Patents Issued in August 22, 2017
  • Patent number: 9739177
    Abstract: The invention refers to a rotary flow machine having a rotor unit, rotating about a rotational axis, around which in at least one partial axial area a stationary inner housing (IH) is provided at a radial distance. The stationary inner housing (IH) can be divided up along the rotational axis in an upper and a lower inner housing half which adjoin each other along a horizontal split plane. The inner housing (IH) is surrounded in at least one axial section by an outer housing (OH) which can be divided up along the rotational axis in one upper and one lower outer housing half. Further a method for disassembling of a rotary flow machine is disclosed. The lower inner housing half provides support means which support the inner lower housing half on the lower outer housing half. The support means are detachably mounted at the lower inner housing half at least at two opposite support positions (P1, P2) relative to the rotational axis along the split plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: ANSALDO ENERGIA SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Martin Schaefer, Marc Rauch, Tobias Steffen, Daniel Seng
  • Patent number: 9739178
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steam Rankine cycle plant and a method for operating thereof. The plant comprises a higher-pressure steam turbine with an outlet and a reheater fluidly connected to the higher-pressure steam turbine. In addition, the plant has a lower-pressure steam turbine with an inlet that is fluidly connected to the reheater. The plant also has a bypass that is fluidly connecting the outlet and the inlet so as to bypass the reheater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Maurus Herzog, Suman Ray
  • Patent number: 9739179
    Abstract: A working fluid (6) for a device (4) for converting heat into mechanical energy is disclosed. The working fluid (6) comprises a fluid (7) having a boiling temperature in the range between 30 and 250° C. at a pressure of 1 bar and nanoparticles (8) which are dispersed or suspended in the liquid phase of the fluid (7). Said nanoparticles (8) are instrumented as condensation and/or boiling nuclei and the surface of said nanoparticles (8) is adapted to support condensation and/or boiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Burg, Bruno Michel, Stephan Paredes
  • Patent number: 9739180
    Abstract: A camshaft-drive tensioner system is disclosed for an internal combustion engine having a camshaft-drive element. The camshaft-drive tensioner system includes a tensioner configured to be energized by a pressurized fluid in order to apply a force to the camshaft-drive element. The camshaft-drive tensioner system also includes a fluid pump configured to supply the pressurized fluid. The camshaft-drive tensioner system additionally includes a controller configured to regulate either volume or pressure of the fluid supplied to the tensioner by the fluid pump to thereby selectively vary the force applied to the camshaft-drive element. An internal combustion engine having such a camshaft-drive tensioner system and a method of selectively varying a force applied to the camshaft-drive element are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Thomas A. Spix
  • Patent number: 9739181
    Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster having a reduced number of elements, yet capable of suppressing air from infusing into a high-pressure chamber. A plunger is fitted in a body. A reservoir is formed in the plunger. The plunger's head portion is formed with a communication hole for communicating its interior with its exterior. A high-pressure chamber is disposed and between the plunger and the body. An oil supply hole is formed in the peripheral wall of the plunger. A return spring is provided between the body and the plunger. A valve mechanism is provided at the plunger's bottom. Provided on the inner periphery of the plunger is an inclined area, subjected to impingement of oil jet ji and serving as an impingement area, such that the impingement area is inclined to fall in the direction of the ejected oil as the area nears the plunger's head portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: NITTAN VALVE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ozawa
  • Patent number: 9739182
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve for a cam phaser including a pressure balanced hollow piston that is arranged axially movable, wherein the hollow piston at its end oriented towards the pressure medium connection includes a first piston section with a first small outer diameter, and adjacent to the first piston section a second piston section with a second large outer diameter, and a third piston section with a third medium outer diameter, wherein the hollow piston includes a respective pressure surface for pressure compensation at the first piston section and at the third piston section which are respectively loadable with an axial force that is oriented away from the pressure medium connection when the hollow piston is loaded with pressure, wherein a resultant force of the axial forces impacts the hollow piston, and another pressure surface is provided at the second piston section of the hollow piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Hilite Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Dietmar Schulze
  • Patent number: 9739183
    Abstract: A continuous variable valve duration system may include a camshaft, a cam portion having a cam is formed thereto. The camshaft is inserted to the cam portion such that a relative phase angle with respect to the camshaft is variable. The camp portion has a cam cap engaging portion, and an inner bracket transmits rotation of the camshaft to the cam portion. A slider housing has the inner bracket rotatably inserted thereto, of which relative position with respect to the camshaft is variable, and of which a control slot is formed. Cam caps rotatably mount the cam cap engaging portion to a cylinder head, and a control portion comprising an eccentric control shaft inserted into the control slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: You Sang Son, Kyoung Pyo Ha, Back Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 9739184
    Abstract: Start-up of an internal combustion engine comprises maintaining one or more engine valves in an engine cylinder in a continuously open state for more than one engine cycle during engine cranking. When it is determined that an engine parameter or transmission oil pressure has reached a predetermined value, maintenance of the one or more engine valves in the continuously open state is discontinued and fuel is subsequently provided to the engine cylinder for engine start-up. In various embodiments, the engine parameter may comprise an engine temperature parameter, an engine pressure parameter or an engine electrical parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Michael Gron, Jr., Justin Damien Baltrucki, Neil Fuchs, John J. Lester
  • Patent number: 9739185
    Abstract: A supply pump includes a housing that has a tappet receiving chamber, which receives a plunger drive mechanism, and oil for lubricating respective lubricating portions of the plunger drive mechanism is temporarily retained in the tappet receiving chamber. In the housing, a communication hole opens in an inner peripheral wall surface of a tappet guide and guides the oil from a tappet upper side chamber into a tappet lower side chamber at the time of upwardly moving a tappet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akihiro Kuroda
  • Patent number: 9739186
    Abstract: Engine lubrication systems and methods of manufacturing and implementing engine lubrication systems and methods. In particular embodiments, an engine system includes an internal combustion engine lubrication system that utilizes a stacked configuration of a through-bolted engine to pattern around through-bolts and utilizes substantially hollow bulkheads to define a central high-pressure lubrication reservoir that minimizes lube system pressure while maintaining pressure at the extremities of the lubrication circuit. Available space is utilized within the bulkheads to provide a lubrication drainage restriction for reducing lubrication losses at engine shut-down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Barnes
  • Patent number: 9739187
    Abstract: A water recovery device includes: an exhaust gas pipe that is connected to a combustion device; a water generation unit that generates water by cooling exhaust gas in the exhaust gas pipe to condense water vapor in the exhaust gas; and a water container that stores water generated by the water generation unit. The water generation unit includes: an acoustic-wave generator that generates acoustic waves by absorbing heat from the exhaust gas pipe and giving the heat to working fluid, which transmits acoustic waves by oscillating, to cause the working fluid to oscillate; a transmission pipe that is internally filled with the working fluid and transmits acoustic waves generated by the acoustic-wave generator; and a cold-heat generator that generates cold heat to supply the cold heat to the exhaust gas pipe by receiving acoustic waves transmitted through the transmission pipe and giving heat to the acoustic waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Miyairi, Shinichi Miwa
  • Patent number: 9739188
    Abstract: An object in mounting an engine on an exhaust gas purifier is to ensure the coupling strength between the engine and a hanger and to balance the whole engine at the time of lifting while avoiding interference between the exhaust gas purifier and the hanger. An engine apparatus includes an exhaust gas purifier configured to purify exhaust gas from the engine. The exhaust gas purifier is mounted on the engine through a mounting base. A lower end of the hanger, which is configured to lift the engine, is fastened to the mounting base. An upper end of the hanger is extended along an outer periphery of the exhaust gas purifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinya Fukuyoshi
  • Patent number: 9739189
    Abstract: A metering valve having a valve housing, a channel, a valve body that can be moved in order to open and close the metering valve, and a spring, which applies a spring force to the valve body and thus keeps the valve body in a rest position. The spring is supported on at least one calibration body. The valve body, the spring, and the at least one calibration body are arranged in the channel, and the at least one calibration body is supported by a supporting component fastened in the valve housing by a material-bonding connection. A segment of the supporting component protrudes from the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Gottfried Wilhelm Haesemann
  • Patent number: 9739190
    Abstract: An exhaust system for a lean-burn internal combustion engine is described, and includes an injection system for injecting reductant into an exhaust gas feedstream upstream of a selective catalytic reduction device (SCR). A control method for controlling the injection system includes determining an upstream NOx gas concentration upstream of the SCR device, determining a measured downstream NOx gas concentration based upon a signal output from a sensor configured to monitor NOx gas concentration downstream of the SCR device, and determining an estimated downstream NOx gas concentration based upon an executable model. A first correlation between the upstream NOx gas concentration and the measured downstream NOx gas concentration is determined, and a second correlation between the upstream NOx gas concentration and the estimated downstream NOx gas concentration is determined. The reductant injection is controlled based upon the first and second correlations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shifang Li, Min Sun, Kevin Andrew Gady, Raffaello Ardanese, Giuseppe Mazzara Bologna
  • Patent number: 9739191
    Abstract: A cooling water control apparatus has a setting device which sets a target heat amount line such that a condition where a transferred heat amount which is transferred to a heater core is equal to a required heat amount which is required by the heater core is satisfied at a desired time point at which the transferred heat amount starts to be actually used, the target heat amount line representing a successive target value of the transferred heat amount during a period until the desired time point; and a first controlling device which makes a cooling water circulate in a first pipe, stops the circulation of the cooling water in a second pipe and adjusts an output of an engine such that the transferred heat amount follows the target heat amount line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takashi Amano
  • Patent number: 9739192
    Abstract: A nozzle for a prechamber assembly of an engine includes a nozzle body. The nozzle body is hollow and includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The outer surface defines an outer opening, and the inner surface defines an interior chamber and an inner opening. The nozzle body includes an orifice surface which defines an orifice passage extending between, and in communication with, the outer and inner openings. The orifice passage is in communication with the interior chamber via the inner opening. The orifice surface is continuously curved. The inner surface of the nozzle body can include a groove surface that is contiguous with the orifice surface. The groove surface defines an orifice groove in communication with the interior chamber and with the orifice passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Willi
  • Patent number: 9739193
    Abstract: An igniter system for a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine having one or more cylinders including at least one igniter per cylinder is disclosed. The igniter system can comprise: a combustion chamber connected to a main cylinder of the engine by a restricted diameter bore, wherein a lean burn fuel mixture is introduced into the combustion chamber by the normal compression stroke of the engine; a hydrogen valve that injects a hydrogen rich gas into the combustion chamber forming a mixture of hydrogen and air having a hydrogen concentration above the stoichiometric ratio for hydrogen and air in the combustion chamber; and a spark ignition source that injects hot unburned hydrogen into the main cylinder, thereby initiating ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: V-GRID Energy Systems
    Inventor: Michael Cheiky
  • Patent number: 9739194
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a charge air cooling system of an engine. In one example, a turbocharger arrangement includes an internal combustion engine, a turbocharger for supercharging the internal combustion engine, a charge-air intercooler located in an intake tract between the turbocharger and the internal combustion engine, and an auxiliary cooling system including a first feed line for supplying a first coolant to the charge-air intercooler, the first feed line positioned upstream of the charge-air intercooler and downstream of a cooling element, the first feed line including a heat recovery element. The heat recovery element may exchange heat between the first coolant and a heat transfer medium, the heat transfer medium including one of engine coolant or exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Kuske, Franz Arnd Sommerhoff, Hans Guenter Quix
  • Patent number: 9739195
    Abstract: A system for increasing air flow across a heat exchanger of a vehicle is described. In one particular example, the system comprises a charge-air cooler coupled via upper and lower brackets to a vehicle body, and an axial dual fan connected to the upper and lower brackets via one or more isolators. With this arrangement, the cooling system described allows for vehicle performance to be enhanced while also increasing the durability and robustness of the system and reducing the noise produced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Hayes, Jim Tyler, Yan Pan, Garrett Michael O'Donohue, Saulo Da Cortes Cervantes
  • Patent number: 9739196
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a variable compression ratio internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system can include a plurality of hollow head bolts for coupling the cylinder head and block of an internal combustion engine. The system can also include a plurality of control bolts disposed through the hollow head bolts to enable vertical movement of the engine components (i.e., in the y-axis), while reducing, or eliminating, unwanted movement and stresses in other directions. A number of mechanisms can be used to move the cylinder head/block assembly, including a rack and pinion, a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, and a gear drive. The compression ratio can be varied continuously during use and can be included in an overall engine management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Scott Blackstock
  • Patent number: 9739197
    Abstract: A method for monitoring cold start of Brayton cycle power generation system comprises: measuring an ambient temperature to obtain a Brayton cycle predetermined operating line of a working fluid, parameter values and calculated values of three monitoring points of the Brayton cycle predetermined operating line, and a position of a saturation curve of the working fluid according to the ambient temperature and a LUT; starting the cold start, continuously measuring the parameter values of the three monitoring points, and meanwhile continuously recording and displaying moving trajectories of the parameter values and the calculated values of the three monitoring points; after the parameter values and the calculated values of the three monitoring points are close to the default values, operating the Brayton cycle power generation system for a predetermined time; and ending the cold start, to enter a stable operating state of the Brayton cycle power generation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: METAL INDUSTRIES RESEARCH&DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
    Inventors: Sheng-Chung Yang, Kou-Cheng Lee, Ho-Chung Fu
  • Patent number: 9739198
    Abstract: Oil and fuel circuits in a turbine engine, the circuits including a main oil/fuel heat exchanger passing flows of oil and fuel for cooling the oil, an oil/air heat exchanger mounted in the oil circuit and having a flow of cooling air passing therethrough, a bypass pipe connected between an oil inlet and outlet of the oil/air heat exchanger, a valve for controlling passage of the oil flow through the bypass pipe and the oil/air heat exchanger, and a secondary oil/fuel heat exchanger mounted in the bypass pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Sebastien Gameiro, Olivier Robert Michel Delepierre-Massue
  • Patent number: 9739199
    Abstract: A control system for a gas turbine includes a controller. The controller includes a processor configured to access an operational parameter associated with the gas turbine. The processor is configured to calculate a bias based on the operational parameter, wherein the bias indicates an amount of change in a temperature of an oxidant entering a compressor of the turbine to reach a reference temperature. The processor is further configured to control the temperature of the oxidant based on the bias to improve power output of the gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Daniel Aaron Kessler, Christopher Hung Vu, Veronica Elizabeth Vela
  • Patent number: 9739200
    Abstract: A cooling system for an aircraft includes an air intake, a heat exchanger configured to receive air passing into the air intake when the aircraft is operating at Mach speed, and configured to receive compressed refrigerant from a first compressor at a first pressure, an evaporator positioned within the aircraft and configured to receive heated air from a compartment within the aircraft, at least one of an expansion device and an expansion machine, and the compressed refrigerant rejects heat in the heat exchanger to the air, expands in the at least one of the expansion device and the expansion machine, and receives heat in the evaporator from the heated air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Igor Vaisman
  • Patent number: 9739201
    Abstract: A wake reducing structure for a turbine system includes a combustor liner having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a combustor chamber. Also included is an airflow path located along the outer surface of the combustor liner. Further included is a wake generating component disposed in the airflow path and proximate the combustor liner, wherein the wake generating component generates a wake region located downstream of the wake generating component. Yet further included is an airfoil at least partially disposed in the wake region, the airfoil comprising at least one airfoil hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Chandrasekhar Pushkaran, Nishant Govindbhai Parsania, Arjun Singh
  • Patent number: 9739202
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle for use in a gas turbine engine is provided. The fuel nozzle has a fuel nozzle tip with an outer tip housing. The tip housing has a recess formed at an inner surface of the tip housing. A shim is disposed within the recess and a surface of the shim contacts a diaphragm of the fuel nozzle tip. A thermal adjustment member is disposed within the recess against the shim. The tip housing, diaphragm and shim are formed of a base material having a coefficient of thermal expansion (?1) and the thermal adjustment member is formed of a different material having a coefficient of thermal expansion (?2) higher than the coefficient of thermal expansion (?1) of the base material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel K. Vetters
  • Patent number: 9739203
    Abstract: A fuel metering valve includes a main flow path extending axially between an inlet and an outlet. Also included is a plunger disposed around a portion of a plunger guide, the plunger and the plunger guide configured to translate between an open position and a closed position to selectively distribute a fuel flowing through the main flow path to the outlet of the fuel metering valve. Further included is a solenoid coil disposed between a solenoid outer body and a solenoid inner body, the solenoid coil configured to magnetically attract the plunger to the open position. Yet further included is a secondary flow path for routing a stagnant volume of fuel upon translation of the plunger from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Francis P. Marocchini, Russell P. Rourke, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9739204
    Abstract: A gas turbine igniter includes an igniter rod disposed within a guide tube configured for travel between a hot-end region and a cold-end region and a cap connected to the guide tube, the cap defining an access passageway for the igniter rod. An attachment structure is provided for reducing the moment loading at the cold end of the igniter rod. The attachment structure has threaded outer surface configured to engage in a threaded connection with a threaded inner surface of the cap in an end portion of the cap that is proximate to the cold-end region, whereby the attachment structure is attachable to the end portion of the cap via the threaded connection. An inner surface of the attachment structure forms a guide surface for the igniter rod, at a reduced radial clearance with the igniter rod in comparison to the cap, proximate to the cold-end region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Derek A. Bird
  • Patent number: 9739205
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes a drive turbine configured to drive a fan section, a combustor section located axially upstream of the drive turbine, and a speed change mechanism located axially downstream of the combustor section and axially upstream of the drive turbine. An output of the speed change mechanism connects to the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frederick M. Schwarz, Gabriel L. Suciu
  • Patent number: 9739206
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a very high speed low pressure turbine such that a quantity defined by the exit area of the low pressure turbine multiplied by the square of the low pressure turbine rotational speed compared to the same parameters for the high pressure turbine is at a ratio between about 0.5 and about 1.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David P. Houston, Daniel Bernard Kupratis, Frederick M. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 9739207
    Abstract: The invention concerns an aircraft propulsion control system in which a gas turbine engine has an actuable flow opening for control of flow to or from a portion of the engine. One or more sensor is arranged to sense a condition indicative of vapor trail formation by the exhaust flow from the engine. A controller is arranged to control actuation of the flow opening so as to reduce the efficiency of the engine upon sensing of said condition by the one or more sensor. In one example, the flow opening is a variable area fan nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Malcolm Hillel, Peter Swann, Andrew Martin Rolt, Paul Fletcher
  • Patent number: 9739208
    Abstract: An engine fuel control system is provided, including a supply line for the supply of fuel to a fuel metering valve which controls the flow of fuel to burners of an engine. Fuel is delivered at a first high pressure to the supply line by a pump arrangement. The engine fuel control system includes a restrictor located in the supply line for passage of the fuel delivered by the pump arrangement therethrough. The restrictor is configured such that fuel exiting the restrictor for onward supply to the fuel metering valve is at a second high pressure which is lower than the first high pressure. The engine fuel control system includes pressure limiting valves which actuate when the pressure difference between the first high and low pressure reaches a predetermined level to open a flow path for fuel on the supply line to by-pass the restrictor, thereby limiting the pressure difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Michael Griffiths, Roger Southeran
  • Patent number: 9739209
    Abstract: A method for operating a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The fuel injection system comprises a high pressure accumulator (rail) and a high-pressure fuel pump with a digital inlet valve and which guides fuel into the high pressure accumulator. The number of the control pulses for the digital inlet valve and thus the number of the pump delivery strokes is reduced with respect to the number of the injection steps of an injector of the injection system, in order to thereby reduce the noise and the energy consumption of the high-pressure pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Hans Riepl, Tobias Ritsch
  • Patent number: 9739210
    Abstract: An engine including a motorized throttle valve that can implement mutually neighboring disposition of a throttle body and a cylinder head and can implement a good opening and closing responsibility thereof. A swelling portion is formed on a side wall of a valve chamber in such a manner so as to bite between those of throttle bodies which neighbor with each other in order to accept a protrusion of part of a valve system in a radial direction of first and second camshafts. An electric motor is disposed at one side of the group of the throttle bodies. A speed reduction mechanism, for transmitting output power of the electric motor to a valve shaft, is disposed between those throttle bodies, which neighbor with each other at a different location in the group of the throttle bodies, in a neighboring relationship with the valve chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kontani, Hiroyuki Sugiura
  • Patent number: 9739211
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an intake variable lift amount mechanism that changes a maximum lift amount and valve-open period of an intake valve, and an exhaust variable lift amount mechanism that changes a maximum lift amount and valve-open period of an exhaust valve. A control unit executes a process to increase the valve-open period of the intake valve and reduce the valve-open period of the exhaust valve, when idling with a temperature of the internal combustion engine that is equal to or higher than a reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaru Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9739212
    Abstract: In one aspect, a skip fire engine controller is described. The skip fire engine controller includes a skip fire module arranged to determine an operational firing fraction and associated cylinder load for delivering a desired engine output. The skip fire engine controller also includes a firing controller arranged to direct firings in a skip fire manner that delivers the selected operational firing fraction. Various methods, modules, lookup tables and arrangements related to the selection of a suitable operational firing fraction are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay Srinivasan, Louis J. Serrano
  • Patent number: 9739213
    Abstract: A system and methods are described for a turbocharged engine, comprising powering the engine using a first operating cylinder, supplementing the power using a second switchable cylinder, deactivating the second switchable cylinder responsive to a load below a first threshold, and closing a first shut-off valve downstream of a compressor during the partial deactivation to prevent a first turbocharger from imparting a delivery action into a second compressor during the partial deactivation. Embodiments are further described wherein a bypass line in a second exhaust line further serves as a short-circuit line to prevent the second compressor from imparting a delivery action against the closed first shut-off valve. A variable valve timing is then included to further optimize the combustion process during the partial deactivation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joerg Kemmerling, Franz Arnd Sommerhoff, Andreas Kuske, Vanco Smiljanovski, Helmut Matthias Kindl, Werner Willems, Claudia Katharina Herudek, Michael Forsting, Bas Lambertus van den Heuvel, Wilbert Hemink, Claudia Conee, Richard Fritsche
  • Patent number: 9739214
    Abstract: A combination lever for a carburetor is an integrated shutoff lever and fuel valve. The combination lever includes a longitudinal portion for a handle and a cylindrical portion including a fuel path for the fuel valve. A carburetor casing is shaped to form a valve chamber and a carburetor chamber. The valve chamber supports the cylindrical portion. A directional cavity formed in the cylindrical portion of the combination lever regulates a flow of fuel to the carburetor chamber according to a rotation of the combination lever. At one position the directional cavity opens the fuel path so that fuel flows into the carburetor chamber. At another position the directional cavity closes the fuel path so that the flow of fuel is blocked. The combination lever may also include an abutment portion to engage a switch for completing an electrical shutoff path to an engine coupled to the carburetor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Kohler, Co.
    Inventors: Chris Mitchell, Gary Stenz, Daniel F. Krueger
  • Patent number: 9739215
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system in a hybrid vehicle using an intrusive monitor include adjusting EGR flow through an EGR valve based on an average pressure difference between pressure measured from a manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor and inferred pressure determined from mass air flow (MAF) into an intake of an engine when engine speed, throttle and camshaft timing position change is below a corresponding threshold. The measured pressure and inferred pressure are determined when the EGR valve is in a closed position and an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Richard Paul Taylor, Freeman Gates
  • Patent number: 9739216
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for regulating the injection of fuel into a heat engine of a generator set including an alternator driven by the heat engine, the alternator including a voltage regulator, the heat engine including a speed regulator having an inlet that can receive an external speed setpoint, the method including the following steps: detecting a variation in torque and kinetic energy from electrical measurements on the alternator, carrying out an action on the input of the setpoint of the voltage regulator and/or the speed regulator, on the basis of the magnitude of the variation in torque relative to the kinetic energy level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: MOTEURS LEROY-SOMER
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Andrejak, Samuel Moser, Patrice Betge
  • Patent number: 9739217
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for adjusting the operation of an internal combustion engine comprising: determining a gradient of an overrun-air line based on an ambient condition and a current operating point; determining a value for a cylinder air mass situated in a cylinder after closure of the gas exchange valves; and using the determined cylinder air mass to adjust one or more operating parameters of the internal combustion engine. The overrun-air line may correspond to an air mass situated in the respective cylinder after closure of the gas exchange valves at predefined operating temperature for the engine, when the engine is operated briefly without fuel metering and combustion. Determining a cylinder air mass may be based at least in part on the current operating point and the current ambient value of the at least one ambient variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Burkhardt, Markus Roth, Joerg Mickeleit
  • Patent number: 9739218
    Abstract: A throttle drive actuator for an engine includes a first magnet and a second magnet positioned adjacent the first magnet. The north pole of the second magnet is positioned opposite the south pole of the first magnet to create a first magnetic field, and the south pole of the second magnet is positioned opposite the north pole of the first magnet to create a second magnetic field. A direction of the second magnetic field is directed opposite a direction of the first magnetic field. An armature is positioned between the first magnet and the second magnet, the armature including windings. The armature rotates between the first magnet and the second magnet when the windings are energized, and the armature rotates a valve of a throttle body of the engine, to open a close an air passage of the throttle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Martin L. Radue, William D. Koenigs
  • Patent number: 9739219
    Abstract: A supercharger and a turbocharger are provided, as well as a load sensor detecting a traction load of a trailer towed by a semi-trailer and being arranged in a coupler. A combined supercharging and turbocharging is performed by the supercharger and the turbocharger when the traction load is heavier than a previously defined traction determination value. Only supercharging is performed by the turbocharger when the traction load is not more than the traction determination value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventor: Hikaru Itoh
  • Patent number: 9739220
    Abstract: A vehicle drive control device in a vehicle including an engine comprising a throttle valve and a supercharger with an air bypass valve changed from a closing side to an opening side when a closing speed of the throttle valve is higher than a speed determination value, the vehicle drive control device providing a torque-down control of the engine by operating the throttle valve to a closing side, wherein at the time of provision of the torque-down control of the engine in which the throttle valve is operated to the closing side when a rotation speed of the engine is equal to or greater than a predetermined rotation speed and a speed ratio of a torque converter is equal to or less than a predetermined value in a supercharged state, the throttle valve is caused to perform a closing operation at the closing speed lower than the speed determination value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Wataru Matsubara, Hiroya Fujiwara, Akira Hino, Shuhei Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 9739221
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a boosted engine having a split exhaust system. In one example, a method comprises directing exhaust from a first cylinder group to one or more of a pre-compressor location, a post-compressor location, and an exhaust turbine, and directing exhaust from a second cylinder group to one or more of the pre-compressor location, and the exhaust turbine. Engine efficiency and knock control may be enhanced by directing exhaust gases to different locations based on engine operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Paul Madison, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Patent number: 9739222
    Abstract: A method for controlling torque intervention of a hybrid electric vehicle during a shift includes judging whether or not torque intervention control is necessary, determining a torque intervention demand according to states of a motor and an HSG, upon judging that torque intervention control is necessary, and executing torque intervention control by HSG and motor torque reduction amounts under the condition that engine torque is maximally maintained based on the determined torque intervention demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Dong Jun Shin, Jee Wook Huh
  • Patent number: 9739223
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an emission control device for an engine system including a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) and bypass passage for the GPF. In one example, the system may include a converging cone to direct exhaust flow through a central bypass passage, housing a valve, which originates upstream of the GPF and eventually passes through the center of it (thereby bypassing the GPF). In another example exhaust flow may travel through outer passages, coupled between the converging cone and GPF and spaced around the central bypass passage, to travel to the GPF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James David Pakko, Mark Kreger, Jimmy Theis
  • Patent number: 9739224
    Abstract: A turbocharger-equipped internal combustion engine includes an exhaust turbine, an exhaust filter, a differential pressure detector, an atmospheric pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to control the internal combustion engine such that accumulation amount of a particulate matter in the exhaust filter is regulated. The electronic control unit is configured to control the internal combustion engine such that the accumulation amount of the particulate matter in the exhaust filter is increased, when the pressure difference detected by the differential pressure detector is a lower limit or less. The electronic control unit is configured to set the lower limit such that the lower limit becomes a higher value as the atmospheric pressure detected by the atmospheric pressure sensor becomes lower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomoko Yamada, Kazushiro Fujimura, Tomohiko Matsushita, Hirohiko Oota
  • Patent number: 9739225
    Abstract: The control system of an internal combustion engine performs normal operation control including lean control for making the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust purification catalyst a lean air-fuel ratio, and rich control for making the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust purification catalyst a rich air-fuel ratio. The normal operation control includes judgment reference decreasing control decreasing the judgment reference storage amount in the lean control when during the time period of performing the lean control, the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing out from the exhaust purification catalyst becomes the lean judged air-fuel ratio or more. The control system judges that the exhaust purification catalyst is abnormal when the judgment reference storage amount becomes less than a deterioration judgment value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norihisa Nakagawa, Shuntaro Okazaki, Yuji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9739226
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a park assist system, a passenger detection system configured to detect at least one passenger, and a processing device. The processing device initiates a shutdown sequence when no passengers are present in the vehicle. The shutdown sequence includes commanding the park assist system to park the vehicle and turning off the engine after the vehicle is parked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shane Elwart, Walter Joseph Talamonti