With Liquid Coolant Circulating Means Patents (Class 123/41.44)
  • Patent number: 8443775
    Abstract: A system for controlling temperature associated with an engine is provided. The system includes a first fluid circulating system, including a first fluid pump and a heat exchanger. The engine, the first fluid pump, and the heat exchanger are in flow communication. The system also includes an electric power source. The system further includes a second fluid circulating system, including a second fluid pump and a heating element. The engine, the second fluid pump, the heat exchanger, and the heating element are in selective flow communication. The system further includes a sensor associated with the engine, the sensor configured to sense at least one parameter and to generate a signal indicative of the at least one parameter. Moreover, the system includes a controller configured to control operation of the second fluid circulating system in response to the signal, and to control the heating and cooling of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nader Wahid Ktami, Ryan Arden White, John Harold Lovell
  • Publication number: 20130118425
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for heating a liquid supplied to an engine of a motor vehicle by a pump when the temperature of the liquid is low, thereby reducing the operating efficiency of the engine. The method comprises inefficient operation of the pump by constricting flow to create heat that is transferrable to the liquid. Inefficient operation of the pump is enacted when service brakes are applied and the vehicle is decelerating to minimize negative impact on fuel economy and overall engine efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Patent number: 8439003
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes an engine cooling system that includes a water jacket, a radiator, and a circulation passage through which a coolant is circulated between the water jacket and the radiator, wherein the coolant is provided in the engine cooling system; a water pump that forcibly circulates the coolant provided in the engine cooling system when the water pump is operated; a reservoir tank in which the coolant is reserved, and into which gas flows from the engine cooling system while the reserved coolant flows out to the engine cooling system from the reservoir tank; and a forcible introduction portion that forcibly introduces the coolant from the reservoir tank into the engine cooling system before the internal combustion engine is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukari Araki, Nobutaka Takeuchi, Osamu Shintani, Kazuya Nakagaki, Daisuke Murakami, Masanori Shibata, Hisao Nonoyama
  • Patent number: 8430071
    Abstract: An engine cooling system for a vehicle, and method of operation, includes both an engine driven main coolant pump that may be disengaged by a clutch and an electrically driven auxiliary coolant pump, where each can be used separately or they can be used together to control the amount of coolant flow through the engine cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael H. Carlson, George T Washburn
  • Publication number: 20130098317
    Abstract: A heat storage device keeps engine coolant hot during operating pauses of the engine allowing quick heating during a cold start of the engine. The capacity of the heat storage device for coolant is twice as large as the capacity for coolant of the coolant circulation system and the engine. An inflow line, an outflow line and a ventilation line pass through the bottom of the heat storage device and are heat insulated on the inside of the heat storage device. Hot coolant from the heat storage device is transferred in two portions into the cold engine. The second portion is transferred when the rising temperature of the metal motor mass has come close to the falling temperature of the first portion of coolant that was circulating in the engine. The heat storage device includes outer and inner containers with a high vacuum in the insulating space between the containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Investorengemeinschaft Kroecker GbR
    Inventor: Investorengemeinschaft Kroecker GbR
  • Patent number: 8424497
    Abstract: A water pump adaptor and water pump adaptor kit for adapting a conventional electrical and mechanical water pump to an engine block having at least one rectangular coolant entry port and at least one circular coolant exit port, such as a GM LS engine. A method for installing a water pump adaptor kit to adapt a water pump to an engine having at least one rectangular coolant entry port and at least one circular coolant exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Moroso Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David Iwanicki
  • Patent number: 8424303
    Abstract: An arrangement for a supercharged combustion engine (2) including a first cooling system with a circulating coolant, a second cooling system with a circulating coolant which is at a lower temperature than the coolant in the first cooling system, and a cooler (10, 15) in which a gaseous medium which contains water vapor is to be cooled by the coolant in the second cooling system. A first valve (32) which can be placed in a first position whereby it prevents coolant from the first cooling system from being led to the second cooling system via a first connecting line (30), and a second position whereby it allows warm coolant from the first cooling system to be led to the second cooling system via the first connecting line (30). The warm coolant from the first cooling system is intended to circulate at least a certain distance (26b, c) in the second cooling system so that it passes through the cooler (10, 15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Scania CV AB
    Inventors: Zoltan Kardos, Erik Söderberg
  • Patent number: 8408168
    Abstract: The ECU includes: a stop control portion controlling an electric water pump to stop, when an engine provided with the electric water pump pressure-feeding a coolant is warmed up; a first drive control portion controlling the electric water pump to drive for a predetermined period at least before the stop control portion performs a control, when a coolant temperature thw in starting the engine is equal to or higher than a predetermined value ?. The electric water pump corresponds to a variable water pump capable of changing the flow rate of the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Suzuki, Satoru Onozawa
  • Patent number: 8408167
    Abstract: A piston cooling apparatus of an engine may include a combustion chamber formed between a piston disposed in a cylinder block and a cylinder head disposed on the cylinder block, wherein a surface area-enlarging portion is formed inside the piston on bottom surface of a crown of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Gabseok Ko
  • Patent number: 8387572
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for a cooling system coupled to an engine in a vehicle. One example method comprises, during engine off, operating an auxiliary pump to flow coolant through a heater core; and, during engine running, operating an engine pump to flow coolant through the heater core and radiator, and selectively operating the auxiliary pump to assist flow through the heater core based on operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 8347846
    Abstract: A vehicle control system 10 includes a water pump 23 with an electromagnetic clutch, an oil relief device 25, an OCV 26, a water temperature sensor 31, and an ECU 11. The ECU 11 causes the electromagnetic clutch of the water pump 23 to be disengaged on the basis of the detection result detected by the water temperature sensor 31, and stops the coolant circulation. The ECU 11 instructs the OCV 26 to adjust the lubricant pressure to low by an oil relief device 25. The ECU 11 determines whether or not the adjustment of the lubricant pressure to low by the oil relief device 25 is stopped on the basis of the detection result detected by the water temperature sensor 31 when the engagement of the electromagnetic clutch of the water pump 23 continues for a given period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Kobayashi, Toshihisa Sugiyama, Katuhiko Arisawa, Kenichi Yamada, Kunihiko Hayashi, Akihito Hosoi, Syusaku Sugamoto
  • Patent number: 8342142
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus includes an electric water pump that circulates a coolant, a radiator that radiates heat of the coolant, an electric fan that cools the radiator, a control device, and first flow rate correction means. The control device controls the discharge flow rate of the electric water pump based on a target flow rate set based on an amount of heat generated in an engine, and controls operation of the electric fan based on a coolant temperature. When the coolant temperature is equal to or higher than a fan operation temperature at which the operation of the electric fan is started, the first flow rate correction means increases the discharge flow rate of the electric water pump in accordance with an increase in the coolant temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Shintani, Shinichi Hamada
  • Patent number: 8333629
    Abstract: A marine outboard engine is described, having an engine disposed in a cowling. The engine has a cooling system. A first pump is disposed inside the cowling below a water line of the outboard engine. The first pump is continuously driven by the engine during operation of the engine. The first pump is a centrifugal pump having an inlet in fluid communication with an exterior of the marine outboard engine below the water line and an outlet in fluid communication with the cooling system. A second pump is disposed inside the cowling below the water line. The second pump has an inlet in fluid communication with an exterior of the marine outboard engine below the water line and an outlet in fluid communication with the cooling system. An electric motor is operatively connected to the second pump for selectively driving the second pump during operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: BRP US Inc.
    Inventors: Richard McChesney, George Broughton, Mark Noble
  • Patent number: 8333172
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for controlling operation of an electric water pump configured to circulate a cooling fluid. The method may include detecting a startup of an electric power source associated with the electric water pump. In addition, the method may include monitoring a voltage available to the electric water pump in response to the detected startup of the power source. The method may also include providing an activation signal to the electric water pump if the monitored voltage is equal to or greater than a first threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Andris, Bob Lindsey, Curtis Johnson, Bruce Unger, Michael Betz
  • Publication number: 20120312256
    Abstract: A slide-valve device sliding in a predetermined axial direction, includes a valve body having two chambers, the first chamber including a lateral fluid-intake opening and a fluid-outlet opening provided with a normally closed, conditionally opening plug device, the second chamber including first and second lateral fluid-outlet openings, mutually offset in the axial direction. Two inner regions of the second chamber are arranged contiguously in the axial direction and communicate with one another via an opening or an internal passage, and in that the sliding drawer includes a first plug member suitable for selectively plugging the communication opening or the internal communication passage or opening between the two regions and a second plugging member suitable for preventing fluid communication between the second lateral fluid-outlet opening of the second chamber and a first region of the second chamber, within a predetermined range of translation of the sliding drawer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Mark IV Systems Moteurs (Societe Par Actions Simplifiee)
    Inventors: Richard Komurian, Christian Adam
  • Publication number: 20120315160
    Abstract: A mechanical coolant pump for an internal combustion engine includes a main pump body configured to be stationary. A pump wheel is rotatably supported by the main pump body. The pump wheel comprises a central axial inlet opening. The pump wheel is configured to pump a coolant from the central axial inlet opening radially outwardly. A valve disk configured to be axially shiftable is arranged in the pump wheel. An actuator is configured to actuate the valve disk so as to close the central axial inlet opening in a closed position of the valve disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: PIERBURG PUMP TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Durand, Achim Broemmel
  • Patent number: 8322157
    Abstract: A liquid coolant flow straightener is provided for use with a cooling system to at least partially straighten flow of liquid coolant, promoting de-aeration of the liquid coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Cody L. Petersen, Richard C. Broessel
  • Patent number: 8313304
    Abstract: A water pump assembly for an internal combustion engine including a housing, as well as first and second rotatable shafts supported by the housing. First and second pulleys are fixed for rotation with the first and second shafts, respectively. A pumping member is fixed for rotation with the second shaft. A flexible member engages the first and second pulleys and is sized to slip relative to one of the first and second pulleys when in an unloaded state. A control mechanism selectively applies a load to the flexible member to cease the slipping and drivingly interconnect the first and second pulleys to rotate the pumping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: Radisav Jocic
  • Publication number: 20120247410
    Abstract: A water-cooled V-type engine includes a first coolant passage for supplying a liquid coolant discharged from a water pump disposed proximate a first cylinder, to a water jacket of the first cylinder. The engine also includes a second coolant passage which is branched off from the first coolant passage, and which is provided for supplying coolant to a water jacket of a second cylinder. The engine design allows for a shortened coolant hose. The water pump may include an integral fluid conduit including a branching portion where said second coolant supply passage is branched from said first coolant supply passage, and a restricted portion proximate the branching portion. A motorcycle including a vehicle body frame is also described, where the water-cooled V-type engine is operatively attached to the vehicle body frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hodaka MUKOUHARA, Hiroyuki SUGIURA, Yohei MAKUTA
  • Publication number: 20120222633
    Abstract: The invention concerns a cooling system, in particular a motor vehicle cooling system comprising a cooling circuit, in which a cooling medium is circulated by means of a cooling medium pump; wherein the cooling medium pump or another work machine is driven by means of a drive machine via a hydrodynamic coupling, comprising a pump impeller driven by the drive machine and a turbine wheel driving the cooling medium pump, which together form a toroidal working chamber which can optionally be filled with working medium; wherein the working medium is the cooling medium; a compensating container, comprising a space filled with cooling medium and an air chamber above a cooling medium level in the space filled with cooling medium. The invention is characterised in that the working chamber of the hydrodynamic coupling is always connected to the air chamber or can optionally be connected to the latter via an air-conducting connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: VOITH PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Sandra Barthelmäs, Jochen Thönnissen, Markus Kley, Dieter Laukemann
  • Publication number: 20120216763
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system connects a working fluid into passages formed within an internal combustion engine. The fluid passages transport the working fluid to high temperature areas of the engine, raising the temperature of the working fluid near the phase change point or above the phase change point. The heated working fluid drives an energy conversion portion located downstream from the engine. The heat absorbed by the working fluid decreases the load on an engine cooling system as well as driving an energy conversion portion, improving fuel efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventor: David M. BARNES
  • Publication number: 20120192815
    Abstract: Actuating device for a recirculation pump of a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine comprising a pulley suitable for being rotationally driven by the engine, a driven shaft for driving the pump and an electromagnetically controlled coupling interposed between the pulley and the driven shaft, in which the electromagnetic coupling comprises an electromagnet, coupling mechanism controlled by the electromagnet and mobile between an engagement position in which the pulley is connected to the driven shaft and a disengagement position, and an elastic member for maintaining an engagement member in the engaged position when the electromagnet is not energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Andrea Guala, Gianluca Cariccia, Riccardo Seren Rosso
  • Publication number: 20120192816
    Abstract: A mechanical coolant pump for an internal combustion engine includes an outlet channel comprising an outlet valve and an outlet channel wall with a passing slit. An impeller is configured to pump a coolant into the outlet channel. The outlet valve comprises a shiftable flat valve plate configured to be shiftable in a transversal plane of the outlet channel through the passing slit of the outlet channel wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: PIERBURG PUMP TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Gilles Simon, Arnaud Fournier
  • Publication number: 20120174880
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for cooling a rotary engine, the system comprising a drive shaft having a bore hole and at least one of a coolant transmission hole in fluid communication with the bore hole. At least one of a coolant distribution channel is in fluid communication with the coolant transmission hole. A coolant fluid channel receives a coolant liquid from the coolant distribution channel, wherein the coolant liquid is circulated between the bore hole and the outer coolant fluid channel to cool the rotary engine. Other exemplary embodiments include a centripetal force pump formed by at least the rotation of the drive shaft, which circulates the coolant liquid between the drive shaft bore hole and the outer coolant fluid channel to cool the rotary engine, and adjusting the coolant liquid flow rate based, in part, on the RPM of the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Boots Rolf Hughston
  • Patent number: 8181610
    Abstract: A cooling system for internal combustion engines provides directed flows of heated or cooled coolant to various engine components and/or accessories as needed. By providing directed flows, the overall coolant flow volume is reduced from that of conventional cooling systems, allowing for a smaller capacity water pump to be employed which results in a net energy savings for the engine. Further, by reducing the overall coolant flow volume, the hoses and/or galleries required for the directed flows are reduced from those of conventional cooling systems, providing a cost savings and a weight savings. Finally, by preferably employing an impellor type water pump, the expense of an electric water pump and its associated control circuitry can be avoided. The direct flows are established by a multifunction valve which, in a preferred implementation, comprises a two-plate valve wherein each plate is operated by a wax motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Pasquale Dipaola, Malcolm J. Clough, Robert Scotchmer
  • Publication number: 20120103285
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pump assembly includes sand casting a pump housing with a cavity and die casting an impeller that includes pump blades and a first portion of a shroud. The pump housing may be sand cast as a one-piece component and the impeller may be die cast as another one-piece component. A pump cover is provided with a second portion of the shroud. The pump cover is inserted into the cavity so that the second portion of the shroud is adjacent to the first portion of the shroud, providing a substantially continuous surface defining flow channels through the impeller. A pump assembly manufactured according to the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Naser I. Hineiti, Dan L. Alden
  • Patent number: 8166927
    Abstract: An outboard motor that facilitates replacement of an impeller of a water pump includes a water pump arranged to pump coolant and a pump driving mechanism arranged to distribute power from a drive shaft to the water pump. At least a portion of the water pump in which an impeller is housed can be detached and attached from the outside of an upper case. The pump driving mechanism distributes power in a direction generally perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft and transmits the power to the water pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihito Fukuoka
  • Patent number: 8156903
    Abstract: Actuating device for a recirculation pump of a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine comprising a pulley suitable for being rotationally driven by the engine, a driven shaft for driving the pump and an electromagnetically controlled coupling interposed between the pulley and the driven shaft, in which the electromagnetic coupling comprises an electromagnet, coupling mechanism controlled by the electromagnet and mobile between an engagement position in which the pulley is connected to the driven shaft and a disengagement position, and an elastic member for maintaining an engagement member in the engaged position when the electromagnet is not energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Dayco Europe S.r.l. con Unico Socio
    Inventors: Andrea Guala, Gianluca Cariccia, Riccardo Seren Rosso
  • Publication number: 20120079997
    Abstract: A water pump adaptor and water pump adaptor kit for adapting a conventional electrical and mechanical water pump to an engine block having at least one rectangular coolant entry port and at least one circular coolant exit port, such as a GM LS engine. A method for installing a water pump adaptor kit to adapt a water pump to an engine having at least one rectangular coolant entry port and at least one circular coolant exit port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: David Iwanicki
  • Publication number: 20120073526
    Abstract: A piston construction for an opposed-piston engine accommodates contoured end surfaces of the piston crowns and articulation of the pistons with piston rods. The shape of each piston crown includes a bowl with an adjoining ridge that protrudes axially of the piston. A cooling construction for the piston includes an outer gallery running around the inner surface of the piston sidewall in the vicinity of the crown. The outer gallery girds and is in fluid communication with a central gallery that abuts the deepest part of the bowl. The outer gallery has an asymmetric profile that rises under the ridge and that slants upwardly under a peripheral portion of the bowl. A mechanism for coupling the piston to a piston rod includes a biaxial slipper bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: Achates Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Dion, Brendan M. Lenski, Ryan G. MacKenzie
  • Patent number: 8127723
    Abstract: A cooling circuit of an engine may include a water pump provided at a coolant circulation line, an engine provided with a water jacket forming a pathway through which a coolant supplied from the water pump passes, and having a coolant inflow line and a coolant exhaust line, a radiator connected to the coolant exhaust line, a thermostat selectively connecting the radiator with the water pump to control a coolant flow, a first cooling line connecting the coolant exhaust line to a heater, a first return line connecting the heater to the water pump through the thermostat, a second cooling line connecting the coolant exhaust line to a throttle body, a third cooling line connecting the throttle body to an oil cooler, and a second return line connecting the oil cooler to the first return line to guide a coolant exhausted from the oil cooler to the first return line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Bong Sang Lee
  • Patent number: 8113440
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exemplary supplemental heating system including a liquid heat generator having a hydrodynamic chamber for selectively heating a fluid. The supplemental heating system further includes a manifold having an inlet passage fluidly connectable to a discharge passage of a heat exchanger, a first discharge passage fluidly connectable to an engine cooling system, and a second discharge passage fluidly connected to an inlet passage of the hydrodynamic chamber. A control valve comprising a spool slideably disposed within the manifold controls distribution of the fluid between the manifold inlet passage and the first manifold discharge passage, and the manifold inlet passage and the manifold second discharge passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ventech LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy J. Sanger, Franco Garavoglia
  • Patent number: 8109242
    Abstract: A cooling system for an engine is disclosed. The cooling system may have a pump driven by the engine to pressurize coolant, a single heat exchanger configured to cool pressurized coolant, and an aftercooler configured to transfer heat from air entering the engine to pressurized coolant. The cooling system may also have a multi-thermostat arrangement configured to always direct at least a portion of the pressurized coolant from the pump through the aftercooler, and selectively direct pressurized coolant from the pump through the single heat exchanger. The multi-thermostat arrangement may also be configured to selectively mix pressurized coolant from the aftercooler with a remaining portion of the pressurized coolant from the pump to form a coolant mixture, and to selectively direct the coolant mixture through the engine or around the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Sridhar Deivasigamani
  • Patent number: 8104175
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cylinder block for a multi-cylinder engine is disclosed herein. The cylinder block includes a crankcase and cylinder bores disposed therein separated by cylinder walls. The crankcase is adapted to receive a crankshaft and includes crank chambers disposed therein separated by partition walls. Each of the crank chambers of the crankcase corresponds to one of the cylinder bores of the cylinder block. The cylinder bore side of each partition wall has a honing runoff portion thinner in section than the crankshaft side thereof such that a step face results in the partition walls. Further, a runoff groove is formed in the partition walls of the crank chambers, and also a communication hole is formed at least partially within the runoff groove in at least one of the partition walls to enable communication between crank chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Mochida
  • Publication number: 20110315097
    Abstract: A vehicle cooling circuit, especially an engine cooling circuit, including a cooling medium pump and a vehicle drive engine and/or other heat-generating assembly cooled by means of the cooling medium. The circuit includes a hydrodynamic retarder with the working medium of the hydrodynamic retarder simultaneously also being the cooling medium of the cooling circuit, and the hydrodynamic retarder operating as the cooling medium pump. The secondary blade wheel is associated with a brake or a drive running counter to the drive of the primary blade wheel in such a way that it can optionally be fixed in a first operating state (braking operation) or be driven counter to the rotational direction of the primary blade wheel and, in a second operating state (pumping operation), can partially or completely be released such that it circulates at the speed of the primary blade wheel or at a specified speed difference slower than the primary blade wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: VOITH PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Reinhard Kernchen, Werner Adams
  • Publication number: 20110308484
    Abstract: A method of regulating coolant pump inlet pressure of an internal combustion engine, the method including the steps of producing pressurized air by way of a mechanism and directing a portion of the pressurized air coming from the mechanism to a coolant system of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Russell Peterson, Alan Sheidler, Jonathan Spooner, Scott Hayes
  • Publication number: 20110297111
    Abstract: A regulable coolant pump for a coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine, which has a pump housing and a hollow shaft that is placed in the housing and mounted on rolling bearings that connects a drive wheel to an impeller. As the impeller rotates, coolant is drawn in via an inlet chamber that is upstream from the cover disk and is delivered, via vanes of the impeller, into an annular channel of the pump housing. The volumetric delivery can be influenced through an axially displaceable baffle plate assigned to the impeller. The baffle plate is connected in a rotationally rigid manner to a push rod guided in the hollow shaft that acts together with an adjusting unit. A sealing element is provided to seal an annular gap that forms between the baffle plate and the cover disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Markus POPP
  • Patent number: 8069827
    Abstract: A drive component for driving an electric water pump for causing engine coolant to flow is mounted in an engine compartment. When the ignition is off and the temperature of a exhaust heat recovery device is above a temperature, an ECU estimates a peak temperature in the engine compartment after the stop of the engine. When the peak temperature is above a temperature, the ECU stops the engine and drives the electric water pump and an electric fan for cooling the drive component for driving the electric water pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Watanabe, Koichi Mizutani, Naoki Toyofuku, Hiroki Morozumi
  • Publication number: 20110253077
    Abstract: A double-acting electromagnetic device for transmitting movement to/from a driven/driving member in a vehicle and including a shaft that rotates about a longitudinal axis of rotation and that has, mounted relative thereto a first rotor of a first coupling including a pair of concentric annular electromagnets mounted on a fixed support, a coaxial bell member, a coaxial cup member, a first bearing, a first armature connected to the coaxial bell member, a second armature concentric with the first armature and connected to the coaxial cup member which is mounted idle with respect to the shaft via the first bearing and which has a first pulley formed on a side surface, wherein the support for the electromagnets is attached to a fixed structure part which has a load-bearing function, and wherein the bell member includes an outer annular edge extending in an axial direction towards the electromagnets and mounted axially over the first rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: Baruffaldi S.p.a.
    Inventors: Piercarlo Boffelli, Fabio Natale, Erminio Depoli, Claudio Bellotti
  • Patent number: 8006655
    Abstract: In a heat storage system for a vehicle including a heat accumulator 3, in which engine coolant is stored and allowed to flow, in an engine coolant circulation circuit connecting an engine 1 and a heater core 2 of an air conditioning unit, the engine coolant circulation circuit is a circuit connecting heat accumulator 3 side inlet and outlet, engine 1 side inlet and outlet, and heater core 2 side inlet and outlet, and has a circuit configuration including four modes of a “heat storage mode,” a “heat storage maintaining mode,” a “quick engine warm-up mode,” and a “quick interior warm-up mode” to be selectable by switching a valve set in the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Jinichi Hiyama
  • Publication number: 20110197832
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block having a cooling jacket and a cylinder head having two cooling jackets. In one example, the internal combustion engine may be operated so as to reduce engine friction and emissions during cold engine starts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Berkemeier, Kai Sebastian Kuhlbach, Martin Lutz, Jan Mehring, Richard Fritsche
  • Patent number: 7987822
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a temperature for an engine by controlling a flow of a liquid engine coolant through a coolant conduit, the apparatus including a thermostat having a temperature responsive valve for substantially blocking and substantially unblocking the flow of the liquid coolant to a radiator. The valve opens as the temperature of the liquid coolant rises and a spring urges the valve to a closed position as the temperature of the fluid falls. An electromechanical actuator is provided outside of the conduit and is controlled by an engine control system in response to engine conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Fishman Thermo Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph Fishman, Eli Elkayam
  • Publication number: 20110180026
    Abstract: A fluid cooling system of a combustion engine charged by a turbocharger includes, but is not limited to a first cooling circuit operable by a coolant pump which runs through an engine block cooling jacket and a second cooling circuit branched off from the first cooling circuit, which runs through a cooling jacket formed between an inner wall and an outer wall of a double-walled turbine housing of the turbocharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Helmut HEUSLER
  • Publication number: 20110174244
    Abstract: An engine with vacuum and coolant pumps is disclosed. In one example, the vacuum and coolant pumps are mechanically coupled together and driven by a single motor. The approach may reduce system cost and complexity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Cliff Maki, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 7980077
    Abstract: A method for retrofitting a cooling system of a turbocharged engine system. The method comprises reconfiguring the cooling system so that at least some coolant flows from a first radiator to a second radiator, and from the second radiator to an inlet of an intercooler without first passing through a lubricant cooler. The method may be applied to a cooling system originally configured so that at least some of the coolant would flow through the first and second radiators in parallel, and from the first and second radiators to the lubricant cooler, before flowing to the inlet of the intercooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Andrew M. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110162597
    Abstract: A variable coolant pump for a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine, that has a pump housing in which is mounted a hollow shaft that is driveable by a pulley. At one end of the hollow shaft an impeller is fastened which has vanes projecting into an inlet chamber and which is firmly connected via axial bridges to a cover disc. Through rotation of the impeller together with the cover disc, water can be sucked into the inlet chamber via an inlet connection piece of the pump housing and conveyed by the vanes into an annular passage of the pump housing. A guide disc with a contour corresponding to the impeller is further arranged between impeller and cover disc. The guide disc is guided by the axial bridges and can be displaced axially via a positioning unit by a piston located inside the hollow shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Alexander Draheim, Andreas Nendel, Eduard Golovatai-Schmidt, Jens Schaefer, Sandra Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20110132294
    Abstract: A water pump for a vehicle may include a pulley provided with a through bore formed at a middle portion thereof, a clutch compartment being formed at a rear surface along a circumference of the through bore, a brake pad mounted at an interior surface of the clutch compartment of the pulley, a clutch disk disposed in the clutch compartment of the pulley corresponding to the brake pad, a hub coupled to the through bore of the pulley through a pulley bearing, and connected to the clutch disk through a plurality of spring pins mounted at an external circumferential portion thereof, a return spring mounted at the spring pin between the clutch disk and the hub, and applying elastic force to the clutch disk, a field coil disposed in the clutch compartment of the pulley and wrapped a coil case and a cover corresponding to a rear surface of the clutch disk, and a main shaft rotatably mounted to a pump body through a pump bearing, and provided with one end portion connected to a middle portion of the hub and the other
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: BYUNG SOO LEE
  • Publication number: 20110114039
    Abstract: A bush assembly may include an inner pipe, in which a bolt hole is formed substantially in the middle thereof, an outer pipe, through which the inner pipe is inserted, wherein an inner circumference of the outer pipe is spaced with a predetermined gap from an exterior circumference of the inner pipe and the outer pipe includes a bent portion that is bent at a lower portion thereof and extends in a radial direction with a predetermined length, and an elastic member that couples the inner pipe and the outer pipe in the predetermined gap and is fixed to a lower surface of the bent portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seung Yong Lee, Gyuhwan Kim, Yun Seok Kim, Yong Sun Park, Bong Sang Lee
  • Publication number: 20110107984
    Abstract: An engine that is equipped with a water pump, may include a pump housing that is mounted on one side of a cylinder block with an impeller rotatably mounted on a front side thereof to pump coolant, an inlet fitting that is mounted on the cylinder block at a predetermined distance from the pump housing such that the coolant flows through the inlet fitting, and a connecting body that integrally connects the pump housing with the inlet fitting to form one body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: CHANGHYUN CHO
  • Publication number: 20110088638
    Abstract: A pump apparatus installed in a cooling system of an internal combustion engine includes: a first housing member having a generally circular recess portion; a pump rotor placed within the recess portion; and a second housing member that is fixed to the first housing member so as to define a pump operation chamber that corresponds to the recess portion. The first housing member includes a housing body portion in which the recess portion is formed, and a discharge-side cylindrical portion formed integrally with the housing body portion so as to define a discharge passageway of the cooling water. The second housing member includes a cover portion that covers an opening end side of the recess portion, and a suction-side cylindrical portion that is formed integrally with the cover portion so as to define a suction passageway of the cooling water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mitsumasa YAMAGATA