Exhaust Throttling Or Blocking Patents (Class 123/323)
  • Publication number: 20130104841
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an exhaust brake of a vehicle may measure rotation speed (RPM) of an engine, transmit the rotation speed of the engine to a control unit, determine an opening of a valve which opens/closes an exhaust pipe of the engine in the control unit based on the rotation speed of the engine to maintain the back pressure of exhaust gas generated by the exhaust brake to be constant, and control the valve according to the valve opening determined by the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jong Yun Jeong
  • Patent number: 8424507
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission associated with the engine, and an engine retarder having a deactivated state and an activated state. The engine retarder is configured to provide a retarding torque to the engine in the activated state. The vehicle also includes a fan associated with the engine. The fan is configured to be activated in response to a selection of a transmission gear ratio greater than or equal to a threshold gear ratio while the engine retarder is in the activated state. The fan assists in providing additional retarding torque to the engine while activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John Thomas Reedy
  • Patent number: 8423261
    Abstract: In a method and a system for controlling the Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) of a combustion engine during up-gear shift, the VTG is opened based on a prediction when exhaust gas pressure is stabilized. During up-gear shift the VTG is closed to a closed position (301) to build an exhaust gas pressure and reduce engine speed, and a parameter from which the engine acceleration can be deduced is recorded. The VTG is determined to be opened to an open positioning response to the recorded parameter and a target engine speed of the up-gear shift (303), and the VTG is opened at a time corresponding to said determination to reduce the exhaust gas pressure (305). Hereby the up-gear shift can be made in a short time and at smooth operational conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Scania CV AB (Publ)
    Inventors: Fredrik Swartling, Mikael Hanson
  • Publication number: 20130061829
    Abstract: A fixed chain engine braking device includes a brake box, a driving mechanism and a braking mechanism. One upright blind hole and one horizontal blind hole are placed in the brake box, and the upright blind hole intersects the horizontal blind hole orthogonally. The driving mechanism includes a rolling ball and/or a driving piston placed in the horizontal blind hole, the braking mechanism includes a braking plunger placed in the upright blind hole. A fluid passage is placed in the brake box, and the fluid passage is communicated with the entry of the horizontal blind hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Shanghai Universoon Auto Parts Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhou Yang, Enjiu Ke, Yong Xi
  • Patent number: 8364379
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a restriction determination module and a valve control module. The restriction determination module determines a desired exhaust back pressure of the engine based on an exhaust flow rate of the engine. The valve control module selectively adjusts a valve position of an exhaust valve that restricts an exhaust flow of the engine based on the desired exhaust back pressure. The exhaust valve may include a valve body, a throttle plate, and an annular protrusion coupled to an inner surface of the valve body and protruding towards the throttle plate. The annular protrusion may abut a side of the throttle plate and may restrict fluid flow through an annular space between the throttle plate and the inner surface when the throttle plate is positioned in a rotational position transverse to a direction of fluid flow. A related method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy J. Johnson, Kevin C. Wong, Mark D. Finkel, Steven M. Hubble, Roger Bennett, Richard W. Gushman, Kim Bloxsom, Joshua J. Ksiazkiewicz
  • Patent number: 8352165
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a combustion engine brake especially for a heavy vehicle like a truck or a bus is disclosed. By detecting a brake torque value which is delivered by the combustion engine brake for braking the vehicle, and, if the amount of the difference between a demanded brake torque value and the delivered brake torque value exceeds a predetermined first limit value, by operating the combustion engine brake by means of at least one additional or alternative second operating parameter which is selected in order to create a corrected brake torque value, a considerably improved accuracy, efficiency and/or reliability of the combustion engine brake can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Göran Olsson
  • Patent number: 8290689
    Abstract: A control system comprising a brake torque determination module that determines a desired brake torque and a vane position determination module that determines a vane position based on an engine speed and the desired brake torque, and that adjusts the vane position to a position between an open position and a closed position. A method comprising determining a desired brake torque, determining a vane position based on an engine speed and the desired brake torque, and adjusting the vane position to a position between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventors: Steven J. Andrasko, John P. Kresse, Kevin L. Kluemper, Brett R. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 8272363
    Abstract: A compression-release brake system for operating an exhaust valve of an engine during an engine braking operation. The compression-release brake system comprises a self-contained compression brake control module (CBCM) operatively coupled to the exhaust valve for controlling a lift and a phase angle thereof and a source of a pressurized hydraulic fluid. The CBCM includes a casing defining piston and actuator cavities, a slave piston mounted within the piston cavity, a check valve provided between a supply conduit and a slave piston chamber and a compression brake actuator disposed in the actuator cavity. The compression brake actuator includes an actuator element and a biasing spring. The actuator element selectively engages the check valve when deactivated so as to unlock the slave piston chamber, and disengages from the check valve when activated so as to lock the slave piston chamber. The actuator element is exposed to atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Pacbrake Company
    Inventors: Vincent Meneely, Robert Price
  • Publication number: 20120031372
    Abstract: A compression-release brake system for operating an exhaust valve of an engine during an engine braking operation. The compression-release brake system comprises a self-contained compression brake control module (CBCM) operatively coupled to the exhaust valve for controlling a lift and a phase angle thereof and a source of a pressurized hydraulic fluid. The CBCM includes a casing defining piston and actuator cavities, a slave piston mounted within the piston cavity, a check valve provided between a supply conduit and a slave piston chamber and a compression brake actuator disposed in the actuator cavity. The compression brake actuator includes an actuator element and a biasing spring. The actuator element selectively engages the check valve when deactivated so as to unlock the slave piston chamber, and disengages from the check valve when activated so as to lock the slave piston chamber. The actuator element is exposed to atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Vincent MENEELY, Robert Price
  • Patent number: 8112217
    Abstract: An exhaust brake control system includes a braking torque estimation module that estimates a desired braking torque based on engine speed. A volume flow rate determination module determines a desired volume flow rate of an exhaust gas based on the desired braking torque. An adjustment module adjusts an actual volume flow rate to control actual braking torque based on the desired braking torque and a change in exhaust temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventors: David P. Quigley, Steven J. Andrasko
  • Publication number: 20120017868
    Abstract: A method for engine braking of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine of a vehicle, which is preferably an engine operating on the diesel principle. The engine has at least one exhaust-gas turbocharger with an exhaust-gas turbine and a charge air compressor, and an exhaust manifold which supplies the exhaust-gas flow from outlet valves of the engine to the exhaust-gas turbocharger. A throttle device is connected between the outlet valves and the turbocharger for throttling the exhaust-gas flow and causing a pressure increase in the exhaust gas for engine braking upstream. An exhaust-gas counter-pressure and a charge air pressure are measured and, based on the measurement, a position of the throttle device can be determined to obtain a predetermined braking action. Then the exhaust-gas counter-pressure and the charge air pressure are closed-loop controlled by adjusting the throttle device corresponding to the previously determined position of the throttle device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: MAN NUTZFAHRZEUGE OESTERREICH AG
    Inventors: Franz Rammer, Franz Leitenmayr, Gottfried Raab
  • Publication number: 20120017869
    Abstract: A method for engine braking of an engine operating preferably on the diesel principle. Here, the engine has at least one exhaust-gas turbocharger having an exhaust-gas turbine acted on by an exhaust-gas flow and having a charge air compressor, which exhaust-gas turbine and charge air compressor are arranged on a common shaft. The engine also has an exhaust manifold which conducts the exhaust-gas flow from outlet valves of the engine to the exhaust-gas turbocharger, and has a device for throttling the exhaust-gas flow arranged between the outlet valves and the exhaust-gas turbocharger, and also has at least one bypass line for conducting the exhaust-gas flow past the throttling device, the exhaust-gas flow being conducted through the at least one bypass line to a turbine wheel of the exhaust-gas turbine, the exhaust-gas flow being throttled and a pressure increase in the exhaust gas thus being generated upstream of the device for throttling the exhaust-gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: MAN NUTZFAHRZEUGE OSTERREICH AG
    Inventors: Franz Rammer, Franz Leitenmayr, Gottfried Raab
  • Patent number: 8086391
    Abstract: Turbo lag is a known impediment of a turbocharged, small displacement engine providing the feel of a large displacement engine. A method of spinning up the exhaust turbine during an interval between the time that the operator moves his/her foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal to initiate a launch. A non-exhaustive list of actions that can be taken to increase exhaust enthalpy provided to the turbine include: opening the throttle, retarding the spark, and closing the wastegate. Additionally, a brake can be applied at one of the vehicle wheels to keep the engine from launching forward during this interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Sayid Miah
  • Patent number: 8037865
    Abstract: A compression-release brake system for operating an exhaust valve of an engine during an engine braking operation. The compression-release brake system comprises a self-contained compression brake control module (CBCM) operatively coupled to the exhaust valve for controlling a lift and a phase angle thereof and a source of a pressurized hydraulic fluid. The CBCM includes a casing defining piston and actuator cavities, a slave piston mounted within the piston cavity, a check valve provided between a supply conduit and a slave piston chamber and a compression brake actuator disposed in the actuator cavity. The compression brake actuator includes an actuator element and a biasing spring. The actuator element selectively engages the check valve when deactivated so as to unlock the slave piston chamber, and disengages from the check valve when activated so as to lock the slave piston chamber. The actuator element is exposed to atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Pacbrake Company
    Inventors: Vincent Meneely, Robert Price
  • Patent number: 8011347
    Abstract: An exhaust brake has a body with a passageway for exhaust gases therein. A valve member is movably located within the passageway for selective movement between an open position where the valve member opens the passageway and exhaust gases are free to move through the passageway and a closed position where the valve member blocks the passageway and the passage of exhaust gases through the passageway. The valve member has an aperture therethrough to permit a limited flow of exhaust gases through the aperture when the aperture is open. An exhaust valve actuator mechanism is coupled to the valve member for moving the valve member between the open position and the closed position. A closure member is positioned adjacent to the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Jenara Enterprises, Ltd.
    Inventors: Andre F. Lhote, Vincent A. Meneely, Gabriel Gavril, Tamara Spence, John P. Hartley
  • Publication number: 20110155098
    Abstract: A compression-release brake system for operating an exhaust valve of an engine during an engine braking operation. The compression-release brake system comprises a self-contained compression brake control module (CBCM) operatively coupled to the exhaust valve for controlling a lift and a phase angle thereof and a source of a pressurized hydraulic fluid. The CBCM includes a casing defining piston and actuator cavities, a slave piston mounted within the piston cavity, a check valve provided between a supply conduit and a slave piston chamber and a compression brake actuator disposed in the actuator cavity. The compression brake actuator includes an actuator element and a biasing spring. The actuator element selectively engages the check valve when deactivated so as to unlock the slave piston chamber, and disengages from the check valve when activated so as to lock the slave piston chamber. The actuator element is exposed to atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Vincent MENEELY, Robert Price
  • Publication number: 20110126800
    Abstract: A variable compression ratio apparatus of an exhaust gas brake in an engine, may include a piston reciprocally moving in a cylinder of the engine, and an exhaust control valve that selectively communicates a combustion chamber of the cylinder with an exhaust manifold in accordance with pressure generated by the piston in the cylinder to control operating pressure of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jin Ho Song, Sangchul Son
  • Publication number: 20110100324
    Abstract: A control system and method for engine braking for a includes an engine braking control and at least one exhaust valve actuator responsive to demands from the braking control for causing the exhaust valve to open. The braking control is configured to command the exhaust valve actuator to substantially open and substantially close the exhaust valve at least twice during each engine cycle, a first event and a second event, when the pressure within the exhaust manifold is greater than the pressure in the cylinder. The braking control can also command the exhaust valve actuator to substantially open and substantially close during a third event between the first and second events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Qianfan Xin
  • Patent number: 7900597
    Abstract: A compression-release brake system for operating an exhaust valve of an engine during an engine braking operation. The compression-release brake system comprises a self-contained compression brake control module (CBCM) operatively coupled to the exhaust valve for controlling a lift and a phase angle thereof and a source of a pressurized hydraulic fluid. The CBCM includes a casing defining piston and actuator cavities, a slave piston mounted within the piston cavity, a check valve provided between a supply conduit and a slave piston chamber and a compression brake actuator disposed in the actuator cavity. The compression brake actuator includes an actuator element and a biasing spring. The actuator element selectively engages the check valve when deactivated so as to unlock the slave piston chamber, and disengages from the check valve when activated so as to lock the slave piston chamber. The actuator element is exposed to atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Pacbrake Company
    Inventors: Vincent Meneely, Robert Price
  • Patent number: 7878162
    Abstract: A variable valve actuation system is disclosed for providing exhaust to at least one component downstream of an engine. The system includes a supply of low pressure fluid, an engine fluid sump, and an exhaust valve disposed in an engine cylinder. The system also includes a hydraulic actuation system operably connected to the exhaust valve of the engine cylinder and a braking control valve operably connected to the hydraulic actuation system. The system further includes a device for accumulating fluid and a device for fluidly coupling the hydraulic actuation system to the accumulating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. McClure, Sean O. Cornell, Robert L. Miller, John S. Pipis, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110000461
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for exhaust braking of a combustion engine (2) which is equipped with a turbo unit with at least one flow element (17, 27) settable in varying positions to control the flow of exhaust gases through the turbine (6). The arrangement comprises a bypass line (25) provided with an inlet aperture (25a) connected to an exhaust passage (4a, 19. 20) at a location upstream of the flow element (17, 27), an outlet aperture (25b) connected to the exhaust passage (21, 4b) at a location downstream of the flow element (17, 27) and a throttle means (26). A control device (13, 18) is adapted to placing the flow element (17, 27) in a substantially closed position when an exhaust braking process is to be effected, so that a positive pressure occurs in the exhaust passage (4a, 19) at a location upstream of the flow element (17, 27), which positive pressure is defined by said throttle means (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: HĂĄkan Fransson, Roger Olsson
  • Patent number: 7823559
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine including a camshaft for operating inlet and outlet valves of the engine with lift curves EV, AV of the inlet and the outlet valves determined by the shape of cams of the camshaft, an additional auxiliary cam which acts on the outlet valve is arranged on the camshaft, as a result of which a phase-offset auxiliary lift curve AVZ is impressed onto the outlet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Daniel Böhme, Markus Löffler, Siegfried Sumser
  • Publication number: 20100258080
    Abstract: A control system comprising a brake torque determination module that determines a desired brake torque and a vane position determination module that determines a vane position based on an engine speed and the desired brake torque, and that adjusts the vane position to a position between an open position and a closed position. A method comprising determining a desired brake torque, determining a vane position based on an engine speed and the desired brake torque, and adjusting the vane position to a position between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: STEVEN J. ANDRASKO, John P. Kresse, Kevin L. Kluemper, Brett R. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 7765981
    Abstract: An exhaust brake has a body with a passageway for exhaust gases therein. A valve member is movably located within the passageway for selective movement between an open position where the valve member opens the passageway and exhaust gases are free to move through the passageway and a closed position where the valve member blocks the passageway and the passage of exhaust gases through the passageway. The valve member has an aperture therethrough to permit a limited flow of exhaust gases through the aperture when the aperture is open. An exhaust valve actuator mechanism is coupled to the valve member for moving the valve member between the open position and the closed position. A closure member is positioned adjacent to the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Jenara Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventors: Andre F. Lhote, Vincent A. Meneely, Gabriel Gavril, Tamara Spence, John P. Hartley
  • Patent number: 7735466
    Abstract: An exhaust brake and method of operating an exhaust brake are disclosed. The exhaust brake may have a housing having a central opening and a boss with a central bore, wherein the central bore intersects the central opening. A butterfly gate may be pivotally mounted in the central opening. The butterfly gate may have a bypass opening provided in an outer edge of the butterfly gate, and an upstream side. A dual-diameter piston may be slide-ably disposed in the central bore. The piston may have a lower end received in the bypass opening and an upper end distal from the bypass opening. One or more passages may extend between the central opening and the central bore at the upstream side of the butterfly gate, and a spring may bias the piston lower end into the bypass opening. The piston lower end may selectively unblock the bypass opening responsive to the application of static exhaust gas pressure to the piston upper end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob M. Moore, Zdenek S. Meistrick, Neil E. Fuchs, Steven Botellio, Zhi Qiang Chu
  • Publication number: 20100101531
    Abstract: An engine brake system and a method for controlling the exhaust gas pressure of an exhaust system for a vehicle provided with an engine are provided. The system includes a main exhaust gas conduit connected to the turbine of a turbo arrangement and an Exhaust Pressure Governor (EPG) which is used to create a backpressure in the exhaust system so as to function as an engine brake. The turbo arrangement includes a Variable Geometry Turbine (VGT). The Exhaust Pressure Governor is located in a bypass conduit which is connected to the main exhaust conduit upstream the connection to the turbine of the turbo arrangement and the main exhaust conduit includes a valve arrangement downstream the bypass conduit connection for closing the main exhaust conduit. According to the method for controlling the system, the flow passage through the main conduit is open and the flow through the bypass conduit is closed in response to an output control indicating that no engine braking is desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Peter Carlström, Per Larsson
  • Publication number: 20100037855
    Abstract: During engine braking of a turbocharged internal combustion engine, the exhaust gas pressure increases and this is used to pressurise the seals between the turbocharger shaft and the bearing housing so as to prevent oil leakage into the compressor housing. Immediately after engine braking, stored exhaust gas pressure is used to pressurise the seals at the turbine end so as to prevent oil leakage into the turbine housing. In an alternative arrangement the exhaust gas is used to generate a reduced pressure in the bearing housing to increase the pressure gradient across the seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Pierre French
  • Publication number: 20100037856
    Abstract: An engine braking system includes a turbocharger having a turbine and a compressor. An exhaust manifold includes a first pipe for channeling a first portion of the engine exhaust and a second pipe for channeling a second portion of the engine exhaust. The first and second pipes are connected to an inlet of the turbine. A cross pipe, as part of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) conduit, is open between the first and second pipes and at one end to the remaining portion of the EGR conduit. A valve can be arranged within the cross pipe and ca be operable in a first mode of operation to block flow between the first and second pipes and allow flow between the first pipe and the remaining portion of the EGR conduit and to allow flow between the first and second pipes and the inlet of the turbine. The valve is operable in a second mode of operation to allow flow between the first and second pipes, and to reduce or block flow between the second pipe and the turbine inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Steven J. Dickerson, Luis Carlos Cattani, Martin R. Zielke, Richard Franzwa, Qianfan Xin, Paul Gottemoller, Dirk Jungen
  • Publication number: 20100024767
    Abstract: A compression-release brake system for operating an exhaust valve of an engine during an engine braking operation. The compression-release brake system comprises a self-contained compression brake control module (CBCM) operatively coupled to the exhaust valve for controlling a lift and a phase angle thereof and a source of a pressurized hydraulic fluid. The CBCM includes a casing defining piston and actuator cavities, a slave piston mounted within the piston cavity, a check valve provided between a supply conduit and a slave piston chamber and a compression brake actuator disposed in the actuator cavity. The compression brake actuator includes an actuator element and a biasing spring. The actuator element selectively engages the check valve when deactivated so as to unlock the slave piston chamber, and disengages from the check valve when activated so as to lock the slave piston chamber. The actuator element is exposed to atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Vincent Meneely, Robert Price
  • Publication number: 20090187331
    Abstract: A method and system for operating a combustion engine brake especially for a heavy vehicle like a truck or a bus is disclosed. By detecting a brake torque value which is delivered by the combustion engine brake for braking the vehicle, and, if the amount of the difference between a demanded brake torque value and the delivered brake torque value exceeds a predetermined first limit value, by operating the combustion engine brake by means of at least one additional or alternative second operating parameter which is selected in order to create a corrected brake torque value, a considerably improved accuracy, efficiency and/or reliability of the combustion engine brake can be obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Goran Olsson
  • Publication number: 20090173313
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine including a camshaft for operating inlet and outlet valves of the engine with lift curves EV, AV of the inlet and the outlet valves determined by the shape of cams of the camshaft, an additional auxiliary cam which acts on the outlet valve is arranged on the camshaft, as a result of which a phase-offset auxiliary lift curve AVZ is impressed onto the outlet valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Bohme, Markus Loffler, Siegfried Sumser
  • Patent number: 7536990
    Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly includes a flapper valve fixed to a valve shaft where the flapper valve is movable between a closed position, an intermediate position, and an open position. A resilient member biases the flapper valve toward the closed position. An electric actuator actively moves the flapper valve at least from the closed position to the intermediate position. A coupling mechanism couples the valve shaft to an electric actuator shaft and allows the flapper valve to move to the open position in response to exhaust flow sufficient to overcome a biasing force of the resilient member without requiring input from the electric actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Emcon Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Robin Willats, Joseph Callahan, Kwin Abram
  • Patent number: 7530222
    Abstract: A hydraulic assembly and method for use with an vehicle engine exhaust flow control valve for controlling flow to at least one intake supply. The assembly has an actuator, such as a spring return piston cylinder, for positioning the control valve. An inlet passage, communicating with the cylinder, is arranged for supplying hydraulic fluid to a side of the actuator and a drain is arranged for draining the hydraulic fluid from the side of the actuator. An on-off type hydraulic valve, communicating with the drain, is operably coupled to the cylinder for controlling communication of the hydraulic fluid from the cylinder side to the drain. When the hydraulic assembly is in use, the pressure of hydraulic fluid acting on the actuator is adjustable by operation of the on-off type valve thereby to control movement of the actuator and, in turn, movement of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Parker, Alfred J. Babineau, Michael J. Burkett
  • Patent number: 7523736
    Abstract: A device for increasing the braking power of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine of a vehicle during engine braking operation includes a turbo supercharger and an exhaust gas turbine for each stage thereof. A respective bypass line branches off from a region of two exhaust gas header pipes that can be blocked by throttle valves. Each bypass line communicates with a nozzle bore in a turbine wall. During an engine braking operation, two partial exhaust gas streams are branched off by the bypass lines from exhaust gas retained in blocked header pipes and strike turbine wheel blades at high pressure and high speed, whereupon the turbo supercharger is driven in an accelerated manner and compressed air is supplied to combustion chambers of the engine and is there effective to increase braking power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge Ă–sterreich AG
    Inventors: Franz Rammer, Franz Leitenmayr, Gottfried Raab
  • Patent number: 7461629
    Abstract: A control system for an exhaust brake which operates to impede exhaust flow from a turbocharged combustion engine when the engine throttle is closed. The control system includes means for delaying application the exhaust brake only when the vehicle throttle is closed to allow the rotational speed of the turbo charger to drop thereby reducing wear to seal components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Holset Engineering Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenneth Ball, Pierre B French
  • Patent number: 7434398
    Abstract: Method for controlling the braking effect during engine braking in an internal combustion engine (10) having an exhaust turbocharger unit (16) with adjustable guide blades for controlling the turbine speed and gas flow. The method includes detection of the engine speed, detection of the adjustment position of the guide blades, measurement either of the charging pressure on the intake side of the engine or the manifold pressure on the exhaust side of the engine, comparison of these data with stored desired values, and adjustment of the guide blades to a desired position which gives a suitable braking effect for the prevailing charging pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Goran Olsson, Per Persson, Per-Olof Kallen
  • Publication number: 20080210197
    Abstract: Systems for, and methods of, controlling exhaust gas temperature in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine during positive power operation of the engine are disclosed. Control of exhaust gas temperature may be desired to improve emissions performance in the engine, which is often dependent upon exhaust gas temperature. One or more temperature probes may be used to first determine the actual exhaust gas temperature of the engine while it is operated in a positive power mode. Next, an ECM or similar device may be used to determine a temperature difference between the actual exhaust gas temperature and a desired exhaust gas temperature for emissions performance. Based on the determined temperature difference, one or more cylinders of the engine may continue to be operated in positive power mode while one or more cylinders of the engine are switched to operating in a selected engine braking mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: David B. Smith
  • Patent number: 7401592
    Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly includes a flapper valve fixed to a valve shaft where the flapper valve is movable between a closed position, an intermediate position, and an open position. A resilient member biases the flapper valve toward the closed position. An electric actuator actively moves the flapper valve at least from the closed position to the intermediate position. A coupling mechanism couples the valve shaft to an electric actuator shaft and allows the flapper valve to move to the open position in response to exhaust flow sufficient to overcome a biasing force of the resilient member without requiring input from the electric actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Emcon Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Robin Willats, Joseph Callahan, Kwin Abram, Govindaraj Kalyanasamy
  • Patent number: 7367327
    Abstract: Method and device (1) for boosting an intake pipe (4) of a turbocharged engine (5) with compressed gas. The method includes storing gases in a vessel (12) at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure and, afterwards in injecting the gases into the intake pipe (4) in order to temporarily increase an inlet pressure during low-speed operation phases. The inventive device includes a connection for temporarily and alternately connecting the storing vessel (12) to an exhaust manifold (6) for recovering the gases during engine brake phases or to the intake pipe (4) during the temporary low-speed operation phases. The connection comprises a heat exchanger (10) mounted between the exhaust manifold (6) and the vessel (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Renault Trucks
    Inventors: Christian Piriou, Marc Lejeune
  • Patent number: 7350502
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling exhaust pressure in an internal combustion engine are disclosed. In one embodiment the apparatus may comprise: a housing; a valve disposed in the housing; an orifice formed in the valve, wherein the orifice defines a gas flowpath through the valve; and a shaft slidably disposed in a bore formed in the valve, the shaft movable between a first position, in which gas is substantially prevented from flowing through said orifice, and a second position in which gas is permitted to flow through said orifice. The position of the shaft may be selectively varied in response to an actuating force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Zdenek Meistrick, Todd Perkins
  • Publication number: 20080034743
    Abstract: An exhaust valve for an exhaust component includes a shaft defining an axis and a flapper valve that is fixed to the shaft for rotational movement about the axis. The flapper valve is mounted within an interior cavity of a valve housing that is defined by an inner diameter. The flapper valve comprises a disc-shaped body that has a maximum flapper diameter that is less than the inner diameter. A unidirectional drive unit is used to move the flapper valve between open and closed positions such that the flapper valve only rotates in one direction about the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Kwin Abram, Joseph Callahan
  • Publication number: 20070193260
    Abstract: The invention relates to a throttle arrangement for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine having a throttle valve for throttling a stream of exhaust gas flowing through a pipe and having a restoring spring which prestresses the throttle valve into a closed position. The throttle valve is pivotable about a pivot axis in the pipe between the closed position [and the open position] and the restoring spring is supported on the valve end on a lever fixedly connected to the throttle valve and is supported at the pipe end on a bearing for accommodating a shaft extending coaxially with the pivot axis. The restoring spring is adapted to support the spring forces on the pipe end in an essentially symmetrical manner with respect to a plane of symmetry that extends perpendicular to the pivot axis and is in the area of the support on the valve end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Hanitzsch, Bjoern Damson
  • Patent number: 7210289
    Abstract: An engine output control system includes an engine ECU having a fundamental ignition timing map, a fundamental fuel injection quantity map, a target throttle angle determination unit for determining a target throttle angle of an exhaust control valve, an exhaust control valve diagnosis unit for diagnosing operation of the exhaust control valve, an ignition timing map to be used during an abnormality for determining fundamental ignition timing when the exhaust control valve operates abnormally, and an abnormal fuel injection thinning-out table for determining a reduced rate of fuel injection when the exhaust control valve has been diagnosed as abnormal. The exhaust control valve driving unit supplies a driving current to an actuator in such a manner that the target throttle angle notified by the engine ECU coincides with actual valve throttle angle. The system is capable of obtaining sufficient traveling performance even when an exhaust control valve has is operating abnormally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoyuki Sugano, Norihiko Sasaki, Noritake Takami, Yuichi Moriyama, Hiroaki Tamai
  • Patent number: 7013867
    Abstract: An engine air brake device for a 4-stroke reciprocating-piston internal combustion engine is provided and has at least one intake valve and two exhaust valves per cylinder. The exhaust train incorporates a throttling device actuatable for engine deceleration so that an exhaust back pressure builds up in the accumulated exhaust gas upstream of the throttling device and becomes effective in conjunction with an engine-internal braking device associated to only one of the two exhaust valves for each cylinder, the other exhaust valve being controlled conventionally. The engine-internal braking device comprises a control piston installed in the valve bridge and pressed in the direction of the exhaust valve from a control pressure chamber supplied with pressurized oil and possibly also by means of an additional control compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge AG
    Inventors: Franz Rammer, Gottfried Raab, Franz Leitenmayr
  • Patent number: 7004142
    Abstract: A control system for an exhaust brake which operates to impede exhaust flow from a turbocharged combustion engine when the engine throttle is closed. The control system includes means for delaying application the exhaust brake only when the vehicle throttle is closed to allow the rotational speed of the turbo charger to drop thereby reducing wear to seal components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Holset Engineering Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenneth Ball, Pierre B. French
  • Patent number: 6993426
    Abstract: An engine control practices a method for engine control including detecting an overspeed indication selectively settable in the vehicle, responding to the threshold speed operation, and inhibiting response to the throttle control actuation when engine braking is desired. The engine braking may be enabled when said overspeed operation is maintained beyond its detection in combination with continued throttle actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffery Scott Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6981519
    Abstract: Pressure-regulating valve having a throttle mounted in a tube section such that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis from an open position into a closed position. The throttle having a pressure relief valve mounted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman Heckt, Thomas Klotten
  • Patent number: 6899079
    Abstract: A ball valve operable as an engine brake to resist high rpm operation of the engine on which it is installed. The ball valve has a noncontact seal and can include an aperture through a seal face to permit bypass of sufficient exhaust for operation of the engine at idle while the brake is engaged. If present, the aperture can be tuned, or sized, to provide a desired back pressure matched to a specific engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventors: Patrick George Hill, Michael Lee Hill
  • Patent number: 6810850
    Abstract: A controlled exhaust brake for an engine comprises an exhaust restrictor located in an exhaust system downstream of an exhaust manifold of an engine. An actuator operably associated with the restrictor adjusts the restrictor. A pressure sensor operably associated with the exhaust manifold senses pressure in the exhaust manifold. A controller determines a set pressure in the exhaust manifold correlated with speed of the engine. The controller is in communication with the pressure sensor and the actuator, and causes adjustment of the restrictor in order to achieve and maintain the set pressure in the exhaust manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Jenara Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventors: Derek Anderson, Mark A. Israel, Robert B. Price
  • Patent number: 6810839
    Abstract: The control device for a control motor of an engine has: a control information output unit for detecting an operational state of the engine as control information; target value computing unit for obtaining a target value of the motor corresponding to the control information; current value detecting unit for detecting a current value of the motor; motor control signal determining unit for generating a motor control signal for controlling a drive of the motor based on the target value and the current value; drive unit for driving the motor based on the motor control signal; and control state information determining unit for generating control state information indicating a change in the operational state of the engine based on a change in the control information. The target value computing unit corrects the control information based on the control state information so as to obtain a suitable target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Manabu Gohou