Valve Train Patents (Class 73/114.79)
  • Patent number: 11821800
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sensor for measuring cam and tappet contact force of an engine and a measuring method. The sensor comprises a force carrying element, a force transmission element, a piezoelectric element, a force bearing element, a tappet head and a guide woodruff key. Meanwhile, the present disclosure also provides a measuring method by using the sensor. The sensor is simple in mechanism and convenient to use and can realize the measurement of the cam tappet contact force in the normal direction, the tangential direction and the axial direction of the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Harbin Engineering University
    Inventors: Jie Guo, Shengwei Zhou, Guoan Jiang, Xinyu Zhang
  • Patent number: 11555423
    Abstract: An overhead cam engine system comprises a rotating overhead exhaust cam rail comprising a plurality of exhaust lobes. A first switching roller finger follower actuates a first exhaust valve, and is configured to switch between a first lift profile and a second lift profile. A second switching roller finger follower is coupled to actuate a second exhaust valve, and is configured to switch between a third lift profile and a fourth lift profile. The third and fourth lift profile are different than the first and second lift profile. An actuation assembly is connected to switch the first switching roller finger follower and the second switching roller finger follower to select between at least three exhaust lift modes to open and close the first exhaust valve and the second exhaust valve using combinations of the first, second, third and fourth lift profiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Matthew A. Vance, Nicola Andrisani, Nilesh L. Bagal, Andrei D. Radulescu
  • Patent number: 11499883
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a pressure transducer are described. The method comprises sampling an output signal of a pressure transducer to obtain a plurality of pressure measurements as recorded by the pressure transducer, comparing the pressure measurements to a first pressure exposure limit associated with the pressure transducer, and recording data related to exposure of the pressure transducer to the first pressure exposure limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Antwan Shenouda
  • Patent number: 11268411
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a valve lash in an internal combustion engine includes receiving a first signal generated by a sensor secured to the internal combustion engine, the first signal being indicative of a closing of a valve, receiving a second signal indicative of at least one of an engine speed of the internal combustion engine or a position of a camshaft of the internal combustion engine, and automatically determining an adjusted amount of lash associated with the valve based on the received first signal and the received second signal. The method also includes comparing the adjusted amount of lash to at least one predetermined threshold, and providing, in response to determining that the adjusted amount of lash is greater than the at least one predetermined threshold, a valve lash re-adjustment notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Yifeng Lu, Yanchai Zhang, Zhaoxu Dong, Nathan S. Pauli, Xuefei Hu, Purna C. Nalla, Brian W. Young, James D. Siegle
  • Patent number: 11149594
    Abstract: Even in the case where, due to distortion (undulation) or the like of an end surface of an adjusting screw abutting on a valve stem end, there exists a non-linear undulation movement amount in a movement amount of the end surface with respect to a rotation return angle of the adjusting screw, the undulation movement amount is continuously measured, and a screw return movement amount based on a screw pitch and on the rotation return angle is continuously calculated, and, when a total movement amount of the undulation movement amount and the screw return movement amount has attained a prescribed clearance, return rotation is ended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Naoya Tanuma
  • Patent number: 10612426
    Abstract: Provided is a valve clearance adjusting method by which an accurate valve clearance adjustment can be easily performed regardless of the tolerance of pitch dimensions of an adjusting screw. The valve clearance adjusting method including: measuring a cam profile of the camshaft 50 mounted on the cylinder head 100; identifying, on the basis of a measurement result of the cam profile, a predetermined rotation angle ?V of the camshaft 50 at which a predetermined lift amount corresponding to a predetermined valve clearance is obtained; rotating the camshaft 50 and allowing a pressed portion 61, 71 of the rocker arm 60, 70 to face a cam surface at the predetermined rotation angle ?V; rotating an adjusting screw 90 with the pressed portion faced with the cam surface and setting a valve clearance to zero; and fastening the adjusting screw 90 with a lock nut 91.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: SANYO MACHINE WORKS, LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Takagi
  • Patent number: 10161336
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining operation of a cylinder deactivating/reactivating device are disclosed. In one example, degradation of the cylinder deactivating/reactivating device is based on intake manifold oxygen concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Chris Paul Glugla, Michael James Uhrich
  • Patent number: 9933334
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes an engine control system configured to control an engine. The engine control system comprises a processor configured to receive a vibration signal sensed by a knock sensor disposed in an engine, and to receive a crankshaft signal sensed by a crank angle sensor disposed in the engine, wherein the crankshaft signal is representative of an engine crank angle. The processor is further configured to monitor a valve timing by deriving a cylinder head acceleration measurement via the vibration signal received by the knock sensor, wherein the processor is configured to monitor the valve timing by deriving a valve lash based on the vibration signal, the engine crank angle, and a threshold valve lash model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Sandro Rivellini
  • Patent number: 9759213
    Abstract: A rotating machine valve health monitor. Aspects of the valve monitor include instrumenting each valve of a reciprocating compressor, or other rotating machine, with a sensor capable of detecting at least vibration and instrumenting the crank shaft with a sensor capable of detecting at least rotation. A controller directly monitors the operation and condition of each valve to precisely identify any individual valve exhibiting leakage issues rather than only identifying the region of the leakage. The valve monitor uses a relatively high frequency stress wave analysis technique to provide a good signal-to-noise ratio to identify impact events indicative of leakage. The valve monitor uses circular waveforms of vibration data for individual valves to identify leakage by pattern recognition or visual identification. The valve monitor provides ongoing data collection to give warning of predicted valve failure and scheduling of preventative maintenance for failing valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Computational Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Scott Bassett, Matthew Carl Heller, Terry Lynn Ford
  • Patent number: 9714892
    Abstract: To simulate various rolling and sliding conditions, a wear testing machine can include a load roller arrangement having at least a first load roller, a second load roller, and a third load roller arranged in a triangular layout. A test roller can be disposed between and in simultaneous contact with the first, second, and third load rollers along at least three points of contact. The load rollers and the test roller can be configured to rotate with respect to each other at a same rotational speed or at different rotational speeds. In an embodiment, the wear testing machine can introduce lubricant to the points of contact between the three load rollers and the test roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Hyung K. Yoon, Eric Kelsey
  • Patent number: 9267582
    Abstract: An apparatus for multiplexing gear engagement control in an automatic transmission is provided. At least two friction engagement devices are configured to selectively engage and disengage a different gear ratio of the transmission. A trim system is configured to selectively supply engagement and disengagement pressures to at least one fluid passageway. A first control valve is fluidly coupled directly to the at least one fluid passageway and directly to each of the at least two friction engagement devices. The first control valve is configured to selectively route the engagement and disengagement pressures through the first control valve directly to the at least two friction devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John William Edward Fuller
  • Patent number: 9151207
    Abstract: A diagnostic method for an engine having a valve for controlling dilution of intake air. The method comprises, during engine fueling, indicating a degradation of the valve when the valve is commanded closed but sensor output corresponds to an oxygen level below that of air. The method further comprises, absent engine fueling, indicating degradation of the sensor when the valve is commanded closed but the sensor output corresponds to an oxygen level below that of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Imad Hassan Makki, James Michael Kerns, Timothy Joseph Clark, Robert Roy Jentz, Michael James Uhrich
  • Patent number: 9115608
    Abstract: A valve lash adjustment system for setting a valve to a rocker arm clearance for a valve train associated with a particular combustion cylinder for an engine is disclosed. The valve lash adjustment system includes a frame assembly including an engine head attachment portion and an instrument attachment portion. The engine head attachment portion of the valve lash adjustment system is removably attachable to the engine and the instrument attachment portion is selectively positionable relative to the engine head attachment portion. The valve lash adjustment system also includes an instrument assembly including at least one position sensor and at least one display unit. The valve lash adjustment system further includes a gap setting gauge assembly having a clip member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Anupam Radhakrishnan, Rajesh Sampath, Sivakumar Ramaiyan, John A. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20150096296
    Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying degradation in components of a compressor recirculation valve (CRV). One method may include inferring degradation of the CRV based on adaptation of a compressor surge line outside an expected range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Baitao Xiao, Hamid-Reza Ossareh
  • Patent number: 8863569
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring temperature comprises a housing and an actuator pressure sealed to the housing and having a shaft. The actuator is configured to be in pressure communication with a volume of gas or liquid. Upon a change in pressure, the actuator is displaced at least partially in the axial direction. A sensor detects axial displacement of a magnetically encoded target upon the change in pressure in the volume. A device for measuring pressure and temperature in an engine cylinder comprises a valve in pressure communication with an engine cylinder. The valve stem has a magnetic coding located adjacent a sensor. Axial displacement of the stem under cylinder pressure and temperature changes are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Dale Arden Stretch
  • Patent number: 8775011
    Abstract: A diagnostic method for an engine having a valve for controlling dilution of intake air. The method comprises, during engine fueling, indicating a degradation of the valve when the valve is commanded closed but sensor output corresponds to an oxygen level below that of air. The method further comprises, absent engine fueling, indicating degradation of the sensor when the valve is commanded closed but the sensor output corresponds to an oxygen level below that of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Imad Hassan Makki, James Michael Kerns, Timothy Joseph Clark, Robert Roy Jentz, Michael James Uhrich
  • Patent number: 8756920
    Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for controlling a metering device for metering fuel into the exhaust gas duct of a combustion engine for the regeneration of a particle filter, whereby the metering device supplies the fuel to the exhaust gas duct over a security valve, a first fuel pipe, a metering valve, a second fuel pipe and an injection check valve and whereby the pressure of the fuel is determined between the metering valve and the injection check valve in the second fuel pipe. It is thereby provided that an opening pressure of the injection check valve is determined from the pressure course between the metering valve and the injection check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Damian Dyrbusch, Ignacio Garcia-Lorenzana Merino, Markus Boerner, Natalie Kuestner
  • Patent number: 8746052
    Abstract: A valve keeper verification tool is provided. The tool may include: an elongated body having two ends; an axial hole in one end of the body dimensioned to fit over a valve stem; and structure surrounding the hole dimensioned to contact at least one keeper of a retainer for an engine valve, wherein the tool is angled near the hole between about 10 and about 25 degrees. A method of checking to ensure a valve retaining keeper is in place may also be provided. The method may include: inserting a valve stem into a hole in a valve keeper verification tool; moving the valve keeper verification tool against a keeper; and applying a force against the keeper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Adam Gentner, Ray de Schepper, Rick Martin
  • Patent number: 8682569
    Abstract: A system for diagnosing a switchable roller finger follower (SRFF) and an oil control valve (OCV) includes a signal monitoring module and a fault detection module. The signal monitoring module receives at least one of an individual cylinder fuel correction (ICFC) signal and an air/fuel ratio imbalance (AFIM) signal when: an engine speed signal is within a predetermined range of speed; an engine load signal is within a predetermined range of load; and a charcoal canister vapor signal is within a predetermined range of flow rate. The fault detection module detects a fault of at least one of a SRFF and an OCV based on an exhaust gas recirculation value and at least one of the ICFC and AFIM signals. The ICFC and AFIM signals are generated based on: an engine position signal; and at least one of an oxygen signal and a wide range air fuel signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew P. Bagnasco, Joshua D. Cowgill, Joseph R. Dulzo, Raymond Claude Turin, Matthew A. Wiles
  • Patent number: 8667835
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring cylinder valve deactivation in an engine operating with a plurality of cylinder valves. One example method comprises indicating valve degradation based on an indication of manifold pressure over a plurality of immediately successive induction events of the engine, the indication responsive to increases and decreases in the indication of manifold pressure correlated to the induction events of engine cylinders and further correlated to whether cylinders are commanded to be activated or deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, John Eric Rollinger
  • Patent number: 8631688
    Abstract: A system according to the present disclosure includes a pressure estimation module and a fault detection module. The pressure estimation module estimates a pressure of hydraulic fluid in a valve actuation system that actuates at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of an engine. The fault detection module compares the estimated pressure to a pressure measured by a pressure sensor disposed in the valve actuation system and detects a fault in the pressure sensor based on a difference between the estimated pressure and the measured pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventors: Allen B. Rayl, Daniel G. Brennan, Craig D. Marriott
  • Patent number: 8621917
    Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing a multi-mode valve train device which selectively provides high lift and low lift to a combustion valve of an internal combustion engine having a camshaft phaser actuated by an electric motor. The method includes applying a variable electric current to the electric motor to achieve a desired camshaft phaser operational mode and commanding the multi-mode valve train device to a desired valve train device operational mode selected from a high lift mode and a low lift mode. The method also includes monitoring the variable electric current and calculating a first characteristic of the parameter. The method also includes comparing the calculated first characteristic against a predetermined value of the first characteristic measured when the multi-mode valve train device is known to be in the desired valve train device operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew M. Fedewa
  • Patent number: 8620565
    Abstract: A control system (36) for comparing engine speed data to an engine speed threshold above which the engine is considered to be running (40), for comparing engine temperature data to an engine temperature threshold (60), and once engine speed data has become greater than the engine speed threshold, for causing engine torque to be limited to an engine torque limit until the first to occur of: engine temperature data exceeding the engine temperature threshold, a first timer (44), started upon engine speed data having become greater than the engine speed threshold, having timed to a time that is a function of engine temperature data, and a second timer (54), started upon engine speed data having become greater than the engine speed threshold and engine oil pressure data having become greater than an engine oil pressure threshold, having timed to a time that is also a function of engine temperature data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Kadolph
  • Publication number: 20130312506
    Abstract: A linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) for monitoring engine valve position is disclosed. The system includes a valve guide having an elongated recess through it. The engine valve has a valve head and a valve stem with two adjacent materials having different magnetic properties meeting at an interface. The valve stem fits and moves linearly within the valve guide, and the valve head closes an engine combustion chamber. It also includes monitoring coils within the valve guide that create a signal related to the position of the interface within the valve guide. An engine control unit (ECU) is coupled to the monitoring coils and receives and analyzes the signal from the monitoring coils to determine operation of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas John Nielsen, Mark William Hildebrandt
  • Publication number: 20130263653
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing a blowoff valve in an engine system having a supercharged internal combustion engine, the blowoff valve being situated in a blowoff line around a compressor of a supercharging device, by performing the following: detecting a compressor rotational speed indication of the supercharging device; and determining a malfunction of the blowoff valve if the compressor rotational speed indication includes an oscillation after the blowoff valve is activated for opening the blowoff valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Martin BRANDT, Thomas Bleile, Patrick Menold, Andreas Huber
  • Patent number: 8505365
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring pressure comprises a housing and an actuator pressure sealed to the housing and having a shaft. The actuator is configured to be in pressure communication with a volume of gas or liquid. Upon a change in pressure, the actuator is displaced at least partially in the axial direction. A sensor detects axial displacement of a magnetically encoded target upon the change in pressure in the volume. A device for measuring pressure in an engine cylinder comprises a valve in pressure communication with an engine cylinder. The valve stem has a magnetic coding located adjacent a sensor. Axial displacement of the stem under cylinder pressure is detected and pressure is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Arden Stretch, David Gerard Genise
  • Publication number: 20130145832
    Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing a multi-mode valve train device which selectively provides high lift and low lift to a combustion valve of an internal combustion engine having a camshaft phaser actuated by an electric motor. The method includes applying a variable electric current to the electric motor to achieve a desired camshaft phaser operational mode and commanding the multi-mode valve train device to a desired valve train device operational mode selected from a high lift mode and a low lift mode. The method also includes monitoring the variable electric current and calculating a first characteristic of the parameter. The method also includes comparing the calculated first characteristic against a predetermined value of the first characteristic measured when the multi-mode valve train device is known to be in the desired valve train device operational mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: ANDREW M. FEDEWA
  • Publication number: 20130118246
    Abstract: The shut-off valve testing system provides for the testing of the main shut-off valve of a combustible gas supply line in such facilities as refineries, factories, or other plants utilizing such gaseous fuel. The system includes a double-ended hydraulic cylinder receiving hydraulic pressure from a suitable source, the cylinder communicating hydraulically with a hydraulic actuator for the main shut-off valve. The system provides for testing of the shut-off valve by actuating the valve through a portion of its full travel, thus confirming that the valve is free. This is accomplished by shutting off the pressure to one side of the double-ended hydraulic cylinder, and opening the hydraulic line between the cylinder and the actuator. Thus, hydraulic pressure from the actuator can bleed to the cylinder, allowing the actuator to move to the extent of the limiting spring and/or hydraulic pressure to the opposite side of the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: TAREQ NASSER AL-BUAIJAN
  • Publication number: 20130000397
    Abstract: A valve keeper verification tool is provided. The tool may include: an elongated body having two ends; an axial hole in one end of the body dimensioned to fit over a valve stem; and structure surrounding the hole dimensioned to contact at least one keeper of a retainer for an engine valve, wherein the tool is angled near the hole between about 10 and about 25 degrees. A method of checking to ensure a valve retaining keeper is in place may also be provided. The method may include: inserting a valve stem into a hole in a valve keeper verification tool; moving the valve keeper verification tool against a keeper; and applying a force against the keeper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Adam GENTNER, Ray de Schepper, Rick Martin
  • Patent number: 8336374
    Abstract: A method of determining opening of an intake valve of an internal combustion engine, the method including the steps of: determining the time pattern of an intake pressure in an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine, the time pattern of the rotation speed of a drive shaft of the internal combustion engine, or the time pattern of a voltage at the terminals of a battery of the internal combustion engine; determining an intake-frequency component of the intake pressure, the rotation speed, or the voltage; and determining opening of the intake valve as a function of the intake-frequency component of the intake pressure, and also as a function of the intake-frequency component of the rotation speed or voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Massimo Zanotti, Fabio Sensi, Marco Panciroli, Andrea Leoni, Francesco Alunni, Filippo Cavanna
  • Patent number: 8316699
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for accurately measuring and adjusting a valve clearance value to a desired value in an engine having a rocker-arm-type valve. According to a valve clearance measuring and adjusting method of the present invention, a pair of probes 60 each having a round tip end 611 are brought into direct contact with a valve clearance CV of an engine having a rocker-arm-type valve 105, and a center-to-center distance between the two tip ends 611 is measured. An actual valve clearance value is calculated and measured on the basis of the center-to-center distance between the tip ends 611. The actual valve clearance value is adjusted to a desired valve clearance value, while the actual valve clearance value is measured in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hirata Corporation
    Inventors: Hisayuki Sueoka, Yasuyoshi Miyauchi, Yasuo Morise, Tatsumi Otomura, Hiroya Mitsushima
  • Patent number: 8286472
    Abstract: A fuel diluting quantity is estimated based on an alcohol concentration of the fuel. A response-deterioration determination value is corrected according to the estimated fuel diluting quantity. The response-deterioration determination value can be properly established even though the responsiveness of the variable valve timing controller is varied due to a variation in viscosity of the lubricant. Thereby, even when the responsiveness of the variable valve timing controller is varied (deteriorated) due to an increase in the fuel diluting quantity, it can be avoided that the computer determines that the variable valve timing controller has a defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Katsurahara
  • Patent number: 8286471
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring cylinder valve deactivation in an engine operating with a plurality of cylinder valves. One example method comprises indicating valve degradation based on an indication of manifold pressure over a plurality of immediately successive induction events of the engine, the indication responsive to increases and decreases in the indication of manifold pressure correlated to the induction events of engine cylinders and further correlated to whether cylinders are commanded to be activated or deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, John Eric Rollinger
  • Patent number: 8285496
    Abstract: A method for providing a characteristic quantity for a state of an air system of a supercharged internal combustion engine includes: detecting a characteristic quantity measured value as characteristic quantity information with the aid of a sensor; providing a characteristic quantity model, using which a characteristic quantity model value is computed on the basis of one or more quantities different from the characteristic quantity measured value; and providing the characteristic quantity either based on the characteristic quantity measured value or on the characteristic quantity model value computed by the characteristic quantity model, as a function of a state of the air system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Heinkele, Patrick Menold, Michael Drung
  • Patent number: 8244501
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing an electrically controllable pop-off valve of a turbo-charging device of an internal combustion engine, which pop-off valve is situated in a pop-off pipe bypassing the compressor, includes: providing a reading regarding an air mass flow supplied by an air supply channel to the internal combustion engine; after the activation of the pop-off valve in order to switch over the pop-off valve, analyzing the time curve of the air mass flow reading in order to determine, within a specified time after the beginning of the activation of the pop-off valve, a local maximum of the air mass flow indicated by the air mass flow reading; and detecting a fault of the electrically controllable pop-off valve if the local maximum of the air mass flow is not able to be determined within the specified time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Heinkele, Patrick Menold, Michael Drung
  • Patent number: 8181508
    Abstract: A system includes a pressure signal adjustment module that generates a maximum pressure signal based on a fluid pressure signal from a pressure sensor of a camshaft phaser system of an engine. The pressure signal adjustment module detects a maximum peak value of the fluid pressure signal and maintains the maximum pressure signal at the maximum peak value for a peak and hold period. A diagnostic module detects a fault of the camshaft phaser system based on the maximum pressure signal during the peak and hold period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Cinpinski, Donovan L. Dibble, Joshua D Cowgill, Scot A. Douglas
  • Patent number: 8181509
    Abstract: The present invention is applied to an internal combustion engine comprising a first supercharger 61, a second supercharger 62, a first control valve 66 for controlling a supply of an exhaust gas to the first supercharger, and a second control valve 64 for controlling a supply of an air to the first supercharger, and provides to an apparatus for determining an abnormality of a control valve which can determine abnormality of the first control valve and the second control valve. The apparatus for determining an abnormality of a control valve determines abnormality of a control valve when a supercharging pressure is smaller than a predetermined referential supercharging pressure by a predetermined value or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Taku Ibuki, Tetsuji Tomita, Yoshihisa Hirosawa
  • Patent number: 8061190
    Abstract: Angular adjustment of a camshaft in an internal combustion engine. A vibrational condition of the camshaft is recorded, and an enabling of the camshaft adjustment and/or the use of the instantaneous value of the camshaft position are/is dependent at least temporarily on the recorded vibrational condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Mezger, Matthias Entenmann, Georg Geywitz, Dragan Mikulec
  • Patent number: 8047065
    Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for operating the same includes a pressure monitoring module generating a diagnostic pressure signal and a camshaft driven engine component correction module generating an engine component oil pressure correction signal and generating a corrected diagnostic pressure signal based on the diagnostic pressure signal and the engine component oil pressure signal. The system further includes a diagnostic module generating a failed variable valve lift mechanism signal based on the corrected diagnostic pressure signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Cinpinski, Craig D. Marriott, Andrew P. Bagnasco, Ronald Jay Pierik
  • Patent number: 8014935
    Abstract: In this apparatus, maintaining control (time t1 to t2) which instructs fixing of the open timing VVT of an intake valve is executed in a predetermined low load state. Subsequently, there are executed changing control which instructs changing of the open timing VVT by a predetermined amount (time t2), and maintaining control which again instructs fixing of the open timing VVT of the intake valve (time t2 to t3). An intake-valve control apparatus is determined to be “anomalous” when an change amount ?ave (=ave2?ave1) between the average ave1 of a large number of sample values of ?MFB? (combustion percentage increase amount within a predetermined crank angle range in an expansion stroke) during the maintaining control before execution of the changing control and the average ave2 of a large number of sample values of ?MFB? during the maintaining control after execution of the changing control is less than a predetermined value C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidenori Moriya, Ryo Tadokoro
  • Publication number: 20110154892
    Abstract: The present invention is applied to an internal combustion engine comprising a first supercharger 61, a second supercharger 62, a first control valve 66 for controlling a supply of an exhaust gas to the first supercharger, and a second control valve 64 for controlling a supply of an air to the first supercharger, and provides to an apparatus for determining an abnormality of a control valve which can determine abnormality of the first control valve and the second control valve. The apparatus for determining an abnormality of a control valve determines abnormality of a control valve when a supercharging pressure is smaller than a predetermined referential supercharging pressure by a predetermined value or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Taku Ibuki, Tetsuji Tomita, Yoshihisa Hirosawa
  • Publication number: 20110138898
    Abstract: A variator fault detection system for a continuously variable transmission is incorporated into a hydraulic control circuit that controls fluid pressure applied to a variator of the continuously variable transmission. The hydraulic control circuit for the variator includes a number of electrically-controlled shift valves and pressure control valves. Sensing devices are multiplexed to these valves to detect a number of different possible fault states relating to the variator shift valves and the variator pressure control valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber
  • Patent number: 7930934
    Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device (1) for detecting processes in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, comprising a pressure sensor (3) which is arranged to be inserted into a bore hole of the internal combustion engine which opens into a combustion chamber, with the pressure sensor (3) comprising at least one optical light guide (6) optically opening into the combustion chamber, and with an optical injection element (8) being arranged preferably in the opening region into the combustion chamber. In order to enable performing simultaneously a pressure measurement and optical combustion chamber monitoring at the same place of the combustion chamber, it is provided that the optical injection element (8) is soldered into a pressure membrane (5) of the pressure sensor (3) or into the housing (2) of the pressure sensor (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Winklhofer, Alexander Friedl
  • Patent number: 7930933
    Abstract: A method and a device for the diagnosis of at least one gas exchange valve of at least one cylinder of an internal combustion engine that is on the one hand reliable and on the other hand does without additional sensor equipment are described. In a first operating state of the internal combustion engine, at least one gas exchange valve of the at least one cylinder is activated. In a second operating state of the internal combustion engine, all the gas exchange valves of the at least one cylinder are deactivated and therewith closed in stationary fashion. Sound waves produced by the internal combustion engine are acquired. It is checked whether a significant change occurs in a quantity characterizing the acquired sound waves upon a transition from the first operating state to the second operating state. In this case, an erroneous opening of the at least one gas exchange valve is recognized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Hartmann
  • Patent number: 7926335
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing a diverter valve of an internal combustion engine having a compressor is provided, for which diagnosis a variation over time of a charging pressure of the internal combustion engine as a result of a predefined triggering of the diverter valve is analyzed, the triggering of the diverter valve taking place in such a way that a diverter valve moved in the direction of its closing position is expected. Depending on the resulting variation over time of the charging pressure, an open jamming diverter valve is diagnosed if the variation over time of the charging pressure is not plausible with an expected variation over time for a diverter valve moved in the direction of its closing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Sabine Wegener, Lutz Reuschenbach, Patrick Menold
  • Patent number: 7921709
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring cylinder valve deactivation of a cylinder valve of an engine. One example method comprises, indicating degradation of cylinder valve deactivation in response to manifold pressure at or around a characteristic frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, John Eric Rollinger
  • Patent number: 7921711
    Abstract: To an electronic control unit is connected a shaft position detection sensor that outputs, as a shaft position detection value, a signal whose magnitude changes stepwise by a predetermined amount in correspondence with the position of a control shaft of a valve characteristics change mechanism. The electronic control unit stores in advance, as a determination reference value, the drive amount of an actuator at the time when the magnitude of the shaft position detection value changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Minoru Noda
  • Patent number: 7921701
    Abstract: A lift mechanism diagnostic system comprises a fuel pump disabling module, a pressure module, and a diagnostic module. The fuel pump disabling module selectively disables a fuel pump that is driven by a camshaft. The pressure module determines a first pressure of fluid provided to a variable valve lift mechanism when the variable valve lift mechanism is operated in a first lift mode while the fuel pump is disabled and determines a second pressure of the fluid when the variable valve lift mechanism is operated in a second lift mode while the fuel pump is disabled. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in the variable valve lift mechanism based on the first and second pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Cinpinski, Donovan L. Dibble
  • Patent number: 7921710
    Abstract: A diagnostic system includes a first pressure monitoring module, a second pressure monitoring module, and a fault determination module. The first pressure monitoring module determines low-lift pressures and high-lift pressures in a cam phaser when a first oil control valve (OCV) moves first valve lifters to the low-lift state and the high-lift state, respectively. The second pressure monitoring module determines low-lift pressures and high-lift pressures in the cam phaser when a second OCV moves second valve lifters to the low-lift state and the high-lift state, respectively. The fault determination module diagnoses a fault in one of the first OCV and the second OCV based the low-lift pressures and the high-lift pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Cinpinski, Donovan L. Dibble, Joshua Cowgill
  • Patent number: 7918130
    Abstract: A cam phaser diagnostic system is provided. The system includes: a first sample variance module that computes a first variance based on a desired cam phaser position. A second sample variance module computes a second variance based on a measured cam phaser position. An evaluation module diagnoses faulty cam phaser operation based on the first variance and the second variance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry W. Kortge