Diverse Fuel Supply Patents (Class 123/575)
  • Patent number: 6298838
    Abstract: A method according to the present invention controls engine roughness by varying the ethanol content in a fuel mixture of a flexible fuel vehicle. Initially, a trigger threshold and fix threshold are established based on engine speed and manifold pressure. The fix threshold is less than the trigger threshold. A first ethanol amount is delivered to the fuel mixture if a first measured roughness is greater than the trigger threshold. A second measured engine roughness is determined after delivering the first ethanol amount. The delivery of the first ethanol amount is stopped if the second measured roughness is greater than the trigger threshold. A second ethanol amount is delivered if the second measured roughness is less than the trigger threshold but greater than the fix threshold. A third measured roughness is then determined. Delivery of the second ethanol amount is stopped if the third measured roughness is greater than the trigger threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Shean P Huff, John M Prevost
  • Patent number: 6289881
    Abstract: A conversion system for converting a spark ignition engine to operate on gaseous fuel is disclosed. The conversion system includes an electronic controller which operates on several novel principles to provide superior performance/responsiveness and to reduce exhaust emissions. The controller in accordance with the invention assumes complete control of spark ignition timing when gaseous fuel mode is enabled and generates independent spark ignition signals tailored to the gaseous fuel. The controller also generates an independent pulse width modulated gaseous fuel injection signal that controls a high performance electronic solenoid injector valve to supply gaseous fuel to the engine. Variable injector speed is used to compensate for the dynamic range of the engine. A novel dual array block learn scheme is used to provide efficient fuel control in engines equipped with closed-loop monitoring systems and exhaust gas recirculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Alternative Fuel Systems
    Inventor: Gerhard O. Klopp
  • Patent number: 6283102
    Abstract: A method for identifying high driveability index fuel for use in a motor vehicle engine includes the steps of determining an engine rotational speed after the engine has started, measuring an elapsed time required for the engine rotational speed to increase from a predetermined low limit to a predetermined high limit, and identifying high driveability index fuel when the elapsed time is greater than a predetermined time limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Nelson, Joseph B. Adams, Luiz R. Alicke, Jason E. Wielenga
  • Patent number: 6267086
    Abstract: A fuel system comprising a unit pump/injector and a cam actuated plunger pump arranged to supply an auxiliary fluid to the injector, wherein the plunger pump is located adjacent the unit pump/injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip John Gregory Dingle, Godfrey Greeves
  • Patent number: 6250260
    Abstract: A system and assembly for modifying a diesel powered electric generator preferably of the reciprocating engine type to the extent that the generator is capable of running on either 100% diesel fuel or in a “bi-fuel” mode which is defined as a mixture of methane based gas and diesel fuel. The system and associated assembly is specifically designed to provide for the automatic or manual switching between the full diesel mode and the gas-diesel fuel or bi-fuel mode for continuous generator operation without interruption in generator output and at substantially equivalent or comparable efficiency levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Jason E. Green
  • Patent number: 6223734
    Abstract: A fuel injection system comprising a common rail pressure reservoir filled with fuel at high pressure and having a dual-substance nozzle for dual fluid injection of fuel and a supplementary liquid into an internal combustion engine. The system includes a first 2/2-way valve, in the injection line between the common rail pressure reservoir and a pressure chamber surrounding the nozzle needle of the dual-substance nozzle, and a second 2/2-way valve, whose inlet communicates, via a feed line with the injection line at a point between the first 2/2-way valve and the pressure chamber. An outlet of the pressure chamber communicates with the low-pressure fuel side via a drain line (8). As a result, the otherwise usual, technologically much more complicated 3/2-way magnet valves can be replaced with more economical 2/2-way valves. At the same time, the possibility is afforded of shifting the quantity metering for supplementary liquid to a single metering valve that serves an entire group of fuel injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Ruoff, Horst Harndorf
  • Patent number: 6223699
    Abstract: The present application relates to an injector for use in an internal combustion engine designed to work with fuel/emulsion. Two fuel inlet passages, which are connected to a multichannel distributor and used for feeding fuel from a high pressure hose, are linked with a mixing unit surrounding the nozzle needle. Downstream of the multichannel distributor, in the vicinity of the mixing unit, a make-up liquid inlet passage is connected to a second fuel inlet passage through which the make-up liquid, especially water, is fed to produce emulsified fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: MTU Motoren-Und Turbinen-Union Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Donauer, Bernd Danckert
  • Patent number: 6142107
    Abstract: A fuel injection system with a common rail pressure reservoir which is filled with fuel at high pressure, and a dual substance nozzle for dual-fluid injection of fuel and a supplementary liquid into an internal combustion engine. The system includes a 2/2-way valve in the injection line between the common rail pressure reservoir and a pressure chamber surrounding the nozzle needle of the dual substance nozzle. A pressure fluid container with supplementary liquid under pressure, which via a storage valve can charge the supplementary liquid line with a respective predeterminable quantity of supplementary liquid and that in turn can be charged with supplementary liquid by means of a pump via a check valve and its internal pressure can be kept at a desired level by a pressure regulating valve. As a result, the otherwise usual, technologically substantially more complex 3/2-way magnet control valves can be replaced by a single, less expensive 2/2-way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz Stutzenberger
  • Patent number: 6105561
    Abstract: In a fuel feeding system for an internal combustion engine adapted to selectively operate with gasoline or with a gas, such as LPG or methane, the engine is compelled to restart automatically in the gasoline mode after a stop during which the gas reservoir has been filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Massimo Ferrera, Riccardo Gozzelino, Aldo Perotto
  • Patent number: 6092514
    Abstract: A fuel injection system with a common rail pressure reservoir which receives fuel at high pressure, and with a dual-substance nozzle for bifluid injection of fuel and a supplementary fluid into an intern combustion engine. The system includes a first 2/2-way valve (MV1) in the injection line between the common rail pressure reservoir and a pressure chamber surrounding the nozzle needle of the dual-substance nozzle, and a second 2/2-way valve (MV2), whose inlet communicates via a supply line with the injection line at a point between the first 2/2-way valve (MV1) and the pressure chamber (3.5), and whose outlet communicates with an outlet line on a fuel low-pressure side. The system is economical and at the same time, it becomes possible to shift the metering for supplementary fluid to a single metering valve that controls an entire group of injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Ruoff, Horst Harndorf
  • Patent number: 6076487
    Abstract: An environmentally clean dual fuel for an internal combustion engine, comprising acetylene as a primary fuel and a combustible fuel, such as one or more fluids selected from an alcohol such as ethanol, methanol or any other alcohol or alcohols from the group comprising C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 carbon chains, ethers such as from the group comprising dimethyl ether, diethyl ether, methyl t-butyl ether, ethyl t-butyl ether, t-amyl methyl ether, di-isopropyl ether and the like, low-molecular-weight esters such as from the group comprising methyl formate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate and the like, or other suitable combustible fluid such as mineral spirits and the like, as a secondary fuel for operatively preventing early ignition and knock arising from the primary fuel. The dual fuel, internal combustion system, which generally utilizes a two-stage process for start-up and operation and can be operated with air- or liquid-cooling, is environmentally clean with hydrocarbon, CO, NO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Go-Tec
    Inventors: Joseph W. Wulff, Maynard Hulett, Sunggyu Lee
  • Patent number: 6073619
    Abstract: A fuel delivery control system suitable for use with internal combustion engines fueled by liquid propane gas or the like. A stepper motor actuated control valve 52, under the control of a closed-loop fuel control logic routine, meters the desired fuel delivery rate. The stepper motor 50 is initially positioned based on an open-loop value related to the given engine speed and load. The stepper motor position is thereafter controlled by a calibrateable function having engine speed as its input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Phillip Baranowski
  • Patent number: 6067972
    Abstract: The fuel used, such as LPG, evaporates at raised temperature. It is proposed that when the internal combustion engine is not running a part of the fuel supply pipes should be heated, so that the liquid fuel therein evaporates. When injectors leak only vaporous liquid will then enter the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Vialle B.V.
    Inventor: Servatius Alfons Maria Jaasma
  • Patent number: 6068017
    Abstract: A valve for flowing gaseous fuel, i.e., natural gas or propane gas, to an internal combustion engine includes a valve body having an inlet passage and first and second outlet paths in parallel with one another and in flow communication with the inlet passage. A plug-type adjustment member is threaded into the body and an annular seat in the body coacts with the adjustment member to form an orifice in the first outlet path. A stop mechanism limits movement of the adjustment member between a first position at which the orifice area is smaller and a second position at which the orifice area is larger. The valve permits adjustment of fuel flow to small engines so that such engines provide maximum power without exceeding applicable emission standards. And the valve is tamper-resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Haworth, Dawei Chen, Gerald C. Ruehlow
  • Patent number: 6050237
    Abstract: A LPG reservoir for an internal combustion engine adapted to be operated selectively with LPG and gasoline includes a pump unit which has connecting elements for a LPG outlet conduit and a LPG return conduit, as well as a sensor device for sensing the level of LPG in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa' Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Massimo Ferrera, Riccardo Gozzelino, Pietro Gianotti, Filippo Audisio
  • Patent number: 6035837
    Abstract: A bi-fuel injection system includes a source of first liquid fuel; a source of second liquid fuel; at least one variable vapor pressure fuel injector; a common fuel rail for supplying first or second fuels to the fuel injector; a first valve structure in selective communication with the source of first or second fuels and in communication with an inlet of the fuel rail to selectively control supply of one of the first and second fuels to the fuel rail; and a second valve structure in communication with an outlet of the fuel rail and in selective communication with the source of first or second fuels to return fuel exiting the fuel rail to the source of first or second fuels. The second valve structure may be in selective communication with a vapor purge system to receive fuel vapors exiting the fuel rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Cohen, Danny O. Wright
  • Patent number: 6029623
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing NO.sub.x reductants by injecting hydrocarbon into a diesel engine's combustion chamber during the expansion cycle. The secondary injected hydrocarbon is formed, under appropriate conditions, into oxygenates and olefins that are suitable for reducing NO.sub.x species in the presence of conventional exhaust catalysts. The appropriate injection timing is obtained by referring to a calibration obtained by direct engine measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Walter Weissman, Frank Hershkowitz, Anthony Marion Dean, Harry Stuard Pink
  • Patent number: 6026787
    Abstract: A mixture of gaseous fuel (natural gas or propane) and gasoline is used to fuel the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The ratio of gaseous fuel to gasoline is preadjusted by the manual settings of an electronic processor which is used to change the gasoline fuel injection rate and the manual settings of an air/vacuum balance valve connected to a low pressure regulator and mixer are used to regulate the pressure of the gaseous fuel and mix it with air to provide the desired ratio. The fuel injection is also controlled in response to a signal fed to the processor which is in accordance with the output of the vehicle's exhaust oxygen sensors. The flow rate of gaseous fuel to the engine is controlled by means of a mixer which is preadjusted for a desired flow rate. This flow rate is automatically varied in response to the intake manifold pressure of the engine. This manifold pressure drives a valve which controls the gaseous fuel flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Impco Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaobo Sun, Syed Hussein
  • Patent number: 6016796
    Abstract: A fuel blending ratio inferring method responsive to an air/fuel feedback control system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed having a feedback correction loop generating a feedback variable derived from an output of an exhaust gas sensor. A fuel blending ratio is inferred in response to a refueling indication by observing the size and magnitude of the feedback variable. Thus, the effect of the fuel blend can be isolated from other errors in the feedback control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel Douglas Dalton
  • Patent number: 5979410
    Abstract: A fuel injection system with an injector for an internal combustion engine has a binary injection nozzle whose pressure chamber can be alternatingly supplied with fuel and a supplemental fluid. A valve device is provided which can control the high-pressure side fuel delivery to the binary injection nozzle and the connection of the pressure chamber to a low-pressure side and to a supply line of the supplemental fluid. The valve device has a reversing valve that is embodied for controlling the impingement of high or low pressure on the pressure chamber and is also embodied for controlling the filling of the pressure chamber with the supplemental fluid. Therefore, the valve device is improved with regard to more rapid and precise switching operations and is also simplified, resulting in greater reliability and reduced maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Grieshaber
  • Patent number: 5941217
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of compensating for changing fuels in a flexible fueled vehicle using a fuel composition sensor. The methodology detects and models an alcohol concentration transition at fuel injector tips following a fuel addition. The methodology improves the accuracy of engine fueling during an alcohol concentration change by delaying the application of a fuel composition multiplier until the fuel analyzed by the fuel composition sensor actually reaches the injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Yi Cheng, Shean P. Huff, Dennis A. Krozek, Gary L. Seitz
  • Patent number: 5937800
    Abstract: A method for delivering liquid fuel and gaseous fuel to a dual fuel engine operating in a dual fuel mode includes establishing a governor output value indicative of a total fuel energy rate desired to be delivered to the engine to maintain a desired engine speed. A first value indicative of a liquid pilot fuel energy rate desired to be delivered to the engine and a second value indicative of a gaseous fuel energy rate desired to be delivered to the engine are each determined such that the sum of the desired liquid pilot fuel energy rate and the desired gaseous fuel energy rate is substantially equal to the desired total fuel energy. A stored gaseous fuel energy content can be updated to assure continued accuracy of the fuel control system of the dual fuel engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Brown, Geoffrey D. Ginzel
  • Patent number: 5911210
    Abstract: A fuel supply system is provided for an internal combustion engine. The system comprises a fuel control valve metering fuel to the inlet of the engine and a governor for monitoring the output of the engine and adjusting the fuel control valve. A first fuel of low quality is fed to the inlet of the engine through a first valve regulating the supply of the first fuel. A fuel mixture controller responds to output signals from the governor and adjusts the position of a second valve for regulating the supply of a second fuel of high quality. The first and second fuels are combined in a mixture before being fed to the fuel control valve and the inlet of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Cooper Cameron Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas A. Flach
  • Patent number: 5887799
    Abstract: A dual fuel injector for an engine is selectively controlled to either inject a liquid fuel such as gasoline or a gaseous fuel such as butane or propane to the engine. The injection of one fuel or the other is effected by alternatively feeding a pulsating voltage of one polarity or he other to the coil of an electrically controlled injector. The injector has a permanent magnet armature which is driven in one direction in response to pulses fed to its surrounding coil of one polarity and the opposite direction in response to pulses fed to the coil of the other polarity. When the armature is driven in a first direction, it drives a pintle attached thereto in that direction. The pintle in turn drives against a spring urged valve to open this valve, thereby permitting gasoline to pass through the control injector from where it is injected into the engine in a pulsating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: IMPCO Technoligies, Inc.
    Inventor: David H. Smith
  • Patent number: 5870978
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes a plenum member having an inlet opening and an outlet opening defined therein. The engine assembly further includes an air source in fluid communication with the inlet opening. The engine assembly still further includes a fuel combustion assembly having an engine block having a piston cylinder defined therein, an engine head secured to the engine block and having an intake port defined therein, and a piston which translates within the piston cylinder. The piston, the piston cylinder, and the engine head cooperate so as to define a combustion chamber. The engine assembly further includes a gaseous fuel supply valve which controls the amount of gaseous fuel advanced from a gaseous fuel source to the first intake conduit. The engine assembly still further includes an intake conduit interposed between the outlet opening and the intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Martin L. Willi, Min Wu, Jeffrey T. Fischer
  • Patent number: 5868121
    Abstract: A fuel pressure relief system for a dual fuel engine including at least one gaseous fuel admission valve positioned between a gaseous fuel inlet region and an air intake region is provided. The system includes a first pressure sensor positioned in the gaseous fuel inlet region and a second pressure sensor positioned in the air intake region. An electronic controller is connected to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor. A gaseous fuel vent path extends between the gaseous fuel inlet region and a portion of an air intake path of the engine. A vent valve is positioned along the gaseous fuel vent path and is connected to the electronic controller for control thereby. When the differential pressure across the gaseous fuel admission valve exceeds a predetermined level the fuel vent valve is opened to relieve the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Brown, Jeffery T. Fischer, Eric W. Ohlson, Martin L. Willi
  • Patent number: 5832905
    Abstract: A multipoint fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine includes fuel metering device(s) such as fuel injector(s) associated for selectively controlled injection of the second fuel to corresponding combustion chamber(s) of the internal combustion engine. A fuel supply manifold associates with fuel injector(s) for directing the second fuel to each fuel injector. An intake port adaptor mechanism adapts the intake port of the associated combustion chamber to receive the selectively controlled injection of the fuel from an associated fuel injector. The intake port adaptor mechanism may also engage the intake port so as to permit selective flow of the first fuel or the second fuel to the intake port of the selected combustion chamber. A control mechanism selectively controls the flow of the second fuel through each injector(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventors: Steven R. King, Michael W. Walser, Christopher M. Cole, John W. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 5816228
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine that is driven by fuels such as dimethyl ether (DME) that have a viscosity less than 1.0 and a storage and delivery system for the fuel that will reduce considerably the emissions of NO.sub.x and particulate. The fuel delivery system includes a fuel injector nozzle valve being forced closed by fuel, that has leaked past a solenoid operated valve and is at a pressure less than the valve opening pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: AVL Powertrain Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. McCandless
  • Patent number: 5794601
    Abstract: A novel fuel pretreater apparatus and method for pretreating an alternate fuel to render it usable as the fuel source for fuel burning equipment such as internal combustion engines, furnaces, boilers, and turbines, includes a volatilization chamber into which the alternate fuel is received. An exhaust plenum may enclose the volatilization chamber so that thermal energy supplied by exhaust from the fuel burning equipment can be used to help volatilize the alternate fuel. A bypass stream of exhaust may be diverted through the alternate fuel in the volatilization chamber to help in volatilizing the alternate fuel and help carry the volatilized fuel through a heated reactor prior to its being introduced into the fuel burning equipment. The reactor is preferably interposed in the exhaust conduit and is formed by a reactor tube having a reactor rod mounted coaxially therein in spaced relationship. The exhaust passing through the exhaust conduit provides thermal energy to the reactor to pretreat the alternate fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Paul Pantone
  • Patent number: 5782222
    Abstract: A fuel system is provided for supplying a second fuel different from a first supplied fuel substantially simultaneously to a plurality of injectors. In one form, an inner tube within an outer housing has a plurality of openings spaced from inlets to the fuel injectors for supplying the second fuel substantially simultaneously to each of the injectors, the number of outlets being less than the number of inlets. In a second form, the inner tube within the housing has a plurality of differently sized orifices increasing in size with increasing distance relative to the fuel inlet to the inner tube for supplying fuel substantially simultaneously to fuel injectors in registration with the orifices. In a further form, multiple inner tubes are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Morris, Neil D. Schoenberg, Jack R. Lorraine
  • Patent number: 5775309
    Abstract: A fuel control unit which is formed in a housing such as a load block or carburetor has a passageway with a fuel inlet at one end thereof and a fuel outlet at the other end thereof. A pair of adjusting valves, one for adjusting the amount of fuel flow from a first fuel source such as natural gas and the other for adjusting the amount of fuel flow from a second fuel source such as propane are mounted in the passageway. The valves are positioned to set the sizes of metered passages and are preadjusted to provide the desired fuel flow to provide a proper air to fuel ratio for the fuel from each source. The passageway is alternatively set for proper operation with one or the other fuel sources either by manually positioning a shuttle valve or actuating a solenoid which drives the shuttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: IMPCO Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Burrahm
  • Patent number: 5755211
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating an internal combustion engine, in particular for driving a motor vehicle, alternatingly with two different types of fuel, includes two separate fuel circuits each being associated with a respective one of first and second different types of fuel. Each of the fuel circuits has at least one electrically triggerable metering device in the form of an injection valve. A switch device switches over from one of the fuel circuits to the other of the fuel circuits. A single electronic control unit controls both operation of the engine with the first type of fuel and operation of the engine with the second type of fuel. The electronic control has a power portion with end stages for triggering the injection valves. Each of the end stages is assigned both one injection valve for the first fuel type and one injection valve for the second fuel type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Achim Koch
  • Patent number: 5722377
    Abstract: A fuel injection method and system for a Diesel engine, with an injection nozzle (1) supplied with a first fuel through a high-pressure pump (3) through a reservoir (2), wherein the engine can operate--rather than with the first fuel--with the second fuel in the form of pure fuel or of an emulsion of fuel and another substance that is insoluble in the fuel. Means are provided by which the second fuel is guided in a circuit through injection nozzle (1) and the second fuel, when the injection nozzle is actuated, is injected into the engine through the first fuel, which is under high pressure, from reservoir (2) to injection nozzle (1), with the mixture ratio of the fuel and additional substance in the second fuel being adjusted in the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: MTU Motoren-und Turbinen-Union Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Schoenfeld, Bernhard Baechle
  • Patent number: 5713336
    Abstract: A multipoint fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine includes fuel metering device(s) such as fuel injector(s) associated for selectively controlled injection of the second fuel to corresponding combustion chamber(s) of the internal combustion engine. A fuel supply manifold associates with fuel injector(s) for directing the second fuel to each fuel injector. An intake port adaptor mechanism adapts the intake port of the associated combustion chamber to receive the selectively controlled injection of the fuel from an associated fuel injector. The intake port adaptor mechanism may also engage the intake port so as to permit selective flow of the first fuel or the second fuel to the intake port of the selected combustion chamber. A control mechanism selectively controls the flow of the second fuel through each injector(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventors: Steven R. King, Michael W. Walser, Christopher M. Cole, John W. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 5709196
    Abstract: A method and system for the control of the fuel injection timing in an internal combustion engine using a low cetane quality fuel such as an aqueous fuel emulsion is provided. The disclosed system includes a compression ignition engine adapted to receive a prescribed supply of an aqueous fuel emulsion. The prescribed supply of fuel is preferably determined by an fuel system control unit as a function of one or more engine operating parameters. The disclosed system also includes an exhaust sensor located proximate the engine exhaust so as to detect the presence and level of selected exhaust products, such as carbon monoxide, in the engine exhaust. The level of carbon monoxide or other such exhaust product, as measured by the sensor, is input to the engine control unit where it is processed together with various other engine operating parameters to produce a prescribed fuel injection timing signal which operatively controls the fuel injection timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald N. Coleman, James E. Sibley
  • Patent number: 5666926
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided with a methane feed system including a plurality of methane injection devices respectively associated with the various cylinders of the engine. The methane injection devices are mounted within respective seats communicating with a distributing conduit or rail for feeding methane. The seats for the injection devices in the rail are formed in an auxiliary body separate from the intake manifold and the head of the engine. An electronic control unit provides for the control of the injection devices on the basis of signals indicative of the parameters of operation of the engine so as to carry out the methane injection at each cylinder when the rotational speed of the engine is lower than a predetermined threshold when the intake valve of the cylinder is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Centro Ricerche Fiat Societa' Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Massimo Ferrera, Pietro Gianotti, Marco Mauro, Riccardo Gozzelino, Filippo Audisio, Gianpiero Borello
  • Patent number: 5628294
    Abstract: In order to supply a combustion installation, such as an internal combustion engine, with a second type of fuel, in particular LPG, in addition to a first type of fuel, such as petrol, a second control unit is coupled to a first or original electronic control unit of the engine. In response to first control signal values emitted by the first control unit, said second control unit, during operation on LPG, emits second control signal values for metering the LPG supply. With this arrangement the first control signal values received from the first control unit are compared with the values recorded by the second control unit during operation on petrol. The second control signal values emitted by the second control unit are now so adusted that, during operation on LPG, the first control signal values are still kept within a predetermined range (operating range) of the first control signal values recorded during operation on petrol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Gentec b.v.
    Inventors: Paul E. C. Krieckaert, Johannes G. W. M. Oerlemans, Petronella C. De Laat-De Haas
  • Patent number: 5601067
    Abstract: In a fuel injection system for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine by means of a dual fluid injector which includes a nozzle with a nozzle needle normally closing the nozzle and which has formed around the nozzle needle an annular space which is in communication with a fluid source and a pressure chamber in communication with the annular space and the working space of a plunger disposed in the injector so as to be movable between upper and lower end positions but being biased to its upper end position, the plunger working space is in communication with a fuel source via a fuel supply line which includes a control valve and an electromagnetically controlled valve is provided for controlling the admission of a hydraulic operating fluid to the plunger for moving the plunger into the working space for the ejection of the fuel and the fluid from the pressure chamber and the annular space around the nozzle and the fuel supply line includes an electronically controllable valve a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Wirbeleit, Wolfgang Lehner, Alois Raab
  • Patent number: 5592924
    Abstract: There is described an internal combustion engine able to operate selectively either with gasoline injection or with injection of LPG in a liquid state, which is obtained from an engine able to operate only with gasoline injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Centro Ricerche Fiat Societa' Consortile Per Azioni
    Inventors: Filippo Audisio, Gianpiero Borello, Massimo Ferrera, Pietro Gianotti, Riccardo Gozzelino
  • Patent number: 5560344
    Abstract: A fuel storage and delivery apparatus for providing one or more non-miscible fuels to a multi-fuel engine has a fuel reservoir adapted for storing first and second non-miscible fuels in communication with each other. The first and second fuels define a phase interface therebetween. The fuel reservoir has a bottom, and first and second outlets adapted to respectfully receive first and second fuels. The first and second outlets are positioned adjacent the bottom and the phase interface. The fuel delivery apparatus has means for respectfully maintaining the first and second outlets adjacent the bottom and the phase interface. The fuel delivery apparatus also has means for sensing the fluid levels of the first and second non-miscible fuels in the reservoir, and producing fluid level signals in response to the sensed fluid levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony K. Chan
  • Patent number: 5555873
    Abstract: A fuel tank switching apparatus provides for the automatic switching of fuel delivery systems from a tank or tanks containing fuel which is taxed, to an auxiliary tank which stores untaxed fuel therein. The apparatus is particularly adapted for use in large, over the road diesel powered semi trucks, but may be adapted to other types of motor vehicles as well. The apparatus automatically transfers fuel delivery and return to the auxiliary fuel tank whenever the parking brake is applied, which action will only occur when the truck or vehicle is parked, or possibly in very rare emergency situations. As both the parking brake annunciator (light or audible device) and the pneumatic pressure system are independent of the primary service brake system in large vehicles, the apparatus receives a signal from the parking brake system to switch tanks automatically with no intervention required or allowed by the driver or operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Jay A. Nolen
  • Patent number: 5554278
    Abstract: A closed fuel and used motor oil mixing system that is permanently attached to the oil pan and fuel system, and adds oil to the fuel system for combustion with the fuel. The attachment points to the fuel system can be along the return fuel line for deposit into the fuel tank, directly to the fuel tank, or to a drip oiler which drips the oil directly into the top cylinder areas. The system pumps used oil from the oil pan and filters out the particulate matter held in suspension in the oil, before delivering the filtered oil into the fuel system. A valve prevents oil from exiting the oil pan until desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Bruce L. Henderson
  • Patent number: 5526797
    Abstract: Modifications to the cylinder head of internal combustion engines in which the efficiency of fuel combustion is raised by the use of a plurality of liquid, vaporized liquid, and gaseous fuels through the alteration of cylinder compression ratios and spark timing to burn those fuels. It has been demonstrated that certain fuels have salient advantages under specified engine speed and load conditions, and in selected enviroments and vehicle applications, but that no single fuel is capable of excelling in all potential application scenarios. Burning each of these fuels efficiently has required engine specifications optimized to a single fuel or fuel state, such as compression ratio, intake tract design, electronic fuel injector duration and timing, and spark timing curves, which have been severely compromised when they were required to cope with the demands of a second fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Richard A. Stokes
  • Patent number: 5469830
    Abstract: The system is an on-board and in-line system for blending two fuels of known characteristics to achieve instantaneous in-line change in the octane rating of fuel flowing to the engine. The blending system provides a means of precise in-line blending of two reference fuels in an on-board aircraft or land vehicle installation. Based on appropriate calibration blending curves, the system will provide instantaneous indications of both lean and rich performance ratings of the fuel. Instantaneous lean and rich performance ratings of the blended fuel streams may be recorded concurrently with engine parameters and ambient test data, and with combustion knock severity numbers derived from the previously mentioned detonation indication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: The Cessna Aircraft Company
    Inventor: Cesar Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 5467755
    Abstract: An adaptive fuel control system and method directed for use in a motor vehicle powered by a fuel-injected engine and having a fuel tank and a fuel rail and which is operative to run on a plurality of fuels and fuel blends. The system includes a refueling mixer which acts as a fluid damper to slowly introduce new fuel into the fuel rail and correspondingly slow the rate at which new fuel composition is mixed with existing fuel. A stratification mixer is also utilized to re-mix components of blended fuels which may have separated at cold temperatures. An Exhaust Gas Oxygen sensor (EGO) monitors engine exhaust gases and generates a corresponding electrical signal when the air/fuel mixture of the fuel switches between rich and lean. Finally, an electronic control assembly communicates with the EGO and the fuel injectors to generate and store in memory an updatable extended adaptive fuel control table of air/fuel ratio multipliers for selected engine load/engine speed cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Julie A. Konrad, Mark Freeland, Brian S. Czuhai
  • Patent number: 5443052
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine of an automobile including a fuel tank, a main fuel line and an exhaust line, wherein fuel flows to the engine initially, until the engine heats up, at which point the fuel is directed through an alternate fuel line to an injector nozzle which disperses the fuel through a corrugated steam line within a heat exchanging chamber defined by an enlarged exhaust housing fitted in line along the exhaust line. Fuel in the corrugated steam line is vaporized by the heat of exhaust gases surrounding the steam line within the heat exchanging chamber. A steam trap receives the partially vaporized fuel from the corrugated steam line and separates vapors from liquid fuel condensation, from which the vapors continue along a steam line leading to a shut-off valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Inventor: Steven N. Aslin
  • Patent number: 5444628
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine system that is selectively powered by an enhanced air/fuel mixture. The supply of fuel to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine is increased in response to the addition of a supplemental oxidizing agent into an air/fuel mixture. The additional fuel may be added by increasing the duty cycle of fuel injectors mounted proximate the individual cylinders. In addition, the ignition timing is adjusted in accordance with the change in the density of the air/fuel mixture. The amount of supplemental oxidizing agent provided to the cylinders may be regulated by increasing in a controlled manner the rate at which the supplemental oxidizing agent is supplied over a period of time. Furthermore, the control unit for the engine receives and responds to a number of external operating parameters including the oxygen content of the engine exhaust and the traction of the tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Echlin Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Meaney, Perry M. Paielli
  • Patent number: 5337722
    Abstract: Several embodiments of engines and systems for fueling engines to reduce the emission of unwanted exhaust gas constituents and to improve the fuel economy of the engine. A catalytic converter is provided in the exhaust system and a gaseous fuel is used at least during starting so as to bring the catalytic converter up to its operating temperature rapidly without necessitating the provision of an enriched fuel/air mixture. An oxygen sensor is employed in the exhaust system and a feedback control system varies the fuel/air ratio of the engine during its running in response to the output of the oxygen sensor. In order to test that the oxygen sensor is at its operating condition before feedback control is initiated, a rich fuel mixture is supplied and this rich fuel mixture is discontinued immediately upon the receipt of a signal from the oxygen sensor indicating that a rich mixture exits. Applications of the principal to both air valve type of carburetors and conventional carburetors are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriyuki Kurihara, Yoshikatsu Iida, Hiromatsu Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5336396
    Abstract: A fuel management system for blending of an alternative fuel such as waste oil with a conventional fuel and the continuous filtration thereof before delivery to fuel injection system of a conventional diesel engine. The system attaches to the storage tanks of a heavy duty truck using a proportioning device for withdrawing of the fuels from their respective tanks before blending by use of an air operated diaphragm transfer pump. The blended fuel is continuously recirculated through at least one fiberglass filter with a device for metering the final flow to the injection system and the remainder to the storage tanks. The system can remove up to 99.5 percent of the heavy contaminants found in the diesel fuel and alternative fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Michael C. Shetley
  • Patent number: 5287281
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine system that is selectively powered by an enhanced air/fuel mixture. The supply of fuel to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine is increased in response to the addition of a supplemental oxidizing agent into an air/fuel mixture. The additional fuel may be added by increasing the duty cycle of fuel injectors mounted proximate the individual cylinders. In addition, the ignition timing is adjusted in accordance with the change in the density of the fuel air mixture. The amount of supplemental oxidizing agent provided to the cylinders may be regulated by increasing in a controlled manner the rate at which the supplemental oxidizing agent is supplied over a period of time. Furthermore, the control unit for the engine receives and responds to a number of external operating parameters including the oxygen content of the engine exhaust and the traction of the tires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Echlin Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Meaney