Patents by Inventor Teruhiko Minegishi

Teruhiko Minegishi 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: 7290528
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an exhaust gas recirculation device with an improved response speed and accuracy of exhaust gas recirculation flow control in an internal combustion engine. A recirculation gas control valve controls a recirculation flow rate in exhaust gas recirculation passages of the internal combustion engine. An air intake control valve controls a flow rate in an intake passage of the internal combustion engine. An intake airflow sensor detects a flow rate in the intake passage. A recirculation flow sensor detects an exhaust gas recirculation flow rate in the exhaust gas recirculation passage. An exhaust gas recirculation controller performs feedback control of the intake air control valve and/or the recirculation gas control valve so that the exhaust gas recirculation ratio obtained based on outputs of the intake airflow sensor and the recirculation flow sensor is a target ratio recirculation ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhiko Minegishi, Yasuyuki Nakano
  • Publication number: 20070119434
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an exhaust gas recirculation device with an improved response speed and accuracy of exhaust-gas recirculation flow control in an internal combustion engine. A recirculation gas control valve (16) controls a recirculation flow rate in exhaust gas recirculation passages (13a, 13b) of an internal combustion engine (7). An intake air control valve (5) controls a flow rate in an intake passage (4) of the internal combustion engine (7). An intake air flow sensor (2) detects a flow rate in the intake passage (4). A recirculation flow sensor (15) detects an exhaust-gas recirculation flow rate in the exhaust gas recirculation passage (13). An exhaust gas recirculation controller 20 performs feedback control of the intake air control valve (5) and/or the recirculation gas control valve (16) so that an exhaust gas recirculation ratio obtained based on outputs of the intake air flow sensor (2) and the recirculation flow sensor (15) is a target recirculation ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Applicants: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhiko Minegishi, Yasuyuki Nakano
  • Patent number: 7121268
    Abstract: A curved passage constituting part of an exhaust gas recirculation passage is installed inside a suction passage in the downstream of an electronic control throttle valve, of which initial position is the fully opened position, and an exhaust gas recirculation flow control valve is installed in the cylindrical portion extending coaxially from the curved passage into a suction passage. The control valve is a butterfly valve driven by a motor via a reduction gear mechanism. In addition, the control valve opening is sensed by a sensor and cooled exhaust gas flow is sensed by a flow sensor at the outlet of an exhaust gas cooler, and the control of the control valve is based on these sensor signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Andoh, Teruhiko Minegishi
  • Patent number: 6912993
    Abstract: To reduce the amount of air leakage from the air cleaner side of the throttle system into the engine side on an occasion where the throttle valve is set to a closed position, a seal material is installed in the air passage that runs from the upstream side of the suction passage, passes through the upstream side of the gap between the shaft and through hole, communicates with the gap formed by the stepped recession, the shaft and the bearing of the throttle body, runs in the circumferential direction of the shaft and through the downstream side of the gap, and reaches the downstream side of the suction passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomonaga Oyamada, Yuuichi Yanagase, Takehiko Kowatari, Teruhiko Minegishi, Eisuke Wayama
  • Publication number: 20050098163
    Abstract: A curved passage constituting part of an exhaust gas recirculation passage is installed inside a suction passage in the downstream of an electronic control throttle valve, of which initial position is the fully opened position, and an exhaust gas recirculation flow control valve is installed in the cylindrical portion extending coaxially from the curved passage into a suction passage. The control valve is a butterfly valve driven by a motor via a reduction gear mechanism. In addition, the control valve opening is sensed by a sensor and cooled exhaust gas flow is sensed by a flow sensor at the outlet of an exhaust gas cooler, and the control of the control valve is based on these sensor signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Inventors: Hitoshi Andoh, Teruhiko Minegishi
  • Publication number: 20040237931
    Abstract: To maintain a favorable combustion states, the quantity and quality of a fuel-air mixture to be supplied to cylinders in an internal-combustion engine having multi-cylinder combustors, is where motor-driven fuel spraying mechanisms are provided corresponding to respective cylinders, is controlled with a high response. For this purpose, a mixture supply device has a motor-driven exhaust recirculating mechanism for collecting part of the exhaust generated by combustion in the internal-combustion engine and then remixing the exhaust into the mixture, and an integrated controller for transmitting control signals simultaneously to the above-mentioned three types of mechanisms which are built into a motor-driven multiple-throttle mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Yoshio Okamoto, Tomonaga Oyamada, Makoto Yamakado, Teruhiko Minegishi, Akihiro Munakata, Yuzo Kadomukai, Masami Nagano, Takehiko Kowatari
  • Patent number: 6684840
    Abstract: An intake manifold and a collector made of synthetic resin are molded integrally to constitute a body of an intake module. A synthetic resin holder for holding at least one of a harness and a piping member (a pipe for hot water, and a canister purge pipe) is mounted at the upper part of the intake module body to incorporate the harness and/or piping member as an intake module element. Further, an engine control unit, an injector, a throttle body and so on are also incorporated into the module body to progress formation of an intake system of the internal combustion engine into module, and module elements are increased more than that presented previously to further enhance simplicity of vehicle assembling work, convenience of transportation, and mounting density, and to realize smaller and lighter weight, housing properties, and lower resistance of harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Morio Kuwano, Shigeto Niitsuma, Teruhiko Minegishi, Mitsunori Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20040011327
    Abstract: To reduce the amount of air leakage from the air cleaner side of the throttle system into the engine side on an occasion where the throttle valve is set to a closed position. The seal material 43 is installed in the course of the air passage that runs from the upstream side of the suction passage 3, passes through the upstream side of the gap 35 between the shaft 7 and through hole 25, communicates with the gap 37 surrounded by the stepped recession 29, shaft 7 and bearing 31 of the throttle body 1, runs in the circumferential direction of the shaft and through the downstream side of the gap 35, and reaches the downstream side of the suction passage 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Tomonaga Oyamada, Yuuichi Yanagase, Takehiko Kowatari, Teruhiko Minegishi, Eisuke Wayama
  • Patent number: 6598575
    Abstract: A structure in which an input shaft which is a member for connecting a cylindrical switching valve and a rotary mechanism, and the cylindrical switching valve are brought into contact with each other via a ball-like member. When this structure is employed, the ball-like member serves as a kind of ball joint, so that rotation can be smoothly transmitted even when there is an angle of inclination between the direction of the axis of rotation of the input shaft by which the rotary mechanism for rotating the cylindrical switching valve and the cylindrical switching valve are connected, and the direction of the axis of rotation of this switching valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhiko Minegishi, Hiroyuki Nemoto, Mitunori Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20030052296
    Abstract: A control valve driving mechanism for an internal combustion engine has a construction in which an electric motor is mounted inside a control valve. With this construction, the electric motor is prevented from projecting outward of an intake pipe, and the electric motor for driving the control valve serves also as a bearing for the control valve, and the electric motor for driving the control valve can be mounted in a compact manner, and the number of component parts can be reduced. This control valve driving mechanism thus enables the improvement of space factor and the use of a commercially-available, inexpensive electric motor to reduce the cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruhiko Minegishi
  • Patent number: 6520138
    Abstract: A rotating shaft and a drive shaft are used in an air intake apparatus for an internal combustion engine. At one end portion of the rotating shaft and the drive shaft a sphere portion and a projection portion are formed, and another end portion of the rotating shaft and the drive shaft a cup portion and a faucet portion are formed. The sphere portion is inserted to the cup portion and further the projection portion is engaged with the faucet portion, thereby a universal joint is formed. Since a connection structure between the rotating shaft and the drive shaft is constituted with few component elements, a cost reduction in the air intake apparatus for the internal combustion engine can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhiko Minegishi, Misturu Yamashita, Hiroyuki Nemoto, Akihiro Munakata
  • Patent number: 6443114
    Abstract: A structure in which an input shaft which is a member for connecting a cylindrical switching valve and a rotary mechanism, and the cylindrical switching valve are brought into contact with each other via a ball-like member. When this structure is employed, the ball-like member serves as a kind of ball joint, so that rotation can be smoothly transmitted even when there is an angle of inclination between the direction of the axis of rotation of the input shaft by which the rotary mechanism for rotating the cylindrical switching valve and the cylindrical switching valve are connected, and the direction of the axis of rotation of this switching valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhiko Minegishi, Hiroyuki Nemoto, Mitunori Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20020088423
    Abstract: A structure in which an input shaft which is a member for connecting a cylindrical switching valve and a rotary mechanism, and the cylindrical switching valve are brought into contact with each other via a ball-like member. When this structure is employed, the ball-like member serves as a kind of ball joint, so that rotation can be smoothly transmitted even when there is an angle of inclination between the direction of the axis of rotation of the input shaft by which the rotary mechanism for rotating the cylindrical switching valve and the cylindrical switching valve are connected, and the direction of the axis of rotation of this switching valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhiko Minegishi, Hiroyuki Nemoto, Mitunori Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20010032600
    Abstract: A structure in which an input shaft which is a member for connecting a cylindrical switching valve and a rotary mechanism, and the cylindrical switching valve are brought into contact with each other via a ball-like member. When this structure is employed, the ball-like member serves as a kind of ball joint, so that rotation can be smoothly transmitted even when there is an angle of inclination between the direction of the axis of rotation of the input shaft by which the rotary mechanism for rotating the cylindrical switching valve and the cylindrical switching valve are connected, and the direction of the axis of rotation of this switching valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: TERUHIKO MINEGISHI, HIROYUKI NEMOTO, MITUNORI NISHIMURA
  • Patent number: 6267091
    Abstract: A rotary valve assembly for controlling flow passing through substantially parallel passages, is disclosed. A wall has a cylindrical bore extending transverse to the passages. An elongated rotor is rotatably supported at opposed ends thereof within the cylindrical bore. A plurality of axially spaced valves are disposed on the rotor so as to open and close the passages. A plurality of wall portions are disposed between the valves so as to isolate the adjacent passages. A C-ring is disposed on the respective wall portion of the rotor in sealing contact with the wall surface surrounding the cylindrical bore. An O-ring is disposed axially adjacent to the C-ring and adapted for reducing radial vibration of the rotor and cooperating with the C-ring to prevent leakage flow through the adjacent passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaya Nishida, Yuji Kudo, Teruhiko Minegishi, Kunio Sato, Kazuo Muneoka
  • Publication number: 20010000573
    Abstract: A rotating shaft and a drive shaft are used in an air intake apparatus for an internal combustion engine. At one end portion of the rotating shaft and the drive shaft a sphere portion and a projection portion are formed, and another end portion of the rotating shaft and the drive shaft a cup portion and a faucet portion are formed. The sphere portion is inserted to the cup portion and further the projection portion is engaged with the faucet portion, thereby a universal joint is formed. Since a connection structure between the rotating shaft and the drive shaft is constituted with few component elements, a cost reduction in the air intake apparatus for the internal combustion engine can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: May 3, 2001
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhiko Minegishi, Misturu Yamashita, Hiroyuki Nemoto, Akihiro Munakata
  • Patent number: 6196178
    Abstract: A rotating shaft and a drive shaft are used in an air intake apparatus for an internal combustion engine. At one end portion of the rotating shaft and the drive shaft a sphere portion and a projection portion are formed, and another end portion of the rotating shaft and the drive shaft a cup portion and a faucet portion are formed. The sphere portion is inserted to the cup portion and further the projection portion is engaged with the faucet portion, thereby a universal joint is formed. Since a connection structure between the rotating shaft and the drive shaft is constituted with few component elements, a cost reduction in the air intake apparatus for the internal combustion engine can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhiko Minegishi, Misturu Yamashita, Hiroyuki Nemoto, Akihiro Munakata
  • Patent number: 6032634
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compact air induction system for an internal-combustion engine in which an air inlet section, a collection section and the intake port section for a plurality of cylinders of the internal-combustion engine are formed adjacent to each other and connected directly or through a partition wall. A control unit for controlling the engine is mounted in the passage at the downstream of the air inlet section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhiko Minegishi, Minoru Oosuga, Junichi Yamaguchi, Yasushi Sasaki, Hiroyuki Nemoto, Yuzo Kadomukai, Ryuhei Kawabe
  • Patent number: 5718195
    Abstract: An intake pipe for an internal combustion engine has an intake assembly to which the air supplied from an air cleaner flows in accordance with the opening of a throttle valve, and independent intake pipes receive the air in the intake assembly and distribute the air into each cylinder of the internal combustion engine. The intake passage between the air cleaner and the throttle valve assembly is arranged next to and separated by a partition wall from at least one of a negative pressure part of the intake passage downstream of the throttle vale, the intake assembly provided in the negative pressure part and the independent intake pipes, whereby two independent intake spaces are formed on either side of the partition wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Automotive Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Ohsuga, Jun'ichi Yamaguchi, Ryoichi Komuro, Yasushi Sasaki, Teruhiko Minegishi
  • Patent number: 5704326
    Abstract: The present invention provides a compact air induction system for an internal-combustion engine in which an air inlet section, a collection section and the intake port section for a plurality of cylinders of the internal-combustion engine are formed adjacent to each other and connected directly or through a partition wall. A control unit for controlling the engine is mounted in the passage at the downstream of the air inlet section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhiko Minegishi, Minoru Oosuga, Junichi Yamaguchi, Yasushi Sasaki, Hiroyuki Nemoto, Yuzo Kadomukai, Ryuhei Kawabe