Patents Issued in April 11, 2017
  • Patent number: 9617876
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable camshaft for the valve gear of an internal combustion engine having an outer shaft, on which at least one first cam is arranged which is connected fixedly to said outer shaft so as to rotate with it, and having an inner shaft which extends through the outer shaft and to which at least one second cam is connected fixedly so as to rotate with it and is mounted rotatably on the outer shaft, and it being possible for oil to be conducted from a gap between the outer shaft and the inner shaft through an oil duct in the outer shaft into the region between the second cam and the outer shaft. According to the invention, the second cam is sealed at least partially against the outer shaft by means of at least one sealing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA TECCENTER AG
    Inventors: Uwe Dietel, Michael Kunz, Bernd Mann
  • Patent number: 9617877
    Abstract: A valve opening and closing timing control device includes: a driving-side rotating body coaxial with a rotational axis and rotated in synchronization with an internal combustion engine crankshaft; a driven-side rotating body coaxial with the rotational axis and integrally rotated with a valve opening and closing cam shaft; a connecting member screwed into the cam shaft for connecting the driven-side rotating body to the cam shaft and having a pump port to which a fluid is supplied, an advance angle port communicating with an advance angle chamber, and a retarded angle port communicating with an retarded angle chamber; a spool accommodated within a space of the connecting member to reciprocally move between advance angle, neutral, and retarded angle positions along the rotational axis; and an actuator causing a pressing force to act along rotational axis and operates the spool to be in the neutral, advance angle, or retarded angle positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kentaro Nagura, Hiromitsu Shigyo
  • Patent number: 9617878
    Abstract: A camshaft phaser includes a camshaft phaser input member connectable to a crankshaft; a camshaft phaser output member connectable to a camshaft; an intermediate member rotatable relative to the camshaft phaser input member such that rotation of the intermediate member relative to the camshaft phaser input member causes the camshaft phaser output member to rotate relative to the camshaft phaser input member; and a rotational actuator configured to selectively rotate the intermediate member relative to the camshaft phaser input member, the rotational actuator comprising. The rotational actuator includes a compound planetary gear set having an input planetary gear set driven by the camshaft phaser input member and an output planetary gear set driven by the input planetary gear set; and an adjusting actuator connected to the compound planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl J. Haltiner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9617879
    Abstract: A switchable support element (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine is disclosed, including a housing (4), in the bore of which (5) an axially displaceable inner element (7) is located, wherein two coupling slides (9) run in a radial bore (8) of the inner element (7) and can be brought into engagement with a driver surface of the housing (4) in an axially extended position, wherein the extended position is limited by a height stop (10), which is formed of a circlip assembly, which runs peripherally on an annular shoulder (13) of the inner element (7) and which, in the event of contact, lies radially externally above the upper annular end (14) thereof in abutment against a lower annular edge (15) of an annular groove (16) of the housing (4) near the upper edge thereof (17), and wherein an outer casing (11) of the housing is enclosed by a rotationally fixed ring as an outer anti-twist mechanism (12) with an offset bore (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Oliver Schnell, Peter Sailer, Christian Geers, Ulrich Elgas, Rainer Pfeufer, Stefan Weidlich, Dieter Baumgarten, Armin Liebel
  • Patent number: 9617880
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing a lack of engine oil includes determining, by a controller, whether an oil level of an engine is normalized from an insufficient state to a normal state using an oil level switch. When it is determined that the oil level is normalized to the normal state, a driving mode of a vehicle is confirmed. When it is confirmed that the driving mode of the vehicle is an engine off driving mode, a diagnosis of the oil level is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Hwa Yong Jang
  • Patent number: 9617881
    Abstract: An arrangement (1) of an electroacoustic actuator (2) on a vehicle structure (3) of a motor vehicle, has a housing (4), in which at least one loudspeaker (7) is arranged, which separates a front volume (8) from a rear volume (9) in the housing (4). The actuator (2) has a sound emission pipe (5), which projects outwards from the housing (4) and which is fluidically coupled with the front volume (8). A reduced introduction of noise into the vehicle arises when the actuator (2) is held on the vehicle structure (3) with a plurality of holding devices (19), which are arranged on the housing (4) in a circumferential direction (20) of the housing (4) spaced apart from one another. Each holding device (19) is designed as springy in a holding direction (21) and as rigid transversely thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Eberspächer Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Georg Wirth, Michael Bott
  • Patent number: 9617882
    Abstract: A muffler (1) for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine has a housing (2) with an expansion chamber (6). An inlet pipe (7) extends into the housing (2) and has an end section (8) with an outlet opening (9) to the expansion chamber (6). A main outlet pipe (10) has an initial section (11) protruding into the end section (8) of the inlet pipe (7). A secondary outlet pipe (15) has an inlet opening (16) in the expansion chamber (6). A gap (14) in an overlapping area (13) between the end section (8) and the initial section (11) forms a bypass in the end section (8) of the inlet pipe (7), which bypasses the initial section (11) of the main outlet pipe (10). Through the bypass gap (14), exhaust gas flows from the inlet pipe (7) into the expansion chamber (6) and out the secondary outlet pipe (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Eberspächer Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Micha Hörr
  • Patent number: 9617883
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed, including an exhaust conditions module structured to interpret a diesel particulate filter (DPF) delta pressure value, a flow balance correlation, a NOx input value, and an exhaust flow rate value. A flow determination module is structured to determine a flow imbalance value in response to the DPF delta pressure value, the flow balance correlation, and the exhaust flow rate value. A reductant determination module is structured to determine a first reductant injection command and a second reductant injection command in response to the flow imbalance value and the NOx input value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Ancimer
  • Patent number: 9617884
    Abstract: A liquid cooled reduction unit includes a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injection valve. The valve includes an end portion extending to a distal end. The valve is configured to receive a DEF and force the DEF to exit at the distal end such that the DEF is then directed and applied to an exhaust stream of a vehicle engine. A coolant jacket is selectively filled with a coolant and has an outer side and an inner side. The inner side of the jacket faces a length of the end portion and is separated from the length of the end portion by an air gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Wayne McFarland, Keith Aaron Shaw, Michael J. Hornby, James A. Wynn, Joshua Lee Hatfield, Christopher Caulkins, Stephen C. Bugos
  • Patent number: 9617885
    Abstract: A method is made available for monitoring a pressure sensor (18) in a pressure-controlled delivery and metering system for a liquid reactant of a catalytic converter, in particular of an SCR catalytic converter. The delivery and metering system is provided for delivering the reactant from a tank (10) and for metering the reactant via a pressure line (16) and a metering module (19). In order to monitor the pressure sensor (18) which is located in the pressure line (16), a flow rate measurement is carried out in the pressure line (16) and/or in a return path (17) taking into account the relationship between the pressure p and the corresponding flow rate v.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Damian Dyrbusch, Andreas Feldges
  • Patent number: 9617886
    Abstract: An exhaust gas controlling catalyst includes zirconia particles; ceria particles which contact the zirconia particles, of which a mean particle size is smaller than a mean particle size of the zirconia particles; and an active metal that is supported on at least the ceria particles in a dispersed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masao Watanabe, Shigeharu Takagi, Akira Morikawa, Takuto Hirose
  • Patent number: 9617887
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an emissions cleaning module for cleaning emissions output from an internal combustion engine. The emissions cleaning module may include a first conduit, a second conduit, a third conduit, a first end coupling and a second end coupling which together provide a continuous fluid path. The first, second and third conduits may be supported at one end by a first support member and at an opposite end by a second support member. The first, second and third conduits may be mutually parallel. The support members, conduits and couplings may be arranged with relative substantial translational movement thereof restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventor: Naseer A. Niaz
  • Patent number: 9617888
    Abstract: A catalytic converter assembly has a ceramic substrate body with a plurality of cells for passage therethrough of exhaust gases. An emitter electrode for emitting free electrodes is mounted adjacent the substrate body for intercepting exhaust gas flowing at an upstream location of the catalytic converter. A collector electrode for collecting electrons is mounted adjacent the substrate body to intercept exhaust gas flowing at a downstream location of the catalytic converter. An energizing circuit is used to apply a high voltage between the emitter and collector to stimulate the generation of free electrons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Emission Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Crawford, John Douglas
  • Patent number: 9617889
    Abstract: A system is provided for delivery of diesel exhaust fluid or other reductant to an injector for release into an engine exhaust aftertreatment system. The injector includes a nozzle assembly that thermally shields the diesel exhaust fluid from the exhaust gas temperatures. A diesel exhaust fluid delivery procedure is also disclosed for nozzle cooling prior to operation of the injector for emissions reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: CUMMINS EMISSION SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Aalok Trivedi, Andrew Myer, Stephanie L. Apewokin, Samuel Johnson, Srivardhan Chandrapati, George L. Muntean, Joshua D. Henry, John Anthis, Omkar Tendolkar
  • Patent number: 9617890
    Abstract: An assembly (10) for introducing a reducing agent into the exhaust pipe (12) of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, has a feed connector (14) which opens into the exhaust pipe (12) and includes a wall (16), a feed device (20) for reducing agents which opens into the feed connector (14), and a device (22) for generating a gas flow (G) which is additional to the reducing agent flow (R) and lines the wall (16) of the feed 10 connector (14). Furthermore, there is described a method of introducing a reducing agent into the exhaust pipe (12) of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies, Germany GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Rusch, Rolf Kaiser, Erich Forster
  • Patent number: 9617891
    Abstract: A urea backflow prevention apparatus of SCR in an SCR system which injects a urea solution into an exhaust pipe may include: a urea tank to store the urea solution; a nozzle to be installed in the exhaust pipe to inject the urea solution; a supply pump to pump the urea solution; a suction line connecting the urea tank to the supply pump; a pressure line connecting the supply pump to the nozzle; a return line connecting the supply pump to the urea tank to return un-injected urea solution back to the urea tank; and a backflow prevention line connecting the pressure line to the return line. The backflow prevention line keeps pressures of the pressure line, the supply pump directly connected to the pressure line and the suction line indirectly connected to the pressure line equal to an atmospheric pressure after an operation of the SCR system ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Dae-Won Yang
  • Patent number: 9617892
    Abstract: An exhaust after-treatment system for mitigating deposition of urea utilizing selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in exhaust receiving communication with an exhaust gas stream produced by an engine system, including an exhaust passage including a mixing duct through which the exhaust gas stream flows. A fluid reservoir contains a urea solution and a fluid pump is fluidly connected to the fluid reservoir to draw the urea solution from within the fluid reservoir. A fluid injector is configured to receive the urea solution from the fluid pump and deliver the urea solution into the mixing duct and at least one vibration mechanism is mechanically coupled to one or both of the fluid injector and the mixing duct to generate and convey vibrations thereto to mitigate the deposition of urea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Cuong C. Ly, Brian C. Applegate
  • Patent number: 9617893
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine, a hydrocarbon feed valve and an exhaust purification catalyst are arranged in an engine exhaust passage. A first NOX removal method which reduces NOX contained in an exhaust gas by a reducing intermediate which is generated by injecting hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon feed valve within a predetermined range of period and a second NOX removal method in which an air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust purification catalyst is made rich by a period which is longer than this predetermined range are used. The switching temperatures ST and ST0 of the exhaust purification catalyst at which temperature an NOX removal method is switched from the second NOX removal method to the first NOX removal method, are made lower if the amount of NOX in the exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust purification catalyst increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yuki Bisaiji, Kohei Yoshida, Yuki Haba, Yusuke Nozaki
  • Patent number: 9617894
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system includes an exhaust purifying element for purifying exhaust gas, and a selective reduction catalyst for promoting reduction of NOx contained in the exhaust gas with a reducing agent. A housing for accommodating the exhaust purifying element includes an outer wall having an accommodating portion. A supply hole is formed on a bottom of the accommodating portion. A pipe that is located inside the housing has a passage through which an interior of the pipe communicates with an exterior of the pipe. The pipe is configured to guide exhaust gas toward the selective reduction catalyst through the passage and the interior of the pipe. The pipe has an end communicating with the supply hole. The injection device of the exhaust gas purification system injects the reducing agent to an interior of the pipe through the supply hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HINO MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Tongu, Kuniharu Tobe
  • Patent number: 9617895
    Abstract: A device includes a pipeline section for an exhaust gas flow. The pipeline section has an inlet end, an outlet end, a rectilinear section and a protuberance having an opening for installing a metering device for a liquid additive (in particular urea/water solution) in the rectilinear section. The protuberance has a height and an extent and the extent is at least twice as large as the height. At least one respective disk-shaped honeycomb body is disposed at each of the inlet end and the outlet end. A central axis of the opening is oriented toward one of the disk-shaped honeycomb bodies. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Klaus Mueller-Haas, Rolf Brueck
  • Patent number: 9617896
    Abstract: A catalyst unit may include a carrier, a channel opening portion through which exhaust gas passes, a skin portion that is formed along a circumference and integrally formed with the channel opening portion, and a skin addition portion that is formed with a second thickness on an outside surface of the skin portion. A fabrication device of the catalyst unit may include a container, a masking member, and an elastic member, wherein plugging material flows through opened channels and does not contact the masking member. A manufacturing method of the catalyst unit may include covering the masking member and inserting plugging material into an opened channel. A channel corresponding to a dead zone is plugged and the catalyst coating layer is not formed in the plugged channels, thus reducing the cost of the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Sungmu Choi
  • Patent number: 9617897
    Abstract: A heat exchange device with combined functions in vehicles includes: a heat exchanger configured to be installed in an exhaust path of an engine and connected to a coolant heat exchanger circuit and an oil heat exchanger circuit; a bypass path configured to be connected to bypass the heat exchanger in the exhaust path; a recirculation path configured to be branched from the exhaust path to be connected to an intake system of the engine; a first control valve configured to control a flow path of exhaust gas between the exhaust path and the bypass path; a second control valve configured to control a flow path of the exhaust gas between the exhaust path and the recirculation path; and a third control valve configured to control the flow path of the exhaust gas between the bypass path and the recirculation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HANON SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Guillaume Hebert, Zbynek Stranak, Jiri Bazala
  • Patent number: 9617898
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine, wherein a hydrocarbon supply valve (15) and an exhaust gas purification catalyst (13) are disposed inside an engine exhaust gas passage. When an increase in the temperature of the exhaust gas purification catalyst (13) caused by hydrocarbons supplied from the hydrocarbon supply valve (15) is smaller than a predetermined increase amount, and a decrease in the pressure of fuel supplied to the hydrocarbon supply valve (15) when the hydrocarbons have been injected from the hydrocarbon supply valve (15) is larger than a predetermined decrease amount, the present invention determines that a blockage is occurring in a hydrocarbon injection channel (69) when the hydrocarbons have been injected from the hydrocarbon supply valve (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuki Bisaiji
  • Patent number: 9617899
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for a particulate matter sensor coupled to an exhaust system of an engine. One example method comprises, during a measurement mode, generating a particulate flow rate based on the sensor and adjusting one or more engine operating parameters based on the flow rate. The method further includes, during a reduced contamination mode, heating the sensor to repel particulate from the sensor, and not adjusting the one or more operating parameters based on the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: William Russell Goodwin
  • Patent number: 9617900
    Abstract: A deterioration diagnosis device for an exhaust gas purification apparatus which performs inducement processing when the internal combustion engine is operated at a lean air fuel ratio, measures, by means of air fuel ratio sensors, the air fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing into the SCR catalyst and the air fuel ratio of exhaust gas flowing out from the SCR catalyst during a period while the inducement processing is performed, and diagnoses deterioration of the SCR catalyst based on a difference between the measured values of these sensors, wherein an amount of hydrogen produced by each of a three-way catalyst and an NSR catalyst is estimated based on the deterioration degree thereof, and an air fuel ratio of exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine is feedback-controlled so that the air fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into one of the three-way catalyst and the NSR catalyst in which the hydrogen production amount thus estimated is larger than that in the other becomes a target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Hagiwara, Hirotaka Saitoh, Yasushi Iwazaki
  • Patent number: 9617901
    Abstract: An exhaust control device for an engine performs exhaust control of an exhaust system composed of exhaust pipes connected to a plurality of cylinders respectively and gathering to a collecting pipe. The exhaust control device includes at least two kinds of exhaust valves that perform the exhaust control at different parts in the exhaust system; and a single actuator that drives the exhaust valves to open and close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eiji Sasaki, Tomoaki Onagi, Yoshisato Inayama, Takanori Chino, Toshihiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9617902
    Abstract: An exhaust device for a combustion engine includes a collecting pipe to which downstream end portions of two exhaust pipes are connected. The downstream end portions of the exhaust pipes are aligned in a lateral direction perpendicular to an axial direction thereof. The downstream end portions of the exhaust pipes have insertion sections that are inserted into an upstream end portion of the collecting pipe. The upstream end portion of the collecting pipe has a cover section that covers the entirety of circumferences of the insertion sections. Outer circumferential surfaces of the insertion sections of the exhaust pipes and an inner circumferential surface of the cover section of the collecting pipe are joined over the entirety of circumferences thereof at a collecting pipe joining region. The collecting pipe joining region has a displacement portion having its position shifted in the axial direction C toward the lateral direction W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kiyohito Takano
  • Patent number: 9617903
    Abstract: A multi-layer joint insert is provided at one or more joints between an engine exhaust manifold and a component mounted by fasteners on the exhaust manifold, as well as between the component and the fastener heads/nuts, to reduce wear and failure at the one or more joints. The joint insert includes a first sheet metal layer having at least one fastener-receiving opening and a second sheet metal layer having at least one fastener-receiving opening, wherein the first and second sheet meal layers are joined by at least one connecting arrangement that permits relative sliding movement between the first and second sheet metal layers in response to thermally-induced movement at the one or more joints, thereby reducing wear and failure at the one or more joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ElringKlinger AG
    Inventors: Stephan Maier, Kristen Strasser
  • Patent number: 9617904
    Abstract: Self-cooled engine including a cylinder, a cylinder head and a turbo-piston which freely reciprocates inside the cylinder. The cylinder head has a valve that achieves circumferential suction of air-fuel mixture into the cylinder. The valve mechanism is closed and opened by cylindrical cam by means of cam shaft. Circumferential suction of air-fuel mixture enables the cylinder to cool itself and to burn the fuel at the energy center effectively. The force of incoming stream of air-fuel mixture rotates the impeller on the piston which acts as a fan to cool the cylinder walls. The impeller blades deflect the flame from reaching the cylinder walls and acts as a thermal barrier between the energy center and cylinder walls. The high intensity compression swirl (HICS) created at the end of the compression stroke to ensure that the fuel combustion is efficient and instantaneous release of maximum energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Anisun EcoTech Pvt Ltd.
    Inventor: Sundararajan Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 9617905
    Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery apparatus may include a bypass valve that is rotatably provided on a bypass path through which a high-temperature exhaust gas passes to open or close the bypass path, a heat exchanger that is communicatively connected to the bypass path to allow heat exchange to be performed between the high-temperature exhaust gas supplied from the bypass path and a low-temperature coolant introduced through a coolant inlet when the bypass path is closed, a valve actuator including a rod moved up and down by expansion or contraction of a wax sealed therein, and a connection part that converts an up and down motion of the rod into a rotary motion to allow the bypass valve to open or close the bypass path along with movement of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Sejong Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Ho Seon, Ho-Chan An, Jae-Yeon Kim, Tae-Yeong Byoen, Gyu-Jun Kim, Jin-Yong Kim
  • Patent number: 9617906
    Abstract: A coolant control valve of an engine may include a cylindrical valve in which a space is formed along a length directional center axis thereof, a first inlet through which a coolant flows being formed at one end of the cylindrical valve, an outlet being formed at an outer surface of the cylindrical valve in the space, a first convex surface and a second convex surface and a second inlet through which the coolant flows into the space being formed at the outer surface corresponding to a recess portion formed between the first convex surface and the second convex surface, a valve housing, a first inflow pipe transmitting the coolant to the space through the first inlet, a second inflow pipe transmitting the coolant to the space through the second inlet, and a driver provided at one side of the valve housing to rotate the cylindrical valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Philgi Lee
  • Patent number: 9617907
    Abstract: A system for controlling a flow rate of air into a vehicle engine compartment, may include a radiator cooling a coolant; a coolant inflow tank provided to one side of the radiator and temporarily storing the coolant that cools an engine; and a coolant exhaust tank provided to another side of the radiator and temporarily storing the coolant circulating past a cooling fin of the radiator from the coolant inflow tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jongwoo Nam, Hanshin Chung, Joonho Lee, Hyun Cho
  • Patent number: 9617908
    Abstract: A nozzle for a prechamber assembly of an engine includes a nozzle body which is hollow and includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and an orifice surface. The outer surface defines an outer orifice opening, and the inner surface defines an interior chamber and an inner orifice opening. The orifice surface defines an orifice passage extending between, and in communication with, the outer orifice opening and the inner orifice opening. The orifice passage is in communication with the interior chamber via the inner orifice opening. The nozzle body includes a coolant surface which defines a coolant passage within the nozzle body. The coolant surface includes an orifice interface portion disposed adjacent the orifice surface such that the orifice surface and the orifice interface portion of the coolant surface are in heat-transferring relationship with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Willi
  • Patent number: 9617909
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a condensate level in a charge air cooler. In one example, a method may include adjusting an air flow to a membrane in response to a condensate level in the charge air cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, John Hoard
  • Patent number: 9617910
    Abstract: A turbocharger includes a turbine impeller, a rotating shaft, a bearing housing, a turbine housing. The turbine housing includes a scroll passage and a second flange. The turbine housing has an outer surface provided with a recessed portion, the recessed portion is provided between the scroll passage and the second flange. The recessed portion is a depressed portion toward an inner surface of the turbine housing from the outer surface of the turbine housing. The bearing housing has a main passage. The second flange has an extending passage. The main passage is connected to the extending passage so as to constitute a first coolant passage. The turbine housing has a second coolant passage around the scroll passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Osamu Maeda
  • Patent number: 9617911
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine with an adjustable compression ratio has a switchover valve (10) for controlling hydraulic oil flow in chambers of an eccentric adjustment device. The switchover valve (10) has a switching element (12) and a sleeve-shaped connecting section (16) with a first bore (17) that connects to a first hydraulic line (18), a second bore (19) that connects to a second hydraulic line (20), and a venting bore (21) that connects to a vent (22). The switching element (12) can be displaced in the connecting section (16) between a first position (S1) where a groove in the switching element (12) connects the first hydraulic line (18) to the venting duct (22) or a second position (S2) where the groove (14) connects the second hydraulic line (20) to the venting duct (22). A pick-off element (30) extends through the connecting section (16) and interacts with the switching element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Paul
  • Patent number: 9617912
    Abstract: A multi-link engine is provided with an upper link, a lower link and a control link. The upper link is pivotally connected to a piston by a piston pin. The lower link is rotatably mounted on a crankpin of a crankshaft and connected to the upper link by an upper pin. The control link is rotatably connected to the lower link by a control pin and pivotally mounted on a pivot portion of a control shaft. The links are configured and arranged with respect to each other such that inertia forces of a prescribed second or higher order in terms of an engine rotational speed act on at least the upper link and the control link in a transverse direction of the engine with a sum of leftward and rightward inertia forces of the prescribed second or higher order being substantially zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuusuke Satou
  • Patent number: 9617913
    Abstract: Combustor maintenance assemblies, tools and methods for manipulating cross-fire tubes in combustor assemblies are provided. A tool includes a base and an arm pivotally connected to the base. The arm includes an effort portion and a load portion, the load portion extendable into a passage defined by the compressor discharge casing. The tool further includes a contact member extending from the load portion to contact the cross-fire tube. The contact member includes a head end for contacting a second end of the cross-fire tube, and a joint disposed between the head end and the load portion, the joint allowing movement of the head end relative to the load portion. The arm is movable such that the contact member contacts the cross-fire tube and applies a force to the cross-fire tube generally along a longitudinal axis of the cross-fire tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joshua Michael Oden, Ulrich Werner Neumann, John William Herbold
  • Patent number: 9617914
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of extraction passages configured to passively extract a portion of a gas flow from a downstream region of a gas flow path. The system includes a plurality of sensors respectively coupled to the plurality of extraction passages, wherein the plurality of sensors is configured to measure one or more parameters of the portion of the gas flow traversing the plurality of extraction passages. The system also includes a manifold coupled to the plurality of extraction passages, wherein the manifold is configured to receive the portion of the gas flow from the plurality of extraction passages. The system further includes a return passage coupled to the manifold, wherein the return passage is configured to passively provide the portion of the gas flow to an upstream region of the gas flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: General Electric Company, ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Karl Dean Minto, Douglas Frank Beadie
  • Patent number: 9617915
    Abstract: A method of operating a combined cycle power generating system to increase the operating flexibility of the plant. The method also includes operating a thermal storage unit in a heat storing mode and in a heat releasing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Gian Luigi Agostinelli, Andre Burdet, Michal Tadeusz Bialkowski
  • Patent number: 9617916
    Abstract: The gas turbine engine has a bleed air aperture formed in the radially outer wall upstream from the combustor and a bearing cavity formed within the radially inner wall, at least two bearing seals enclosing at least one bearing in the bearing cavity and separating the bearing cavity from associated buffer air entry points, an oil supply system including oil paths leading to each of the bearings; a buffer air supply system including buffer air paths leading to each of the entry points and a baffle partitioning one of the entry points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Pierre-Yves Légaré, Alessandro Ciampa, Michel Labbé
  • Patent number: 9617917
    Abstract: A flow control assembly for controlling cooling flow of a turbine engine is provided. The flow control assembly includes a first flow control device having a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall is coupled to a compressor vane and is configured to define a first flow path from a compressor to a turbine vane. The second sidewall is coupled to a compressor vane and is configured to define a second flow path from the compressor to a turbine blade. A second flow control device is coupled to the compressor and includes an orifice device coupled to the compressor vane and a meter device coupled to the orifice, wherein the orifice is configured to direct a cooling flow to the meter device. A controller is configured to control the meter device to facilitate regulating the cooling flow into at least one of the first flow path and the second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Corey Bourassa, William Dwight Gerstler, Bruce Philip Biederman
  • Patent number: 9617918
    Abstract: An active vibration control actuator mount including at least one actuator bracket having an actuator interface member configured to hold one or more active vibration element thereon in one or more predetermined orientations, and an engine mounting structure interface member connected to the actuator interface member, the engine mounting structure interface member being configured to couple the at least one actuator bracket to an engine mounting structure, wherein the at least one actuator bracket is configured for the installation and removal of a respective active vibration element to and from the actuator interface member while a respective one of the at least one actuator bracket remains coupled to the engine mounting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Hamid Jamshidiat, Michael D. Jones, Laila M. Elias
  • Patent number: 9617919
    Abstract: A valve includes a valve housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet with a longitudinal axis defined through the valve housing. The valve also includes a toggle mechanism configured and adapted to cycle flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet through a plurality of different flow rates in response to repeated impulses. The toggle mechanism is also configured to hold flow rate steady between impulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Delavan Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon P. Williams, Neal A. Thomson
  • Patent number: 9617920
    Abstract: A nozzle guide vane support arrangement including a platform portion of a nozzle guide vane at a trailing edge is provided, the platform portion having a platform wall including a first platform wall portion and a second platform wall portion. A working fluid interaction surface and a cooling surface at least partly limit an inner cavity of the platform portion in which a cooling fluid is leadable. The second platform wall is connected to the first platform wall at an axial downsealing arrangement and gas turbinesealing arrangement for a nozzle guide vane and gas turbinestream end of the platform portion. A first surface of the second platform wall limits the inner cavity, and a support structure including a seal arranged in a recess between the support structure and a second surface of the second wall to reduce cooling liquid leakage from the inner cavity to a space downstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Paul Headland
  • Patent number: 9617921
    Abstract: A thermal actuator is provided and includes an expansion material disposed and configured to move a movable element from a first movable element position toward a second movable element position in accordance with an expansion condition of the expansion material. The expansion material includes an inorganic salt mixture or a metal oxide mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Pramod Kumar Biyani, Larry Neil Lewis, Carlos Miguel Miranda, Slawomir Rubinsztajn, Stanley Frank Simpson
  • Patent number: 9617922
    Abstract: A jet engine actuation system includes a first ring gearbox, a second ring gearbox and an actuator. The first ring gearbox includes a first ring driveshaft coupled to a first portion of a synchronization ring included in a jet engine. The second ring gear box includes a second ring drive shaft coupled to a second portion of the synchronization ring. The actuator has a first actuator gearbox configured to generate a first rotational output and a second actuator gearbox configured to generate a second rotational output. A first drive shaft transfers the first rotational output to the first ring gearbox and a second drive shaft transfers the second rotational output to the second ring gearbox. The actuator simultaneously controls the first and second actuator gearboxes such that the first and second rotational outputs are simultaneously transferred to the first and second ring gearboxes to rotate the synchronization ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Floyd Richard Emmons
  • Patent number: 9617923
    Abstract: An engine fuel control system includes a fuel metering valve that controls the flow of fuel between supply and delivery lines which delivers fuel to engine burners. The fuel control system includes a fixed displacement main pump which receives fuel from a low pressure source and delivers the fuel at a first high pressure to the supply line, an augmenter pump which receives fuel from the low pressure source and delivers the fuel at a second high pressure to one or more fuel-pressure operated auxiliary engine devices, and a start valve which is actuated at low engine speeds to open a flow path which diverts fuel delivered by the augmenter pump away from the auxiliary engine devices to the supply line to augment the fuel delivered thereto by the main pump, the start valve being actuated at higher engine speeds to shut the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE CONTROLS AND DATA SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventor: Michael Griffiths
  • Patent number: 9617924
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve assembly and, more particularly, to a valve assembly which has a simple configuration to return a valve from an open or closed position to an initially-set position when the supply of electric power to a drive motor which controls the open ratio of the valve is shut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI KEFICO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yong-Soon Park
  • Patent number: 9617925
    Abstract: A control method using a continuous variable valve duration apparatus may use a continuous variable valve duration apparatus including a wheel being mounted on a camshaft and having a wheel key to control duration of an intake valve of an engine, a cam device having a cam and a cam key, being adapted that the camshaft is inserted thereinto, and being disposed to can vary relative phase of the cam with respect to the camshaft, an inner bracket being connected with the wheel key and the cam key, a slider housing being adapted that the inner bracket is rotatably inserted thereinto and being disposed to can move vertically with respect to the engine, a controller varying a position of the slider housing to adjust rotation center of the inner bracket, and guide device guiding motion of the sliding housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Kiyoung Kwon, Ingee Suh, Kyoung Pyo Ha, In Sang Ryu, Back Sik Kim