Patents Assigned to Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
  • Patent number: 11041421
    Abstract: A fluid injector includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid path from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. An actuator unit is disposed within the fluid injector. A valve assembly operatively couples to the actuator unit. A spacer member is disposed between a downstream end portion of the actuator unit and a portion of the valve assembly, the spacer member constructed from a compressible, resilient material so as to compress due to expansion forces from fluid in the fluid injector freezing, and to expand when frozen fluid in the fluid injector melts. The spacer member occupies a space in the fluid path of the fluid injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL POWERTRAIN USA, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Lee Hatfield, Keith Aaron Shaw, Stephen C Bugos
  • Patent number: 10947880
    Abstract: A fluid injector includes a calibration filter tube including a bore defined in an axial direction through the calibration filter tube, the bore defining at least a portion of a fluid path through the fluid injector, the calibration filter tube including a plurality of holes which extend from the bore to an outer surface of the calibration filter tube. A volume reduction member has a bore though which the calibration filter tube extends, the volume reduction member occupying a space between the outer surface of the calibration filter tube and an inner surface of the tube member, the volume reduction member being constructed from resilient, compressible material. Freezing or frozen fluid disposed in the calibration filter tube expands through the holes and at least partially compresses the volume reduction member, so as to reduce fluid expansion forces damaging other components of the fluid injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Lee Hatfield, Keith Aaron Shaw, Stephen C Bugos
  • Publication number: 20210041317
    Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly, which includes a pressure sensing element having a diaphragm, a plurality of piezoresistors connected to the diaphragm, and at least one layer of sealing glass connected to the diaphragm. The pressure sensor assembly also includes a base, a layer of sealing glass is connected to the base, and is configured to maximize the sensitivity of the plurality of piezoresistors via tailoring the side surfaces of the glass surface to control the deformable diaphragm. The layer of sealing glass includes a first recess portion, and a second recess portion formed as part of the layer of sealing glass on the opposite side of the layer of sealing glass as the first recess portion. One of the plurality of piezoresistors is partially surrounded by the first recess portion, and another of the plurality of piezoresistors is partially surrounded by the second recess portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Applicant: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventors: Zhijun Guo, Jeffrey Frye, Paul Haack, Richard Cronin
  • Publication number: 20210001811
    Abstract: There is disclosed a valve assembly for washing cameras or sensors of an autonomous vehicle. The valve assembly includes a single fluid injector having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid passage in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A cup is disposed over an upstream portion of the fluid injector, relative to a direction of fluid flow through the fluid injector. A lower housing is disposed over and surrounds a downstream portion of the fluid injector, relative to the direction of fluid flow therethrough. A bracket member extends from the lower housing. The bracket member is configured for connecting to an anchor member for attachment within the autonomous vehicle. In this way, the valve assembly may be easily secured within a vehicle for providing a desired amount of fluid to the lens of the vehicle camera or sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Applicant: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Edward Cosby, Stephen C Bugos, Michael J. Hornby
  • Patent number: 10844777
    Abstract: An electronic compressor bypass valve (eCBV) module includes a pedestal housing, and a compressor bypass valve mounted to the pedestal housing. An inlet port, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port are integrally formed as part of the pedestal housing, where pressurized air flows into the inlet port. The eCBV module also includes a venturi device at least partially disposed in the second outlet port. When the compressor bypass valve is in an open position, a portion of the pressurized air flows through the first outlet port, and a portion of the pressurized air flows from the inlet port through the venturi device and through the second outlet port. When the compressor bypass valve is in the closed position the pressurized air is prevented from flowing into the first outlet port, and all of the pressurized air flows through the venturi device and through the second outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventors: Ravinder Singh Gill, Brian Gordon Woods, Benjamin Dominick Manton Williams, Jaime Altes Sosa, David Rene Forgeron, Daniel Clayton Todd Jackson
  • Patent number: 10823121
    Abstract: A three-port turbo purge module, including a housing having a cavity, and two check valves. During a first mode of operation, the first check valve is open and the second check valve is closed by vacuum pressure generated in an intake manifold, such that purge vapor flows from an inlet port into the cavity, through the first check valve, and into a first port. During a second mode of operation, where the intake manifold is operating under positive pressure, the first check valve is closed such that pressurized air flowing into the first port is accelerated through a venturi device disposed in the cavity, and the second check valve is open such that purge vapor flows from the inlet port into the cavity, through the venturi device and mixes with the high-velocity air, through the second check valve into the second port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Dominick Manton Williams, Jaime Altes Sosa, David Rene Forgeron, Ravinder Singh Gill
  • Publication number: 20200309022
    Abstract: An electronic compressor bypass valve (eCBV) module includes a pedestal housing, and a compressor bypass valve mounted to the pedestal housing. An inlet port, a first outlet port, and a second outlet port are integrally formed as part of the pedestal housing, where pressurized air flows into the inlet port. The eCBV module also includes a venturi device at least partially disposed in the second outlet port. When the compressor bypass valve is in an open position, a portion of the pressurized air flows through the first outlet port, and a portion of the pressurized air flows from the inlet port through the venturi device and through the second outlet port. When the compressor bypass valve is in the closed position the pressurized air is prevented from flowing into the first outlet port, and all of the pressurized air flows through the venturi device and through the second outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventors: Ravinder Singh Gill, Brian Gordon Woods, Benjamin Dominick Manton Williams, Jaime Altes Sosa, David Rene Forgeron, Daniel Clayton Todd Jackson
  • Patent number: 10711710
    Abstract: A throttle control assembly which includes a housing, and an adapter and an anti-rotation feature integrally formed with the housing. A scallop is integrally formed as part of the housing and substantially surrounds the anti-rotation feature. A first tapered portion and a second tapered portion are both integrally formed with the adapter. A first groove and a rib portion are also integrally formed as part of the adapter. A plurality of outer scallops are also integrally formed as part of the adapter. The anti-rotation feature, the scallop, and each of the plurality of outer scallops are integrally formed with the housing. A portion of the plurality of outer scallops are formed as part of the second tapered portion, and a portion of the plurality of outer scallops are formed as part of the rib portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventors: Giri Thommandram, Benjamin Nydam, Donald Taylor
  • Publication number: 20200031361
    Abstract: A method of modifying one or more parameters of a propulsion system of a vehicle in real time during an autonomous driving mode of the vehicle is provided. The method includes receiving a destination by way of a user interface in communication with the data processing hardware and determining a path from a current vehicle location to the destination. The method includes transmitting to a drive system of the vehicle, driving instructions causing the vehicle to autonomously follow the path. The method includes receiving sensor data from a vehicle sensor system and determining a propulsion adjustment based on an ideal driver behavior and the sensor data. The method also includes transmitting to the propulsion system, propulsion instructions to modify the one or more parameters of the propulsion system to improve vehicle efficiency and/or performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventor: Ihab Soliman
  • Publication number: 20200031370
    Abstract: A method of adjusting a propulsion system of a vehicle in real time is provided. The method includes receiving one or more direct driver inputs from a vehicle control system and receiving sensor data from a vehicle sensor system. The method also includes determining a predicted driver behavior based on the direct driver inputs and the sensor data. The method also includes determining a propulsion adjustment based on the predicted driver behavior. The method includes sending to the propulsion system in communication with the data processing hardware, instructions to modify one or more parameters of the propulsion system based on the propulsion adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventor: Ihab Soliman
  • Publication number: 20200030823
    Abstract: A fluid injector for injecting fluid is disclosed, including a body; a fluid passageway defined in the body and extending from an inlet to an outlet of the fluid injector; a valve seat disposed internally of the body and forming part of the passageway; a valve element that is selectively reciprocated relative to the valve seat to close and open the passageway to fluid flow by seating and unseating the valve element on and from the valve seat, respectively; and an orifice disc disposed in the passageway downstream of the valve seat in a direction of the fluid flow through the fluid injector, the orifice disc including a plurality of dimples and a plurality of orifices defined through the orifice disc, each dimple including at least one orifice located thereon and each dimple having an asymmetrical cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Wolfgang Wildgen, Robert Wayne McFarland, Dennis Brian Dezern
  • Publication number: 20200031371
    Abstract: A method of providing a suggested driving adjustment in real time to a driver of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes receiving one or more direct driver inputs from a vehicle control system and receiving sensor data from a vehicle sensor system. The method includes determining a predicted driver behavior based on the direct driver inputs and the sensor data. In addition, the method includes determining an ideal driver behavior based on the direct driver inputs and the sensor data and determining a behavior difference between the predicted driver behavior and the ideal driver behavior. The method also includes determining the suggested driving adjustment based on the behavior difference. Additionally, the method includes sending instructions to notify the driver of the suggested driving adjustment to improve vehicle efficiency and/or performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Applicant: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventor: Ihab Soliman
  • Publication number: 20190383391
    Abstract: An electronic parking pawl actuator which uses a smaller motor and higher gear ratio has the ability to configure a rooster comb to engage with various park detents, and reduces the mechanical and software design complexity. Furthermore, the electronic park actuator limits the amount of back drivable range (unable to perform an external park to neutral shift) for theft deterrence, and also allows operation (speed performance) and a lower motor peak current. The electronic parking pawl actuator includes an electric motor, a drive gear, the drive gear operable for being driven by the electric motor, and a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism is operable for being driven by the drive gear. The drive mechanism is engaged with an output shaft of a gear selector of a transmission, and the drive mechanism is rotatable relative to the drive gear, allowing the output shaft to be located in a desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Applicant: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Merwin, Keith Joseph Rodrigues, Edward Hribar
  • Publication number: 20190345884
    Abstract: A throttle control assembly which includes a housing, and an adapter and an anti-rotation feature integrally formed with the housing. A scallop is integrally formed as part of the housing and substantially surrounds the anti-rotation feature. A first tapered portion and a second tapered portion are both integrally formed with the adapter. A first groove and a rib portion are also integrally formed as part of the adapter. A plurality of outer scallops are also integrally formed as part of the adapter. The anti-rotation feature, the scallop, and each of the plurality of outer scallops are integrally formed with the housing. A portion of the plurality of outer scallops are formed as part of the second tapered portion, and a portion of the plurality of outer scallops are formed as part of the rib portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Applicant: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventors: Giri Thommandram, Benjamin Nydam, Donald Taylor
  • Patent number: 10468968
    Abstract: A system for reducing a resonant oscillation on a direct current bus of a power inverter/converter for an electric machine having a variable frequency drive is disclosed. The system includes a battery, a first capacitor connected in parallel with the battery; an inductor connected in series with the first capacitor; a first diode connected in series with the inductor; a second diode connected in parallel with the inductor and the first diode; a second capacitor connected in series with the first diode; and a starter-generator connected to the second capacitor. During a re-generation mode for charging the battery, a re-generation current flows from the starter-generator to the battery, passing through the first diode and the inductor and bypassing the second diode. During a motor mode, a motor current flows from the battery to the starter-generator, passing through the second diode and bypassing the first diode and the inductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventor: Ping Zhu
  • Publication number: 20190309708
    Abstract: An vapor purge system for a turbocharged internal combustion engine having an evaporative emissions turbo purge valve incorporating a venturi vacuum generator and a hose-off detection function. The turbo purge valve includes a pressure sensor, and a low restriction check valve which is integrated into the outlet port of the venturi vacuum generator. The pressure sensor is capable of detecting the small pressure drop (i.e., vacuum) generated at the air inlet tube or air box during naturally aspirated conditions. The check valve closes the venturi vacuum generator on the purge side during naturally aspirated conditions, allowing fluid communication to the air intake system through one port only, and the detection of the vacuum during these conditions. If a hose becomes detached, either at the outlet port of the venturi vacuum generator or at the air box, the small vacuum is not detected, and the ECU then diagnoses the hose-off condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Applicant: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Dominick Manton Williams, Jaime Altes Sosa, David Rene Forgeron, Ravinder Singh Gill
  • Publication number: 20190309709
    Abstract: A three-port turbo purge module, including a housing having a cavity, and two check valves. During a first mode of operation, the first check valve is open and the second check valve is closed by vacuum pressure generated in an intake manifold, such that purge vapor flows from an inlet port into the cavity, through the first check valve, and into a first port. During a second mode of operation, where the intake manifold is operating under positive pressure, the first check valve is closed such that pressurized air flowing into the first port is accelerated through a venturi device disposed in the cavity, and the second check valve is open such that purge vapor flows from the inlet port into the cavity, through the venturi device and mixes with the high-velocity air, through the second check valve into the second port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Publication date: October 10, 2019
    Applicant: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Dominick Manton Williams, Jaime Altes Sosa, David Rene Forgeron, Ravinder Singh Gill
  • Publication number: 20190234273
    Abstract: A fluid injector includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid path from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. An actuator unit is disposed within the fluid injector. A valve assembly operatively couples to the actuator unit. A spacer member is disposed between a downstream end portion of the actuator unit and a portion of the valve assembly, the spacer member constructed from a compressible, resilient material so as to compress due to expansion forces from fluid in the fluid injector freezing, and to expand when frozen fluid in the fluid injector melts. The spacer member occupies a space in the fluid path of the fluid injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Applicant: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Lee Hatfield, Keith Aaron Shaw, Stephen C Bugos
  • Publication number: 20190234274
    Abstract: A fluid injector includes a calibration filter tube including a bore defined in an axial direction through the calibration filter tube, the bore defining at least a portion of a fluid path through the fluid injector, the calibration filter tube including a plurality of holes which extend from the bore to an outer surface of the calibration filter tube. A volume reduction member has a bore though which the calibration filter tube extends, the volume reduction member occupying a space between the outer surface of the calibration filter tube and an inner surface of the tube member, the volume reduction member being constructed from resilient, compressible material. Freezing or frozen fluid disposed in the calibration filter tube expands through the holes and at least partially compresses the volume reduction member, so as to reduce fluid expansion forces damaging other components of the fluid injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Applicant: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Lee Hatfield, Keith Aaron Shaw, Stephen C Bugos
  • Patent number: 10364758
    Abstract: An injector, including: a moveable armature having a bore and upper and lower control surfaces; a lower housing including a bore and upper and lower stationary control surfaces; and a flow geometry defined along an exterior of the armature. The armature includes a transverse flow path fluidly coupled with the armature bore and the flow geometry. The lower housing includes a transverse flow path fluidly coupled with the lower housing bore. Upon moving the armature from a first position to a second position, a first flow path is formed between the flow geometry and the lower housing transverse flow geometry through a space between the lower stationary control surface and the lower armature control surface, and a second flow path is formed between the armature bore and the lower housing transverse flow geometry through a space between the upper stationary control surface and the armature upper control surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Continental Powertrain, USA, LLC
    Inventors: Perry Robert Czimmek, Michael J Hornby, Douglas Edward Cosby