Patents by Inventor Johann Locher
Johann Locher has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 5063903Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for controlling the fuel metered to an engine and especially to a diesel engine. The engine includes a fuel pump drive by a shaft for which injection start and injection end is fixed by a corresponding control of the electromagnetically actuated valve. The drive pulses for pump-delivery start and pump-delivery end are generated in dependence upon the analog signal of an angle sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1990Date of Patent: November 12, 1991Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Josef Wahl, Alf Loffler, Hermann Grieshaber, Wilhelm Polach, Ewald Eblen, Joachim Tauscher, Helmut Laufer, Ulrich Flaig, Johannes Locher, Manfred Birk, Gerhard Engel, Alfred Schmitt, Pierre Lauvin, Fridolin Piwonka, Anton Karle, Hermann Kull
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Patent number: 5042434Abstract: The invention is directed to a control apparatus cooling system which includes a control apparatus arrangement for an internal combustion engine. The control apparatus arrangement is set into operation by an ignition contact signal. The control apparatus arrangement is cooled with the aid of a coolant loop which has a pump motor. A self-holding circuit is provided in the control apparatus arrangement and supplies the pump motor and a voltage stabilization with voltage to drive a microcomputer as soon as the ignition contact signal appears. The cooling of the control apparatus arrangement is not terminated immediately when the ignition contact signal ceases; instead, the pump motor continues to run until it is assured that components having conventional temperature resistance cannot become damaged in the control apparatus arrangement by overheating because of stored heat. The microcomputer determines when the switch-off condition is satisfied.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1990Date of Patent: August 27, 1991Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Herbert Graf, Jurgen Schwenger, Werner Zimmermann, Johannes Locher
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Patent number: 4839812Abstract: A control unit installed in a vehicle, particularly a control unit to control an internal combustion engine (ICE) thereof, has within its already present computation stage, a program store or program memory (PS, 2b') which stores a test program (TP) therein. The program store (PS) also includes an operating program memory (OP) used to control operation of the vehicle and/or the ICE thereof. The test apparatus includes a test computer and comparator (1) and a simulation and measuring unit which applies simulated input signals to the vehicular control unit, for example sequentially and only to single inputs thereof. The test program within the vehicular control unit is then run under control of the test computer and forwards the data referring to the applied signals via the serial interface 5 to the test computer 1 for evaluation.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1987Date of Patent: June 13, 1989Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Claus-Dieter Nusser, Johannes Locher
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System for controlling the temperature of a hot spot or a glow plug in an internal combustion engine
Patent number: 4658772Abstract: A glow plug electrically heated during start-up to help bring the air-fuel mixture of an internal combustion engine to ignition temperature when the engine is cold, instead of being turned off as soon as the engine is running, has its heating current controlled so as to maintain the glow plug temperature within a desired range, as the result of which the engine can be made to run more quietly and more smoothly under many conditions. The current control unit which varies the glow plug current responds to the output signal of a computing unit responsive to various engine operation parameters, including especially a signal representative of the rate of feeding fuel to the engine.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1985Date of Patent: April 21, 1987Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Werner Auth, Martin Lenfers, Johannes Locher, Hans-J. Peter, Hannes Pflug, Michel Friedbert, Josef Steiner -
Patent number: 4563995Abstract: A method for evaluating output signals of a sensor for measuring operational parameters of an internal combustion engine, utilizes characteristic wave forms of signal portions derived from a sensor. Threshold levels for setting the beginning and the end of an injection process are determined from threshold levels of an (n+m)th signal portion which are derived from a fraction of preceding nth signal. The device for carrying out this method includes a store for the peak value of the nth signal and a controlled discharging device which cooperates with a threshold switch and which is controlled by other parameters of the engine such as rotary speed.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1983Date of Patent: January 14, 1986Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Johannes Locher, Wolfgang Schmidt
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Patent number: 4556039Abstract: A method and an apparatus are proposed for adapting the exhaust gas recirculation rate in internal combustion engines, in particular Diesel engines. In order to prevent the smoke which is produced at first in new engines, or when injection nozzles or the like are replaced, an adjustment is made in the exhaust gas recirculation rate, acting as a supplement to the change in this rate which is conventionally made, the supplementary adjustment being preferably performed in stages and with reference to the function of the duration of operation from the time the varying operating conditions begin. The number of injection events is counted and successive memory locations are triggered at time intervals, effecting an adaptation of the exhaust gas recirculation rate up to the final status, each stage in adaptation being stored permanently in memory as it is attained.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1983Date of Patent: December 3, 1985Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Helmut Kniss, Johannes Locher
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Patent number: 4541271Abstract: The invention is directed to a measuring arrangement for detecting injection-begin in an internal combustion engine equipped with fuel injection valves. The measuring arrangement includes an inductive position transducer controlled by a current source. The current source is regulated against changes in the level of the supply voltage and elements for stabilization against noise impulses on the supply voltage are provided. The operating point of the output transistor of the current source is regulated in response to sharp drops in the level of the supply voltage thereby obtaining an improved signal-to-noise ratio. The output current of the current source is stabilized with respect to noise by elements of a coupling connected between the base of the output transistor and the supply voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1983Date of Patent: September 17, 1985Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ulrich Flaig, Werner Fischer, Johannes Locher, Wolfgang Schmidt
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Patent number: 4534328Abstract: An emergency control apparatus is proposed for a fuel metering system in a Diesel engine, where the signal processing unit (microcomputer) and/or a regulator can be bypassed. In the case of the failure of the signal processing unit, the position signal of the driving pedal is switched more or less directly to the regulator for triggering the control unit for the quantity-determining member, and if there is a failure of the regulator, a purely proportional regulator comes into action. It is thus assured that even in the case of failure emergency operation is guaranteed, the course of which emergency operation can essentially be influenced only by the driver of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1982Date of Patent: August 13, 1985Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Werner Fischer, Ulrich Flaig, Johannes Locher
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Patent number: 4527121Abstract: The inductance of a variable inductor is put in series with a resistor to provide a delay circuit at the output of an amplifying path and the delayed voltage is fed-back to produce square waves having a period representative of the induct. The amplifying path includes a first amplifier and a final stage that includes a transistor. A second transistor is connected to a voltage supply line feeding the final stage and the delay network and is also connected to the final stage in such a way that the second transistor conducts when the first transistor of the final stage is blocked and so that the second transistor is automatically blocked when the output of the final stage is at a low potential. The base of the second transistor is connected through a resistance to a battery voltage line at a somewhat higher potential than that of the voltage supply line for the final stage.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1982Date of Patent: July 2, 1985Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Werner Fischer, Ulrich Flaig, Gerhard Hettich, Johannes Locher
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Patent number: 4520419Abstract: The protective circuit against overpoling and overloading of an electronic consumer includes a combination of a zener diode connected parallel to the consumer and a parallel connection of a fuse and a conventional diode connected in series with one power supply terminal. Preferably an additional fuse is connected in series between the power supply and the first-mentioned fuse. In the case of a polarity reversal, a fuse burns out, but after restoring normal operational conditions the protective circuit permits operation of the consumer.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1983Date of Patent: May 28, 1985Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Johannes Locher, Wolfgang Schmidt
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Patent number: 4499412Abstract: A regulating device for an electromagnetic control element, especially for an internal combustion engine with auto-ignition, is proposed in which a non-linear regulator with preferably a PD characteristic is coupled with a pulse regulator, preferably a two-point regulator with PID characteristic. Of special advantage is the interposition of a limiting device, which allows an increase in the D portion of the non-linear regulator, while at the same time suppressing interference. This results in an excellent control behavoir, especially in the face of small control deviations and in a control element or control circuit afflicted with friction and/or (magnetic) hysteresis.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1982Date of Patent: February 12, 1985Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Johannes Locher, Dieter Schaller
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Patent number: 4492913Abstract: A so-called current-regulated end stage for electromagnetic consumers such as magnetic valves or electromagnetic final control elements is provided, in which a field effect transistor takes over the functions of the switch and of the current measuring resistor. When the field effect transistor is conductive, the voltage over a capacitor is made to follow the current flowing through the consumer, and when the field effect transistor is blocked, the flow of current through the free-running circuit is simulated via the capacitor discharge. Both a singlefold and a multiple realization are disclosed, the latter using multiple examples of an RC member and a threshold switch.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1982Date of Patent: January 8, 1985Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Winfried Arnold, Johannes Locher, Bernd Schelling
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Patent number: 4487059Abstract: The Schmitt trigger threshold switch which produces rectangular waves in response to the output of a rotary ignition timing generator has a variable bias applied to its switch-in threshold which is proportional to the amplitude of the generator output, while the switch-out threshold remains fixed at or near zero voltage. The bias, which may be developed by a peak detector, prevents inherent ignition timing shift as the generator turns faster. The Schmitt trigger utilizes an inverting comparator so that a "lowest-wins" circuit can be used for applying stabilizing negative feedback or bias to the comparator. The bias provides immunity to disturbing voltages which increase with signal amplitude.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1983Date of Patent: December 11, 1984Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Werner Fischer, Helmut Kniss, Johannes Locher
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Patent number: 4475513Abstract: A fuel metering device for a fuel injection pump is proposed in which the amount of fuel to be injected is metered by means of a magnetic valve. An electro-magnetic valve and a back pressure valve are placed in series in the fuel supply channel leading to the pump work chamber of the fuel injection pump, whereby the back pressure valve places the closing element of the magnetic valve in the open position during the supply stroke of the fuel injection pump, so that only a small holding current is required to keep the magnetic valve open. Rapid switching of the magnetic valve is achieved by a mechanical closing by means of a closing spring of the magnetic valve after the exciter current is switched off.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1982Date of Patent: October 9, 1984Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ulrich Flaig, Johannes Locher
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Patent number: 4467762Abstract: A control apparatus for a fuel metering system including a fuel pump is proposed, where in the case of a Diesel engine with insufficient voltage during starting, the final control element for the governor rod of the fuel pump is uncoupled from the signal processing unit and connected directly to a supply voltage line. It is thereby possible to prevent indefinite output signals of the signal processing unit, which appear in case of insufficient voltage, from having any effect, and simultaneously it is possible to attain reliable starting of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1982Date of Patent: August 28, 1984Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Werner Fischer, Johannes Locher
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Patent number: 4451778Abstract: A short-circuit-resistant trigger circuit layout is proposed for an electrical consumer for motor vehicles. The trigger circuit layout is located in series with a switching transistor, which is preceded in turn by an operational amplifier whose negative input is coupled with the junction point of two resistors parallel to the transistor and whose positive input receives both an average constant potential and a dynamic switching signal. In case of error, that is, in case of a short-circuit consumer, the transistor, which has initially been switched on, switches back into its blocked state after a predetermined time constant has elapsed. The short-circuit current flowing during this open phase can be limited by means of a resistor in series with the transistor.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1982Date of Patent: May 29, 1984Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Werner Fischer, Johannes Locher
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Patent number: 4362050Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle is proposed, intended in particular for Diesel engines, in which an induction coil is installed in an intermediate disc. The coil core is embodied by a pressure element and a valve needle in force-locking contact therewith. An annular permanent magnet is secured either on the pressure bolt or on the intermediate plate. This embodiment of an injection nozzle, as a so-called needle stroke transducer, is used when it is desired to ascertain the duration of injection and especially the onset of injection.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1980Date of Patent: December 7, 1982Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Gerhard Stumpp, Ewald Eblen, Karl Hofmann, Odon Kopse, Nestor R. Amaya, Josef Schlagenhauf, Johannes Locher
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Patent number: 4359991Abstract: A fuel control system for an internal combustion engine with correction for optimum values based on a variety of factors. Characteristic engine data is stored in preferably digital memories with capabilities for interpolation. Upon addressing the engine data fields with input signals related to current operational variables, for example the accelerator pedal position, the control system derives therefrom a nominal air flow rate which is used as the reference value in a control loop that sets the amount of recycled exhaust gas and the fresh air flow. As the actual air flow rate approaches the reference value, the fuel flow is adjusted to insure correct mixtures at all times. In another embodiment, the fuel is supplied on demand but cannot exceed a maximum value except under special override conditions. Several other embodiments and variants are presented.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1981Date of Patent: November 23, 1982Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Gerhard Stumpp, Ludwig Walz, Gerhard Schielinsky, Wolf Wessel, Thomas Kuttner, Ulrich Flaig, Fridolin Piwonka, Hermann Eisele, Andreas Boehringer, Hans Kubach, Johannes Locher, Waldemar Becker
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Patent number: 4292658Abstract: In order to prevent dangerous operation of machinery, for example excessive speeds in internal combustion engines upon electrical failure in the fuel management system or associated sensors, the current passing through the electromagnetic final control element which engages the fuel control rod is monitored. In normal operation of the final control element, when the armature is displaced, a back EMF opposes the applied voltage, thereby reducing the effective current. Accordingly, a jammed armature and similar malfunctions will produce increased current through the final control element. The threshold of a threshold response switch is set to lie between these two values of the current, whereby, when the armature is jammed or short circuits occur, the current will rise above the threshold and permit fuel shut-off or a switchover to mechanical fuel control.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1979Date of Patent: September 29, 1981Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Johannes Locher
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Patent number: 4243004Abstract: An injection pump with a full-load stop, preferably electronically controlled, which is adjustable against the force of a prestressed spring as a result of the control exerted by an electromagnet with a controllable stroke and which, when there is no current in the magnet, is displaceable by means of the spring into its terminal position which determines a reduced full-load quantity. Thus the maximum injection quantity is reduced in accordance with operating conditions and with the operational status of the engine; by this means, environmentally safer and smoother engine operation is possible at all operating conditions. The injection pump is also capable of continuing to function if the electrical or electronic parts fail.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1979Date of Patent: January 6, 1981Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Ernst Ritter, Werner Faupel, Karsten Hummel, Johannes Locher