Fuel Switched In Response To Engine Temperature Patents (Class 123/578)
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Patent number: 9559498Abstract: In a general aspect, an apparatus can include an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) device configured to control charging and discharging of an ignition coil and a two-stage voltage clamp coupled with the IGBT device. The two-stage voltage clamp can include a high-voltage portion coupled with the IGBT device and a low-voltage portion coupled with high-voltage portion and the IGBT device. The apparatus can further include a sense device coupled with the two-stage voltage clamp and a timing circuit coupled with the sense device. The timing circuit can be configured to provide a control signal to cause the sense device to enable or disable the high-voltage portion of the two-stage voltage clamp.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Joseph A. Yedinak, Scott Pearson
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Patent number: 8997714Abstract: A method, comprising: operating an engine cylinder with fuel from a first injector and not a second injector and activating the second injector in response to a rail pressure increase of a fuel rail, the fuel rail coupled to the second injector. In this way, degradation of the second injector may be reduced by activating the second injector and allowing fuel flow through the second injector to reduce the pressure and temperature of the fuel rail.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Todd Anthony Rumpsa
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Publication number: 20150052877Abstract: An engine system, comprising an externally filled fuel tank with an external fill port; a separator for separation of fuel based on octane level, the separator having a high octane outlet and a low octane outlet; a secondary fuel tank with an amount of fuel located therein and a return line, the secondary fuel tank fluidically coupled to the low octane outlet of the separator and the return line fluidically coupling the externally filled fuel tank to the high octane outlet of the separator or the secondary fuel tank fluidically coupled to the high octane outlet of the separator and the return line fluidically coupling the externally filled fuel tank to the low octane outlet of the separator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2013Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Thomas G. Leone
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Patent number: 8905011Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of systems and methods for cooling a combustion chamber of an engine. One method includes introducing fuel into the combustion chamber of an engine having an energy transfer device that moves through an intake stroke, a compression stroke, a power stroke, and an exhaust stroke. The method further includes monitoring a temperature of the combustion chamber. When the temperature reaches a predetermined value, the method also includes introducing coolant into the combustion chamber only during at least one of the power stroke and the exhaust stroke of the energy transfer device.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventors: Roy Edward McAlister, Melvin James Larsen
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Patent number: 8683988Abstract: Embodiments of engine systems for improved engine cooling and work production are disclosed herein. A working fluid can be injected into a combustion chamber or an engine during any portion of an energy cycle to cool the engine and/or to produce useful work in addition to work generated by combustion events in the chamber. The system can include a monitoring system configured to measure conditions within individual combustion chambers. Based on the interior conditions of the chamber, the system can adaptively inject working fluid mixtures into the engine. The engine can be part of a cascading series of engines including a primary engine and a secondary engine that receives fluids from the primary engine and generates energy from the fluids.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventors: Roy Edward McAlister, Roy Edward McAlister
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Patent number: 8566004Abstract: An alcohol concentration sensor detects an alcohol concentration in fuel that is supplied to an internal combustion engine. A fuel injection quantity is controlled in accordance with a detection value of the alcohol concentration that is detected by the alcohol concentration sensor. When a temperature of the fuel, which is detected by a fuel temperature sensor or estimated from intake air temperature etc., is equal to or lower than a predetermined limit temperature, the detection value of the alcohol concentration, which is detected by the alcohol concentration sensor, is memorized as a memorized value of the alcohol concentration. When the temperature of the fuel is higher than the predetermined limit temperature, the fuel injection quantity is controlled by using the memorized value of the alcohol concentration instead of using the detection value, which is currently detected by the alcohol concentration sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Toshiki Annoura
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Patent number: 8555863Abstract: A control device is applied to an internal combustion engine capable of using CNG and gasoline by switching therebetween, and the CNG and the gasoline are associated, as fuel for use, with one and the other of two driving areas respectively, the driving areas being different from each other. The control device exceptionally switches the fuel for use from gasoline to CNG and implements an air-fuel ratio imbalance inspection (S6, S7), when the air-fuel ratio imbalance inspection is required for a CNG mode using CNG (S1), the engine is driving in a driving area (AR2) correlated to gasoline as fuel for use (S2), and gasoline mode using gasoline as fuel for use is ongoing (S3).Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yusuke Nakayama, Yoshihisa Shinoda, Keisuke Sano
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Patent number: 8498799Abstract: A first control system for an engine includes first and second control modules. The first control module determines first and second fuel masses for first and second fuel injection systems of the engine, respectively, and that controls the first fuel injection system to inject a first fuel based on the first fuel mass. The second control module controls the second fuel injection system to inject a second fuel based on the second fuel mass. A second control system for an engine includes first and second control modules. The first control module controls a first fuel injection system of the engine to inject a first fuel and selectively disables at least one of a plurality of components of a second fuel injection system of the engine. The second control module controls the second fuel injection system to inject a second fuel.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Inventors: James C. Matthews, Jr., Louis A. Avallone, Robert J. Horner, Nicholas John Kalweit, Marc Sauve, Charles E. Leady, Grant Meade, Amir R. Lodhi
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Publication number: 20120318241Abstract: The fuel injection apparatus for the internal combustion engine includes: a fuel injector having a leading end portion that has an internal space in which fuel is accumulated and an injection port for injecting fuel; and an adsorbent disposed in the internal space, the adsorbent being capable of selectively adsorbing an alcohol component in a blended fuel of gasoline and alcohol. In this fuel injection apparatus, it is determined whether or not a fuel pressure is higher than a predetermined low fuel pressure when a request is issued for bringing an internal combustion engine to a stop. If it is determined that the fuel pressure is higher than the low fuel pressure, the fuel pressure is kept at the low fuel pressure for a predetermined period of time before the internal combustion engine is brought to a stop.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2010Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ryota Onoe, Mamoru Yoshioka, Fumito Chiba, Takahiro Tsukagoshi
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Patent number: 8297265Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of systems and methods for cooling a combustion chamber of an engine. One method includes introducing fuel into the combustion chamber of an engine having an energy transfer device that moves through an intake stroke, a compression stroke, a power stroke, and an exhaust stroke. The method further includes monitoring a temperature of the combustion chamber. When the temperature reaches a predetermined value, the method also includes introducing coolant into the combustion chamber only during at least one of the power stroke and the exhaust stroke of the energy transfer device.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventors: Roy Edward McAlister, Melvin James Larsen, Roy Edward McAlister, legal representative
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Patent number: 8196567Abstract: Fuel is evacuated from a fuel rail by directing liquid fuel from the fuel rail to a fuel tank and then by directing gaseous fuel from the fuel rail to a fuel vapor canister.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Norman Ulrey
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Patent number: 8161954Abstract: A fuel supply control apparatus for an engine includes an alcohol concentration detector and an engine temperature detector. The apparatus increases an amount of fuel supplied to the engine as the detected alcohol concentration becomes higher. The apparatus increases the amount of fuel as the engine temperature becomes lower and as the alcohol concentration becomes higher. The apparatus feed-back corrects the amount of fuel by using a correction value such that an actual air-fuel ratio becomes a theoretical air fuel ratio. The apparatus determines that water is mixed with fuel when the correction value during a cold operational state indicates leaner than the lean value of the correction value used during a warm operational state. The apparatus reduces the increased amount of fuel when water is mixed with fuel.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Toshiki Annoura
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Patent number: 8151780Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling a dual-fuel engine that has an evaporated gas providing device for providing an evaporated gas into the engine and is operable with hydrocarbon fuel or non-hydrocarbon fuel, alternatively. One example method comprises operating the engine with one of the fuels on the basis of a driver's request, and in response to a determination of a cold engine operation, operating the engine with the non-hydrocarbon fuel for a specified period irrespective of the driver's request. If it is determined that an evaporated fuel is to be provided to the engine while the engine is operating with non-hydrocarbon fuel due the cold engine operation, then switching to operation with hydrocarbon fuel and thereafter providing evaporated fuel into the engine.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Kazuho Douzono, Takafumi Teramoto
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Patent number: 7942128Abstract: A system for an engine, comprising of a cylinder of the engine; a first injector configured to inject a first substance to said cylinder; a second injector configured to inject a second substance to said cylinder; and a controller configured to commence combustion in the engine by injecting fuel into said cylinder, where said fuel is injected by only one of said first and second injectors during said start and/or warm-up.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2010Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Leone, Donald J. Lewis, Robert A. Stein
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Patent number: 7853396Abstract: A multifuel internal combustion engine includes: fuel characteristics determining unit that determines ignitability and anti-knocking performance of the fuel introduced into the combustion chamber CC; combustion mode setting unit that sets a compression hypergolic diffusion combustion mode when ignitability of the fuel is excellent, sets a premixed spark-ignition flame propagation combustion mode when the ignitability of the fuel is poor and anti-knocking performance is excellent, and sets a spark assist compression hypergolic diffusion combustion mode when both the ignitability and anti-knocking performance of the fuel are poor; and combustion control execution unit that makes the engine to drive in a combustion mode which is set by the combustion mode setting unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasushi Ito, Shiro Tanno
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Patent number: 7836865Abstract: A method for starting an internal combustion engine that is operated with a fuel mixture made of at least two types of fuel. An injection of the fuel into combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine occurs starting at a predefined pressure threshold of the fuel in a fuel supply according to a high-pressure starting mode, and also according to a low-pressure starting mode if the predefined pressure threshold is no longer met. The pressure threshold is selected as a function of the mixture ratio of the fuel types in the fuel mixture. In this way it can be achieved that differences can be taken into consideration in the optimal mixture formation of the fuel types.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: November 23, 2010Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Klaus Joos, Jens Wolber, Ruediger Weiss, Timm Hollmann, Manfred Dietrich, Peter Schenk, Erkan Danisman
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Patent number: 7721710Abstract: A system for an engine, comprising of a cylinder of the engine; a first injector configured to inject a first substance to said cylinder; a second injector configured to inject a second substance to said cylinder; and a controller configured to commence combustion in the engine by injecting fuel into said cylinder, where said fuel is injected by only one of said first and second injectors during said start and/or warm-up.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Leone, Donald J. Lewis, Robert A. Stein
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Publication number: 20100050982Abstract: A fuel supply control apparatus for an engine includes an alcohol concentration detector and an engine temperature detector. The apparatus increases an amount of fuel supplied to the engine as the detected alcohol concentration becomes higher. The apparatus increases the amount of fuel as the engine temperature becomes lower and as the alcohol concentration becomes higher. The apparatus feed-back corrects the amount of fuel by using a correction value such that an actual air-fuel ratio becomes a theoretical air fuel ratio. The apparatus determines that water is mixed with fuel when the correction value during a cold operational state indicates leaner than the lean value of the correction value used during a warm operational state. The apparatus reduces the increased amount of fuel when water is mixed with fuel.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Toshiki Annoura
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Patent number: 7647916Abstract: A system for an engine, comprising of a cylinder located in the engine, a first port injector for injecting a first fuel into said cylinder, and a second injector outside said cylinder for injecting a second fuel into said cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Leone, Robert A. Stein, Jeffrey C. Lyjak
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Publication number: 20100000501Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling a dual-fuel engine that has an evaporated gas providing device for providing an evaporated gas into the engine and is operable with hydrocarbon fuel or non-hydrocarbon fuel, alternatively. One example method comprises operating the engine with one of the fuels on the basis of a driver's request, and in response to a determination of a cold engine operation, operating the engine with the non-hydrocarbon fuel for a specified period irrespective of the driver's request. If it is determined that an evaporated fuel is to be provided to the engine while the engine is operating with non-hydrocarbon fuel due the cold engine operation, then switching to operation with hydrocarbon fuel and thereafter providing evaporated fuel into the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: Mazda Motor CorporationInventors: Kazuho Douzono, Takafumi Teramoto
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Publication number: 20090277418Abstract: A fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine including a fuel tank, a membrane dividing the fuel tank into at least a first and second portion, the membrane preferentially diffusing a substance from a mixture, the substance having an increased knock suppression relative to the mixture, and a controller adjusting delivery of condensed water to the tank responsive to an operating condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Leone, Mark Allen Dearth
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Publication number: 20090165762Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of operating an engine. The method may include injecting a primary fuel. The method may further include determining a need for a secondary fuel during starting of the engine and introducing the secondary fuel. The method may still further include determining an engine acceleration rate. The method may also include inhibiting the introduction of the secondary fuel when the engine acceleration rate is below an expected acceleration rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Curtis Lyle Fitchpatrick, Brian Gene Wheeler
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Patent number: 7533651Abstract: A system for an engine of a vehicle, comprising of a combustion chamber located in the engine; a delivery system configured to deliver a fuel and a fluid to at least the combustion chamber in varying ratios, wherein the fluid includes at least an alcohol; wherein the delivery system includes at least a direct injector configured to inject at least the fluid directly into the combustion chamber; and a control system configured to advance the timing of the fluid delivered to the combustion chamber by the direct injector to reduce the likelihood of knock; and retard the timing of the fluid delivered to the combustion chamber by the direct injector to reduce the likelihood of preignition.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Gopichandra Surnilla
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Patent number: 7523739Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine has a lubricity improver supply for adding a lubricity improver to low-viscosity fuel supplied to a fuel injection apparatus of the engine. A controller controls the lubricity improver supply so that the amount of the lubricity improver added to fuel at the inlet to the fuel injection apparatus is increased as engine rotation speed, engine load, or injection pressure is increased. With the system, wear or sticking of the plunger can be prevented even when low-viscosity fuel is used by improving lubrication conditions to secure necessary lubrication condition for the sliding part in accordance with engine operation conditions, fuel temperature and viscosity.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Kaneko
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Publication number: 20080127933Abstract: A method of operating an engine, comprising of performing homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion during a first operating condition, and performing spark ignition combustion during a second operating condition, where an amount of directly injected alcohol in at least one of said homogeneous charge compression ignition combustion and said spark ignition combustion is varied in response to at least an operating parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Paul Blumberg, Leslie Bromberg, Daniel R. Cohn, John B. Heywood, George Davis, Michael Zubeck, Robert Stein
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Patent number: 7198041Abstract: A system, an apparatus, and a method for starting an engine. The system, apparatus, and method include determining a first quantity of fuel based on engine temperature, providing the first quantity of fuel to the engine during a first cycle of the engine, determining a second quantity of fuel based on engine temperature, providing the second quantity of fuel to the engine subsequently, and transitioning to an alternative fueling strategy.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Optimum Power TechnologyInventors: Dale K. Wells, Glen F. Chatfield
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Patent number: 7051722Abstract: A system, an apparatus, and a method for starting an engine. The system, apparatus, and method include determining a first quantity of fuel based on engine temperature, providing the first quantity of fuel to the engine during a first cycle of the engine, determining a second quantity of fuel based on engine temperature, providing the second quantity of fuel to the engine subsequently, and transitioning to an alternative fueling strategy.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: OPTIMUM Power Technology L.P.Inventors: Dale K. Wells, Glen F. Chatfield
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Patent number: 6959693Abstract: A fuel injection system includes a first fuel injector that injects a lower-octane fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, and a second fuel injector that injects a higher-octane fuel into an intake passage of the engine. When the engine temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature during a start-up period of the internal combustion engine, fuel having the lower octane is injected via the first injector while prohibiting injection of the higher octane fuel via the second fuel injector.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2004Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomihisa Oda
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Publication number: 20020185086Abstract: A fuel supply for an internal combustion engine includes providing a source of a first fluid fuel and a source of a second fluid fuel which are separate from one another, sensing at least one operational parameter of an internal combustion engine, supplying the first fuel from the one source and the second fuel from the other source in quantities which are determined in correspondence with the sensed operational parameter of the internal combustion engine, and mixing the first fuel and the second fuel in with the quantities determined in correspondence with the sensed operational parameter so as to produce a fuel mixture to be supplied to the internal combustion engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2001Publication date: December 12, 2002Inventors: Paul Newman, Dale Ulan
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Patent number: 6321694Abstract: In an internal-combustion engine designed to operate selectively with gasoline or gas, after each switching of fuel the injectors of the fuel-supply system that has been activated are controlled differently with respect to operation at the normal engine running rate to compensate for the transient phenomena due to the change of fuel.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile Per AzioniInventors: Irene Vergine, Giuseppe Miletto, Massimo Ferrera
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Patent number: 6003478Abstract: A control box (11) for a dual-fuel internal-combustion engine (6) is actuated automatically by an oil-pressure switch (16) when activated by a manual switch (30) that directs power from a battery (29) or other engine-electrical component to a current distributor such as a 24-volt bus (49) for operating control-box components that include an under-current sensor (36) for preventing use of gaseous fuel in addition to liquid fuel under no-load and low-load conditions, an over-current sensor (39) for preventing use of gaseous fuel in addition to liquid fuel under excessive-load conditions, an intake-air sensor (17) for preventing use of gaseous fuel with liquid fuel when there is inadequate supply of air, a liquid-fuel-supply sensor (22) for preventing use of gaseous fuel with liquid fuel when there is inadequate supply of liquid fuel, and an exhaust-gas-temperature monitor (23) for shutting down dual-fuel mode when exhaust heat is excessive. Red LED lights (41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46) warn of system faults.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: ITG Innovative Technology Group CorporationInventor: Jeffrey Thomas Huber
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Patent number: 5823150Abstract: A number of embodiments of induction system arrangements for a two cycle crankcase compression internal combustion engine having reed valve assemblies comprised of a mounting portion that defines a flow passage and a first caging member that divides the flow passage into first and second sections. A second caging member is affixed to the first caging member and the means which affixes it also affix a first reed valve for valving a valved opening in the first caging member. The valved openings in the caging members are generally rectangular in configuration and have a cross-sectional flow area approximately equal to the cross-sectional flow area of the intake passage in which the reed valve assembly is positioned. At least a pair of generally circular induction passages serve each reed valve member and a variety of different types of throttle valve arrangements and injection patterns are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1994Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tsugunori Konakawa
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Patent number: 5775281Abstract: A method and an arrangement for determining the presence of heat soak conditions in an internal combustion engine (1) of a type using fuel injection. Particularly useful when the or one of the fuels used in the engine (1) is susceptible to vaporisation in a fuel rail (8) due to high engine temperatures. The method includes the steps of measuring a first temperature in a tank (10) for the fuel, measuring a second temperature at the fuel rail (8), ascertaining the difference between the first and second temperature, wherein a significant difference indicates heat soak conditions. If heat soak conditions are detected then an auxiliary injector (20) may be operated or in dual fuel engines a higher boiling point fuel may be used.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: The Energy Research and Development CorporationInventor: Rodney Sinclair Smith
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Patent number: 5566653Abstract: An improved starting system for internal combustion engines that normally use a liquid fuel such as gasoline. Gaseous fuels such as hydrogen, natural gas, propane, butane and the like are used in place of the liquid fuel during engine starting and for a selected period thereafter. When starting is initiated, the gasoline introduction system is disabled and introduction of the gaseous fuel in initiated. Rapid engine start promptly occurs, even under very cold ambient conditions. Once the engine has started and has run for a period sufficient to reach a reasonable operating temperature, the gaseous fuel introduction system is interrupted and the gasoline system is enabled and provides the fuel thereafter. If desired, gaseous fuel flow may continue for a short period after liquid fuel flow has begun.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1995Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Inventor: James J. Feuling
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Patent number: 5549083Abstract: An improved starting system for internal combustion engines using gaseous fuels such as hydrogen, natural gas, propane, butane and the like. In an engine using liquid fuel injection for normal operation, a sensor for the catalytic converter is provided to sense a "cold converter" condition of the sort which occurs when the engine has not been operated for some time. When starting is initiated, the gasoline introduction system is disabled and introduction of the gaseous fuel in initiated. Rapid engine start promptly occurs, even under very cold ambient conditions. Once the engine has started and has run for a period to warm the catalytic converter to a selected temperature the gaseous fuel introduction system is interrupted and the gasoline system is enabled and provides the fuel thereafter. Catalytic converter temperature is preferably measured at the catalytic material, although measurement of exhaust gas temperature at the converter or downstream thereof is often effective.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1994Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Inventor: James J. Feuling
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Patent number: 5524582Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a pollution control system with a catalytic converter using a two-phase fuel system in which a small supply of flammable gaseous fuel is used for ignition and initial start-up of the engine. As the engine is warmed up and the catalytic converter is heated, the gaseous fuel is phased out and the liquid fuel is phased in.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Chung M. Suh, Jeong J. Park
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Patent number: 5357908Abstract: A method for controlling exhaust gas emissions from an engine (16) includes extracting a light distillate fuel (Fd) from conventional gasoline or other liquid hydrocarbon fuel and supplying the engine with the light distillate fuel during an initial operation period of the engine. This reduces the oxidizable pollutants in the engine exhaust during a cold-start period before a catalytic converter (22) used to abate pollutants in the engine exhaust gases has not yet attained its operating temperature. After the catalytic converter (22) has been sufficiently heated, the fuel supply to the engine (16) is switched to gasoline or other liquid hydrocarbon fuel. Both the distillate fuel (Fd) and the liquid hydrocarbon fuel may be passed through a heated cracking catalyst bed (30) to crack the fuel fed to the engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1993Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Assignee: Engelhard CorporationInventors: Shiang Sung, John J. Steger, Joseph C. Dettling, Patrick L. Burk
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Patent number: 5224457Abstract: A dual fuel system for a diesel engine includes a liquid (diesel) fuel injection system controlled by an engine electronic control unit (ECU) and a source of gaseous fuel such as natural gas. A metering valve and a mixer controls introduction of gaseous fuel from the natural gas fuel source into combustion air for the engine. An electronic governor controls the metering valve and a link controller coordinates operation of the ECU and the governor. Preferably, a regulator regulates the natural gas pressure supplied to the metering valve. A shut-off valve controls communication of natural gas between the source and the regulator. The link controller also controls the shut-off valve as a function of sensed conditions.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1992Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Jeff Arsenault, Wendelin Goetz, James Larocque
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Patent number: 4936280Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic dual-fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine having a cylinder block with driving cylinders. The system has an intake manifold which is connected to the driving cylinders to feed fuel mixtures to the cylinders and an air supply assembly including a shuttle-valve body connected to the manifold for feeding air into it. A high grade fuel supply assembly, which includes an injector mounted on the output section of the air supply assembly, serves for feeding high grade fuel to the manifold. A similar but low grade fuel assembly, which includes a plurality of injectors each of which is mounted on the manifold, serves for feeding low grade fuel to one of the driving cylinders. The injection system also includes a computer, connected to the two fuel supply assemblies, and temperature sensors connected to the computer and to the cylinder block to measure its temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1989Date of Patent: June 26, 1990Inventor: Gerard Langlois
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Patent number: 4699630Abstract: An improved fuel valve for an air-vapor mixer device for the fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine with which it is in thermal contact is disclosed. The valve operates in a fuel metering orifice and is composed of an acetal copolymer resin having a high coefficient of expansion. When the valve is cool, the metering orifice provides a richer mixture of fuel to air for cold starting and idling. As the engine warms up, the fuel valve expands through thermal contact with the engine and as a result of its high coefficient of expansion decreases the effective size of the orifice to lean the mixture and thereby provide better fuel economy and reduced pollutants. For mid-range control the fuel valve has a section of generally frustoconical configuration provided with circumferential steps that lean out mid-range mixtures for average operating conditions and produce an optimal admixture of fuel and air.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1983Date of Patent: October 13, 1987Assignee: LPF Carburetion, Inc.Inventors: James R. Lee, Aubrey A. Ballard
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Patent number: 4539966Abstract: A fuel and air mixture induction system is provided for an internal combustion engine and includes a conventional air and fuel mixing carburetor for starting the engine when the latter is cold. However, when operating temperatures of the engine are reached the air and fuel induction system is operative to more thoroughly vaporize liquid fuel by pressurizing and heating not only the induction air but also the fuel and spraying the heated fuel into the heated induction air in a manner such that substantially complete fuel atomization and vaporization occurs. This pressurized fully vaporized fuel and air charge is thereafter discharged in a downstream direction into the air and fuel passage of the carburetor closely upstream from the venturi area thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1984Date of Patent: September 10, 1985Assignee: Tri-Saver CorporationInventor: Mario R. Guell
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Patent number: 4499885Abstract: A supplemental fuel system for a combustion engine has a primary fuel supply feeding the combustion chamber directly and a supplemental fuel supply which feeds into the combustion air intake. The supply of primary fuel is appropriately reduced or regulated by automatic control and the supply of the supplemental fuel is continuously automatically adjusted to the supply of primary fuel. Initially the supplemental fuel in vapor state is introduced into the air intake until the heat exchange vaporizer system warms up, when there is an automatic shift to the liquid state of supplemental fuel. A temperature compensator in the air intake connected to the supplemental fuel supply holds the temperature of the supplemental fuel at the same temperature as the air with which it is mixed before passing to the final metering orifice and then to the combustion chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1983Date of Patent: February 19, 1985Inventors: Joseph Weissenbach, deceased, by Jane A. Shahrokh-Khani, executor
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Patent number: 4494516Abstract: The fuel flows to the usual carburetor, initially, and when the engine heats up, the fuel is directed to a vaporizer, continuing through a line in the vaporizer, and then, as vapor, to the carburetor. In the vaporizer, the exhaust gasses flow over and around the fuel line and heat the fuel and vaporizes it. A two-way valve responds to the heat of the exhaust gasses and controls the flow of the fuel to the carburetor or the vaporizer. A single carburetor is used for both the unvaporized fuel and the vaporized fuel. A surge tank is included in the vapor line between the vaporizer and the carburetor. An alternate form utilizes the coolant of the engine for vaporizing the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1983Date of Patent: January 22, 1985Inventor: Ray M. Covey, Jr.
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Patent number: 4455986Abstract: An engine fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold, intake ports open to the intake manifold, an exhaust manifold and exhaust ports open to the exhaust manifold. The fuel supply system includes an enclosed heat exchange chamber heated by the exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold, a fuel vapor generator having a heat conductive fuel vaporizing conduit leading straight through the heat exchange chamber and the wall of the intake manifold to discharge fuel vaporized in the heat exchange chamber through a restricted orifice directly into the intake ports inside of the manifold.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1983Date of Patent: June 26, 1984Inventor: Elmer G. Finken
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Patent number: 4441475Abstract: A supplementary fuel system adds propane to the induction passage of an ethanol fueled engine to start and sustain operation of the engine at low temperatures. The propane flow is cycled on and off during cranking of the engine and the propane delivery pressure is varied with induction passage pressure.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1982Date of Patent: April 10, 1984Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Patrick M. Bouchard, Jack B. King
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Patent number: 4416224Abstract: An improvement to an internal combustion engine having a fuel system for feeding a hydrocarbon fuel-air mixture to the combustion chambers and an auxiliary fuel system which utilizes anhydrous ammonia dissociated into hydrogen and nitrogen gas for use as an auxiliary fuel with the hydrocarbon fuel-air mixture of the engine. The improvements provide for feeding ammonia gas from a relief valve on a storage tank for anhydrous ammonia into the bottom of the windshield wiper container for a vehicle having water therein to absorb the ammonia to prevent the release of the ammonia to the atmosphere. The improvements also provide for a first auxiliary fuel dissociator to dissociate the ammonia utilizing the exhaust heat of the engine and a second auxiliary fuel dissociator to dissociate ammonia until the engine generates sufficient heat for the operation of the first dissociator.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1982Date of Patent: November 22, 1983Inventors: William M. Hobby, Joseph M. Valdespino
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Patent number: 4368163Abstract: A vaporizer chamber includes a coil therein, the coil having extensions extending into the exhaust pipe of the engine, the exhaust gases passing through the coil and heating the interior of the chamber. Fuel is delivered to the vaporizer chamber, and vaporized there when the exhaust gases are heated. A thermostat unit is mounted on the exhaust pipe, and when heated, shifts a valve to direct the fuel to the vaporizer chamber, instead of to the carburetor. This shifting is gradual. A throttle controls the flow of vaporized fuel to the outlet of the carburetor. The usual accelerator pedal is operative for controlling the throttle for the vaporized fuel in unison with the usual throttle provided in the carburetor.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1981Date of Patent: January 11, 1983Inventor: Ray M. Covey, Jr.
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Patent number: 4359996Abstract: A system for vaporizing fuel and mixing it in controlled proportions with liquid fuel as a feed to a carburetor in an internal combustion engine comprising a vapor generator for heating liquid fuel to vaporize it, a jacket around the generator filled with a liquid heating medium, a means for controlling the heating of the liquid heating medium by exchange with the exhaust of the engine, a first temperature sensing means to detect when the vaporized fuel in the vapor generator reaches a predetermined value and signaling a controlled means to admit vaporized fuel to the feed line to the carburetor and correspondingly to reduce liquid fuel being fed to the carburetor, a second temperature sensing means in said jacket for controlling the amount of heat absorbed by the liquid heating medium from the exhaust, a first pressure regulator means in the vapor outlet of the vapor generator to direct vaporized fuel to the feed of the carburetor upon reaching a predetermined pressure in the vapor generator, and a second prType: GrantFiled: February 27, 1980Date of Patent: November 23, 1982Assignee: James C. Kirkland, Jr.Inventor: James C. Kirkland, Jr.
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Patent number: 4354477Abstract: A carburetor having a fuel mixing valve with multiple vanes which control the flows of main and secondary fuels into a valve mixing chamber. The octane rating of the fuel charge may be momentarily increased during periods of engine acceleration to permit the engine to have a higher compression ratio for optimum efficiency with a relatively low octane fuel. The fuel flow controlling vanes may be mounted on a common shaft for simultaneous movement or on separate support means for differential movement in response to an engine control. A fuel mixing valve is also disclosed for use with the second stage components of a two stage carburetor.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1981Date of Patent: October 19, 1982Inventor: Ellis H. Sprick
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Patent number: 4345570Abstract: A fuel heating apparatus for carburetor-equipped vehicles which includes a vaporizer box provided with a fuel level control for maintaining a level of fuel therein, and having an air inlet and a fuel-air mixture outlet, and further fitted with a cold fuel inlet line and a cold fuel discharge line, a hot fuel inlet line and a heat exchanger for heating fuel recycled from the vaporizer box and subsequently recharged into the box, the apparatus further including a mixing chamber for receiving the fuel-air mixture discharged from the vaporizer box and more completely mixing the fuel and air prior to introducing the charge into the carburetor. The fuel heating apparatus is designed to improve the fuel efficiency of carburetor-equipped vehicle engines and to extend fuel mileage capabilities of the vehicles. The system can be quickly and easily adapted to substantially any carburetor-equipped vehicle currently on the market, and is particularly well suited to gasoline engine systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1980Date of Patent: August 24, 1982Inventor: Paul W. McNeece