Patents Examined by J. Page Hufty
  • Patent number: 7559313
    Abstract: A controlling apparatus of a variable capacity type fuel pump, for preventing noises caused due to drive of the fuel pump and noises caused due to drive of injectors from overlapping or duplicating each other in the timing thereof, wherein signals for driving the pump are reduced, or the timing thereof is shifted forward/backward, within a specific timing where the overlapping can be expected, or a specific timing where they are determined to overlap or duplicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Tokuo, Satoshi Usui, Hiroyuki Yamada
  • Patent number: 7556024
    Abstract: A fuel supply module may include a reservoir and a fuel filter carried by the reservoir. In one implementation, the filter assembly may be pivoted relative to the reservoir when the fuel pump module is inserted through an access opening of the fuel tank. Thereafter, when the fuel pump module is mounted to the fuel tank, the filter assembly may pivot to a second position angularly displaced from the first position. In another implementation, the position of the filter assembly is fixed relative to the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: TI Group Automotive Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lynwood F. Crary, Antonio J. DaSilva
  • Patent number: 7552709
    Abstract: A common rail injection system for internal combustion diesel engines is provided which is designed to correct a limit of width of an ineffective injection command pulse signal which is to be applied to each fuel injector, but causes the injector to produce no spray of fuel in order to minimize a variation in quantity of fuel injected to the engine between the injectors arising from the individual variability or aging of the injectors. The system works to changes the width of a pilot injection command pulse signal to search a value thereof when an engine operation variation such as a change in speed of the engine exceeds or decreases below a threshold at which the injector may be viewed as having sprayed the fuel actually or stopped spraying the fuel actually and determines the limit of width of the ineffective injection command pulse signal using the searched value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroto Fujii
  • Patent number: 7552716
    Abstract: A common rail fuel injection system includes an electronic control unit and a fuel pressure sensor. The electronic control unit is equipped with a power supply circuit which supplies a power supply voltage to the fuel pressure sensor through a harness. The power supply voltage is used in the pressure fuel sensor as a drive voltage to drive a sensor element of the fuel pressure sensor. The electronic control unit monitors an output voltage of the fuel pressure sensor to determine the pressure of fuel in a common rail and also monitors the drive voltage applied to the fuel pressure sensor to determine whether the drive voltage is undesirably lower than the power supply voltage or not. If such a condition is encountered, the electronic control unit takes measures to avoid an excessive rise in pressure in the common rail to protect the common rail physically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Masatoyo Osaki
  • Patent number: 7543570
    Abstract: In a feed unit for feeding fuel to an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, inductors are arranged on the outer side of a housing component of an electric motor. The inductors are fabricated in one piece with connecting lines and have a large line cross section and therefore a particularly small voltage drop. The housing component is of particularly compact design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Bämpfer
  • Patent number: 7527027
    Abstract: An abnormality determination apparatus for an intake amount control mechanism according to the invention includes a control portion which sets an allowable range of an opening amount of a throttle valve which provided in an intake passageway of an internal combustion engine based at least on an index value of an engine operation state, including an operation amount of accelerator, and on a lift working angle of an intake valve, and which determines that an abnormality is present in a state of driving of the throttle valve if an actual opening amount of the throttle valve is outside the allowable range set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naohide Fuwa, Kiyoo Hirose, Yuuji Miyanoo, Yuichiro Ido
  • Patent number: 7520271
    Abstract: An evaporated fuel adsorbing mechanism for an internal combustion engine includes an adsorbing member provided in an intake passage of the internal combustion engine to adsorb evaporated fuel that flows back through the intake passage when the engine is stopped. The adsorbing member includes a connecting portion connected to an inner peripheral surface of the intake passage, an end portion that is away from the inner peripheral surface, and that is disposed downstream of the connecting portion in an intake-air flow direction in which intake air flows, and an upstream-side surface that faces toward an upstream side in the intake-air flow direction, and a downstream-side surface that faces toward a downstream side in the intake-air flow direction. The upstream-side surface and the downstream-side surface extend from the connecting portion to the end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Haruhiko Saito
  • Patent number: 7516731
    Abstract: A control apparatus of an engine having a compression ignition combustion mode and a spark ignition combustion mode selects the spark ignition combustion mode when operation conditions fall within a spark ignition operation area set in a spark ignition operation area/compression ignition operation area setting map memory part and selects the compression ignition combustion mode when the operation conditions fall within a switching stable area set in the memory part upon operation by the spark ignition combustion mode. The control apparatus controls to continue the compression ignition combustion mode as long as the operation conditions fall within a compression ignition operation area set in the memory part upon operation by the compression ignition combustion mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiro Yamaoka, Hiromu Kakuya, Kunihiko Suzuki, Shinya Satou, Atsushi Shimada
  • Patent number: 7478624
    Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including a step of calculating intensity values LOG(V), a step of detecting vibration waveforms, a step of calculating a correlation coefficient K based on vibration waveforms, a step of preparing frequency distribution of intensity values LOG(V) smaller than a threshold V(1) and intensity values LOG(V) in an ignition cycle where correlation coefficient K is larger than a threshold K(1), a step of calculating a knock determination level V(KD) based on a median V(50) and a standard deviation ? of intensity values LOG(V), and a step of counting the number of intensity values LOG(V) larger than knock determination level V(KD) as the number of times that knocking has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Rihito Kaneko, Kenji Kasashima, Masatomo Yoshihara, Koji Aso, Kenji Senda, Shigeru Kamio, Yuichi Takemura
  • Patent number: 7478627
    Abstract: When a combustion feedback correction coefficient to which a predetermined value is added in correspondence to half miss firing judgment exceeds a heavy fuel judgment value (K0), heavy fuel judgment is made, and heavy fuel corresponding control for increasing the fuel amount by a combustion feedback correction coefficient (Kfb) and by prolongation of increasing fuel amount (?) immediately after the startup is performed. When startup is consecutive startup, having a small drop width of a cooling water temperature (TH), from the last engine stop, and the number of times of ignition (Nig) accumulated during the last running is smaller than a warming judgment value (Nig0) at re-startup after running under the heavy fuel corresponding control, miss firing judgment is regarded as being impossible and alternative control for increasing the fuel amount is performed instead of the heavy fuel corresponding control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Miyata, Shigetoshi Hirano, Takahiro Izuchi
  • Patent number: 7469685
    Abstract: The control apparatus for the internal combustion engine increases a fuel injection amount under predetermined conditions, such as after the start of the internal combustion engine, at cold time, at acceleration requiring time, at gear shifting time from a neutral to a D-range, for example. When the fuel injection amount is increased during execution of air/fuel ratio feedback control, the feedback control follows the increase amount, and executes correction corresponding to the increase amount. Then, at the point of time when the correction corresponding to the increase amount is completed, the increase of the fuel injection amount is stopped quickly. Thereby, the increase of the fuel injection amount is not continued unnecessarily, and therefore useless consumption of the fuel can be suppressed. Also, it becomes possible to start other controls early by finishing increase quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akinori Osanai
  • Patent number: 7467618
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system in accordance with the present invention comprises a fuel rail having an outlet opening and an outlet cup that is insertable into the outlet opening. The cup includes a flange. The flange includes at least one tab extending therefrom. The cup further defines a vertical axis extending therethrough. The system further includes a fuel injector with an inlet insertable within the cup. The system still further includes a retention clip. The clip includes an inner peripheral surface, at least a portion of which is configured for engagement with the injector when the clip and injector are assembled together. The clip further includes at least one arm, the arm further including a finger configured for spring engagement with the tab of the cup. The clip is operative to limit the movement of the fuel injector when it is assembled with the clip and inserted in the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Millennium Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Zdroik, Robert Doherty
  • Patent number: 7461635
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a vertical multi-cylinder diesel engine capable of conveniently protecting a common rail and its parts. On the assumption that a width direction of a cylinder block (2) is taken as a horizontal direction, when arranging the common rail (3) horizontally lateral of the cylinder block (2), there is disposed above the common rail (3) a passage forming means (23) which is the alternative of an intake air distributing means (5) and an exhaust air converging means (22). The passage forming means (23) above the common rail (3) may be formed into a box-shaped structure with no branch pipe. Further, an engine cooling fan (4) may be arranged in front of the common rail (3) so as to pass cooling air below the passage forming means (23) above the common rail (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Maegoya, Takatoshi Imai
  • Patent number: 7458364
    Abstract: With reference to Figure, the present invention provides a fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine which delivers fuel to be mixed with charge air for subsequent combustion in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. The fuel injection system comprises a fuel injector which functions as a positive displacement pump and dispenses in each operation thereof a set quantity of fuel; a mixing chamber into which the fuel injector dispenses fuel; and a gas supply passage for supplying gas to the mixing chamber to entrain the fuel dispensed into the mixing chamber in a flow of gas which passes through the mixing chamber into the combustion chamber. The mixing chamber is connected to the combustion chamber to deliver fuel and gas into the combustion chamber separately from the charge air and a depression in the combustion chamber is used to draw gas through the gas supply passage into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Scion-Sprays Limited
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allen
  • Patent number: 7455051
    Abstract: A control device for piezo actuators of fuel injection valves includes a DC/DC up converter and an output stage configured as a SEPIC converter having a second transistor and a coupling capacitor connected in series on the input end. The DC/DC up converter is configured as a flyback converter having a transformer whose one connection of its secondary winding is connected to the connecting node of the second transistor and the coupling capacitor and whose other connection of its secondary winding is connected to the other connection of the coupling capacitor via a diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Martin Götzenberger
  • Patent number: 7455058
    Abstract: A method and system is disclosed which relates to controlling a stationary gaseous-fueled internal combustion engine. The method may include measuring an air to fuel ratio of the engine, calculating a difference between the measured air to fuel ratio and a desired air to fuel ratio for the engine, and automatically controlling an air to fuel mixture supplied to the engine in accordance with the calculated difference to enable the engine to run at substantially the desired air to fuel ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond A. Raffesberger
  • Patent number: 7448352
    Abstract: The centrally located ignition source in a combustion chamber is an electrical conductor spanning the general center of the combustion chamber, with a spark gap at the general center of the conductor. The device may be offset from the combustion chamber centerline, and/or the spark gap may be offset from the conductor center, as required. The centrally located ignition source is particularly well suited for use in an opposed piston engine having a rotary sleeve valve mechanism, with the conductor rotating with the sleeve valve and crossing the combustion chamber between the two pistons. An arcuate commutator section may be disposed upon the exterior of the rotary sleeve valve, with a contact finger making electrical contact between the electrical energy source and the commutator section to supply electrical energy to the ignition source. The device is also suitable for use in stationary installations, e.g., gas furnace combustors, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: James C. Warren
  • Patent number: 7448357
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes a single shaft with cam-actuated control valves and one linear solenoid for control of air flow control vales in the air induction system for a V-type engine. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the single shaft and one sensor are utilized to activate all control valves. Additionally, the present invention can also be used in in-line engines. Advantageously, the present invention utilizes one moving shaft and sensor to activate all control valves on both sides of the intake manifold without restricting air flow by locating the shaft in the middle of the manifold—lower housing. Further, the control valves are not attached with screws, thus eliminating a tolerance stack-up at assembly problem. The air induction sub-system can be manufactured with metals or plastic, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Dudek
  • Patent number: 7444995
    Abstract: Prior art fuel line check valves remain closed after engine off and cool down. Diurnal heating and the resultant pressure increase in the fuel line causes fuel vapor emissions through small openings in the fuel line (e.g., at the injector tips). The invention provides a check valve for a vehicle fuel line which opens in response to engine cooling and remains open while the engine is off to relieve subsequent increasing pressure in the fuel line due to diurnal heating thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. Burke, William L. Villaire, Dennis P. McGrath, John G. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7444988
    Abstract: The injection system (1) comprises a pump (7) designed to send fuel at high pressure to an accumulation volume, for example formed by a common rail (6), for supplying a plurality of injectors (5). The pump (7) comprises at least one pumping element (18) actuated with reciprocating motion with a compression stroke (Pi-Ps) at a sinusoidal speed (24), in synchronism with each step of fuel injection. The injection system (1) comprises at least one by-pass solenoid valve (14), which is controlled by a chopper control unit (16, 28) for modulating the delivery of the pumping element (18) by varying both the instant of start (To) and the instant of end (T1) of delivery during the compression stroke (Pi-Ps), in such a way that the delivery is synchronous with the injection phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Mario Ricco, Sisto Luigi De Matthaeis, Raffaele Ricco, Domenico Lepore