Patents Issued in November 15, 2016
  • Patent number: 9494065
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for processing exhaust fluid in which a fluid generated in a process chamber of an apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor, a display panel, or a solar cell is ejected to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: LOT VACUUM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang-Yun Lee, Myung Keun Noh, Heaungshig Oh
  • Patent number: 9494066
    Abstract: A controller is provided for an engine comprising urea-SCR catalyst, a urea-water supply section, a low pressure gas recirculating section including a low pressure EGR pipe forming a low pressure EGR passage and a low pressure EGR valve. The controller controls an amount of a fuel supplied to the engine, and an opening degree of the low pressure EGR valve. The controller supplies the urea-water to the urea-SCR catalyst in such a manner that an ammonia flowing out from the urea-SCR catalyst neutralizes an acid condensed water produced by a gas passing through the low pressure EGR passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Teruhiko Miyake
  • Patent number: 9494067
    Abstract: An emissions cleaning module electronics support unit includes a base member which defines at least one seating location for an electronics module; and a roof member includes a first end joined to the base member and a second end, distal the base member, coupled to a brace or one or more conduits of the emissions cleaning module. The roof member may be shaped to extend up and over the base member so as to create an open-mouthed cavity. The base member may include one or more apertures creating tortuous thermal paths between the attachment member and electronics module seating location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventor: Naseer A. Niaz
  • Patent number: 9494068
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to uses of novel nanomaterial composition and the systems in which they are used, and more particularly to nanomaterial compositions generally comprising carbon and a metal, which composition can be exposed to pulsed emissions to react, activate, combine, or sinter the nanomaterial composition. The nanomaterial compositions can alternatively be utilized at ambient temperature or under other means to cause such reaction, activation, combination, or sintering to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: NCC NANO, PLLC
    Inventors: Kurt A. Schroder, Steve McCool, Denny Hamill, Dennis Wilson, Wayne Furlan, Kevin Walter, Darrin Willauer, Karl Martin
  • Patent number: 9494069
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for metering a liquid reducing agent into an exhaust gas system. The device can be used, in particular, for reducing nitrogen oxides in an exhaust gas. The device includes at least one working container for holding a working quantity of the liquid reducing agent. In addition, the device is provided with at least one metering module, at least one delivery line, and at least one delivery pump. The device also has at least one storage container for holding a storage quantity of the liquid reducing age, preferably a storage quantity that exceeds the working quantity. The storage container is connected to the working container via at least one storage line. The storage line has at least one storage pump disposed therein for circulating liquid reducing agent from the storage container to the working container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Haeberer, Matthias Horn, Michael Krause
  • Patent number: 9494070
    Abstract: A method of controlling ammonia (NH3) amount absorbed in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst may include determining a target NH3 absorption amount considering a safety factor on a basis of NH3 absorption characteristics according to a temperature of the SCR catalyst, determining a predicted NH3 reaction amount according to a current driving condition, and controlling injection of urea according to the target NH3 absorption amount and the predicted NH3 reaction amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jiho Cho
  • Patent number: 9494071
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multilayer mounting mat for mounting a pollution control element. The mounting mat comprises a layer of intumescent material between two non-intumescent layers defining opposite major sides of the mounting mat. The mounting mat in accordance with the present invention is suitable for mounting a pollution control element in a pollution control device and is in particular suitable for mounting fragile monolith such as thin-wall and ultra thin-wall monoliths. Also, the mounting mats conveniently exhibit a good or excellent holding pressure over a wide temperature range and can be formulated in an inexpensive way. The invention also provides a pollution control device comprising a pollution control element arranged in a casing with the mounting mat disposed between the casing and pollution control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Richard P. Merry
  • Patent number: 9494072
    Abstract: A three way catalyst and an NOx storage catalyst are arranged in an engine exhaust passage. In an engine low load operating region, a combustion is performed under a lean air-fuel ratio, and when NOx should be released from the NOx storage catalyst, the air-fuel ratio in a combustion chamber is made rich. In an engine medium load operating region, the base air-fuel ratio is made lower as compared with the engine low load operating region, and the air-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber is made rich at a shorter period as compared with the engine low load operating region. When the operating state of the engine is switched from the engine low load operating region to the engine medium load operating region, the air-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber is temporarily made rich, and the degree of richness of the air-fuel ratio at this time is stepwise lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Sakurai, Kohei Yoshida, Yuki Bisaiji, Shigeki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 9494073
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the function of an exhaust-gas sensor in the exhaust duct of an internal combustion engine. A first function control of the exhaust-gas sensor takes place in a first operating point of the internal combustion engine, and in the case of an intact exhaust-gas sensor, the output signal of the exhaust gas sensor or a characteristic quantity derived therefrom is determined in at least one second operating point of the internal combustion engine in the case of an intact exhaust-gas sensor and stored as learned value, and the monitoring of the function of the exhaust-gas sensor during a subsequent operation of the internal combustion engine in the second operating point takes place by comparing the output signal of the exhaust-gas sensor or the characteristic quantity derived therefrom, with the learned value. A corresponding device for implementing the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Steinert
  • Patent number: 9494074
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for a combustion engine with direct injection and in particular to switching between two types of fuel is disclosed. A high-pressure pump (10) is connected to a combustion engine and the high-pressure rail for the direct injection of a fuel. At least two fuel storages (21,27) containing petrol and liquefied gas are present. The arrangement allows for switching from one fuel to another. Switching occurs by purging a fuel from the high-pressure pump (10) and the fuel supply line connected thereto by temporarily collecting the fuel in a purge unit (28). The purge unit (28) is arranged for purging the high-pressure pump (10), thus forcing out the prevailing fuel and replacing it with the new fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: VIALLE GROUP B.V.
    Inventors: Maria Servatius Alfons Jaasma, Piet Van Eijck
  • Patent number: 9494075
    Abstract: A four-cycle internal combustion engine has a single or multi-stage pre-cooled compression, which allows the temperature and pressure of intake air to the combustion cylinders to be tightly controlled, so that a much higher compression ratio and pre-ignition compression pressure can be achieved without approaching the air/fuel mixture auto-ignition threshold. The minimal threshold pressure of air intake is determined to be >1.8 Bars at sea level and a minimal temperature drop of at least 50° C. at the heat exchanger air cooling radiator. Because this design can effectively regulate and set the maximum pre-ignition temperature of the fuel-air mixture, it can combust virtually any type of liquid hydrocarbon fuel without knocking. This four-cycle engine, due to its higher compression ratio, generates power equivalent to or greater than a standard four-cycle engine in a smaller and lighter engine and at a higher efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Filip Kristani
  • Patent number: 9494076
    Abstract: An engine system may include a first intake line configured to supply external air to an intake manifold mounted in a cylinder block of an engine, an intake bypass valve disposed on the first intake line, a second intake line configured to bypass the intake bypass valve, a first exhaust line, through which exhaust gas discharged from an exhaust manifold mounted in the cylinder block flows, an exhaust bypass valve disposed on the first exhaust line, a second exhaust line configured to bypass the exhaust bypass valve, a turbo charger operated by exhaust gas passing through the second exhaust line, and configured to pump intake air flowing in the second intake line, a controller configured to control the intake bypass valve and the exhaust bypass valve, and a turbine housing configured to surround a turbine of the turbo charger. The turbine housing may be made of a material the same as that of a cylinder head of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jong Il Park, Joowon Lee, Nahm Roh Joo, Yoon Joo Kim, Dong Hee Han, Il Joong Hwang, Hyun Jun Lim
  • Patent number: 9494077
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine for propelling an aircraft, including a low pressure rotary body including low pressure turbine rotor blades, an intermediate rotary body including intermediate turbine rotor blades, a high pressure rotary body including high pressure turbine rotor blades, an air flow flowing through the engine from upstream to downstream. The at least one intermediate turbine rotor blade is followed directly downstream by a low pressure turbine rotor blade so as to straighten air flow deflected by the intermediate turbine rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Philippe Gérard Chanez, Lamine M'Bengue
  • Patent number: 9494078
    Abstract: The present invention is a prime mover with recovered energy driven compression for stationary and motor vehicle application. Efficient low compression operation, especially beneficial to small gas turbines, is enabled with either ambient or cryogenic intake air. Recovered energy, liquefied air cooling and re-liquefaction of air by a cryogenic sink minimize motive fluid compression work of a jet compressor driving exhaust gas recirculation. Regenerative heat exchanger terminal temperature difference relative to turbine temperature drop and heat exchanger surface area are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Jay Stephen Kaufman
  • Patent number: 9494079
    Abstract: A fuel injector for a turbine engine, the injector including a body including a mechanism for admitting fuel under pressure, a stop valve for feeding a primary fuel circuit, and a metering valve mounted downstream from the stop valve for feeding a secondary fuel circuit. The injector further includes at least one leakage channel, that can be formed by a thread, that extends from a zone situated downstream from the stop valve and upstream from the metering valve to a zone situated downstream from the metering valve to generate a permanent leakage flow in the secondary circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Emilie Charlotte Pousseo, Jose Roland Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 9494080
    Abstract: A fuel pumping unit has a low pressure pump, a high pressure pump, and a drive input which drives the low and high pressure pumps. The low pressure pump supplies, in use, fuel at a boosted pressure to the high pressure pump. The fuel pumping unit further has a low pressure housing containing the low pressure pump, and a high pressure housing containing the high pressure pump. The housings are joined together at a housing interface. The drive input is contained in one of the housings, whereby drive from the drive input is transferred across the interface to the pump in the other housing. The housing interface includes a gap which interposes between the high pressure pump and the low pressure pump. A layer of substantially stagnant fuel is trapped, in use, in the gap to reduce heat transfer from the high pressure pump to the low pressure pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE CONTROLS AND DATA SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: David Nicholas Neate, Jonathan Masters
  • Patent number: 9494081
    Abstract: A turbine engine shutdown temperature control system configured to foster consistent air temperature within cavities surrounding compressor and turbine blade assemblies to eliminate turbine and compressor blade tip rub during warm restarts of gas turbine engines is disclosed. The turbine engine shutdown temperature control system may include one or more casing temperature control housings extending along an inner surface of a casing at an outer diameter of the casing and at an upper side region of the casing. The upper side region may be positioned above a horizontally extending centerline of the casing. Fluids may be exhausted from one or more exhaust slots in the casing temperature control housing to isolate the upper side region of the casing from buoyancy effects of hot gases within the casing after shutdown of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Vincent P. Laurello
  • Patent number: 9494082
    Abstract: An electrical raft is provided comprising a rigid material having multiple electrical conductors embedded therein. An electrical connector is provided to the raft that has a back-shell which is embedded in the rigid material and which joins to a connector body to enclose a first end of a housing of the connector body. The housing also has a second end at which electrical contacts are provided for connection to another component. The connector body is detachable from the back-shell to electrically disconnect it from the embedded electrical conductors and allow removal of the connector body from the electrical raft. In this way, the connector body may be readily removed, for example for upgrade or repair, while retaining a robust and reliable connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: David Dowdell, Matthew Peter Fitt
  • Patent number: 9494083
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided related to an emissions control system. The emissions control system has an exhaust after-treatment system defining a plurality of distinct exhaust flow passages through which at least a portion of an exhaust stream can flow, e.g., the exhaust stream is produced by an engine. The emissions control system also includes a controller for controlling injection of reductant into the exhaust stream flowing through each of the flow passages. In one example, the emissions control system is configured for use in a vehicle, such as a locomotive or other rail vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jessica Lynn Plummer, Gail LeRoy Detar, Shashi Kiran, Shridhar Shrikant Kulkarni, Lawrence Heverley, III
  • Patent number: 9494084
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan section with twenty (20) or less fan blades and a fan pressure ratio less than about 1.45.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Kohlenberg, Sean P. Zamora, Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 9494085
    Abstract: A control system for a gas turbine engine including a power turbine is disclosed. The control system may also include an outer loop control module to determine a torque request. The outer loop control module may include a feedback control component operative to provide regulation of the power turbine, a feed-forward component operative to anticipate a load on the power turbine, and a hybrid control component operative to prevent output of a torque request that cannot currently be delivered by the power turbine. The control system may also include an inner loop control module to receive the torque request from the outer loop control module, to determine fuel flow and inlet guide vane schedules based at least in part on the received torque request, and to send signals to control a gas generator of the gas turbine engine according to the determined fuel flow and inlet guide vane schedules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chaohong Cai
  • Patent number: 9494086
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improved control of a turbomachine system with a bottoming cycle system are presented. The systems and methods include a controller that utilizes modeling techniques to derive a plurality of load path curves. The controller utilizes a current load path, a minimum load path, and a constant efficiency load path. The systems and methods include a control process configured to receive a user input representative of a life cycle control modality and to execute a control action based on deriving a load efficiency by applying the current load path, the minimum load path, the constant efficiency load path, or a combination thereof, and the life cycle control modality. The control action is applied to control the turbomachine system and the bottoming cycle system fluidly coupled to the turbomachine system. Further, the life cycle control modalities may be selected by a user based upon known tradeoffs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Achalesh Kumar Pandey, John Edward Sholes, Dwayne David McDuffie, Kamlesh Mundra, Maria Cecilia Mazzaro
  • Patent number: 9494087
    Abstract: An engine shutoff valve is provided which includes a valve body having an air passageway in which a disc assembly and a valve seat assembly are located. The disc assembly includes a disc member which is arranged to be rotated and moved toward the valve seat assembly upon the occurrence of an engine runaway condition to close the valve. The valve seat assembly includes an anti-friction ring which is arranged to be engaged by the disc member when the valve is closed. The anti-friction ring is rotatable with respect to the valve body and the disc member to prevent the disc member from sticking thereto after closure of the valve, whereupon the valve can be readily reopened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: AMOT CONTROLS CORP.
    Inventors: David Brett, David Grimwade, Simon Davies
  • Patent number: 9494088
    Abstract: A variety of methods, devices and filters are described that are suitable for averaging measured power train operating parameters over a period that varies as a function of an engine cylinder firing characteristic such as a current operational firing fraction or firing sequence. The averaged measured operating parameter may be used in a variety of different engine control related functions, calculations and/or operations. The described techniques and devices are particularly well suited for use during skip fire operation of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Louis J. Serrano, Mohammad R. Pirjaberi, Charles H. Loucks
  • Patent number: 9494089
    Abstract: A bi-fuel and dual-fuel engine variable pressure fuel system is presented facilitating individual or simultaneous use of liquid and gaseous fuels including natural gas, hydrogen and gasoline, through employment of a variable output pressure gaseous fuel regulator incorporating an attached hydraulic amplifying structure communicating with a relatively low pressure fluid servo circuit that may in turn communicate with a variable pressure automotive liquid fuel system to facilitate relatively high pressure gaseous fuel injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Anthony Lorts
  • Patent number: 9494090
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a misfire detection module and a fuel control module. The misfire detection module detects misfire in a cylinder of an engine. The fuel control module controls a first fuel system to deliver a first fuel to the cylinder and controls a second fuel system to deliver a second fuel to the cylinder. The first fuel and the second fuel are different types of fuel. The fuel control module selectively switches from delivering the first fuel to the cylinder to delivering the second fuel to the cylinder when misfire is detected in the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Tameem K. Assaf, Louis A. Avallone
  • Patent number: 9494091
    Abstract: A driving force control system for vehicle for controlling a target speed of an engine serving as a prime mover by selecting a control mode based on an index representing a driving preference of a driver. The control mode is selected from a first mode for operating the engine to achieve the target speed while optimizing a fuel economy, and a second mode for operating the engine to achieve the target speed at a speed lower than that achieved while optimizing the fuel economy. The driving force control system is configured to determine a lower limit speed of the engine based on the index provided that the second mode is selected, and to restrict a lower limit value of the target speed of the engine to the lower limit speed in case the target speed of the engine exceeds the lower limit speed under the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keisuke Takeuchi, Kazuo Tsuruoka, Toshio Tanahashi, Yoshimitsu Agata, Hiroki Kaneko, Koji Tsurumura
  • Patent number: 9494092
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an engine air sensor, an engine air prediction module, and an engine actuator module. The engine air sensor measures an engine air parameter at a first rate. The engine air parameter includes at least one of a mass flow rate of air flowing into an intake manifold of an engine, a pressure within the intake manifold, and a mass of air within a cylinder of the engine. The engine air prediction module predicts the engine air parameter at a second rate that is greater than the first rate. The engine actuator module controls an actuator of the engine based on at least one of the measured engine air parameter and the predicted engine air parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Zhiping Steven Liu, Gregory P. Matthews, Anthony B. Will
  • Patent number: 9494093
    Abstract: Data is collected in a vehicle relating to a potential obstacle. Based at least in part on the collected data, an obstacle is identified. At least one characteristic of the obstacle is determined. At least one torque to be applied in a vehicle powertrain is determined based at least in part on the at least one characteristic of the obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Scott Crombez, David Crist Gabriel, Jonathan Andrew Butcher
  • Patent number: 9494094
    Abstract: An engine rotational speed control device (4) includes a noise removal processing unit (6) which corrects a command value, wherein the noise removal processing unit (6) is configured to set a current first output value (B(i)) to be identical to a previous first output value (B(i?1)) in a case where, in a latest step group, the number of successive increase steps is smaller than a first predetermined number (n) and the number of successive decrease steps is smaller than the first predetermined number (n), the increase step is a step in which a current first input value (A(i)) is greater than the previous first output value (B(i?1)) by a first set width (n) or more, and the decrease step is a step in which the current first input value (A(i)) is smaller than the previous first output value (B(i)) by the first set width (n) or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naohiro Hara, Jun Watanabe, Hiroaki Wakahara, Akiyoshi Hayashi, Takao Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 9494095
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve equipped with an in-cylinder pressure sensor is provided in which a fuel injection valve is fitted into an injection valve mounting hole provided in an engine, the fuel injection valve injecting fuel from a front end of a valve housing part into a combustion chamber of the engine, and the in-cylinder pressure sensor, which is cylindrical and has a front end facing the combustion chamber, and a cylindrical signal circuit tube fitted and connected to an inner peripheral face of a rear end of the in-cylinder pressure sensor are fitted and fixed to an outer peripheral face of the valve housing part, housed in the injection valve mounting hole, of the fuel injection valve. In such fuel injection valve, the signal transmission device connected to an in-cylinder pressure sensor does not vibrate within an injection valve mounting hole, thus enabling its durability to be ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Gaku Sato, Yuki Kojima, Nakaya Nakamura
  • Patent number: 9494096
    Abstract: A method for determining the efficiency of an exhaust gas purification device of a diesel internal combustion engine for motor vehicles, having a first NOx sensor, arranged ahead of an oxidation catalyst and/or a particulate filter, and a second NOx sensor, arranged downstream of a reduction catalyst, and having a device for the metered supply of a reducing agent, wherein the method includes feeding the signals from the two NOx sensors are fed to a control unit, by means of which at least one feed quantity of the reducing agent is specified. To determine an efficiency of the oxidation catalyst and/or of the particulate filter, the NO and NO2 concentration and/or the NO2/NO ratio of the exhaust gas flow at the measurement position of the second NOx sensor and/or downstream of the reduction catalyst is determined by the control unit solely of the signal values acquired by the two NOx sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: MAN TRUCK & BUS AG
    Inventor: Andreas Pfaffinger
  • Patent number: 9494097
    Abstract: The NOx storage catalyst and the NOx selective reduction catalyst are arranged in the engine exhaust passage. In the engine low load operating region, a combustion is performed in the combustion chamber under a lean base air-fuel ratio and the air-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber is made rich when NOx should be released from the NOx storage catalyst. In the engine medium load operating region, the base air-fuel ratio is made smaller, a degree of richness of the air-fuel ratio is made smaller, and a period in which the air-fuel ratio is made rich is made shorter so that an amount of ammonia which is produced per unit time when the air-fuel ratio is made rich falls compared with the time of engine low load operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Sakurai, Kohki Nakamura, Shigeki Nakayama, Kohei Yoshida, Yuki Bisaiji
  • Patent number: 9494098
    Abstract: Although a method for changing a combustion method taking place in an internal combustion engine depending on running condition is proposed, it can be considered that conditions under which a combustion noise occurs naturally differ with different methods. A detection method of prior art is not compatible with different combustion methods and the accuracy of combustion noise detection was low. Accurate combustion noise detection is enabled by identifying a combustion mode taking place in the internal combustion engine, selecting a sensed frequency or frequency band of a combustion noise sensor that detects a combustion noise in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine according to the combustion mode, and detecting a combustion noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiroh Ogata, Daisuke Watanabe, Takashi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 9494099
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a drive unit, wherein the drive unit has an internal combustion engine, which is provided with at least one fuel pump, which is controlled and/or regulated by a pump control unit and which is intended for introducing fuel into a pressure accumulator; a metering system for introducing fuel, which has been metered by means of a lambda function unit, from the pressure accumulator into the internal combustion engine; and a pressure sensor for determining the pressure in the pressure accumulator; and wherein the output variables of the pump control unit and the lambda function unit are evaluated in order to determine a malfunction of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Thomas Rieger, Peter Kaeufler
  • Patent number: 9494100
    Abstract: A method for determining a closing time of a valve having a coil drive may include switching off a current flow through a coil of the coil drive so that the coil is depowered, measuring a time curve of a voltage induced in the non-powered coil, wherein the induced voltage is generated at least partially by a motion of the armature relative to the coil, evaluating the measured time curve of the voltage induced in the coil, wherein the evaluation comprises comparing the measured time curve of the voltage induced in the depowered coil to a reference voltage curve stored in an engine controller, and determining the closing time based on the evaluated time curve. The reference voltage curve is thereby adapted to current operating conditions of the valve. A corresponding device and computer program for determining the closing time of a valve comprising a coil drive are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventor: Gerd Rösel
  • Patent number: 9494101
    Abstract: A control system executes failure detection of a direct injector when a port injector stops injection and the direct injector injects, and executes the failure detection when a recirculation passage is closed by an EGR valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takumi Anzawa
  • Patent number: 9494102
    Abstract: A method for operating a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine is described in which pressurized fuel is provided in a pressure storage device and a fuel pressure prevailing in pressure storage device is regulated with the aid of a pressure regulation, during a first measuring interval at least one fuel withdrawal from the pressure storage device taking place, and during a second measuring interval no fuel withdrawal from the pressure storage device of this type taking place, and during the first and the second measuring intervals a performance quantity of the pressure regulation being ascertained in each case, and the fuel quantity withdrawn during the first measuring interval being ascertained for the at least one withdrawal from a difference of the ascertained performance quantities of the pressure regulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Strasser
  • Patent number: 9494103
    Abstract: A cylinder block manufacturing method including: machining an inner surface of a cylinder bore (3) of a cylinder block (1) into a first shape different from a target shape before a bearing cap (7) is attached to the cylinder block (1) so that the inner surface of the cylinder bore (3) is deformed into the target shape by attachment of the bearing cap (7) to the cylinder block (1); and forming a thermal spray coating (5) on the inner surface of the cylinder bore (3) having the first shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirotaka Miwa, Takafumi Watanabe, Kiyokazu Sugiyama, Mitsuo Hayashi, Daisuke Terada, Yoshitsugu Noshi, Eiji Shiotani, Yoshiaki Miyamoto, Kazuaki Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 9494104
    Abstract: A cylinder comprises a cylinder axis, a cylindrical wall, and an exhaust port defined in the wall. At least one central transfer port and at least two side transfer ports are defined in the wall. Each of the at least one central transfer port and each of the at least two side transfer ports has a transfer channel extending therefrom. For each of the at least one central transfer port, an angle about the cylinder axis between a center of the central transfer port and a center of the exhaust port is greater than 135° and less than or equal to 180°. For each of the at least two side transfer ports, an angle about the cylinder axis between a center of the side transfer port and the center of the exhaust port is less than or equal to 135°. Engines and cylinder blocks are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: BRP US INC.
    Inventors: Paul Westhoff, Jr., Justin Johnson
  • Patent number: 9494105
    Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine may include a plurality of pin bores for accommodating a piston pin. The pin bores may be transversely oval to a longitudinal axis of the piston. The pin bores may be formed in a circular cylindrical manner at a zenith of ?=0° and at a nadir of ?=180°. The pin bores may be formed in an oval manner with an oil-holding volume at an equator of ?=90° and ?=270°. The pin bores may include a transition between the equator and the zenith and between the equator and the nadir that runs in a continuous and differentiable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Emmrich
  • Patent number: 9494106
    Abstract: The invention relates to a piston for an internal combustion engine, comprising a piston head and a piston skirt, the piston head having a peripheral annular part and in the region of the annular part, a peripheral cooling channel. The piston skirt comprises piston bores provided with hub bores, which are arranged over the hub connections on the underside of the piston head. The piston hubs are interconnected over the running surfaces. According to the invention, the wall of the cooling channel which extends in the region of the annular part comprises an inclined portion and together with the central axis of the piston (M), forms an acute angle (a). At least one bore which is closed towards the outside is arranged between a running surface and a hub bore such that the at least one bore leads into the cooling channel, and that the cooling channel and the at least one bore contain a coolant in the form of a metal or a metal alloy which have a low-melting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Bischofberger
  • Patent number: 9494107
    Abstract: A thermodynamic machine (1) of a Stirling type, the machine comprising an expansion chamber (5), a compression chamber (6), a regenerator (12) disposed between the expansion and compression chambers; a first heat exchanger (13) in communication with the expansion chamber and the regenerator; a second heat exchanger (14) in communication with the compression chamber and the regenerator; a first bypass conduit (15) connecting the expansion chamber with the regenerator bypassing the first heat exchanger; a second bypass conduit (16) connecting the compression chamber with the regenerator bypassing the second heat exchanger; at least a pair valves (18, 20, 22, 24), one valve (18, 20) provided between the expansion chamber and the first heat exchanger and/or between the regenerator and the first heat exchanger and/or in the first bypass conduit between the expansion chamber and the regenerator; and the other valve (22, 24) provided between the compression chamber and the second heat exchanger and/or between the re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Foster Findlay Associates Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth Whittaker, Keith Graham Watt
  • Patent number: 9494108
    Abstract: A nacelle may comprise a thrust reverser. The thrust reverser may comprise a translating sleeve, a cascade array, and a TRAS actuator. The TRAS actuator may pass through an aperture in an aft cascade ring of the cascade array. A retainer may be coupled to the aft cascade ring. A damper may be coupled to the retainer. The damper may circumscribe the TRAS actuator. The damper may be configured to damp vibrations in the TRAS actuator. As an amplitude of vibration or deflection of the TRAS actuator increases, a reaction force applied by the damper on the TRAS actuator increases, which prevents the TRAS actuator from contacting the aft cascade ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: ROHR, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Gormley
  • Patent number: 9494109
    Abstract: A hanger for suspending a liner within an exhaust duct of a gas turbine engine comprises a bracket, a disk and a rod. The bracket is for connecting to an exhaust duct liner of the gas turbine exhaust system. The disk is slidably engaged with the bracket. The rod is for connecting to an exhaust duct of the gas turbine engine. The rod is pivotably connected to the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: George J. Kramer, Stephen K. Kramer
  • Patent number: 9494110
    Abstract: A deployable nozzle for a rocket engine, the nozzle including at least a stationary divergent segment and a movable divergent segment that is coaxial about the stationary divergent segment and configured to move along the stationary divergent segment from a retracted position towards a deployed position. The deployable nozzle further includes a transverse stiffener that is prestressed in tension and that extends transversely relative to the movable divergent segment in a vicinity of a downstream end of the movable divergent segment between at least two points at a periphery of an inside wall of the movable divergent segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Noël David, Alain Pyre
  • Patent number: 9494111
    Abstract: A variable geometry turbine for turbochargers in exhaust gas recirculation engines incorporates a turbine housing having an exhaust inlet with a first side receiving exhaust from cylinders having exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a second side receiving exhaust from non-EGR cylinders. The first side has a first EGR-driving passage and a second EGR-driving passage and the second side having a first non-EGR-driving passage and a second non-EGR-driving passage. A first control valve is associated with the second EGR-driving passage and a second control valve is associated with the second non-EGR-driving passage. A controller is adapted to control the first and second control valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: KANGYUE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Wang Hang, Steven Don Arnold, Yuan Daojun, Li Yanzhao, Sang Wuhai
  • Patent number: 9494112
    Abstract: A heat exchanger that transfers heat from an exhaust gas flow to a liquid coolant includes a first heat exchange section and a second heat exchange section located adjacent the first heat exchange section. The first heat exchange section is located within a first housing that at least partially encloses a first fluid volume. The second heat exchange section is located within a second housing that at least partially encloses a second fluid volume. A first plurality of heat exchange tubes traverses the first heat exchange section, and a second plurality of heat exchange tubes traverses the second heat exchange section. An exhaust gas flow path of the heat exchanger includes the first fluid volume and the interiors of the second plurality of heat exchange tubes. A coolant flow path of the heat exchanger includes the second fluid volume and the interiors of the first plurality of heat exchange tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David Janke, Viswanath Setty, Jonathan Wattelet, Thomas Grotophorst
  • Patent number: 9494113
    Abstract: A turbocharger system includes a flexible duct having an elongated elastomeric body extending longitudinally between first and second ends configured to attach to respective turbocharger devices. A plurality of constricting rings are spaced longitudinally between the ends. Each constricting ring applies a radial compression force around a respective circumference of the duct. Each ring is comprised of a molded thermoplastic retained in a concentric shape by a clasp. The spacing of the constricting rings has a density sufficient to limit a volume increase of the duct under turbocharger operating pressure to less than 20%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randall A. Stec, Roger Khami, Christopher B. Bishop, Erik H. Hermann
  • Patent number: 9494114
    Abstract: A water discharge device may include a water collection chamber including a water drainage valve. At least one water sensor may be arranged in a region of the water collection chamber for determining a water level in the water collection chamber and for controlling the water drainage valve. A device may be configured to maintain the water sensor in contact with the water by keeping a water level artificially high in the region of the water collection chamber at the water sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Braunheim, Kerstin Flaggl, Markus Fontano, Werner Schadler