Control Of Air/fuel Ratio Or Fuel Injection Patents (Class 701/103)
  • Publication number: 20150039207
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for estimating an alcohol concentration in an alcohol fuel mixture supplied to an internal combustion engine, wherein the operation of the internal combustion engine supplied with the alcohol fuel mixture is operated in a stoichiometric condition, a first parameter is determined on the basis of a signal from a pressure sensor sensing the pressure inside a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine being controlled in the stoichiometric condition, and the alcohol concentration of the alcohol fuel mixture is determined on the basis of the determined first parameter and a relation between the first parameter and the alcohol concentration of the alcohol fuel mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro ORYOJI, Kengo KUMANO
  • Publication number: 20150039206
    Abstract: A tangible computer readable medium of a vehicle includes object code referencing a plurality of variables, the object code for: identifying sets of possible target values based on air and exhaust setpoints for an engine; generating predicted parameters based on a model of the engine and the sets of possible target values, respectively; selecting one of the sets of possible target values based on the predicted parameters; setting target values based on the selected one of the sets of possible target values, respectively; and controlling opening of a throttle valve based on a first one of the target values. The tangible computer readable medium also includes calibration data stored separately and that includes predetermined values for the variables referenced in the object code, respectively. At least one processor executes the object code using the predetermined values to perform the identifying, the generating, the selecting, the setting, and the controlling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Sharon L. Storch, James A. Shore, Kevin C. Wong, Ning Jin
  • Publication number: 20150039209
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a variable mechanism that changes a working angle of an intake valve. A controller diagnoses whether there is an abnormality that an intake air amount reduces during idle operation. The controller changes an abnormality determination threshold for diagnosing an abnormality on the basis of a mode in which the working angle is changed by the variable mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Takashi Yui, Kota Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8948998
    Abstract: A machine throttle system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a power system configured to operate at different speeds. The power system is coupled to a first throttle device and a second throttle device. A control module is communicatively coupled to the power system, the first throttle device, and the second throttle device. The control module is configured to cause the power system to operate at a first speed in response to the first throttle device being set to a level. The control module is also configured to cause the power system to increase in speed in response to the second throttle device when the first throttle device level is set below a predetermined value. The control module is further configured to cause the power system to decrease in speed in response to the second throttle device when the first throttle device level is set at or above the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar SARL
    Inventors: Sage F. Smith, Christian Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20150032357
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting barometric pressure (BP) changes based on tire pressure changes are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises adjusting an evaporative leak detection threshold based on a change in barometric pressure, where the change in barometric pressure is based on a tire pressure change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 8938960
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided that is capable of calculating a high-accuracy turbine rotational speed. A turbo supercharger which includes, in an exhaust passage, a turbine that is operated by exhaust energy of the internal combustion engine. A turbine rotational speed model which calculates a turbine rotational speed. The turbine rotational speed is corrected by an exhaust energy correction part equipped with the turbine rotational speed model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryutaro Moriguchi, Satoru Tanaka, Machiko Katsumata
  • Patent number: 8939135
    Abstract: When an engine is in a predetermined steady operating state, a gradient accumulation average value ?Aulsa corresponding to the amount of change in the air-fuel ratio AF, detected by an air-fuel ratio sensor, over the period of time from when an upper peak is reached, at which the direction of change in the air-fuel ratio AF is inverted to when a lower peak is reached, at which the subsequent inversion of the direction occurs, is calculated (S100 to S160) and, when the calculated gradient accumulation average value ?Aulsa is greater than a predetermined threshold value ?Aref1 that is determined in advance as an upper limit (absolute value) of the range, in which it may be determined that the air-fuel ratio is even between the cylinders of the engine (S165 to S175), it is determined that the engine is in an air-fuel ratio imbalance state, in which there is an imbalance in air-fuel ratio between the cylinders of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenya Maruyama, Takahiro Nishigaki, Toshitake Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8942910
    Abstract: Even when a crankshaft reversely rotates, a rotation phase of a camshaft can be accurately detected. A motor shaft rotation angle, a crankshaft forward rotation angle, a crankshaft reverse rotation angle, a final crankshaft rotation angle, a sprocket rotation angle of an electric VTC where a sprocket rotates at ½ rotation speed of the crankshaft and a stator of an electric motor are integrally rotated, a motor shaft rotation angle changing amount during a control period, a sprocket rotation angle changing amount, a motor shaft rotation angle changing amount, an intake camshaft rotation angle changing amount, and a current real rotation angle of the intake camshaft are calculated sequentially, and the VTC manipulated variable is computed so that the VTC real angle follows a VTC target angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kentaro Mikawa
  • Publication number: 20150025775
    Abstract: A system and attendant structural assembly operative to establish a coordinated mixture of gaseous and distillate fuels for an engine including an electronic control unit (ECU) operative to monitor predetermined engine data determinative of engine fuel requirements and structured to regulate ratios of the gaseous and distillate fuel of an operative fuel mixture for the engine. The system and assembly includes at least one mixing assembly comprising an integrated throttle body and air gas mixer directly connected to one another, wherein the throttle body is disposed in fluid communication with a pressurized gaseous fuel supply and the air gas mixer is disposed in fluid communication with a flow of intake air to a combustion section of the engine. In use, the throttle body is structured to direct a variable gaseous fuel flow directly to the air gas mixer for dispensing into the intake air flow to the combustion section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: JASON GREEN
  • Publication number: 20150025780
    Abstract: Systems and methods for restarting an engine are presented. In one example, fuel is injected to cylinder ports before the engine is stopped such that the injected fuel is not inducted into the cylinders before an engine restart is requested. The method may improve fuel vaporization during engine restarting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O`Connor Gibson, Brad Alan VanDerWege, David Oshinsky
  • Publication number: 20150025776
    Abstract: In a fuel supplying controller detecting a clogging of a fuel filter, a timer count portion includes a steady count portion and an unsteady count portion. The steady count portion adds a steady count value to a timer counter in a steady state where a vehicle-state value is less than a threshold. The unsteady count portion adds an unsteady count value that is greater than the steady count value to the timer counter in an unsteady state where the vehicle-state value is greater than or equal to the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Hiromu KASHIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20150025774
    Abstract: A system and attendant structural assembly operative to establish a coordinated mixture of gaseous and distillate fuels for an engine including an electronic control unit (ECU) operative to monitor predetermined engine data determinative of engine fuel requirements and structured to regulate ratios of the gaseous and distillate fuel of an operative fuel mixture for the engine. The system and assembly includes at least one mixing assembly comprising an integrated throttle body and air gas mixer directly connected to one another, wherein the throttle body is disposed in fluid communication with a pressurized gaseous fuel supply and the air gas mixer is disposed in fluid communication with a flow of intake air to a combustion section of the engine. In use, the throttle body is structured to direct a variable gaseous fuel flow directly to the air gas mixer for dispensing into the intake air flow to the combustion section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Jason Green
  • Patent number: 8938349
    Abstract: A method is described for operating a fuel injection system, in particular of an internal combustion engine, in which fuel under pressure is made available in a pressure reservoir and a fuel pressure prevailing in the pressure reservoir is ascertainable with the aid of a pressure sensor. Fuel is removed from the pressure reservoir over a predefinable pressure reduction time period, measured pressure values are ascertained (determined) with the aid of the pressure sensor at least two different points in time during the pressure reduction period, and an actual fuel pressure at the beginning of the pressure reduction period is inferred from the measured pressure values ascertained (determined) during the pressure reduction period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Sommerer, Patrick Amann
  • Patent number: 8936007
    Abstract: In a compression self-igniting internal combustion engine, a fuel injection by an auxiliary injection ends before a gas temperature inside a cylinder reaches a temperature at which a fuel starts a low-temperature oxidation reaction. Specifically, an in-cylinder gas temperature (750K) is used as a reference, and the auxiliary injection is carried out before the in-cylinder gas temperature reaches 750K, so as to separate the low-temperature oxidation reaction and a high-temperature oxidation reaction from one another. This control makes a premixed combustion slow before a compression top dead center is reached, and ensures control of the premixed combustion in a temperature controlled manner in accordance with the transition of the in-cylinder gas temperature. This ensures unambiguous determination of the injection time of the auxiliary injection based on the in-cylinder temperature, and facilitates the attempt to simplify the fuel injection control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Nada
  • Patent number: 8938350
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for controlling fuel injectors in an internal combustion engine having a plurality of individual engine cylinders with associated pistons. The system includes at least one electronic engine control module configured to control the fuel injectors and having a memory with predetermined injector firing patterns stored therein. The firing patterns specify the fuel injectors to be fired and the fuel injectors to be skipped, in an engine cycle under conditions of reduced power demand. For each engine cycle in a succession of cycles under the reduced power demand condition, the engine control module determines the number of fuel injectors to be fired based upon the reduced power demand data, selects from the stored predetermined firing patterns a firing pattern specifying the injectors to be fired and the injectors to be skipped, and orders the specified fuel injectors to be fired sequentially in accordance with the selected predetermined firing pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Silvers, Reddy Pocha Siva Sankara
  • Publication number: 20150019110
    Abstract: An electronic control unit detects a manner of fluctuation of a fuel pressure with injection of fuel by a fuel injection valve with the use of a fuel pressure sensor, and calculates a tendency of deviation of an actual fuel injection characteristic of the fuel injection valve with respect to a basic fuel injection characteristic on the basis of a result of comparison between a detected temporal waveform and a basic temporal waveform. The tendency of deviation is reflected at a predetermined reflection rate (R) at the time of updating a learned value (Gij) for compensating for an individual difference of the fuel injection valve. The predetermined reflection rate (R) is increased when an accumulated value (D) of a vehicle travel distance is shorter than a predetermined value (Dth) as compared with when the accumulated value (D) is longer than or equal to the predetermined value (Dth).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryo Suzuki, Takeshi Miyaura, Yoshiyasu Ito, Toyomori Tsuiki, Naoyuki Yamada
  • Patent number: 8935077
    Abstract: A procedure for startup and shutdown of an internal combustion engine with an electronically-controlled turbocharger (ECT) is disclosed. The startup and shutdown procedures are determined to provide the desired lubrication to engine and ECT components and sufficient cooling of the engine and ECT. In one embodiment, the system includes an electric oil pump that can supply oil to the oil circuit in the engine and ECT independently of an engine-driven mechanical oil pump. In another embodiment, the oil circuit is provided with an oil accumulator to provide oil for cooling after engine rotation has stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: EcoMotors, Inc.
    Inventor: Tyler Garrard
  • Patent number: 8931271
    Abstract: A method for a turbocharger of a heat engine including a turbine, a compressor, and a by-pass actuator that can be used to control an air flow that does not pass through the turbine. The method includes determining a position set point of the by-pass actuator as a function of a compression ratio set point, a compression ratio measurement, a measurement of the rate of flow through the compressor, a measurement of the pressure downstream from the turbine, a measurement of the pressure downstream from the compressor, a measurement of the temperature upstream from the turbine, and a measurement of the temperature upstream from the compressor. The method can be used to control a supercharging device with a single or dual turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Laurent Fontvieille, Arnaud Guinois, Philippe Moulin, Olivier Grondin
  • Publication number: 20150012205
    Abstract: A control device of a vehicle drive device includes an engine having a supercharger and an automatic transmission outputting power of the engine to drive wheels. When an upshift of the automatic transmission is performed by executing an acceleration operation, if a progress status of a supercharging pressure increase in a supercharger pressure increasing process by the supercharger is a status in an initial period of the increasing process, a supercharging pressure increase degree before start of an inertia phase of the upshift is made smaller than a supercharging pressure increase degree after a predetermined timing subsequent to the start of the inertia phase, while if the progress status of the supercharging pressure increase is a status in an ending period of the increasing process, the supercharging pressure increase degree before the start of the inertia phase is made larger than the supercharging pressure increase degree after the predetermined timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazumitsu Sugano, Hiromitsu Metsugi, Toshiya Oishi
  • Patent number: 8930118
    Abstract: Disclosed is an engine control system which is designed to allow homogeneous-charge compression ignition combustion to be performed in an HCCI region (R) defined as an engine operating region including at least a partial-load range of an engine. In a low load zone (R1) of the HCCI region (R), a lift amount of an intake valve (11) is set to a first predetermined value, and an exhaust valve (12) is allowed to start being opened during an intake stroke at a given timing later than an opening timing of the intake valve (11). Further, in the medium load zone of the HCCI region, the lift amount of the intake valve (11) is gradually increased up to a second predetermined value greater than the first predetermined value, along with an increase in an engine load. The engine control system is capable of adequately controlling an amount of burned gas to be introduced into a cylinder, depending on the engine load to allow the HCCI combustion to be adequately performed in a wider engine load range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Nagatsu, Masatoshi Hidaka, Takashi Kaminaga, Masahisa Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 8925299
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for operating an exhaust gas post-treatment device, particularly of a motor vehicle, wherein the arrangement (1) comprises a plurality of consumers (3-12) and a controller (2), wherein the controller (2) comprises at least one switching device (13) for switching the consumers (3-12) on and off. According to the invention, the consumers (3-12) are grouped according to function, and connected to one switch (17-21) each of the switching device (13). The invention further relates to a method for operating an exhaust post-treatment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Schelling, Patrick Bauer, Mehmet Oencel, Ralph Bauer, Thomas Holst, Georg Hoegele
  • Patent number: 8925525
    Abstract: A fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine delivers fuel into a fuel rail via a high-pressure pump. The quantity of the delivered fuel is influenced by a quantity control valve operated by an electromagnetic operating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Wilms, Matthias Schumacher, Joerg Kuempel, Matthias Maess
  • Patent number: 8930053
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes, as a drive power source, a hybrid system that has an engine and a motor. The control apparatus includes a control unit configured to reduce an output of the hybrid system and maintain or increase an engine rotation speed when a driver performs an accelerator operation and a brake operation simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiya Hashimoto, Hideaki Yaguchi
  • Patent number: 8924129
    Abstract: An engine fuel pump control apparatus is provided. The engine fuel pump control apparatus is connected to an engine and a transmission. A fuel pump is interposed in a fuel conduit between a fuel tank and the engine and the fuel pump has a selectively variable fuel delivery rate. A fuel pump controller is configured to adjust a fuel delivery rate from the fuel pump to the engine in which the fuel pump controller is configured to increase the fuel delivery rate as a rotational speed of the engine increases. The fuel pump controller is further configured to adjust the fuel delivery rate as a detected vehicle speed characteristic varies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takamitsu Hase
  • Patent number: 8924126
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for conserving fuel used by an engine. In some embodiments a control module processes a user-provided input, as a first function, into a second function. The second function can be used to direct the engine with a directive output power. The directive output power may have regions equal to, greater than, and/or less than what the power output would be if the engine were controlled using the user-provided input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Fuel Saving Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Yu, James W. Hill
  • Patent number: 8919120
    Abstract: A wastegate control system and a method for the wastegate control system is disclosed. The wastegate control system includes an ambient pressure sensor, a throttle angle sensor, an ignition timing sensor, a knock sensor, an intake charge temperature sensor and an intake charge humidity sensor. A wastegate is controlled according to information received from these sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: James S. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8924128
    Abstract: A fuel injector control system including a fuel injector, a sensing device configured to provide a transition signal indicative of a fuel injector transition from the closed-state to the open-state, and a controller configured to determine an injector control signal based on the transition signal. The injector control signal closing time can be adjusted base on the transition signal and so compensate for injector opening delay due to, for example, a stuck closed fuel injector, cold temperatures, or low injector drive voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel F. Kabasin
  • Patent number: 8924127
    Abstract: A ground engaging vehicle including a frame, an engine, a controller, an accelerator, a position sensor and an interpreter. The engine is supported by the frame and the engine includes a throttle. The controller is in communication with the engine. The position sensor is associated with the accelerator. The position sensor generates a first signal corresponding to a position of the accelerator. The interpreter receives the first signal from the position sensor and generates a second signal dependent upon the first signal. The interpreter communicates the second signal to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Kristen D. Cadman, Elizabeth H. Steenbergen, Steve G. Fleischmann, Dennis P Reiter
  • Publication number: 20140379238
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating an injection system of a motor vehicle, which injection system is designed as an adjusting system having volumetric flow rate control via a normally open inlet valve. If a fault of the inlet valve leading to undesired closing of the inlet valve is detected, the inlet valve is closed already during the suction phase of the high-pressure pump by applying current and is opened again during a part of the suction phase corresponding to a pumping demand in order to thereby control or at least reduce the flow rate of the high-pressure pump. Thus, corresponding safety measures, such as a pressure-limiting valve in the high-pressure region, can be omitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Hans Riepl
  • Publication number: 20140379240
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a fuel system configured to deliver a gaseous fuel to an engine. Following tank refilling, the fuel composition is selectively updated based on fuel tank pressure, temperature, and air content data. When the engine is subsequently restarted, the fuel rail is primed for a duration based on the updated composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Adam Nolan, Jamie Terence Slaymaker, Andrew Paul Chee Aun Wong, Phuoc (Bui) Buiquang
  • Publication number: 20140379239
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine 2 is started by being cranked by an electric motor. An internal combustion engine start control device performs a feedback-control of an intake air amount of the internal combustion engine to a target idle intake air amount, learns a feedback correction amount applied in a feedback control, and performs a learning control using a learnt value in parallel with the feedback control. An engine rotation speed is converged to a target idle rotation speed in an early stage by setting an allowable correction range of a feedback correction amount applied before a start of learning of the intake air amount wider than the allowable correction range of the feedback correction amount applied after the start of the learning of the intake air amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Ohmura, Hiroshi Arakawa
  • Publication number: 20140379237
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a fuel injector that is controlled by an engine control unit. According to one embodiment a device receives from a temperature sensor information corresponding to the temperature of the engine. The device transmits substitute temperature information to the engine control unit when the temperature of the engine is within a predetermined range of temperatures. The substitute temperature information corresponds to a temperature that is different than the actual temperature of the ICE. The engine control unit controls the fuel injector so that it operates in response to the substitute temperature information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Leon Trudeau
  • Patent number: 8918265
    Abstract: A method for operating the internal combustion engine includes determining a first integrated thermal state parameter corresponding to engine environment factors affecting a combustion parameter during engine operation in a homogeneous-charge compression-ignition combustion mode. A difference in the first integrated thermal state parameter is determined corresponding to a difference between a monitored state for the combustion parameter and an estimated state for the combustion parameter. The first integrated thermal state parameter is corrected in response to the difference in the integrated thermal state parameter. Operation of the internal combustion engine is controlled in response to the corrected first integrated thermal state parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jun-Mo Kang, Jyh-Shin Chen, Chen-Fang Chang
  • Patent number: 8918267
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided, the control apparatus being capable of effectively suppressing the inflow of fresh air into a catalyst due to an operational delay of the valve stop mechanism when an execution request for fuel cut is issued. There is provided a valve stop mechanism capable of changing the operational states of intake valves and exhaust valves between a valve operating state and a valve closed/stopped state. The operational states of the intake and exhaust valves are changed into the valve closed/stopped state, if the engine rotational speed decreases to or below a predetermined rotational speed when the engine rotational speed is higher than the predetermined rotational speed in a case where an execution request for fuel cut is detected and the temperature of the catalyst is not lower than a predetermined temperature during operation of an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norihisa Nakagawa, Takashi Nishikiori
  • Patent number: 8918268
    Abstract: A malfunction detecting device for an internal combustion engine is mounted on a vehicle and includes an engine and a control unit. The engine is a multi-cylinder engine and is a bi fuel-enabled engine which is capable of switching plural kinds of fuels including a gas fuel and which can use bifuel. The control unit detects, in case of detecting a malfunction with respect to an imbalance of an air fuel ratio among the cylinders at a time of an operation based on the gas fuel, the malfunction based on variation of pressure pulsations of the gas fuel due to a fuel injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Shinoda
  • Patent number: 8918266
    Abstract: A method for automatic lambda control of an internal combustion engine, in which, upon detection of a predetermined operating state of the internal combustion engine, a calibration factor (KAL) is determined and in which, during the operation of the internal combustion engine, a lambda measuring signal (iP) is corrected by the calibration factor (KAL) and is set as the actual lambda value (Lam(IST)) for the automatic lambda control of the internal combustion engine. The predetermined operating state is recognized when an engine coastdown is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Weiss, Michael Hönl, Matthias Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 8914220
    Abstract: An engine system includes: a mixture portion capable of mixing a first liquid as a main fuel with a second liquid at a predetermined mixture ratio; an engine to which a mixed fuel produced by mixing the first liquid with the second liquid is fed from the mixture portion; and a control portion controlling the mixture ratio of the mixed fuel to be a target mixture ratio based on a driving state of the engine. The control portion controls the target mixture ratio based on a feeding period from the time when the mixed fuel is fed from the mixture portion to the time when the mixed fuel arrives at the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideyuki Nishida
  • Patent number: 8910615
    Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a control apparatus for an internal combustion engine which makes it possible to reliably avoid an abnormal increase in in-cylinder pressure due to pre-ignition. The control apparatus of this invention controls an internal combustion engine including an injector that directly injects fuel into a cylinder. The control apparatus includes pre-ignition detection means that executes an operation to detect pre-ignition until a time of a crank angle ?A, and injection instruction means that, at a time of a crank angle ?B that is before the crank angle ?A, sends to the injector an injection instruction to perform fuel injection that suppresses pre-ignition combustion. Preferably, the control apparatus includes energization stopping means that, when the pre-ignition detection means does not detect pre-ignition until the time of the crank angle ?A, stops energization of the injector that is started by the injection instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yusuke Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8909413
    Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for using a feedback correction factor to determine whether a motor vehicle should be placed in a judging or non-judging mode regarding the on-board diagnostic system. If the feedback correction factor is within a predetermined range, the vehicle is placed in a judging mode. If the feedback correction factor is outside a predetermined range, the vehicle is placed in a non-judging mode. Methods and systems for using an engine oil temperature to determine whether a motor vehicle should be placed in a judging or non-judging mode regarding the on-board diagnostic system are disclosed. If an engine oil temperature, or predicted engine oil temperature, is below a predetermined temperature, the motor vehicle is placed in a non-judging mode. If an engine oil temperature, or predicted engine oil temperature, is above a predetermined temperature, the motor vehicle is placed in a judging mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Anthony P. Mortensen
  • Patent number: 8909460
    Abstract: A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is provided with a system for the variable actuation of the intake valves. At least one part of the engine cylinders is deactivated, cutting off fuel supply to said cylinders, under operating conditions that do not require the maximum power of the engine and in which one wants to reduce fuel consumption. The intake valves of the deactivated cylinders are kept at least partly open during at least one part of the discharge stages in the deactivated cylinders, hence, in the deactivated cylinders, part of the burnt gases generated during the operation prior to the deactivation flows into the respective intake conduits during the discharge stage of each cylinder. The intake valves are closed after the discharge stage. The intake valves of the deactivated cylinders are further kept closed during the compression and expansion stages in each deactivated cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: C.R.F. Società Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Lucatello, Fabio Borean
  • Patent number: 8909455
    Abstract: A control device for an internal combustion engine including a camshaft of the internal combustion engine; a plurality of plane cam shape portions; at least one transitional shape portion; a cam switching mechanism; a cam position sensor; and a control section. The plane cam shape portions, at the camshaft, have valve lift characteristics different from each other, have respective cam faces parallel to a rotation axis of the camshaft, and are spaced apart from each other. The transitional shape portion is between two adjacent ones of the plane cam shape portions and has a curved cam face which connects the cam faces of the two plane cam shape portions. The cam switching mechanism switches between the valve lift characteristics for an intake valve by selecting one of the plane cam shape portions via the transitional shape portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Isato Taki, Kenichi Osonoe, Yu Matsui, Toshihiko Atsumi
  • Publication number: 20140358403
    Abstract: In a method for cylinder equalization of a lambda-controlled internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, cylinders to be tested are trimmed with respect to the mixture composition of metered fuel, and the cylinder equalization is carried out on the basis of an uneven running or uneven running change of the internal combustion engine caused by the trimming. In addition, the uneven running or uneven running change is detected in a reference state of the internal combustion engine. The uneven runnings or uneven running changes detected during successive trimmings of the cylinders to be tested are and compared to the uneven running values detected in the reference state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Christian BRINKMANN, Wolfgang TIEBEL, Holger JESSEN, Roman MEYER, Thomas FEDERLEIN
  • Patent number: 8903633
    Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine, wherein in the control system, an in-cylinder oxygen amount is calculated and a compression end temperature, which is a temperature of the pressurized air-fuel mixture, is calculated according to an intake air temperature. A fuel injection parameter is determined according to the compression end temperature, the in-cylinder oxygen amount, and an engine rotational speed. The fuel injector is controlled based on the determined fuel injection parameter. By determining the fuel injection parameter according to the compression end temperature in addition to the in-cylinder oxygen amount, the combustion state is adjusted when the compression end temperature is low, thereby maintaining a stable combustion state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shizuo Sasaki, Jayant Sarlashkar, Gary D. Neely
  • Patent number: 8903626
    Abstract: A method is provided for adjusting a fuel composition estimate. The method generally uses a non-fuel related property to determine fuel composition. In some cases the method can be used after refueling and when the engine is operating without the benefit of oxygen sensor data, which can include evaluating data not based on characteristics of the fuel or exhaust from its combustion, such as engine torque variations while using the fuel. The method can include monitoring estimated engine torque to determine whether first variations in engine torque exceed a threshold, and, if so, modifying the previous estimate of fuel composition prior to the refueling event by a pre-determined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji David Matsuura, Michael Neisen
  • Patent number: 8903631
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for regenerating an exhaust gas recirculation cooler. One example method includes, routing exhaust gas from a donor cylinder group of an engine to an intake passage of the engine through the exhaust gas recirculation cooler, routing exhaust gas from a non-donor cylinder group of the engine to an exhaust passage of the engine, and adjusting fuel distribution among the donor cylinder group and the non-donor cylinder group responsive to a temperature of the exhaust gas recirculation cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Adam Klingbeil, Roy Primus, Michael Easter, Eric David Peters
  • Patent number: 8903575
    Abstract: Various methods and systems for an engine driving an electrical power generation system are provided. In one embodiment, an example method for an engine driving an electrical power generation system includes adjusting an engine speed in response to a relationship between oxygen and fuel while maintaining a power transmitted to the electrical power generation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Robert Mischler, Jassin Marcel Fritz, Sebastian Walter Freund
  • Patent number: 8903629
    Abstract: A method for adapting a mixture for a pilot control process for setting a fuel/air mixture for operating an internal combustion engine. The method includes determining a current measuring point from an air and fuel quantity in which a predefined lambda is achieved, determining a current operating range in which the measuring point lies, determining a deviation of the measuring point from the operating point lying in the current operating range, determining a corrected operating point between the operating point and the measuring point, and determining corrected parameters of a parameterized relationship from the corrected operating point and the operating points and parameter values of the preceding adaptation step not lying in the current operating range, and permits adaptation of a mixture without separation of load/rotational speed ranges for adaptation of the offset and of the factor of the linear relationship of air quantity and fuel quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Kesch, Holger Jessen, Kai Jakobs
  • Patent number: 8899212
    Abstract: An engine system and method for improving engine starting are disclosed. In one example, engine port throttles are adjusted to improve fuel vaporization of a fuel that includes alcohol. The system and method may improve engine starting and emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Donald J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8903627
    Abstract: When alcohol mixing fuel is supplied to an internal combustion engine, an intake air flow rate is detected and a basic amplitude amount ? of an upstream target air-fuel ratio abyfr corresponding to this detected intake air flow rate is calculated. Next, alcohol concentration in the fuel (in more detail, ethanol concentration Cetha) and a cooling water temperature (or an intake air temperature) are detected, hydrogen concentration Ch in a mixing exhaust gas is calculated based on the detected ethanol concentration Cetha and the detected cooling water temperature (or the detected intake air temperature) amplitude gain ? corresponding to the calculated hydrogen concentration is calculated and finally, an amplitude amount (?×?) of the upstream target air-fuel ratio is calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Morita
  • Patent number: 8899210
    Abstract: A drive circuit for driving an electromagnetic fuel-injection valve, the drive circuit varying an application sequence of a drive voltage, which is supplied from a step-up power supply to a fuel-injection valve for conducting injection multiple times in a single stroke of an internal-combustion engine, between the first injection and the second and subsequent injections, and setting the application sequence such that the consumption of power from the step-up power supply in the first injection becomes smaller than the power consumption in one of the second and subsequent injections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoyuki Abe, Tohru Ishikawa, Takuya Mayuzumi, Tetsuo Matsumura