Patents Assigned to AVL North America Inc.
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Patent number: 8607548Abstract: In one implementation of the disclosed technique, a NOx sensor polynomial algorithm is used to discriminate between NOx and ammonia emission. The polynomial algorithm uses the SCR's time constant property to infer the “loading state” of the SCR and estimate both the NOx conversion and quantity of ammonia slip. The polynomial algorithm assesses this by differentially analyzing the upstream and downstream NOx sensor signals through a comparison of the polynomial coefficients.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: AVL North America, Inc.Inventor: Nicholas Michael Zayan
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Publication number: 20130143093Abstract: A battery module according to one embodiment of this disclosure includes a battery pack including multiple spaced apart battery cells, and a cooling system having multiple cooling plates providing a cooling plenum. The cooling plates are arranged in an alternating relationship between the battery cells, with each cooling plate including at least a first cooling channel and a second cooling channel. The first cooling channel has a first shape and is arranged in a first thermal region, and the second cooling channel has a second shape different than the first shape, and is arranged in a second thermal region different than the first thermal region.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2012Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: AVL North America Inc.Inventor: AVL North America Inc.
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Publication number: 20120225488Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle emissions monitoring system capable of providing an accurate, real-time estimate of an amount of particulate matter (PM) within a vehicle's exhaust. The system is capable of accurately differentiating the composition of that PM by identifying amounts attributable to soot, SOF, and sulfate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2010Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: AVL North America Inc.Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Roland Wanker
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Patent number: 8186206Abstract: A powertrain test installation is disclosed that includes a polymer base, which is supported on a concrete slab, for example. A dynamometer is mounted on the polymer base. A frame is mounted to the polymer base and is configured to support a powertrain component to be coupled to the dynamometer. The powertrain test system is installed, for example, by providing a floor, which is a concrete slab, for example. The floor is cut to provide a gap between a support floor and an adjacent floor that is arranged about the support floor. A polymer base is arranged on the support floor interiorly of the gap so that the polymer base is isolated from the adjacent floor. A dynamometer is secured to the polymer base. A frame is secured to the polymer base and is configured to support a powertrain test component, such as an electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: AVL North America Inc.Inventor: Ken Barnes
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Patent number: 8181543Abstract: An exhaust sampling system includes a pre-fill gas source having a pre-fill gas. A sampling conduit is configured to collect exhaust gas and make-up gas. A sample bag is fluidly connected to the sampling conduit and the pre-fill gas source. A controller is programmed to run a test procedure in which a sample of exhaust gas and make-up gas is collected in the sample bag. The controller sends a command that fills the sample bag with pre-fill gas prior to the test procedure. The pre-fill gas remains in the sample bag during the test procedure. In one example, the amount of pre-fill gas is selected to prevent the sample from condensing in the sample bag during the test procedure. In another example, the amount of pre-fill gas is selected to provide a sufficient volume of gases for analysis during the test procedure.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: AVL North America Inc.Inventors: William Martin Silvis, James Williamson
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Publication number: 20110271674Abstract: A sliding vane rotary expander is used in a waste heat recovery system for a power plant. One example rotary expander has multiple stages with the vane assemblies disposed in bearing supported rings. Another example rotary expander has multiple stages with the vane assemblies disposed in an elliptical cavity. A balance valve equalizes the flow within the stages. Single stage rotary expanders may also be used.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2010Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: AVL North America Inc.Inventors: Ho Teng, Gerhard Regner
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Patent number: 7610819Abstract: A mobile test unit for testing a powertrain component such as a transmission is used in a test cell. A test unit includes a movable, generally horizontal base plate, and a frame spaced from the base plate. A headstock is secured to the frame for supporting the transmission. An adjustable support, which is arranged on each of four corners of the frame in the example embodiment, interconnects the frame to the base plate. The adjustable supports are movable in a vertical direction, in one example, between multiple positions to achieve a desired orientation relative to the base plate. In particular, the orientation of the frame is adjusted to obtain a desired rotational and/or tilt angle that corresponds to a rotational and/or tilt angle of the transmission when installed into a vehicle. The transmission can be installed onto the test unit, and the test unit can be moved into and out of a test cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2006Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: AVL North America Inc.Inventors: Ken Barnes, Peter Posch, Wolfgang Kopecky, Walter Orth
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Patent number: 7607335Abstract: A particulate sampler system includes a diluted exhaust mass flow controller that receives flow from a dilution mass flow controller and a laminar flow element (LFE). The dilution mass flow controller and LFE are fluidly arranged parallel to one another. A controller communicates with the mass flow controllers and the LFE to determine the flow through these devices, command valves in the mass flow controllers and generate data for determining calibration coefficients and correction factors. The diluted exhaust mass flow controller is calibrated and calibration coefficients are generated using a first to fourth order curve fit. Similarly, initial calibration coefficients are generated for the dilution mass flow controller. The diluted exhaust mass flow controller is set at a desired flow point. The dilution mass flow controller is varied between set points corresponding to different dilution ratios at the common, desired set point.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: AVL North America Inc.Inventors: Gerald Marek, Shahin Sabokdast Nudehi
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Patent number: 7574307Abstract: An exhaust emission analysis system is provided that includes an exhaust and dilution gas source respectively providing exhaust and dilution gases. A dilution unit includes exhaust and dilution gas mass flow controllers, fluidly connected to the exhaust and dilution gas sources. The mass flow controllers define a gas flow rate of gas from their respective gas source. A connection mixes the gases to provide a diluted exhaust gas having an incorrect dilution ratio. A water measurement device measures the water content of the exhaust gas. A water content dilution signal is sent from the water measurement device to a control device. An adjustment factor is calculated by the controller and a flow rate command signal is sent from the controller, to the exhaust gas mass flow controller to adjust the gas flow rate of the exhaust gas and provide a corrected dilution ratio at the connection.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: AVL North America Inc.Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek, Wolfgang Schindler
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Patent number: 7565846Abstract: An exhaust sampling system is provided that includes a sampler having a sample inlet for receiving an exhaust gas sample. The sampler includes a mixer for receiving the exhaust gas sample and a diluent to produce a diluted exhaust gas. The exhaust sampling system includes first and second dilution gas flow devices. The first and second dilution gas flow devices are fluidly connected to one another at a second junction. Any diluent provided by the first and second dilution gas flow devices intermingles with one another prior to reaching the mixer. A diluted sample flow meter is arranged downstream from the mixer for receiving the diluted exhaust gas. In one example, diluent flow from the first and second dilution gas flow devices intermingles before being introduced to the mixer. In another example, diluent flow from the first dilution gas flow device is leaked out of the second dilution gas flow device in a controlled manner to achieve a desired diluent flow into the mixer.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: AVL North America Inc.Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Gerald Marek, Wolfgang Schindler
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Patent number: 7559262Abstract: An exhaust sampling system is disclosed that includes a pre-fill gas source having a pre-fill gas. A sampling conduit is configured to collect exhaust gas and make-up gas. A sample bag is fluidly connected to the sampling conduit and the pre-fill gas source. A controller is programmed to run a test procedure in which a sample of exhaust gas and make-up gas is collected in the sample bag. The controller is configured to send a command that fills the sample bag with pre-fill gas prior to the test procedure. The pre-fill gas remains in the sample bag during the test procedure. The amount of pre-fill gas is selected to prevent the sample from condensing in the sample bag.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: AVL North America Inc.Inventors: William Martin Silvis, James Williamson
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Patent number: 7555928Abstract: A vehicle exhaust measurement system is provided includes that a conduit having a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet. A make-up air tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit inlet. The make-up air tube provides make-up air for mixing an exhaust gas. A mixed gas tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit outlet. The mixed gas tube conveys a mixture of make-up air and exhaust gas to analysis equipment. In the preferred embodiment, the exhaust gas tube extends through an outer wall of the conduit. A mixing plate is arranged in either the conduit or the mixed gas tube with the exhaust gas tube extending to a position adjacent to the mixing plate. The exhaust gas tube conveys the exhaust gas to the mixing plate to mix the exhaust gas and the make-up air at the mixing plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: AVL North America Inc.Inventor: William Martin Silvis
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Patent number: 7340940Abstract: A perforated mixing plate and is fluid passage are used in conjunction with a dilution tunnel to prevent particulate matter from collecting on the sampling system components. An inlet of a sampling probe is offset from the centerline of the dilution tunnel to a location corresponding to an average particulate matter concentration along a flow profile of a sample mixture to reduce the length of the dilution tunnel.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2007Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: AVL North America Inc.Inventor: Norbert Kreft
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Patent number: 7293454Abstract: An exhaust flow measurement system uses a noise attenuation device to cancel exhaust gas pulsations at the harmonic frequency of a flow rate measurement transducer.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: AVL North America Inc.Inventors: Norbert Kreft, William Martin Silvis
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Patent number: 7213449Abstract: A chassis dynamometer for use with a test vehicle such as a snowmobile is provided. First and second spaced apart rolls support the test vehicle. A belt is arranged around the first and second rolls and rotationally couples the rolls to one another. The belt includes an outer surface on a test side of the belt for supporting the test vehicle. The belt reduces slipping of the track on the dynamometer. The belt receives inputs from the test vehicle. A processor quantifies the inputs from the test vehicle. A platform is arranged between the first and second rolls beneath the belt to maintain engagement of the track with the belt. The platform includes a load cell for detecting a longitudinal load imparted to the platform by the belt.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignees: AVL North America Inc., AVL Zoellner GmbHInventors: Ken Barnes, Juergen Neugebauer
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Patent number: 7191671Abstract: A perforated mixing plate and is fluid passage are used in conjunction with a dilution tunnel to prevent particulate matter from collecting on the sampling system components. An inlet of a sampling probe is offset from the centerline of the dilution tunnel to a location corresponding to an average particulate matter concentration along a flow profile of a sample mixture to reduce the length of the dilution tunnel.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: AVL North America Inc.Inventor: Norbert Kreft
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Patent number: 7141090Abstract: An emission sampling system includes an exhaust gas probe for sampling exhaust gas. A dilution gas source provides a dilution gas, and a mixing device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas probe and the dilution gas source to mix the sampled exhaust gas and the dilution gas to form a diluted exhaust gas. A particulate filter is in fluid communication with the mixing device downstream therefrom. A dilution temperature conditioning device is arranged between the dilution gas source and the mixing device for obtaining a desired dilution gas temperature. A temperature sensor is arranged in the sampling system for producing a temperature signal corresponding to a temperature of fluid flowing through the sampling system. A controller is connected to the temperature sensor for processing the temperature signal and determining a filter temperature from the temperature signal. The controller commands the conditioning device in response to the filter temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: AVL North America Inc.Inventors: Gerald Marek, Norbert Kreft
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Patent number: 7055364Abstract: A vehicle exhaust measurement system is provided includes that a conduit having a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet. A make-up air tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit inlet. The make-up air tube provides make-up air for mixing an exhaust gas. A mixed gas tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit outlet. The mixed gas tube conveys a mixture of make-up air and exhaust gas to analysis equipment. In the preferred embodiment, the exhaust gas tube extends through an outer wall of the conduit. A mixing plate is arranged in either the conduit or the mixed gas tube with the exhaust gas tube extending to a position adjacent to the mixing plate. The exhaust gas tube conveys the exhaust gas to the mixing plate to mix the exhaust gas and the make-up air at the mixing plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: AVL North America, Inc.Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek, James Williamson
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Patent number: 7021128Abstract: A misfire detection system is provided including an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber and an exhaust system in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. An acoustic sensor is associated with either the combustion chamber or the exhaust system for sensing noise. The controller receives a signal from the acoustic sensor for determining whether the noise is indicative of misfire. One or more acoustic sensors may be fluidly and/or mechanically coupled to the engine or other portion of the powertrain system. The acoustic sensor generates a signal having a frequency that may be compared to engine temperatures, speeds, and loads to determine whether a misfire event has occurred in one of the cylinders. The signature of the frequency may be determined and compared with a known set of frequencies for desired engine operation to determine whether a misfire has occurred.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: AVL North America, Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Rauchfuss, Stephen R. W. Cooper, Nicholas M. Zayan
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Patent number: 7000449Abstract: A vehicle exhaust measurement system is provided includes that a conduit having a conduit inlet and a conduit outlet. A make-up air tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit inlet. The make-up air tube provides make-up air for mixing an exhaust gas. A mixed gas tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the conduit outlet. The mixed gas tube conveys a mixture of make-up air and exhaust gas to analysis equipment. In the preferred embodiment, the exhaust gas tube extends through an outer wall of the conduit. A mixing plate is arranged in either the conduit or the mixed gas tube with the exhaust gas tube extending to a position adjacent to the mixing plate. The exhaust gas tube conveys the exhaust gas to the mixing plate to mix the exhaust gas and the make-up air at the mixing plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: AVL North America Inc.Inventors: William Martin Silvis, Norbert Kreft, Gerald Marek, James Williamson