Patents Examined by Sheldon J Richter
  • Patent number: 7089737
    Abstract: A housing for a turbocharger comprises a housing shell which surrounds, at least partially, a rotor space, at least one manifold of a combustion engine, a pipe for connecting the housing shell with at least one manifold of the combustion engine, and a cylinder head of said combustion engine. All these parts are integrally cast as one single piece. This may be effected by a method which comprises the steps of: joining and bonding sand cores for part of a housing shell of the turbocharger with sand cores for shaping the cavities of the manifold, and these, in turn, with sand cores for shaping the cylinder head. Subsequently, inserting said joint and bonded sand cores into respective firmly interconnected molds for molding said part of a housing shell of said turbocharger, for said manifold and said cylinder head, and filling molten metal into said molds and allowing solidification of said metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Hartmut Claus
  • Patent number: 7086230
    Abstract: A pop-off valve that, in one embodiment, provides overboost protection for an aircraft engine, is described. The pop-off valve includes a housing adapted for connection to a portion of a drive device containing a pressure medium. It also includes a pressure body movably disposed in the housing such that, in operation, a first side of the pressure body is exposed to the pressure medium while a second side is exposed to a reference force. In addition, the pop-off valve incorporates a control device adapted to receive at least one signal concerning at least one operating parameter of the drive device and, in response to the operating parameter signal, to control the reference force. As a result of movement of the pressure body within the housing, at least one first opening in the housing is exposed, permitting venting of the pressure medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Johann Bayerl
  • Patent number: 7082764
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a supercharged internal-combustion, notably indirect-injection engine comprising at least one cylinder (10) with two types of supercharged air intake means (12, 14), one type for non-carbureted supercharged air intake (12) and another type for carbureted supercharged air intake (14), said intake means being supplied with supercharged air by supply means (38). According to the invention, supply means (38) comprise a specific supercharged air supply device (46, 50) for each type of intake means (12, 14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Bertrand Lecointe, Stéphane Venturi, Richard Tilagone, Pierre Leduc, Vivien Delpech
  • Patent number: 7082763
    Abstract: The invention concerns an exhaust gas turbocharger (1) having a shaft (2) on which a turbine wheel (4) and a compressor wheel (3) sit and which is guided in radial bearings (5, 6) and in at least one axial bearing (9), which is characterized in that the radial bearings (5, 6) are embodied as passive magnetic bearings having permanent magnets (23 through 31) generating axial magnetic fluxes; and the axial bearing (9) is embodied as an active magnetic bearing having an electromagnet (55), an axial sensor, and a controller for controlling the electrical current impinging upon the electromagnet (55).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignees: Forschungszentrum Julich GmbH, Borgwarner Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Fremerey, Matthias Lang, Jens-Wolf Jaisle
  • Patent number: 7080509
    Abstract: The intended purpose of my invention is to create a point of origin in system from which driving thrusts could evolve. In this system, vacuum can be developed with less force than it naturally is required to create said vacuum. By posting a cylinder, containing two pistons in each cylinder, on each side of the axis of rotation and having gas flow in an out the cylinders under controlled pressures, the system could create such vacuum. As a result, said vacuum can lift more mass than the mass creating said vacuum and, thus, imbalance could be achieved that rolls the system in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Ezra Shimshi
  • Patent number: 7076955
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine having at least two exhaust-gas turbochargers, which allows the synchronous operation of the two exhaust-gas turbochargers to be reliably set (adjusted). For each of the at least two exhaust-gas turbochargers, an actuator for controlling the boost pressure produced by the compressors of the at least two exhaust-gas turbochargers is controlled by a separate control signal. At least one of the control signals is corrected in an open-loop-controlled manner for the purpose of synchronizing the at least two exhaust-gas turbochargers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Herz, Helge Frauenkron, Robert Kuenne, Edgar Holl
  • Patent number: 7076952
    Abstract: A supercharged internal combustion engine system wherein the supercharger assembly includes an ejector pump driven by high-pressure air for pumping intake air into engine combustion chamber. Included are means for sensing engine power demand and controlling the supercharging action. A compressor and an air tank for providing high-pressure air for driving the ejector pump are also disclosed. During periods of natural aspiration the ejector pump can be by-passed to reduce flow impedance. The ejector pump can use a driving nozzle with a fixed throat or a variable throat, or a lobed nozzle. Effective supercharging is achieved even at low engine speeds. One of the objects of the invention is to obtain more power from small displacement ICE and thus providing automotive vehicles with sufficient acceleration in addition to good fuel economy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventor: Jan Vetrovec
  • Patent number: 7076954
    Abstract: A system for controlling intake pressure of a combustion engine operably coupled to a power generation system includes a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a pressure in an intake system of the combustion engine and a sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a load on the power generation system. The system further includes a turbocharger operably coupled to the intake system. The system also includes an electric machine operably coupled to the turbocharger. The electric machine is configured to supply torque to the turbocharger. The system further includes a turbocharger controller operably coupled to the electric machine. The turbocharger controller is configured to control operation of the electric machine such that the turbocharger supplies a desired intake pressure to the combustion engine based at least partially on the signal indicative of a pressure in the intake system and the signal indicative of a load on the power generation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Sopko, Jr., Michael Edward Vanderham, Kent Allen Casey, Brian D. Kuras
  • Patent number: 7073332
    Abstract: A stop device with a shape memory actuator includes two stop elements sliding within a fixed support structure and usually hold in their mutual distant position by cam means pushed through spring means. A shape memory actuator is started through an electric current passage for causing the displacement of the cam means in a position wherein they permit the backward movement of the two stop elements towards a mutual close position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Francesco Butera, Stefano Alacqua
  • Patent number: 7066157
    Abstract: A detecting device detects boost condition of each of a plurality of superchargers. The detecting device includes at least two of a pressure ratio detecting unit, which detects the ratio of the pressure downstream each supercharger to the pressure upstream each supercharger; an air flow rate detecting unit, which detects the flow rate of air passing through each supercharger; and a rotational speed detecting unit, which detects the rotational speed of each supercharger. When it is determined that the boost condition of only part of the superchargers is within the surging area, a control unit increases the air flow rate of the supercharger, the boost condition of which is determined to be in the surging area. Therefore, the limitation of the flow rate of air supply is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Takahashi, Yuji Narita, Hisanobu Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7066158
    Abstract: A combustion chamber of a homogeneous charge compression ignition internal combustion engine that performs EGR communicates with an intake passage and an exhaust passage. The combustion chamber is opened and closed to the intake passage with an intake valve, and is opened and closed to the exhaust passage with an exhaust valve. The closing timing of the exhaust valve in the exhaust stroke is advanced relative to the top dead center of the piston. A supercharger of a variable supercharging pressure type is located in the intake passage. This configuration expands the operational range of the engine to a higher load region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventor: Hiroshi Kuzuyama
  • Patent number: 7065969
    Abstract: A new thermodynamic cycle is disclosed for converting energy from a low temperature stream, external source into useable energy using a working fluid comprising of a mixture of a low boiling component and a higher boiling component and including a higher pressure circuit and a lower pressure circuit. The cycle is designed to improve the efficiency of the energy extraction process by recirculating a portion of a liquid stream prior to further cooling. The new thermodynamic processes and systems for accomplishing these improved efficiencies are especially well-suited for streams from low-temperature geothermal sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Alexander I. Kalina
  • Patent number: 7062915
    Abstract: High-efficiency combustion engines, including Otto cycle engines, use a steam-diluted fuel charge at elevated pressure. Air is compressed, and water is evaporated into the compressed air via the partial pressure effect using waste heat from the engine. The resultant pressurized air-steam mixture then burned in the engine with fuel, preferably containing hydrogen to maintain flame front propagation. The high-pressure, steam-laden engine exhaust is used to drive an expander to provide additional mechanical power. The exhaust can also be used to reform fuel to provide hydrogen for the engine combustion. The engine advantageously uses the partial pressure effect to convert low-grade waste heat from engine into useful mechanical power. The engine is capable of high efficiencies (e.g. >50%), with minimal emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Lawrence G. Clawson
  • Patent number: 7055507
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a supercharger for an internal combustion engine provides a continuously variable drive ratio between the engine and supercharger to provide a substantially, constant drive speed to the supercharger, thereby optimizing performance. The continuously variable drive may function in increments as well as allow the supercharger to free-wheel. The drive assembly includes a planetary gear drive assembly and a continuously variable hydrostatic transmission having a rotating, variably coupled master and slave pump and motor which, by adjusting its drive ratio, adjusts the ratio of the planetary gear assembly and thus the drive ratio between the engine and the supercharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Kelley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7051720
    Abstract: An engine charge air-cooling system with water fumigation for an internal combustion engine includes a charge air cooler having a housing, a heat exchanger core, an air inlet and an air outlet. The charge air cooler inlet is connected to an outlet of a compressed air source, such as a turbocharger, through a cooler intake header. The charge air cooler outlet is connected through a cooler outlet header to cylinder intake ports of the engine. The cooler intake header is adapted to receive water in a passage below the cooler inlet. Hot, compressed charge air entering the charge air cooler through the intake header mixes with water vapor formed in the header, thereby humidifying the charge air that enters the cylinders from the charge air cooler. The high, energy absorbing capability of the water molecule reduces the peak combustion temperature, thereby reducing NOx production in the combustion reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Gottemoller, Michael B. Goetzke
  • Patent number: 7047743
    Abstract: An engine/electric generator system includes an internal combustion engine, a primary electric generator driven by an output shaft of the engine and providing electrical power. A turbocharger has a first turbine driven by exhaust gasses from the engine and a compressor driven by the first turbine and provides inlet air to the engine. The system also includes a secondary turbine, and an exhaust line which communicates exhaust gas from the first turbine to an input of the secondary turbine. A secondary electric generator is driven by the secondary turbine. An electric power combining circuit combines electric power from the primary electric generator and the secondary electric generator, and delivers combined electric power to a transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ronnie Dean Stahlhut, Carl Thomas Vuk
  • Patent number: 7047744
    Abstract: A dynamic heat sink engine including a storage vessel having a working fluid outlet and a working fluid inlet. The lower portion of the storage vessel contains a cryogenic working fluid, such as liquid hydrogen, at a temperature at near its boiling point. The engine further includes a working fluid circuit extending between the working fluid outlet and the working fluid inlet of the storage vessel. The working fluid circuit includes the serial connection of the following components from the working fluid outlet to the working fluid inlet: a fluid pump; a vaporizer having a liquid line passing therethrough; a heater; an expansion engine having a rotary output shaft; an electrical generator connected to the rotary output shaft of the expansion engine; a vapor line passing through the vaporizer, the vaporizer including a heat exchanger providing thermal communication between the liquid line and the vapor line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventors: Stuart J. Robertson, Nils E. Tellier
  • Patent number: 7047740
    Abstract: An opening is provided for an exhaust bypass pipe that bypasses an exhaust turbine of an exhaust turbine supercharger. According to the opening, an exhaust gas amount bypassing the exhaust turbine is calculated. An exhaust gas amount supplied to the exhaust turbine is found by subtracting the waste-gate-valve-passing gas amount from an intake air amount (exhaust gas amount) detected by the air flow meter. A rotational speed of the exhaust turbine is calculated from this turbine-supplied gas amount. An estimated boost pressure is calculated from this rotational speed of the exhaust turbine. Consequently, a boost pressure can be accurately estimated without using a boost pressure sensor even under such conditions as to disable detection of boost pressures or degrade the detection accuracy in a system using a conventional boost pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Fukasawa, Hideki Obayashi
  • Patent number: 7047739
    Abstract: An exhaust-gas turbocharger in an internal combustion engine having a compressor in the induction tract and an exhaust-gas turbine in the exhaust-gas line wherein the exhaust-gas turbine has at least two spiral ducts which in each case open into a radial flow inlet passage. Arranged in the radial flow inlet passage is a guide cascade ring which is disposed between two axially delimiting walls. One of the walls is designed to be axially displaceable and adapted to accommodate the vanes of the guide cascade ring. The wall is displaceable axially outward to such an extent that the vanes of the radial guide cascade ring are no longer in contact with the wall and there is a direct, unobstructed flow path to an outflow duct in the exhaust-gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: DamilerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Peter Fledersbacher, Siegfried Sumser, Helmut Finger, Wolfgang Erdmann
  • Patent number: 7043912
    Abstract: In a waste heat recovery system wherein a heat exchanger derives heat from an engine exhaust, a venturi is fluidly connected to an engine exhaust port so as to thereby increase the flow rate and reduce the pressure in a manifold which is fluidly connected between the venturis and the heat exchanger. A fan is provided downstream of the heat exchanger to draw hot gases from the manifold, through the heat exchanger and discharge it to ambient. But when the fan is not operating during periods in which the engine is operating, the lower pressure manifold will draw ambient air in through the fan and through the heat exchanger, with the ambient air then being entrained in the exhaust gases being discharged from an exhaust channel downstream of the venturi. In one embodiment, a plurality of heat sources are provided with each having its own venturi connected to the common low pressure manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: UTC Power, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas D. Radcliff, Duane McCormick, William Bilbow, Jr.