Including Exhaust Gas Condition Responsive Means Patents (Class 123/672)
  • Patent number: 8239117
    Abstract: A start quantity adaptation value (ST_AD) is adapted as a function of a variable that is characteristic of a rotational speed profile during the start (ST) of the internal combustion engine. A lambda adaptation value (LAM_AD) is adapted as a function of at least one control parameter (LAM_RP) of the lambda controller if a preset condition (COND) is met, which presupposes the existence of a quasi-stationary operating state. An intermediate correction value (ZW_KOR) is adapted as a function of a change of the start quantity adaptation value (ST_AD) since a last adaptation of the lambda adaptation value (LAM_AD). A fuel mass (MFF) to be metered is determined as a function of at least one operating variable (BG) of the internal combustion engine. The fuel mass (MFF) to be metered is corrected during the start (ST) of the internal combustion engine by means of the start quantity adaptation value (ST_AD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignees: Continental Automotive GmbH, Audi AG
    Inventors: Gerald Rieder, Paul Rodatz
  • Patent number: 8224557
    Abstract: A system includes a cylinder equivalence ratio (EQR) module, a location estimation module, a sensor module, and a fuel control module. The cylinder EQR module determines a first EQR corresponding to a first exhaust gas expelled from a first cylinder and determines a second EQR corresponding to a second exhaust gas expelled from a second cylinder. The location estimation module determines when the first and second exhaust gases mix in an exhaust manifold to form a third exhaust gas having a third EQR. The sensor module estimates an EQR of a fourth exhaust gas based on the third EQR. The fourth exhaust gas is located at an oxygen sensor in the exhaust manifold. The fuel control module controls an amount of fuel supplied to an engine based on a difference between the estimated EQR and an EQR corresponding to measurements from the oxygen sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventors: Sai S. V. Rajagopalan, Jason Meyer, Shawn W. Midlam-Mohler, Kenneth P. Dudek, Stephen Yurkovich, Yann G. Guezennec
  • Publication number: 20120174900
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for detecting variation abnormality in an air-fuel ratio between cylinders comprising a wide-range air-fuel ratio sensor and an O2 sensor provided in an exhaust passage upstream of an exhaust gas purifying apparatus arranged in the exhaust passage for an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, air-fuel ratio controlling unit for performing air-fuel ratio control for a predetermined period in such a manner as to make an exhaust air-fuel ratio be equal to a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio based upon output from the wide-range air-fuel ratio sensor, and abnormality detecting unit for detecting variation abnormality in an air-fuel ratio between cylinders based upon output from the O2 sensor for the predetermined period when the air-fuel ratio control is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Miyamoto, Yasushi Iwazaki, Hiroshi Sawada
  • Patent number: 8209106
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine that accurately incorporates demands related to various capabilities of the internal combustion engine. A demand output unit outputs various capability demands of the internal combustion engine, expressed in terms of either torque, efficiency, or an air-fuel ratio data. A torque mediation unit collects only the demand values expressed in terms of torque, and mediates the torque demand values into one. An efficiency mediation unit collects the demand values expressed in terms of efficiency and mediates the efficiency demand values into one. An air-fuel ratio mediation unit collects the demand values expressed in terms of the air-fuel ratio and mediates the air-fuel ratio demand values into one. A control variable computing unit computes control variables of actuators, based upon the torque demand value, efficiency demand value, and air-fuel ratio demand value output from the mediation units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kaoru Ohtsuka, Shinichi Soejima, Naoto Kato, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Hayato Nakada, Keisuke Kawai
  • Patent number: 8205605
    Abstract: In a method for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, the internal combustion engine is controlled by at least one drive variable, and an instantaneous torque output by the internal combustion engine is determined from a performance variable of the internal combustion engine that differs from the drive variable. To determine the instantaneous torque, an exhaust-gas temperature of the internal combustion engine is used as performance quantity that differs from the drive variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Volker Pitzal, Wolfram Gerwing
  • Patent number: 8161954
    Abstract: A fuel supply control apparatus for an engine includes an alcohol concentration detector and an engine temperature detector. The apparatus increases an amount of fuel supplied to the engine as the detected alcohol concentration becomes higher. The apparatus increases the amount of fuel as the engine temperature becomes lower and as the alcohol concentration becomes higher. The apparatus feed-back corrects the amount of fuel by using a correction value such that an actual air-fuel ratio becomes a theoretical air fuel ratio. The apparatus determines that water is mixed with fuel when the correction value during a cold operational state indicates leaner than the lean value of the correction value used during a warm operational state. The apparatus reduces the increased amount of fuel when water is mixed with fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiki Annoura
  • Patent number: 8140248
    Abstract: A control system for providing an optimal estimate of NOx emission in an exhaust during a selective catalytic reduction process is provided. The control system includes a continuous emission monitoring sensor configured to generate a responsive signal representing a first estimate of NOx emission; wherein the responsive signal has a first time lag between a time of measurement of NOx emission and the time when the corresponding responsive signal is made available by the continuous emission monitoring sensor, and the continuous emission monitoring sensor has a first time constant. The control system also includes a virtual sensor configured to generate a relatively faster responsive signal representing a second estimate of NOx emission. The control system further includes a processor that includes a time delay compensation circuit configured to introduce a second time lag in the relatively faster responsive signal, wherein the second time lag matches the first time lag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Charudatta Subhash Mehendale, Gordon Raymond Smith
  • Patent number: 8136513
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine, wherein air is inducted and then compressed. Before introduction into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, the air humidity of the inducted air is determined and temperature of the compressed air introduced into the combustion chamber is altered depending on the air humidity of the inducted air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: GE Jenbacher GmbH & Co OHG
    Inventors: Stefan Schiestl, Thomas Weitzer
  • Patent number: 8131446
    Abstract: Various methods are described for controlling engine operation for an engine having a turbocharger and direction injection. One example method includes performing at least a first and second injection in response to a driver action. The first and second injection may be performed during a cylinder cycle, the first injection generating a lean combustion and the second injection injected after combustion such that it exits the cylinder unburned into the exhaust upstream of a turbine of the turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tobias John Pallett, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 8126632
    Abstract: Various methods are described for controlling engine operation for an engine having a turbocharger and direct injection. One example method includes performing a first and second injection during a cylinder cycle, the first injection generating a lean combustion and the second injection exiting the cylinder unburned into the exhaust upstream of a turbine of the turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tobias John Pallett, Eric Matthew Storhok, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 8109255
    Abstract: A system for controlling fuel to an engine to minimize emissions in an exhaust of the engine. There may be a controller connected to an actuator, for example a fuel control actuator, of the engine and to emissions sensors, such as an NOx and/or PM sensor, proximate to an exhaust output of the engine. The controller, for example a speed controller, may have an input connected to an output of a pedal or desired speed setting mechanism. A speed sensor at a power output of the engine may be connected to an input of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Stewart, Michael L. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 8103429
    Abstract: A system includes a controller configured to estimate a brake specific nitrogen oxide emission of an engine based on a plurality of sensed parameters of the engine. The controller is also configured to control one or more control variables of the engine to reduce specific fuel consumption while ensuring compliance of brake specific nitrogen oxide emissions within predetermined limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Manthram Sivasubramaniam, Paul Kenneth Houpt, Roy James Primus, Sunil Shirish Shah
  • Patent number: 8103393
    Abstract: A computer-implemented function monitors and displays exhaust gas temperatures (EGT) in a plurality of cylinders in an engine. The invention provides an easy way to read exhaust gas temperature on a specific cylinder, and to provide a means for leaning the engine while in a climb. Efficient leaning in a climb reduces fuel consumption and reduces the chance of harmful conditions that can lead to engine failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Vertical Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Ausman, Kevin DeVries
  • Patent number: 8103425
    Abstract: A method of controlling an HCCI engine-based power system may include receiving performance information relating to a desired operating state for the HCCI engine-based power system, evaluating operational information associated with a current operating state of the HCCI engine-based power system, and determining one or more control parameter values based on the performance information and the operational information. The method may further include predicting a response of the HCCI engine-based power system based on the one or more control parameter values and determining whether the response satisfies one or more desired performance characteristics associated with the HCCI engine-based power system. If the response satisfies the one or more desired performance characteristics, control of at least one component of the HCCI engine-based power system may be enabled based on the one or more control parameter values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventors: Cathy Y. Choi, Stephen A. Faulkner, Mary Lou Kesse
  • Patent number: 8061121
    Abstract: A flex fuel internal combustion engine system includes means for sensing ethanol concentration of the fuel. If the ethanol concentration is determined to be above a given threshold, engine operation is adjusted for lean combustion of the fuel. An aftertreatment system is provided to remove harmful emissions from the exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: David James Haugen
  • Patent number: 8050852
    Abstract: An abnormality detection device for an internal combustion engine capable of performing abnormality detection with accuracy, and an air/fuel ratio control apparatus for an internal combustion engine capable of performing air/fuel ratio control with accuracy. An estimated value of the amount of intake air at a valve closing time at which an intake value is closed, is computed. The in-cylinder air/fuel ratio in a cylinder is computed by using the estimated value. The obtained in-cylinder air/fuel ratio is used as an input air/fuel ratio to identify a parameter in a primary delay element. Determination as to the existence/nonexistence of an abnormality in a pre-catalyst sensor (A/F sensor) is made on the basis of the obtained parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoto Kato
  • Publication number: 20110208409
    Abstract: While the materials compatibility challenges have largely been met in “flex-fuel” vehicles, the engine and aftertreatment operation has not been optimized as function of fuel type (i.e. ethanol, biodiesel, etc.). The full-scale introduction of alternative fuels is most likely going to occur as blends with conventional fuels. This is seen to some extend with the limited introduction of E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) and B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% conventional diesel.). This further exacerbates the challenge of accommodating variable fuel properties, as there will be differences in combustion properties due to both the type of alternative fuel (i.e. pure biodiesel vs. pure diesel) and blend ratio (i.e. B20 vs. B80). Real-time estimation of the fuel blend is key to the optimized use of two-component fuels (e.g. diesel-biodiesel, gasoline-ethanol, etc.). The approach outlined here uses knowledge of the exhaust composition, fuel and air delivery rates to the engine to estimate the fuel blend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: David Benjamin Snyder, Gregory Matthew Shaver
  • Patent number: 8000881
    Abstract: The present invention provides an internal combustion engine control device which is capable of implementing a plurality of functions desired to the internal combustion engine. An adder unit determines a total energy E_total that should be generated by the engine by adding a target work, a target exhaust energy and cooling heat loss, which are calculated in a style of energy. A target fuel supply quantity calculation unit calculates a target fuel supply quantity necessary for generating the E_total. A target intake quantity calculating unit calculates a target intake quantity based on the target fuel supply quantity and a target A/F. A target ignition timing calculation unit calculates a target ignition timing necessary for realizing the target exhaust energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Soejima, Keisuke Kawai, Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7997257
    Abstract: For operating a internal combustion engine a first characteristic value is determined depending on a distance integral of at least a portion of a control signal of an oxygen sensor control based on control reference signal characteristics across a given time period. Depending on the first characteristic value (KW—1) a quality value (GW—1) is determined. Depending on the quality value (GW1) either the existence or the non existence of an error of the exhaust sensor is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Krzysztol Korbel, Gerd Roesel, Nobert Sieber
  • Patent number: 7975679
    Abstract: A other-type fuel contamination determination apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas sensor. The exhaust gas sensor is configured for obtaining one of (a) an air-fuel ratio and (b) a combustion state for the internal combustion engine based on exhaust gas. The other-type fuel contamination determination apparatus determines whether other-type fuel contaminates fuel that is supplied to the internal combustion engine based on an output by the exhaust gas sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihiko Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20110162628
    Abstract: To partially supplant the use of fossil fuels in diesel engines, oxygen-containing fuels, such as biodiesels, are proposed as blending agents in diesel fuel. Engine calibration coefficients to control EGR rate, timings and quantities of fuel injection pulses, turbocharger boost, etc, can be determined to compensate for the lower energy content of such oxygenate blends compared to diesel fuels. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the fuel quantity of each of multiple injection pulses is increased proportionally to compensate for the impact of oxygenates. An adjustment in the fuel injection quantity is performed in response to a new tank of fuel and the adjustment is applied for that tank of fuel. A fuel compensation factor (FCF) can be determined based on the actual amount of fuel injected compared to the expected amount of diesel fuel at the present operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Kurtz, Douglas Glen Kuhel, Jianwen James Yi, Christian Winge Vigild
  • Publication number: 20110155112
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine, wherein air is inducted and then compressed, before introduction into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, the air humidity of the inducted air is determined and temperature of the compressed air introduced into the combustion chamber is altered depending on the air humidity of the inducted air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Stefan SCHIESTL, Thomas Weitzer
  • Publication number: 20110155113
    Abstract: The invention has an object to provide a device for determining activation of an exhaust gas sensor which accurately determines a time at which an exhaust gas sensor output is usable, and can suppress an adverse effect caused by use of the exhaust gas sensor output including a large effect of adsorbed species. A time is measured from a time point when a temperature of an air-fuel ratio sensor 48 reaches a predetermined temperature T1, while the air-fuel ratio sensor 48 is warmed up. When the time becomes a predetermined target holding time Te or more, the air-fuel ratio sensor 48 is determined as being in an activation state. The target holding time Te is preferably set at such a length that all adsorbed species adsorbed onto the air-fuel ratio sensor 48 are desorbed, and areas around a sensor element section 50 are completely replaced with an exhaust gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Keiichiro Aoki
  • Patent number: 7968827
    Abstract: A heating module for an oxygen sensor comprises an estimated mass module, a cumulative mass module, and a temperature control module. The estimated mass module determines an estimated mass of intake air to remove condensation from an exhaust system after startup of an engine. The cumulative mass module determines a cumulative mass of intake air after the engine startup. The temperature control module adjusts a temperature of an oxygen sensor measuring oxygen in the exhaust system to a first predetermined temperature after the engine startup and adjusts the temperature to a second predetermined temperature when the cumulative air mass is greater than the estimated air mass, wherein the second predetermined temperature is greater than the first predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventors: Justin F. Adams, Louis A. Avallone, Dale W. McKim, Jeffrey A. Sell, John W. Siekkinen, Julian R. Verdejo
  • Patent number: 7946280
    Abstract: The invention deals with a method for the operation of an internal combustion engine with at least two cylinders, which can be operated with a fuel of variable quality stored in a tank and/or with fuel blends stored in the tank from a first and at least a second fuel in variable mixing ratios, and wherein variable fuel qualities and/or fuel blends of different compositions require variable air/fuel ratios for the achievement of a stable combustion and/or have a variable vaporization behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Wolber, Ruediger Weiss, Emilie Hincker-Piocelle, Karsten Kroepke, Pierre-Yves Crepin
  • Publication number: 20110107740
    Abstract: A method for operating an international combustion engine, the engine also includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, an exhaust system, and a fuel cell in the exhaust system. The method comprises operating the first cylinder lean to provide air to the fuel cell during at least one condition; and operating the second cylinder rich or stoichiometric to provide torque output and fuel to the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Shane Elwart, James Kerns, Gopichandra Surnilla, David Bldner
  • Patent number: 7937209
    Abstract: A fuel control system of an engine system comprises a pre-catalyst exhaust gas oxygen (EGO) sensor and a control module. The pre-catalyst EGO sensor determines a pre-catalyst EGO signal based on an oxygen concentration of an exhaust gas. The control module determines at least one fuel command and determines at least one expected oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas. The control module determines a final fuel command for the engine system based on the pre-catalyst EGO signal, the fuel command, and the expected oxygen concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Dudek, Sai S. V. Rajagopalan, Stephen Yurkovich, Yann G. Guezennec, Shawn W. Midlam-Mohler, Louis A. Avallone, Igor Anilovich
  • Patent number: 7925421
    Abstract: A fuel control system of an engine includes a simulation module and a control module. The simulation module generates a simulated pre-catalyst exhaust gas oxygen (EGO) sensor signal based on a simulated oxygen concentration of an exhaust gas. The simulation module determines a simulated pre-catalyst equivalence ratio (EQR) for the exhaust gas based on the simulated pre-catalyst EGO sensor signal. The control module generates a desired pre-catalyst EGO sensor signal based on a desired oxygen concentration of the exhaust gas. The control module determines a desired pre-catalyst EQR based on the desired pre-catalyst EGO sensor signal. The control module determines a cost function based on the simulated pre-catalyst EQR and the desired pre-catalyst EQR. The fuel control system is calibrated based on the cost function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Sharon Liu, Kenneth P. Dudek, Sai Rajagopalan, Stephen Yurkovich, Yiran Hu, Yann G. Guezennec, Shawn W. Midlam-Mohler
  • Publication number: 20110079205
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine (2) having multiple cylinders (3); fuel may be injected into the multiple cylinders (3) via corresponding injectors, and air may be let in via corresponding intake valves (9) in order to form an air-fuel mixture in the cylinders (3) for providing a drive torque, and combustion exhaust gas may be discharged from the cylinders (3) via a catalytic converter (6); having the following steps: operating the internal combustion engine (2) in a first engine operating mode in which no fuel is injected into at least one first cylinder (3), so that the at least one first cylinder (3) does not contribute to the drive torque, and fuel is only injected into at least one second cylinder (3) in order to provide the drive torque; and switching to a second engine operating mode in which fuel is injected into the at least one first cylinder (3) and into the at least one second cylinder (3), so that the at least one first cylinder (3) and the at least one second cylinder (3) co
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Marcus Rosenberger
  • Publication number: 20110073085
    Abstract: A system includes a cylinder equivalence ratio (EQR) module, a location estimation module, a sensor module, and a fuel control module. The cylinder EQR module determines a first EQR corresponding to a first exhaust gas expelled from a first cylinder and determines a second EQR corresponding to a second exhaust gas expelled from a second cylinder. The location estimation module determines when the first and second exhaust gases mix in an exhaust manifold to form a third exhaust gas having a third EQR. The sensor module estimates an EQR of a fourth exhaust gas based on the third EQR. The fourth exhaust gas is located at an oxygen sensor in the exhaust manifold. The fuel control module controls an amount of fuel supplied to an engine based on a difference between the estimated EQR and an EQR corresponding to measurements from the oxygen sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Sai S.V. Rajagopalan, Jason Meyer, Shawn W. Midlam-Mohler, Kenneth P. Dudek, Stephen Yurkovich, Yann G. Guezennec
  • Publication number: 20110072793
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter downstream of an engine in a vehicle are provided herein. One exemplary method includes, during an engine shutdown, increasing a throttle opening and regenerating a particulate filter downstream of a three-way catalyst. The method also includes, during an engine start following an engine shutdown, setting one or more engine parameters based on whether the particulate filter was regenerated during a last engine shutdown before the engine start.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7900614
    Abstract: A system for calibrating a response to an exhaust-stream NOx level in a motor vehicle is provided. The system comprises a NOx sensor that includes an electrode, a current from the electrode responsive to the exhaust-stream NOx level while a bias voltage is applied to the electrode. The system further comprises a controller configured to interrupt the bias voltage and to adjust a motor-vehicle response to the current based at least partly on an attained voltage of the electrode while the bias voltage is interrupted. Other embodiments provide a method of calibrating a NOx sensor response in terms of gain and offset parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Yi Ding
  • Patent number: 7900615
    Abstract: A control system comprising an oxygen sensor that generates an oxygen signal based on an oxygen concentration level in an exhaust gas of an engine, a filtering module that determines a filtered signal based on the oxygen signal, and an air-fuel imbalance detection module that detects an air-fuel imbalance in the engine based on the oxygen signal and the filtered signal. A method comprising generating an oxygen signal based on an oxygen concentration level in an exhaust gas of an engine, determining a filtered signal based on the oxygen signal, and detecting an air-fuel imbalance in the engine based on the oxygen signal and the filtered signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventors: Zhong Wang, Lan Wang, Ian J. Mac Ewen, Igor Anilovich, Steven Ward Majors, Cheol S. Lee
  • Publication number: 20110041819
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has at least one cylinder, with which an injection valve for metering fuel is associated and an exhaust system with an exhaust gas catalytic converter. A first exhaust gas probe is disposed upstream of or in the exhaust gas catalytic converter, and a second exhaust gas probe is downstream. A lambda controller determines a regulating variable as a function of the first probe and a control variable acting on a fuel mass to be metered using the injection valve. A trim regulator determines a regulating variable thereof as a function of the second probe and the first trim control variable thereof as a function of a P regulator component and the second trim control variable thereof as a function of an I regulator component. A function of a predetermined evaluation of the first trim control variable decides whether the second trim control variable is adapted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Rodatz, Gerd Rösel
  • Publication number: 20110040473
    Abstract: In a method for regulating an air/fuel ratio, and in a method for recognizing a fuel quality, a lambda sensor is provided in the exhaust of the internal combustion engine, wherein after fueling of the tank the second adaption value is first adjusted due to a deviation of the lambda signal from the target signal occurring such that the lambda signal oscillates again about the target value, wherein the second adaption value is determined as a function of the current adaption value and as a function of the currently determined quality of the fuel. In a method for recognizing a fuel quality, particularly of a mixture ratio of two types of fuel, the lambda signal of the lambda sensor is analyzed for recognizing the quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Gerhard Haft, Paul Rodatz
  • Patent number: 7878178
    Abstract: A system for controlling fuel to an engine to minimize emissions in an exhaust of the engine. There may be a controller connected to an actuator, for example a fuel control actuator, of the engine and to emissions sensors, such as an NOx and/or PM sensor, proximate to an exhaust output of the engine. The controller, for example a speed controller, may have an input connected to an output of a pedal or desired speed setting mechanism. A speed sensor at a power output of the engine may be connected to an input of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Stewart, Michael L. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 7877190
    Abstract: A fuel control device for an internal combustion engine determines that the internal combustion engine is in a transient state, by a criterion D, and makes fuel correction, where the transient-state criterion D is set to be a more relaxed criterion (=|?THaf|) when forcible modulation control is being performed, compared with a normal criterion (=|?THn|) used when the forcible modulation control is not being performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Miyamoto, Tetsuya Watanabe, Masashi Takahashi, Kinichi Iwachido
  • Patent number: 7877189
    Abstract: A method is described for an engine having a delivery system configured to deliver fuel and a fluid to an engine cylinder, said fluid containing at least some water. In one example, an engine operating parameter may be varied based on an amount of water in said fluid, where said amount is determined based on an operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas G. Leone
  • Patent number: 7849844
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an exhaust gas catalyst, a first exhaust gas sensor that is arranged for use in lambda control, and a second sensor that is arranged for trim control. The measuring signal of the second sensor is used to determine a NOx quality value depending on the HC quality value and the NOx correction factor. A lambda quality value is determined depending on an actual value and a basic set value of the air/fuel ratio. An error indicator is determined depending on the lambda quality value and the NOx quality value, the error indicator being representative of a mixture component error in a first range and being representative of an exhaust gas catalyst error in a second range. At least one control parameter of a trim control and/or the trim set value of the trim control is adapted depending on the NOx correction factor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Gerd Rösel
  • Patent number: 7841326
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine working according to the Otto principle, in which fuel, particularly gasoline, is injected directly into a combustion chamber and is inflamed by self-ignition. A characteristic quantity characterizing the stability of combustion of an air/fuel mixture located in the combustion chamber is ascertained, and, as a function of the characteristic quantity, a residual gas proportion in the cylinder associated with the combustion chamber is set, in particular minimized, the residual gas proportion being reduced, preferably iteratively, as long as the characteristic quantity does not fall below a specifiable stability boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Karrelmeyer, Christina Sauer, Wolfgang Fischer, Juergen Haering
  • Patent number: 7835849
    Abstract: For operating an internal combustion engine a respective lambda adaptation value (LAM_AD) assigned to a respective temperature range is adapted as a function of at least one corrective signal proportion of a lambda controller in relation to a control parameter of the lambda controller if a predetermined condition is fulfilled. The respective lambda adaptation value (LAM_AD) is assigned a respective reference temperature If a predetermined test condition is fulfilled, a check is made as to which of the lambda adaptation values (LAM_AD) was adapted as a function of the at least one corrective signal proportion since the test condition was last fulfilled. A respective lambda adaptation value not adapted as a function of the at least one corrective signal is compared to a range of valid values. If it lies outside the predetermined diverging range of valid values, the non-adapted lambda adaptation value (LAM13 AD) is adapted in a defined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Gerald Rieder, Paul Rodatz
  • Patent number: 7832198
    Abstract: If a demanded power exceeds a predetermined threshold, where the threshold is based on a catalyst temperature, power from a power storage unit is supplied to a wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shunsuke Okubo, Ming Kuang, Kenneth Frederick, Matthew Smith
  • Patent number: 7809490
    Abstract: A fuel control system of an engine system comprising a pre-catalyst exhaust gas oxygen (EGO) sensor and a control module. The pre-catalyst EGO sensor determines a pre-catalyst EGO signal based on an oxygen concentration of an exhaust gas. The control module determines a dither signal. The control module determines a fuel command based on the pre-catalyst EGO signal and the dither signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventors: Sharon Liu, Kenneth P. Dudek, Robert Douglas Shafto
  • Publication number: 20100242934
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a lean control unit and a rich control unit. The lean control unit executes lean spike operation, in which an air-fuel ratio is temporarily changed in a lean direction by a lean change width relative to a reference air-fuel ratio. The rich control unit changes the air-fuel ratio in a rich direction by a rich change width relative to the reference air-fuel ratio after the lean control unit executes the lean spike operation such that the air-fuel ratio stays in a predetermined slightly rich region. The rich change width is smaller than the lean change width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yutaka Yonekawa, Tomoaki Nakano
  • Publication number: 20100242569
    Abstract: A method for determining degradation of an exhaust gas sensor positioned in an exhaust system for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is provided. The method includes modulating an air/fuel ratio of gas exhausted by the internal combustion engine to the exhaust system through a cycle that includes at least one rich-to-lean transition and at least one lean-to-rich transition, indicating a degradation condition of the exhaust gas sensor in response to at least one of a rich-to-lean response duration of the exhaust gas sensor and a lean-to-rich response duration of the exhaust gas sensor being greater than a delay threshold, and indicating the degradation condition of the exhaust gas sensor in response to a ratio of the rich-to-lean response duration to the lean-to-rich response duration being greater than an asymmetry threshold that is relative to an axis of symmetry of the rich-to-lean response duration versus the lean-to-rich response duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, Timothy Joseph Clark
  • Publication number: 20100242933
    Abstract: An engine control system includes an oxygen (O2) sensor diagnostic module that diagnoses an O2 sensor and requests a minimum air per cylinder (APC). A throttle actuator module controls a throttle to adjust a mass air flow based on the minimum APC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Igor Anilovich, Jeffry A. Helmick, Richard B. Jess, John W. Siekkinen, Christopher E. Whitney, Robert C. Simon, JR.
  • Patent number: 7797930
    Abstract: An ECU performs exhaust temperature control based on output values of multiple exhaust temperature sensors provided upstream and downstream of a particulate filter provided in an exhaust passage of an engine. The ECU calculates a change speed deviation value by subtracting change speed of outlet side exhaust temperature, which is sensed by one of the exhaust temperature sensors, from change speed of inlet side exhaust temperature, which is sensed by the other one of the exhaust temperature sensors, in an operation state in which temperature of exhaust gas flowing through the particulate filter changes rapidly. The ECU determines that the exhaust temperature sensors are mounted erroneously if the change speed deviation value deviates from a predetermined normal range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Hideyuki Kusatsugu
  • Patent number: 7788903
    Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control apparatus of an internal combustion engine includes first and second catalysts 10 and 12, first air-fuel ratio acquiring means 8 provided up-stream of the first catalyst, for acquiring an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas; second air-fuel ratio acquiring means 11 for acquiring an air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the second catalyst, and air-fuel ratio controlling means 13 for controlling an air-fuel ratio according to the air-fuel ratios acquired by the first and second air-fuel ratio acquiring means, and the air-fuel ratio controlling means is provided with lean control means 13 for controlling an air-fuel ratio until the second catalyst becomes lean after completion of a fuel quantity increasing operation of the engine, and intermediate lean control means 13 for performing control to change the air-fuel ratio to a lean air-fuel ratio within the range enough to make the first catalyst lean and not enough to make the second catalyst lean, between the fuel quantity increasin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norihisa Nakagawa, Asuka Akiyoshi
  • Patent number: 7785548
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream. In one embodiment, the fuel filter comprises at least one column comprising an adsorbent. In one exemplary embodiment the adsorbent is capable of removing sulfur containing compounds, especially sulfur containing aromatic compounds, from fuels used in internal combustion engines, especially diesel fuels. Also disclosed is an apparatus for extending the life cycle of a post combustion emission control device. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream and an emission control device. Finally, a method for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Rohrbach, Peter D. Unger, Gary B. Zulauf, Daniel E. Bause, Russ Johnson, David R. Rockwell
  • Publication number: 20100206280
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted engine control apparatus can accurately measure the resistance value of a label resistor arranged in an exhaust gas sensor for correcting characteristic variation thereof by using a reduced number of wires. An electric heater of the exhaust gas sensor, which is powered from a second power supply wire, as well as the label resistor and air fuel ratio measurement elements are connected to the apparatus which is powered from an on-vehicle battery through a first power supply wire. A power feed voltage of the apparatus is input to a multichannel AD converter through voltage dividing resistors, so that a positive end potential of the label resistor is measured alternatively. A negative end potential of the label resistor is input to the converter as a divided voltage thereof with a fixed resistor. The label resistance value is calculated from a fixed resistor current and a label resistor voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masahiko Nomura, Koji Hashimoto