Patents by Inventor John D. Blanke

John D. Blanke 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).

  • Method of determining catalytic converter efficiency on computer controlled vehicles
    Patent number: 5175997
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the efficiency of a catalytic converter for reducing levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons (HC) in an exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine including a closed-loop control system. The closed-loop control system is used to provide a signal to a fuel mixture-control device which delivers known levels of oxygen (O.sub.2) and carbon monoxide to the exhaust stream. The closed-loop control system is also used to externally control an air injection system which activates and deactivates the catalytic converter. A dilution factor is calculated and the catalytic converter efficiency is determined from the levels of carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons measured in the exhaust stream before and after the catalytic converter is activated by the air injection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Inventor: John D. Blanke, Sr.
  • Method of locating a partially plugged port fuel injector using misfire monitor
    Patent number: 4841765
    Abstract: A method of locating a partially plugged port fuel injector in an internal combustion engine using a misfire monitor is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the misfire monitor includes an oxygen analyzer for determining that the lean-roll frequency of the engine has decreased or ceased when the partially plugged fuel injector is disabled or when the cylinders associated with the partially plugged fuel injector are disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventor: John D. Blanke
  • Engine fault analysis on catalytic converter equipped autos
    Patent number: 4175427
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to isolate faults in a catalytic converter equipped internal combustion engine.The exhaust is analyzed to determine hydrocarbon content, carbon monoxide content and oxygen content and this data is processed through an electronic circuit which accumulates information to be disclosed at the termination of testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1979
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Blanke
  • Fuel burning efficiency determination system
    Patent number: 4171637
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining fuel burning efficiency in articles which require hydrocarbon combustion for operation, such as noncatalytic converter equipped internal combustion engines, hot water heaters, furnaces and the like.The invention includes a three gas analyzer which measures the amount of carbon monoxide, oxygen and hydrocarbon in the emissions of the exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1979
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Blanke
  • Method for setting side to side carburetor balance
    Patent number: 4164142
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for setting the side to side balance of a multi-barreled carburetor on an automobile engine which is running smoothly with no misfiring cylinders and which is set to factory specifications for curb idle speed and timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1979
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Blanke
  • Sampling system for engine exhaust gas analysis apparatus
    Patent number: 4148211
    Abstract: In apparatus for analyzing the exhaust gas of a motor vehicle, the apparatus including an oxygen sensor and means for sampling a portion of the exhaust gas and conducting the sample to the sensor, there is disclosed an improvement wherein the exhaust gas is used to heat a moisture barrier and the oxygen sensor and is then cooled before being directed through the moisture barrier to the sensitive area of the oxygen sensor. This arrangement prevents moisture from condensing on the sensitive area of the oxygen sensor, which moisture would interfere with the operation of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1979
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Sawa, Willis M. Peek, John D. Blanke