Patents Issued in December 29, 2016
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Publication number: 20160377006Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a low pressure EGR valve in a low pressure EGR route of an internal combustion engine equipped with an aftertreatment system having a urea injector upstream of a Selective Catalytic Reduction on Filter (SCRF). During a regeneration procedure of the SCRF, an enabling condition is monitored for opening the low pressure EGR valve of the low pressure EGR route when enabling condition is satisfied. The enabling condition may be satisfied if a urea injection is not performed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Andrea DE FILIPPO
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Publication number: 20160377007Abstract: Various methods and arrangements for determining a combustion control parameter for a working chamber in an engine are described. In one aspect, an engine controller includes a firing counter that stores a firing history for the working chamber. A combustion control module is used to determine a combustion control parameter, which is used to help manage combustion in the working chamber. The combustion control parameter is determined based at least in part on the firing history.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Mark A. WILCUTTS, Xin YUAN, Joshua P. SWITKES, Li-Chun CHIEN, Steven E. CARLSON, Christopher W. CHANDLER, Christopher C. Hand, Matthew A. YOUNKINS, Adya S. Tripathi
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Publication number: 20160377008Abstract: The internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust purification catalyst able to store oxygen, and a downstream side air-fuel ratio sensor arranged at a downstream side of the exhaust purification catalyst in a direction of exhaust flow. The control system performs feedback control of an amount of fuel fed to a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine so that an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust purification catalyst becomes a target air-fuel ratio and performs learning control to correct a parameter relating to the feedback control based on an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas detected by the downstream side air-fuel ratio sensor. The target air-fuel ratio is alternately switched between a rich set air-fuel ratio and a lean set air-fuel ratio leaner. When a condition for learning acceleration, which is satisfied when it is necessary to accelerate correction of the parameter by the learning control, is satisfied, a rich degree of the rich set air-fuel ratio is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Shuntaro OKAZAKI, Norihisa NAKAGAWA, Yuji YAMAGUCHI, Kenji SUZUKI, Hiroshi MIYAMOTO, Yasushi IWAZAKI
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Publication number: 20160377009Abstract: An integrated ignition and electronic auto-choke module for an internal combustion engine and an internal combustion engine including the same. In one aspect, the module includes a housing that is configured to be mounted to an engine block of an internal combustion engine. The housing may contain at least a portion of a first temperature sensor that measures a first temperature indicative of an engine temperature. The housing may also contain a controller and at least a portion of an ignition circuit. The controller may be coupled to the first temperature sensor and configured to determine a starting position of a choke valve based on the first temperature and operate an actuator to move the choke valve into the starting position accordingly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Michael Robert Kleczewski, Michael J. Tursky, Pezaan Sham Patrawala, Awadhesh Kumar Thakur
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Publication number: 20160377010Abstract: A method for diagnosing a function of an internal combustion engine, which includes one injector of an intake-manifold injection, one injector of a direct injection and one cylinder. Fuel may be applied to the cylinder with the aid of the injector of the intake-manifold injection and/or with the aid of the injector of the direct injection. The method includes the steps of determining an operating state of the internal combustion engine, which is characterized by an injection and/or injections used for injecting fuel into the cylinder, selecting a diagnostic function for the cylinder as a function of the determined operating state and carrying out the selected diagnostic function for the cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Anja BLAU, Mathias Maehler, Roman Meyer
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Publication number: 20160377011Abstract: A method and control apparatus configured to correct a standard characteristic curve of a standard fuel injector of an internal combustion engine. First and second injected fuel quantity corresponding to an energizing time which is higher than a reference energizing time are determined from the standard characteristic curve. A standard fuel quantity increment is calculated as the difference between the second and first injected fuel quantities associated to the reference energizing time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Daniele CARBONI, Antonio ARPAIA
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Publication number: 20160377012Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a control device for an internal combustion engine. The control device controls an internal combustion engine that includes a throttle valve and a TCV. The control device selectively implements a stoichiometric mode that causes the internal combustion engine to operate in a stoichiometric region, and a lean mode that causes the internal combustion engine to operate in a lean region. The control device executes a process that places the TCV in a closed state for generating a tumble flow, and a process that places the TCV in an open state for suppressing a tumble flow. A process that switches the TCV from the open state to the closed state is executed during implementation of the lean mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shingo KORENAGA
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Publication number: 20160377013Abstract: A fuel injection control apparatus for an internal combustion engine having cylinders each of which includes a fuel injection valve and an intake valve, includes an intake valve controller, a parameter acquiring device, and an injection quantity correcting device. The intake valve controller performs an effective-compression-ratio reducing operation. The parameter acquiring device acquires a correction parameter including at least one of a rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, the valve closing timing of the intake valve, and an intake parameter indicating an intake fresh air amount flowing into the cylinders through an intake system. The injection quantity correcting device corrects a fuel injection quantity for the fuel injection valve in accordance with the acquired correction parameter to suppress variations among air/fuel ratios of air fuel mixtures in the cylinders while the intake valve controller performs the effective-compression-ratio reducing operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Shohei YAMASHITA, Tadashi KUROTANI
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Publication number: 20160377014Abstract: Diagnosis system, method, and apparatus for a starting system are discloses herein. The method comprises receiving a run condition parameter for a vehicle, receiving a fueling system engagement parameter and an associated time threshold for the fueling system engagement parameter, and receiving an ignition command for turning an engine of the vehicle from an off state to an on state. If the run condition parameter is met, the method receives time data indicative of a time duration from reception of the ignition command to reach or substantially reach the fueling system engagement parameter, compare the time duration to the associated time threshold, and diagnose a starting system of the vehicle based on the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: Cummins, Inc.Inventors: Martin T. Books, Jon S. Wardlow
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Publication number: 20160377015Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for delivering fuel to a port injector fuel rail in a port fuel direct injection (PFDI) engine. In one example, the port injector fuel rail may receive fuel from each of a compression chamber and a step chamber of a direct injection fuel pump coupled in the PFDI engine. In this way, pressurized fuel may be supplied to the port injector fuel rail during an entire cycle of the direct injection fuel pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph F. Basmaji, Mark Meinhart, Hao Zhang
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Publication number: 20160377016Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a direct injection fuel pump. In one example, pressure in a step chamber of the direct injection fuel pump may be regulated to a substantially constant pressure during an entire pump cycle including a compression stroke and a suction stroke.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
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Publication number: 20160377017Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for pressurizing a step chamber of a direct injection fuel pump. In one example, the step chamber may be pressurized to a pressure higher than an output pressure of a lift pump, the lift pump supplying fuel to the direct injection fuel pump. The pressurization of the step chamber may occur during at least a portion of a pump stroke of the direct injection fuel pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Joseph F. Basmaji, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Mark Meinhart, Hao Zhang
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Publication number: 20160377018Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing fueling errors resulting from pressure pulsations in a port injection fuel rail. The pressure pulsations result from pressure pulsations generated in a high pressure fuel pump delivering fuel to both the port injection fuel rail and a direct injection fuel rail. A center of a port injection fuel pulse is repositioned on a nearest fuel rail pressure sampling point in the advanced direction to improve the accuracy of the delivered fuel pulse.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Ethan D. Sanborn, Paul Hollar, Daniel Dusa, Joseph Lyle Thomas
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Publication number: 20160377019Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing hot fuel vapor formation in a port injection fuel rail. In one example, a method may include operating a dual fuel injection system with at least a calibrated minimum amount of port fuel injection over a wide range of engine operating conditions, even as conditions change. A direct fuel injection amount is adjusted in accordance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Stephen George Russ, Joseph Lyle Thomas, Scott Allan Lehto, Christopher Arnold Woodring, Jeanne Wei, David Shelley
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Publication number: 20160377020Abstract: A control apparatus is provided, which controls combustion state such that the Heat Release Rate Barycentric Position (Gc) coincides with the Target Barycentric Position (Gc*), and which can prevent an increase in the combustion noise caused by an increase in an ignition lag which occurs in a case where an EGR apparatus is in execution, and, a rotational speed is low or an engine load is low. The control apparatus (ECU70) prevents the increase in the ignition lag by increasing a supercharging pressure of a supercharger (44) which the engine (10) is equipped with, thus, it prevents the increase in the combustion noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2014Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroshi OYAGI, Akira YAMASHITA, Kazuyasu IWATA
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Publication number: 20160377021Abstract: a cylinder sleeve having an appendage that projects downwardly into the engine block coaxial with the sleeve face, but positioned distal from the sleeve face, such that a finger of engine material exists between the sleeve appendage and the sleeve perimeter, and an extreme wear coating formable on the sleeve face.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventor: Frank J. Ardezzone
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Publication number: 20160377022Abstract: A cooling device for an internal combustion engine includes a HT cooling system, a LT cooling system, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to, if a HT temperature has reached a HT determination value, control an operation state of the HT cooling system to start cooling for maintaining the HT temperature at a HT target temperature. The electronic control unit is configured to, if a LT temperature being a temperature of a LT cooling medium has reached a LT determination value, start a LT cooling control for maintaining the LT temperature at a LT target temperature under a specific condition where an early warm-up of the internal combustion engine is not required. The electronic control unit is configured to start the LT cooling control if the HT temperature has reached the HT determination value under a condition where the early warm-up is required.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Satoko TOFUKUJI, Yoshihiro FURUYA
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Publication number: 20160377023Abstract: A cylinder block water jacket structure having an insert includes an intake side insert that is inserted into the intake side of a block coolant jacket of a cylinder block. The intake side insert includes: a separation portion that vertically separates the block coolant jacket; a leg that is extended by a predetermined distance to a lower portion in order to support the separation portion with an upper portion; and a flow blocking portion that is extended by a predetermined distance from both end portions to an upper portion of the separation portion to block coolant that is injected into an upper portion of the separation portion from flowing to the exhaust side of the block coolant jacket. Furthermore, a connection passage is formed in the separation portion to have coolant flow from a lower portion to an upper portion of the block coolant jacket.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Ingee SUH, Wootae KIM
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Publication number: 20160377024Abstract: The inventor claims a heat engine that follows a modification of the Stirling thermodynamic heat engine cycle; the novel aspect is that the monatomic working fluid is a saturated gas at the beginning of the isothermal compression stage, and ends up a mixed-phase fluid at the end of the compression. This cycle takes advantage of the attractive intermolecular forces of the working fluid to assist in compressing the working fluid partially into a liquid, reducing the input compression work and increasing the overall heat engine efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventor: Matthew David Marko
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Publication number: 20160377025Abstract: A thermal energy recovery system. The system includes a Stirling engine having a burner thermal energy output. Also, a superheater mechanism for heating the thermal energy output and an expansion engine coupled to a generator. The expansion engine converts the thermal energy output from the burner to mechanical energy output. The generator converts mechanical energy output from the expansion engine to electrical energy output. The expansion engine may also includes vapor output. Some embodiments of the system further include a condenser for condensing the vapor output, a pump for pumping the vapor output and a boiler in fluid communication with the pump. The pump pumps the vapor output to the boiler.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Dean Kamen, Christopher C. Langenfeld
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Publication number: 20160377026Abstract: An exhaust nozzle for a gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a duct having a first surface and a second surface extending about a duct axis to define an exhaust flow path, and at least one effector positioned along the first surface. The at least one effector is pivotable about an effector axis to vary a throat area of the exhaust flow path. The at least one effector tapers along the effector axis. A method of exhaust control for a gas turbine engine is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventor: Gary D. Roberge
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Publication number: 20160377027Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a gear assembly, a bypass flow passage, and a core flow passage. The bypass flow passage includes an inlet. A fan is arranged at the inlet of the bypass flow passage. A first shaft and a second shaft are mounted for rotation about an engine central longitudinal axis. A first turbine is coupled with the first shaft such that rotation of the first turbine is configured to drive the fan, through the first shaft and gear assembly, at a lower speed than the first shaft. The fan includes a hub and a row of fan blades that extend from the hub. The row includes 12 (N) of the fan blades, a solidity value (R) that is from 1.0 to 1.2, and a ratio of N/R that is from 10.0 to 12.0.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Edward J. Gallagher, Byron R. Monzon
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Publication number: 20160377028Abstract: There is disclosed a system including a catalytic heat exchanger reactor configured to carry out exothermic decomposition of stable chemical species possessing positive heats of formation. In an embodiment, the reactor is configured to enhance decomposition reaction rates by contacting gas entering with a hot surface. The catalytic heat exchanger is configured to receive N2O and create N2 and O2. A torch is created by fuel together with the hot N2 and the O2. In an embodiment, the reactor is configured to, after an initial period of time, to allow a rapid transfer of products of the decomposition reaction into an engine. In an embodiment, the reactor is configured to enhance decomposition reaction rates by contacting gas entering with a hot surface, and the catalytic heat exchanger reactor is configured to promote the atomization and vaporization of liquid and gelled fuels with gas. Other embodiments are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2014Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: Reaction Systems, LLCInventors: David Thomas Wickham, Bradley Dean Hitch, Jeffrey Robert Engel
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Publication number: 20160377029Abstract: HYPERDRIVE receives continuous air breathing assistance from compressed atmospheric air through a high speed magnetically core driven turbine accelerator which resolves around a common flow path tunnel. The tunnel runs from the front to the back of the engine. It is assisted by a series of radial geometric ramjet engines that share the common flow path tunnel for hypersonic exhaust but has separate inlet air from a linear aerospike which governs mass flow of air, velocity of inlet air and pressure to the turbine and/or ramjets, as well as the positioning of the shock wave at the inlet to reduce aerodynamic drag. The ramjet is of hybrid engine design where it can also function as a scramjet, thus a ram-scramjet structure for combustion in a radial configuration about the engine (aft of an electrical compressor), where the common flow path tunnel also serves as a compression tunnel to compress air through a the constantly occurring series of compression shocks entering from and around the aerospike.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventor: Richard H. Lugg
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Publication number: 20160377030Abstract: This invention relates to improvements in internal combustion engines. More particularly it relates to increased levels of usable electrical energy production and fuel efficiency within a relatively fixed speed, cam-track style Engine/Generator when combined with the secondary injection or injections of a rapidly expanding medium (usually water) into the engines combustion chambers during and after the combustion process has been initiated. The injection of said medium causing reduced fuel consumption, increased cylinder pressure, an extended usable piston stroke length, and increased usable energy production, while reducing the temperature of the combustion gases in order to control or eliminate the production of the pollutant, NOx and to further reduce thermal pollution exhausted into the atmosphere.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventor: Robert L. RUSSELL
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Publication number: 20160377031Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for purging a fuel vapor canister. In one example, a method may include during boosted engine operating conditions, utilizing regulated compressed air from an engine intake to purge fuel vapors stored in the fuel vapor canister. Further, during non-boosted condition, regulated air from the intake may be utilized to purge the fuel vapor canister. The purged fuel vapors and intake air may be delivered to upstream of a compressor when operating with boost, or to an intake manifold when operating without boost.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Meisam Mehravaran
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Publication number: 20160377032Abstract: A vaporized fuel treatment device has formed therein a passage (3) through which fluid can flow. The passage (3) comprises a primary chamber (21) which is provided with a primary adsorption layer (11) and a secondary chamber (22) which is located on the atmosphere port (6) side of the primary chamber (21). The secondary chamber (22) has a first adsorption layer (12), a second adsorption layer (13), and a third adsorption layer (14), which are provided serially from the primary adsorption layer (11) side. The secondary chamber (22) also has separation sections (31, 32) for separating the adjacent adsorption layers. With respect to the volume of the primary adsorption layer (11), the volume of the first adsorption layer (12) is set in the range of 4.0% to 8.5%, inclusive, the volume of the second adsorption layer (13) is set in the range of 1.2% to 3.0%, inclusive, and the volume of the third adsorption layer (14) is set in the range of 0.9% to 2.2%, inclusive.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2014Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Junya KIMOTO, Takanori AKIYAMA, Hiroshi TAKAMATSU
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Publication number: 20160377033Abstract: An exhaust gas mixer arrangement for mixing exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine with an additive comprises an exhaust gas flow duct (28) with an inlet area (24) arranged upstream and with a discharge area (26) arranged downstream. The exhaust gas flow duct (28) is bent in a coil-like manner at least in some areas between the inlet area (24) and the discharge area (26).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Hervé FERRONT, Wei SANG, David BINDER
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Publication number: 20160377034Abstract: A complex heat exchanger includes: a lower plate including a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, an EGR gas inlet and an EGR gas outlet, and an oil inlet and an oil outlet. The inlets allow coolant, EGR gas, and oil to be introduced through the inlets, respectively, and the outlets allow the coolant, EGR gas, and oil to be discharged through them, respectively. The complex heat exchanger further includes a heat exchanging part stacked on top of the lower plate, and the heat exchanging part includes a coolant passage, an EGR gas passage, and an oil passage, which are separately formed in an interior of the heating exchanging part, allowing the coolant, the EGR gas, and the oil to separately flow while heating and cooling each other. An upper plate of the complex heat exchanger is coupled on top of the heat exchanging part.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventor: Jung Jae HAN
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Publication number: 20160377035Abstract: To improve the effect of preventing contamination of an element in an air cleaner. An air cleaner includes a first inlet (60) through which air is fed to an intake system air passage and a second inlet (62) through which air is fed to an intake system air-fuel mixture passage. An extended passage (72) leads to the second inlet (62), for example. A passage forming member (70, 204) forming the extended passage (72) is shaped to surround a periphery of the first inlet (60). The passage forming member (70, 204) forms a blown-back fuel diffusion preventing region (74) leading to the first inlet (60).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: YAMABIKO CORPORATIONInventors: Hisato OSAWA, Takahiro YAMAZAKI, Hidekazu TSUNODA, Yuuta KOBAYASHI
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Publication number: 20160377036Abstract: There is provided an internal combustion engine in which respective combustion states of cylinders can be uniformized with a simple configuration. A central axis (CL1) of a connecting part (7) of one of air supply ports (5) inclines with a predetermined inclination angle in a direction away from an air supply inlet (3) with respect to a y direction orthogonal to an x direction in which an air supply manifold 1 extends, and an inclination angle of the connecting part (7) of the one of the air supply ports (5) is larger than an inclination angle of the connecting part (7) of other air supply ports (5) located on a side closer to the air supply inlet (3) than the one of the air supply ports (5).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Yuki Koshiba, Yuji Oda, Satoshi Yamada, Hiromi Komatsu
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Publication number: 20160377037Abstract: A variable intake system includes a pair of surge tanks connected in a communicating manner to a main intake pipe through a low speed communication pipe and a high speed communication pipe, a middle speed communication pipe for connecting the pair of surge tanks, and a noise reducing member integrally provided at the middle speed communication pipe to reduce noise.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Sang Kyu KANG, Gue Hyun JUNG, Teok Hyeong CHO, Woo Tae KIM, Youn Soo IM, Kwang Min WON, Seong Hyuk KANG
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Publication number: 20160377038Abstract: An ejector, or arrangement having the ejector, has a compact structure requiring little installation space, permitting a sufficient pumping action, and, in case of an error, the error can be unambiguously detected and diagnosed as the source of the problem, which ejector for insertion into a receptacle, has a base element with a throat that fluid-connects a first opening and a second opening to each other, whereby the throat has a narrowest part that is fluid-connected to an associated third opening, and whereby the throat widens, at least in sections, towards the first and second openings, wherein, as a functional component, the ejector can be inserted into and/or positioned in a mating receptacle in the correct orientation so as to fulfill its function as a jet pump in an arrangement.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventor: Joerg Bittner
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Publication number: 20160377039Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a fluid flow trim apparatus includes an outer housing defining a cavity having an interior surface and an end wall having an orifice therethrough, a valve body comprising a first valve portion disposed at least partly within the cavity, the first valve portion and the interior surface defining a first fluid flow path, a second valve portion in contact with the interior surface and defining a second fluid flow path. A third valve portion is disposed at least partly within the cavity between the first and second valve portions. The second fluid flow path fluidically connects the third valve portion to a trim cavity. A filter media extends from the first valve portion to the second valve portion and divides a third fluid flow path fluidically connecting the first and seconds fluid flow paths.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Deke Pyle, Sander Niemeyer, Jason VanDort
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Publication number: 20160377040Abstract: An improved device, system and/or method for modulating fuel injection rate through fast magnetostrictive actuation is provided. A fluidomechanical coupler uses fluid to operably couple a magnetostrictive element and a needle element. The fluidomechanical coupler permits the needle element to move from a closed position to an open position when the magnetostrictive element is actuated from a default length to an expanded length. The fluidomechanical coupler is configured to translate an input force into an output response in a direction opposite the input force. The fluidomechanical coupler includes input shafts each within an input bore and positioned adjacent to the magnetostrictive element, a movable output shaft within an output bore and positioned adjacent to the needle element, and fluid passageways connecting input bores and the output bore. Displacement of the fluid between the input bore and the output bore applies or removes a force on the output shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventor: Charles B. Bright
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Publication number: 20160377041Abstract: A pump has a plurality of pumping elements, each being independently responsive to an actuation signal from a controller. The controller is programmed to maintain a desired pressure at the pump discharge, monitor the fluid pressure at the pump discharge, compare the fluid pressure with the desired fluid pressure to determine a pressure error, provide commands to sequentially actuate the pumping elements when the pressure error is within a threshold range, and provide commands to actuate more than one of the plurality of pumping elements simultaneously, such that more than one pumped amounts of fluid are delivered simultaneously at the pump discharge, when the pressure error droops outside of the threshold range.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Joshua W. Steffen, Sunil J. Bean
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Publication number: 20160377042Abstract: A fuel pump unit includes a pump head provided with an axial blind bore within which is arranged a piston extending from an inner end, inside the bore, to an outer end, outside the head, the outer end cooperating with a cam follower and a cam of which rotations reciprocally displace the piston. The pump unit also includes a coil spring axially compressed between pump head and the cam follower and a tubular turret assembly extending toward the cam and provided with a through bore through which extends the piston, the final spirals of the spring being slipped around the outer surface of the turret. The turret is an added part, non-integral to the pump head and, arranged in abutment against an under face of the pump head, the blind bore being coaxial to the through bore arranged in the turret.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2014Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: DELPHI INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS LUXEMBOURG S.A.R.LInventor: Christopher J. McCrindle
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Publication number: 20160377043Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling operation of a vehicle engine are provided. For instance, one example aspect of the present disclosure is directed to determining a spark timing associated with a combustion engine. For instance, a combustion phasing target to be implemented by a combustion engine can be received. A spark timing associated with the combustion engine can be determined based at least in part on the combustion phasing target. The spark timing can be determined based at least in part on an optimization comprising one or more iterations determined during an engine cycle. The spark timing is determined based at least in part on a combustion phasing prediction model determined based at least in part on at least one of laminar flame speed, residual gas mass, or turbine intensity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Shu Wang, Robert Gary Prucka, Hussein Dourra, Michael Prucka, Qilun Zhu
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Publication number: 20160377044Abstract: Disclosed is a control apparatus for controlling power supply from a power source to a glow plug, including a plurality of semiconductor switching elements arranged to turn on and of power supply to the glow plug, a temperature fuse actuated by a temperature rise thereof to interrupt power supply to the semiconductor switching elements, a failure detection portion that detects the occurrence or non-occurrence of an ON failure in each of the semiconductor switching elements, and a control portion that performs drive control of the semiconductor switching elements. When the failure detection portion detects the ON failure in at least one of the semiconductor switching elements, the control portion increases the amount of heat generation of either the at least one of the semiconductor switching elements in which the ON failure is detected or any of the semiconductor switching elements in which the ON failure is not detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.Inventor: Satoru TODA
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Publication number: 20160377045Abstract: A pumping apparatus includes a container positioned over a left column and a right column that contains a first fluid, left and right intake valves that respectively connect the left and right columns to the container, left and right pumps respectively associated with the left and right columns, upper and lower connecting pipes that connect the left and right columns below the container, a plurality of gates positioned at entrances of the upper and lower connecting pipes in each of the left and right columns, a turbine positioned to be driven by fluid flowing through the upper and lower connecting pipes, and a third fluid disposed in the upper and lower connecting pipes, and the left column and a right column. The turbine generates electric power due to the flow of the third fluid through the left and right columns and the upper and lower connecting pipes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventor: JOSEPH C. HADDAD
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Publication number: 20160377046Abstract: The invention provides improvements to the facility described in patent applications WO 2011/123966 and CL 0260-2013 by means of an improved facility for capturing sea energy, which increases the stability of the system and stimulates the relative movement for generating energy, and comprises a main structure and a driving tank (11), where said main structure is formed by two perpendicular supporting beams having a first beam section (2) and a second beam section (3) which form an angle between each other in the vertical plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2014Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventor: Ivan DIB ECHEVERRIA
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Publication number: 20160377047Abstract: A device and a method for converting wave motion energy into electric power are described. The device includes at least one support structure and a support frame to connect the floating element to the support structure. A linear element of motive power mounted on the support frame is movable with respect to the floating element and transfers motion to a motion conversion and transmission unit that converts linear motion into rotary motion, which drives kinetic energy accumulation elements and one or more electric power generators. The motion conversion and transmission unit, the kinetic energy accumulation elements and the electric power generators are all incorporated in the floating element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2014Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Federico GHIRINGHELLI, Giuseppe Andrea VARLONGA
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Publication number: 20160377048Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for assembling a modular rotor blade of a wind turbine. The method includes providing a pre-formed blade root section and a pre-formed blade tip section of the rotor blade. Further, the blade root section includes one or more spar caps extending in a generally span-wise direction. Another step includes providing at least one pre-formed blade segment of the rotor blade. The method also includes mounting the at least one blade segment around the one or more spar caps of the blade root section, wherein the at least one blade segment includes a chord-wise cross-section having multiple joints, wherein at least one joint is located on at least one of a pressure side surface or a suction side surface. In addition, the method also includes joining the blade tip section to at least one of the one or more spar caps or the at least one blade segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Christopher Daniel Caruso, Aaron A. Yarbrough, Daniel Alan Hynum, James Robert Tobin
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Publication number: 20160377049Abstract: Structural support members includes a plurality of fiber reinforcing layers positioned on top of one another, wherein a plurality of intermediate fiber reinforcing layers are disposed between a top fiber reinforcing layer and a bottom fiber reinforcing layer, and wherein at least one of said fiber reinforcing layers comprises a first areal weight, and wherein at least one of said fiber reinforcing layers comprises a second areal weight different than the first areal weight. The structural support members further include a resin infused throughout the plurality of fiber reinforcing layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Aaron Alpheus YARBROUGH, AmirHossein RIAHI, Christopher Daniel CARUSO, Bensely ALBERT
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Publication number: 20160377050Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a modular rotor blade for a wind turbine and methods of assembling same. The rotor blade includes a blade root section, a blade tip section, at least one leading edge segment having a forward pressure side surface and a forward suction side surface, and at least one trailing edge segment having an aft pressure side surface and an aft suction side surface. Further, the leading edge segment and the trailing edge segment are arranged between the blade root section and the blade tip section in a generally span-wise direction. In addition, the leading edge segment and the trailing edge segment are joined at a pressure side seam and a suction side seam.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Christopher Daniel Caruso, Aaron A. Yarbrough, Daniel Alan Hynum, James Robert Tobin
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Publication number: 20160377051Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a pre-formed, continuous structural component for use in assembling a modular rotor blade for a wind turbine. Further, the structural component provides support to the modular rotor blade during operation. The pre-formed structural component includes a root portion and a body portion. The root portion is configured for mounting the structural component to a blade root section of the rotor blade. The body portion is configured to extend in a generally span-wise direction. Further, the body portion defines a predetermined cross-section having a flatback portion with a first end and a second end. In addition, the first and second ends each have a flange extending perpendicularly therefrom. Thus, each flange defines a mounting surface for one or more blade segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Christopher Daniel Caruso, Aaron A. Yarbrough, Daniel Alan Hynum
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Publication number: 20160377052Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a pre-formed blade root section for a modular rotor blade of a wind turbine and methods of manufacturing same. More specifically, the blade root section includes a root end portion and one or more longitudinal spar caps co-infused with the root end portion and extending in a generally span-wise direction. In addition, the root end portion includes a first end and second end, wherein the first end is configured for mounting the rotor blade to a rotor of the wind turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Christopher Daniel Caruso, Aaron A. Yarbrough, Daniel Alan Hynum
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Publication number: 20160377053Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) with improved and optimized wind-directing, wind-shaping, and wind-power conversion features is disclosed. The shapes of these features directly affect the ability of the VAWT to use the power of moving air, such as wind, to spin a rotor and create torque on a rotor shaft to generate electricity. The wind-power-conversion mechanical efficiency of the invention is significantly improved over previous efforts, to the point that the invention can convert wind energy into electrical power at a price-to-performance ratio that competes with or surpasses existing alternative energy technologies.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: DME Wind Energy CorporationInventors: Sid J. Reyna, Patrick R. Conarro
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Publication number: 20160377054Abstract: A device for harvesting wind energy comprising curvilinear wind vanes mounted in a frame, each vane is stackable for handling, storage and transportation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventor: Thomas Patrick Bryson
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Publication number: 20160377055Abstract: This invention relates to a novel turbine design that increases turbine efficiency whereby turbine blades experience cyclic pitch variations while rotating about the blade axis which is accomplished by means of a concentric end cam double follower mechanism. This mechanism rotates the blades by 90 degrees about a horizontal axis which allows the blades rotating upstream and downstream to be oriented horizontally and vertically so minimum drag and maximum drag are obtained respectively. Since the aiding downstream drag is at a maximum, and the adverse upstream drag is at a minimum, this configuration allows for higher power output compared to conventional vertical axis wind turbines.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Applicant: Rutgers, The State University of New JerseyInventors: Jubilee Prasad Rao, Francisco Javier Diez-Garias