Patents Assigned to Thomas J. Hollis
  • Patent number: 5742920
    Abstract: A system for displaying engine temperature information for a temperature control system in an internal combustion engine. A first temperature sensor senses the temperature of ambient air. A second temperature sensor senses the temperature of an engine oil. A third temperature sensor senses the temperature of a temperature control fluid. The sensors provide signals indicative of the sensed temperatures to an engine computer. The engine computer compares the sensed ambient air temperature to a first set of predetermined values to determine a desired engine oil temperature. The engine computer also compares the sensed ambient air temperature to a second set of predetermined values to determine a desired temperature control fluid temperature. A signal indicative of the desired engine oil temperature and/or the desired temperature control fluid temperature is output from the engine computer to a display system. The display system displays the desired and the sensed temperature signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Thomas J. Hollis
    Inventors: Robert E. Cannuscio, Thomas J. Hollis
  • Patent number: 5724931
    Abstract: A temperature control system is provided for an internal combustion engine having an engine block, a water pump, and an exhaust manifold and a radiator. The system includes a first sensor for sensing an engine operation parameter indicative of engine oil temperature and provides an engine operation parameter signal indicative thereof. A second sensor senses an ambient condition and provides an ambient condition signal indicative of the ambient condition. An exhaust heat assembly is positioned adjacent to the exhaust manifold and is adapted for receiving a flow of temperature control fluid. The exhaust heat assembly permits heat conduction from the exhaust manifold to the temperature control fluid. A first control valve controls flow of temperature control fluid between the engine and radiator. A second control valve controls flow of temperature control fluid between the engine and the exhaust heat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Thomas J. Hollis
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hollis
  • Patent number: 5699759
    Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of temperature control fluid between a radiator fluid overflow container and a water pump. The valve includes a housing which is in communication with the fluid overflow container and adapted to receive a flow of temperature control fluid therefrom. The housing has a chamber formed in it for channeling a flow of temperature control fluid. The housing is also in communication with the water pump and adapted to channel a flow of temperature control fluid between the chamber and the water pump. In one embodiment, the valve includes a cap attached to the housing and having a channel formed in it which conducts fluid between the fluid overflow container and the valve chamber. A ball is slidably disposed within the valve chamber and is adapted to seal the channel in the cap to prevent fluid flow when the valve housing receives a flow of pressurized fluid from the water pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Thomas J. Hollis
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hollis
  • Patent number: 5669335
    Abstract: A temperature control system, in a liquid cooled internal combustion engine equipped with a radiator, controls the state of a flow control valve for controlling flow of a temperature control fluid through a passageway leading to the radiator. Sensors detect the engine operation temperature, the temperature of the temperature control fluid, t1, and the ambient air temperature, t2. An engine computer receives signals from the sensors, produces control signals based on both of the sensor signals, and sends the control signals to the flow control valve to control the state of the valve. The values t1 and t2 define a plurality of mathematical functions of t1=f(t2) which form a plurality of two-dimensional curves on an orthogonal coordinate system having axes t1 and t2. Each of the curves divide the coordinate system into two regions, one on either side of the curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Thomas J. Hollis
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hollis
  • Patent number: 5657722
    Abstract: A temperature control system, in a liquid cooled internal combustion engine equipped with a radiator, controls the state of a flow control valve for controlling flow of a temperature control fluid through a passageway in the engine. Sensors detect the engine oil temperature and the temperature of the temperature control fluid. An engine computer receives signals from the sensors and compares the signals to one or more predetermined values. In one embodiment, the engine computer compares the engine oil temperature signal to a predetermined value to control actuation of the valve. In another embodiment, the engine computer compares the engine oil temperature signal to a predetermined engine oil temperature value. The engine computer adjusts a predetermined temperature control fluid temperature value based on the comparison of the engine oil temperature signal to the predetermined engine oil temperature value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Thomas J. Hollis
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hollis