Patents Issued in March 21, 2017
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Patent number: 9599053Abstract: A torque requesting module generates a first torque request for a spark ignition engine based on driver input. A torque conversion module converts the first torque request into a second torque request. A model predictive control (MPC) module determines a set of target values based on the second torque request, a model of the engine, and a matrix having dimensions of (m+n) by (m+n). n is an integer greater than zero that is equal to a number of lower boundary constraints used in the determination of the set of target values. m is an integer greater than zero that is equal to a number of constraints used in the determination of the set of target values other than the lower boundary constraints. An actuator module controls opening of an engine actuator based on a first one of the target values.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Ruixing Long, Alberto Bemporad, Daniele Bernardini, Ning Jin
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Patent number: 9599054Abstract: When an accelerator pedal is released while a vehicle is running, a lockup clutch is unlocked. Simultaneously, ignition timing is retarded and a fuel-cut operation to stop fuel supply to an internal combustion engine is performed. However, when it is predicted that a fuel recovery is to be performed after unlocking the lockup clutch, execution of the fuel-cut operation is prohibited. A shock due to the fuel recovery after the fuel-cut operation performed when the accelerator pedal is released is thereby prevented.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshinobu Kawamoto, Masahiro Iriyama
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Patent number: 9599055Abstract: The sulfur poisoning of a three-way catalyst is intended to be detected with a high degree of accuracy. It is determined whether the sulfur poisoning of the three-way catalyst is made to be recovered, or a determination is made that the degree of sulfur poisoning of the three-way catalyst is higher when the concentration of NOx detected by an NOx sensor is high than when it is low, based on the concentration of NOx downstream of the three-way catalyst after the air fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the three-way catalyst has been made to change from a rich air fuel ratio to a lean air fuel ratio and before the air fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing out of the three-way catalyst changes to a lean air fuel ratio.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso CorporationInventors: Koichi Kitaura, Yasushi Iwazaki, Masahiro Kubo
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Patent number: 9599056Abstract: A system for estimating richness of a gaseous mixture in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle power plant, including a mechanism injecting an additional combustible gas into a fresh air intake circuit of the engine, a mechanism measuring concentrations of the additional gas in the fresh air intake circuit and in an engine exhaust gas circuit respectively, a mechanism determining a ratio between the measured concentration of the additional gas in the intake circuit and the measured concentration of the additional gas in the exhaust circuit, and a mechanism estimating the richness of the gaseous mixture in the combustion chamber of the engine from the determined ratio.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.Inventors: Nicolas Quechon, Philippe Obernesser, Vincent Dugue
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Patent number: 9599057Abstract: A method and system for improving starting of an engine is presented. In one example, the method selects a first cylinder to receive fuel since engine stop the cylinder's position relative to the cylinder's top-dead-center compression stroke. The method also describes adjusting a number of fuel injections for a first combustion event since engine stop.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Steven Wooldridge, Joseph Lyle Thomas, David Oshinsky
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Patent number: 9599058Abstract: A control device of a gasoline direct-injection engine is provided. The control device includes an engine body, an injector, and a controller. Within a high load operating range, the controller causes the injector to perform a pre-injection and a post injection. In the pre-injection, the fuel is injected to cause a fuel concentration within an in-cylinder radially peripheral section to be higher than a fuel concentration within an in-cylinder radially central section at a timing for the fuel to ignite. In the post injection, the fuel is injected to cause the fuel concentration within the radially central section to be higher than the fuel concentration within the radially peripheral section at a timing for the fuel to ignite. The timing for the fuel injected in the post injection to ignite is after an oxidative reaction of the fuel injected in the pre-injection occurs and after a compression top dead center.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Yuji Harada, Hiroyuki Yamashita, Masahiko Fujimoto, Masatoshi Seto
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Patent number: 9599059Abstract: An apparatus includes an input module structured to interpret a fuel pressure command indicative of a target fuel pressure within an accumulator and a target fuel injection characteristic, a pump module structured to control a pump assembly to provide fuel to the accumulator to maintain the target fuel pressure within the accumulator, an injector module structured to control a plurality of fuel injectors to inject fuel into an engine based on the target fuel injection characteristic, a pressure module structured to interpret pressure data regarding an actual fuel pressure within the accumulator and to determine a pressure difference between the target fuel pressure and the actual fuel pressure, and a modulation module structured to determine a final fuel injection command responsive to the pressure difference exceeding a first magnitude threshold where the final fuel injection command is based on the pressure difference and the target fuel injection characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Cummins, Inc.Inventors: Mark N. Bays, Michael R. Tidwell
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Patent number: 9599060Abstract: A method of operating an engine with dual fuel injection capabilities to enable fuel rail over-pressure control is shown. The method comprises operating an engine cylinder with only port injection, while selectively activating and deactivating a direct injector in response to an estimated minimum fuel injection mass from the direct injector. Direct fuel injection is actuated until the minimum fuel mass injected by the direct injector has reached a lower threshold that is above an NVH limit of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ethan D. Sanborn, Joseph Lyle Thomas, Daniel Dusa
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Patent number: 9599061Abstract: A method of igniting a fuel within a combustion chamber defined by a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine includes injecting a first portion of a fuel into the combustion chamber, and energizing a first plasma igniter. The first plasma igniter is configured for generating a first plurality of free radicals, extends through a cylinder head mated to the cylinder block, and protrudes into an intake port defined by the cylinder head that is disposable in fluid communication with the combustion chamber. After injecting the first portion, the method includes activating a second igniter configured for initiating a flame within the combustion chamber to thereby ignite the fuel. The second igniter extends through the cylinder head and protrudes into the combustion chamber. An internal combustion engine is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Cherian A. Idicheria, Orgun A. Guralp, Paul M. Najt
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Patent number: 9599062Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for adjusting a pilot injection during initial engine operation from vehicle manufacture. In one example, a method comprises delivering a first proportion of fuel as the pilot injection, and only decreasing the first proportion of fuel responsive to learning an injector flow characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Brien Lloyd Fulton, Aaron John Oakley
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Patent number: 9599063Abstract: An engine unit for a vehicle includes an engine body, an oil tank, and a power transmission shaft. The engine body includes a cylinder unit and a crankcase. The oil tank is disposed horizontally or substantially horizontally with respect to the engine body. The power transmission shaft includes a crankshaft supported by the crankcase. The power transmission shaft at least partially overlaps with the oil tank in a side view of the engine unit. The power transmission shaft extends from the engine body to a position beyond the oil tank in an axial direction of the crankshaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Naoki Harada
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Patent number: 9599064Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan section, a compressor section and a turbine section, one of which includes an airfoil. The airfoil includes pressure and suction sides extending in a radial direction from a 0% span position at an inner flow path location to a 100% span position at an airfoil tip. The airfoil has a maximum chord length projection that is not in an axial view.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Edward J. Gallagher, Byron R. Monzon, Ling Liu, Linda S. Li, Darryl Whitlow, Barry M. Ford
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Patent number: 9599065Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous detonation wave engine and aircraft provided with such an engine. The continuous detonation wave engine (1) operates with a detonation mixture of fuel and oxidant and includes, in particular, a detonation chamber (3) comprising an injection base (10), the length of which is defined along an open line (17), such as to form a detonation chamber (3) having an elongate form in a transverse plane, as well as an injection system (4) arranged such as to inject the fuel/oxidant mixture into the detonation chamber (3) at at least one segment of the injection base (10).Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: MBDA FranceInventor: François Falempin
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Patent number: 9599066Abstract: A carburetor including a body having a main bore through which a fuel and air mixture is discharged from the carburetor for use by an engine a priming passage communicated with the main bore, a pump that moves fluid into the priming passage, and a flow restrictor received within at least a portion of the priming passage to reduce the minimum effective flow area of the priming passage. The flow restrictor has a body received at least partially within the priming passage so that fluid flows around the flow restrictor and between the structure defining the priming passage and the flow restrictor.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: WALBRO LLCInventor: Michael P. Burns
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Patent number: 9599067Abstract: An attachment structure for a solenoid valve which can be stably attached to and removed from a carburetor unit with a single movement and without increasing the number of parts. A rod-like supporting portion is disposed a predetermined distance away from a surface of a carburetor unit and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of and installed near an opening in the surface of the carburetor unit. A cylindrical engaging portion extends from a circumferential face of a cylindrical body fitted on the solenoid valve substantially perpendicular to an axial line of the rod-like supporting portion, and forms a groove-like engagement portion which is narrower in diameter than the rod-like supporting portion, whereby the engaging portion, via the groove-like engagement portion, is coupled to and supported by rod-like supporting portion when an insertion portion of the solenoid valve is inserted into the opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: ZAMA JAPAN KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takumi Nonaka, Hideki Watanabe, Hiroyuki Oka
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Patent number: 9599068Abstract: A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine (1) having four cylinders is provided with an EGR device (3) including an EGR cooler (27). The multi-cylinder internal combustion engine has: four exhaust side branch conduits (15) each being provided to each cylinder (2); a storage tank (31) which stores condensed water (CW) generated by the EGR cooler (27); and four condensed water introduction conduits (33) each being provided to each exhaust side branch conduit (15) and being communicated with the exhaust side branch conduit (15) and the storage tank (31). When the wall temperature of the cylinders (2) in the decelerating operation is equal to or more than a predetermined temperature, an exhaust-side variable valve mechanism (23B) and an intake-side variable valve mechanism (23A) are controlled respectively so that the valve closing timing of an exhaust valve (21) is retarded, and the valve opening timing of an intake valve (20) is retarded.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kentaro Nishida
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Patent number: 9599069Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling device for an engine (1) exhaust gas recirculation circuit, notably that of a motor vehicle, said circuit comprising a valve (2) for controlling the circulation of said gas, said device comprising a heat exchanger (3), known as the EGR exchanger, intended to allow an exchange of heat between the exhaust gases passing through said recirculation circuit and a coolant fluid, and means (4) of cooling said valve. According to the invention, said device comprises a cooling loop (5), known as a high-temperature cooling loop and configured so that said valve cooling means (4) have a first fluid passing through them, and a second cooling loop (12), known as a low-temperature cooling loop and configured so that the EGR exchanger (3) has passing through it a second fluid at a temperature lower than that of the first fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Valeo Systemes ThermiquesInventors: Laurent Odillard, Yoann Lemarchand, Olivier Latroy
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Patent number: 9599070Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine system having a turbine combustor, a turbine driven by combustion products from the turbine combustor, and an exhaust gas compressor driven by the turbine. The exhaust gas compressor is configured to compress and supply an exhaust gas to the turbine combustor. The gas turbine system also has an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The EGR system is configured to recirculate the exhaust gas along an exhaust recirculation path from the turbine to the exhaust gas compressor. The system further includes a main oxidant compression system having one or more oxidant compressors. The one or more oxidant compressors are separate from the exhaust gas compressor, and the one or more oxidant compressors are configured to supply all compressed oxidant utilized by the turbine combustor in generating the combustion products.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignees: General Electric Company, ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Richard A. Huntington, Franklin F. Mittricker, Loren K. Starcher, Sulabh K. Dhanuka, Dennis M. O'Dea, Samuel D. Draper, Christian M. Hansen, Todd Denman, James A. West
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Patent number: 9599071Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing a filter integrated within a fuel vapor canister. In one example, a method may include diagnosing restriction of a canister filter based on a duration to reduce a pressure in an evaporative emissions control system including the canister to a reference pressure, and further based on an initial pressure difference across the canister when a canister purge valve is opened when the evaporative emissions control system is at the reference pressure.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Aed M. Dudar
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Patent number: 9599072Abstract: A method for purging a fuel vapor canister buffer, comprising: opening a fuel tank isolation valve; opening a canister purge valve; and drawing a vacuum on a fuel tank sufficient to open a capless refueling assembly vacuum relief mechanism. In this way, the fuel vapor canister buffer may still be purged to intake even under conditions where the canister vent line is blocked.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Aed M. Dudar
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Patent number: 9599073Abstract: A fuel vaporizer including a mist vaporizer and a boiler, the boiler being integrated with the mist vaporizer, the mist vaporizer and the boiler including a housing, baffles joined to the housing, conduit extending through the baffles, fuel in a mist form adjacent the conduit and a pool of fuel contained between the housing and baffles.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: BIXBY ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Dean Johanning
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Patent number: 9599074Abstract: An air cleaner apparatus for a vehicle includes a body defining therein a storage space. The body has an intake port through which air is to be taken in, a laterally-bent support section disposed at an upper portion, and plate-shaped reinforcement members disposed above the storage space and having a predetermined thickness, wherein a cover is coupled to the upper portion of the body, defines therein a storage space, and has a discharge port at one side through which air is to be discharged and a laterally-bent coupling section disposed at a lower side, wherein an opening is provided at front sides of the body and cover, and serves as an entrance through which a filter member is stored or taken out, and wherein a plate-shaped cover is coupled to a front portion of the storage part in order to open or close the storage part.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motor Corp.Inventor: Yoon Geun Cho
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Patent number: 9599075Abstract: An aspirator coupled between an inlet of a compressor and an engine intake manifold may include sonic/supersonic expansion curves for both forward and reverse flow through the aspirator. Suction flow may enter a first entraining port coupling an ambient side of the aspirator with a vacuum source during reverse flow through the aspirator, whereas suction flow may enter a second entraining port coupling a manifold side of the aspirator with the vacuum source, the first entraining port counter sunk relative to a nominal slope of the aspirator to reduce flow disruption caused by the port during forward flow through the aspirator. A radial-flow aspirator shut-off valve arranged in series with the aspirator may be controlled to enable or disable motive flow through the aspirator, and motive flow may enter the valve in a direction perpendicular to a motive flow axis of the aspirator when the valve is open.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Eric Luehrsen, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
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Patent number: 9599076Abstract: A fuel supply system for a vehicle includes a fuel pump module with a fuel pump module flange at a surface thereof. A lock ring is removably secured to the fuel pump module flange and to a fuel tank for retaining the fuel pump module to the fuel tank. An extension member is secured to the lock ring and extends a distance from the fuel pump module. A fuel pump controller is in communication with the vehicle and the fuel pump module for relaying signals therebetween. The fuel pump controller is fixedly secured to the extension member.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignees: Denso International America, Inc., DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Patrick Powell
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Patent number: 9599077Abstract: Provided is a filter element having an annular resilient sealing device having a bead that undulates axially back and forth for mating with a correspondingly undulating top surface of a base in a filter assembly. The undulating bead provides for a fluid tight seal while restricting relative rotation of the filter element relative to the base.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Parker-Hannifin CorporationInventor: Russell D. Jensen
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Patent number: 9599078Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a leaked fuel collection unit and a check valve. When fuel passes through a first seal member to leak out from a cam chamber into an inter-seal space, the leaked fuel collection unit sucks in this fuel to extract the fuel from the inter-seal space, then pressurizes and returns the fuel to a fuel tank. The check valve prevents the fuel from flowing in reverse from the fuel tank to the inter-seal space. Accordingly, regardless of the pressure in the fuel tank and the pressure in the inter-seal space, fuel that leaks into the inter-seal space may be actively returned to the fuel tank. Further, the check valve prevents pressure in the fuel tank from acting on seal members. Accordingly, fuel that leaks into the inter-seal space may be collected into the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Masaaki Kato
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Patent number: 9599079Abstract: A motor vehicle assembly unit having a connector, in particular a quick connector, and having a motor vehicle fluid line, wherein the connector includes an insertion end for inserting the fluid line, wherein there is a securing spike on the insertion end, which is encompassed by an outer sleeve. An annular insertion space for the fluid line or a fluid line end of the fluid line is disposed between the securing spike and the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is connected to the securing spike by means of at least one break-away element, that breaks when the fluid line is inserted in the annular insertion space, such that the outer sleeve can be slid onto the securing spike, or further slid onto the securing spike from, or with, the fluid line.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: TI Automotive (Fuldabrück) GmbHInventors: Iris Barthel, Alexander Bol, Hans Jensen
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Patent number: 9599080Abstract: Provided is a terminal structure of a high-pressure fuel pipe for a direct injection engine which can prevent stress concentration to a brazed portion between a pipe and a connection part effectively. In the terminal structure of a high-pressure fuel pipe for a direct injection engine where a connection head is brazed to an end of a fuel pipe, the end of the fuel pipe continued to a fuel pipe insertion portion of the connection head is provided with a drawn portion, an outer diameter D1 of the drawn portion to a fuel pipe diameter D satisfies 0.8D?D1?0.9D, and a length L1 of the drawn portion having the outer diameter D1 in a pipe-axial direction from an end of the fuel pipe insertion portion satisfies L1?0.06D.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: USUI KOKUSAI SANGYO KAISHA LIMITEDInventors: Iichiro Seino, Eiji Kurata
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Patent number: 9599081Abstract: A tappet (1) for a fuel injection pump, having a tube-like housing (2), which accommodates a roller (4) for the running on a periodic lift generator inside the inner lateral surface (5) thereof in the region of a first ring end (3). This roller has axle stumps (7) projecting from the end faces (6) of the roller, by which stumps the roller sits in recesses (8) in the housing (2), wherein the housing (2) is penetrated axially by a bridge piece (9) underneath the roller (4), the underside (11) of which bridge piece, which faces a second ring end (10) of the housing (2), acts as a rest for a plunger following part.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Stefan Dorn, Norbert Geyer
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Patent number: 9599082Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a direct injection fuel pump. The methods and system control pressure within a compression chamber so as to improve fuel pump lubrication.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brad Alan VanDerWege, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
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Patent number: 9599083Abstract: In a fuel injection valve used in an internal combustion engine, fuel spray travel distance is shortened.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Eiji Ishii, Motoyuki Abe, Yoshihito Yasukawa, Kiyotaka Ogura, Hideharu Ehara, Tohru Ishikawa
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Patent number: 9599084Abstract: A fuel injector configured as a high-pressure injection valve for the direct injection of fuel into a combustion chamber includes: a housing having an housing end face on the combustion chamber side; an actuator; a valve-closure member operable by the actuator; at least one outlet orifice in the housing end face on the combustion chamber side for the fuel, the valve-closure member selectively closing or opening the outlet orifice; and a ring provided round about the outlet orifice in the housing end face on the combustion chamber side.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Martin Kochanowski, Detlef Nowak, Guido Pilgram, Rainer Ecker
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Patent number: 9599085Abstract: A fuel injection device injects fuel per each cylinder in an engine having a plurality of cylinders #1 and #2. At a time of engine actuation, start timings of fuel injections are shifted per each cylinder and times within one rotation of a crankshaft is set as the injection start timings for all cylinders. At least the initial fuel injection is performed before cylinder discrimination.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Yukihiro Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 9599086Abstract: A method of controlling a fuel system includes determining the opening of a pressure relief valve and initiating a reseat strategy for the valve. The fuel system comprises a source of high pressure fuel and a pressure relief valve having at least one inlet fluidly coupled to the source of high pressure fuel and at least one outlet. The pressure relief valve has a closed position and at least one open position in which fuel is able to pass from the inlet to the outlet. The method comprises the steps of continuously measuring the pressure of the fuel in the fuel source, determining whether the pressure relief valve is in an open position, and generating an open signal if it is determined that the pressure relief valve is in an open position.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Perkins Engines Company LimitedInventor: Michael David Smith
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Patent number: 9599087Abstract: An electromagnetic switch for the starter of a heat engine, including a first terminal (B1), a second terminal (B2), a first mobile contact (C1) which is movable between an inactive position and a power supply position, and at least one second mobile contact (C2), which is placed between the first mobile contact (C1) and the second terminal (B2) and which is movable between a disconnected position and a connected position. The switch is capable of being placed in three operating states: an inactive state, an engagement state, and a power supply state.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques MoteurInventor: Stéphane Plaideau
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Patent number: 9599088Abstract: In a system, an engine restating module is capable of executing an engine restart task to crank an automatically stopped engine if an engine restart condition is met. The engine restart task includes energization of a mechanism to thereby shift a pinion to be engaged with a ring gear, and energization of a motor to rotate the pinion. A deenergizing module is capable of deenergizing the motor if an interrupting request that interrupts restart of the automatically stopped engine is generated during execution of the engine restart task. A maintaining module is capable of maintaining energization of the mechanism to engage the pinion with the ring gear even if the interrupting request that interrupts restart of the automatically stopped engine is generated during execution of the engine restart task.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Takeshi Aoyagi
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Patent number: 9599089Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an internal combustion engine body formed with a combustion chamber and an ignition device that ignites an air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. Repetitive combustion cycles, including ignition of the air-fuel mixture by the ignition device and combustion of the air-fuel mixture, are executed. The internal combustion engine further has an electromagnetic (EM) wave-emitting device that emits EM radiation to the combustion chamber; a plurality of receiving antennas located on a zoning material that defines the combustion chamber, where the antennas resonate to the EM radiation emitted to the combustion chamber from the EM wave-emitting device; and a switching means that switches the receiving antenna resonating to the EM radiation emitted to the combustion chamber from the EM wave-emitting device among the plurality of receiving antennas.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: IMAGINEERING, INC.Inventor: Yuji Ikeda
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Patent number: 9599090Abstract: A rotor apparatus for extracting energy from bidirectional fluid flows comprises a first rotor (7) mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation (4) in a first direction of rotation, the first rotor (7) having at least one helical blade (2) with a pitch that decreases in a direction along the axis of rotation (4); and a second rotor (8) mounted for rotation about the same axis of rotation (4) in an opposite direction of rotation and having at least one helical blade (2) with a pitch that increases in the same direction along the axis of rotation (4), wherein fluid exiting the first rotor (7) is passed to the second rotor (8).Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: SEA-LIX ASInventors: Jason Dale, Aage Bjørn Andersen
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Hydraulic actuation unit, particularly for controlling the starting and stopping of hydraulic motors
Patent number: 9599091Abstract: A hydraulic actuation unit for controlling the starting and stopping of hydraulic motors includes a first main circuit and a second main circuit, a first recirculation circuit and a second recirculation circuit, a counterbalancing valve, which includes a shuttle, and a first discharge channel and a second discharge channel. The shuttle includes a first check valve and a second check valve. The first check valve includes at least one first flow control element that can move from an open position to a closure position. The second check valve includes at least one second flow control element that can move from an open position to a closure position. The first and second check valves respectively are provided with first damping means and second damping means in order to slow down the passage movement respectively of the first flow control element and of the second flow control element.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: POCLAIN HYDRAULICS INDUSTRIALE S.R.L.Inventors: Enrico Rigolon, Enzo Corradini -
Patent number: 9599092Abstract: A system for generating wind energy or wind power through multiple wind turbines. Each wind turbine can be smaller than a single conventional wind turbine. A series of wind turbines are mechanically connected by a chain, cable, or similar mechanical linkage to each other and to a single generator, which is located elsewhere (i.e., not in the nacelle or on the turbine tower). This permits the size and weight of each turbine to be reduced, resulting in the ability to generate electricity at lower wind speeds (e.g., where the wind speed is below the cut-in wind speed of 4 m/s or 9 mph for conventional wind turbines). The reduction in size and weight also reduces the inertia of each turbine, increasing its efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventors: Md Maruf Hossain, Mohd Hasan Ali
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Patent number: 9599093Abstract: The application describes an apparatus for and a method of mounting wind turbine blades on a wind turbine tower. A number of guide rods are provided in the vicinity of the blade root and hub for connection to corresponding socket sections. The guide rods and socket sections are provided on respective ones of a wind turbine blade and a wind turbine hub to facilitate connection of one to the other. The guide rods and the sockets may be provided on the same or on different ones of the blade or hub. The guide rods and sockets allow the blade to be positioned at the hub in the correct rotational orientation to facilitate connection of the necessary fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Michael Lundgaard Bitsch, Torben Friis Baun
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Patent number: 9599094Abstract: A method of manufacturing an aerodynamic shell part for a wind turbine blade is described. The aerodynamic she part comprises a recess for arrangement and connection of a spar cap within said recess. The method comprising the steps of: a) providing a first mold part having a first forming surface that defines a part of an exterior of the aerodynamic shell part, b) laying up fiber-reinforcement material and optionally also sandwich core material in the first mold on the first forming surface, c) arranging one or more inserts having an exterior shape corresponding to at least sides of the recess of the aerodynamic shell part, d) supplying resin to said fiber-reinforcement material and optional sandwich core material, e) curing or preconsolidating the resin, and f) removing the one or more inserts.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: LM WP PATENT HOLDING A/SInventors: Martin Dahl, Lars Nielsen
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Patent number: 9599095Abstract: A wind turbine includes a turbine housing, a turbine wheel system housed in the turbine housing, and a wind power converting system for converting kinetic energy generated by the turbine wheel system into electrical energy. The turbine wheel system includes a turbine rotor being driven to rotate circumferentially around an interior of the turbine housing, and a rail frame guiding a rotational movement of a turbine rotor. The wind turbine not only allows airflow to move across and through the turbine wheel system but also allows airflow to be directed and exhausted to maximize and control energy generation. The wind turbine is able to efficiently convert wind power to electrical power via a turbine wheel system which allows for the load generated to be distributed across the circumference of the turbine wheel system instead of localized in the center as the traditional wind turbine.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: SP POWER FARM GROUP LTD.Inventor: Thomas B. Armstrong
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Patent number: 9599096Abstract: A wind turbine power plant comprises a plurality of wind turbines, each having a rated output and under the control of a power plant controller. The power plant also has a rated output which may be over-rated in response to one or more electricity pricing data, power plant age and operator demand. This may comprise a schedule of output set point changes which effect seasonal or intraday changes in electricity prices or which reflect aging of the power plant. It may also reflect the price of electricity on spot or futures markets. Once the over-rating of the power plant has been set, the output may be increased by over-rating individual turbines or operating turbines at rated power if the sum of the rated outputs of the turbines exceeds or is equal to the new power plant output set point.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventors: Christopher Spruce, Judith Turner, Martin Evans, Robert Bowyer
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Patent number: 9599097Abstract: A fluid power generating apparatus includes a loading seat, a power generating mechanism, a transmission mechanism and a generator. The power generating mechanism includes a primary shaft, a plurality of driving wheels and a fan. The driving wheels with the fan are connected to the primary shaft and simultaneously rotate. The transmission mechanism includes a driven shaft, a plurality of driven wheels and a hollow body. The rotating direction of the driven shaft and the hollow body is different. The generator includes a primary rotor and a secondary rotor. The primary rotor is connected to the driven shaft. The secondary rotor is connected to the hollow body.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Chih-Hung Wei
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Patent number: 9599098Abstract: Described is a spring mechanism. The spring mechanism includes a leaf spring housing with leaf springs radially disposed within the leaf spring housing. The leaf springs being flexible between a rest state and tension state. A winding mechanism is engaged with the leaf springs for causing the leaf springs to flex from the rest state to the tension state. The winding mechanism includes a pushing pin wheel with a plurality of pushing pins protruding therefrom that rest against the leaf springs. The pushing pin wheel is rotatable such that rotation of the pushing pin wheel causes the leaf springs to flex from the rest state to a tension state. Release of the tension (i.e., when the leaf springs return to the rest state from the tension state) causes rotation of the leaf spring housing, which causes rotation of a corresponding release gear set and output drive.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2015Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Charles Chongmu Kim
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Patent number: 9599099Abstract: The present invention discloses a device capable of converting thermal energy into kinetic energy, in particular a thermal-powered device, including a housing (1) and a transmission device (2) disposed in the housing (1). Alloy sheets (3) are disposed at the transmission device (2). The housing (1) is formed with a heat source interface (6). In the present invention, thermal energy or other energy in the automobile exhaust gas is converted into kinetic energy output by virtue of the memory function of memory alloys, thus reducing emission of greenhouse gas, protecting the atmosphere environment, and conforming to the strategies and policies of economy of energy, environmental protection, and harmonious development between man and nature.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: ZHEJIANG GONGSHANG UNIVERSITYInventors: Tongqiang Li, Xiaoning Jiang
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Patent number: 9599100Abstract: A movable body that has a cylinder and a valve apparatus is accommodated inside an accommodating chamber of a pump body so as to cover a discharging orifice. A piston sucks a fluid into the movable body, and discharges the fluid from inside the movable body to the discharging orifice by being slid reciprocally through a piston sliding aperture of the cylinder. A relieving passage that communicates between a suction volume space of the accommodating chamber and the discharging orifice is formed between an inner surface of the accommodating chamber and the movable body by the movable body moving away from the discharging orifice in opposition to a force from a forcing body.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Shinya Nose, Hidehiro Soga, Masayuki Aota
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Patent number: 9599101Abstract: A cryogenic pump has an associated heater for vaporizing cryogenic fluid. The heater has a chamber (bounded by an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve) disposed around at least a portion of the pump housing. The heater has a helical heating coil with a plurality of turns disposed within the chamber and a helical baffle having a plurality of turns interspaced with the turns of the heating coil for guiding heat exchange fluid over the turns of the heat exchange coil. The heater has an inlet for cryogenic fluid to communicate with the heat exchange coil and an outlet for the resulting vaporized fluid. Heat exchange fluid flows through an inlet of the heater chamber to an outlet of the heater chamber and then through a space defined between the inner sleeve and a portion of the pump housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: WESTPORT POWER INC.Inventors: Alexis Lefevre, Pierre Papirer
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Patent number: 9599102Abstract: The piezoelectric pump unit consists of a housing, a piezo anchor, located in the housing, a displacer, located at the front of the housing. The piezo anchor and the displacer are connected. The piezo anchor consists of a rear piezoelectric clamp section, of a piezoelectric extender section and of a front piezoelectric clamp section, connected in series. At least one slider is introduced in the piezoelectric extender section between its front and rear ends. Electric pulses accessing at sections from a control station cause said sections to become fixed alternately inside the housing. Under the effect of electric pulses, the piezoelectric extender section moves the displacer step-by-step in one direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2013Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Inventor: Andrey Leonidovich Kuznetsov