Ambient Condition Responsive (e.g., Atmospheric Temperature, Atmospheric Pressure) Patents (Class 123/568.22)
  • Patent number: 10900426
    Abstract: An object is to provide a control device that calculates an intake pipe pressure of an engine, in which the humidity of air is measured, and a change in a gas constant due to a change in the total number of moles of air is corrected, to improve the accuracy of the calculation value of the intake pipe pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Seiji Asano, Yoshihiko Akagi, Shinya Matohara, Kazuhiro Oryoji, Kunihiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10808656
    Abstract: An intake and exhaust system for preventing generation of condensed water may include: an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system circulating some of combustion gas from an exhaust pipe to an intake pipe; an active purging system compressing and supplying evaporation gas generated from a fuel tank to the intake pipe; and a controller to control the EGR system and the active purging system. In particular, the controller calculates a saturated water vapor pressure based on temperature at a position between the EGR system and the intake pipe, and calculates a saturated water vapor pressure based on temperature of the intake pipe and then compares one of the two saturated water vapor pressures with a water vapor pressure of intake air so as to reduce an EGR rate of the EGR system or a purging rate of the active purging system based on the comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Young-Kyu Oh, Tae-Ho Ahn, Keum-Jin Park
  • Patent number: 10190509
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a plurality of signals from a plurality of sensors coupled to a dual fuel engine. The method further includes altering an actual speed of the dual fuel engine to obtain a predetermined air-fuel ratio in response to a changed operating condition of the dual fuel engine determined based on the plurality of signals, so as to maintain operation of the dual fuel engine between knock and misfire conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: GE Global Sourcing LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Lavertu, Roy James Primus, Adam Edgar Klingbeil, James Robert Mischler
  • Patent number: 9989155
    Abstract: A connector link for use in an actuation system for a butterfly valve has a central web extending between two generally cylindrical ends. There are bores formed in each of two generally cylindrical ends and bushings extend axially upwardly from a nominal face at each of the ends. One of the ends has a bore formed at a radius defined as a first distance. A distance between center points of the bores in the first and second ends is defined as a second distance. The ratio of the second distance to the first distance is greater than or equal to 19.2772 and less than or equal to 19.4125. A valve and method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Scott W. Simpson, Josh Kamp, Peter J. Dowd
  • Patent number: 9765732
    Abstract: A mixing valve of an exhaust-gas recirculation device of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes an intake flap and an exhaust-gas flap coupled rigidly to one another via a coupling rod. During driving of the exhaust-gas flap, the intake flap is first pivoted in the opposite direction via the coupling rod. The exhaust-gas flap and intake flap are pivoted in the same direction only above a provided pivoting angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Weis
  • Patent number: 9574524
    Abstract: A method and internal combustion engine system are provided for keeping an exhaust gas aftertreatment system within its working temperature range during an idle or motoring engine operation mode of an internal combustion engine. The method includes sensing the temperature of the gas at the gas intake side of the internal combustion engine and/or of the exhaust gas; determining whether or not the sensed temperature value is in a predetermined temperature interval or below a predetermined temperature threshold; determining whether the internal combustion engine is in idle or motoring engine operation mode; in case the internal combustion engine is determined to be in an idle or motoring engine operation mode, controlling the temperature of the gas at the gas intake side of the internal combustion engine to be within the predetermined temperature range or below the predetermined temperature threshold by recirculating exhaust gas through a connecting duct by controlling at least one valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Volvo Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Christer Alm
  • Patent number: 9316185
    Abstract: A water-saving intake air cooling apparatus for a stationary internal combustion engine includes a primary intake air cooler, a high temperature side intake air cooler, and a low temperature side intake air cooler in an intake air passage upstream and downstream of a turbo charger. A first radiator transfers cooling water to an absorption chiller. The absorption chiller transfers cooling water to the primary intake air cooler and to the low temperature side intake air cooler. A second radiator transfers cooling water to the high temperature side intake air cooler. A third radiator cools lubricating oil flowing through a lubricating oil circulation space. Steam is generated by an exhaust heat boiler provided in an exhaust gas passage, and the steam is supplied to the absorption chiller as a heat source. Such use of the first, second, and third radiators, reduces the need for cooling water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masahito Komiyama, Hiroshi Fukushi, Kiwamu Inoue
  • Patent number: 9279362
    Abstract: A method determining a rate of recirculated exhaust gas (EGR rate) at an inlet of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine at a moment t, the exhaust gas being conveyed in a recirculation duct connecting an exhaust line of the engine to an intake line, and the EGR rate being equal to the ratio between flow rate of the recirculated gas and total gas flow rate in the intake line at a location of the intake line in question and at the moment in question. The method: a) determines at which moment t_intro preceding the moment t the gas, having arrived at the inlet of the cylinder at moment t, was fed into the intake line; b) determines the EGR rate at an outlet of the recirculation line to the intake line at the moment t_intro; and c) determines the EGR rate at the inlet to the cylinder at moment t based on the EGR rate at the outlet of the recirculation line to the intake line at moment t_intro, as determined in b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Bruno Serra, Sylvain Hourlier
  • Patent number: 9074541
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing EGR estimation errors during lean engine operating conditions. During lean engine operation, EGR is disabled if the estimated exhaust air-fuel ratio becomes leaner than a lean threshold. The lean threshold is adjusted based on an upper limit of EGR errors that may be tolerated by the engine at a given engine speed and load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, James Alfred Hilditch, Timothy Joseph Clark, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Julia Helen Buckland, Daniel Joseph Styles
  • Publication number: 20150121864
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) flow based on outputs of an intake manifold oxygen sensor. For example, during engine operation when exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and fuel canister purge are disabled, PCV flow may be estimated based on a difference between a first output of the sensor with boost enabled and a second output of the sensor with boost disabled. Then, during subsequent operation wherein EGR is enabled, PCV flow is enabled, and purge is disabled, a third output of the sensor may be adjusted based on the estimated PCV flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, James Alfred Hilditch, Matthew John Gerhart, Lynn Aimee Chesney, Stephen B. Smith
  • Patent number: 9022009
    Abstract: A low pressure EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system control apparatus of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle may include an atmosphere temperature detecting portion that detects atmosphere temperature of a driving region of the vehicle, an air conditioner switch that outputs ON/OFF signal of an air conditioner, a wiper switch outputting ON/OFF signal of a wiper, a control portion that uses the atmosphere temperature to determine a relative humidity and limits an operation of a low pressure EGR system such that condensate may be not formed therein, when the relative humidity may be higher than a predetermined humidity value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jae Yoon Jung
  • Patent number: 9010113
    Abstract: A control apparatus judges an abnormality of an internal combustion engine. The engine has an external EGR apparatus, including an exhaust gas recirculation passage that connects an exhaust passage with an intake passage, and an EGR valve that can increase and decrease an outside EGR flow quantity that flows back into the intake passage from said exhaust passage through the exhaust gas recirculation passage by being adjusted in its opening angle. The control apparatus acquires an output value of the engine and determines occurrence of abnormality in the external EGR apparatus according to a predetermined criterion based on a difference between an output of the engine in which a first EGR flow quantity is flown back and an output of the engine in which a second EGR flow quantity is flown back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Harima
  • Publication number: 20150101327
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately learning the zero point of an intake gas oxygen sensor during selected engine no-fueling conditions. The learned zero point is used to infer EGR flow and accordingly adjust EGR valve control. In addition, EGR valve leakage is diagnosed based on the zero point learned during a DFSO adaptation relative to a zero point learned during an idle adaptation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Joseph Clark, Gopichandra Surnilla, Matthew John Gerhart, Daniel Joseph Styles
  • Publication number: 20150101328
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately learning the zero point of an intake gas oxygen sensor in varying ambient humidity conditions. The learned zero point is corrected based on an estimated ambient humidity to calibrate the reading for dry air conditions or standard humidity conditions. EGR control is performed by comparing the output of an intake oxygen sensor during EGR conditions relative to the humidity-corrected zero point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Timothy Joseph Clark, Richard E. Soltis, Jacobus Hendrik Visser, Christopher House
  • Publication number: 20150101326
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately learning the zero point of an intake gas oxygen sensor during selected idling conditions. The learned zero point is used to infer EGR flow and accordingly adjust EGR valve control. In addition, EGR valve leakage is diagnosed based on the zero point learned during an idle adaptation relative to a zero point learned during a DFSO adaptation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, James Alfred Hilditch, Timothy Joseph Clark, Matthew John Gerhart, Todd Anthony Rumpsa
  • Patent number: 8985088
    Abstract: Various systems and method for controlling exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in an internal combustion engine are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes injecting fuel to a subset of cylinders that includes less than all cylinders of a first cylinder group to obtain a target EGR rate. The first cylinder group provides exhaust gas through an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage structure fluidly coupled between the first cylinder group and an intake passage structure. The method further includes injecting fuel to at least one cylinder of a second cylinder group. The second cylinder group provides substantially no exhaust gas through the EGR passage structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Neil Xavier Blythe, Shawn Michael Gallagher, James Robert Mischler, Luke Henry
  • Patent number: 8978630
    Abstract: A low pressure EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system control apparatus of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle may include an atmosphere temperature detecting portion that detects atmosphere temperature of a driving region of the vehicle, an air conditioner switch that outputs ON/OFF signal of an air conditioner, a wiper switch outputting ON/OFF signal of a wiper, a control portion that uses the atmosphere temperature to determine a relative humidity and limits an operation of a low pressure EGR system such that condensate may be not formed therein, when the relative humidity may be higher than a predetermined humidity value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jae Yoon Jung
  • Publication number: 20150057910
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for indicating water at an oxygen sensor based on power consumption of a heating element of the oxygen sensor. In one example, water may be indicated at an oxygen sensor positioned in an intake of an engine responsive to power consumption of the heating element of the oxygen sensor increasing above a baseline level. Engine operating parameters may then be adjusted based on the water indication and the power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Dan A. Makled, Timothy Joseph Clark
  • Patent number: 8910476
    Abstract: An exhaust gas condensate control method includes selecting modeling objects from the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, acquiring control factors from the modeling objects, such as mass, temperature, pressure, absolute humidity, relative humidity, partial water vapor pressure of the exhaust gas and a gas mixture, calculating an estimated relative humidity value, a desired relative humidity value from estimated relative humidity value, and an allowable relative humidity limit and a current relative humidity value of the EGR system, and precluding production of condensate in the EGR system by feedback-controlling the intake air flow rate of a mixing pipe line, the opening amount of an LP-EGR (low pressure) valve, and boost pressure by using an applied control value compensating the desired relative humidity value. An EGR system may be an LP-EGR type or an HP-EGR (high pressure)+LP-EGR type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kihoon Nam, Jinsuk Kang
  • Publication number: 20140338644
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adjusting an engine powertrain component responsive to ambient humidity, the ambient humidity based on vehicle position in a region, clock time ambient temperature, and historical humidity data for that region for a current time of year. This may be accomplished without relying on a costly, and often, temperamental physical humidity sensor. Training modules and cloud updates may further increase the accuracy of the virtual humidity sensor of the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Perry Robinson MacNeille, David Charles Weber
  • Patent number: 8881713
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine including a humidity sensor. Degradation of the humidity sensor may be determined based on a change in intake air relative humidity as compared to a change in intake air temperature or pressure, under selected conditions. An amount of exhaust gas recirculated to an engine intake is adjusted differently based on whether the humidity sensor is degraded or functional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Imad Hassan Makki, Michael James Uhrich, Timothy Joseph Clark, James Michael Kerns, Robert Roy Jentz
  • Publication number: 20140202437
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating a PCV flow to an engine based on the output of an exhaust gas oxygen sensor. During DFSO conditions, a reference voltage of the sensor is modulated initially with an intake throttle open and then with the intake throttle closed. PCV flow leaking past the piston valves in an aging engine, as well as an ambient humidity estimate, are inferred based on the outputs of the sensor during the modulating with the intake throttle open and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel A. Makled, Richard E. Soltis
  • Patent number: 8783030
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling an air handling system for an internal combustion engine including a turbocharger having a variable geometry turbine and a compressor having a fresh air inlet fluidly coupled to ambient and to an air outlet of an electric air pump. An air pump enable value as determined a function of target engine speed and total fuel target values and an air flow target is determined as a function of a target fresh air flow value. Operation of the electric air pump is activated to supply supplemental air flow to the fresh air inlet of the compressor if the air pump enable value is greater than a threshold air pump enable value and the air flow target does not exceed a maximum flow value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: John N Chi, John M Mulloy, Sriram S Popuri, Timothy R Frazier, Martin T Books, Divakar Rajamohan, Indranil Brahma
  • Patent number: 8726658
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine including a first turbocharger having a first compressor and a second turbocharger having a second compressor. An EGR differential between the first compressor and the second compressor may be increased under a condensation condition, and decreased under a surge condition. The EGR differential may also be decreased when a compressor outlet temperature exceeds an outlet temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Brad Alan Boyer, Satheesh Makkapati
  • Patent number: 8707935
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for operating an engine system having a sensor coupled to an exhaust gas recirculation system in a motor vehicle. One example method comprises during a first operating condition, directing at least some exhaust gas from an exhaust of the engine through the exhaust gas recirculation system and past the sensor to an intake of the engine and, during a second operating condition, directing at least some fresh air through the exhaust gas recirculation system and past the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dave Charles Weber, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Daniel Joseph Styles, Daniel Joseph Rinkevich
  • Patent number: 8607766
    Abstract: When an abnormality determining process is cancelled when a fuel cut is stopped, an EGR valve (33), which is open wider than normal from the process, is returned to its original opening amount (i.e., fully closed), and fuel injection in an engine (1) is resumed. However, during execution of the abnormality determining process, an EGR passage (32) is full of air. Also, when the EGR valve (33) is returned to the fully closed state, there is a response delay in the change in the flowrate of air that flows from the EGR passage (32) into the air passage (4) following that return, such that excess air flows into the air passage (4). As a result, the intake air amount of the engine (1) becomes excessive for the fuel injection quantity after fuel injection resumes. The fuel injection quantity is thus increase corrected to inhibit this from happening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Takagi
  • Patent number: 8601985
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas cooling adapter that is arranged between an exhaust port that is open to a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and an exhaust manifold, and that includes an exhaust gas flow path through which exhaust gas flows from the exhaust port to the exhaust manifold; and a coolant flow path that is formed inside of an adapter wall surrounding this exhaust gas flow path, and that cools the exhaust gas that flows through the exhaust gas flow path. There is a curved portion in the exhaust gas flow path. Also, a peel inhibiting portion is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the exhaust gas flow path in a region farther toward an inside of the curve than an exhaust gas flow path center line of this curved portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukihiro Takahashi, Yoshihisa Shinoda, Koichi Hoshi
  • Patent number: 8543317
    Abstract: A method is provided for estimating the relative humidity in an intake line of an internal combustion engine provided with an intake manifold connected to the intake line, an exhaust line, and a Low Pressure EGR (LPE) conduit which fluidly connects the exhaust line to a connecting point of said intake line. The method includes, but is not limited to calculating specific humidity in the exhaust line, as a function of the O2 concentration in said exhaust line; determining ambient specific humidity; calculating specific humidity in a portion of the intake line comprised between said connecting point and said intake manifold, as a function of a flow of external air entering into said intake line, a flow of exhaust gases coming from said Low Pressure EGR (LPE) conduit, the specific humidity in said exhaust line and the ambient specific humidity; calculating the relative humidity in said portion of the intake line, as a function of the specific humidity thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paolo Pasero, Alberto Vassallo, Federico Luigi Guglielmone
  • Patent number: 8412442
    Abstract: An engine starting method is disclosed. In one example, engine operation is adjusted to reduce catalyst light off time. Exhaust temperatures may be increased until a threshold engine temperature is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Kurtz
  • Patent number: 8381519
    Abstract: A method of controlling an engine exhaust temperature and an exhaust mass flow rate for stationary regeneration of an engine exhaust gas particulate filter of an engine. The method implements a feed forward control that sets an EGR valve position and an injection timing associated with the engine, and a sets an engine speed. The method implements a feed back control that sets a turbo waste gate position and an intake throttle position associated with the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Nishant Singh, Liquan Xu, Jeremy Ventura
  • Patent number: 8301358
    Abstract: An engine starting method is disclosed. In one example, engine operation is adjusted to reduce catalyst light off time. Exhaust temperatures may be increased until a threshold engine temperature is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20120227719
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine including a humidity sensor. Degradation of the humidity sensor may be determined based on a change in intake air relative humidity as compared to a change in intake air temperature or pressure, under selected conditions. An amount of exhaust gas recirculated to an engine intake is adjusted differently based on whether the humidity sensor is degraded or functional.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Imad Hassan Makki, Michael James Uhrich, Timothy Joseph Clark, James Michael Kerns, Robert Roy Jentz
  • Publication number: 20120097139
    Abstract: An apparatus estimates a quantity of recirculated exhaust gas. The apparatus includes a first unit computing a total quantity of gas, a second unit computing a quantity of exhaust gas passing through an EGR vale by means of an EGR valve model, a third unit computing a temporal quantity of the exhaust gas by means of an EGR diffusion model which simulates a behavior of the exhaust gas, a fourth unit obtaining an intake air quantity by subtracting the temporal exhaust gas quantity from the total gas quantity, a fifth unit correcting the computed intake air quantity by means of intake air quantity measured by the airflow meter, a sixth unit computing an intake air pressure based on the corrected quantity of the intake air, and a seventh unit computing a quantity of the recirculated exhaust gas based on at least the intake air pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Hiroyuki TAKEZOE
  • Patent number: 8146573
    Abstract: It is intended to provide an EGR device for an engine in which a cooling structure such as an EGR cooler is not required and which reduces Nox contained in the exhaust gas in the whole operation areas, so as to correspond to recent exhaust gas regulation. An EGR device 30 for an engine comprises an EGR pipe 14 for continuously connecting an exhaust manifold 4 and an intake manifold 3 of an engine 1, an EGR valve 9 for controlling a passage area of the EGR pipe 14, an ECU 6 for controlling the EGR valve 9. The EGR device 30 further comprises a bypass passage 24 for bypassing the EGR valve 9 and a restrictor 25 is installed in the bypass passage 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Oohashi, Hiroshi Masuda
  • Publication number: 20120024271
    Abstract: A method is provided for estimating the relative humidity in an intake line of an internal combustion engine provided with an intake manifold connected to the intake line, an exhaust line, and a Low Pressure EGR (LPE) conduit which fluidly connects the exhaust line to a connecting point of said intake line. The method includes, but is not limited to calculating specific humidity in the exhaust line, as a function of the O2 concentration in said exhaust line; determining ambient specific humidity; calculating specific humidity in a portion of the intake line comprised between said connecting point and said intake manifold, as a function of a flow of external air entering into said intake line, a flow of exhaust gases coming from said Low Pressure EGR (LPE) conduit, the specific humidity in said exhaust line and the ambient specific humidity; calculating the relative humidity in said portion of the intake line, as a function of the specific humidity thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Paolo PASERO, Alberto VASSALLO, Federico Luigi GUGLIELMONE
  • Publication number: 20120012088
    Abstract: A low pressure EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system control apparatus of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle may include an atmosphere temperature detecting portion that detects atmosphere temperature of a driving region of the vehicle, an air conditioner switch that outputs ON/OFF signal of an air conditioner, a wiper switch outputting ON/OFF signal of a wiper, a control portion that uses the atmosphere temperature to determine a relative humidity and limits an operation of a low pressure EGR system such that condensate may be not formed therein, when the relative humidity may be higher than a predetermined humidity value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jae Yoon Jung
  • Patent number: 8074630
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine control device and an internal combustion engine control system are disclosed as applied to an internal combustion engine having external EGR regulating device for regulating an external EGR amount in which a part of exhaust gases is recirculated from an exhaust gas passage to an air-intake passage, an internal EGR regulating device for regulating an internal EGR amount in which a part of combusted gases remains in a cylinder. External and internal EGR ratio control means controls operations of the external EGR regulating device and the internal EGR regulating device to variably control a ratio between the external EGR amount and the internal EGR amount depending on a surrounding atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Satoru Sasaki, Tokuji Kuronita
  • Publication number: 20110108013
    Abstract: Unique to this invention is the design of an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve with bypass capabilities. EGR valves combined with a bypass valve are expensive to design and manufacture due to their complexity and unique differences. Furthermore, the reliability of multiple components is much lower than that of the single component. During various engine operating conditions it is necessary to divert the flow of exhaust gas around the EGR cooler through the intake manifold or through the EGR cooler to lower the temperature of the exhaust gas to reduce noxious emissions. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Bashar Y. Melhem, Brian Tarkowski
  • Patent number: 7866306
    Abstract: A control apparatus of an EGR control valve has an EGR control valve has an exhaust gas recirculation passage to circulate exhaust gas of an combustion engine from an exhaust gas passage to an intake air passage. A measurement unit measures a flow rate of EGR gas flowing in the exhaust gas recirculation passage, and a controller receives an input from the measurement unit and closes the EGR control valve if the EGR-gas flow rate is smaller than a predetermined threshold value when the EGR gas is flowing from the exhaust side to the intake side of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichiro Ohata, Shiro Yamaoka, Yoshihiro Sukegawa, Hiroaki Hoshika, Kaori Kashio
  • Patent number: 7715976
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle which includes an exhaust passage and an exhaust gas recirculation system. One example method comprises adjusting an engine operating parameter based on an exhaust gas recirculation amount, the exhaust gas recirculation amount based on a first humidity and a second humidity, the first humidity generated from a first humidity sensor at a first location and the second humidity generated from a second humidity sensor located in the exhaust passage of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nian Xiao, James Michael Kerns, Yi Ding
  • Publication number: 20100031939
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas recirculation apparatus for an internal combustion engine (1), a technique is provided which suppresses a temperature fall of combustion chambers and hence resultant troubles even if an idle operation continuation time continues for a long period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Ono
  • Publication number: 20090266345
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine control device and an internal combustion engine control system are disclosed as applied to an internal combustion engine having external EGR regulating device for regulating an external EGR amount in which a part of exhaust gases is recirculated from an exhaust gas passage to an air-intake passage, an internal EGR regulating device for regulating an internal EGR amount in which a part of combusted gases remains in a cylinder. External and internal EGR ratio control means controls operations of the external EGR regulating device and the internal EGR regulating device to variably control a ratio between the external EGR amount and the internal EGR amount depending on a surrounding atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoru Sasaki, Tokuji Kuronita
  • Patent number: 7474954
    Abstract: A method for operating an electronic controlled internal combustion engine with an electronic control unit (ECU) having at least nonvolatile memory and tables resident therein to automatically recalibrate an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) differential pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Zagone
  • Patent number: 7444999
    Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of positively preventing a misfire or knocking during a compression ignition combustion mode by switching from the compression ignition combustion mode to a spark ignition combustion mode in appropriate timing. The engine is operated while switching between the compression ignition and spark ignition combustion modes. The control system (ECU) sets a target operating gas temperature to which the temperature of operating gases in a combustion chamber is to be controlled in the compression ignition combustion mode, sets a target internal EGR amount to which the internal EGR amount is to be controlled, such that the temperature of operating gases in the combustion chamber becomes equal to the target operating gas temperature, and switches the combustion mode to the spark ignition combustion mode depending on the target internal EGR amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Kitamura, Ken Ogawa, Toshinari Shinohara, Chiho Itoga
  • Patent number: 7433776
    Abstract: A system and method for estimating the effect of forced regeneration of a diesel particulate filter (22) by post-injection of fuel on fuel dilution of engine motor oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: International Engine Intellecutal Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Hunter, Andrei Makartchouk
  • Patent number: 7389771
    Abstract: The present invention provides an internal combustion engine system that includes an internal combustion engine system includes an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold fluidly coupled to a compressor adapted to receive ambient air through an air conduit of the engine, a first sensor positioned at least one of inside and outside the air conduit and configured to measure a first water content in the ambient air, and a second sensor positioned at least one of inside the intake manifold and upstream of the intake manifold and configured to measure a second water content in the intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric B. Andrews, Frederick H. Lindner, Tim Frazier
  • Patent number: 7363911
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a gasoline internal combustion engine capable of running in a spark ignition mode and a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode. The method and system implementation include determining humidity of air to be drawn into a combustion cylinder of the engine, and controlling an operating parameter of the engine that affects the homogeneous charge compression ignition mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Diana D. Brehob
  • Publication number: 20080053418
    Abstract: The present invention provides an internal combustion engine system that includes an internal combustion engine system includes an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold fluidly coupled to a compressor adapted to receive ambient air through an air conduit of the engine, a first sensor positioned at least one of inside and outside the air conduit and configured to measure a first water content in the ambient air, and a second sensor positioned at least one of inside the intake manifold and upstream of the intake manifold and configured to measure a second water content in the intake manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Eric B. Andrews, Frederick H. Lindner, Tim Frazier
  • Patent number: 7296562
    Abstract: A control system for estimating the performance of a compressor is disclosed. The control system has a compressor fluidly connected to an inlet manifold of a power source. The control system also has a power source speed sensor to provide an indication of a rotational speed of the power source, an inlet pressure sensor to provide an indication of a pressure of a fluid within the inlet manifold, an inlet temperature sensor to provide an indication of a temperature of the fluid within the inlet manifold, an atmospheric pressure sensor to provide an indication of an atmospheric pressure, and a control module in communication with each of the sensors. The control module is configured to monitor an engine valve opening duration and an exhaust gas recirculation valve position, and estimate a compressor inlet pressure based on the provided indications, the monitored duration, and the monitored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpiller Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Withrow, Kevin L. Dea, Christopher R. Gehrke, Michael R. Donoho, II
  • Patent number: RE39937
    Abstract: Past exhaust emission control systems have failed to cool the exhaust gas prior to mixing with the intake air. The present exhaust gas recirculation system cools a flow of exhaust gas with a common coolant being used to cool an engine prior to mixing the flow of exhaust gas with a flow of intake air. The present exhaust gas recirculation system includes a control system for monitoring an operating parameter of an engine. The control system interprets a signal sensing the operating parameter within a controller and the controller causes an exhaust valve regulator to move between an open position and a closed position. Additionally, a plurality of paths or maps, for example, one being a normal coolant temperature strategy and another being a high coolant temperature strategy is used. In the normal coolant temperature strategy, with the exhaust valve regulator in the open position the supply of fuel to the engine would be advanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald N. Coleman