to emission constraints.

Abstract: A system for controlling camshaft timing, air/fuel ratio and electronic throttle position in an automotive internal combustion engine uses a controller for operating a camshaft phaser, electronic throttle positioner and fuel injectors. The controller determines camshaft timing, steady-state electronic throttle position, steady-state fuel supply, and compensatory transient electronic throttle position, and transient fuel supply such that an engine operating with the present system has the torque output characteristics matching a conventional engine having fixed camshaft timing, but with lower fuel consumption and lower exhaust emissions than a conventional engine.

Abstract: A method of incorporating customer feedback into correcting vehicle vibration begins by interviewing a vehicle owner concerning an objectionable vehicle vibration. The dealer then connects a vibration analyzer to the vehicle with the objectionable vibration through an OBD-II connector. This allows the vibration analyzer to monitor engine rpm, engine type, vehicle speed, vehicle type, and tire size. The dealer then drives the vehicle at a full range of speeds in a controlled sequence with the vehicle owner to reproduce the objectionable vehicle vibration. While the vehicle is driven, the vibration analyzer detects any vehicle vibration generated. The vibration analyzer then compares the vehicle vibration in conjunction with engine rpm, engine type, vehicle speed, vehicle type, and tire size when the vehicle owner identifies the objectionable vibration. The vibration analyzer then determines a probably cause for the vehicle vibration and generates a cause report.

Abstract: A method of reducing turbo lag in a compression ignition engine having an exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR) and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). The method includes the steps of determining an intake manifold pressure and intake manifold mass airflow setpoint, MAPd and MAFd, as a function of the current engine speed and requested fueling rate (Wf,REQ). The method further includes modifying the setpoints by a transient governor to generate modified setpoints, MAFc and MAPc, as a function of MAFd and MAPd, respectively, and feeding the modified setpoints to the controller to drive the turbocharger and EGR valve to the desired setpoints, thereby maximizing the amount of fresh air admitted to the engine during transient operation. Another embodiment of the method for reducing turbo lag coordinates the controller gains between the EGR and VGT. The method speeds up the MAF response by using multivariable control of both the EGR and VGT to aggressively regulate airflow to the desired setpoint.

Abstract: A rod-shaped pipe filter for fluid lines having a fine-mesh pipe filter element, flowed through from inside to outside and providing a bypass function when the filter element is clogged, the fine-mesh pipe filter element, inserted by its inlet end into the fluid line in a known, sealed way, is arranged at a distance from the wall of the fluid line, is kept at a distance from the wall of the fluid line by means of reinforcing ribs with lug-shaped spacers, bears with its outlet end via a tapered surface against an offset of the fluid line and has here bypass openings which ensure a fluid overflow from the inner region to the outer region and to the branch to the unit to be supplied with fluid, even when the filter element is clogged.

Abstract: An engine control method for an internal combustion engine having a powertrain control module (PCM). The powertrain control module includes a microprocessor and associated memory. A mathematical model of the engine cycle of the engine system is stored in the PCM memory. The PCM continuously monitors a variety of engine operating parameters. From these inputs, the PCM generates optimized control setpoints for the intake airflow, fueling right, spark timing and EGR flow for the engine using the mathematical model. The setpoints are generated in real-time for every engine cycle, and the engine is then operated in accordance with the generated control setpoints. In another aspect of the invention, the engine model includes submodels for fuel delivery, the in-cylinder processes, the engine heat capacitance and cooling system, engine friction, airflow, engine inertia, and the front-end auxiliary drive.

Abstract: An electronic throttle control system having a housing 22 with a motor 40, throttle valve 60, gear mechanism 100, and failsafe mechanism 130. A spring member 150 attached between the housing 22 and a gear member 104 attached to the throttle valve shaft 62 biases the throttle plate 60 towards the closed position. A spring-biased plunger member 134 biases the throttle plate 60 from its closed position to a default or “limp-home” position.

Abstract: A fuel pump has a motor with a shaft extending therefrom and an impeller fitted thereon for pumping fuel from a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine. A pumping chamber, which encases the impeller, is comprised of a cover channel and a bottom channel formed in a pump cover and a pump bottom, respectively. The impeller has a plurality of radially extending vanes on an outer circumference separated by partitions of shorter radial length. The partitions are comprised of substantially quarter-circle shaped arcuate portions extending from the outer circumference of the impeller to a diverging portion, preferably to a substantially flat top with rounded corners. Fluid active vane grooves thus formed circumferentially between the vanes and axially between the partitions which reduce fuel vortices angular acceleration within the pumping chamber thus increasing pump efficiency.

Abstract: A cylinder head has an intake port with an intake valve for selectively closing the intake port at an end thereof at an intake valve seat. The intake port has a substantially circular cross section in an area adjacent the intake valve seat. The intake port cross section transitions from the substantially circular cross-section at the intake valve seat, into a substantially oblong cross-section.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system for an engine equipped with a turbocharger and an exhaust pipe having a NOx conversion catalyst therein. The system comprises a reservoir for storing pressurized air received from the turbocharger, a reductant injector in fluid communication with a reductant supply, and a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the reservoir and connected to the reductant injector. The reductant injector is responsive to an injection signal for atomizing and injecting a quantity of reductant into the mixing chamber. The mixing chamber is in fluid communication with the exhaust pipe for introducing a quantity of air and reductant mixture into the exhaust gas flow upstream of the NOx conversion catalyst.

Abstract: An intake system for an internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold having a plenum connected to ambient air by a main throttle and branches leading from the plenum to an intake port of each cylinder. A storage pipe is connected and parallel with each of the intake manifold branches. Gases from an auxiliary supply are drawn by the intake manifold vacuum into the storage pipe and thence into the engine cylinders.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system for a lean burn internal combustion engine including a three-way catalyst, a hydrocarbon trap downstream of the three-way catalyst, a NOx trap downstream of the hydrocarbon trap, and an electrically heated catalyst located between the hydrocarbon trap and NOx trap. In one embodiment, the NOx trap includes an integral particulate filter having alternating blocked channels extending longitudinally. The inlet channels filter particulate matter and the outlet channels have a NOx absorbent wash coat for absorbing exhaust gas NOx. A method of controlling the exhaust system during cold start engine operation is provided to reduce cold start emissions. The method further includes a control procedure for activating the electrically heated catalyst for desulfation and particulate matter burn-off.

Abstract: An engine controller for an automotive engine having an inlet system and an exhaust system includes an EGR valve for permitting exhaust gas to flow from the exhaust system to the inlet system, and an engine controller for operating the EGR valve by closing it from its normal open position. The difference in exhaust gas pressures in an EGR line downstream of the EGR valve measured during the EGR valve normal open and closed positions is compared with first and second threshold values and the actual pressure with the EGR valve open is compared with a third threshold value to determine whether the EGR system is blocked.

Abstract: A method (100) and system (10) for controlling the temperature of a first NO.sub.x trap in an aftertreatment system for a variable displacement engine (12). The frequency of switching between first and second cylinder banks (14, 16) of said variable displacement engine (12) controls the temperature of the NO.sub.x trap (18) in order to maintain the temperature within a preferred operating temperature range. A set of control valves (V1, V2, V3) is used to direct the flow of exhaust from alternate cylinder banks (14, 16) through various paths in order to maintain the desired temperature of the first NO.sub.x trap (18). In another embodiment (30), the aftertreatment and method (120) include a second NO.sub.x trap (26) for situations in which both engine banks (14, 16) are run simultaneously.

Abstract: A reciprocating internal combustion engine using poppet valves, valve timing control and fuel injection, cuts off fuel during engine deceleration and controls valve timing such that charge is trapped in the engine cylinders while the fuel is shut off.

Abstract: A modular integrated intake manifold (10) for a V-type internal combustion engine (20). A fuel module (16) nests between cylinder heads (28, 30) and has through-passages (42) leading to intake valves in the heads. An air cleaner module (12), which has an air box (60) within which intake air is filtered, also closes on one of the heads (28) to cover the exhaust and intake valves and the valve operating mechanisms of that head. A plenum/runner module (14) has a plenum that closes on the other of the heads (30) to cover the exhaust and intake valves and the valve operating mechanisms of that head. Runners (160, 162, 164, 172, 174, 176) have respective combustion air entrances disposed within a plenum chamber space (142) of the plenum and run to the through-passages of the fuel module. The runners are part of a runner pack (132) that has both complete (160, 162, 164) and incomplete (166, 168, 170) runners and that when assembled into the plenum, completes the incomplete runners.

Abstract: An intake manifold and method for supplying EGR are provided for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. The manifold is attached to a cylinder head. The manifold includes a plurality of intake runners for conducting air to a plurality of intake ports formed in the cylinder head. An intake plenum communicates with the intake runners. A secondary gas reservoir is provided in the manifold for communication of secondary gas to the plenum.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine with charge stratification and directed air flow is provided. A charge motion control valve is positioned in the upper intake manifold and bifurcated intake ports are utilized in the cylinder head which direct the air flow into one intake port when desired. This provides improved engine performance, emissions, and fuel economy with easier packaging and consequently reduced cost.

Abstract: An exhaust gas oxygen sensor (10) mounted in the exhaust stream of an engine includes a zirconia plate (14) mounted to two electrodes (16,18), covered with porous layers (20,22). The two porous layers (20,22) are designed to sense the two conditions of air/fuel mixture, lean and rich, by creating a delay in the sensing of the rate of transmission of oxygen through one of these layers (20,22), without the need for a voltage source pumping oxygen through the sensor. A heating element (60) can be used with the sensor to reduce the light-off time of the sensor. Also, a latch 52 can be used to modify the signal from the sensor to provide for a more conventional EGO signal.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a piston reciprocably housed within a cylinder and hybrid intake valves, with one intake valve being driven by a camshaft and at least one intake valve being selectively powered by a power source other than the camshaft, such as a solenoid.