Fuel Only Patents (Class 123/557)
  • Patent number: 12055109
    Abstract: A gaseous fuel supply device includes processing circuitry configured to control a direct injection valve and a shut-off valve. The processing circuitry determines an energization time for the direct injection valve based on a pressure of gaseous fuel supplied from a supply passage to the direct injection valve. When a temperature of the direct injection valve becomes greater than a temperature determination value, the processing circuitry starts an opening-closing process that repeatedly switches the shut-off valve between a closed state and an open state. The opening-closing process is a process that brings the shut-off valve into the closed state when the pressure of the gaseous fuel supplied to the direct injection valve is greater than a pressure lower limit value and brings the shut-off valve into the open state when the pressure of the gaseous fuel becomes less than or equal to the pressure lower limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mina Tachibana, Yuki Suzuki, Tomihisa Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 11867140
    Abstract: An evaporative emissions canister is provided. The canister includes a casing defining an internal volume therein, and an inlet and outlet in fluid communication with the internal volume. The internal volume includes a layer of first adsorbent material and a layer of second adsorbent material. The first adsorbent material has a flow restriction that is lower than the flow restriction of the second adsorbent material. A fluid flow path is defined from the inlet through the internal volume of the casing to the outlet. The fluid flow path includes a transition zone of changing cross-sectional area in the direction from the inlet to the outlet. The layer of first adsorbent material is disposed at or directly adjacent to the transition zone, and the layer of first adsorbent material is disposed adjacent to and immediately upstream from the layer of second adsorbent material in the direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES IP LIMITED
    Inventors: Michal Osmeda, Arkadiusz Wiatr
  • Patent number: 11808237
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of components suitable to break down liquid fuels into short chain molecules and gaseous states of matter by heating and pressurizing the combustible/flammable liquids to the point where they phase change into a supercritical fluid, then releasing some fluid as needed into a vapor accumulation tank that has a lower pressure. This subsequent drop in pressure phase changes the fluid from a supercritical state into a consistent and safe gaseous state. From there, the fuel can be delivered to the engine via direct injectors, gaseous fuel carburetors, or a regulating valve such as a needle valve. Because gaseous fuels readily homogenize with intake air and oxidizers, the present invention allows any engine to cleanly, reliably, and consistent use any fuel without adjustment. This allows any engine to run off any combustible liquid, in effect creating the ultimate multifuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Inventor: Sky Moon Huddleston
  • Patent number: 11713739
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and a kit of two diverter blocks are provided for diverting a fluid from a fluid line and directing the fluid through a sensor. Fluid flows into a first a first diverter block and into a sensor before flowing out of the sensor and into a second diverter block, then into a downstream fluid line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: PRL Motorsports, LLC
    Inventor: Jason R. Greenawalt
  • Patent number: 11708917
    Abstract: Valves configured to induce a pressure drop in a subject fluid may include an inlet, a seat, an outlet, and a valve trim located around the seat and interposed between the inlet and the outlet. The valve trim may include an annulus including a monolithic, unitary, porous material defining a tortuous, interconnected space extending radially through the annulus. Pores at an exterior of the monolithic, unitary, porous material being arranged in a close-packed hexagonal space lattice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC
    Inventor: Holger C. Stibbe
  • Patent number: 11674460
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuel tank, a primary canister, a secondary canister, a first valve, a second valve, a third valve, a heater, and a controller. The primary and secondary canisters are in fluid communication with the fuel tank and are configured to receive and store evaporated fuel from the fuel tank. The first valve is disposed between the fuel tank and the primary canister. The second valve is disposed between the secondary canister and ambient surroundings. The third valve is disposed between the primary canister and an engine. The heater is configured to heat the primary and secondary canisters. The controller is programmed to (i) activate the heater to heat the primary and secondary canisters and (ii) purge the evaporated fuel from the primary and secondary canisters after heating the primary and secondary canisters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Patent number: 11619185
    Abstract: A Hybrid Electric Vehicle comprising a heat transfer medium, transfers heat generated by an electric motor to a fuel, increasing fuel evaporation and cooling the motor. This configuration allows the use of multiple fuels and fuel blends including hydrogen, liquefied natural gas, natural gas liquids and heavier hydrocarbons in varying proportions while allowing higher efficiency and lower emissions due to the hybrid configuration, and efficient cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventors: Alberto Martin Perez, Natalia Perez-Lodeiro
  • Patent number: 11525422
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuel tank, a canister, a first valve, a second valve, a heater, and a controller. The fuel tank is configured to store fuel. The canister is in fluid communication with the fuel tank and is configured to receive and store evaporated fuel from the fuel tank. The first valve is disposed between the fuel tank and the canister. The second valve is disposed between the canister and ambient surroundings. The heater is disposed within the canister. The controller is programmed to, periodically initiate diagnostic tests that are configured to determine if the heater is operating properly, if the heater is unable to turn off, or if the heater is unable to turn on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M Dudar
  • Patent number: 11512624
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine, including an engine cylinder coupled to a cylinder head, and a pre-chamber. The pre-chamber includes a first end proximal to the cylinder head, a spark gap, and pre-chamber walls enclosing an internal volume including a dead volume. The dead volume includes all of the internal volume positioned between the first end and the spark gap. A moveable element is positioned in the internal volume and fluidly coupled to the dead volume, wherein moving the moveable element changes a ratio of the dead volume to the internal volume. In this way, combustion conditions may be enhanced at a plurality of engine conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Leone, Michael Damian Czekala
  • Patent number: 11459981
    Abstract: A preheating device for preheating the fuel of an internal combustion engine with a heating medium has a fuel transport device with a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet, and has a fuel transport channel connecting the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet. The preheating device also has a heating medium transport device with a heating medium inlet and a heating medium outlet, as well as a heating medium transport channel connecting the heating medium inlet and the heating medium outlet and/or at least one heating element. The fuel transport device and the heating medium transport device and/or the at least one heating element are in thermal contact with each other and thus form a heat exchanger via which a fuel transported in the fuel transport device can be heated by a heating medium transported in the heating medium transport device and/or by the at least one heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Stahlotec GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Neyer
  • Patent number: 11346269
    Abstract: A vehicle tank for receiving a liquid medium, encompassing: a tank body having a tank wall; a heat exchanger arranged in an interior of the tank body, the heat exchanger having a first heat-exchanger heat delivery surface that faces toward the tank wall and is spaced away from the tank wall; and an electric heating apparatus that is arranged in the interior of the tank body, the electric heating apparatus being arranged between the first heat-exchanger heat delivery surface and the tank wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Röchling Automotive SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefano Dalpez, Davide Monsorno, Ivan De Metri, Francesca Brunori, Fabrizio Chini, Luca Marini, Francesca Sartori
  • Patent number: 11318401
    Abstract: A filter assembly comprising a housing, a filter, a heater, hose fittings, a heat bridge, and insulators. The housing defines interior and exterior regions communicating through apertures. The filter separate the housing into a region upstream of the filter comprising an aperture, and a region downstream of the filter comprising an aperture. The heater extends into the interior region. The hose fittings are each coincident with an aperture and are formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity. The heat bridge is formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity and thermally connects the heater to the hose fittings. The insulators each are formed of a material having a low thermal conductivity, and each at least partially cover a hose fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Shaw Development, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Koonce, Michael O'Hara
  • Patent number: 11280301
    Abstract: An intake device of an engine comprises an intercooler, an intake passage including a downstream-side intake passage, and an EGR passage recirculating exhaust gas to the downstream-side intake passage. An intake-air supply opening having an opening area smaller than an area of a downstream-side face of an intercooler core is provided at a downstream side wall of a chamber. The downstream-side intake passage includes an extension passage portion extending upwardly along the downstream side wall. The intake-air supply opening includes an upper edge portion which separates the intake air flowing from an inside wall face of the extension passage portion and forms flowing main streams of the intake air inside the extension passage portion. EGR introduction ports are arranged at positions capable of supplying the EGR gas toward the flowing main streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Hamazume, Takashi Yoshikawa, Jiro Kato, Taketoshi Yamauchi, Hirofumi Shinohara, Kazuhiro Nakamura, Yoko Inami, Shouichi Aiga, Tomoaki Fujiyama, Kosuke Miyamoto, Takuya Yamada
  • Patent number: 11117079
    Abstract: An air filter includes a frame member and a deep-pleated media pack positioned within the frame member of the air filter. The frame member includes a gasket positioned around the perimeter of the frame member. The air filter is configured to permit air to enter from one end and pass through the filter media to a second end whereby particulate is removed from the airstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: CHAMPION LABORATORIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kent C. Stanhope, John E. Simms, Rodney K. Michels
  • Patent number: 11118543
    Abstract: The performance of an automotive gasoline fueled spark-ignited internal combustion engine (ICE) optionally operated with a dedicated exhaust gas recycle system is enhanced by reforming the fuel in the presence of injected water to increase the yield of hydrogen which permits higher compression ratios and suppresses engine knock associated with pre-ignition of the fuel. Reforming can occur (a) in the cylinder with the reaction of a fuel-rich mixture and steam from the water injected into the intake manifold of one or more dedicated exhaust gas recirculation cylinders; (b) in a catalytic reformer located upstream of the engine; (c) in a catalytic reformer located downstream of the engine that receives fuel and the exhaust gas stream from the dedicated exhaust gas recirculation cylinder(s), and returns cooled reformate to the intake manifold; and (d) in a catalytic reformer that receives fuel and the exhaust gas stream from the engine exhaust gas manifold, and delivers reformate to the intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Alexander Karl Voice, Vincent Stanley Costanzo
  • Patent number: 10975738
    Abstract: An engine fluid heating apparatus, preventing failure in heating fluid, is provided. A control device opens a sub switch during an initial opening period (“IOP”) after closing a main switch, and the control device closes the sub switch during an initial closing period (“ICP”) after the IOP. Circuit normality is displayed by turning on an indicator lamp when a heater feeding circuit is electrically conducted via a bypass electric circuit during the IOP. Heater feeding is displayed by turning off the indicator lamp when power is supplied to the electric heater via a trunk electric circuit during the ICP. Circuit abnormality is displayed by turning off the indicator lamp when the heater feeding circuit is not electrically conducted via the bypass electric circuit during the IOP, and the circuit abnormality display is held by keeping the indicator lamp off during the ICP immediately after the IOP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koji Nakakita
  • Patent number: 10933740
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a truck, the fuel tank having a fuel tank body with a peripheral wall and end walls that define at least one receptacle to receive a liquid or gaseous medium. At least one baffle is fixedly attached to the inside surface of the peripheral wall via an inner fixing member. An outer fixing member is to fixedly attach the fuel tank body to the chassis of the truck, and is also connected to the inner fixing member through the peripheral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA STEYR Fuel Systems GmbH Werk Schwäbisch Gmünd
    Inventors: Horst Fetzer, Steffen Zanek
  • Patent number: 10823303
    Abstract: A valve device for a cooling water system of a motor vehicle, with a housing including a first connection and a second connection for a first liquid circuit, and a third connection and a fourth connection for a second liquid circuit, wherein the first connection is permanently fluidically connected to the second connection, and with a valve unit including a movably mounted valve element with which a thermally activatable spring element is associated, and which opens a connection between the third connection and the fourth connection in a first end position and cuts off the connection in a second end position. The thermally activatable spring element is arranged in a chamber located between the first connection and the second connection, which is permanently cut off from the third and the fourth connection and which preloads the valve element in the direction of the second end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: MACK & SCHNEIDER GMBH
    Inventor: Steffen Bachofer
  • Patent number: 10612497
    Abstract: The performance of an automotive gasoline fueled spark-ignited internal combustion engine (ICE) optionally operated with a dedicated exhaust gas recycle system is enhanced by reforming the fuel in the presence of injected water to increase the yield of hydrogen which permits higher compression ratios and suppresses engine knock associated with pre-ignition of the fuel. Reforming can occur (a) in the cylinder with the reaction of a fuel-rich mixture and steam from the water injected into the intake manifold of one or more dedicated exhaust gas recirculation cylinders; (b) in a catalytic reformer located upstream of the engine; (c) in a catalytic reformer located downstream of the engine that receives fuel and the exhaust gas stream from the dedicated exhaust gas recirculation cylinder(s), and returns cooled reformate to the intake manifold; and (d) in a catalytic reformer that receives fuel and the exhaust gas stream from the engine exhaust gas manifold, and delivers reformate to the intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Alexander Karl Voice, Vincent Stanley Costanzo
  • Patent number: 10589202
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel filter component containing a heating device for heating a fluid; a detection device for detecting a level of a further fluid, located in a reservoir; and an outlet conduit for the further fluid. The component is a one-piece component, in particular the heating device, detection device, and outlet conduit are embodied. The present invention further relates to a fluid filter, in particular a fuel filter, having such a component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Vasco Gomes Gama, Carlos J. Blasco Remacha
  • Patent number: 10502168
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel apparatus and method for the gasification of liquid petroleum fuel (gasoline), that has been atomized and emulsified with atmospheric air, by implementing a multi-Stage Heat Exchanger System.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Antonio Vannozzi, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10458374
    Abstract: A fuel heater and vaporizing system includes a source of fuel, a thermal source from an engine, and a heat exchanger for thermally contacting the source of heated fluid so as to heat fuel flowing through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger has a saddle shape and fits over the thermal source of engine heat. The fuel heater and vaporizing system may also contain a catalyst for causing the heated fuel to crack prior to distribution to an end use device. In an alternative arrangement, the fuel heater and vaporizing system may also extract its heat from the engine's other heated parts including a muffler or an exhaust pipe, exhaust manifold, valve cover, turbo housing, engine block, transmission and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Gerald W Rowley
  • Patent number: 10273914
    Abstract: An injection device for an internal combustion engine is described, which has a first fuel injector for injecting fuel having a first fuel composition based on ethanol, and a separate second fuel injector for injecting fuel having a second fuel composition, which differs from the first fuel composition, the injection device having a heating device for preheating exclusively the fuel having the first fuel composition and injected by way of the first fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Thor Windbergs
  • Patent number: 10214192
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a solenoid valve for a vehicle braking system includes a magnet assembly having a winding support, a coil winding, a housing, and a cover disc. The solenoid value further includes a valve cartridge having a capsule, a valve insert, a valve seat, and an armature. The valve insert can be connected to the capsule, the armature can be guided within the capsule in an axially movable manner and has a closing element. The closing element and the valve seat can form a valve that can control a fluid flow through the valve cartridge. The coil winding can be wound on the winding support to form an electrical coil, which can be controlled using control signals applied to electrical connectors. The electric coil generates a magnetic force that can move the armature against a force of a return spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Lechler, Jens Norberg, Martin Haas
  • Patent number: 10202950
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for modifying an engine for use with an alternative fuel that needs to be conditioned. Coolant is diverted from the original engine heater core and is used to heat or condition the alternative fuel both in the alternative fuel tank and in a special manifold that heats and circulates the fuel before delivering it to the engine. An electronic control unit monitors the temperature and pressure to ensure proper viscosity and engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Optimus Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin N. Huwyler, Jonathan Ewing
  • Patent number: 10190510
    Abstract: A fuel storage apparatus includes a fuel tank, a heat exchanger, a fuel pipe, and a medium pipe. The heat exchanger performs heat exchange between fuel inside the fuel tank and a heat exchange medium. The fuel pipe is provided inside the fuel tank and delivers the fuel to the heat exchanger. The medium pipe is provided outside the fuel tank and delivers the heat exchange medium to the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a first joint and a second joint. The first joint is provided inside the fuel tank and is connectable to the fuel pipe. The second joint is provided outside the fuel tank and is connectable to the medium pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kengo Ishimitsu
  • Patent number: 10167805
    Abstract: A method and a system for transmitting a sensor signal, transmits the sensor signal in such a way that the analog electrical sensor signal is converted with the aid of a system for signal conversion into a converted signal and that this converted signal is transmitted to a control unit. As a result, the sensor signal is able to be transmitted to the control unit in a reliable manner and be evaluated thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Soenke Mannal, Wolfgang Fischer
  • Patent number: 10161322
    Abstract: An evaporative emissions (EVAP) system for a vehicle includes a waste heat control valve configured to direct an exhaust gas from an exhaust treatment system, the waste heat control valve being positioned at a point downstream from a catalyst of the exhaust treatment system, a vapor canister configured to store a fuel vapor evaporated from a liquid fuel housed in a fuel tank of the vehicle, and a heat exchanger connected to (i) the fuel tank, (ii) the waste heat control valve, and (iii) the vapor canister, the heat exchanger being configured to (a) utilize the exhaust waste heat to evaporate the fuel vapor from the liquid fuel and (b) provide the evaporated fuel vapor to the vapor canister. A method of operating the EVAP system includes controlling the waste heat control valve and a fuel pump to provide the vapor canister with a desired amount of fuel vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Roger C Sager, James Daley, Joseph Dekar, Brian L Terwedo, Derek R Robson, Daniel E Hornback
  • Patent number: 9920725
    Abstract: In a fuel injection valve, a bobbin includes a bobbin main body serving as a part around which a coil is wound, and a terminal housing portion projecting upward from a part of a circumferential direction of the bobbin main body. The terminal housing portion is exposed to the exterior of a cap. A terminal is inserted into the terminal housing portion and electrically connected to the coil. A gap is provided between the core and a housing portion inner surface serving as a core side surface of the terminal housing portion. Resin used to form the connector mold penetrates the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Norihisa Fukutomi, Akio Shingu, Kyosuke Watanabe, Tsuyoshi Munezane, Manabu Hirai
  • Patent number: 9879641
    Abstract: A heater control apparatus of a fuel filter for a vehicle includes a heater mounted within a fuel filter; a relay for a heater power source supplying or interrupting power of a battery to or from the heater; a fuel temperature detection sensor mounted on an engine and detecting a temperature of a fuel; and an engine electronic control unit (ECU) for switching on and off the relay based on a detection signal of the fuel temperature detection sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chang Ho Ham, Dong Myoung Ryoo
  • Patent number: 9816471
    Abstract: Provided is a configuration which prevents an engine from being unable to start in the state in which dew condensation occurred in a fuel injection pump and froze. The present invention relates to a fuel injection pump which is provided with a pump body and a hydraulic head and driven by an engine, and is characterized in that while the engine is in operation, the temperature of the hydraulic head is increased to a dew-point temperature or higher. Consequently, it is possible to increase the temperature of the hydraulic head and remove water in the fuel injection pump while the engine is in operation. Accordingly, the engine can be prevented from being unable to start in the state that dew condensation occurred in the fuel injection pump and froze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Shiba, Masaki Nankou, Tomoyuki Kimura
  • Patent number: 9784227
    Abstract: A fuel injection system in the present invention is provided with a fuel injection valve (10) which incorporates a heater (20) for heating fuel before being injected. The temperature of the heater (20) is estimated on the basis of the resistance value RHtr of the heater (20). The temperature of the heater (20) estimated at or after the time of occurrence of a point of inflection in the resistance value RHtr of the heater (20) is corrected in order to reduce to zero the difference between the nucleate boiling start point temperature and the estimated temperature value of the heater (20) at the time of occurrence of the point of inflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 9752514
    Abstract: The system is applied to an engine (M) having an injection system, a fuel feed line and a cooling system (CS), by means of a cooling fluid which circulates, through hot fluid ducts and cold fluid ducts, through the engine (M) and through a heat exchanger. The feed line has a first segment, connected to the injection system and provided with a first valve, to be closed when the fuel temperature is below a maximum value, and open when the fuel temperature reaches the maximum value. The feed line also has a second segment derived from the first and absorbing thermal energy from the hot fluid duct or from the combustion gases and provided with a second valve which remains open while the fuel temperature is lower than the maximum value, and which is closed when said temperature reaches the maximum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: MAHLE Metal Leve S.A.
    Inventors: Tadeu Miguel Malagó Amaral, Ricardo Roveri Bueno, Fernando Jun Yoshino
  • Patent number: 9745923
    Abstract: A fuel filter heating device may include an exhaust gas pipe through which exhaust gas generated from an engine flows, a heat transfer medium, which is disposed near a fuel filter to receive radiation heat transferred from the exhaust gas pipe and transfer the radiation heat to the fuel filter upon contacting the fuel filter, and a temperature-sensitive actuator for moving the heat transfer medium in a selected direction depending on the temperature of fuel in the fuel filter such that the heat transfer medium contacts the fuel filter to heat the fuel in the fuel filter or the heat transfer medium is separated from the fuel filter to block heat transfer therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Chang Ho Ham
  • Patent number: 9726129
    Abstract: A method for determining a fuel fraction in the oil of an oil circuit (6), in particular in oil of an oil circuit (6) of an internal combustion engine (7), wherein a variably adjustable oil delivery pump (1) is provided in the oil circuit, which oil delivery pump can be actuated by means of a control unit (4), wherein the control unit performs an adjustment of parameters and/or adaptation values of the oil delivery pump as a function of the viscosity of the oil, wherein a determination of the fuel fraction in the oil is performed on the basis of the parameters and/or adaptation values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Juergen Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 9714773
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an air conditioner including a suction panel which includes a suction port through which air is suctioned in inside a housing. The suction panel is formed to rotate with an axial direction of an air blowing fan or a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the air blowing fan as a rotation axis to be coupled with or separated from the housing. Accordingly, a user may easily and intuitively separate the suction panel and falling of the suction panel, which may occur when the suction panel is separated, may be effectively reduced using a supporting unit disposed at the suction panel. Also, the housing and cover members which cover an outer perimeter of a lower portion of the housing may be coupled with each other by pressurizing the cover members toward the housing, thereby allowing the user to easily coupled the cover members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Yoon Lee, Jae Hyoung Sim, Do Yeon Kim, Do-Hoon Kim, Byung Yul So, Joon-Ho Yoon, Jung Dae Lee, Sung-June Cho
  • Patent number: 9702782
    Abstract: It is proposed a method for detecting a leak in a fuel system of a combustion engine comprising a fuel tank. The method is such that it comprises the steps of: obtaining a first set of data comprising at least a pressure data measured in the fuel system at a first time; adding energy to fluids contained in the fuel system, said energy being produced or wasted by means already present on board the vehicle for other purposes; obtaining a second set of data comprising at least a pressure data measured in the fuel system at a second time; determining the presence/absence of a leak in said fuel system by calculating a predetermined function on the basis of said first and second sets of data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonym)
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Antoine Chaussinand, David Hill
  • Patent number: 9689306
    Abstract: A method for supercritical diesel combustion combines fumigation and supercritical diesel fuel combustion to effect greater fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust gas pollutants from a compression ignition engine. The invention utilizes the fumigant method by combining two gases (DME and propane) which autoignite prior to the injection of the liquid diesel fuel. This pre-combustion of the fumigant gases combined with the engine's compression of the combustion chamber gases is managed to attain a supercritical combustion chamber environment into which the liquid diesel fuel is injected. This targeted supercritical combustion chamber environment causes the diesel fuel to become a supercritical fluid prior to combustion, resulting in significantly greater efficiency and negligible exhaust gas pollutants resulting from the combustion of the diesel fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: WSC THREE S.A.
    Inventor: Christopher S. Stone
  • Patent number: 9557245
    Abstract: A test station for testing a fluid pump and/or a fluid injector has a fluid-pump receiving device for accommodating a fluid pump, a fluid-injector receiving device for accommodating a fluid injector, a fluid line which hydraulically connects the fluid-pump receiving device to the fluid-injector receiving device and which enables a fluid flow from the fluid pump to the fluid injector during operation, a sealed cooling circuit through which coolant is circulating during operation, and a first heat exchanger, which is developed and disposed in the fluid line so as to have the fluid flow and the coolant flow pass through it during operation such that a heat transfer takes place between the fluid flow and the coolant flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Schoenfeld, Karl Kastner, Kurt Blank
  • Patent number: 9557749
    Abstract: A valve can be incorporated as an integral part of the heat exchanger as a plug-in item that can be located anywhere desired between the inlet and outlet flow manifolds of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Sheppard, Gregory Pineo, Brian Cheadle, Yuri Peric
  • Patent number: 9441744
    Abstract: A valve apparatus having a first housing coupled to a second housing. The first housing having a first chamber in fluid communication with a first inlet and a first outlet. The first chamber adapted for receiving a thermal actuator moveable from a first position to a second position in response to temperature of a first fluid in the first chamber. The second housing having a second chamber in fluid communication with a first and a second ports, the second chamber being fluidly sealed from the first chamber. The second chamber adapted for receiving a valve mechanism, which is operatively coupled to the thermal actuator and moveable from a first valve position preventing flow of a second fluid from the first port to the second port to a second valve position permitting flow of the second fluid from the first port to the second port upon actuation by the thermal actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Dana Canada Corporation
    Inventors: Jeff Sheppard, Dario Bettio, Sachin Bhatia
  • Patent number: 9435304
    Abstract: A diesel fuel pump module for use within a diesel fuel tank includes a reservoir defining a fuel storage volume. A jet pump having an inlet is positioned within the reservoir and configured to pump fuel from the tank into the reservoir. The module further includes an electric pump having an inlet and an outlet, and an air separation chamber connecting the electric pump outlet to the inlet of the jet pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Paul E. Fisher, Paul Mason, Charles Newell, III
  • Patent number: 9416726
    Abstract: A method for producing a hydrogen gaseous fuel from kinetic and/or potential energy recovered from a vehicle powered by a four stroke Diesel engine fitted with a Jacobs engine brake during a deceleration stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Walderson Miami LLC
    Inventor: Carlos Manuel Bastos
  • Patent number: 9309918
    Abstract: When temperature of lubricating oil is raised at a time of low-temperature, of an outer peripheral side of a radial plain bearing in a bearing retaining unit, heat is not supplied from a heating medium in a thermal medium flow path on the outer peripheral side of a halved bearing metal in a bearing retaining unit body, which has a large thermal capacity, and instead, heat is supplied from the heating medium in the thermal medium flow path on the outer peripheral side of a halved bearing metal in the cap, which has a small thermal capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO
    Inventors: Shuzou Sanda, Takashi Shimazu, Yasuhiro Ohmiya, Yoshihiro Hotta
  • Patent number: 9248390
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a fluid reservoir having an inlet screen and a main reservoir filter. The fluid reservoir is adapted to enclose a fluid therewithin and includes a reservoir body forming a reservoir volume that is fluidly connected to an inlet conduit, a supply conduit, and a return conduit. The inlet screen is disposed fluidly along the inlet conduit and adapted to filter a fluid provided to fill the reservoir through the inlet conduit. The main reservoir filter is disposed fluidly along the supply conduit and adapted to filter a fluid drawn from the reservoir volume and provided through the supply conduit to a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jason W. Hudgens, Theron J. Cassidy, Jeffrey R. Ries, Lynsey Hart
  • Patent number: 9175647
    Abstract: A fluid temperature conditioner heats fuel being supplied to a fuel injection system for an engine. During operation of the engine, energy is transferred from engine and stored in a thermal battery which is a part of the fluid temperature conditioner. During cold starting of the engine, the energy is transferred from the thermal battery to the fuel to aid in the starting of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Powell
  • Patent number: 9115676
    Abstract: A fuel injection method in an internal combustion engine and an internal combustion engine for performing the fuel injection method. The method includes heating fuel to a temperature between 300° F. and 840° F. (150 and 450° C.); pressurizing the fuel to a pressure exceeding 40 bar; pre-injecting at least 10% of the fuel charge as a pre-injected fuel during the intake stroke; injecting a fuel charge over at least part of the compression stroke into the cylinder; and injecting an ignition-injection of at least 10% of the fuel in a supercritical condition during the compression stroke at a rotational angle between 90° BTDCF and TDCF into the cylinder. The method and related combustion engine create a good mix of premix combustion and diffusion combustion increasing efficiency and consequently reducing emissions to the environment while also keeping noise and vibrations low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: EcoMotors, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher de Boer, Shizuo Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9091240
    Abstract: A system, related method and computer program product are disclosed for controlling fuel mass of CNG received by an engine. The system may comprise a heat exchanger configured to receive CLNG and supply coolant and to output CNG and return coolant, an injector configured to inject CNG into the engine, a gas line between the injector and heat exchanger, a control valve configured to receive return coolant from the heat exchanger and to change the amount of return coolant flowing through control valve, and a controller connected to the control valve. The gas line may be configured to carry CNG from the heat exchanger to the injector. The controller may be configured to maintain a Gas Line Temperature within an operating range by adjusting the amount of return coolant flowing through the control valve based, at least in part, on the Gas Line Temperature and a Target Return Coolant Temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Thomas Grant, Frank Lombardi, Daniel Reese Puckett, Cory A. Brown, Joshua Wayne Steffen, Paul Joseph Desiderio
  • Patent number: 9051906
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conditioning fuel for diesel engine. The system may include a fuel pump located within a fuel tank configured to pump fuel to the diesel engine. The system may also include a fuel filter located outside of the fuel tank operatively located upstream of a flow of fuel from the fuel pump. A method may include directing fuel from inside of the fuel tank through a fuel filter located outside of the fuel tank into a vacuum chamber positioned inside the fuel tank, before directing the fuel to the diesel engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Carlos Armesto, Scott J. Szymusiak, Scott Donald Cooper, Christopher Arnold Woodring
  • Patent number: 9038657
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a fuel supply system having a recirculation loop is provided. The fuel supply system comprises a fuel tank; a return line coupled fluidly to the fuel tank; a fuel manifold; and a recirculation loop, wherein the return line is coupled fluidly to the recirculation loop at a first node to return fuel from the recirculation loop to the fuel tank, and the recirculation loop comprises a heat exchanger positioned downstream of the fuel manifold and upstream of the first node. The recirculation loop may comprise an orifice positioned upstream of the heat exchanger and downstream of the fuel manifold. Additionally, the fuel supply system may further comprise a supply line coupled fluidly to the fuel tank and further coupled fluidly to the recirculation loop at a second node positioned upstream of the fuel manifold and downstream of the first node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Galen B. Wilkinson, Robert J. Fry, Charles Klose