Patents Examined by Lindsay Low
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Patent number: 9885335Abstract: An induction cleaning analyzing system includes a pressure sensor, an ignition event detector, and a control module. The pressure sensor measures airflow pressures of intake air and/or exhaust from cylinders in a common airflow pathway of a vehicle. The ignition event detector determines ignition events of the cylinders. The control module obtains pressure waveforms representative of the airflow pressures and divides the pressure waveforms into waveform segments. The control module associates different subsets of the waveform segments with different ones of the cylinders using the ignition events. The control module also identifies cyclic variations in the airflow pressures flowing in the common airflow pathway and caused by at least one of the cylinders by examining the waveform segments associated with the at least one of the cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson
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Patent number: 9869257Abstract: A system includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one of vibration, pressure, acceleration, deflection, or movement within a reciprocating engine and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a raw signal from the at least one sensor, derive a filtered knock signal using predictive frequency bands by applying a filter, derive an absolute filtered knock signal from the filtered signal, identify a maximum of the absolute filtered knock signal for each engine cycle, predict a peak pressure value of each of one or more engine cycles using the identified maximums of the absolute filtered signal and a predictive model, and adjust operation of the reciprocating engine based on the predicted peak pressure values.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2015Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Iyad Batal, Jeffrey Jacob Bizub, Brett Alexander Matthews
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Patent number: 9863359Abstract: A system and method of controlling the hydraulic dwell time between a first injection and a second injection performed by a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine are disclosed, in which the injector is equipped with a needle operated by a control valve. A value of a nominal electric dwell time between the first injection and the second injection is determined. An actual instant of hydraulic closing of the fuel injector after the first injection is also determined. A corrected electric dwell time is calculated as a function of the nominal electric dwell time and the actual instant of hydraulic closing of the fuel injector after the first injection. The fuel injector is operated using the corrected electric dwell time.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Massimiliano Melis, Francesco Pesce
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Patent number: 9862021Abstract: A base-material hole is formed in a connecting-rod base material. A coating layer is deposited on an inner peripheral surface of the base-material hole. The base-material hole 15 has a cylinder inner-surface portion of a constant inner diameter, formed in a central region in an axial direction, and a tapered inner-surface portion that is continuous with an axially outer side of the cylinder inner-surface portion and is radially enlarged in an axially outward direction. The coating layer has a first coating portion and a second coating portion deposited on the tapered inner-surface portion to adjoin the first coating portion and gradually increasing in material thickness in the axially outward direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Hodaka Mukouhara
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Patent number: 9863305Abstract: A GDCI engine has a piston arranged within a cylinder to provide a combustion chamber. According to one embodiment, the GDCI engine operates using a method that includes the steps of supplying a hydrocarbon fuel to the combustion chamber with a research octane number in the range of about 30-65. The hydrocarbon fuel is injected in completely stratified, multiple fuel injections before a start of combustion and supplying a naturally aspirated air charge to the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Christopher P. Kolodziej, Mark C. Sellnau
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Patent number: 9856820Abstract: Exemplary piston assemblies and methods of making the same are disclosed. An exemplary piston assembly may include a piston crown and a piston skirt that is received in a central opening of the crown. The piston crown may include a ring belt portion defining, at least in part, a cooling gallery. The crown and skirt may each further include corresponding mating surfaces that extend about a periphery of the crown and skirt. The skirt mating surface and crown mating surface may generally be secured to each other that the crown and the skirt cooperate to form a continuous upper combustion bowl surface. The skirt and crown may cooperate to define a radially outer gap about a periphery of the piston crown.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Mahle International GmbHInventors: Leandro Menezes, Dieter Gabriel, Michael T. Lapp, Wolfgang Rein
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Patent number: 9856835Abstract: A fuel supply system for a reciprocating-piston engine includes a storage tank; a wall of the storage tank defining a first aperture and a second aperture therethrough; a first fuel injector fluidly coupled with the first aperture of the storage tank via a pressure control module and a first fuel injector supply conduit; a pump fluidly coupled with the second aperture of the storage tank; and a second fuel injector fluidly coupled with an outlet port of the pump via a second fuel injector supply conduit. The pressure control module is configured to maintain a pressure in the first fuel injector supply conduit within a pressure range that includes a pressure value that is less than a pressure inside the storage tank. The pump is configured to maintain a pressure inside the second fuel injector supply conduit that is greater than the pressure inside the first fuel injector supply conduit.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Dana Coldren, Glenn Cox, David Ginter, Alan Stockner, Martin Willi
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Patent number: 9856812Abstract: A method for recognizing the type of fuel actually used in an internal combustion engine; the recognition method includes the steps of: sensing the intensity of the vibrations generated by the internal combustion engine within a measurement time window; determining the value of at least one synthetic index by processing the intensity of the vibrations generated by the internal combustion engine within the measurement time window; comparing the synthetic index with at least one predetermined comparison quantity; and recognizing the type of fuel actually used as a function of the comparison of the synthetic index to the comparison quantity; and forcedly altering, when detecting the intensity of the vibrations, the engine control with respect to the normal standard engine control, so as to enhance the behavioral differences of the different types of fuel that can be used by the internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Magneti Marelli S.p.A.Inventors: Nicola Garagnani, Riccardo Lanzoni, Marco Pastorelli, Filippo Cavanna
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Patent number: 9856799Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing blackening of an oxygen sensor due to voltage excursions into an over-potential region. Before transitioning the sensor from a lower voltage to an upper voltage during variable voltage operation, an operating temperature of the sensor is reduced via adjustments to a sensor heater setting. The reduction in temperature increases the range of temperatures available to the sensor before the over-potential region is entered.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael McQuillen, Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Daniel A. Makled
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Patent number: 9845743Abstract: A method for controlling an internal combustion engine operating on at least partly gaseous fuel is disclosed. The method may include providing a desired burn rate profile corresponding to a desired operation of the internal combustion engine. The method may further include selecting first operating parameters such that an operation of the internal combustion engine with a first gas composition produces a first burn rate profile that corresponds to the desired burn rate profile. The method may also include operating the internal combustion engine with the first operating parameters using a second gas composition. The method may include determining that the second burn rate profile differs from the desired burn rate profile. In addition, the method may include adjusting an operating parameter from among the first operating parameters of the internal combustion engine to approach the desired burn rate profile.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Hauke Holst, Hendrik Johannes Lange, Eike Joachim Sixel, Marius Wolfgramm, Arvind Sivasubramanian
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Patent number: 9845757Abstract: A controller for a diesel engine has a fuel injector which injects a fuel into a cylinder. The controller has a middle-combustion time computing portion which computes a middle-combustion time period that has elapsed from the fuel is injected until a half of the fuel has combusted, based on a detection value of a cylinder pressure sensor. Further, the controller has a fuel component computing portion which computes a ratio of a carbon quantity relative to a hydrogen quantity contained in the fuel based on the middle-combustion time period.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2015Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Hideo Naruse
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Patent number: 9845738Abstract: The variable compression ratio piston system for an engine adjusts the compression ratio of the engine piston by way of hydraulic fluid distributed between a pair of chambers formed in a pair of bores receiving control pistons mechanically coupled to the engine piston. A control valve selectively permits flow of hydraulic fluid between the high compression ratio line and the low compression ratio line. A variable force solenoid controlled by an engine control unit preferably controls the position of the control valve. The position of the spool controls whether hydraulic fluid can flow toward the first chamber, toward the second chamber, or not at all. Flow of hydraulic fluid is actuated by alternating forces from inertial and combustion forces on a crankshaft from operation of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2013Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Christopher J. Pluta
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Patent number: 9840979Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a motor, a fuel pump, an alternator, a centrifugal clutch, and an electronic control unit. The centrifugal clutch is configured to, when the rotation speed of the output shaft of the motor is higher than or equal to an engaging rotation speed, connect the output shaft of the motor with the rotary shaft of the alternator. The engaging rotation speed is a rotation speed higher than a rotation speed of the rotary shaft at which torque that acts on the rotary shaft as a result of generation of electric power by the alternator becomes maximum and is a rotation speed lower than a rotation speed at which torque for driving the high-pressure fuel pump cannot be provided by only the motor at the time when the motor is driven at rated output power.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kazuhiro Asayama
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Patent number: 9828936Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus for improving engine air flow including: a combination recess which is formed at an intake port of a cylinder head and is extended toward a combustion chamber along an air flow path at a position combined with an intake manifold; a fixing body which is fit-inserted to and combined to the combination recess; and a plate an end of which is combined to the fixing body on the flow path of the intake port and which guides the air flow flowing into the intake port.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventor: Dong Ho Chu
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Patent number: 9828903Abstract: An air-governing device (10) for governing an air flow into a vehicle (100) has a main body (20) with an installation section (22) for fastening to a body of the vehicle (100) and an air opening (24). At least one slat (30) is mounted on the main body (20) for movement between a closed position (SP) closing the air opening (24) and an open position (OP) opening the air opening (24). A drive device (40) is fastened to the main body (20) and generates a moving force for the slat (30). A lever mechanism (50) forms an operative connection between the drive device (40) and the at least one slat (30). The lever mechanism (50) has at least one drive lever (52) operatively connected to the drive device (40) in a torque-transmitting manner and fastened in an end position (EP) of a keyhole opening (26) in the main body (20).Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Dimitar Danev, Markus Paulitsch
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Patent number: 9822678Abstract: A lubrication system in an internal combustion engine is provided. The lubrication system includes a crankshaft bearing supporting a crankshaft, a supply line including an outlet flowing oil to the crankshaft bearing and an inlet receiving oil from an oil gallery, and thermal insulation at least partially surrounding at least a portion of an inner wall of the supply line and/or the oil gallery.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2012Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Bernd Steiner, Thomas Lorenz, Jan Mehring
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Patent number: 9816410Abstract: A separator device for a system for recirculation of the blow-by gases of an internal combustion engine includes a casing containing a separation chamber and having an inlet for communication with the engine crankcase and an outlet for communication with the engine intake manifold, and drainage outlets ending in the engine crankcase, for returning the liquid separated in the separation chamber into the engine crankcase. Actuator means sensitive to pressure in the engine crankcase are associated to the inlet and to the drainage outlets so that when the pressure in the engine crankcase is higher than the pressure in the separator device, the inlet is open and the drainage outlets are closed, while when the pressure in the engine crankcase is lower than the pressure in the separator device, the inlet is closed and the drainage outlets are open.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: FIAT POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGIES S.P.A.Inventor: Enrico Torella
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Patent number: 9810167Abstract: When a catalytic converter in an exhaust passage is in an un-activated state, an intake air amount is increased, as compared to when the converter is in an activated state under the same engine operation condition, and an ignition timing is retarded beyond a TDC of a compression stroke. The ignition timing is set such that a retard amount thereof from the TDC becomes larger as an external load causing a rotational resistance of an engine becomes lower. A valve opening start timing of an exhaust valve is set such that, when the external load is lower than a given reference load, the valve starts opening, before an in-cylinder pressure reaches a peak, according to combustion of an air-fuel mixture ignited at the above ignition timing, in a subsequent expansion stroke, wherein the in-cylinder pressure is based on an assumption that the valve is maintained in a valve-closed state.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATIONInventors: Tomomi Watanabe, Shigeyuki Hirashita, Naoki Kishikawa, Keiji Araki
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Patent number: 9802479Abstract: A tank sealing valve arranged in a passage network through which a fluid flows between a fuel tank and a canister includes a first valve unit and a second valve unit. A first port and a second port of three ports included in an outer case body of the first valve unit are open toward a first chamber of two chambers divided by a diaphragm or a bellows of the first valve unit, and a third port of the three ports is open toward a second chamber of the two chambers. A valve body of the first valve unit includes a through passage penetrating a valve portion and a column portion of the valve body. The valve portion communicates with the first port and the second chamber through the through passage in a case where the first port is closed. The second valve unit opens and closes the third port.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Yuichiro Miura
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Patent number: 9803536Abstract: Auxiliary chamber type internal combustion engine has a main combustion chamber and an auxiliary chamber having an injection port through which the main combustion chamber communicates. The auxiliary chamber has a passage sectional area which is smoothly decreased toward the injection port. Further, the engine has a fuel injector injecting a fuel into the auxiliary chamber; an ignition plug igniting the fuel in the auxiliary chamber; and a swirl generating portion swirling a gas in the auxiliary chamber. The swirl generating portion swirls only the gas flowing into the auxiliary chamber from the main combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Jun Osaka