Fuel Cut-off Patents (Class 123/198DB)
  • Patent number: 6126407
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pump device for high-pressure fuel delivery in fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, in particular in a common rail injection system, including a radial piston pump (2, 68, 80) with a drive shaft (38, 74, 114) that is supported in a pump housing (14) and is embodied eccentrically or has cam-like projections in the circumference direction, preferably with a number of pistons that are each disposed in a cylinder chamber radially in relation to the drive shaft and can be driven to reciprocate in the cylinder chamber when the drive shaft rotates, and with a check valve on the intake side and the high pressure side, and a low pressure pump (4, 71, 82) connected before the radial piston pump; in order to improve the pump device in such a way that it is more compact and can be produced more cheaply and the danger of the occurrence of leaks is reduced, the low pressure pump (4, 71, 82) is provided on or in the pump housing (14) of the radial piston pump (2, 68, 80), on the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Guentert, Bernd Streicher, Uwe Kuhn, Juergen Hammer, Thomas Lettner
  • Patent number: 6105553
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating an internal combustion engine in which in the event of erroneous fuel injection, combustion is maintained following the expansion stroke via a constantly hot spot in the combustion chamber, in such a way that erroneously introduced fuel is combusted, by reducing the oxygen content in the combustion chamber, such that no later than by the end of the compression stroke of the engine, a possible conversion of existing fuel and existing oxygen can no longer occur to any substantial extent, because of the heating of the contents of the combustion chamber toward the end of the compression stroke, thus preventing this malfunction from destroying the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Polach
  • Patent number: 6101997
    Abstract: This invention concerns a fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine in which a cut-off is provided to interrupt the fuel supply. The fuel injection system has a pump element with a suction bore (3) wherein the suction bore (3) of the pump element can be closed by means of a valve body (70 arranged on a flexible tappet to interrupt the fuel supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Motorenfabrik Hatz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Guenter Kampichler, Herbert Geier
  • Patent number: 6092500
    Abstract: A delivery device for fuel to an internal combustion engine, which includes a fuel reservoir. After the engine is shut off or in the event of an accident, there is the danger that the pressurized fuel present in the fuel reservoir will escape from the delivery device. A blocking device is provided on the fuel reservoir, which after the engine is shut off or after an accident, the blocking device engages with an actuation rod that is provided with detent teeth, by means of an electromagnetically actuated locking pin and thus prevents a force impingement of a compression spring on the movable wall of the fuel reservoir. By use of the blocking devices the pressure in the fuel line is completely reduced even after the escape of small fuel quantities. The delivery device is suited for mixture-compressing internal combustion engines with externally supplied ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Kurt Frank, Detlef Classe, Albert Gerhard, Ulrich Projahn
  • Patent number: 6085716
    Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine, in particular a one cylinder diesel engine, with a fuel injection system. The engine is provided with a mechanical control device comprising an actuator and a control element for automatic interruption of the fuel supply in case of a lack of lubricating oil. The control circuit actuator is equipped with a vacuum advance (15) with a membrane (12) for the pressurization of a closing tappet (10), in which a pressure chamber, formed by the membrane (12) and the vacuum advance (15), is open to the atmosphere. In addition, the control conduit (18) is equipped with a connection (20) on the side of the oil circuit and a connection (22) on the side of the crankcase, in order to produce a depression the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Motorenfabrik Hatz GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Guenter Kampichler, Albert Madl
  • Patent number: 6082323
    Abstract: A fuel shutoff system that is usable on engines without a battery, and is inexpensive to manufacture. The fuel shutoff system operates without interfering with the engine governor, and effectively blocks the fuel flow downstream of the fuel bowl upon engine shutdown. The invention is a fuel shutoff system for an internal combustion engine, wherein the engine has a carburetor with a fuel bowl and a fuel nozzle, an intake valve, and a fuel conduit between the fuel bowl and the intake valve. The engine also includes a gas passageway through which a gas may pass to an intake valve of the engine. The engine has a throttle valve disposed in the passageway, and the blocking apparatus is distinct from the throttle valve. The invention includes a blocking member disposed in the gas passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Winberg
  • Patent number: 6076507
    Abstract: A pump system for preventing hot start knock in a diesel engine following engine shut down carried by fuel leakage into one or more of the combustion chambers of a multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine equipped with a fuel system including open nozzle injectors connected with a common rail. The system includes a transfer pump (46) in fluid communication with the common rail (50) and the fuel tank (48) for pumping fuel out of the common rail and into the fuel tank. A transfer pump control module (82) is provided for actuating the transfer pump (46) for a period of time following engine shut down to remove a sufficient amount of fuel from the common rail to prevent fuel from leakage through the open nozzles. The control system module may include a timer (96) and a voltage sensor (86) to sense condition of a fuel shut off valve (64). A retrofit kit (FIG. 5) is provided including a control module bracket (98) and a transfer module bracket (102).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman C. Blizard, Thomas Kozlowski, Raymond J. Amlung, George L. Muntean, William D. Daniel
  • Patent number: 6024068
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a control for an engine of a watercraft. The watercraft is preferably of the personal variety, and includes a water propulsion device which is driven by an output shaft of the engine. The engine has at least one combustion chamber, an intake system providing air to the combustion chamber, a fuel system providing fuel to the combustion chamber for combustion therein, and an ignition system including at least one ignition element associated with the combustion chamber. The watercraft engine control is of the type which does not include a main switch, but is arranged to turn on electrical systems of the engine when the engine is started and shut them off when the engine is stopped. The control includes a lanyard switch having first and second positions. In a first position the lanyard switch permits power to flow to the ignition element and the electrically-powered engine features, such as a fuel delivery mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryoichi Nakase, Shigeyuki Ozawa, Keiichi Hiki
  • Patent number: 6009860
    Abstract: A method for responding to detection of an open fault condition in a gaseous fuel admission valve for providing a flow of gaseous fuel to an affected combustion cylinder of an engine, the engine including at least one other gaseous fuel admission valve for providing a flow of gaseous fuel to at least one other combustion cylinder, a gaseous fuel shut off valve for controlling gaseous fuel flow from a source of gaseous fuel to a gaseous fuel manifold in communication with the gaseous fuel admission valve, and apparatus for causing ignition of a mixture of the gaseous fuel and air in each combustion cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Brown, Martin L. Willi
  • Patent number: 5954032
    Abstract: A control for an injection system of a multicylinder internal combustion engine has a high pressure pump connected to a distributor element provided with outlet openings from which branch lines lead separately to groups of injection valves. The distributor element has first and second spring biased pistons that are operable to block selectively fuel to the branch lines, each of the pistons having a throttle point situated therein. When a major leak develops downstream from the distributor element, the branch line in which the leak has occurred is automatically shut off by the associated piston in the distributor element, due to the imbalance in pressure which results. When a minor leak develops, one of the branch lines is automatically closed by a control unit shutting off the injection valves associated with the other branch line, while the high pressure pump continues to deliver for at least one operating cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Augustin, Gerhard Fraenkle, Claus-Juergen Schimmeyer
  • Patent number: 5928296
    Abstract: A method of controlling engine starting of a vehicle having a powertrain control module and passive anti-theft system includes the steps of operating the engine after validation of a code by the passive anti-theft system, monitoring stopping of the vehicle engine during normal operating conditions of the powertrain control module, setting a fuel value in a software register of the powertrain control module to a non-starting value which fuel value is defaulted to in case of abnormal operation conditions of the powertrain control module, and disallowing starting of the vehicle engine during abnormal operating conditions of the powertrain control module when the fuel value contains the non-starting value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Timothy Trzeciak
  • Patent number: 5913294
    Abstract: An outboard motor for a watercraft includes a simply structured fuel supply system of a smaller size and a longer life than prior fuel supply systems. The fuel supply system includes a delivery fuel tank carried by the outboard motor. Fuel is pumped from an external fuel supply tank carried by the watercraft to the delivery fuel tank by a low-pressure fuel pump located within the outboard motor. A control system controls the low-pressure fuel pump so that a predetermined level of fuel is maintained in the delivery fuel tank. The control system includes a fluid level detection sensor that detects the level of fuel within the delivery fuel tank and produces a corresponding signal indicative of the fuel level. A control unit circuit receives the fluid level signal and determines if the fluid level in the tank is higher or lower than a predetermined maximum fuel level. If the fluid level is determined to be higher than a maximum fuel level, the control unit circuit deactivates the low-pressure fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Takahashi, Hitoshi Watanabe, Masaru Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5878710
    Abstract: A fuel injection shutdown system for a fuel injected internal combustion engine having mechanical fuel injectors with a return spring and lifter bodies slidably disposed in lifter guides comprises a slot formed in the lifter guides to receive a hydraulic cartridge and a slot in the lifter bodies which registers with the slots in the lifter guides, but are longer, the hydraulic cartridge extends into the slots in the lifter bodies, as the lifter bodies are reciprocated by an injection cam and the hydraulic cartridge does not contact the slots in the lifter bodies and the hydraulic cartridges have a stop pin slidably disposed therein and have a hydraulic duct which when filled with pressurized hydraulic fluid causes the stop pin to extend from the hydraulic cartridge contact the top of the slot in the lifter body and hold the lifter body off the cam preventing the fuel injectors from injecting fuel into the engine in two engine revolutions and stopping the engine to prevent harm to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Albrecht M. Ritter, Robert L. Miller, T. Pin Shyu, Steven E. Wilder, Glenn B. Cox
  • Patent number: 5875864
    Abstract: A control system is provided for a hybrid vehicle including an internal combustion engine, a drive shaft driven by the engine, a generator for converting kinetic energy of the drive shaft to electrical energy to generate electric power, and an electrical storage device for storing electrical energy output from the generator. Deceleration of the engine is detected. Supply of fuel to the engine is interrupted during the deceleration of the engine. An amount of intake air supplied to the engine is controlled such that the amount of intake air supplied to the engine is increased when the generator regenerates electrical energy during the deceleration of the engine. Calculation is made of an amount of electrical energy to be regenerated by the generator during the deceleration of the engine. An output from the generator is controlled based on the amount of electrical energy calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Yano, Takahiro Yonekura, Hidehito Ikebe, Yusuke Tatara, Yutaka Tamagawa
  • Patent number: 5845623
    Abstract: A leak prevention device including an expandable chamber and control valve for preventing fuel leakage into the combustion chambers of a internal combustion engine equipped with a common rail fule injection system including open nozzle injectors and a shut off valve mounted in the common rail upstream of the fuel injectors to isolate, when closed, the fuel injectors from the source of fuel under pressure. The expandable chamber contains a variable volume held in its collapsed condition during engine operation and expanded upon engine shutdown sufficiently to prevent the flow of fuel from any injector into the corresponding combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman C. Blizard, Raymond J. Amlung, George L. Muntean, Edward D. Smith, Mark Pounder, Dan K. Vetters
  • Patent number: 5829418
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine including a fuel tank having a resin liner. The fuel tank is constructed so as to withstand refueling of compressed gaseous fuel. Fuel filled in the fuel tank is supplied to the engine through a fuel supply passage. When the pressure within the fuel tank drops below a predetermined value, the supply of fuel to the engine is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masayuki Tamura, Kazuo Takeuchi, Fumihiro Yamaguchi, Hajime Endo, Kenichiro Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 5821631
    Abstract: A security system for a vehicle includes a keyboard for receiving input codes that comprise user input codes and a start code. A processor is operably coupled to the keyboard for receiving signals indicative of each input user code and the start code, wherein the processor provides an output signal if an input user code corresponds to an user code and is followed by the start code. The processor also provides the output signal if the start code has been entered during an adjustable time period after the vehicle has been turned off. A controlled device is operably connected to the processor and controls a component of the vehicle to allow the vehicle to start when the output signal from the processor is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Clark Equipment Company
    Inventors: Orlan J. Loraas, Scott B. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 5816220
    Abstract: In a process and in a device for monitoring a fuel delivery system, in particular a common rail system for a diesel engine, a defect in the delivery system is found when a signal from a temperature sensor and/or a pressure sensor deviates from a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Stumpp, Johannes Locher, Claus Maier, Jurgen Biester, Werner Teschner, Wilhelm Eyberg, Jochen Neumeister
  • Patent number: 5797374
    Abstract: A pressure control valve includes a downstream pressure control valve disposed between a fuel pipe and a fuel rail. An opening-closing valve can be integrally formed with the downstream pressure control valve. A relief valve can be disposed to bypass the downstream pressure control valve. The downstream pressure control valve opens or closes the fuel passage leading to the fuel rail so that fuel pressure in the fuel rail is maintained at a predetermined value. When the engine is stopped, the fuel passage is closed to decrease leakage of fuel from the fuel injector. When the fuel pump is again operated, the by-pass relief valve is opened by the pressure of fuel in the fuel pipe. Thus, fuel is supplied from an upstream side to a downstream side and fuel pressure in the fuel rail is increased rapidly for engine re-start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuji Minagawa, Kiyotoshi Oi
  • Patent number: 5765522
    Abstract: A low-cost solenoid is provided for stopping an engine, which reduces the possibility of the occurrence of damage, generates little noise due to impact and is of a simple structure. The solenoid includes a suction coil and a holding coil both located within a solenoid body. Current to the suction coil is shut off by means of the movement of a plunger. The solenoid further includes an end wall provided at one end of the solenoid body, a pin which slidably extends through the end wall, a fixed contact provided adjacent the end wall and a leaf-spring shape movable contact configured to be in contact with the fixed contact in a non-operating position of said plunger. When the plunger is brought into an operating position, it contacts the above-mentioned pin to release the contact between the movable contact and the fixed contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Kyosan Denki Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hiroya Tagami
  • Patent number: 5730098
    Abstract: An engine shut down apparatus of an internal combustion engine having a magneto type ignition system comprises a magneto generator, a power source circuit, an engine stop switch, a fuel cut drive circuit, a fuel cut-off solenoid valve, an engine stop circuit and a fuel cut-off/ignition stop circuit. When the engine stop switch is turned on, in the fuel cut-off/ignition stop circuit, an engine stop instruction signal is sent to the fuel cut-off drive circuit and then the fuel cut-off solenoid valve is operated so as to close the fuel supply to the engine. On the other hand, in the fuel cut-off/ignition stop circuit, the engine stop instruction signal is sent to the engine stop circuit after a specified time has elapsed so as to operate the engine stop circuit with a time lag. Then, the engine stop circuit short-circuits the ignition system so as to stop ignition. Further, the fuel cut-off/ignition stop circuit is electrically separated with respect to electric noises from the ignition system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Asao Sasaki, Shin-ichi Okazaki, Masami Minegishi
  • Patent number: 5727516
    Abstract: In a method of controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine with fuel injection by way of a common high pressure (common rail) fuel supply line to which high pressure fuel is supplied by a high pressure fuel pump and from which fuel is admitted to the various cylinders of the internal combustion engine by valve controlled fuel injection nozzles, the fuel pressure in the common fuel supply line between the end of an injection and the start of a fuel supply period is monitored at distinct timely spaced measurement points and, if a pressure difference between the measurement points is sensed in excess of a predetermined limit value indicating an injector malfunction, the high pressure fuel supply to the common fuel supply line is interrupted by deactivating the high pressure fuel pump while fuel injection through the operative nozzles is maintained so as to rapidly reduce the pressure in the common fuel supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Mercedes - Benz AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Augustin, Volker Schwarz
  • Patent number: 5720250
    Abstract: A throttle actuating device for an internal combustion engine of a soil compacting device, the internal combustion engine having a diaphragm carburetor and a connection between the fuel tank and the diaphragm carburetor, includes a control mechanism for switching the diaphragm carburetor into different operating positions including a full load position, an idle position, an intermediate position, and a turn-off position for the internal combustion engine. The intermediate position is located between the idle position and the turn-off position in the travel path of the control mechanism. The control mechanism, when being moved from the idle position toward the turn-off position, shuts off the connection 32 for interrupting fuel flow from the fuel tank to the diaphragm carburetor when passing through the intermediate position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Wacker Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Greppmair, Wolfgang Hausler
  • Patent number: 5715786
    Abstract: A device for detecting leakage in a fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine in which fuel is pumped from a fuel container under pressure by at least one pump and reaches injection valves over corresponding lines, the device has a control unit, a plurality of operating condition detecting sensors detecting operating conditions of the internal combustion engine and sending signals to the control unit, a return line with a valve formed so that excess fuel is returnable to the fuel container, the valve being connected with the control unit so that when the control unit detects a predetermined operating state of the engine from the signals of the operating condition sensors, the control unit closes the valve, and a pressure sensor, and a pressure sensor operative for measuring a fuel pressure when the valve is closed and connected to the control unit so that the pressure sensor supplies to the control unit a signal corresponding to the measured pressure, and the control unit compares the signal corresp
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Seiberth
  • Patent number: 5691692
    Abstract: A portable machine having a frame and an engine supported by the frame, the engine having a power source and an engine cutoff device connected to the engine. In combination with the machine is a machine diagnosis circuit comprised of at least one protective switch connected in series with the engine power source and the engine cutoff device. The circuit also includes a diagnosis indicator combination wired across each of the at least one protective switches, the diagnosis indicator combination is comprised of an LED pair and resistor. In order to provide an indication of a machine problem, an indicator panel is located along the outside of the machine. The panel overlays the LED pairs and includes at least one icon which is illuminated by the LED pair to provide an outside readable graphical indication of the existence and location of the machine problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Dale R. Herbstritt
  • Patent number: 5680844
    Abstract: A rotary distributor fuel injection pump includes a pumping plunger housed in a bore and has a spill valve member integrally formed with an actuator piston contained in a cylinder. High pressure fuel from the bore can be admitted to the one end of the cylinder to move the actuator piston and valve member away from the seating by opening an on/off valve. When the spilled fuel has been returned to the bore further fuel flows to the bore by way of the on/off valve and this fuel flows to the on/off valve through a non-return valve from a source of fuel under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Lucas Industries public Limited Company
    Inventors: George Nicholas Felton, Michael Peter Cooke
  • Patent number: 5664539
    Abstract: An inherently fail-safe automatic remote-control and engine protection device of electromechanical/hydraulic assembly is supplied by engine lube oil and controlled by circuitry, acting on an existing non-included throttle or governor, especially in diesel generator standby applications, so as to enhance utility, engine reliability and longevity, all without engine modification. This assembly is a linear actuator, of few parts and no levers, basically comprised of a pull solenoid and a spring-return hydraulic cylinder contained within a guide tube which is held stationary. The solenoid armature is indirectly attached to one end of a cable and the engine governor is linked to the other end. The hydraulic cylinder's rod is rigidly attached to an actuator tube which is a sliding sleeve to the guide tube. The actuator tube itself is coupled to the cable such as to allow independent operation of said cable by solenoid, cylinder, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: John Vieira
  • Patent number: 5638793
    Abstract: A fuel injection pump for internal combustion engines in which to control the fuel injection quantities with the internal combustion engine cold, a first control edge is provided. For controlling the start of fuel injection with the internal combustion engine hot, a second control edge and a third control edge are provided. Assigned to respective control edges are provided a first and second oblique control edge, by means of which an effective pump piston feed stroke is controlled according to the rotary position of the pump piston. To switch off the internal combustion engine, in the region of transition from the first control edge to the second control edge the assignment of this second control edge to the second oblique control edge is provided in such a way that injection ceases on account of an overlap with a control port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Rapp, Alexander Tyrolt, Karsten Hummel, Werner Faupel, Hans-Joachim Peters
  • Patent number: 5632250
    Abstract: Supply of fuel is stopped when fuel pressure sensed by a pressure sensor provided upstream of a regulator is at a predetermined value or less to avoid abnormal combustion caused by improper adjustment of air/fuel ratio. Even slight variation of the fuel pressure is sensed by monitoring the fuel pressure in an interval after closing a fuel shut-off valve once opened to re-opening of it. In addition, an abnormal state in the fuel system is detected by comparing an accumulated value of amount of injected fuel and an estimated value of fuel consumption in the tank. Furthermore, the peak current value of the fuel injection valve is controlled so that, when the engine at a low temperature is started, lift load of the injection valve is larger than sticking force of the injection valve, thereby preventing such situation where the injection valve is frozen so that it cannot supply fuel to the engine. In this case, the engine can be smoothly started by simultaneously controlling the valve open time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Kato, Yoshikazu Ohshima, Eisaku Gosho, Kazuhiro Ueda, Shigeo Hidai, Akira Murakami, Toshiyuki Nishida, Shigeru Aoki, Ryuichi Noseyama, Kenichiro Ishibashi, Katsunori Nakamura, Nobuo Arai
  • Patent number: 5615645
    Abstract: An engine control arrangement including a fuel injector and an engine stop for disabling the running for the engine. In order to facilitate restarting, the fuel injector is permitted to continue to discharge fuel for a time period after the engine stop control is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Kanno
  • Patent number: 5606945
    Abstract: A fuel shut-off valve is particularly adapted for fuel systems using alcohol fuel wherein the alcohol fuel is typically pumped via an on-off valve to a fuel injection system and recirculated back to the alcohol fuel tank. The fuel shut-off valve of the invention is located between the fuel pump and the fuel injection system and is adapted to receive excess fuel from the injectors and direct it back to the fuel pump. In addition, a bypass valve arrangement directs fuel from the fuel pump to either the fuel injection system in the on or open position or back to the fuel pump when the valve is closed. The fuel shut-off valve also has a positive locking mechanism which retains the valve in the open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: John W. Sealock
  • Patent number: 5592387
    Abstract: A method of controlling operation of a compressed natural gas vehicle as a function of a predetermined level of methane in the ambient. Vehicle ignition is turned off when a predetermined level of methane is sensed in the ambient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Mordecai Shelef, Eleftherios M. Logothetis
  • Patent number: 5571243
    Abstract: A device presenting a high-pressure pump, and a low-pressure pump connected pstream from the first. To prevent damage in the event of a fault on the device, the connection between the low- and high-pressure pumps is provided with a cutoff valve which is closed in the event of a fault on the low-pressure pump to prevent the intake of solid particles by the high-pressure pump. Also, in the event of a fault on one of the injectors, detected on the basis of the operating conditions of the engine, the low-pressure pump is disconnected to prevent seriously damaging the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Elasis Sistema Ricerca Fiat Nel Mezzogiorno Societa Consortile Per Azioni
    Inventors: Bernhard Arnold, Egon Eisenbacher, Franz Pawellek
  • Patent number: 5561332
    Abstract: This invention relates to an anti-theft device for an engine-driven vehicle having a control unit for controlling either of the supply of fuel to an engine and the ignition timing of this fuel, and a back-up mechanism acting for the control unit when the control unit is damaged. It is determined whether or not the control unit has functioned appropriately when the engine is started up, and if it is determined that it has not, the function of the back-up mechanism is prohibited. Hence, the engine will not start and theft of the vehicle is prevented even if, for example, the control unit is deliberately damaged and an attempt is made to start the engine. However, the back-up mechanism does function if the control unit develops a fault while the vehicle is running, and the vehicle therefore continues to run.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Udo, Sadao Kobayashi, Hiroshi Funakoshi
  • Patent number: 5551390
    Abstract: A fuel injection control system for an internal combustion engine has at least one unit injector for injecting fuel into each cylinder, and an actuator provided for each of the at least one unit injector for varying the stroke of a plunger of the each unit injector. When a rise ratio of rotational speed of the engine calculated exceeds a predetermined value, the actuator is shifted to a predetermined position, thereby preventing an abnormal rise in the rotational speed of the engine. Similarly, when a no-load condition of the engine is detected, the actuator is shifted to a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakuni Tsuge, Hidenobu Nagase
  • Patent number: 5549084
    Abstract: The pull-in coil of a fuel shut-off solenoid on an engine is connected to a thermistor circuit for limiting the current to the pull-in coil. The pull-in coil is connected to ground through terminals of a control relay and through a thermistor. The activation coil of the control relay is also connected to the thermistor. When power is initially supplied to the pull-in coil, the resistance of the thermistor is low and current flow is sufficient to activate the fuel shut-off solenoid. The initial low resistance also assures that the voltage at the control relay activation coil remains near ground so the control relay initially remains deactivated. As the thermistor heats and resistance increases, pull-in coil current diminishes and voltage at the control relay increases until the control relay activates to interrupt power to the thermistor. The thermistor cools so that upon occurrence of the next pull-in solenoid activation pulse, the solenoid pull-in coil will immediately activate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Rudolph A. Peterson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5549097
    Abstract: A system 10 for controlling the operation of a propane powered vehicle engine includes a gas sensor 28 for providing a fuel rich signal and a fuel lean signal to a controller 20. The controller is also responsive to a tachometer 26 which senses the engine rpm. When the engine speed is in excess of a preselected value and is not decelerating, the controller generates an unacceptable engine operation signal if the period of duration of the fuel rich signal exceeds a preselected value. A warning unit 32 is provided for alerting the operator of a service required signal from the controller. A fuel shutoff device 30 automatically terminates the fuel supply to the engine in response to a fuel shutoff signal from the controller. The method of the invention allows for vehicle startup after the fuel shutoff device has been activated. The invention is particularly well suited for requiring a propane powered vehicle engine to output an acceptable level of carbon monoxide in the exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
  • Patent number: 5537972
    Abstract: A pressure intensified fuel injector incorporates an overtravel safety feature which prevents fuel flow through the high pressure chamber of the intensifier upon injection nozzle failure, thereby preventing further and uncontrolled injection events in the event of such failure. The overtravel safety feature is preferably formed by dimensioning the high pressure plunger of the intensifier such that, upon overtravel of the plunger in the event of injector nozzle failure, a side surface of the plunger blocks a fuel inlet port of the high pressure cylinder of the intensifier, thereby preventing further fuel flow through the high pressure cylinder. The intensifier having the overtravel safety feature can be used in either accumulator-type or non-accumulator-type injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Servojet Electronics Systems
    Inventors: Niels J. Beck, James A. Pena, Alan R. Roach, Bevan H. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5535712
    Abstract: A device for controlling an engine includes a main control unit for outputting a control signal in response to a signal from an accelerator dial, and a sub-control unit for controlling an actuator that actuates a control lever of a fuel feeding device in response to a control signal from the main control unit and a signal from a key switch. The sub-control unit controls the actuator in response to an off signal from the key switch so that the control lever is moved to a fuel stop position and, after the operation of the engine has been halted, controls the actuator so that the control lever is moved to a start position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd.
    Inventors: Morihiko Matsubara, Toshio Kuwabara, Shuji Okano
  • Patent number: 5531070
    Abstract: A front end loader driven by a diesel engine is prevented from starting in reverse after stalling under load conditions which might place a backload on the engine. A speed sensor senses engine speed and the output of the sensor is applied to a programmable controller that controls a fuel flow solenoid. The controller compares the engine speed with a first reference speed in approximately the range of the idle speed of the engine until the engine speed is greater than the first reference speed. The controller then compares the engine speed with a second reference speed value less than the engine idle speed. If the engine speed drops below the second reference speed value, indicating an impending engine stall, the microprocessor controls the fuel flow solenoid to stop flow of fuel to the engine so that the engine stops. Since the engine is without fuel it cannot restart even if backloaded. A method of operating the diesel engine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John G. Berger, Edward H. Priepke, Peter J. Torland
  • Patent number: 5524592
    Abstract: A flow control valve for an internal combustion engine fuel delivery system that includes a valve body having a fuel inlet for connection to a fuel supply and a fuel outlet for connection to the fuel pump, so that the pump can draw fuel under vacuum from the supply through the valve and deliver fuel to an engine. A valve element is disposed within the valve body between the inlet and the outlet, and springs urge the valve element to a closed position within the valve body. A diaphragm is also disposed within the valve body between the valve element and the fuel outlet, and is coupled to the valve element such that suction vacuum applied by a fuel pump to the valve body outlet operates the diaphragm to open the valve element against forces applied by the valve springs to permit flow of fuel from the supply through the valve to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Walbro Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Woody, Kenneth J. Cotton
  • Patent number: 5517411
    Abstract: A robust engine fueling control is provided for assuring neutral attainment in a vehicular automated mechanical transmission system (10) having a manually controlled master clutch (16). Upon sensing a requirement for a shift into transmission neutral, the disengaging jaw clutch members (134A/142A) are constantly urged into a disengaged position, fuel is caused to decrease to idle (302), and then fuel is blipped by increasingly larger amounts (304, 306, 308) until neutral is sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Genise, Ronald K. Markyvech
  • Patent number: 5513614
    Abstract: A description is given of a method for filling the fuel supply system in an internal combustion engine, in which the fuel pump is activated by the control unit. If the control unit recognizes, as a function of measured variables, that filling with fuel should take place, it activates the fuel pump in a manner such that a sufficient filling of fuel is already obtained before the internal combustion engine starts. If, on the other hand, the control unit recognizes a normal start, the customary method for controlling the electric fuel pump is executed. The time control of the electric fuel pump is changed over to normal activation also as a function of recognized termination conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Gras, Eberhard Lang, Klause Franzke
  • Patent number: 5511528
    Abstract: In a system in which a common rail accumulates fuel pressurized by a high pressure supply pump, when a pipe connected to the common rail is damaged or a pulsation of fuel injection is caused in the system, reliability of the system is greatly affected because of high pressure. According to the present invention, a mechanism to prevent leakage of fuel from the common rail even when the pipe is damaged, or a mechanism to damp a pulsation of fuel pressure, is provided in a pipe close to the common rail. Therefore, reliability of the system is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Iwanaga, Yasuhiro Kariya, Kenji Magario, Takayoshi Kawaguchi, Nobuhiko Shima, Mitsuru Ban
  • Patent number: 5441026
    Abstract: When a damage in a high pressure line of a fuel pressure control system for a high pressure fuel injection engine is detected the fuel pressure is reduced to prevent fuel from blowing out of the damaged part. An acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor is compared with a set value. When the detected acceleration exceeds the set value, the system determines that such an emergency as a collision has happened, fully opens a solenoid type high pressure regulator provided downstream of the high pressure line of fuel system and stops the operation of a feed pump provided in a low pressure delivery line. Thereupon, the feed pump stops delivering the fuel to a high pressure fuel pump. On the other hand, the high pressure regulator is in a fully opened position. Thus, the fuel pressure in the high pressure line is relieved to a fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Akimoto
  • Patent number: 5441025
    Abstract: An electromagnetic device for starting and stopping diesel engines. The device comprises a spring biased pulling-rod (12) which is joined to the armature of the electromagnet (11), a lever biased by a spring (6) has a cam roller (7) which presses against the rod. The lever is fixed on a shaft which controls a starting/stopping device in the engine fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: AB Volvo Penta
    Inventor: Bertil Ryberg
  • Patent number: 5433182
    Abstract: In a fuel injection system for a multi-cylinder Diesel engine which is provided with magnetic valve-controlled fuel injection nozzles, and which has two fuel supply conduits (common rails) for two different groups of fuel injection nozzles and at least one high-pressure pump connected to the fuel supply conduits for delivering high-pressure fuel thereto, each fuel supply conduit includes a pressure sensor which is connected to means for shutting off the fuel supply to a fuel supply conduit when the sensor senses a pressure loss in that conduit so that the pressure can be maintained in the other fuel supply conduit and the engine can be operated on a limited basis by the cylinders supplied by the groups of injection nozzles supplied with fuel by the other fuel supply conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz A.G.
    Inventors: Ulrich Augustin, Volker Schwarz, Hermann Hiereth
  • Patent number: 5404857
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a two-stroke internal-combustion engine with fuel injection in the low load range, in which the fuel supply to the combustion space is interrupted for a number of working strokes stored in a characteristic diagram which is a function of operating parameters. In this case, the stored characteristic diagram is adaptively corrected continuously by means of parameters which characterize the readiness to ignite or the ignition behavior of the internal-combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventor: Joachim Schommers
  • Patent number: 5397964
    Abstract: An inductive load driver is constructed with a driving means (205), responsive to a control input (211). The driving means (205) provides energy to an inductive load (203) and then prevents the providing of energy to the inductive load (203). The inductive load (203) reflects the previously provided energy to the driving means (205) when the driving means (205) is preventing the providing of energy. A control means adjusts the energy to the inductive load (203) responsive to the reflected energy provided by the inductive load (203).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5385170
    Abstract: A multiway valve, in particular a 4/2-way valve, has a housing provided with an axial hole having a plurality of steps to form four seat elements located one behind the other. The housing includes two end chambers and at least two intermediate spaces between these end chambers, with one of the valve connections opening into each. A spool-type drive pin carrying at least two closing elements is located in the axial hole. The drive pin is guided so as to seal at its one end and is radially supported in the axial hole by radial protrusions at its other end. This drive pin has a longitudinal passage which is connected to the first chamber via radial holes at its one end and to the second chamber via its opening provided on the related end of the drive pin at its other end. The closing elements are partially elastically flexible and interact with the seat elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventors: Wilhelm Tonhauser, Gunter Kellermann, Frank Thoma