Controlling Vacuum Actuator Patents (Class 123/568.27)
  • Patent number: 11208972
    Abstract: Intake noise suppression techniques for a forced-induction engine having a low pressure exhaust gas recirculation (LPEGR) system configured to recirculate exhaust gas produced by the engine to an intake system of the engine via an EGR port comprise receiving, from a mass air flow (MAF) sensor of the engine, a MAF signal indicative of measured airflow through the intake system, detecting, based on the MAF signal, intake system conditions that are indicative of audible noise, and in response to detecting the detected intake system conditions that are indicative of audible noise, at least partially closing a differential pressure (dP) valve to mitigate or eliminate the intake system conditions and the corresponding audible noise, wherein the MAF sensor is disposed in the intake system upstream from the dP valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Inventor: Kyle O Klanow
  • Patent number: 11002202
    Abstract: An engine system includes an air handling control unit which controls a plurality of air handling actuators responsible for maintaining flow of air and exhaust gas within the engine system. The engine system has a plurality of sensors whose sensor signals at least partially define a current state of the engine system. The air handling control unit includes a controller which controls the air handling actuators of the engine system as well as a processing unit coupled to the sensors and the controller. The processing unit includes an agent which learns a policy function that is trained to process the current state, determines a control signal to send to the controller by using the policy function after receiving the current state as an input, and outputs the control signal to the controller. Then, the agent receives a next state and a reward value from the processing unit and updates the policy function using a policy evaluation algorithm and a policy improvement algorithm based on the received reward value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Kartavya Neema, Vikas Narang, Govindarajan Kothandaraman, Shashank Tamaskar
  • Patent number: 10830190
    Abstract: A pressure measurement apparatus for an engine is provided. The pressure measurement apparatus includes a gas flow path component of one of an intake system or an exhaust system, and a differential pressure sensor having a sensor body defining first and second pressure ports, wherein the sensor body is configured to cooperate with an opening in a wall of the gas flow path component so that at least one of the first and second pressure ports terminates inside the gas flow path component in an assembled configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jack Herbert, Ian Halleron, Jon Dixon, Scott Bell
  • Patent number: 10781766
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to an operating method for operating a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, wherein, upon a detection of a fault in the fuel injection system, and wherein a predefined pressure is overshot in a high-pressure region of the fuel injection system, an overrun mode of the internal combustion engine is deactivated, such that the internal combustion engine is operated exclusively in an injection mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Vitesco Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Seegmüller, Tobias Ritsch
  • Patent number: 10598413
    Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes: a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, an indoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an outdoor heat exchanger that are connected by a refrigerant pipe so that refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit; and a controller configured to control an operation state of the compressor, in which the controller is configured to estimate an oil concentration inside the compressor based on a temperature of gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor and a pressure of the gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor, and when the oil concentration is less than an oil concentration reference value, continue an operation of the compressor even under a state in which the thermo-off condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Toshinori Ote
  • Patent number: 10590873
    Abstract: An object is to provide a control device for an internal combustion engine, at an inexpensive price, whereby it is possible to suppress a decrease in the exhaust gas performance of the internal combustion engine due to an environmental change or damage from aging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takayuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10458569
    Abstract: The positioner having an air circuit including magnetism generating portions producing magnetism based on a current in accordance with a difference between a valve opening setpoint of a regulator valve and a measured value for the valve opening, to generate a pneumatic signal wherein the air pressure is adjusted based on the magnetism produced by the magnetism generating portions, where this pneumatic signal is supplied to an operating device of the regulator valve, where the magnetism generating portions are connected in parallel, and including a plurality of coils connected through magnetically additive coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventor: Kouichiro Murata
  • Patent number: 10267244
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, includes: a throttle operator; an opening degree detector that detects an operation opening degree of the throttle operator; and an electronic control throttle device that opens and closes a throttle valve disposed in an intake passage of the engine, depending on the operation opening degree detected by the opening degree detector. A throttle valve opening degree of the throttle valve is set to include a zero output throttle opening degree angle at which an output of the engine becomes zero between a low rotational speed region and a high rotational speed region of the engine. The operation opening degree of the throttle operator corresponding to the zero output throttle opening degree angle is set to an opening-side angle ratio that falls within a range between 8% and 12%, both inclusive, with respect to a fully-open opening degree of the throttle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Doyama, Shogo Kanaumi, Satoru Okoshi
  • Patent number: 10247146
    Abstract: A solenoid valve device according to an aspect of an embodiment includes a solenoid valve, a determination unit, a setting unit, and a correction setting unit. The solenoid valve is provided on a fluid channel with a fluid passing there through and adjusts a flow rate of the fluid. The determination unit determines a target degree of valve opening of the solenoid valve. The setting unit sets a driving signal for driving the solenoid valve in such a manner that a degree of valve opening of the solenoid valve is the target degree of valve opening. The correction setting unit sets a differential pressure correction signal for driving the solenoid valve in accordance with a differential pressure on the fluid channel between a front and a back of the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED
    Inventor: Sumiaki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 10132216
    Abstract: A housing of a compressor for an internal combustion engine is provided. The housing includes a first air inlet portion. Further, housing includes a tubular wall defining an annular chamber along a circumference of the first air inlet portion. Tubular wall comprising a second air inlet portion. Housing further includes an opening formed in a wall of first air inlet portion, contiguously extending along the circumference of the first air inlet portion, to fluidly couple the annular chamber with the first air inlet portion. The opening being formed at an offset from the second air inlet portion. The opening defines a first edge and a second edge in the wall of the first air inlet portion. The first edge and the second edge are radially offset from each other with respect to a central axis of the first air inlet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Progress Rail Locomotive Inc.
    Inventors: Raji Rexavier, Joshua Schueler, John Michael Carr, Patricia A Mcwade
  • Patent number: 9726072
    Abstract: An engine system for a motor vehicle is provided. The engine system includes a first exhaust-gas turbine in a first turbocharger driven by exhaust gas from the engine, a second exhaust-gas turbine in a second turbocharger driven by exhaust gas from the engine, a bypass coupled upstream and downstream of the first exhaust-gas turbine, and a pneumatic charge pressure control device including a bypass valve positioned in the bypass and a charge pressure control valve pneumatically coupled to the bypass valve and an intake line downstream of a first compressor included in the first turbocharger, the pneumatic charge pressure control device further including an adaptation unit pneumatically coupled to the bypass valve and an exhaust line upstream of the second exhaust-gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Franz J. Brinkmann, Kai Sebastian Kuhlbach
  • Patent number: 9644572
    Abstract: This invention relates to a control device for internal combustion engine for performing an exhaust recirculation control for controlling an operation condition of an exhaust recirculation device (50,52) according to a target exhaust gas recirculation amount (TRegr) set such that a detected air-fuel ratio (AFd) corresponds to an estimated air-fuel ratio (AFe).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroi Nagasawa
  • Patent number: 9599039
    Abstract: A control device for a flow of intake gas and/or recirculated exhaust gases in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, and for an intake module comprising at least one pipe which is arranged so as to supply the cylinder is disclosed. The control device comprises a means for sealing, and a means for deactivating at least one pipe which is able to be controlled between a first position in which the pipe supplies the cylinder with the intake gases (F) and a second position in which the pipe supplies the cylinder with the recirculated exhaust gases. The means for sealing is configured so as to be displaced as a result of the difference in pressure between the intake and the exhaust on both sides of the means for sealing between a locked position of the means for deactivating in the first position, and a position of release of the means for deactivating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: VALEO SYSTEMES THERMIQUES
    Inventors: Laurent Odillard, Julio Guerra
  • Patent number: 9399958
    Abstract: To accurately specify an EGR rate from an output value of an in-cylinder pressure sensor, a specifying method of an EGR rate in an internal combustion engine of the present invention acquires an output value of an in-cylinder pressure sensor at an intake stroke to calculate comparison data related to an in-cylinder pressure at the intake stroke from the acquired sensor output value. An output value of the in-cylinder pressure sensor at an exhaust stroke of the same cycle is also acquired to calculate comparison data related to the in-cylinder pressure at the exhaust stroke from the acquired sensor output value. Two comparison data are compared to specify the EGR rate of an air-fuel mixture provided for combustion from a difference between the values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Sano, Shinji Ikeda, Yusuke Suzuki, Soichiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9388773
    Abstract: An EGR valve includes a housing formed with a passage, a valve seat provided in the passage, a valve element seatable on the valve seat, a valve stem provided with the valve element at an end, and an actuator for making stroke movement of the valve stem. The valve element is moved together with the valve stem with respect to the valve seat to change an open area of a measuring section, thereby changing an opening degree of the valve element, to adjust a flow rate of EGR gas in the passage. The EGR valve has high-resolution flow-rate characteristics in a low opening region of the valve element and large flow-rate characteristics in a high opening region. The valve element and the valve seat have predetermined shapes to cause the flow-rate characteristics in the low opening region to change in a curve without a step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Eiji Nakamura, Yukihiro Harada, Mamoru Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 9212629
    Abstract: An equipment (200) for controlling an air system of a diesel engine, comprises an operation condition acquiring device (202), an objective flow determining device (204) and a signal generating device (206). The operation condition acquiring device (202) is used to acquire actual operation condition parameters of the diesel engine. The objective flow determining device (204) is used to determine objective flow parameters on the basis of the actual operation condition parameters from the operation condition acquiring device (202), through a non-linear physical model which characterizes the air system. The signal generating device (206) is used to generate signals for controlling an EGR system and a turbocharge system on the basis of the objective flow parameters from the objective flow determining device (204). A method for controlling an air system of a diesel engine and a computer program medium recording the computer program code for performing the method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Weichai Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guangdi Hu, Shaojun Sun, Dehui Tong, Xiaolin Zhang
  • Patent number: 9127606
    Abstract: A system for improving operation of an EGR system is presented. The system provides distinct models to estimate EGR temperature in response to a valve position. In one example, the system can judge EGR system operation when a state of a control valve is adjusted during driving conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mary Catherine Farmer
  • Patent number: 9127973
    Abstract: A method for validating a pressure sensor between a source of a gas and a pressure regulator that regulates a gas flow. The method includes providing a valve command signal and selecting a bias signal from a bias table. The method also includes comparing the selected bias signal to the valve command signal and determining there is a pressure sensor error if the difference between the selected bias signal and the valve command signal is above a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Maier, Markus Noll
  • Patent number: 8943801
    Abstract: A valve (10) may be used with an internal combustion engine exhaust breathing system (12) and may include a body (60), a partition (62), and a plate (66). The body (60) may define a first port (70) that has a first interior surface (76), and may also define a second port (82) that has a second interior surface (84). The partition (62) may be located within the body (60), may at least partially separate the first port (70) and the second port (82) from each other, and may define an opening (104). The plate (66) may be dimensioned to seat and seal against the opening (104) and against the first and second interior surfaces (76, 84). The plate (66) may rotate, depending on predetermined factors, between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Todd R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8783028
    Abstract: An engine system includes an exhaust gas recirculation conduit having an inlet in fluid communication with an exhaust conduit and an outlet in fluid communication with an intake air conduit. An exhaust gas recirculation performance balancing restrictor has an uninstalled position wherein the exhaust conduit defines a first backpressure at the inlet of the exhaust gas recirculation conduit. The exhaust gas recirculation performance balancing restrictor also has an installed position in which the exhaust gas recirculation performance balancing restrictor is removably disposed within the exhaust conduit downstream from the inlet of the exhaust gas recirculation conduit. In the installed position, the exhaust gas recirculation performance balancing restrictor provides a fixed flow restriction through the exhaust conduit to generate a second backpressure at the inlet of the exhaust gas recirculation conduit that is greater than the first backpressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Charles, Matthew F. Fahrenkrug, David E. Gorisek
  • Patent number: 8190397
    Abstract: A failure diagnosis apparatus for an exhaust pressure sensor for detecting the exhaust pressure in an exhaust gas recirculation passage which connects an exhaust passage and an intake passage of an internal combustion engine. A first preliminary determination that the exhaust pressure sensor is normal, is made when the engine is in a predetermined low load operating condition and a difference between the detected exhaust pressure and the atmospheric pressure is equal to or less than a first determination threshold value. A second preliminary determination that the exhaust pressure sensor is normal, is made when the engine is in a predetermined high load operating condition and the difference between the exhaust pressure detected by the exhaust pressure sensor and the atmospheric pressure is equal to or greater than a second determination threshold value. A final determination that the exhaust pressure sensor is normal, is made when both of the first and second preliminary determinations are made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 7958874
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation apparatus includes a housing connected with an EGR cooler via a mount face. The housing has a valve chamber accommodating a selector valve. The housing has a partition extending from the mount face close to the valve chamber to divide first and second exhaust ports opened in the mount face. A first passage leads exhaust gas into the EGR cooler through the valve chamber. A second passage recirculates exhaust gas to the intake passage through the EGR cooler and the valve chamber. A bypass passage leads exhaust gas from the engine through the valve chamber to bypass the EGR cooler. A rotation axis of the selector valve is perpendicular to an axis of the mount face, and offset away from the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kobayashi, Osamu Shimane
  • Patent number: 7848872
    Abstract: A method for controlling EGR gas flow in an internal combustion engine during ongoing operation includes determining an engine operating point and a preferred EGR fraction for a cylinder charge based upon the engine operating point. A feed-forward command for controlling an external EGR gas flowrate to an engine intake manifold based upon the preferred EGR fraction for the cylinder charge is determined. An EGR ratio in the intake manifold is determined. And, the external EGR gas flowrate is controlled based upon the estimated EGR ratio in the intake manifold and the feed-forward command for controlling the external EGR gas flowrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Ma, Man-Feng Chang
  • Publication number: 20100300413
    Abstract: Systems and methods for an engine are described. In one example, a system may include a variable venturi coupled in an intake of the engine; an exhaust gas recirculation system having an exhaust gas recirculation flow path, the exhaust gas recirculation flow path coupled to the variable venturi; and a vacuum-utilizing device or system coupled to the variable venturi. In another example, a method may include coordinating adjustment of an exhaust gas recirculation valve coupled to the exhaust gas recirculation system, a fuel vapor purging valve coupled to the fuel vapor purging system, and the variable venturi in response to operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 7814893
    Abstract: A system module is provided for recirculating exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine to an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine. The module includes a body (12) including a passageway (41) between an exhaust gas inlet (32) and an exhaust gas outlet (34). An orifice (36) constricts the flow of exhaust gases proximate the exhaust gas outlet. A differential pressure sensor (38) is constructed and arranged to sense differential pressure across the orifice. A manifold absolute pressure sensor (42) is constructed and arranged to sense vacuum pressure associated with the exhaust gas outlet. A first hose (40) is coupled with the body and provides the differential pressure sensor with vacuum pressure on a first side of the orifice. A second hose (44) is coupled with the body and provides the manifold pressure sensor with vacuum pressure. The first and second hoses are integral with the system module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Jefford, Natalie Gagner, Ted Daneliuk, Geoff Miller
  • Patent number: 7478631
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve includes a body including a passageway extending between an inlet and an outlet. The passageway communicates a flow of the exhaust gases. A bearing, disposed in the body, has a bearing passageway. A valve member is located in the passageway between the inlet and outlet and has a portion movably disposed in the bearing passageway such that a clearance path is defined between the portion of the valve member and the bearing. The clearance path is in communication with atmosphere through openings in the body. The valve member is constructed and arranged to regulate the flow of the exhaust gases. Activated carbon is associated with a portion of the body so as to adsorb hydrocarbons associated with the clearance path and thus prevent hydrocarbons from escaping to the atmosphere through the openings in the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventor: Peter Curt Hueniken
  • Patent number: 7467614
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using pedal position and/or pedal change rate in the fuel side and/or air side control of an engine. By knowing the pedal position and/or pedal rate, an engine controller may anticipate future fuel and/or air needs of the engine, and adjust the fuel profile and/or air profile to meet those anticipated needs. This may help improve the responsiveness, performance and emissions of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Stewart, Syed M. Shahed, Francesco Borrelli, Gregory J. Hampson
  • Publication number: 20080149079
    Abstract: A system module is provided for recirculating exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine to an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine. The module includes a body (12) including a passageway (41) between an exhaust gas inlet (32) and an exhaust gas outlet (34). An orifice (36) constricts the flow of exhaust gases proximate the exhaust gas outlet. A differential pressure sensor (38) is constructed and arranged to sense differential pressure across the orifice. A manifold absolute pressure sensor (42) is constructed and arranged to sense vacuum pressure associated with the exhaust gas outlet. A first hose (40) is coupled with the body and provides the differential pressure sensor with vacuum pressure on a first side of the orifice. A second hose (44) is coupled with the body and provides the manifold pressure sensor with vacuum pressure. The first and second hoses are integral with the system module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Jefford, Natalie Gagner, Ted Daneliuk, Geoff Miller
  • Publication number: 20070256674
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve includes a body including a passageway extending between an inlet and an outlet. The passageway communicates a flow of the exhaust gases. A bearing, disposed in the body, has a bearing passageway. A valve member is located in the passageway between the inlet and outlet and has a portion movably disposed in the bearing passageway such that a clearance path is defined between the portion of the valve member and the bearing. The clearance path is in communication with atmosphere through openings in the body. The valve member is constructed and arranged to regulate the flow of the exhaust gases. Activated carbon is associated with a portion of the body so as to adsorb hydrocarbons associated with the clearance path and thus prevent hydrocarbons from escaping to the atmosphere through the openings in the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventor: Peter Curt Hueniken
  • Patent number: 6874488
    Abstract: A gas deflector valve is incorporated with an engine cooling system, and located before an inlet to a heat exchanger used to cool hot gas from the engine as part of an EGR system. The gas diverter valve conducts the gas from the engine to the heat exchanger of the EGR system when its temperature is above normal and its cooling is required, or diverts the gas to recycle the gas directly to the engine, without it passing through the heat exchanger when the gas temperature is below the minimum limits for cooling. The gas deflector valve is actuated by a pneumatic actuator responsive to an electric signal from the engine's electronic control center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Wahler Metalurgica Ltda
    Inventor: João José Cardinali Ieda
  • Patent number: 6848418
    Abstract: A system is described for determining degradation of an exhaust gas recirculation system of an internal combustion engine. This method utilizes a combination of parameters to accurately determine degradation of the exhaust gas recirculation system. For example, the system utilizes changes in intake manifold pressure, changes in idle speed control operation, changes in ignition timing, and fueling changes to accurately determine operation of the exhaust gas recirculation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Howard Summers, Simon Oliver Sutton, Paul John King
  • Patent number: 6647971
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooling system includes a valve and a cooler. A motor opens the valve allowing hot fluid exhaust gas to flow into the valve. Cooling fluid continuously flows in and circulated around the valve, reducing the amount of heat transfer from the hot fluid to the valve components. The hot fluid travels through a plurality of tubes in the cooler, continuing to transfer heat to the cooling fluid. As the hot fluid is cooled, the unburned gas in the hot fluid is recycled to be burned by the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Cooper Technology Services, LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Vaughan, Dimitri L. Vamvakitis, Jerry Holden, Jack Morais
  • Patent number: 6505614
    Abstract: A connection provides a fluid tight communication between a valve and a tube. The valve includes a first surface, a second surface, and an aperture extending through the valve between the first and second surfaces. The tube includes an end portion terminating at an edge. The end portion penetrates the first surface, extends through the aperture, and is deformed so as to engage the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventors: Peter Hueniken, Robert Faulkner, Michael Liddle
  • Patent number: 6502564
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system module is provided that integrally includes an electric vacuum regulator (EVR) valve and a differential pressure (DP) sensor. The DP sensor measures a differential exhaust pressure at locations upstream and downstream of an orifice in a gasket sealing the EGR system module to an intake manifold. The upstream measurement location is aligned with and particularly spaced from the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventors: Frederic Gagnon, Peter Hueniken
  • Publication number: 20020170546
    Abstract: In a diesel engine provided with an exhaust gas recirculation valve (6), a target exhaust gas recirculation amount determined based on the engine running condition is compared with a maximum recirculation amount of the valve (6) (S28). When the target exhaust gas recirculation amount exceeds the maximum recirculation amount, the target exhaust gas recirculation amount is limited to the maximum flowrate (S28). By maintaining the opening of the exhaust gas recirculation valve (6) at an opening corresponding to the maximum recirculation amount for a predetermined time even after the target exhaust recirculation amount has fallen below the maximum flowrate (S26), the exhaust gas recirculation amount is made to promptly follow the target amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Itoyama
  • Patent number: 6470866
    Abstract: Apparatus for and method of exhaust gas recirculation in an internal combustion engine that operates with charge air boost. An EGR valve has an inlet port communicated to the engine exhaust system upstream of a throttle valve in the tailpipe and an outlet port communicated to the engine intake system. The throttle valve is controlled to selectively restrict exhaust gas flow through the tailpipe so as to maintain the difference between pressure at the EGR valve inlet and pressure at the EGR valve outlet substantially unaffected by changes in pressure in the intake system and in the exhaust system. The invention is particularly suited for a turbocharged diesel engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventor: John Edward Cook
  • Patent number: 6460523
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system is provided having an electric vacuum regulator (EVR) valve mounted contiguously with a delta pressure feedback exhaust (DPFE) sensor to form an integral EVR/DPFE assembly. In turn, the EVR/DPFE assembly is mounted on a surface of the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. A single port in the housing of the manifold provides a fluid connection to the EVR/DPFE sensor assembly. This connection provides a vacuum input connection to both the EVR valve and the DPFE sensor. The EVR/DPFE sensor assembly utilizes a single electrical connection to the engine control unit (ECU). The DPFE sensor measures a differential exhaust pressure at locations upstream and downstream of an orifice in a gasket sealing the EGR valve to the intake manifold. The upstream measurement location is in an EGR valve chamber, and the downstream location is in the intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventor: Frèdèric Gagnon
  • Patent number: 6430929
    Abstract: An Exhaust Gas Recirulation (EGR) valve is integrated onto a turbocharger by providing an EGR outlet in a flange in the volute of the turbine housing and a mating valve assembly extending from a mating flange with an elbow. The outlet direction of the elbow is adjustable to a plurality of directions by positioning the mating flange relative to the EGR outlet flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Steven P. Martin
  • Patent number: 6431158
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine exhaust emission control system has a module for conveying exhaust gas from an engine exhaust system to an engine intake system. A valve selectively restricts the flow path. A pressure sensing passage communicates a pressure sensing port of a pressure sensor to the flow path. The pressure sensing passage comprises a tube having an end portion passing through a through-hole in a side wall of the flow path. In one embodiment, an open free end of the tube is disposed within the flow path in spaced relation to the side wall opposite an orifice that creates a pressure drop for obtaining a flow measurement using pressure sensed via the tube as one input. In another embodiment, the open free end of the tube is disposed flush with the side wall opposite a nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventors: Frederic Gagnon, Peter Hueniken, Kenneth Peter Nydam
  • Patent number: 6378507
    Abstract: A method of recirculating exhaust gas flow from an exhaust port to an intake port of an internal combustion engine, and an emission control valve assembly that regulates recirculating the exhaust gas flow. The emission control valve assembly comprises a valve body and a seat. The valve body has a passage that connects a first port to a second port. The passage has a first passage portion that extends from the first port along a first central axis, a second passage portion that extends from the second port along a second central axis, and a third passage portion that extends along a third central axis. The third passage portion connects the first and second passage portions at respective first and second points along the third axis. The seat extends along the third central axis and is located between the first and second points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventor: Frederic Gagnon
  • Patent number: 6378510
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine including a valve body having an exhaust port adapted for fluid communication with a source of exhaust gas, an intake port adapted for fluid communication with the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, and a valve member movably supported within the body between open and closed positions thereby controlling the flow of exhaust gas from the exhaust port to the intake port. A diaphragm housing is operatively mounted to the valve body and supported thereby. The diaphragm housing defines a vacuum cavity in fluid communication with a source of negative pressure and an atmosphere cavity in fluid communication with a source of second pressure. A diaphragm member is disposed between the vacuum and atmosphere cavities and is operatively connected to the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Green, Pete Brykailo, Richard J. Vaughan, Daniel P. O'Brien, Thomas A. Horn, Bennett J. Arndt
  • Publication number: 20010029935
    Abstract: Apparatus for and method of exhaust gas recirculation in an internal combustion engine that operates with charge air boost. An EGR valve has an inlet port communicated to the engine exhaust system upstream of a throttle valve in the tailpipe and an outlet port communicated to the engine intake system. The throttle valve is controlled to selectively restrict exhaust gas flow through the tailpipe so as to maintain the difference between pressure at the EGR valve inlet and pressure at the EGR valve outlet substantially unaffected by changes in pressure in the intake system and in the exhaust system. The invention is particularly suited for a turbocharged diesel engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: Misonix, Incorporated
    Inventor: John Edward Cook
  • Patent number: 6253749
    Abstract: A vacuum actuated valve uses a specially designed spring having a spring rate as a function of valve position. The spring rate function is determined using physical relationships between flow, pressure, and valve s position. The result is that the relationship between the control input to the valve (either a vacuum signal, or an electrical signal to a vacuum source) and the flow through the valve are linearly related through the entire operating region of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan Joseph Kotwicki, John David Russell, George Blaha
  • Patent number: 6230694
    Abstract: An automotive emission control module has an emission control valve containing a main flow passage having a valve member that controls fluid flow through the flow passage. An internal pressure sensing passage communicates pressure at one side of an orifice in the main flow passage to a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor and a fluid pressure regulator valve are integrated with the body of a fluid-pressure-operated actuator that operates the valve member. The module is calibrated and tested in a test stand, and can be re-calibrated after installation in an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: John E. Cook, Murray F. Busato
  • Patent number: 6189520
    Abstract: An EGR module has a valve containing a main flow passage having a valve member that controls exhaust gas flow through the passage. An internal pressure sensing passage communicates pressure at one side of an orifice in the main flow passage to a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor and an EVR valve are integrated with the body of a fluid pressure actuator that operates the valve member. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventors: John E. Cook, Murray F. Busato
  • Patent number: 6170476
    Abstract: An electric EGR module has a main flow passage containing a valve member operated by a movable actuator wall of a fluid pressure actuator to control exhaust gas flow through the passage. The movable actuator wall bounds a portion of a variable volume chamber space to which regulated vacuum from an electric vacuum regulator (EVR) valve is communicated to position the movable actuator wall, and hence the valve member. An internal pressure sensing passage, which includes a tube that also functions as a shaft for coupling motion of the actuator wall to the valve member, communicates pressure at one side of an orifice in the main flow passage to a pressure sensor. The tube communicates with a variable volume chamber space that forms a portion of the sensing passage and that varies in volume with the positioning of the tube by the actuator wall. The pressure sensor and the EVR valve are integrated with the body of the fluid pressure actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: John E. Cook, Murray F. Busato
  • Patent number: 6168134
    Abstract: A flow control valve having a controllable flow area which varies with the valve displacement. The flow control valve includes a poppet-type valve element mounted to reciprocate between a closed and open position in a valve cavity formed in a valve housing. The valve housing has an inlet and outlet passage to allow fluid to flow therethrough. A removable insert having a flow passage is positioned in the valve cavity adjacent the poppet-valve for controlling the flow rate of gaseous fluid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage while the poppet valve is in an open position. Movement of the poppet valve from a closed to an open position varies the effective cross-sectional flow area of the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Ruth, Josh S. Shao, Paul R. Miller, Long K. Hwang
  • Patent number: RE44452
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using pedal position and/or pedal change rate in the fuel side and/or air side control of an engine. By knowing the pedal position and/or pedal rate, an engine controller may anticipate future fuel and/or air needs of the engine, and adjust the fuel profile and/or air profile to meet those anticipated needs. This may help improve the responsiveness, performance and emissions of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Stewart, Syed M. Shahed, Francesco Borrelli, Gregory J. Hampson