Patents Examined by Stephen K. Cronin
  • Patent number: 10233890
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of power tool devices, and more specifically, to a gasoline engine starting relay and a method of starting a gasoline engine. The small two-stroke or four-stroke gasoline engine starting relay comprises a housing, a power transfer end assembly, a power output end assembly, wherein the housing is provided with a device tube slot which has holes on both sides, namely a power transfer end hole and a power output end hole respectively, and which is mated with the power transfer end assembly and the power output end assembly. It can significantly improve and resolve the starting performance of a gasoline engine, and avoid difficulty in the hand-pulled starting so that the starting effect on a gasoline engine with large emissions for female workers, who may find difficulty in hand-pulled starting, is extremely obvious.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG SUNSEEKER INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Miaowu Ma, Qing Zhang
  • Patent number: 10233857
    Abstract: A method for a fuel system is provided, wherein a fuel vapor canister is vented to an engine intake during a first condition, and wherein a restriction in a canister vent pathway is indicated, responsive to a change in a fuel tank pressure transducer output greater than a threshold. If the fuel tank pressure transducer output changes less than the threshold, degradation of the fuel tank pressure transducer is indicated. In this way, a fuel tank pressure transducer offset may be distinguished from a canister vent pathway restriction if a fuel tank pressure transducer indicates a significant pressure or vacuum in a fuel tank following a vehicle-off soak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 10221816
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprising a liquefied light hydrocarbon or hydrogen (LLH) fuel system is disclosed. The fuel system comprises an insulated fuel tank having a buffer space containing vaporized fuel, an orifice plate and a fuel coil conveying a first fuel vapor to a buffer tank through a first solenoid valve; a fuel line conveying a second fuel vapor through a second solenoid valve to the buffer tank and a pressure regulator, wherein an outlet to the buffer tank connects to the pressure regulator and wherein an outlet of the pressure regulator is adapted to connect to a fuel inlet to an energy conversion device selected from the group of fuel cells, Stirling engines and internal combustion engines. Methods of using the hybrid vehicle are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventor: Alberto Martin Perez
  • Patent number: 10221804
    Abstract: A fuel injection control device for an internal combustion engine, includes a fuel pressure sensor and circuitry. The fuel pressure sensor detects an actual fuel pressure of the fuel supplied to a cylinder fuel injection valve. The circuitry calculates a demanded amount of the fuel supplied to the internal combustion engine. The circuitry calculates a cylinder injection amount of fuel injected from the cylinder fuel injection valve. The circuitry corrects the cylinder injection amount to decrease in accordance with a degree of drop in the actual fuel pressure comparing to a target fuel pressure of the fuel supplied to the cylinder fuel injection valve such that fuel injection from the cylinder fuel injection valve ends by a target injection end timing. The circuitry calculates a port injection amount of the fuel injected from a port fuel injection valve based on the demanded fuel amount and the corrected cylinder injection amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichi Masukake, Koichiro Shinozaki, Nobuyuki Fujioka
  • Patent number: 10190482
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block that defines a cylinder and a cylinder head mounted to the cylinder block. The engine additionally includes a gas compressor configured to selectively pressurize air being received from the ambient for delivery to the cylinder. The engine also includes an intake valve that is operatively connected to the cylinder head and controls delivery of the selectively pressurized air to the cylinder for combustion therein. Furthermore, the engine includes an air inlet assembly arranged between the intake valve and the compressor. The air inlet assembly is configured to supply the pressurized air to the cylinder and includes at least one passage configured to collect a condensate from the pressurized air. A vehicle having such an engine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Eric C. Douse
  • Patent number: 10190480
    Abstract: A engine block cover plate is described having a depression shaped to guide coolant flow around a bend in a coolant circuit, the plate further including a plurality of oil ports. One example method of operation may include guiding a coolant flow around a bend in a cooling circuit within an engine block via the cover plate, the cover plate having coolant and oil ports positioned therein, and adjusting a valve positioned on the cover plate to control a flow of oil through the oil port in response to an engine component temperature. In this way, flow losses may be decreased while enabling improved oil flow control with reduced system complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cliff Maki, Thomas Polley, Jeffrey Allen Mullins, Sonny E. Stanley
  • Patent number: 10190490
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards free-piston combustion engines. As described herein, a driver section may be provided in a free-piston combustion engine for storing energy during an expansion stroke. The driver section may be configured to store sufficient energy to perform the subsequent stroke. In some embodiments, the driver section may be configured to store sufficient energy so as to enable the engine to operate continuously across engine cycles without electrical energy input. A linear electromagnetic machine may be provided in a free-piston combustion engine for converting the kinetic energy of a piston assembly into electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: EtaGen, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Gadda, Matthew Roelle, Adam Simpson
  • Patent number: 10174704
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle fuel pump at a fuel shut-off event based at least in part on whether combustion stability issues, or potential stall conditions, are indicated in a drive cycle prior to the fuel shut-off event. In one example, a method may include maintaining power to the fuel pump responsive to the potential stall condition being indicated, and independent of an indicated pressure in a fuel rail configured to receive pressurized fuel from the fuel pump, and where the fuel shut-off event includes a deceleration fuel shut-off event or an idle stop event. In this way, fuel may be kept flowing across the fuel pump during fuel shut-off events, responsive to indications of combustion stability issues, such that fuel pump cavitation and other engine and fuel pump-related complications may be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Kenneth L. Pifher, Jacob Doan, Larry J. Wroza
  • Patent number: 10167941
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a crankshaft damper cover for a crankshaft damper of a crankshaft in an engine. In one example, a crankshaft damper cover shaped to fit within a cavity of a crankshaft damper and including an inset and an annular ring embedded within the inset, where the annular ring includes tabs adapted to mate with an inner surface of the crankshaft damper. As one example, the inset may be comprised of a damping material, such as plastic or foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chuck Raymond Kvasnicka, Shaji Mathews, Nathaniel David Hansen, Tom Xu, Shashin Shah
  • Patent number: 10167818
    Abstract: A fuel tank containing a fuel and oil mixture is managed to determine if the fuel and oil mixture contains the correct ratio for a motor. The fuel tank containing a fuel and oil mixture is monitored. A fuel to oil ratio is selected for the motor. A combined viscosity of the fuel and oil mixture is calculated with respect to the fuel to oil ratio, and the temperature of the fuel and oil mixture. The combined viscosity is used to determine a predetermined range of the combined viscosity. The viscosity of the fuel and oil mixture within the fuel tank is measured as a measured viscosity. If the measured viscosity of the fuel and oil mixture does not correspond with the predetermined range, then a user may be alerted that the measured viscosity does not correspond with the predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Sarah K. Czaplewski, Joseph Kuczynski, Jason T. Wertz, Jing Zhang
  • Patent number: 10167808
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an actual value of a quantity of fuel injected into an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle to a target value is provided, wherein a deviation of the actual quantity of fuel injected from the target value is determined based on a ratio of the component of the combusted quantity of gas in the induction system to the concentration of oxides of nitrogen in the exhaust system and the injected quantity of fuel is readjusted according to the deviation. Furthermore, an arrangement for carrying out the method is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frederik De Smet, Christian Winge Vigild, Daniel Roettger
  • Patent number: 10161344
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mitigating the effects of a leaky fuel injector during vehicle idle stop conditions. In one example, a method may include identifying the cylinder with a leaky fuel injector, and at or during engine shutdown, positioning the engine to a selected position based on the identified cylinder such that an exhaust valve of the identified cylinder is at least partly open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 10151283
    Abstract: An evacuator is disclosed, and includes a body defining a central axis, a converging motive section, a diverging discharge section, at least one suction port, and at least one Venturi gap. The Venturi gap is located between an outlet end of the converging motive section and an inlet end of the diverging discharge section. The evacuator also includes a fin positioned within the motive section of the body. The fin extends in the direction of the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Brian M. Graichen, Keith Hampton
  • Patent number: 10145312
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and a method for controlling valve timing of a continuous variable valve duration engine. The method may include: classifying a plurality of control regions depending on an engine speed and an engine load; applying a maximum duration to an intake valve in a first control region; maintaining the maximum duration of the intake valve and controlling a valve overlap by using exhaust valve closing (EVC) timing in a second control region; advancing intake valve closing (IVC) timing in a third control region; controlling the IVC timing to be close to bottom dead center (BDC) in a fourth control region; controlling a throttle valve to be fully opened and generating a scavenging phenomenon in a fifth control region; and controlling the throttle valve to be fully opened and controlling the IVC timing to prevent knocking in a sixth control region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: In Sang Ryu, Kyoung Pyo Ha, You Sang Son, Kiyoung Kwon
  • Patent number: 10100752
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and a method for controlling valve timing of a continuous variable valve duration engine. The method may include: classifying a plurality of control regions depending on an engine speed and an engine load; applying a maximum duration to an intake valve in a first control region; maintaining the maximum duration of the intake valve and controlling a valve overlap by using exhaust valve closing (EVC) timing in a second control region; advancing intake valve closing (IVC) timing in a third control region; controlling the IVC timing to be close to bottom dead center (BDC) in a fourth control region; controlling a throttle valve to be fully opened and generating a scavenging phenomenon in a fifth control region; and controlling the throttle valve to be fully opened and controlling the IVC timing to prevent knocking in a sixth control region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: In Sang Ryu, Kyoung Pyo Ha, You Sang Son, Kiyoung Kwon
  • Patent number: 10094301
    Abstract: A controller is applied to such an internal combustion engine that an exhaust throttle valve for controlling the flow volume of exhaust gas of the exhaust passage is provided in the exhaust passage, an intake variable valve mechanism for changing the timing of opening and closing each intake valve or an exhaust variable valve mechanism for changing the timing of opening and closing each exhaust valve is provided, and an overlap period when an opening period of the intake valve and an opening period of the exhaust valve overlap with each other can be provided, and controls the exhaust throttle valve so that an opening degree of the exhaust throttle valve in the overlap period is made smaller than an opening degree of the exhaust throttle valve in a case where the overlap period is not provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tetsuo Omura
  • Patent number: 10077731
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting leaks in an engine fuel system coupled in a vehicle including a first fuel tank and a second fuel tank, and a canister coupled together via a three-way valve. A leak test may be initially performed on the first fuel tank by supplying vacuum to the first fuel tank. The second fuel tank may be tested for leaks immediately following the leak test on the first fuel tank by recycling vacuum from the first fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Russell Randall Pearce, Dennis Seung-Man Yang
  • Patent number: 10072625
    Abstract: A vehicle start-stop system includes an engine and a controller. The controller is programmed to operate the system in a first mode when a first input is selected, and in a second mode when a second input is selected. The controller is further programmed to inhibit engine stop in response to being in the first mode and an evaporator temperature having a first value, and stop the engine in response to being in the second mode and the evaporator temperature having the first value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Hesketh, Themi Philemon Petridis, Ian Halleron, Christopher Edward Pedlar
  • Patent number: 10072588
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and a method for controlling valve timing of a continuous variable valve duration engine. The method may include: classifying a plurality of control regions depending on an engine speed and an engine load; applying a maximum duration to an intake valve in a first control region; maintaining the maximum duration of the intake valve and controlling a valve overlap by using exhaust valve closing (EVC) timing in a second control region; advancing intake valve closing (IVC) timing in a third control region; controlling the IVC timing to be close to bottom dead center (BDC) in a fourth control region; controlling a throttle valve to be fully opened and generating a scavenging phenomenon in a fifth control region; and controlling the throttle valve to be fully opened and controlling the IVC timing to prevent knocking in a sixth control region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: In Sang Ryu, Kyoung Pyo Ha, You Sang Son, Kiyoung Kwon
  • Patent number: 10072587
    Abstract: A throttle operating device that adjusts the opening degree of an engine throttle valve is provided. In a throttle operating device according to an aspect of the invention, one end of an inner cable inserted through an outer tube is fixed to a cable fixing part provided in a throttle lever, and the opening degree of the engine throttle valve is adjusted via the inner cable by rotationally operating the throttle lever. The one end of the inner cable is fixed to the cable fixing part with the extending direction of the inner cable changed within the throttle lever. Additionally, a moving mechanism that moves the cable fixing part along a longitudinal direction of the inner cable, is provided in the throttle lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuo Ifuku, Tomoaki Sato, Masahiro Ito