Patents by Inventor Philip G. Hill

Philip G. Hill 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).

  • Patent number: 10526983
    Abstract: It is a challenge to reduce unburned hydrocarbon emissions for gaseous fuelled engines, especially at low engine load conditions, to meet demanding emission regulation targets. A method for reducing unburned hydrocarbon emissions in a lean-burn internal combustion engine that is fuelled with a gaseous fuel comprises adjusting the timing for closing of an intake valve as a function of engine operating conditions by one of advancing timing for closing of the intake valve and closing the intake valve earlier during an intake stroke; and retarding timing for closing of the intake valve and closing the intake valve later during a compression stroke. The volumetric efficiency of the internal combustion engine is reduced and unburned hydrocarbon emissions are maintained below a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: WESTPORT POWER INC.
    Inventors: Philip G. Hill, Bronson D. Patychuk, Gordon P. McTaggart-Cowan, Ning Wu
  • Patent number: 10233871
    Abstract: A method for introducing a gaseous fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes forming a non-ignitable mixture of the gaseous fuel and a gas including oxygen in a predefined mixture mass ratio within a predetermined range of tolerance having a pressure suitable for directly introducing the non-ignitable mixture into the combustion chamber during at least the compression stroke; and introducing the non-ignitable mixture directly into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: WESTPORT POWER INC.
    Inventors: Jian Huang, Philip G. Hill, Sandeep Munshi, Gordon P. McTaggart-Cowan
  • Publication number: 20180094594
    Abstract: It is a challenge to reduce unburned hydrocarbon emissions for gaseous fuelled engines, especially at low engine load conditions, to meet demanding emission regulation targets. A method for reducing unburned hydrocarbon emissions in a lean-burn internal combustion engine that is fuelled with a gaseous fuel comprises adjusting the timing for closing of an intake valve as a function of engine operating conditions by one of advancing timing for closing of the intake valve and closing the intake valve earlier during an intake stroke; and retarding timing for closing of the intake valve and closing the intake valve later during a compression stroke. The volumetric efficiency of the internal combustion engine is reduced and unburned hydrocarbon emissions are maintained below a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Philip G. HILL, Bronson D. PATYCHUK, Gordon P. MCTAGGART-COWAN, Ning WU
  • Publication number: 20160017845
    Abstract: A method for introducing a gaseous fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes forming a non-ignitable mixture of the gaseous fuel and a gas including oxygen in a predefined mixture mass ratio within a predetermined range of tolerance having a pressure suitable for directly introducing the non-ignitable mixture into the combustion chamber during at least the compression stroke; and introducing the non-ignitable mixture directly into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Jian Huang, Philip G. Hill, Sandeep Munshi, Gordon P. McTaggart-Cowan
  • Patent number: 8800529
    Abstract: A dual fuel injection valve with concentric needles comprises an inner needle and an outer needle surrounding the inner needle, both needles being located inside the injection valve body. The valve is provided with a first set and a second set of orifices for separately injecting two different fuels directly into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The outer needle is fixed against rotation with respect to the injection valve body such that an interlace angle between the centerlines of the first series of orifices and second series of orifices is set at different predetermined angles to reduce methane emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Wickstone, Philip G. Hill, Jian Huang, Sandeep Munshi
  • Publication number: 20140123937
    Abstract: A dual fuel injection valve with concentric needles comprises an inner needle and an outer needle surrounding the inner needle, both needles being located inside the injection valve body. The valve is provided with a first set and a second set of orifices for separately injecting two different fuels directly into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The outer needle is fixed against rotation with respect to the injection valve body such that an interlace angle between the centerlines of the first series of orifices and second series of orifices is set at different predetermined angles to reduce methane emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Michael C. Wickstone, Philip G. Hill, Jian Huang, Sandeep Munshi
  • Patent number: 7542842
    Abstract: This disclosure teaches a method of controlling a direct injection internal combustion engine and predicting the behavior of a direct injection internal combustion engine. An estimation of initial cylinder pressure, air flow and EGR flow (if applicable) is used to establish a system that provides engine behavior by integrating an injection module, combustion module and engine control module to provide data indicative of engine behavior such as brake torque and power, air flow, EGR flow, cylinder pressure, brake specific fuel consumption, start of combustion, heat release rate, turbo-charger speed and other variables. These values can then be used to adjust commanded variables such as start of injection, commanded pulse width, rail pressure to meet operator demand. Also the output data can be used as a tool to determine how a conceptualized engine design will behave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventors: Philip G. Hill, Mark E. Dunn, Guowei Li, Dehong Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080306674
    Abstract: This disclosure teaches a method of controlling a direct injection internal combustion engine and predicting the behavior of a direct injection internal combustion engine. An estimation of initial cylinder pressure, air flow and EGR flow (if applicable) is used to establish a system that provides engine behavior by integrating an injection module, combustion module and engine control module to provide data indicative of engine behavior such as brake torque and power, air flow, EGR flow, cylinder pressure, brake specific fuel consumption, start of combustion, heat release rate, turbo-charger speed and other variables. These values can then be used to adjust commanded variables such as start of injection, commanded pulse width, rail pressure to meet operator demand. Also the output data can be used as a tool to determine how a conceptualized engine design will behave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Philip G. Hill, Mark E. Dunn, Guowei Li, Dehong Zhang
  • Publication number: 20080149078
    Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine employs exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in combination with directly injected gaseous fuels that are burned within the engine in a stratified combustion mode. An engine that employs EGR includes an injector adapted to provide a high pressure quantity of fuel into a combustion chamber within a given pressure range, at a given angle and through a nozzle hole size to help provide for EGR tolerance and, consequently, reduce emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: WESTPORT POWER INC.
    Inventors: Philip G. Hill, Mark E. Dunn, Sandeep Munshi
  • Patent number: 7392129
    Abstract: This disclosure teaches a method of controlling a direct injection internal combustion engine and predicting the behaviour of a direct injection internal combustion engine. An estimation of initial cylinder pressure, air flow and EGR flow (if applicable) is used to establish a system that provides engine behaviour by integrating an injection module, combustion module and engine control module to provide data indicative of engine behaviour such as brake torque and power, air flow, EGR flow, cylinder pressure, brake specific fuel consumption, start of combustion, heat release rate, turbo-charger speed and other variables. These values can then be used to adjust commanded variables such as start of injection, commanded pulse width, rail pressure to meet operator demand. Also the output data can be used as a tool to determine how a conceptualised engine design will behave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventors: Philip G. Hill, Mark E. Dunn, Guowei Li, Dehong Zhang
  • Patent number: 7302939
    Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine employs exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in combination with directly injected gaseous fuels that are burned within the engine in a stratified combustion mode. An engine that employs EGR includes an injector adapted to provide a high pressure quantity of fuel into a combustion chamber within a given pressure range, at a given angle and through a nozzle hole size to help provide for EGR tolerance and, consequently, reduce emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventors: Philip G. Hill, Mark E. Dunn, Sandeep Munshi
  • Patent number: 7281514
    Abstract: A glow member, preferably in the shape of a ring, assists ignition and combustion of a fuel used in an internal combustion engine. A fuel injection valve injects a plurality of fuel jets directly into a combustion chamber during operation of the engine so that the fuel jets are aimed to the proximity of the glow member such that ignition of fuel in each fuel jet is assisted by the glow member. The glow member is made from high temperature materials and can include catalytic materials to further promote combustion. The glow member can be actively heated, for example by an electric current, in addition to being passively heated by the heat generated within the combustion chamber by the combustion of the fuel therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventors: Philip G. Hill, Guowei Li, Alan B. Welch, Mark E. Dunn, Dehong Zhang
  • Patent number: 7213564
    Abstract: An obstruction is employed in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The obstruction is located within the chamber to generate turbulence and break-up or disrupt the soot rich zone within a directly injected quantity of fuel that is burning. More specifically, a ring disrupts fuel jets directly injected into the combustion chamber that impact on or are influence by the ring. The ring can be suspended from the piston or from the fire deck. Post-type obstructions help generate turbulence and are also targeted at disrupting the soot rich zone of the burning fuel jets. A method involves disrupting the soot rich zone or reducing soot generated within the combustion chamber and increasing burn rate by impacting the fuel jets on an obstruction within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Westport Power Inc.
    Inventors: Philip G. Hill, Dehong Zhang, Guowei Li
  • Patent number: 7011070
    Abstract: A method and apparatus generate turbulence and impact on soot rich zone within a burning fuel jet within a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. A reservoir accumulates charge and projects the charge into a combustion chamber and into and around the burning fuel directly injected into the combustion chamber. A ring or the fire deck define one or more reservoirs with an orifice for accumulating, directing and ejecting the charge. The method and apparatus are particularly beneficial when employed with gaseous fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Westport Research Inc.
    Inventors: Philip G. Hill, Dehong Zhang, Guowei Li
  • Patent number: 5996558
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel hydraulically actuated fuel injector for an internal combustion engine. More particularly, the application pertains to a hydraulically actuated gaseous injector for injecting main fuel and optional pilot fuel into an internal combustion engine at different times at controlled pressure. A hydraulically actuated fuel injector for a piston displacement engine comprising: (a) an injector which is actuated by an actuator means and injects fuel into the engine at predetermined times; (b) a means for introducing hydraulic oil into said injector; (c) means for pressurizing said hydraulic oil; (d) means for opening a fuel inlet means and injecting the fuel into the engine upon the pressure of the hydraulic oil reaching a predetermined level; and (e) a means for preventing the pressure of the hydraulic oil from rising above the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Westport Research Inc.
    Inventors: Patric Ouellette, Brad Douville, Alain Touchette, Philip G. Hill, K. Bruce Hodgins
  • Patent number: 5832906
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for supplying high pressure gaseous fuel from a storage vessel to a vehicle's internal combustion engine. More particularly, the invention is a fuel supply system with three main components: the storage vessel; an intensifier; and, an accumulator vessel. Fuel passages connect each one of the components directly with the other two components. The intensifier has a plurality of compression chambers and one of the compression chambers can be by-passed when the intensifier is operating in a low capacity mode, depending upon the pressure in the storage vessel. The intensifier operates continuously. When no fuel compression is required, the intensifier runs in an idle mode with the respective inlets and outlets of the compression chambers connected by fuel passages, thus preventing any fuel compression. The loading to the intensifier actuating mechanism is balanced in all modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Westport Research Inc.
    Inventors: Brad Douville, Alain Touchette, Philip G. Hill, Adrian J. Post, Mark A. Epp
  • Patent number: 5315973
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel device for compressing and injecting gaseous fuel from a variable pressure gaseous fuel supply into a fuel receiving apparatus. More particularly, this invention relates to an intensifier-injector which compresses and injects gaseous fuel from a variable pressure source into the cylinder of a positive displacement engine. An intensifier-injector for gaseous fuels in internal combustion engines comprising means which utilizes the compressed gas from the chamber of the internal combustion engine or compressed fluid or gas from an external compressor to drive an intensifier means which raises the pressure of fuel gas supplied to the internal combustion engine for rapid late-cycle injection into the cylinder of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Philip G. Hill, K. Bruce Hodgins
  • Patent number: 5067467
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel device for compressing and injecting gaseous fuel from a variable pressure gaseous fuel supply into a fuel receiving apparatus. More particularly, this invention relates to an intensifier-injector which compresses and injects gaseous fuel from a variable pressure source into the cylinder of a positive displacement engine. An intensifier-injector for gaseous fuels in internal combustion engines comprising means which utilizes the compressed gas from the chamber of the internal combustion engine or compressed fluid or gas from an external compressor to drive an intensifier means which raises the pressure of fuel gas supplied to the internal combustion engine for rapid late-cycle injection into the cylinder of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Philip G. Hill, Ronald J. Pierik, K. Bruce Hodgins