Patents Issued in March 21, 2017
  • Patent number: 9599003
    Abstract: A method for operating a metering device for a liquid additive includes providing the metering device with at least one pump having a movable pump element carrying out pumping movements to pump the liquid additive and at least one injector connected through a pressure line to a pressure side of the pump and being opened to meter the liquid additive. The injector is opened in a step a). In a step b), the liquid additive is then metered and the pumping movements are counted during metering. In a step c), the injector is then closed. In a step d), the number of pumping movements ascertained in step b) are then compared with the opening time of the injector between step a) and step c) in order to carry out a diagnosis of the operation of the metering device. A metering device and a motor vehicle are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Jan Hodgson, Peter Bauer, Sven Schepers
  • Patent number: 9599004
    Abstract: Diagnostic accuracy is improved when abnormality diagnosis of a particulate filter is carried out by using a PM sensor arranged in an exhaust passage downstream of the particulate filter. An abnormality diagnostic device for a particulate filter includes a PM sensor arranged in an exhaust passage at the downstream side of the particulate filter so as to output a signal corresponding to an amount of PM deposited in between electrodes which constitute a sensor element, and a filter diagnostic unit to carry out filter diagnostic processing in which abnormality of the particulate filter is diagnosed based on an output value of the PM sensor, wherein it is decided whether to carry out the filter diagnostic processing based on a degree of variation in the output value of the PM sensor before the filter diagnostic processing is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuya Takaoka
  • Patent number: 9599005
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for determining a health value of a catalyzed diesel particulate filter using a midbed temperature of the catalyzed diesel particulate filter and a reference temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Nassim Khaled, Richard A. Booth
  • Patent number: 9599006
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes an oxygen storage capacity (OSC) determination module, a delay determination module, a correction module, and a fault detection module. The OSC determination module determines an OSC period of a catalyst of an exhaust system based on first and second amounts of oxygen measured using first and second oxygen sensors located upstream and downstream of the catalyst, respectively. The delay determination module determines a delay period of the second oxygen sensor. The correction module sets a corrected OSC period for the catalyst based on a difference between the OSC period and the delay period. The fault detection module selectively indicates that a fault is present in the catalyst based on the corrected OSC period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Genslak, Robert E. Heger, Edward Stuteville, Jerry J. Sheahan, Thomas J. Large
  • Patent number: 9599007
    Abstract: Such a mobile recycler that an operator can replenish a reducing agent tank with a reducing agent from the ground is provided. A reducing agent tank stores a reducing agent supplied to an exhaust gas treatment device treating an exhaust gas from an engine through reduction reaction. The reducing agent tank is arranged in front of a front end of a crawler belt and in the rear of a front end of a track frame in a fore/aft direction. The reducing agent tank is arranged as being superimposed on the crawler belt in a front view, below an engine frame at a distance therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: KOMATSU LTD.
    Inventors: Yasukuni Suemitsu, Yasutaka Nishida, Takahito Hashino
  • Patent number: 9599008
    Abstract: A thermal isolation disc for an exhaust silencer includes a first ring configured for attachment to an exhaust pipe defining a center axis, a second ring configured for attachment to a composite outer housing of a silencer, and a gasket sandwiched between the first and second rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies USA, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph E. Callahan
  • Patent number: 9599009
    Abstract: A fan assembly may include an input shaft, first and second belts, first and second pulleys engaged by the first belt, third and fourth pulleys engaged by the second belt, output shaft rotationally coupled to a fan, and a clutch assembly. The second pulley may be rotationally coupled to the first pulley via the first belt so as to rotate in the same direction as the first pulley. The fourth pulley may be rotationally coupled to the third pulley via the second belt so as to rotate in the opposite direction of the third pulley. The clutch assembly may be configured to selectively rotationally couple the output shaft to the input shaft via the first pulley, first belt, and second pulley. The clutch assembly may also be configured to selectively rotationally couple the output shaft to the input shaft via the third pulley, second belt, and fourth pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Alfred Sigmund Smemo, Steven Ryan Whiteman, Ryan John Kruse
  • Patent number: 9599010
    Abstract: A control unit stores a correlation between a temperature difference ?T between an inlet temperature and an outlet temperature of a heat exchanger for cooling of cooling water, and the amount of thermal deformation occurring in the heat exchanger. At the time when the cooling water is supplied to the heat-exchanging flow path having the heat exchanger, the control unit refers to the temperature difference ?T and the correlation to obtain the volume of flow of the cooling water supplied to the heat-exchanging flow path so that the amount of thermal deformation is less than or equal to a threshold amount of thermal deformation set in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Ichihara, Aiko Kawamoto, Yoshimi Oko
  • Patent number: 9599011
    Abstract: A pump current module determines a first current flowing through an electric engine coolant pump based on a coolant valve position. A current error module receives a second current flowing through the electric engine coolant pump measured using a current sensor and determines a current error based on a difference between the first current and the second current. A fault module indicates whether a fault is present based on the current error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Vijay Ramappan, Yue-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 9599012
    Abstract: A charge air cooler cover includes a nozzle configured for connection to an outlet of a compressor for receiving charge air, a tray configured for connection to an inlet of a charge air cooler, and a plenum leading from the nozzle to a plurality of passages defined by a plurality of ribs. The plurality of passages connects the plenum to the tray. The ribs and the tray are arranged to achieve substantially uniform charge air velocity across the inlet of the charge air cooler, in at least one mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Vijayaselvan Jayakar, John Dowell, Charles B Atz, Pratap Subhash Shitole, Gary Szuch, Trent A Larson, Scott Snyder, Shirish Bhide
  • Patent number: 9599013
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting intake airflow through two parallel induction passages. In response to increased torque demand, intake airflow may be directed through a first induction passage including an exhaust-driven turbocharger compressor and through a second induction passage including an electric compressor. Further, after the turbocharger compressor increases speed, intake airflow may be directed again through the first induction passage to further increase boost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Chris C. Ahrns
  • Patent number: 9599014
    Abstract: Various methods for operating a wastegate are provided. In one example, a method of adjusting a linked valve actuator system comprises applying, in addition to feedback position control adjustments, a non-harmonic oscillation to an actuator of the linked valve actuator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Luehrsen, Yan Wang
  • Patent number: 9599015
    Abstract: A device for utilizing waste heat from an engine, which is provided with a Rankine cycle device having an expander bypass passage and a bypass valve that opens and closes the expander bypass passage, and transmits the output torque Tr of the Rankine cycle device to the engine, estimates the output torque Tr of the Rankine cycle device accurately. An output calculation part includes a torque estimation portion that estimates the torque of an expander. The torque estimation portion has a first torque estimation equation corresponding to an opening position of a bypass valve, and a second torque estimation equation corresponding to a closed position of the bypass valve. The output calculation part calculates an output torque Tr of a Rankine cycle device, based on a torque estimated value by the first or second torque estimation equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SANDEN HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomonori Haraguchi, Hajime Makino, Hiroyuki Nagai
  • Patent number: 9599016
    Abstract: This invention relates to internal combustion engines and more particularly to internal combustion engines and methods of operating the engines with a new fuel saving cycle. Various embodiments use a passage between adjacent cylinders to enable a mode in which fuel combusted in one cylinder supplies pressure to the other that has not been supplied with fuel, thus enabling driving of both cylinders with less fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Raymond F. Lippitt
  • Patent number: 9599017
    Abstract: A turbine system and method of operating is provided. The system includes a compressor configured to generate a compressed low-oxygen air stream and a combustor configured to receive the compressed low-oxygen air stream and to combust a fuel stream to generate a post combustion gas stream. The turbine system also includes a turbine for receiving the post combustion gas stream to generate a low-NOx exhaust gas stream, a heat recovery system configured to receive the low-NOx exhaust gas stream and generate a cooled air stream and an auxiliary compressor configured to generate an oxygen and water vapor deficient cooled and compressed air stream. A portion of the oxygen and water vapor deficient cooled and compressed air stream is directed to the combustor to generate an Oxygen and H2O deficient film on exposed portions of the combustor, and another portion is directed to the turbine to provide a cooling flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Narendra Digamber Joshi, Joel Meier Haynes, Venkat Eswarlu Tangirala, Christian Lee Vandervort
  • Patent number: 9599018
    Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for the safe operation of a gas turbine plant, whose operation is both controlled by at least one process controller, which at least triggers and/or influences operationally relevant processes of the gas turbine plant, and is also monitored by a separate protection unit that is operated independently of the process controller on the basis of at least one first limit value for a safety-relevant operating parameter, wherein the gas turbine plant is subjected to an emergency switch-off once the at least one first limit value is exceeded. In that in the case of a defined transient operating state of the gas turbine plant that can be detected by the protection unit, the at least one first limit value of the safety-relevant operating parameter is raised to a second limit value, wherein the gas turbine plant is protected by an emergency switch-off of the gas turbine plant once said second limit value is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventor: Andreas Belzner
  • Patent number: 9599019
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a dual oil supply tube for a gas turbine engine. The dual oil supply tube locates a scheduled damper supply tube inside a compartment oil supply tube which remains full while the engine is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marc J. Muldoon, Gary L. Grogg, Grace E. Szymanski
  • Patent number: 9599020
    Abstract: A sectorized nozzle for a turbine engine turbine including an inner sectorized annular platform and an outer sectorized annular platform connected together by radial airfoils, at least one of the platforms including a plurality of orifices for passing air in a neighborhood of its upstream end, the orifices being distributed over the circumference of the platform and opening out at their ends remote from the airfoils into a circumferential annular cavity of the sector of the platform, which cavity is closed by a metal sheet fastened to the platform sector and pierced by orifices for feeding cooling air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Denis Jean Maurice Sandelis, Didier Hippolyte Hernandez
  • Patent number: 9599021
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for controlling the oxidant feed in low emission turbine systems to maintain stoichiometric or substantially stoichiometric combustion conditions. In one or more embodiments, such control is achieved by diverting a portion of the recirculating exhaust gas and combining it with the oxidant feed to maintain a constant oxygen level in the combined oxidant-exhaust stream fed to the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Franklin F. Mittricker, Richard A. Huntington, Sulabh K. Dhanuka, Omar Angus Sites
  • Patent number: 9599022
    Abstract: A modular fuel nozzle tip for a gas turbine engine includes a body defining one or more fuel conveying passages extending therethrough, an annular cap having a radially inner shoulder surface interfacing with the peripheral end surface of the body to define a plurality of air channels extending through the head portion of the modular fuel nozzle tip. At least two fasteners fasten the annular cap to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Honza Stastny, Bhawan B Patel, John Greer, Parthasarathy Sampath
  • Patent number: 9599023
    Abstract: An accessory gear box configured to be mounted on a fan casing of a turbojet engine, including: an input shaft; a plurality of accessory drive shafts; and a compartment forming an interface with an accessory arranged on the housing of the accessory gear box at a site of the accessory, the interface compartment including an inlet and an outlet configured to allow air to circulate inside the compartment, to insulate the accessory gear box from heat generated by the accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Pierrick Charlemagne, Gerard Philippe Gauthier
  • Patent number: 9599024
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by performing actions including: commanding each GT in the set of GTs to a base load level, based upon a measured ambient condition for each GT; commanding each GT in the set of GTs to adjust a respective exhaust energy to match a nominal exhaust energy value, and subsequently measuring an actual emissions value for each GT; and adjusting an operating condition of each GT in the set of GTs based upon a difference between the respective measured actual emissions value and a nominal emissions value at the ambient condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rex Allen Morgan, Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr., Scott Arthur Day, Harold Lamar Jordan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9599025
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by performing actions including: commanding each GT in the set of GTs to a base load level, based upon a measured ambient condition for each GT; commanding each GT in the set of GTs to adjust a respective power output to match a nominal power output value, and subsequently measuring an actual exhaust energy value for each GT; and adjusting an operating condition of each GT in the set of GTs based upon a difference between the respective measured actual exhaust energy value and a nominal exhaust energy value at the ambient condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rex Allen Morgan, Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr., Scott Arthur Day, Harold Lamar Jordan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9599026
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by performing actions including: commanding each GT in the set of GTs to a base load level, based upon a measured ambient condition for each GT; commanding each GT in the set of GTs to adjust a respective exhaust energy to match a nominal exhaust energy value, and subsequently measuring an actual power output value for each GT; and adjusting an operating condition of each GT in the set of GTs based upon a difference between the respective measured actual power output value and a nominal power output value at the ambient condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rex Allen Morgan, Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr., Scott Arthur Day, Harold Lamar Jordan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9599027
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by performing actions including: commanding each GT in the set of GTs to a base load level, based upon a measured ambient condition for each GT; commanding each GT in the set of GTs to adjust a respective emissions value to match a nominal emissions value, and subsequently measuring an actual exhaust energy value for each GT; and adjusting an operating condition of each GT in the set of GTs based upon a difference between the respective measured actual exhaust energy value and a nominal exhaust energy value at the ambient condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rex Allen Morgan, Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr., Scott Arthur Day, Harold Lamar Jordan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9599028
    Abstract: Systems and methods for regulating a bulk flame temperature in a dry low emission (DLE) engine are provided. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a method may include measuring an exhaust gas temperature (EGT) and determining a target EGT. The target EGT is determined based at least in part on a compressor bleed air flow percentage and a combustor burning mode. The method may include calculating a bias based at least in part on the EGT and the target EGT and applying the bias to a bulk flame temperature schedule. The method may include regulating one or more staging valves and compressor bleeds of the DLE engine based at least in part on the bulk flame temperature schedule. The bulk flame temperature schedule is mapped to parameters of the staging valves and compressor bleeds to reduce nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Randolph Shinkle, James Arthur Simmons
  • Patent number: 9599029
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by performing actions including: commanding each GT in the set of GTs to a base load level, based upon a measured ambient condition for each GT; commanding each GT in the set of GTs to adjust a respective fuel flow to match a nominal fuel flow value, and subsequently measuring an actual emissions value for each GT; and adjusting an operating condition of each GT in the set of GTs based upon a difference between the respective measured actual emissions value and a nominal emissions value at the ambient condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rex Allen Morgan, Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr., Scott Arthur Day, Harold Lamar Jordan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9599030
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by performing actions including: commanding each GT in the set of GTs to a base load level, based upon a measured ambient condition for each GT; commanding each GT in the set of GTs to adjust a respective exhaust energy to match a nominal exhaust energy value, and subsequently measuring an actual fuel flow value for each GT; and adjusting an operating condition of each GT in the set of GTs based upon a difference between the respective measured actual fuel flow value and a nominal fuel flow value at the ambient condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rex Allen Morgan, Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr., Scott Arthur Day, Harold Lamar Jordan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9599031
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by performing actions including: commanding each GT in the set of GTs to a base load level, based upon a measured ambient condition for each GT; commanding each GT in the set of GTs to adjust a respective power output to match a nominal power output value, and subsequently measuring an actual emissions value for each GT; and adjusting an operating condition of each GT in the set of GTs based upon a difference between the respective measured actual emissions value and a nominal emissions value at the ambient condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rex Allen Morgan, Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr., Scott Arthur Day, Harold Lamar Jordan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9599032
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by performing actions including: commanding each GT in the set of GTs to a base load level, based upon a measured ambient condition for each GT; commanding each GT in the set of GTs to adjust a respective emissions value to match a nominal emissions value, and subsequently measuring an actual fuel flow value for each GT; and adjusting an operating condition of each GT in the set of GTs based upon a difference between the respective measured actual fuel flow value and a nominal fuel flow value at the ambient condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rex Allen Morgan, Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr., Scott Arthur Day, Harold Lamar Jordan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9599033
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a system having: at least one computing device configured to tune a set of gas turbines (GTs) by performing actions including: commanding each GT in the set of GTs to a base load level, based upon a measured ambient condition for each GT; commanding each GT in the set of GTs to adjust a respective fuel flow value to match a nominal fuel flow value, and subsequently measuring an actual exhaust energy value for each GT; and adjusting an operating condition of each GT in the set of GTs based upon a difference between the respective measured actual exhaust energy value and a nominal exhaust energy value at the ambient condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rex Allen Morgan, Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr., Scott Arthur Day, Harold Lamar Jordan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9599034
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a throttle adjustment device, for a brush cutter in which an engine is mounted at one end of a handle pipe and in which a throttle adjustment wire extends from a throttle of the engine, include: a throttle lever having an operation portion to be operated by the user; a sub lever having a holding portion to be connected with an extending end of the throttle adjustment wire; a case to be fixed to the handle pipe, the throttle lever and the sub lever being rotatably mounted in the case; and a connecting member configured to bring the throttle lever and the sub lever into: an interlocked state where the throttle is adjustable in accordance with an operation amount of the throttle lever; or an un-interlocked state where the throttle is not adjustable regardless of the operation amount of the throttle lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: STARTING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Horikoshi, Minoru Shibasaki
  • Patent number: 9599035
    Abstract: A pedal spring urges a pedal spring receiving portion to rotate a manipulation member in an accelerator closing direction. The pedal spring has an end portion that contacts a first contact surface of a front segment. A hysteresis spring urges a hysteresis spring receiving portion, which is engaged with the manipulation member, in the accelerator closing direction. The hysteresis spring has an end portion that contacts a second contact surface of the front segment. A step surface is formed between the first contact surface and the second contact surface to limit movement of the end portion of the hysteresis spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takehiro Saito, Masahiro Makino, Hiroshi Saji
  • Patent number: 9599036
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine in a two-valve diagonal blow-through mode during which a majority of blow-through is directed via a first intake valve positioned diagonally across a first exhaust valve in order to increase a distance of flow path from the intake valve to the exhaust valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan VanDerWege, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Patent number: 9599037
    Abstract: A control apparatus of an internal combustion engine which is capable of a lean burn operation and which includes a catalyst which is provided in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine and which has an oxidizing ability, a supercharger; an in-passage injection valve which injects fuel into an intake passage; an in-cylinder injection valve which injects fuel into a cylinder, and a variable valve apparatus which changes at least one of an opening timing of an intake valve and a closing timing of an exhaust valve. The control apparatus performs creating a valve overlap that is a state where the intake valve and the exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine are opened, completing an injection of fuel from the in-passage injection valve during a period in which the intake valve is closed, and completing an injection of fuel from the in-cylinder injection valve during an intake stroke when intake air pressure of the internal combustion engine is higher than atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Hokuto
  • Patent number: 9599038
    Abstract: In a method for operating an internal combustion engine a compression ratio is set to a setpoint compression ratio by means of an adjustment device, wherein in a normal operating mode of the internal combustion engine the setpoint compression ratio is determined as a function of an, operating variable of the internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is at least temporarily operated in a predictive operating mode in which the setpoint compression ratio is determined on the basis of an anticipated estimated operating variable which is estimated on the basis of the instantaneous gradient of the operating variable over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Reza Azadeh
  • Patent number: 9599039
    Abstract: A control device for a flow of intake gas and/or recirculated exhaust gases in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, and for an intake module comprising at least one pipe which is arranged so as to supply the cylinder is disclosed. The control device comprises a means for sealing, and a means for deactivating at least one pipe which is able to be controlled between a first position in which the pipe supplies the cylinder with the intake gases (F) and a second position in which the pipe supplies the cylinder with the recirculated exhaust gases. The means for sealing is configured so as to be displaced as a result of the difference in pressure between the intake and the exhaust on both sides of the means for sealing between a locked position of the means for deactivating in the first position, and a position of release of the means for deactivating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: VALEO SYSTEMES THERMIQUES
    Inventors: Laurent Odillard, Julio Guerra
  • Patent number: 9599040
    Abstract: A method for controlling fuel flow in a multi fuel engine is disclosed. An input power for operating the multi fuel engine at a desired engine speed is determined and a fuel flow rate based on the input power, one or more fuel properties and a specified fuel substitution ratio for apportioning the plurality of fuels is determined. Also, a correction factor for the fuel flow rate based on a desired charge density, wherein the desired charge density is based at least on a relationship between an engine load and charge density is determined and a corrected fuel flow rate, based on the determined correction factor, is output to a corresponding actuator of a fluid flow control device for the one of the fuels to cause the corresponding actuator to provide the one of the plurality of fuels at the corrected fuel flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Arvind Sivasubramanian, Christopher F. Gallmeyer, Eike J. Sixel, Bert Ritscher
  • Patent number: 9599041
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to estimating the type fuel used by a vehicle. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a type of fuel burned by an engine in a vehicle is estimated by obtaining output parameters of an on board diagnostic (OBD) system of the vehicle. Respective estimates of the fuel type are generated based on the output parameters, using a different fuel type identifying method for each respective estimate, and the fuel type is determined based on the respective estimates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Tantalum Innovations Limited
    Inventors: John Keates, Glen Tunstall, Craig Barry
  • Patent number: 9599042
    Abstract: A method for controlling fuel injection timing into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine having an internal control system based on ignition delay correlation wherein intake manifold pressure and oxygen concentration values are compared to steady state values of manifold pressure and oxygen concentration of a particular indicated torque set-point and engine speed. Comparing intake manifold pressure and oxygen concentration to steady state reference values further comprises experimentally determining exponential factors for intake manifold pressure factor and oxygen concentration factors. A multiplier for intake manifold pressure and oxygen concentration is determined taking into consideration the exponential factors for manifold pressure and oxygen concentration. An equation for correlation ignition delay is used to determine optional SOI timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC.
    Inventors: Raj Kumar, William de Ojeda, James Rynold Popp
  • Patent number: 9599043
    Abstract: A method for stopping an internal combustion engine, in which an air flow supplied via an air metering device, in particular a throttle valve of the internal combustion engine, is reduced after a stopping request has been ascertained, an undershoot point in time is ascertained, at which an ascertained speed of the internal combustion engine falls below a pre-definable speed threshold value, after the undershoot point in time, the air flow supplied via the air metering device of the internal combustion engine is increased again, the predefinable speed threshold value being selected in such a way that an intake cylinder no longer enters a compression stroke after the increase of the supplied air flow until the internal combustion engine is at a standstill, a degree of opening of the air metering device to increase the supplied air flow being selected as a function of a coasting speed of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Karthik Rai, Stefan Hoefle
  • Patent number: 9599044
    Abstract: An control apparatus and method for an engine having a turbocharger may include determining a load condition of the engine by a controller, and opening and closing an intake valve, a throttle valve, and a wastegate valve by the controller according to the load condition of the engine, where a combustion chamber generates power by combusting a fuel, an intake valve adjusts an air/fuel mixed gas flowed into the combustion chamber, a continuously variable valve timing apparatus advances or retards an opening/closing timing of the intake valve, a turbocharger having a turbine and a compressor compressing air flowed into the combustion chamber, a throttle valve adjusting air supplied to the combustion chamber, a wastegate valve adjusting the exhaust gas flowed into the turbine, and a controller controlling the intake valve, the throttle valve, and the wastegate valve according to a load region of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dong Hee Han, Joowon Lee, Hyun Jun Lim, Nahm Roh Joo, Yoon Joo Kim, Kiwon Park, Kwanhee Choi, Jong Il Park
  • Patent number: 9599045
    Abstract: A method for controlling fuel pressure in an internal combustion engine consuming a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel comprises steps of determining a gaseous fuel pressure target value as a function of an engine operating condition, pressurizing the liquid fuel to a liquid fuel pressure based on the gaseous fuel pressure target value, and regulating gaseous fuel pressure from the liquid fuel pressure. The gaseous fuel pressure equals the gaseous fuel pressure target value to within a predetermined range of tolerance. A corresponding apparatus controls fuel pressure in a gaseous fuelled internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: WESTPORT POWER INC.
    Inventors: Alain M. J. Touchette, Jamie Y. Wardlaw
  • Patent number: 9599046
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving combustion in a highly exhaust gas diluted engine are disclosed. The methods and systems may be provided in an engine that includes independent control of cylinder valves with respect to other cylinder valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Michael Howard Shelby, Daniel Joseph Styles, James Alfred Hilditch, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Patent number: 9599047
    Abstract: A firing module determines a target number of activated cylinders of an engine based on a torque request and a present gear ratio of a transmission. A combination identification module, based on the torque request, identifies a combination including a possible number of activated cylinders and a possible transmission gear ratio, wherein at least one of: the possible number of activated cylinders is different than the target number of activated cylinders; and the possible transmission gear ratio is different than the present gear ratio of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Randall S. Beikmann, Nitish J. Wagh
  • Patent number: 9599048
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for deactivation and reactivation of a cylinder bank in a V-engine. In one example, the cylinder bank is deactivated responsive to an indication of misfire based on crankshaft acceleration and exhaust air fuel ratio. The cylinder bank is reactivated sequentially based on exhaust catalyst temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Robert Sarow Baskins, Joseph Patrick Whitehead, Craig Alan Smith, Timothy Robert Gernant, Scott Richard Hughes
  • Patent number: 9599049
    Abstract: A target engine speed module selectively sets M target engine speeds for M future times, respectively, based on one of increasing and decreasing an engine speed. A prediction module, based on a set of possible target values for the M future times and a model of an engine, determines M predicted engine speeds for the M future times, respectively. A cost module determines a cost for the set of possible target values based on comparisons of the M predicted engine speeds for the M future times with the M target engine speeds for the M future times, respectively. A selection module, based on the cost, selects the set of possible target values from a group including the set of possible target values and N other sets of possible target values, and sets target values based on the selected set of possible target values. An actuator module controls an engine actuator based on a first one of the target values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jose C. Zavala Jurado, Joshua D. Cowgill
  • Patent number: 9599050
    Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed which includes: an engine; a catalyst purifying exhaust gas of the engine; a grille shutter adjusting an opening area of a radiator grille; and an electronic control unit configured to: (a) control an injection quantity of fuel to be supplied to the engine, (b) detect a malfunction of the grille shutter in a state where the grille shutter is closed, and (c) increase the injection quantity when the malfunction is detected in comparison to when the malfunction is not detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hitoki Sugimoto
  • Patent number: 9599051
    Abstract: A method of conditioning a particle filter provided for receiving exhaust gases from internal combustion engine is provided and includes providing a first engine control mode and a second engine control mode, wherein in the second engine control mode at least one combustion control parameter that affects the characteristics of particles emitted together with and carried by the exhaust gases from the engine is different in relation to the first control mode such that the filling rate of the particle filter with particles is increased compared to the filling rate that would have been achieved with the first engine control mode, determining a soot loading status of the particle filter, and temporarily applying the second engine control mode to the engine based on the soot loading status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Björn Lundstedt, Styrbjörn Törngren
  • Patent number: 9599052
    Abstract: Embodiments for reactivating a catalyst are provided. In one example, a method for reactivating a catalyst coupled to an engine comprises when the engine is restarted following deactivation, adjusting a degree of fuel enrichment based on an engine off duration and an engine air amount during the restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Mahlon Ranspach, Marc G. Uphues, Allen Lehmen