Supercharger Patents (Class 123/559.1)
  • Patent number: 8371275
    Abstract: A compressed-air system for supplying a compress-air injection module of a turbocharged internal combustion engine and the pneumatic systems of the vehicle comprises a compressor is provided. The compressor is connected via a line to a pressure accumulator for the supply of a compressed-air injection module and to a device for compressed-air preparation having an air dryer and a pressure regulator for supplying pressure circuits for compressed-air-actuated consumers. The line for supplying the compressed-air injection module branches off upstream of the device for compressed-air preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Eduard Gerum, Mathias Mayr, Huba Németh, Michael Herges
  • Patent number: 8371273
    Abstract: A method for combusting a vapor of a fuel accumulated in an adsorbent canister in a vehicle, the vehicle having an engine and a fuel tank coupled to the adsorbent canister. The method comprises, during a first operating condition including a higher availability of compressed air, metering the compressed air from a first air source, and flowing the metered, compressed air through the adsorbent canister along a first flow path. The method further comprises, during a second operating condition including a lower availability of compressed air, flowing air from a second air source through the adsorbent canister, and, during the first and second operating conditions, venting the fuel tank to an intake of the engine and flowing effluent enriched in the vapor from the adsorbent canister to the intake of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 8364375
    Abstract: A system of monitoring the performance characteristics of a turbocharged engine and forecasting a performance parameter based on measured data include sensor components for measuring various performance parameters such as pressures and temperatures. The measured data may be received by electronic components that forward the data through networking components to computing components. The data may be stored in a database. Methods for forecasting turbocharger performance and indicating turbocharger malfunctions include retrieving measured data, performing calculations to correct at least a portion of the measured data, retrieving input from a user, performing regression analysis to determine a forecasting model used to forecast future values, and determining a time when the future values reach a user-specified level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Scavengetech I, LLC
    Inventors: Kirby Scott Chapman, Sandra Jane Chapman, Eric Robert Dufur, Eric Ray Figge
  • Publication number: 20130019594
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine including a first turbocharger having a first compressor and a second turbocharger having a second compressor. An EGR differential between the first compressor and the second compressor may be increased under a condensation condition, and decreased under a surge condition. The EGR differential may also be decreased when a compressor outlet temperature exceeds an outlet temperature threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Brad Alan Boyer, Satheesh Makkapati
  • Publication number: 20130019592
    Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a compressor housing for a forced induction system of an internal combustion engine is provided. The compressor housing includes a compressor inlet passage in fluid communication with a compressor volute configured to house a compressor wheel, the compressor inlet passage comprising a wall that is shared with the compressor volute. The compressor also includes a compressor outlet in fluid communication with the compressor volute, the compressor outlet being configured to direct a compressed gas to an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Ronald M. Tkac
  • Patent number: 8356586
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for rotationally controlling a bearing assembly using a geared coupling system in combination with a supercharger including an input shaft. Generally, the geared coupling system includes a bearing assembly rotatably supporting a high speed shaft associated with an impeller, the bearing assembly including at least one inner bearing and at least one outer bearing; a drive gear associated with the input shaft and including a plurality of engaging members; and a geared coupler extending from a towards a plurality of engaging members adapted for engagement with the low speed gear, the geared coupler presenting an inner surface for receiving said inner bearing and an outer surface for receiving said outer bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Accessible Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Glennon J. Roderique
  • Patent number: 8356581
    Abstract: A power pack has an electrically controlled internal combustion engine which is provided with a turbo charger which is immersed in liquid coolant to reduce the risk of a spark therefrom igniting combustible gas in the ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sandvik Mining and Construction Canada, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20120312282
    Abstract: A pressure-wave supercharger for a combustion engine of a motor vehicle includes a first channel for drawing fresh air, a second channel for discharging compressed fresh air, a third channel for supply of exhaust gas, and a fourth channel for discharging exhaust gas. A hot-gas housing receives exhaust from the third channel for discharge through the fourth channel, and a cold-gas housing receives fresh air from the first channel and discharges compressed fresh air through the second channel. Disposed between the hot-gas housing and the cold-gas housing is a cell rotor housing which has a cell rotor. A guide element is arranged in at least one of the first and third channels to guide a gas flow for accelerating or decelerating the cell rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: GEORG GLITZ, JAN ARASZKIEWICZ
  • Publication number: 20120310508
    Abstract: A system for a parallel intake engine includes first, second, third, and fourth modules. The first module estimates a total mass air flow (MAF) into the engine based on a cross-sectional area of a throttle and a pressure ratio across the throttle. The second module estimates first and second MAFs through first and second induction paths, respectively, based on the estimated total MAF and a factor. The third module calculates first and second differences between the estimated first and second MAFs and first and second MAFs measured by first and second MAF sensors, respectively. The fourth module detects failures of the first and second MAF sensors based on the first and second differences and first and second thresholds, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul D. Donar, Layne K. Wiggins, Jill A. Slimmer-Velez
  • Patent number: 8316827
    Abstract: An engine intake air quantity control apparatus is provided with a throttle valve, a supercharger, a variable intake valve operating device and an intake air control device. The throttle valve varies an intake air flow passage area of an intake passage. The supercharger supercharges intake air. The variable intake valve operating device changes an intake valve timing of an intake valve in accordance with an engine operating state. The intake air control device increases an opening degree of the throttle valve in accordance with a detected increase of an accelerator pedal depression amount, and increases an intake air quantity by starting to supercharge the intake air with the supercharger upon a prescribed throttle valve opening degree having been reached. The intake air control device changes the prescribed throttle valve opening degree in accordance with the intake valve timing of the intake valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Miyamoto, Takashi Nakazawa, Takao Kawasaki
  • Publication number: 20120285426
    Abstract: An intake manifold assembly for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle includes a plenum, a plurality of lower runners coupled to and in fluid communication with the plenum, and a plurality of upper runners. Each of the upper runners is coupled to and in fluid communication with one of the lower runners. The plurality of upper runners includes a single dedicated upper EGR runner configured for supplying combustion air to at least two dedicated EGR cylinders. A primary throttle body is coupled to the plenum and configured for regulating a flow rate of compressed combustion air through the plenum. An EGR throttle body is coupled to the dedicated upper EGR runner and configured for regulating a flow rate of the compressed combustion air through the dedicated upper EGR runner to control the flow rate of the compressed combustion air to the dedicated EGR cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Rodney E. Baker
  • Publication number: 20120285425
    Abstract: A flow control system is provided having an engine, a turbocharger, and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) line, and a flow regulating device. The engine has an air-oil separator and an intake manifold. The air-oil separator separates oil droplets and oil mist from a blowby gas. The turbocharger has an air inlet and an air outlet, where the air outlet is connected to the intake manifold of the engine. The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) vent line has a first end connected to the air-oil separator and a second end connected to the air inlet of the turbocharger. The PCV vent line delivers the blowby gas from the air-oil separator to the air inlet of the turbocharger. The flow regulating device is located in the PCV vent line. The flow regulating device selectively limits the flow of blowby gas from the air-oil separator to the air inlet of the turbocharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Thomas A. Spix
  • Patent number: 8302401
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is coupled to a supercharger operable to supply varying amounts of air to the engine responsive to the load on the engine. The supercharger has a pair of screw rotors driven by the engine to move air to the engine and a control apparatus for varying the mass and pressure of air supplied to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hansen Engine Corporation
    Inventors: Craig N. Hansen, Paul C. Cross
  • Publication number: 20120267182
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a combustion engine (E) of a type, in which a cylinder block (34) protrudes upwardly from a crankcase (32), an air cleaner unit (42) for substantially purifying an air, and a supercharger (44) for taking a substantially purified air from the air cleaner unit (42) thereinto and supplying the air towards the combustion engine (E). The supercharger (44) is disposed rearwardly of the cylinder block (34) and the air cleaner unit (42) is disposed rearwardly thereof. Also, a surge tank (48) is disposed rearwardly upwardly of the cylinder block (34) of the combustion engine (E) and above the supercharger (44).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Daisuke SAEKI, Kazuo TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20120260896
    Abstract: An air intake duct (54) for fluid connecting between an air intake control valve unit (52) and a supercharger (60) includes a duct inlet (56) fluid connected with an outlet port (52b) of the air intake control valve (52) and oriented in a first direction (D1), a duct outlet (58) fluid connected with a suction port (60a) of the supercharger (60) and oriented in a second direction (D2) substantially perpendicular to the first direction (D1), and a duct body (74) for defining an air intake passage (78) extending from the duct inlet (56) to the duct outlet (58). The duct body (74) has a portion confronting the duct outlet (58), which is formed with a guide projection (80) that protrudes towards the duct outlet (58).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Daisuke SAEKI, Kazuo TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20120260895
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a compressor disposed in an intake system configured to compress combustion air and deliver it to cylinders of the engine. A compressor inlet assembly has a combustion air inlet, in fluid communication with, and configured to receive combustion air from the intake system. A combustion air passage extends through the assembly to an outlet located downstream of the inlet and is configured for fluid communication with the compressor. An EGR mixing conduit is disposed within the compressor inlet assembly and has an EGR inlet configured for fluid communication with, and receipt of EGR from, an EGR supply conduit. An EGR passage extends from the EGR inlet to an EGR supply annulus disposed about the combustion air inlet opening and a plurality of EGR ports extend between the EGR supply annulus and the combustion air passage for delivery of EGR thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Rodney E. Baker
  • Publication number: 20120260894
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a four stroke working cylinder, a four stroke EGR cylinder, an intake system for supplying a combustion air charge to the cylinders, a first exhaust system for removing exhaust gas from the four stroke working cylinder and to the atmosphere and a second exhaust system for removing exhaust from the four stroke EGR cylinder and to the intake system, wherein the combustion air charge is a combination of combustion air and exhaust gas from the four stroke EGR cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Alan W. Hayman
  • Publication number: 20120255297
    Abstract: A turbine for an exhaust turbocharger, in particular for a motor vehicle, has a turbine flap which controls an exhaust volume flowing through the turbine. A wastegate valve directs exhaust past the turbine and a wastegate flap controls an exhaust volume flowing through the wastegate valve. We also provide for an exhaust turbocharger, a motor vehicle having such an exhaust turbocharger, and for a method for operating such an exhaust turbocharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Ralf Böning, Roland Herfurth, Achim Koch, Christoph Sparrer
  • Publication number: 20120247438
    Abstract: An upstream side and a downstream side of a supercharger in the intake passage are connected through a bypass passage in which an ejector is provided. An outlet of a first blowby gas returning passage is connected to the bypass passage through the ejector. An outlet of a second blowby gas bypass passage is connected to the intake passage downstream of a throttle valve. An inlet of the first blowby gas returning passage and an inlet of the second blowby gas returning passage are placed adjacent to each other in a head cover. A check valve is provided in the first blowby gas returning passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hirokazu KONOHARA
  • Patent number: 8276549
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible fuel, spark ignition, variable boost, supercharged internal combustion engine. A variable speed drive assembly connects the engine output to a supercharger. The engine includes a fuel sensor which provides a signal to an engine controller which determines the type of fuel. The engine controller also receives signals from a mass air flow sensor, a manifold air pressure sensor, a crank angle sensor, a camshaft angle sensor, an oxygen sensor in the exhaust stream and a transmission controller. The engine controller provides control signals to an ignition module, to a fuel injection system, to an electronic throttle control, to a supercharger drive controller and to the transmission controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ko-Jen Wu, James C. Elmslie, Jian Jun Zhang
  • Publication number: 20120240909
    Abstract: Various methods and systems for operating an internal combustion engine are provided. In one embodiment, an example method for operating an internal combustion engine includes, under a first condition, charging a compressed air storage vessel via a compressor. The method further includes, under a second condition, directly injecting compressed air from the storage vessel to a cylinder of the engine to enhance fuel combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: Stephen Mark Geyer
  • Publication number: 20120240908
    Abstract: A secondary air system comprising a variable speed air pump and a gated check valve connected between the variable speed air pump and an IC engine. The gated check valve has two ports, and generally, a first of the two ports is connected to a first bank of engine cylinders, and a second of the two ports is connected to a second bank of engine cylinders. The system further comprises a controller for controlling the speed of the variable speed air pump, and the positioning of the gated check valve. The gated check valve is operable to fully close air flow to both ports, fully open air flow to one of the two ports, or variably split air flow between the two ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Mark S. Kado, Kenneth P. Degroot
  • Publication number: 20120222658
    Abstract: Improvements in a gas powered engine. Said improvements include use of a piston with a fixed piston arm that extends through a seal in the lower portion of the cylinder. The piston arm operates on an elliptical crank that drives the output shaft. Valves that move air and exhaust into and out of the pistons are lifted by a cam located on the crank. A unique oil injector passes oil to the piston and the cylinder wall. An energy recovery unit recovers energy from the cooling system and from the exhaust system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Mustafa Rez
  • Patent number: 8256402
    Abstract: Three or more independent passages are coupled to respective cylinders which are different from each other, and a collective portion where the independent passages collect is provided. An exhaust turbocharger is arranged downstream of the collective portion. Rotary throttle valves are arranged respectively in the independent passages upstream of the collective portion. At least two of the throttle valves are supported by a common rotary axis. The independent passages with the throttle valves supported by the common rotary axis are coupled to cylinders which have exhaust strokes which are not adjacent to each other. Accordingly, the exhaust gas can be supplied to the exhaust turbocharger efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Yamagata, Susumu Masuyama, Osamu Aoki
  • Patent number: 8256403
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is coupled to a supercharger operable to supply varying amounts of air to the engine responsive to the load on the engine. The supercharger has a pair of screw rotors driven by the engine to move air to the engine and a control apparatus for varying the mass and pressure of air supplied to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hansen Engine Corporation
    Inventors: Craig N. Hansen, Paul C. Cross
  • Publication number: 20120216531
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving vehicle performance by application of pneumatic boost to vehicle engines, including diesel engines having at least one turbocharger supplying air to the engine, in a manner which increases engine torque output while minimizing the potential for exceed various operating limits to the maximum practicable extent. The vehicle's pneumatic booster system controller implements strategies for shaping the rate of the air injection during a boost event, tailoring the air injection to obtain maximum engine torque output while respecting the operating limits, by controlling the timing, duration, quantity and/or injection pattern during a boost event to achieve a refined distribution of compressed air injection over the course of the boost event to provide desired engine torque output and fuel efficiency while minimizing the potential for exceeding a wide variety of operation limits, regulatory, engineering and passenger comfort limits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: William J. Schaffeld, Nicholas Asmis, Mark W. McCollough, Richard Beyer
  • Publication number: 20120210952
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a combustion engine and an intake tract for feeding air to the combustion engine. A compressor is arranged in the intake tract for compressing air, and a turbine is arranged in the intake tract downstream of the compressor and powered by air compressed in the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: Audi AG
    Inventors: Thomas Reuss, Marc Fessler
  • Patent number: 8245700
    Abstract: A centrifugal supercharger is provided. One embodiment of the supercharger comprises a two-piece housing wherein a parting area is substantially aligned with a rotational axis of a drive or impeller shaft. Another embodiment comprises a sleeve, or intermediate member disposed substantially between the housing and a bearing assembly(s) located within the supercharger housing. Another embodiment comprises a disengagement device located between the supercharger impeller and the engine. The disengagement device allows selective disengagement of the impeller from the engine. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained therein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Vortech Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Middlebrook, Robert B. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120192839
    Abstract: An engine supercharging device includes are a supercharger (38) for pressurizing air introduced in an engine (E), an air cleaner (36) for purifying an ambient air, a purified air supply passage (56) for supplying a purified air (CA) from the air cleaner (36) towards the supercharger (38), a supercharged air passage (62) for supplying the supercharged air (SA) from the supercharger (38) towards an air intake passage (60) of the engine (E), and a relief valve (68) for adjusting an air pressure within the supercharged air passage (62). The relief valve (68) has a discharge port portion (68b) which is accommodated within the air cleaner (36). The engine (E) has a plurality of engine cylinders, and a downstream portion of the supercharged air passage (62) is defined by an intake air chamber (54) for supplying the sucked air to respective air intake passages (60) of the plural engine cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: HISATOYO ARIMA, Yoshinobu Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20120186249
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbo-charged reciprocating piston engine having a combustion chamber, and to a method for operating said engine. The combustion chamber has at least one inlet valve (10), one outlet valve (13) and at least one additional charging valve (11), for the additional feed of compressed air to bridge the turbo lag. All the valves (10, 11, 13) are operatively connected to the crankshaft via a camshaft and the operative connection of the charging valves to the crankshaft can be deactivated, with the result that the at least one charging valve (11) remains closed. The correct metering of the air for a stoichiometric or approximately stoichiometric combustion mixture is additionally achieved by a turbocharger (4) and a throttle valve (8). By displacement of the opening instant of the charging valves (11), air can be pumped from the cylindrical combustion chambers into the compressed air tank (14), instead of removing said air from the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: ETH ZÜRICH
    Inventors: Lino Guzzella, Christian Dönitz, Christopher H. Onder, Christoph Voser
  • Publication number: 20120186564
    Abstract: Embodiments for determining oxygen concentration using an oxygen sensor are provided. In one example, a method for determining oxygen concentration O2 in a gas flow of an internal combustion engine which is equipped with an engine controller and an oxygen sensor comprises determining the oxygen concentration O2,sens of the gas flow in a ceramic measurement cell of the sensor by current ISens which is detected by measurement and which flows when a constant voltage USens is applied and maintained, and correcting the oxygen concentration based on a pressure pSens at the measurement cell. In this way, the measured oxygen concentration may be corrected based on the pressure of the air at the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Winge Vigild, Daniel Roettger, Andreas Kuske
  • Publication number: 20120186565
    Abstract: A supercharger drive device (1) for a combustion engine (E) includes a gear carrier shaft (6) operable to rotate in unison with a crankshaft (2) of the combustion engine (E), a high speed gear (8) and a low speed gear (10) provided in the gear carrier shaft (6), a drive shaft (14) of a supercharger (12) which is rotatable when coupled with either one of the high speed gear (8) and the low speed gear (10), a gear shifter (16) for selecting one of the high speed gear (8) and the low speed gear (10) for transmitting a motive force from the gear carrier shaft (6) to the drive shaft (14) through the selected one of the high and low speed gears (8) and (10), and a shifter drive unit (18) for actuating the gear shifter (16) in dependence on the rotational speed of the combustion engine (E).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: HISATOYO ARIMA, YOSHINOBU TANAKA
  • Patent number: 8220264
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a first and a second cylinder bank. The first and second cylinder banks are arranged such that they have less than a 180 degree included angle with respect to one another, thereby forming an inboard region or generally V-shaped cavity. A respective first and second cylinder head is mounted with respect to the first and second cylinder bank. Integrated within the first and second cylinder head is a first and second integrated exhaust manifold, respectively. The first and second integrated exhaust manifolds are provided on the engine in an “inboard” orientation, i.e. disposed on a side of their respective cylinder heads such that they are substantially adjacent to the generally V-shaped cavity. The first and second integrated exhaust manifold may operate to convey exhaust gases from the engine to at least one turbocharger, which is mounted substantially within the generally V-shaped cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary J. Arvan, Charles E. Freese, V
  • Patent number: 8215292
    Abstract: Method of operating an internal combustion engine, including, at least, compressing and cooling air outside an engine chamber, supplying cooled, pressurized air to an intake port associated with the chamber, and, during each engine cycle: opening the intake port, allowing cooled, pressurized air to flow through the intake port and into the chamber during at least a portion of the intake stroke; maintaining open the intake port during the portion of the intake stroke and beyond the end of the intake stroke and into the compression stroke and during a majority portion of the compression stroke; closing the intake port at a point during travel of the piston to capture in the chamber a cooled compressed charge of the cooled, pressurized air; controllably delivering fuel into the chamber after the cooled compressed charge is captured within the chamber; and igniting a fuel and air mixture within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Clyde C. Bryant
  • Patent number: 8209981
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an engine are provided. In some examples, the engine has at least a cylinder and a compression device coupled to an intake of the engine, and the method includes, during engine re-start operation of an engine idle-stop condition, commencing combustion in the cylinder from a non-combusting condition, the combustion in a two-stroke combustion cycle of the cylinder. However, in some examples, at least partially electrically powered boosting operation may also be used to extend the two-stroke operation during a start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 8210292
    Abstract: As one example, a vehicle propulsion system is provided. The system includes: an engine with an intake air compressor and an exhaust gas turbine. Further, a control is provided to operate the compressor at a different speed than the turbine, at least under an operating condition, and to adjust an amount of opening overlap between engine valves in response to a rotational speed of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John D. Russell, Gopichandra Sumilla
  • Patent number: 8210136
    Abstract: A two-stroke internal combustion engine (30) is disclosed. Fuel efficiency is improved and extended over a wide power band by an inlet air valve (108) which controls the air charge and maintains a constant compression ratio. An integrated positive displacement supercharger (50) provides adequate air charge at all power levels and recovers compressor power from unused supercharged air. An integrated post combustion chamber (48) extends the power stroke by mixing combustion gases with ambient air for farther expansion and power production. Exhaust noise is reduced because the combustion gases are vented from the engine at lower pressure, lower velocity and temperature. The opposed cylinder design provides nearly continuous power by combining supercharger power recovery with extended power strokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Allen Howard
  • Patent number: 8196862
    Abstract: A high-altitude aircraft powerplant including an engine, a two-stage turbocharger having an intercooler and an aftercooler, a cryogenic hydrogen fuel source, and a cooling system including a hydrogen heat exchanger. Aided by a ram-air cooler that cools a coolant to a near-ambient temperature, the heat exchanger is configured to heat the hydrogen using the coolant, and to cool the coolant to a temperature well below the ambient temperature during high-altitude flight. The intercooler and aftercooler use the sub-ambient temperature coolant, as does a separate sensor. The ram-air cooler includes a front portion and a rear portion. The cooling system includes three cooling loops which respectively incorporate only the front portion, only the rear portion, and both portions of the ram-air cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: AeroVironment Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Nelson Brooks, James Gallagher Daley, Bart Dean Hibbs
  • Publication number: 20120137681
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal-combustion engine for driving a drive train of the vehicle, at least one charger for increasing the pressure of the air supplied to the internal-combustion engine and an electrical machine which can be or is coupled to the charger in a torque-transmitting manner and is provided for driving or supporting the drive of the charger. The drive train can be or is coupled with the electrical machine in a torque-transmitting manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bernhard Hoess, Jens Neumann, Armin Engstle
  • Publication number: 20120143462
    Abstract: Featured is a method for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine having a supercharger, a bypass, a cylinder de-activation (CDA) system and a throttle body, where the supercharger is configured and arranged so as to be selectively operable. Such a method includes determining which of three operating modes is appropriate for a given set of operating conditions and controlling each of the supercharger, the bypass, the CDA system and the throttle body based on the determined operating mode. In the first and second operating modes, the supercharger is not operable and the bypass is opened. In the third mode, the supercharger is operable and the bypass is closed. In the first and third modes, the CDA system is configured so all cylinders are operational. In the second mode, the CDA system is configured so certain cylinders are in a deactivated state and so other cylinders remain operable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicants: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, HYUNDAI AMERICA TECHNICAL CENTER, INC., KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yong Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 8191517
    Abstract: Improvements in a gas powered engine. Said improvements include use of a piston with a fixed piston arm that extends through a seal in the lower portion of the cylinder. In this proposal of four-stroke engine, the down chamber is used as supercharger for the upper chamber cylinder engine. In this proposed two-stroke engine the down chamber is used as a compressor chamber and the compressed air passes to the upper chamber. The piston arm operates on an elliptical crank that drives the output shaft. Valves that move air and exhaust into and out of the pistons are lifted by a cam located on the crank. A unique oil injector passes oil between the rings when the piston is in at the bottom of the stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Rez Mustafa
  • Patent number: 8186330
    Abstract: An engine control apparatus is provided with an engine, an ignition device, a valve timing changing mechanism, an intake valve close timing detecting device, a supercharger and a controller. The engine achieves a Miller cycle by the valve timing changing mechanism setting an intake valve close timing to occur after a bottom dead center timing. The controller controls an ignition timing of the ignition device, the open timing of the intake valve and the close timing of the intake valve. The controller retards the ignition timing during supercharging and when a detected value of the intake valve close timing is earlier than a target value of the intake valve close timing by at least a prescribed value in comparison with a situation in which the detected value matches the target value of the intake valve close timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8186157
    Abstract: A supercharging system (40) is disclosed which comprises a supercharging device (28) having at least one inlet port (42) and at least one outlet port (44), and at least one idle valve (30) in fluid communication with the supercharging device (28). The idle valve (30) is disposed adjacent the outlet port (44) and is arranged to selectively restrict fluid flow during use in a direction through the idle valve (30) towards the supercharging device (28). A corresponding supercharging kit and an internal combustion engine including a supercharging system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Sprintex AustraLASIA Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Timothy John Walmsley, Jude Benedict Upton, Carl Carisbrook Henry, Derek Alfred Gobby
  • Patent number: 8186333
    Abstract: A vehicle having an internal combustion engine with a supercharger is provided for reducing the number of parts and for reducing the size of the engine in the transverse direction of the vehicle by effectively utilizing an outer space around the engine. A supercharger is fixed to a rear end of a crank shaft, the crank shaft extends to the rear from a crank case, and is disposed on one side-face side of a cylinder head with an intake port formed therein. An air cleaner for the supply of air to the supercharger is disposed on an upstream side of the supercharger at a position above the supercharger and behind an engine E.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisashi Sakuyama
  • Publication number: 20120124996
    Abstract: A supercharger compressor includes a plurality of rotors rotatably mounted in a housing, a first inlet for air, a second inlet for recirculated exhaust gas, and a flow separator. The flow separator is arranged interior the housing and configured to form a slideable seal with at least one rotor of the plurality of rotors, the slideable seal fluidically isolating the first inlet from the second inlet, at least in part, and retarding pressure equalization therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Alan Boyer, Eric Warren Curtis
  • Patent number: 8181632
    Abstract: A supercharger includes a housing, and a turbine shaft supported in a center hole in the housing through rolling bearings. Lubricating oil for the rolling bearings exists only within the housing. A cooling water jacket is provided within a body portion of the housing over a region from one axial end portion of the body portion to the other axial end portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ueno, Toshihiko Shiraki, Akio Oshima, Masaki Abe, Masaaki Ohtsuki, Ryuuji Nakata, Shigenori Bando, Tomonori Nakashita, Takehisa Kida, Tetsuro Inoue
  • Publication number: 20120118274
    Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a first intake valve, a first valve lift mechanism, a second intake valve, a second valve lift mechanism, and a boost mechanism. The first intake valve may be located in a first intake port and the first valve lift mechanism may be engaged with the first intake valve. The second intake valve may be located in a second intake port and the second valve lift mechanism may be engaged with the second intake valve and operable in first and second modes. The second intake valve may be displaced to an open position during the first mode and may be maintained in a closed position during the second mode. The boost mechanism may be in communication with an air source and the first intake port and isolated from the second intake port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: EDWARD J. KEATING
  • Patent number: 8176903
    Abstract: A system and method for delivering EGR to an internal combustion engine is presented. The system can reduce system cost and lower system complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Albert Stein, Daniel Joseph Styles, Donald J. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8176901
    Abstract: A supercharger for boosting intake manifold pressure in an internal combustion engine and producing electrical energy comprises an input shaft (3), a electric machine (50) including a stator (51) and a rotor (53), a compressor (70) including an impeller (71), and a planetary transmission (30) located between the input shaft (3) and the rotor (53) of the electric machine (50) and the impeller (71) of the compressor (70), all such that the input shaft 3 can drive both the impeller (71) and the rotor (53), or the rotor (53) and input shaft (3) can drive the impeller (71). The planetary transmission (30) includes an outer ring (31) operatively coupled to the input shaft (3), a sun member (39) operatively coupled to the impeller (71), planetary clusters (38) located between the outer ring (31) and sun member (39), and a carrier (37) operatively coupled to the planet clusters (38) and the rotor (53). Each planetary cluster (38) comprises an inner roller (35) and an outer roller (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Xiaolan Ai, Donald Remboski
  • Patent number: 8166957
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating an engine exhaust system. In one example, a system comprises a first valve, and a second valve coupled to the first valve via a shaft. A first position of the shaft situates the first valve closed and the second valve open, a second position situates the second valve closed and the first valve open by a first amount, and a third position situates the second valve closed and the first valve open by a second, larger amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Aaron Lupescu, Daniel Joseph Styles, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Stephen B. Smith, David A. May