Intake Air Control Patents (Class 123/179.18)
  • Patent number: 7418946
    Abstract: An engine start control apparatus includes an intake air amount control device for controlling an amount of air supplied to a combustion chamber, a fuel supply device for injecting fuel to be fed into the combustion chamber, and an igniting device for igniting the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sunki I, Hajime Yasuda, Kimiyoshi Nishizawa, Kenichi Satou, Daisuke Yoshioka, Kouichi Mori
  • Patent number: 7406937
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine having at least one triggerable intake valve and at least one triggerable discharge valve, in which the internal combustion engine is directly started in a start-up operating mode and, following the start, is operated in at least one other operating mode. A starting discharge instant of a discharge valve of the internal combustion engine that is used during the start-up operating mode is retarded in time with respect to a standard discharge instant so as to improve the direct start-up characteristics of the internal combustion engine. In addition, to further improve the direct start-up characteristics, it is possible to retard a closing instant of an intake valve that is used during the start-up operating mode with respect to a standard closing instant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: André-Francisco Casal Kulzer, Jochen Laubender, Udo Sieber
  • Patent number: 7401606
    Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine of a hybrid-electric vehicle having a controller, the engine having a plurality of cylinders, each with at least an intake and exhaust valve, each of which may be held in a position for a cycle of a cylinder, the method comprising of deactivating a plurality of cylinders in said engine in response to a signal from the controller of the hybrid-electric vehicle by mechanically deactivating valves in each cylinder of the engine, the deactivation in response to a request from the controller of the hybrid-electric vehicle and to reduce a number of operating valves in each cylinder of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John D. Russell, Nate Trask, Thomas W. Megli
  • Patent number: 7401579
    Abstract: An intake port of an internal combustion engine 10 is provided with a fuel injection valve 22. An intake adjustment mechanism 30 for varying the valve timing of an intake valve 24 and an exhaust adjustment mechanism 32 for varying the valve timing of an exhaust valve 26 are furnished. Immediately after internal combustion engine startup, fuel atomization is facilitated by exercising control so that the valve opening timing for the intake valve 24 coincides with a retarded valve opening timing after exhaust top dead center. In such an instance, the fuel introduced into a cylinder is inhibited from adhering to the exhaust valve 26 and its neighborhood by exercising control in such a manner that the valve closing timing for the exhaust valve 26 coincides with a retarded vale closing timing, which is retarded from a normal valve closing timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nao Murase, Hiroki Ichinose, Yuuichi Katou
  • Patent number: 7395811
    Abstract: A choke device for an intake system of an internal combustion engine; the choke device has at least one choke body fitted movably inside an intake conduit, and an actuating device for moving the choke body to and from a work position in which the choke body reduces the cross section of the intake conduit; and the actuating device has a filiform actuating member made of a shape-memory material that changes shape when subjected to physical external stress, and having a first portion embedded in the choke body, and a second portion located outside the choke body and secured mechanically to a fixed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.P.A.
    Inventors: Nazario Bellato, Sandro Sirani, Marcello Colli, Eugenio Dragoni
  • Patent number: 7377496
    Abstract: An interlocking lever having first and second cam faces is mounted on a throttle valve stem, and a throttle valve is arbitrarily opened to perform start-up in a state in which the first cam face makes contact with the choke valve lever and the interlocking lever is stopped during low-temperature start-up with the choke valve closed. After the choke valve has been returned to the fully open position, the throttle valve alone is opened with a small degree of opening to perform low-load operation; and in the mid- and high-load region, the interlocking lever integrally turns with the throttle valve, the second cam face pushes the air valve lever, and the throttle valve and air valve are caused to open and close proportionally. Preferably, the degree of opening of the throttle valve for low load operation is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Zama Japan Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru Toda, Satoru Araki
  • Patent number: 7357109
    Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed to reliably carry out engine starting without cranking. Using an internal combustion engine 1, when an idle stop condition is established, a third path switching valve 28 that is provided at the connection of the compressed air supply path 25 and a first blow-by path 21, and a blow-by control valve 24 are “closed”. The connection of the crankcase to the inlet path 14 is blocked, idling for a designated time is carried out, and finally the engine is stopped. On the other hand, when the idle stop release condition is established, an inlet valve 8 is “opened”, and the first to third path switching valves 26 to 28 are “closed”, thereby operating a compressor 17 for a designated period of time. Compressed air is thereby supplied to the combustion chamber 2 and the crankcase via the compressed air supply path 25, allowing an increase in the internal cylinder pressure. Finally, the engine is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Mitsuhori, Naoki Osada, Hidehiro Fujita, Yoshitaka Matsuki, Masahiko Yuuya, Tadanori Yanai, Takatsugu Katayama, Shouta Hamane
  • Patent number: 7334551
    Abstract: A pull-cord start system has a recoil pulley coupled to a crankshaft of a combustion engine and a pull-cord wound about the recoil pulley which is pulled by an end user to rotate the recoil pulley and thereby start the engine. A throttle override device of the pull-cord start system has a shuttle coupled to the pull-cord for movement from a biased rest position to an active position when the pull-cord is being pulled by an end user. A linkage of the throttle override device which is preferably a Bowden cable extends between a throttle control and a throttle valve of a carburetor and is associated with the shuttle so that actuation of the throttle control when the shuttle is in the active position will not open the throttle valve which preferably is biased to an idle position because movement of the shuttle to the active position produces slack in the linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventor: George M. Pattullo
  • Patent number: 7331326
    Abstract: A carburetor automatic control system in an engine includes, a temperature-sensitive operating device for operating a choke valve so that the choke valve is opened with a temperature increase of the engine and a governor for opening and closing a throttle valve to maintain a preset rotational speed of the engine. The governor device includes, a stepping motor opening and closing the throttle valve over a range from an idling opening degree to a fully opening degree, and an electronic control unit driving the stepping motor so that the rotational speed of the engine is maintained the preset speed. A relief mechanism is interposed between the choke valve and the temperature-sensitive operating device, the relief mechanism opening the choke valve in response to an intake vacuum pressure within the intake passage when the engine is in a cold state and the choke valve is in a fully closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Arai, Hiroshi Moriyama, Takashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7296550
    Abstract: A method for improving engine starting for an engine having a variable event valvetrain is described. According to one aspect of the description, valve timing during a start can be set so that combustion stability and emissions may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nate R. Trask, Gang Song
  • Patent number: 7287500
    Abstract: At an intake timing of an initial combustion cylinder, an actual intake valve timing is adjusted to a target intake valve timing corresponding to a target intake air flow rate of the initial combustion cylinder. At intake timing of the other cylinders which contributes to increment of the engine speed after the initial combustion, the actual intake valve timing is adjusted to a target valve timing corresponding to a target intake air flow rate of the other cylinders. Thereby, the intake air flow rate of each cylinder is accurately controlled, so that the increment of the engine speed is restricted within a range in which a startability is not deteriorated and a vehicle vibration and an over shoot of the engine speed is appropriately restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazunari Izumi, Haruyuki Urushihata
  • Patent number: 7284522
    Abstract: A choke valve is controlled finely suited to the running state of an engine. A throttle valve 8 and a choke valve 9 are provided in series on an intake pipe 6, and the opening degree of the choke valve 9 is controlled by a stepping motor 11. A choke valve opening degree upon start of engine (start opening degree) and a driving pulse rate of a stepping motor 11 are determined depending on the engine temperature. When lower than the engine temperature TL, the pulse rate is set at first rate, or the lowest rate in a specified range. Depending on the engine temperature, the pulse rate is set higher gradually up to second rate TH. When releasing the choke gradually in warm-up operation, the pulse rate is lowered so as to obtain a choke opening degree of high precision by a high torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Kamimura, Kouichi Asai, Hitoshi Abe, Ryo Saito, Masashi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7278395
    Abstract: A manually guided implement driven by an internal combustion engine having a carburetor that is actuated by a throttle lever arrangement, which includes a throttle lever that is mounted in the implement so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, and also includes a transmission element that operatively connects the throttle lever with the carburetor. The transmission element is an essentially rigid connecting rod that is mounted on the throttle lever and on an actuating lever of the carburetor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmar Amend, Klaus-Martin Uhl, Sebastian Friedrich
  • Patent number: 7275508
    Abstract: A pull-starter for a combustion engine of an engine-powered apparatus having a startup element automatically actuated upon initial pulling of a pull-cord. The pull-cord is attached to and wound around a recoil pulley, routed at least partially around a portion of a movable dampener member, and attached to a handle. The dampener member is biased toward a rest position and a portion thereof is linked to the startup element. The pull-cord is pulled to displace the dampener member away from its rest position, automatically actuate the at least one startup element, and unwind the pull-cord from around the recoil pulley and thereby rotate the recoil pulley in an unwind direction to rotate a crankshaft of the engine via a coupling. At least upon release of the pull-cord, the dampener member and the startup element automatically return to their normal state during engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventor: George M. Pattullo
  • Patent number: 7267104
    Abstract: A variable valve mechanism (12a, 12b) varies a lift amount and an opening/closing timing of an intake valve (10) of an internal combustion engine (1). During a first period in an engine start operation, wall flow is suppressed by setting the lift amount of the intake valve (10) to be smaller so as to increase the intake air velocity. During a second period, which starts after the first period ends, the atomization of injected fuel is enhanced by increasing a valve overlap amount between the intake valve (10) and an exhaust valve (11) so as to promote blow-back of the combustion gas to an intake port (4). By sequentially applying a process for increasing the intake air velocity and a process for increasing the valve overlap amount, the emission of unburned hydrocarbon during the engine start is effectively reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Watanabe, Ritsuo Satou
  • Patent number: 7255081
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for charging at least one combustion chamber (12) of a spark-ignition combustion engine (10) with fuel and air. At least one combustion chamber charge is produced during a shutoff phase of the internal-combustion engine (10) and is ignited when the internal-combustion engine (10) is subsequently started. The methods are characterized in that, during the shutoff phase, at least one measure is taken to produce a high percentage of fuel vapor in the combustion chamber charge. The present invention also relates to a control unit for controlling the methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Sieber, Jochen Laubender, Andre-Francisco Casal Kulzer
  • Patent number: 7252063
    Abstract: A front panel of an engine generator can have a recess including an upper area and a lower area, separated from each other by a partition. A cock operating portion and a choke operating portion can be laterally aligned with each other in the upper area, and a recoil knob can be located in the lower area. The front panel and the partition can be formed in one body of a resin material. An iron protective portion can be disposed around the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Mazuka, Masanobu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7246591
    Abstract: In an auto-choke system for a general-purpose engine, it is determined whether the operator has operated a combination switch to enable ignition in the engine and based on the result of this determination, the operation of a choke motor (actuator) is controlled to regulate the opening of the choke valve, specifically the operation of the choke motor is controlled to fully open the choke valve when ignition is found to be disabled. As a result, jetting of fuel is minimized and flooding prevented when the recoil starter is manipulated with ignition disabled. In addition, the operation of the choke motor is controlled to fully close the choke valve when ignition is found to be enabled, thereby enhancing the starting performance of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Shinogi, Tomoki Fukushima
  • Patent number: 7213555
    Abstract: A choke valve is controlled finely suited to the running state of an engine. A throttle valve 8 and a choke valve 9 are provided in series on an intake pipe 6, and the opening degree of the choke valve 9 is controlled by a stepping motor. The choke valve opening degree upon start of engine (start opening degree) is determined depending on the engine temperature. The stepping motor 11 is initialized at the fully closed side of the choke valve 9 when the power source for starting the engine is turned on. The start opening degree of the choke valve is judged to be closer to the fully closed side or fully opened side, and the stepping motor 11 is initialized at the fully closed side if judged to be close to the fully closed side, and at the fully opened side if at the fully opened side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Kamimura, Kouichi Asai, Masashi Nakamura, Minoru Tamura, Tomoki Fukushima
  • Patent number: 7191746
    Abstract: An engine start control apparatus includes a crank angle sensor, and a stroke discrimination device that discriminates which of engine cylinders is in intake or compression strokes in an engine stopped state. A crankshaft is temporarily reverse-rotated in a reverse-rotational direction by way of crankshaft reverse-rotation control until an intake valve becomes shifted from a valve closed state to a valve open state, when cranking the engine for startup under a specific condition where a crankangle of an engine cylinder whose piston stroke is in the intake stroke or in the compression stroke, is within a specified crankangle range from 40 degrees of crankangle before a piston B.D.C. position to 40 degrees of crankangle after the piston B.D.C. position. The crankshaft is rotated in a normal-rotational direction by way of crankshaft normal-rotation control after the intake valve has been shifted to the valve open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7171947
    Abstract: In an electrically-actuated throttle device for a general-purpose engine, supply of current to the throttle motor and choke motor for moving the throttle valve and choke valve is started when cranking is detected after activation (power-up) of the electronic control unit (ECU). In other words, supply of current is not started simultaneously with activation of the ECU but is delayed until cranking is detected. Owing to this configuration, no power of the battery is consumed unnecessarily between power-up and starting of the engine. Decrease in the power supplied to the starter motor is therefore prevented, thereby improving the starting performance of the engine. In addition, even if starting of the engine is not commenced after power-up, the battery is not likely to be excessively discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoki Fukushima, Yasuhide Ono
  • Patent number: 7159556
    Abstract: A working angle (lift amount) of an intake valve is set to a predetermined first set value A1 during a period from when starting of the engine is initiated until when the engine is shifted to an initial combustion state, and the working angle is changed to a second set value A2 (=previous value (initial value is A1)+?) that is larger than the first set value A1 during a period from when the engine is shifted to the initial combustion state until when the engine is shifted to a perfect combustion state. When an engine rotational speed becomes equal to or higher than a reference rotational speed n1, it is determined that the engine has been shifted to the perfect combustion state, after which an engine starting routine ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masatomo Yoshihara
  • Patent number: 7159555
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, a starter motor is energized in response to a request for an engine start to perform a cranking of the internal combustion engine. Thereafter, an electric variable valve motor is energized to control a valve opening/closing characteristic to a condition designed to promote the cranking. The start of the energization of the electric variable valve motor is delayed from the start of the energization of the starter motor at least by a predetermined delay period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuneyasu Nohara, Yuzou Akasaka, Kazuto Tomogane, Kazutaka Isoda, Makoto Nakamura, Akinori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7156073
    Abstract: A single idle air control passage (5) open toward a suction air passage (2a) downstream from a throttle valve (4), a starter passage (6) and an air screw passage (7) independently branched from an upstream side passage (5a) of the passage (5), an upstream side of passage (6) communicates with atmospheric air, a downstream side thereof communicates with the upstream passage (5a) of the idle air control passage (5), a start opening and closing valve (10) controlling an opening area of the passage is arranged in the starter passage (6), an upstream side of the passage (7) communicates with an atomospheric air, a downstream side communicates with the upstream side passage (5a) of the idle air control passage (5), and an air screw (11) controlling an opening area of the passage is screwed to the air screw passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventor: Takeo Kure
  • Patent number: 7128036
    Abstract: An auto-choke control device maintains good startability at the time of restarting at high temperature without need of a thermostat specific for an auto-choke. An engine temperature detection device is drivably controlled by a control circuit in response to the engine temperature. A switching detection circuit detects ON or OFF operation of a main switch connected to the control circuit. A self-hold circuit automatically holds power to the control circuit when the main switch is changed from an ON state to an OFF state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7128309
    Abstract: An automatic choke system includes: a wax-type temperature sensing section; and an output section which opens a choke valve of a carburetor in response to heat receiving operation of the temperature sensing section. Temperature sensing section includes: a bottomed cylindrical housing attached to an engine with its bottom portion directed to a high-temperature portion of the engine; a bottomed movable cylinder; a stationary piston slidably supported by the movable cylinder and having one end protruding out of the movable cylinder; and a wax contained in the movable cylinder in a sealed manner, and causing the movable cylinder and the stationary piston to move relative to each other in an axial direction. The movable cylinder is slidably housed in the housing in a state in which an outer end of the stationary piston abuts against an inner surface of the bottom portion of the housing. The output section is connected to the movable cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeki Edamatsu, Hiroshi Moriyama, Takashi Suzuki, Takanori Sato
  • Patent number: 7118097
    Abstract: A device for controlling a choke valve of a carburetor for an engine includes: a choke closed state hold device for holding, in a closing position, a choke lever urged by a spring in a direction for opening the choke valve, when the choke lever is turned to the closing position, the choke closed state hold device releasing the choke lever from the held state by a throttle operation thereafter performed; a control lever which turns between a low-temperature position and a high-temperature position, and which at its low-temperature position limits the position of the choke lever released from the choke closed state hold device to an intermediate position and at its high-temperature position limits the position of the choke lever to an opening position; a first control spring which urges the control lever toward the low-temperature position; and a second control spring which is made of a shape memory alloy, and which turns the control lever to the high-temperature position when the engine temperature reaches a p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Moriyama, Takashi Suzuki, Tetsuya Arai, Takanori Sato
  • Patent number: 7120534
    Abstract: An engine has a fuel injection system and an idle regulating control valve. The idle regulating valve is initialized upon engine shut down by closing to a fully closed position such that a reference value can be obtained in such a position. Once fully closed, the idle regulating valve is opened to a predetermined position and a value is written into memory that indicates that the initialization procedure has been completed. During subsequent restart, if it appears that the initialization procedure has not been completed prior to attempted restart, fuel injection is temporarily suspended. The fuel injection can be suspended during a subsequent initialization, until the idle regulating valve is fully closed or for a predetermined period of time. In some less refined applications, the idle regulating valve can be initialized during engine start up regardless of whether or not it is initialized during engine shut-down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Chitoshi Saito
  • Patent number: 7117834
    Abstract: A choke valve is controlled finely suited to the running state of an engine. A throttle valve 8 and a choke valve 9 are provided in series on an intake pipe 6, and the opening degree of the choke valve 9 is controlled by a stepping motor 11. A choke valve opening degree upon start of engine (start opening degree) is determined depending on the engine temperature. The start opening degree judging unit 27 judges whether the start opening degree is closer to the fully closed side or fully opened side. The motor initializing unit 28 initializes the stepping motor 11 at the fully closed side or the fully opened side if the start opening degree is at the fully closed side or the fully opened side, respectively. After choke release, a driving signal in a specified number of steps is issued periodically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Kamimura, Masashi Nakamura, Kouichi Asai
  • Patent number: 7097163
    Abstract: A device for controlling a choke valve of a carburetor for an engine, includes a choke closed state hold device for holding, in a closing position, a choke lever connected to the choke valve of a carburetor and urged by a spring in a direction for opening the choke valve, when the choke lever is turned to the closing position, the choke closed state hold device releasing the choke lever from the held state by a throttle operation of the carburetor after a start of the engine. The choke closed state hold device includes a lock arm provided continuously with a throttle lever and a locked arm provided continuously with the choke lever, the lock arm and the locked arm elastically surmounting each other when the choke lever is turned to the closing position in a state where the throttle lever is in the opening position corresponding to a full open position of the throttle valve, so that the lock arm prevents the locked arm from turning back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Moriyama, Takashi Suzuki, Tetsuya Arai, Takanori Sato
  • Patent number: 7080626
    Abstract: An engine system includes an engine having an intake manifold, a cylinder and an intake mixture motion system. The intake mixture motion system includes a plate disposed upstream of the cylinder and an actuator that moves the plate between an open position and a closed position to direct cylinder air flow. The plate is in the closed position for a predetermined period after engine start-up. A fuel system communicates with the engine and supplies a first quantity of liquid fuel to the engine at a first A/F ratio. The fuel system supplies a second quantity of vapor fuel to the engine at a second A/F ratio to provide a fuel mixture having a third A/F ratio during the predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Ament, Mary Beth Furness
  • Patent number: 7077099
    Abstract: In a starting time in which an air motion is little, a means for heightening the motion is added, from the starting time a stratification combustion operation is enabled to carry out, and a discharge of an unburned fuel is minimized. From the starting time of an engine (from the first combustion cylinder) it is possible to carry out a stable stratification combustion. In accordance with the stratification combustion in the exhaust air, a large quantity of the surplus oxygen remains. In the engine in the exhaust stroke twice (two times) fuel injection is carried out and the after-burn phenomenon is caused in the exhaust port and then the exhaust gas temperature can be raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mamoru Fujieda, Hiroshi Fujii, Takuya Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 7055483
    Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve timing so that an internal combustion engine may be quickly started. Electromechanical valves are controlled to allow an engine to start with reduced cranking time. The method controls intake and exhaust valves without an explicit four-stroke engine cycle during a start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John D. Russell, Nate Trask
  • Patent number: 7040304
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine, simplifying a direct start after an engine shutdown. A compressor is provided for compressing the fresh air supplied to an internal combustion engine of the internal combustion engine. The compressor is activated to fill at least one cylinder when the combustion engine is coasting, this cylinder coming to a standstill in a position suitable for a subsequent direct start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Kassner
  • Patent number: 7040271
    Abstract: In a method for making it easier to start an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder in which there is at least one piston which is intended to execute an oscillating motion between a top dead center and a bottom dead center, air or a fuel-air mixture is drawn in via an induction line as a result of a movement of the piston toward the bottom dead center. After the bottom dead center has been passed and after the piston has started to move toward the top dead center, the air or the fuel-air mixture is discharged from the cylinder via the induction line. Intake valves are closed at a time which is shifted toward the top dead center. A control element arranged in the induction line closes the induction line after the piston has passed the bottom dead center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Roland Kemmler, Johannes Leweux, Dietmar Schroeer
  • Patent number: 6990940
    Abstract: An engine starting device includes an air-intake flow channel in which air sucked by an engine flows. A throttle valve is provided in the air-intake flow channel for controlling airflow. An air channel bypassing the throttle valve and communicating the air-intake flow channel between an upstream side and a downstream side of the throttle valve is also provided. The air channel includes a first channel portion and a second channel portion. A first opening-closing valve opens and closes the first channel portion of the air channel and a control device controls the first opening-closing valve. The engine starting device also includes a second opening-closing valve opening and closing the second channel portion and the first channel portion. The control device determines a starting state of the engine, controls the first opening-closing valve to open the first channel portion when the engine is not in the starting state and to close the first channel portion after the engine has started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Taisuke Sakurai
  • Patent number: 6988477
    Abstract: An engine is cranked by a motor generator at a start time of the engine. An engine ECU opens an intake valve or an exhaust valve during a compression stroke using a valve control mechanism during a period from when cranking is started until when a predetermined crank angle position (detected by a crank angle sensor) is reached, thereby reducing a compression workload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Kataoka, Kimitoshi Tsuji, Yasushi Kusaka
  • Patent number: 6971357
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the initial conditions for starting a direct injection, spark-ignition internal combustion engine. Measures, such as adjusting the throttle valve, a varying inlet and exhaust valve timings, operating a secondary-air pump, ensures that the internal combustion engine, when running down, scavenges exhaust gases from the cylinder by providing fresh air into the. Furthermore, measures are undertaken for the braking and/or active rotation of the internal combustion engine so that it is a suitable position for renewed starting, the restarting being accomplished without the aid of a starter motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Klemens Grieser, Ulrich Kramer
  • Patent number: 6957633
    Abstract: An interlocking lever having first and second cam faces is mounted on a throttle valve stem, and a throttle valve is arbitrarily opened to perform start-up in a state in which the first cam face makes contact with the choke valve lever and the interlocking lever is stopped during low-temperature start-up with the choke valve closed. After the choke valve has been returned to the fully open position, the throttle valve alone is opened with a small degree of opening to perform low-load operation; and in the mid- and high-load region, the interlocking lever integrally turns with the throttle valve, the second cam face pushes the air valve lever, and the throttle valve and air valve are caused to open and close proportionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Zama Japan
    Inventors: Mamoru Toda, Satoru Araki
  • Patent number: 6932058
    Abstract: A carburetor arrangement is provided for an internal combustion engine that is to be started with a pull cord. A fuel channel that is connected with a fuel-filled storage space opens into and supplies fuel to an intake channel portion as a function of the underpressure in the intake channel portion. The underpressure in the intake channel portion is increased during the start-up process via a start-up mechanism. To keep the engine ready to run with the start-up mechanism engaged, a control valve is disposed between the storage space and where the fuel channel opens into the intake channel portion. The control valve is opened or closed by a control unit as a function of the speed of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans Nickel, Claus Naegele
  • Patent number: 6925979
    Abstract: A method for the operation of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine with intake and exhaust valves and at least one braking valve for each cylinder, the braking valves being connected to a common pressure vessel (braking rail), wherein during the start-up phase of the internal combustion engine a first group of cylinders is cut off from the fuel supply such that the cylinders of this first group operate as compressors which charge the pressure vessel via their braking valves with compressed air, and the cylinders of a second group of cylinders which are supplied with fuel are charged with compressed air from the pressure vessel via their braking valves, such that the compression pressure and compression temperature in the cylinders of the second group is raised during the start-up phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Felix Seitz
  • Patent number: 6886515
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine equipped with a variable valve timing control device includes the variable valve timing control device for restricting a relative rotation between a crankshaft and an exhaust camshaft at a starting of the internal combustion engine at a most advanced angle phase or at an intermediate angle phase between the most advanced angle phase and a most retarded angle phase. An apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine equipped with a variable valve timing control device further includes a throttle valve control means for controlling an opening of the throttle valve provided at an intake passage of the internal combustion engine. The throttle valve control means controls the throttle valve to be opened when the internal combustion engine is started, thereby to restrict the relative rotation between the crankshaft and the exhaust camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazumi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 6886518
    Abstract: A retainer retains a release member for engine valves of an internal combustion engine. The release member causes an engine valve to be actuated depending on various operating conditions of the engine, such as engine speed or oil level. The retainer retains the release member to at least one of a cam lobe and a cam gear. The release member may be substantially L-shaped and centrifugally responsive. Alternatively, the release member may be a substantially U-shaped yoke that at least partially surrounds a cam shaft. The retainer includes a pin that is substantially transverse and non-intersecting to the cam shaft. The pin may be substantially straight and interconnect to bosses that project from the cam gear. Alternatively, the pin may be substantially C-shaped and extend into apertures in the cam gear that extend in the axial direction of the cam gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Gary J. Gracyalny, John H. Thiermann
  • Patent number: 6879905
    Abstract: Engine cranking control is ended when it is detected that the battery voltage for driving the starter is lowered to at least as low as a starter drive judgment value and thereafter, returns to at least a starter stop judgment value during the engine cranking control that is started on condition that an engine is rotating. A start for driving a starter and a stop of driving the starter can be distinguished based on battery voltage where the battery voltage recovers due to a rapid reduction of consuming current and a rapid increase of a generating current when a driver recognizes an engine combustion completion and stops a starter driving. As a result, on increase of an engine friction, the cranking control is accurately ended, preventing deterioration of a fuel economy and excess exhaust gas emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahisa Koseki, Tetsuya Iwasaki, Takashi Nakazawa, Masahiko Yuya
  • Patent number: 6874457
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a centrifugally-responsive vacuum release mechanism that relieves a vacuum within a combustion chamber during the expansion stroke of an engine at engine starting speeds. The vacuum release mechanism is disposed adjacent the cam and engages a cam follower at engine starting speeds to unseat an engine valve while an engine piston is moving toward a crankcase and away from the combustion chamber. When the engine rotation speed reaches a desired kick-out speed, the centrifugal force transitions the vacuum release mechanism from an engaged position to a disengaged position. The vacuum release mechanism engages the cam follower to separate the cam follower from the cam when the vacuum release mechanism is in the engaged position. When the vacuum release mechanism is in the disengaged position during normal operating speeds, the cam follower is permitted to contact the cam throughout the entire rotation of the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Gary J. Gracyalny, John H. Thiermann
  • Patent number: 6871623
    Abstract: The present invention provides a working machine having an internal combustion engine. The working machine includes a single operation unit comprised of a rotatable body adapted to be selectively rotated between an engine-stop position, engine-start position and choke-activation position, a valve to be rotated about an rotation shaft, an arm attached to the rotation shaft and a link member adapted to be moved in its longitudinal direction to transmit the movement of the rotatable body to the arm. The link member has a distal end coupled with the arm and a proximal end coupled with the rotatable body, and extends between the distal and proximal ends. The rotatable body is formed with an elongated slot receiving the proximal end therein. When the rotatable body is rotated from the engine-stop position to the engine-start position, the proximal end is allowed to displace relative to the rotatable body along the elongated slot without causing any movement of the link member in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Kioritz Corp.
    Inventors: Hisato Ohsawa, Katsuya Tajima, Fujio Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6848405
    Abstract: A self-relieving choke starting system for a carburetor of a combustion engine has an elongated cammed latch which projects radially outward from a rotating shaft of a choke valve located in an upstream region of a fuel-and-air mixing passage carried by a body of the carburetor. During a first attempt at starting a cold engine, the user manually rotates the choke valve from a spring biased open to a full choke position whereupon a cam end of the latch contacts a follower arm, which projects radially outward from a rotating shaft of a throttle valve located downstream of a venturi of the mixing passage. As the choke valve manually rotates closed, the throttle valve automatically rotates in an open direction against the biasing force of a throttle spring from a slow idle state, for normal engine operation, to a fast idle state for engine starting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management , L.L.C.
    Inventors: Paul J. Dow, Joseph M. Graham
  • Patent number: 6830023
    Abstract: An engine starting system that includes a power source, an electromagnetic coil and core, and a choke valve disposed in an air intake of an air/fuel-mixing device of an internal combustion engine. At the time of starting the engine, the power source outputs an electrical signal to an electromagnetic coil and core, inducing a magnetic field from the electromagnetic coil and the core. The magnetic field from the core moves the choke valve toward a substantially closed position that enriches an intake mixture of fuel and air to the engine during starting. In one embodiment, the power source includes a moving magnet that interacts with a stator coil to provide the electrical signal to the electromagnetic coil. In another embodiment, the closing of a starter switch allows a battery to provide the electrical power to the electromagnetic coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Tharman, Curtis L. Schultz, Jeffrey C. Blonski, Thomas G. Guntly
  • Publication number: 20040237924
    Abstract: An engine starting device includes an air-intake flow channel in which air sucked by an engine flows. A throttle valve is provided in the air-intake flow channel for controlling airflow. An air channel bypassing the throttle valve and communicating the air-intake flow channel between an upstream side and a downstream side of the throttle valve is also provided. The air channel includes a first channel portion and a second channel portion. A first opening-closing valve opens and closes the first channel portion of the air channel and a control device controls the first opening-closing valve. The engine starting device also includes a second opening-closing valve opening and closing the second channel portion and the first channel portion. The control device determines a starting state of the engine, controls the first opening-closing valve to open the first channel portion when the engine is not in the starting state and to close the first channel portion after the engine has started.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Taisuke Sakurai
  • Patent number: 6823849
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders, a fuel injection system and method sets an amount of fuel injected into each cylinder sequentially in a first cycle of fuel injection during a normal engine start in which an engine speed increases, such that an amount of fuel to be injected into one of the cylinders where the last injection is to be performed within the first cycle is larger than an amount of fuel to be injected into another one of the cylinders in the first injection within the first cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Ichinose, Yuuichi Katou, Masahiro Ozawa, Nao Murase