Patents by Inventor Robert I. Bruetsch

Robert I. Bruetsch has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5806490
    Abstract: A fuel management system for a gaseous fuel internal combustion engine is disclosed in which a mass air flow sensor as well as a mass gas flow sensor provide input signals to an electronic control unit (ECU) which then determines the air/fuel ratio. The ECU in turn generates output signals to a fuel valve to control the mass of fuel flow to the engine and thus the air/fuel ratio. A turbocharger bypass valve, a precooler for the gaseous fuel supply, a pressure accumulator upstream from the fuel valve, as well as a system to calibrate the engine to the specific gaseous fuel is described to enhance the accuracy of the fuel management system. An improved pressure balanced valve for controlling the fuel flow to the engine is also provided as well as a cylinder pressure transducer to optionally provide an output signal to the ECU to determine the air/fuel ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Hitachi America, Ltd., Research and Development Division
    Inventors: Toshiharu Nogi, Robert I. Bruetsch
  • Patent number: 5692478
    Abstract: A fuel management system for a gaseous fuel internal combustion engine is disclosed in which a mass air flow sensor as well as a mass gas flow sensor provide input signals to an electronic control unit (ECU) which then determines the air/fuel ratio. The ECU in turn generates output signals to a fuel valve to control the mass of fuel flow to the engine and thus the air/fuel ratio. A turbocharger bypass valve, a precooler for the gaseous fuel supply, a pressure accumulator upstream from the fuel valve, as well as a system to calibrate the engine to the specific gaseous fuel is described to enhance the accuracy of the fuel management system. An improved pressure balanced valve for controlling the fuel flow to the engine is also provided as well as a cylinder pressure transducer to optionally provide an output signal to the ECU to determine the air/fuel ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Hitachi America, Ltd., Research and Development Division
    Inventors: Toshiharu Nogi, Robert I. Bruetsch
  • Patent number: 5595163
    Abstract: An integrated premixture chamber is disclosed, for mixing gaseous fuel and air for delivery to a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The integrated premixture chamber includes a mass air flow sensor, a throttle valve and position sensor, a fuel shut-off valve, a gas flow sensor and a fuel metering valve having discharge outlets downstream of the mass air flow sensor to provide more accurate metering. The integrated premixture chamber is controlled by an electronic unit separate from the engine's control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Hitachi America, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Nogi, Robert I. Bruetsch, George Saikalis