Abstract: An engine control system and method for determining if an exhaust gas recirculation EGR runner between an EGR valve and a cylinder inlet is obstructed using a single exhaust gas sensor and individual cylinder fuel control (ICFC). A controller determines an off-state value based on an off-state air/fuel combustion ratio of a particular cylinder indicated by the single exhaust gas sensor while the EGR valve is operated to the off-state and while the engine is operating at a first speed-load condition, and determines an on-state value based on an on-state air/fuel combustion ratio of the particular cylinder indicated by the single exhaust gas sensor while the EGR valve is operated to the on-state and while the engine is operating at a second speed-load condition. The controller then determines if the EGR runner associated with the particular cylinder is obstructed based on the off-state value and the on-state value.

Abstract: A vacuum management system for an engine with variable valve lift includes a vacuum control valve at the entrance to the intake manifold to increase vacuum within the manifold as needed and preferably only when it can be done without impairing fuel economy or engine performance. Vacuum may then be used for any of various vacuum-assisted devices and functions, for example, boosting a vehicle braking system. The numerical relationships among important operating parameters are determined in a laboratory, and a programmable engine control module (ECM} is provided with algorithms and tables of such values by which the ECM is able to vary valve lift and vacuum control valve position to provide optimum flow across the intake valves and optimum manifold vacuum under all engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A vacuum system for an engine with variable valve lift includes a controllable vacuum-forming valve at the entrance to the intake manifold and a programmable engine control module (ECM) to increase vacuum as desired within the manifold by modulating the valve as needed to optimize fuel economy. To provide vacuum brake assist, a brake booster diaphragm is connected conventionally to the manifold and a vacuum storage tank and check valve are disposed between the booster diaphragm and the manifold. During periods of vehicle deceleration, when engine load is low, the ECM may switch the VVL-controlled intake valves to a higher lift to increase the pumping capacity of the engine, while simultaneously partially closing the vacuum-forming valve to create vacuum in the intake manifold, the brake booster, and the vacuum storage tank at little or no expense to engine performance.

Abstract: A vacuum management system for an engine with variable valve lift includes a vacuum control valve at the entrance to the intake manifold to increase vacuum within the manifold as needed and preferably only when it can be done without impairing fuel economy or engine performance. Vacuum may then be used for any of various vacuum-assisted devices and functions, for example, boosting a vehicle braking system. The numerical relationships among important operating parameters are determined in a laboratory, and a programmable engine control module (ECM} is provided with algorithms and tables of such values by which the ECM is able to vary valve lift and vacuum control valve position to provide optimum flow across the intake valves and optimum manifold vacuum under all engine operating conditions.

Abstract: A vacuum system for an engine with variable valve lift includes a controllable vacuum-forming valve at the entrance to the intake manifold and a programmable engine control module (ECM) to increase vacuum as desired within the manifold by modulating the valve as needed to optimize fuel economy. To provide vacuum brake assist, a brake booster diaphragm is connected conventionally to the manifold and a vacuum storage tank and check valve are disposed between the booster diaphragm and the manifold. During periods of vehicle deceleration, when engine load is low, the ECM may switch the VVL-controlled intake valves to a higher lift to increase the pumping capacity of the engine, while simultaneously partially closing the vacuum-forming valve to create vacuum in the intake manifold, the brake booster, and the vacuum storage tank at little or no expense to engine performance.

Abstract: A burner type catalytic converter heater composed of an air intake housing having a peripheral mounting flange for universal mounting to an exhaust system upstream of the catalytic converter. A nozzle body is provided having a central portion whereat an orifice delivers atomized fuel and an annular flange portion which interfaces with the air intake housing to define an air intake chamber on an upstream side thereof. A cylindrical combustion chamber housing is provided and a single-stage vortex body is connected to one end of the combustion chamber housing, wherein vanes of the vortex body adjoin a downstream side of the annular flange portion.

Abstract: An electronically controlled fuel system for use with a continuous, non-cyclical process has a fuel manifold to which pressurized fuel from a source is supplied and through which the fuel is metered, to an end use combustor, by a periodically energizable pulse-width modulated, solenoid actuated valve. The pulsed fuel output of the valve is exposed to an accumulator which operates on the output to reduce the amplitude of the pulsations effectively integrating them out of the fuel flow, resulting in a substantially continuous supply of fuel. A purge system may be integrated into the fuel manifold and has a second solenoid actuated valve member which is operable, upon fuel system shut-down, to direct pressurized air through the fuel system to remove excess fuel.

Abstract: Control of a fuel rate and an air rate delivered to an exhaust gas heater over successive control periods by determining and periodically updating a desired heater air quantity and a desired heater air/fuel ratio, by commanding an air rate in accord with the desired heater air quantity, by adjusting the commanded air rate in accord with a sensed actual air rate, and by commanding a fuel quantity in accord with the desired heater air/fuel ratio and the sensed actual air rate or the desired heater air quantity. A quantity of excess fuel is purged from the system at the end of a control period and provided in usable form to the engine. Compensation for fuel residue in the system is made at the start of subsequent control periods.