Indicators And Safety Devices Patents (Class 123/41.15)
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Patent number: 12202613Abstract: An implementation of an external airbag system may include a plurality of inflatable air bags, a duct coupled to the plurality of inflatable air bags, and an exhaust vent coupled to each of the plurality of inflatable air bags via the duct.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2021Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.Inventors: Cheng-Ho Tho, Michael Reaugh Smith
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Patent number: 12180876Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing a stuck Active Transmission Warmup (ATWU) valve. In one example, a method for an ATWU valve monitoring routine of a vehicle comprises determining a temperature difference between an engine coolant temperature (ECT) and a transmission fluid temperature (TFT) over a duration before the ATWU valve is commanded from a closed position to an open position or from the open position to the closed position comparing a rate of change of the TFT before and after the ATWU valve is commanded to the open position or the closed position; and indicating a stuck ATWU valve based on at least one of the temperature difference, the TFT rate of change comparison, or a combination thereof, based on a calibration parameter.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2023Date of Patent: December 31, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Sitaram Rejeti, Adam Krach, Vaibhav Khanna, Luis Juarez
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Patent number: 12152526Abstract: An abnormality diagnosis device of a thermostat includes: a temperature detection module that detects a temperature of cooling water on the basis of a sensor signal of a cooling water temperature sensor; an abnormality determination module that detects an abnormality of the thermostat, when the temperature of the cooling water reaches a first reference temperature and thereafter becomes lower than an abnormality determination reference temperature that is lower than the first reference temperature; and a cooling water temperature adjustment module that executes a control for preventing temperature decrease of the cooling water, when the temperature of the cooling water reaches the first reference temperature and thereafter becomes lower than a second reference temperature that is lower than the first reference temperature and is higher than the abnormality determination reference temperature.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2024Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATIONInventor: Masaki Kuhara
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Patent number: 12018797Abstract: A system. The system includes a prelubrication system, a filtration system, a valve, a sensor and a control module. An inlet of the valve shares a common junction with an outlet of a component of the prelubrication system and an inlet of a component of the filtration system. The sensor is configured to detect a triggering condition. The control module is coupled to the valve, and is configured to control operation of the valve based on the detected triggering condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2022Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: RPM INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: John K. Apostolides, John J. McCosby
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Patent number: 12013290Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger of the brazed plate and fin type including a stack of plates arranged parallel to one another and to a longitudinal direction so as to define, between the plates, a plurality of passages suitable for the flow of at least a first fluid in the longitudinal direction, at least one exchange structure of corrugated shape being arranged between two successive plates and having corrugation crests and corrugation troughs connected alternately by a succession of fins. The fins succeeding one another in a lateral direction which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and which defines a direction of corrugation of the exchange structure, and the corrugation crests and troughs being arranged against the plates and having a thickness measured parallel to a direction of stacking which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the lateral direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2021Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Younes Belmekki, Ahlem Delegue, Paul Berhaut, Marc Wagner, Natacha Haik, Ludovic Amant
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Patent number: 11988143Abstract: A system and a method for determining a high oil consumption in a gas turbine engine of an aircraft are provided. The method includes determining one or more engine and aircraft conditions. The one or more engine and aircraft conditions includes at least one of an oil quantity, an oil temperature, an oil pressure, an engine speed, an aircraft altitude, and an aircraft attitude. The method further includes determining a trend in oil conditions based on at least the one or more engine and aircraft conditions. The trend in oil conditions provides at least one of a rate of consumption of oil or a time duration of remaining oil. The method further includes determining the high oil consumption based on a comparison of the trend in oil conditions with a threshold or a comparison model.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2021Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventors: Peter A Beecroft, Dongfeng Shi, Daniel Cutting, James A Cooke
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Patent number: 11774326Abstract: A method for testing an engine in a vehicle includes arranging a bath separate from the vehicle configured to cool a driveline component of the vehicle, adjusting a temperature of the driveline component to a target temperature, and responsive to the driveline component achieving the target temperature, operating the engine according to a mapping procedure, and controlling the bath to maintain the temperature of the driveline component at the target temperature during the operating. The method further includes measuring heat transfer from the driveline component to the bath during the operating, and calculating torque loss or energy loss of the driveline component during the operating based on the heat transfer.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: HORIBA Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Leo Alphonse Gerard Breton
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Patent number: 11649760Abstract: Methods and systems to diagnose operation of an engine coolant pump are presented. In one example, the engine coolant pump is operated while an engine is stopped so that operation of the coolant pump may not effect engine operation. The engine coolant pump may be operated at different speeds to assess engine coolant pump operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2021Date of Patent: May 16, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Aed Dudar
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Patent number: 11365670Abstract: A method of modifying the oil cooling system of a diesel engine includes the steps of removing the original equipment liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and installing a manifold having a configuration adapted to match the mounting configuration of the oil passages of the original equipment liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger. The manifold has an oil outlet port directed to a remotely mounted oil cooler. The manifold also has a water passage having a configuration that is adapted to match the mounting configuration of the water passages of the original equipment liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger. The water passage causes the entirety of the flow of water to be discharged back to the water cooling system of the engine where it is circulated by the water pump through the water cooling passages in the engine.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Neal Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gene Neal, Kennieth Neal
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Patent number: 11313260Abstract: An engine includes a cylinder block having formed therein a plurality of cylinders, a main oil gallery, and a spray jet gallery. A cross-hole is fluidly connected to the main oil gallery and extends to the spray jet gallery. Oil spray jets are each fluidly connected to one of a plurality of oil feed holes fluidly connected to the spray jet gallery. An oil admission valve, which can be hydraulically actuated or electrically actuated, is supported in the cylinder block and movable between a closed position to block the spray jet gallery and each of the oil feed holes from the cross-hole, and an open position.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2021Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Allen Yao Chen, Samuel Jaroslav Stafl, Chad Palmer Koci, Thomas L. Atwell, Andrew David Schick
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Patent number: 11260744Abstract: A fuel system is provided that includes a fuel tank, a heat detector, and a control circuit. The digital heat detector is disposed in proximity to the fuel tank. The control circuit is coupled with the digital heat detector and is configured to detect that a thermal event has occurred. The fuel system is configured to implement an emergency countermeasure in response to the detection of the thermal event.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: Agility Fuel Systems LLCInventors: Michael Gregory Volkmer, Chad Alvin Cederberg, David Neil Morgan, Glen Edward Lampe, Michael Dean Hawkins, Hector Adrian Ortiz, Eric M. Coupal-Sikes, Todd F. Sloan, Chris Forsberg
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Patent number: 11015513Abstract: A cooling device uses siphon circulation whose heat source is an object-to-be-cooled installed in a vehicle to circulate refrigerant to the object-to-be-cooled, the cooling device including: a tank that is disposed above the object-to-be-cooled and stores the refrigerant; an outflow path that opens to the inside of the tank and through which the refrigerant flows out; a passage member that extends from the inside to the outside of the tank, with an open end of an inside section of the passage member positioned inside the tank being positioned above an opening of the outflow path; and identifying means that is provided at an outside section of the passage member positioned outside the tank and by which the position of the open end inside the tank can be identified.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: SANOH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Shun Kadoi, Yoshiaki Agui, Masatoshi Hada, Nobuteru Hane, Satoru Kumagai
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Patent number: 10996134Abstract: A method of diagnosing a leak in a coolant system of an automobile includes repeatedly measuring the coolant level within the coolant system at a pre-determined time interval, calculating a short term leak rate, wherein the short term leak rate is the rate of coolant leakage over a first pre-determined length of time, calculating a long term leak rate, wherein the long term leak rate is the rate of coolant leakage over a second pre-determined length of time, further wherein the second pre-determined length of time is longer than the first pre-determined length of time, identifying a coolant system leakage state based on a current coolant level within the coolant system, the short term leak rate, and the long term leak rate, and providing notification of the coolant system leakage state to an operator of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Shiming Duan, Paul E. Krajewski, Christopher H. Knieper, Calvin Wang
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Patent number: 10961959Abstract: A filter system for filtering a fluid has at least one filter housing with a first housing part and a second housing part. The filter housing has at least one inlet and at least one outlet for the fluid. A fluid path extends between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet. At least one filter element is arranged in the at least one filter housing in the fluid path. At least one damper element is provided that is completely or partially filled with the fluid at least after an initial filling. The at least one damper element is provided with a volume that, at least in operation of the filter system, is filled completely or partially with the fluid. The volume is separated from the fluid path.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2018Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbHInventors: Christoph Klink, Christine Oprisch, Matthias Alex
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Patent number: 10916062Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are described for obtaining, from a first tracking system, an initial three-dimensional (3D) position of an electronic device in relation to image features captured by a camera of the electronic device and obtaining, from a second tracking system, an orientation associated with the electronic device. Responsive to detecting a movement of the electronic device, obtaining, from the second tracking system, an updated orientation associated with the detected movement of the electronic device, generating and providing a query to the first tracking system, the query corresponding to at least a portion of the image features and including the updated orientation and the initial 3D position of the electronic device, generating, for a sampled number of received position changes, an updated 3D position for the electronic device and generating a 6-DoF pose using the updated 3D positions and the updated orientation for the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Aveek Purohit, Kan Huang
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Patent number: 10830651Abstract: A thermostat monitoring method includes measuring an engine coolant temperature with an engine coolant temperature sensor a predetermined amount of time after engine startup, comparing, with a controller, the engine coolant temperature to determine whether the engine coolant temperature has met a predetermined threshold, when the engine coolant temperature has met the predetermined threshold, measuring a plurality of engine coolant temperatures with the engine coolant temperature sensor, comparing with the controller each of the plurality of engine coolant temperatures with a corresponding predetermined temperature model, and increasing a passing index with the controller for each of the plurality of engine coolant temperatures that is greater than the corresponding predetermined temperature model or reducing the passing index for each of the plurality of engine coolant temperatures that is less than the corresponding predetermined temperature model.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2017Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Yichao Guo, Eugene Danquah, Wei Lu, Janean Kowalkowski, Brent Crary
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Patent number: 10458308Abstract: A method of modifying the oil cooling system of a diesel engine includes the steps of removing the original equipment liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger and installing a manifold having a configuration adapted to match the mounting configuration of the oil passages of the original equipment liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger. The manifold has an oil outlet port directed to a remotely mounted oil cooler. The manifold also has a water passage having a configuration that is adapted to match the mounting configuration of the water passages of the original equipment liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger. The water passage causes the entirety of the flow of water to be discharged back to the water cooling system of the engine where it is circulated by the water pump through the water cooling passages in the engine.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Neal Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gene Neal, Kennieth Neal
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Patent number: 10450940Abstract: A coolant control system of a vehicle includes an opening module configured to determine a coolant valve (CV) opening, a flow control valve (FCV) opening, and a block valve (BV) opening based on at least one of a block temperature difference, a head temperature difference, and a coolant outlet temperature difference. A CV control module is configured to selectively actuate a CV based on the CV opening. The CV regulates coolant flow from the FCV to a radiator and a coolant channel bypassing the radiator. A BV control module is configured to selectively actuate a BV based on the BV opening. The BV regulates coolant flow from the engine block to the FCV. A FCV control module is configured to selectively actuate a FCV based on the FCV opening. The FCV regulates coolant flow from the cylinder head and the BV to the CV.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Luca Scavone, Luigi Russiello, Andrea Lorena Torres Cuadros, Andrei Gheorghi Kanev
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Patent number: 10344664Abstract: A cooling system of an internal combustion engine includes a flow channel switching valve for sequentially switching between a plurality of cooling water passages so as to distribute cooling water to at least one cooling water passage. When a control device for the cooling system switches between the cooling water passages by controlling the flow channel switching valve in accordance with the progress of warm-up of the internal combustion engine, the control device suppresses the distribution rate of the cooling water to the cooling water passage to which the distribution of the cooling water is just started.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2015Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Atsushi Murai, Shigeyuki Sakaguchi, Yuichi Toyama
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Patent number: 10138850Abstract: A cooling system for an internal combustion engine according to the principles of the present disclosure includes an engine block, a compression device, a cooling circuit, a first pump, and a fuel delivery device. The engine block at least partially defines a combustion chamber and a cooling passage. The cooling passage extends through the engine block. The compression device is received in the engine block to partially define the combustion chamber. The compression device is movable within and relative to the engine block. The cooling circuit is in fluid communication with the cooling passage. The first pump is in fluid communication with the cooling circuit and is configured to circulate a fuel through the cooling circuit and the cooling passage. The fuel delivery device is in fluid communication with the cooling circuit and is configured to deliver the fuel to the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2016Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: AVL POWERTRAIN ENGINEERING, INC.Inventors: Gustav R. Johnson, Julian Sherborne
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Patent number: 9996989Abstract: Embodiments for tracking vehicle events by capturing data from a vehicle component by a processor. Sensory instrumentation associated with the vehicle component is initialized to provide data to a repository when one of the vehicle events occurs. The data in the repository is analyzed to extrapolate the vehicle event to determine a condition of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Tamer E. Abuelsaad, Gregory J. Boss, John E. Moore, Jr., Randy A. Rendahl
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Patent number: 9926835Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a valve that is disposed at a predetermined position in a cooling channel to discharge bubbles produced in a coolant out of the cooling channel. Additionally, a controller is configured to detect whether bubbles have been produced in the coolant using a rate of pressure change based on a temperature increase in the cooling channel and open the valve in response to detecting that bubbles have been produced.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Su Dong Han, Hyung Kook Kim
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Patent number: 9893391Abstract: A battery water level detector assembly for a battery operated device comprising a control unit configured for use with a battery of the device, with the control unit including an electronic sensor operative to provide a signal indicative of the water level within the battery and with the control unit being operative to provide a control signal in response thereto. The electronic sensor is operative to detect when a visual indicator operably connected to the battery provides a display that the water level within the battery has decreased below a desired level. The control signal in turn may be used to generate an alert, including a remotely transmitted alert, and/or alter operational functionality of the battery operated device.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Pacific Steamex Cleaning Systems, Inc.Inventor: Kipling J Kauffman
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Patent number: 9869233Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fault diagnosis method of a thermostat including: confirming, by a controller, whether a flow stop valve is equipped in a vehicle; if it is determined that the flow stop valve is equipped in the vehicle, diagnosing the flow stop valve; and if it is determined that the diagnosis on the flow stop valve ends, diagnosing the thermostat to determine whether the thermostat is faulty.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Jung Sup Byun, Seong Kyu Park
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Patent number: 9822742Abstract: A valve for controlling piston cooling jets in an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The valve includes a valve body equipped with an oil inlet for drawing oil from an oil gallery and an oil outlet for connection with a piston cooling jet gallery. The valve body is equipped with an air inlet for drawing air from an intake manifold of the engine, and with a valve element configured to be actuated by the pressure of the oil entering the oil inlet and of the air entering the air inlet.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2015Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Giorgio Candela, Giuseppe Larocca
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Patent number: 9735452Abstract: An apparatus and a method for monitoring a breakdown of a battery system component are provided to more accurately determine whether a cooling fan for cooling a battery of an environment-friendly vehicle or a part related to the cooling fan fails. The method for monitoring a breakdown of a battery system component compulsorily driving, by a controller, the cooling fan and measuring the current temperature of the battery when the battery management system fails to receive a pulse width modulation PWM signal that represents an operation state of the cooling fan and a feedback signal (PFM) of the cooling fan from a cooling fan controller.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motor CompanyInventor: Kyung In Min
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Patent number: 9494457Abstract: A tank liquid depth measurement method includes the steps of: a) providing a sensor capable of detecting a liquid pressure, b) providing a main unit for receiving data from the sensor, c) mounting the sensor under the liquid level in a water tank and mounting the main unit in the car, d) initiating the sensor and the main unit so as to cause the sensor to measure the internal liquid pressure and to enable the main unit to store the identification code and communication code of the sensor, and e) enabling the main unit to receive data from the sensor for matching and recording. By means of the operation of the sensor to transmit the detected data to the main unit for warning or informing the driver, the expected effects and objectives of the present invention are achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: CUB ELECPARTS INC.Inventors: Yu-Tao Yu, Ming-Hong Lin
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Patent number: 9228482Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a pump control module and a pump diagnostic module. The pump control module commands a water pump to switch between on and off, wherein the water pump circulates coolant through an engine when the water pump switches on as commanded. The pump diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in the water pump based on a change in a crankshaft speed of the engine when the water pump is commanded to switch between on and off.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Stephen Paul Levijoki
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Patent number: 9228516Abstract: An engine control system includes a fuel system including a first fuel pump in fluid communication with a fuel tank and a second fuel pump in fluid communication with the first fuel pump. A pump control module selectively turns on the first fuel pump when a door opens before an engine is started, the engine is not cranking and a rail pressure of the first fuel pump is less than a predetermined rail pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Dean R. Kwapis, Rafat F. Hattar, Maher El-Jaroudi, Timothy J. Braman
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Patent number: 9163551Abstract: The character or nature of cooling water is correctly estimated. A cooling system for an internal combustion engine includes a radiator, a bypass passage which bypasses the radiator, a thermostat, and a control unit which changes a valve opening temperature of the thermostat. The cooling system for the internal combustion engine further includes an estimating unit which forbids valve opening of the thermostat and which estimates the character of the cooling water on the basis of temperature transition of the cooling water provided in this state.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Koichiro Nakatani, Akira Yamashita, Takenori Saoda
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Patent number: 9151211Abstract: A method of monitoring an engine coolant system includes modeling the total energy stored within an engine coolant. If an actual temperature of the engine coolant is below a minimum target temperature, the modeled total energy stored within the energy coolant is compared to a maximum stored energy limit to determine if sufficient energy exists within the engine coolant to heat the engine coolant to a temperature equal to or greater than the minimum target temperature. The engine coolant system fails the diagnostic check when the modeled total energy stored within the energy coolant is greater than the maximum stored energy limit, and the minimum target temperature has not been reached.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Igor Anilovich, Daniel A. Bialas, Morena Bruno, Daniel Siebert, John W. Siekkinen
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Patent number: 9103266Abstract: A system and method for diagnosing failure of a thermostat that includes a controller configured to measure a coolant temperature and a coolant model temperature and determine a temperature of engine oil, when the coolant temperature is greater than a first reference temperature and the coolant model temperature is equal to or less than a second reference temperature. In addition, the controller is configured to determine an open status or a close status of the thermostat and diagnoses whether there is a failure in the open status of the thermostat, using the temperature of the engine oil as an independent variable.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2013Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Seung Bum Kim
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Patent number: 8978598Abstract: A sensor abnormality detection apparatus which is installed in a vehicle with an electric water pump for circulating engine cooling water and is configured to perform an abnormality detecting process related to a first temperature sensor or a second temperature sensor based on a relationship between a detection result of the first temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the engine cooling water and a detection result of the second temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of another medium which is correlated with the temperature of the engine cooling water or an estimation result of the temperature of the engine cooling water, comprising: a water pump forced-operating part configured to force the electric water pump to operate if the detection result of the first temperature sensor and the detection result of the second temperature sensor or the estimation result of the temperature of the engine cooling water do not meet a predetermined relationship, under a condition where the electric waterType: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Atsushi Iwai
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Patent number: 8955473Abstract: A method for operating an engine having a cylinder head, comprising: following light-off of an exhaust catalyst from a cold-start condition, circulating liquid coolant through a cooling jacket of the cylinder head, and at a subsequent engine-off condition, draining at least some of the liquid coolant from the cooling jacket. In this way, at a cold start condition, the cooling jacket of the cylinder head may be filled with air, thus decreasing the amount of time needed for the exhaust catalyst to reach a light-off temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Xiaogang Zhang
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Patent number: 8813693Abstract: A system includes a pump control module and a pump diagnostic module. The pump control module switches a switchable water pump from off to on. The pump diagnostic module diagnoses a fault in the switchable water pump based on a first difference between an engine material temperature and an engine coolant temperature when the switchable water pump is switched from off to on. The engine coolant temperature is a temperature of coolant circulated through an engine and the engine material temperature is a temperature of at least one of an engine block and a cylinder head.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Inventors: Daniel A. Bialas, Stephen Paul Levijoki, John W. Siekkinen, Igor Anilovich, Michele Bilancia, Morena Bruno
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Patent number: 8800502Abstract: A heat storage device of a vehicle may include an insulation container, a coolant passage connected to an engine, a heat exchanger having a fin formed on the coolant passage inside the insulation container, a phase change material charged in the insulation container to exchange heat with flowing coolant, a phase change material temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an engine coolant temperature sensor, and a control portion that circulates the coolant according to the driving condition of the engine and the coolant temperature such that the coolant exchanges heat with the phase change material. Accordingly, fuel for warming an engine or heating an interior room is reduced, a separate heating device or a warm up device such as a PTC heater can be replaced, quality of the exhaust gas is quickly improved, and there is a merit in overcoming environmental regulations.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University Erica CampusInventors: Yong Hyun Choi, Yong Chul Kim, June Kyu Park, Jungha Park, Man Hee Park, Ki-hyung Lee, Jung-wook Son
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Patent number: 8794197Abstract: A liquid-cooled engine provided with cooling means for cooling an area surrounding a combustion chamber using a cooling liquid cooled by a radiator and caused to flow through a cooling passage. The cooling passage is embedded inside a cylinder block and a cylinder head. The cooling passage is formed in a continuous fashion such that the cooling liquid is introduced from the radiator to cool an area surrounding the combustion chamber, and thereafter returns to the radiator by looping around an area surrounding an exhaust valve for opening and closing an exhaust port of the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Yoshikazu Sato, Keita Ito, Yasuhiro Shimizu
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Patent number: 8739746Abstract: Embodiments for indicating degradation of a piston-cooling jet system are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises indicating degradation of a piston-cooling jet system in response to a relationship between engine speed and oil pressure at maximum oil pump displacement conditions. In this way, engine operation may be adjusted in response to an indicated degradation.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Karl Bidner, John Eric Rollinger, John Smiley, Ed Badillo
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Patent number: 8726870Abstract: A hydrodynamic heater is provided having a rotational member and a stationary member. The rotational member is operable to rotate relative to the stationary member about an axis so as to induce fluid shear and therefore, thermal energy to the working fluid. The hydrodynamic heater may be a component of a heat generation system comprising an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft for rotating the rotational member of the hydrodynamic heater. The heat generated by the hydrodynamic heater, as well as the heat generated by the engine from the engine exhaust and engine cooling system, is combined to heat a working fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Inventor: Patrick M. Cronin
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Patent number: 8701603Abstract: A control valve unit for a liquid circuit of an internal combustion engine, includes a valve housing (1) having at least one inlet opening (2) or outlet opening (2?) and at least two outlet openings (31, 32, 33) or inlet openings (31?, 32?, 33?) and at least two closing elements (41, 42, 43) actuated by a control device (22). The closing elements selectively open or close an associated outlet or inlet opening. The closing elements may be continuously adjusted between maximum open and closed positions. The control device (22) includes at least one displaceable or rotatable cam (6) and includes at least two cam tracks (71, 72, 73), each of which is assigned to a closing element (41, 42, 43) and acts on at least one driving pin (11) that is in contact with said closing element (41, 42, 43). The cams (6) are adjusted by an actuator (8).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Mann+Hummel GmbHInventors: Stéphane Warnery, Pascal Noiseau, Mickael Cormerais
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Patent number: 8695542Abstract: A module for a cooling circuit of a motor vehicle engine includes at least one control valve allowing a circulation according to at least one normal mode. The module also includes a thermal safety device capable of allowing a circulation according to another mode called the short-circuit mode in the event of failure of the normal circulation mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Valeo Systemes ThermiquesInventors: Frédéric Vacca, Alain Farkh
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Patent number: 8695552Abstract: A temperature control system for an internal combustion engine, to which a block heater for warming a coolant and keeping the coolant warm is attachable, the temperature control system includes a coolant circulating apparatus circulating the coolant, a fluid temperature detecting device detecting a fluid temperature of the coolant, a block heater disuse estimating portion estimating a possibility of disuse of the block heater under a condition that a circulation of the coolant is stopped, and a block heater usage determining portion determining whether or not the block heater is used on the basis of changes in the fluid temperature under a condition that the coolant is circulated in a case where the block heater disuse estimating portion does not estimate the disuse of the block heater.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignees: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Satoru Onozawa, Takashi Suzuki
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Patent number: 8622043Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an example electrical power generation system that includes a fluid containment system (FIG. 2 shows the example electrical power generation system of FIG. 1 where the fluid containment system is filled with fluid F). The electrical power generation system includes an internal combustion engine and an alternator that is driven by the internal combustion engine to generate electrical power. The electrical power generation system further includes an enclosure such that the internal combustion engine and alternator are positioned within the enclosure. The fluid containment system is positioned below the internal combustion engine and the alternator to collect fluids F. The fluid containment system includes a drain. The electrical power generation system further includes a control that selectively operates the drain to permit fluids F to exit the fluid containment system.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventor: John R. Thiel
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Patent number: 8567356Abstract: A method for controlling at least one fan (13) for the regulation of the cooling demand of at least two cooling elements (12) included in a drill rig (1), the cooling demand of each one of the cooling elements (12) being determined, that the determined cooling demands are weighted together and that the fan (13) is controlled based on the weighting together. The method is characterized in that at least one of the cooling elements is equipped with a safety thermostat (21), which, if required, prevents overcooling that the fluid is not allowed to circulate in the cooling elements. The invention also relates to a drill rig for the execution of the above-mentioned method.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Atlas Copco Rock Drills ABInventor: Henrik Jacobsson
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Publication number: 20130255603Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for expediting engine system heating by stagnating coolant in one of a plurality of loops in an engine cooling system. Degradation of the various valves and thermostats of the cooling system can be diagnosed by adjusting the valve and monitoring changes in one or more of coolant temperature, transmission temperature and cabin temperature. Based on engine operating conditions, the various valves may be adjusted to vary coolant temperature in different regions of the cooling system, thereby providing fuel economy benefits.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Robert Roy Jentz
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Publication number: 20130255604Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing each of a plurality of engine cooling system components including various valves and grill shutters. Each valve may be individually closed and opened for a specified duration, and corresponding changes in coolant temperature may be monitored. If all the components are functional, the various valves may be adjusted to stagnate coolant at the engine and expedite engine warm-up during a cold-start.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: John Eric Rollinger, Robert Roy Jentz, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
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Publication number: 20130255605Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing each of a plurality of engine cooling system components including various valves and grill shutters. Each valve may be individually closed and opened for a specified duration, and corresponding changes in coolant temperature may be monitored. If all the components are functional, the various valves may be adjusted to stagnate coolant at the engine and expedite engine warm-up during a cold-start.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Robert Roy Jentz, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, John Smiley, John Eric Rollinger
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Publication number: 20130192545Abstract: Embodiments for indicating degradation of a piston-cooling jet system are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises indicating degradation of a piston-cooling jet system in response to a relationship between engine speed and oil pressure at maximum oil pump displacement conditions. In this way, engine operation may be adjusted in response to an indicated degradation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: August 1, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: David Karl Bidner, John Eric Rollinger, John Smiley, Ed Badillo
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Patent number: 8485142Abstract: An internal combustion engine cooling system includes: an internal combustion engine; a water pump for circulating a fluid; a flow path for the fluid circulated at least between the internal combustion engine and the water pump; a first sensor disposed on the flow path through which the fluid flows from the internal combustion engine to the water pump; a first flow path provided with a fluid cooling means; a second flow path provided with a heat exchange means; a first valve provided on the flow path and configured to control inflow amounts of the fluid into the first flow path and the second flow path; a second valve provided on the second flow path and configured to control inflow of the fluid into the second flow path; and a controller for performing failure determination of the second valve based on a detection result of the first sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuo Ozawa, Yoshikuni Ito
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Patent number: 8489267Abstract: In a hybrid-electric vehicle that includes a cabin, methods and systems are provided for modifying a first curve for engine coolant temperature (ECT) warm-up trajectory. The system includes a processor configured to execute software instructions, and a memory configured to store software instructions accessible by the processor. In one embodiment, the software instructions comprise an offset lookup table that is configured to generate, based on a calculated thermal power loss across a heater core and an ambient air temperature, an offset value for modifying the first curve for ECT warm-up trajectory to produce a desired curve for ECT warm-up trajectory that is offset from the first curve. The desired curve for ECT warm up trajectory is used to adjust temperature in the cabin so that fuel consumption can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Paul S. Lombardo, Allen J. Lehmen