Fuel Pump Flow Regulation Patents (Class 123/446)
  • Patent number: 7832375
    Abstract: An engine system and a method of starting an internal combustion engine of the engine system are described. In one embodiment, the method includes adjusting a fuel pressure within a fuel rail to exceed a pressure of a pressure relief valve. The method may be particularly useful during degradation of a fuel pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Dusa, Joseph Lyle Thomas, Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Publication number: 20100282211
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine, the system comprising at least one fuel injector, said fuel injector comprising a control chamber having an inlet for receiving highly pressurised fuel and an outlet enabling fuel to flow out of the control chamber into a back-leak passage associated with the fuel injector, wherein the fuel injector is operable between an injecting state and a non-injecting state in dependence on the fuel pressure within the control chamber. The system further includes a pressure regulator for regulating the fuel pressure within the back-leak passage so as to maintain the injector back-leak pressure at a predetermined target value which is below atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: PATRICK DANIEL, MARCOS PAGOTO
  • Patent number: 7827961
    Abstract: A pump is provided for pumping two or more different fluids. The pump comprises a body having a longitudinal bore and at least first and second inlets selectively communicating with and providing passage to the bore via non-return valves. A plunger is mounted for reciprocation within the bore and at least one piston is also mounted for reciprocation within the bore so as to permit at least one type of fluid to pass into the bore through one or both inlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies Holding S.arl
    Inventor: Michael Peter Cooke
  • Publication number: 20100275880
    Abstract: A method for operation of a fuel delivery system in an internal combustion engine including a lower pressure pump, a higher pressure pump fluidly coupled downstream of the lower pressure pump, and a fuel rail fluidly coupled downstream of the high pressure pump. The method including initiating a mitigating action based on a fuel rail pressure response, the fuel rail pressure response occurring after an engine shut-down, where the mitigating action includes disabling vehicle operation if fuel rail pressure drops below a threshold value after activation of one of the pumps, the activation occurring before a subsequent engine start, the subsequent engine start occurring after the engine shut-down, and where the mitigating action includes adjusting operation of one of the pumps during the subsequent engine start if fuel rail pressure achieves at least the threshold value after or during the activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Diana D. Brehob
  • Publication number: 20100269789
    Abstract: A device and method for controlling the flow of a gaseous fuel from a fuel supply to a pressurized combustion chamber. A fuel pump is included in the gas train from supply to chamber. The fuel pump increases the pressure of the gas to allow efficient injection into the chamber. The pump is modulated to control the fuel flow. Both alternating current and pulse-width-modulated direct current signals may be used to control the flow. The pump may be a piston pump or a diaphragm pump. Feedback may be provided from sensors that determine operating parameters of the engine and such sensor signals may be used by the controller to maintain a parameter, such as temperature, at a specified value. An acoustic filter can be included in the gas train to significantly reduce gas flow pulsations generated by the pump. This filter improves the uniformity of the combustion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: New Power Concepts LLC
    Inventors: Eric R. Jensen, Christopher C. Langenfeld, Scott W. Newell, Michael Norris, Jeffrey D. Renk, Andrew Schnellinger
  • Patent number: 7810470
    Abstract: A return-flow electronic fuel pressure regulator for a fuel-injected engine fuel system is plumbed to the fuel rail and return line of the fuel system. The regulator includes a fill chamber connected to the fuel rail, a return chamber connected to the return line and a return reservoir disposed between the fill chamber and return chamber. Fuel flow from the fill chamber to the return reservoir is regulated via a diaphragm valve assembly. Fuel flow from the return reservoir to the return chamber is subject to restriction by an adjustable valve. Integral comparative pressure sensing means measures the fuel pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber. An electronic control module, preferably programmed to maintain a constant pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber, receives a signal from the pressure sensing means and outputs a power supply signal to the fuel pump to control pump speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Fluid Control Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Scharfenberg
  • Patent number: 7806106
    Abstract: A fuel control system for an engine includes a control module that includes a fuel rail pressure module and a comparison module. The fuel rail pressure module determines a first fuel rail pressure of a fuel rail after a first event and a second fuel rail pressure of the fuel rail after a second event. The first event includes N conditions, a first of the N conditions comprises deactivation of a fuel pump of the engine, and N is an integer. The second event includes M conditions, a first of the M conditions comprises activation of a fuel injector, and M is an integer. The comparison module adjusts a fuel injector constant of the fuel injector based on the first fuel rail pressure, the second fuel rail pressure, and an injector activation period corresponding to the second event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Cinpinski, Donovan L. Dibble, Scot A. Douglas, Joseph R. Dulzo, Byungho Lee
  • Publication number: 20100242915
    Abstract: A fuel safety valve arranged in a fuel supply line between a low-pressure pump and a high-pressure pump, is provided with a valve body which defines a cylindrical cavity having a longitudinal axis and being connected to a duct and a portion of a discharge duct in communication with the cylindrical cavity, a piston sliding with respect to the valve body in the cylindrical cavity along the longitudinal axis, and a spring housed in a variable-volume chamber defined by a portion of the cylindrical cavity between the piston and a closure element. The piston is provided with a through hole supplied with the fuel leading into the variable-volume chamber, and the valve body being provided with a fuel discharge hole connecting the variable-volume chamber to the discharge duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Mariacarmela Masellis, Benedetto Loiacono, Thomas Riedel, Werner Striegel, Nello Medoro
  • Patent number: 7802557
    Abstract: Described herein is an electronic-injection fuel-supply system for an internal-combustion engine having at least one injector and a fuel pump; the fuel pump is provided with: a variable-volume pumping chamber; a one-way intake valve; a one-way delivery valve; a mobile piston that integrates within it the intake valve and is coupled to the pumping chamber to vary cyclically the volume of the pumping chamber itself; and an actuator device that impresses a reciprocating motion on the piston and has an electromagnetic actuator for actuating the piston during an intake phase and a spring for actuating the piston during a delivery phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.
    Inventors: Massimo Mattioli, Paolo Pasquali, Luca Mancini
  • Patent number: 7792629
    Abstract: A drive system comprises a shaft in rotational engagement with a crankshaft of an engine, the shaft including a first cam having a first quantity of lobes; and a second cam having a second quantity of lobes greater than the first quantity of lobes; and a selection mechanism to selectively engage a follower to one of the first cam or the second cam. A method comprises rotating a shaft having a first cam and a second cam; monitoring operating parameters of a vehicle; operating a fuel pump of the vehicle at a desired capacity based on the monitoring, including selectively engaging the fuel pump to one of the first cam and the second cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: David P. Sczomak, Jesse M. Gwidt, Stuart R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7789069
    Abstract: The invention relates to a check valve with a spherical valve element whose service life and operating reliability is considerably increased in relation to conventional check valves. The improved check valve is used in an injector for a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, having a hydraulic pressure booster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Nestor Rodriguez-Amaya, Markus Leimser, Michael Stengele, Andreas Theurer, Christoph Butscher, Alexander Giehl
  • Patent number: 7789068
    Abstract: A control method of a direct injection system of the common rail in an internal combustion engine; the control method contemplates the steps of: feeding the pressurized fuel to a common rail by means of a high-pressure pump presenting at least one pumping element mechanically operated by a drive shaft of the internal combustion engine; measuring the angular position of the drive shaft; measuring the fuel pressure in the common rail; analyzing the oscillations of the fuel pressure in the common rail; and determining the phase of the pumping element of the high-pressure pump with respect to the drive shaft according to the oscillations of the fuel pressure in the common rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele Serra, Matteo De Cesare, Giovanni Prodi
  • Patent number: 7779815
    Abstract: An injection system includes a high-pressure pump with at least one pumping element operated in a reciprocating manner by corresponding intake and discharge strokes. Each pumping element is equipped with a corresponding intake valve in communication with an intake line, fed by a low-pressure pump. An on-off solenoid valve is positioned on the intake line of the pump and is controlled by a control unit with a frequency equal to a whole multiple or submultiple of that of the pumping action, multiplied by a factor different from 1 and/or between 0.90 and 1.10, inclusive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Mario Ricco, Sergio Stucchi, Onofrio De Michele, Mariagrazia Lisbona
  • Patent number: 7779819
    Abstract: Control method for an overpressure valve in a common-rail fuel supply system, the method including the phases of: delivering fuel under pressure, via a high-pressure pump, to a common rail equipped with the overpressure valve that is set to discharge the fuel present in the common rail into a discharge line when the fuel pressure inside the common rail exceeds a safety value; piloting, during a diagnostic test, the high-pressure pump to increase the fuel pressure inside the common rail beyond the safety value in order to trigger operation of the overpressure valve; determining, during the diagnostic test, the flow of the high-pressure pump and/or the fuel pressure inside the common rail; and comparing the flow of the high-pressure pump and/or the fuel pressure inside the common rail during the diagnostic test with respective threshold values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gabriele Serra, Matteo De Cesare
  • Patent number: 7779814
    Abstract: A fuel injection apparatus includes an accumulator, an injector, a fuel supplier supplying fuel to the accumulator, and a controller controlling a fuel supply rate of the fuel supplier through manipulation of a manipulated variable. The controller is configured to set a target fuel supply rate, determine a base target value of the manipulated variable as a first function of the target fuel supply rate, determine a correction value as a second function of the target fuel supply rate, correct the base target value of the manipulated variable using the correction value to obtain a final target value of the manipulated variable, and manipulate the manipulated variable to have the final target value, thereby bringing the fuel supply rate of the fuel supplier into agreement with the target fuel supply rate. The first and second functions are predefined prior to the installation of the fuel injection apparatus to an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Akitaro Ishihara
  • Patent number: 7775190
    Abstract: A radial piston pump for supplying fuel at high-pressure to an internal combustion engine has a compression chamber arranged in a displacement housing, a reciprocating piston arranged in a cylinder chamber, a suction valve connected to a fuel supply line and has a spring-loaded closure body, an intermediate piece, a threaded pin and a pressure valve which is connected to a fuel outlet line. The closing body of the suction valve is embodied as a valve end pad with the spring exerting a force on the front end thereof. The valve end pad has a closure collar and at least two channels that are distributed around the periphery and which adjoin the closure collar and a base plate. A stop plate comprising an additional base plate borders the closure collar of the valve end pad as an intermediate piece to which the threaded pin is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Ngoc-Tam Vu
  • Patent number: 7770818
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes a housing having a wall surface on an opposite side of the nozzle hole. A fuel passage opens in the wall surface, and communicates with a nozzle hole through a nozzle cavity. The nozzle cavity accommodates a valve element. A cylinder is substantially in contact with the wall surface at one end, and slidably accommodating one end of the valve element. The cylinder partitions the nozzle cavity substantially into a fuel accumulator chamber and a pressure control chamber. The fuel accumulator chamber accumulates fuel supplied from the fuel passage. The pressure control chamber accumulates fuel for manipulating the valve element. The cylinder has an outer wall defining a deflecting surface for radially outwardly deflecting fuel flowing from the fuel passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Kurimoto, Tetsuya Toyao, Shuichi Matsumoto, Kouichi Oohata
  • Patent number: 7770562
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a multi-fuel internal combustion engine and an approach for operating the fuel delivery system are provided. The fuel delivery system can be operated in two or more different fuel delivery modes according to operating conditions of the engine or fuel delivery system. A first example mode can be performed to concurrently deliver two or more fuels to the engine. A second example mode can be performed to transfer fuel from a first fuel storage tank to a second fuel storage tank. A third example mode can be performed to supply a fuel from a first fuel storage tank to at least two fuel injectors of each cylinder of the engine. In some embodiments, the various modes of operation may be selected by varying a fuel pressure that is provided by the fuel delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7774125
    Abstract: A programmable fuel pump control for a fuel system includes integral sensors, an expansible fill chamber and a return chamber. The control can be used in either a return-style of returnless fuel system. The expansible fill chamber is in fluid communication with the fuel rail. A restrictable fuel passage connects the fill chamber to a return chamber that in a return-style fuel system can be optionally connected to a return line. The control includes an integral pressure transducer measuring fuel pressure relative to intake manifold pressure and one or more adjunct sensors that allow real time control of a fuel pump speed, and therefore fuel pressure, as a function of engine performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Fluid Control Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Scharfenberg
  • Patent number: 7769530
    Abstract: For an internal combustion engine with a common rail system including individual accumulators, a process for open- and closed-loop control is proposed, in which the individual accumulator pressure (pE) is detected within a measuring interval and stored, an absolute minimum value of the stored individual accumulator pressure (pE) is interpreted as the end of the main injection, and on the basis of the end of the main injection, a mathematical function is used to calculate a virtual starting time for the main injection. In the measuring interval after the end of the main injection, the individual accumulator pressure (pE) is filtered within a time window, a local minimum value of the filtered individual accumulator pressure is interpreted as the end of a post-injection, and a mathematical function is used to calculate a virtual start of the post-injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventors: Marc Hehle, Albert Kloos, Jörg Remele, Günther Schmidt, Ralf Speetzen, Michael Walder, Michael Willmann
  • Patent number: 7762478
    Abstract: A gasoline unit injector includes a high speed, high force actuator such as a magnetrostrictive or piezoelectric actuator. The actuator operates a positive displacement diaphragm pump. The pumping volume is isolated from a supply rail by an inlet check valve, and is isolated from the engine manifold by an outlet check valve. Each of the check valves includes a disk having a central anchor and a peripheral valve seat. Diaphragm movement reduces pump volume and thereby displaces fuel at high pressure through outlet valve. Fuel spray is formed by geometry of outlet valve, the frequency of actuation, and mass and pressure of the displaced fuel. Relaxation of actuator, and therefore diaphragm, increases pump volume and thereby draws fuel into pump volume through the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Perry Robert Czimmek, Hamid Sayar
  • Patent number: 7757663
    Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to dampen operating sounds of an electromagnetic drive mechanism used for a variable displacement to reduce an individual difference depending on apparatus due to the control mechanism in a high-pressure fuel supply pump change over time or installation tolerance. To achieve the above objective, the present invention is configured such that before the electromagnetic drive mechanism supplies a drive force to a plunger which is electromagnetically driven by the electromagnetic drive mechanism, another displacement force situates the plunger in a specific position. When compared to an occasion where the plunger is displaced all strokes by a magnetic biasing force, the above configuration is able to reduce the force of impact on a member (for example, valve body) mounted to the plunger and a restricting member, thereby damping the collision noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Usui, Kenichiro Tokuo, Hiroyuki Yamada, Masami Abe, Hiroshi Odakura
  • Patent number: 7748966
    Abstract: A radial piston pump (1) for supplying fuel at high-pressure to an internal combustion engine has a displacement housing (3) equipped with a compression chamber (4), a reciprocating piston which is arranged in a cylinder chamber (5) of a cylinder (30), a suction valve (10) which is connected to a fuel supply line (8) and a pressure valve (12) which is connected to a fuel outlet line (14). The suction valve (10) and the pressure valve (12) have, respectively, a closing head (16, 16?), a valve seat (18, 18?), a cylinder section (20, 20?) and springs (22, 22?). The suction valve (10) and the pressure valve (12) are identical components and the pressure valve (12) is incorporated into the radial piston pump (1) in the direction of flow counter to the suction valve (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Ngoc-Tam Vu
  • Publication number: 20100154745
    Abstract: A vehicle burner (6) for heating a gas flow (14) in a motor vehicle is provided with a fuel pump (10) for delivering a fuel to an injection nozzle (11) that can be actuated for injecting the fuel into a combustion chamber (7), with an air delivery device (16) for delivering air to the combustion chamber (7), with a control (17) for operating the. A vehicle burner (6), which is coupled with the fuel pump (10), with the air delivery and/or air regulating device (16) and with the injection nozzle (11). Burner waste gas, which is generated during the operation of the. A vehicle burner (6) by the reaction of fuel with air in the combustion chamber (7), is used to heat the gas flow (14). To increase efficiency, a control (17) determines a quantity of fuel, a quantity of air and a fuel pressure as a function of a presettable heat output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Gerd GAISER
  • Publication number: 20100154744
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high-pressure injection system, in particular for auto-igniting internal combustion engines, with at least one high pressure pump and a high pressure reservoir, through which at least one fuel injector is supplied with a fuel under pressure. The high-pressure injection system comprises at least one pressure booster unit which has at least two pressure boosters, each with a high pressure piston which can be driven independently of the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Dominik Kuhnke, Dirk Vahle
  • Publication number: 20100147258
    Abstract: A control system for an engine having a plurality of combustion chambers is disclosed. The control system may have a plurality of fuel injectors associated with the plurality of combustion chambers, and a controller in communication with each of the plurality of fuel injectors. The controller may be configured to determine a need to inhibit fueling of a subset of the plurality of combustion chambers. The controller may also be configured to selectively regulate the plurality of fuel injectors to inhibit fueling of a fraction of the subset at a time until fueling of all of the subset has been inhibited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Michael W. Edwards, James W. Harris, Matthew J. Miller, Chad G. Beasey, Brian E. Layton, Gregory L. Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20100147266
    Abstract: A module solenoid valve (14) includes a valve body (16) defining an inlet opening (22) and an outlet opening (20). The valve body includes a valve seat (18) at a distal end thereof. A valve member (24) controls flow of fuel through the outlet opening. A movable armature (26) is coupled with the valve member such that movement of the armature moves the valve member between a closed position and an open position. A stator (38) is associated with the armature. An electromagnetic coil (36) is associated with the stator and armature for causing movement of the armature towards the stator. A spring (32) biases the armature and thus the valve member to the closed position. The spring provides a spring force that is greater than a first, normal hydrostatic force applied to the valve seat, but less than a second, overpressure hydrostatic force applied to the valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney E. Crispen
  • Publication number: 20100139619
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a combustion engine is provided. The fuel delivery system includes an exhaust treatment device, a fuel injection unit, a fuel supply, and a fuel pump. The fuel pump includes at least one inlet configured to receive fuel from the fuel supply. A first fixed-output pumping element is configured to generate a first fuel flow at a first pressure and a first flow rate. A second fixed-output pumping element is configured to generate a second fuel flow at a second pressure and a second flow rate. At least one of the second pressure and the second flow rate is different from the first pressure and the first flow rate. A first outlet is configured to direct the first fuel flow to the fuel injection unit. A second outlet is configured to direct the second fuel flow to the exhaust treatment device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Drew Christopher Donnelli, Ye Tian, Joseph Shane Burkitt
  • Patent number: 7730875
    Abstract: A spool valve is movably provided in a valve sliding space of a valve casing. The spool valve has a through-hole formed in the inside thereof, and a communication port formed in the spool valve is operatively communicated with a fluid port for controlling an opening area of the fluid port by moving within the valve sliding space. Multiple circular oil grooves are formed at an outer peripheral surface of the spool valve, into which high pressure fluid is supplied so that the spool valve can be smoothly moved in the valve sliding space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Mori, Hiroto Fujii, Nobuhiro Akashi
  • Publication number: 20100132667
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine having a high pressure pump, a high pressure reservoir, a plurality of fuel injectors, a hydraulic pressure booster, and a control valve for actuating the hydraulic pressure booster. The hydraulic pressure booster is provided centrally for all of the fuel injectors. The central hydraulic pressure booster is disposed between the high pressure pump and the high pressure reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Dominik Kuhnke, Dirk Vahle
  • Patent number: 7726283
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure booster arrangement for high-pressure injection systems or high-pressure injection system parts of internal combustion engines. A differential piston which operates with a large cross section in a medium-pressure reservoir and with partial cross sections is operative in terms of positive displacement in associated control and work pressure chambers that are separate from the medium-pressure reservoir and that are disposed in a guide body. The guide body guides the differential piston in its strokes and in turn axially adjoins a valve body. The valve body receives control and check valves for controlling communicating lines of the guide body and of the valve body for controllably connecting the control and work chambers to the medium-pressure reservoir or to a relatively pressureless fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Vahle
  • Patent number: 7717359
    Abstract: Multiple intensifier injectors with positive needle control and methods of injection that reduce injector energy consumption. The intensifiers are disposed about the axis of the injectors, leaving the center free for direct needle control down the center of the injector. Also disclosed is a boost system, increasing the needle closing velocity but without adding mass to the needle when finally closing. Direct needle control allows maintaining injection pressure on the fuel between injection events if the control system determines that enough fuel has been pressurized for the next injection, thus saving substantial energy when operating an engine at less than maximum power, by not venting and re-pressurizing on every injection event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Sturman Digital Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Oded Eddie Sturman
  • Patent number: 7717087
    Abstract: A connection point of a chamber subjected to high pressure in a body subjected to high pressure of a high-pressure injection system for fuel at a bore extending substantially vertically through the body. In the chamber subjected to high pressure of the body, a cylindrically shaped pocket or an encompassing groove is embodied, into which the bore discharges, forming an intersection point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Haiser, Dominikus Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7690354
    Abstract: A system and method to heat a fuel injector is described. Resistive heating may be selectively applied to improve the performance of a fuel injector. Specifically, current can be supplied to an electrically operable mechanical valve to improve the operation of the valve at lower temperatures. The method can improve engine performance and lower emissions, at least under some conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Allan Gale, Larry Elie, Clay Maranville
  • Patent number: 7690353
    Abstract: Noise and vibrations associated with a common rail fuel system drive linkage are reduced by synchronizing a high pressure common rail supply pump with engine operation. This may be accomplished by selecting a linkage associated with a desired ratio of engine speed to pump speed along with selecting a number of pump plungers and cam lobes that results in synchronizing action of the pump with engine combustion events. In particular, a pattern of pumping events per engine cycle repeats during each engine cycle. In a more sophisticated version, the pattern of pumping events per engine cycle includes a sub-pattern of pumping events that repeats an integer number of times each engine cycle, where the integer number equals the number of engine cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Shafer, Jianhua Zhang, Daniel Ibrahim
  • Publication number: 20100082223
    Abstract: There is provided a high pressure fuel pump control system for an internal combustion engine which enables fuel pressure control with high precision without being restricted by the number of cylinders of the internal combustion engine or the number of phase sensor signals and the number of cam noses which vertically drives a plunger of a high pressure fuel pump even when a camshaft phase varies by a variable valve timing mechanism by using the high pressure fuel pump with a solenoid valve. The control system has a means which changes an effective stroke by driving the solenoid valve in the high pressure fuel pump, and has a means which changes the drive timing of the high pressure fuel pump based on a cylinder recognition value of the internal combustion engine with the cam angle detecting means as an origin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro TOYOHARA, Kazunori Kondo, Satoru Okubo, Takashi Okamoto
  • Publication number: 20100043752
    Abstract: A device includes two fuel injection systems and a pulsation damper. Each system includes fuel injection valves and first and second delivery pipes. While fuel is pumped to the two fuel injection systems with a common fuel pump, the device intermittently drives the fuel injection valves to open, thereby supplying the fuel within the delivery pipes from the fuel injection valves. The paths through which the fuel passes include a first passageway, which has the first delivery pipe and a communication path, and a second passageway which has a branch path and the second delivery pipe. An opposing portion opposite to the opening of a placement channel in the first delivery pipe includes the opening of the branch path in the first delivery pipe. This enables one pulsation damper to precisely suppress fuel pressure pulsations occurring in the two delivery pipes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kenji Yamanari
  • Publication number: 20100036585
    Abstract: A programmable fuel pump control for a fuel system includes integral sensors, an expansible fill chamber and a return chamber. The control can be used in either a return-style of returnless fuel system. The expansible fill chamber is in fluid communication with the fuel rail. A restrictable fuel passage connects the fill chamber to a return chamber that in a return-style fuel system can be optionally connected to a return line. The control includes an integral pressure transducer measuring fuel pressure relative to intake manifold pressure and one or more adjunct sensors that allow real time control of a fuel pump speed, and therefore fuel pressure, as a function of engine performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Fluid Control Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Scharfenberg
  • Publication number: 20100036584
    Abstract: A return-flow electronic fuel pressure regulator for a fuel-injected engine fuel system is plumbed to the fuel rail and return line of the fuel system. The regulator includes a fill chamber connected to the fuel rail, a return chamber connected to the return line and a return reservoir disposed between the fill chamber and return chamber. Fuel flow from the fill chamber to the return reservoir is regulated via a diaphragm valve assembly. Fuel flow from the return reservoir to the return chamber is subject to restriction by an adjustable valve. Integral comparative pressure sensing means measures the fuel pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber. An electronic control module, preferably programmed to maintain a constant pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber, receives a signal from the pressure sensing means and outputs a power supply signal to the fuel pump to control pump speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Fluid Control Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Scharfenberg
  • Publication number: 20100024770
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a multi-fuel internal combustion engine and an approach for operating the fuel delivery system are provided. The fuel delivery system can be operated in two or more different fuel delivery modes according to operating conditions of the engine or fuel delivery system. A first example mode can be performed to concurrently deliver two or more fuels to the engine. A second example mode can be performed to transfer fuel from a first fuel storage tank to a second fuel storage tank. A third example mode can be performed to supply a fuel from a first fuel storage tank to at least two fuel injectors of each cylinder of the engine. In some embodiments, the various modes of operation may be selected by varying a fuel pressure that is provided by the fuel delivery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20100024772
    Abstract: A fuel system and a method of operation of the fuel system are described in the context of a multi-fuel internal combustion engine. As a non-limiting example, the method includes: varying a composition of fuel supplied to an inlet of a fuel pump responsive to engine output; operating the fuel pump to provide pressurized fuel at an outlet of the fuel pump using the fuel received at the inlet of the fuel pump; supplying the pressurized fuel from the outlet of the fuel pump to the internal combustion engine and to a fuel separator; and varying a proportion of the pressurized fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine relative to the fuel separator responsive to the engine output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, Thomas G. Leone
  • Publication number: 20100024771
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine is provided, which includes a valve including at least a first valve setting and a second valve setting; a first fuel storage tank fluidly coupled with a first fuel receiving end of the valve; a second fuel storage tank fluidly coupled with a second fuel receiving end of the valve; a port fuel injector fluidly coupled with a first fuel dispensing end of the valve, said port fuel injector configured to deliver fuel to a cylinder of the internal combustion engine; a direct fuel injector fluidly coupled with a second fuel dispensing end of the valve, said direct fuel injector configured to deliver fuel to the cylinder of the internal combustion engine; and a control system configured to selected one of the first valve setting and the second valve setting in response to an operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Donald J. Lewis, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 7654249
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel pump for a fuel system of an internal combustion engine, having a housing and a housing cap joined to the housing. In order to create a fuel pump which in its operation generates little airborne sound, structure-borne sound (vibration amplitudes) and pulsations in a low-pressure region of the fuel pump, it is proposed that the housing cap has at least one damping element, which is embodied as a sandwich construction having at least a first cover layer, a second cover layer, and a damping connection layer disposed between them. The damping connection layer has a markedly higher elasticity and/or higher material damping than the two cover layers, which may be constructed of sheet metal or the housing cap itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Fischer, Matthias Schumacher, Christian Wiedmann, Matthias Maess, Matthias Fischer
  • Patent number: 7640916
    Abstract: An economical method for controlling a lift pump operating as part of a direct injection fuel system is described. According to the method, the lift pump is operated at efficient operating conditions and then stopped until additional fuel is requested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 7634986
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for delivering fuel to, for example, a common rail of a diesel engine fuel injection system. The fuel supply system includes a priming pump, a feed pump, a fuel filter disposed downstream of the feed pump, a return path, and a return valve. When the pressure of the fuel between the feed pump and the fuel filter exceeds a first set pressure, the return valve is placed in a first open position to open the return path to return the fuel from downstream to upstream of the feed pump. When the pressure of the fuel, as fed by the priming pump, exceeds a second set pressure, the return valve is placed in a second open position to open the return path to direct the fuel, as fed by the priming pump, to upstream of the fuel filter to prime the fuel filter directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Kuroda, Hiroyuki Shimai
  • Patent number: 7607421
    Abstract: A trim system for controlling an equivalence ratio in a fuel system is provided. The fuel system includes an air duct, a mixer disposed in the air duct, and a converter. The mixer has a reference pressure port and an air valve vacuum port. The converter has an outlet port and a bias port. The trim system comprises the mixer, the converter, a balance line, one or more orifices, and first and second trim valves. The outlet port is operably coupled to the mixer to deliver vaporized fuel to the mixer. The balance line is operably coupled to the reference pressure port, the bias port, and the air valve vacuum port. The balance line provides pressure to the bias port. The first and second trim valves are disposed in the balance line and operable such that the equivalence ratio in the fuel system is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Farrow, Barry T. Brinks
  • Patent number: 7610141
    Abstract: An apparatus controls the quantity of fuel injection of an injector in accordance with the fuel pressure in the fuel rail of a direct injection type internal combustion engine. A reference value for controlling the injector is obtained on the basis of the difference and the fuel pressure in the fuel rail at the time of starting fuel injection out of injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Toyohara, Takashi Okamoto, Michihiko Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20090241901
    Abstract: Systems and methods for modulating fuel flow of a fuel delivery system including direct injection fuel injectors of an engine to mitigate engine noise are provided. An example of such systems may include a modulating device located in the fuel delivery system upstream of the direct injection fuel injectors, the modulating device configured to generate mitigating fuel pressure pulse(s) for attenuating fuel pressure pulse(s) generated by actuation of the direct injection fuel injectors. An example of such methods may include adjusting the modulating device responsive to actuation of the direct injection injectors, wherein operation of the modulating device is varied responsive to variation of direct injection fuel injector actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Alan Mouch
  • Patent number: 7594499
    Abstract: A fuel feed apparatus is provided for supplying high-pressure fuel to a common rail of an accumulator fuel injection system. The accumulator fuel injection system includes an injector for injecting high-pressure fuel accumulated in the common rail into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The fuel feed apparatus includes a high-pressure pump for press-feeding fuel to the common rail, and a feed pump for pumping fuel from a fuel tank to the high-pressure pump. A fuel filter is provided downstream of the feed pump for filtering fuel pumped from the feed pump. A return passage is provided for returning fuel from a downstream of the feed pump to an upstream of the feed pump. A return flow control unit is provided for controlling fuel retuning through the return passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Suzuki, Hiroyuki Shimai, Mitsuru Nagai
  • Patent number: 7591247
    Abstract: A fuel injector for a fuel system is disclosed. The fuel injector has a nozzle member and a needle valve member slidingly disposed with the nozzle member. The nozzle member has a tip portion, at least one orifice disposed at the tip portion, a base portion, and a female conical seating surface disposed at the base portion. The needle valve member has a tip end configured to selectively restrict fuel flow through the at least one orifice, a base end, and a male conical seating surface disposed between the tip end and the base end. The male conical seating surface is configured to engage the female conical seating surface to restrict fuel flow through the at least one orifice and has a hydraulic surface area greater than a hydraulic surface area of the base end of the needle valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick W. Savage, Jr., Daniel R. Ibrahim