Air/fuel Ratio Prior To Combustion Responsive Means Patents (Class 123/704)
  • Patent number: 12037957
    Abstract: A controller for an internal combustion engine is provided. A control circuit performs active control for an air-fuel ratio of exhaust gas. During execution of the active control, an increasing process for increasing an intake air amount is executed. During execution of the active control, a cumulated intake air amount is calculated. A sensor detects the air-fuel ratio. It is determined whether an anomaly has occurred in the sensor during execution of the active control. A maximum execution period of a sensor diagnostic process is set to a period for the cumulated intake air amount to reach a specified threshold value. The increasing process is prohibited during the execution of the sensor diagnostic process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 11698338
    Abstract: An exhaust gas analyzer to analyze exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine includes an infrared light source, a photodetector, a CO2 concentration calculation part and an O2 concentration calculation part. The infrared light source irradiates infrared light to the exhaust gas. The photodetector detects infrared light after passing through the exhaust gas. The CO2 concentration calculation part calculates a CO2 concentration in the exhaust gas on the basis of a detection signal obtained by the photodetector. The O2 concentration calculation part calculates an O2 concentration in the exhaust gas from the CO2 concentration by using a fuel combustion reaction equation and an EGR rate in an exhaust gas recirculation system or a value related to the EGR rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Inventors: Yuichi Mori, Hirotaka Yabushita
  • Patent number: 11639695
    Abstract: A misfire detection device for an internal combustion engine is configured to execute: a deactivating process that deactivates combustion control for air-fuel mixture in one or some of cylinders; a provisional determination process that uses a detection value of a sensor to output a logical value indicating whether a misfire has occurred; a provisional determination counting process that counts a number of times a specific one of the logical value output by the provisional determination counting process has been output; and an official determination process that makes an official determination of whether the misfire has occurred using, as an input, the number of times counted by the provisional determination counting process during a specific period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takumi Anzawa, Akihiro Katayama, Yuki Ikejiri
  • Patent number: 11473516
    Abstract: A method for improving accuracy of correction of fuel quantity at the time when a recirculation valve (RCV) is opened, may include a step of correcting injection amount of fuel based on consideration factors when the RCV is operated to be opened. The consideration factors include property values of a flow path of the RCV, the flow path being mounted to an intake pipe to connect between a front end of a compressor close to the atmosphere and a rear end of the compressor adjacent to combustion chambers, a first calculation value obtained by calculating amount of air to be introduced into the combustion chambers after circulating from the flow path of the RCV to the intake pipe, and a second calculation value obtained by calculating amount of hydrocarbon to be introduced into the flow path of the RCV by purging evaporative gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, KIA Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Tae-Ho Ahn
  • Patent number: 9416977
    Abstract: A heater can be configured to operate with either a first fuel at a first pressure or a second fuel at a second pressure. In some embodiments, a pressure regulator unit is configured to regulate the pressure of either the first fuel or the second fuel and to direct either the first fuel or the second fuel towards a combustion chamber. A nozzle assembly can be configured to inject the fuel into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: PROCOM HEATING, INC.
    Inventor: David Deng
  • Patent number: 9273602
    Abstract: To compensate for possible corruption in exhaust gas recirculation control caused by fuel vapor purging, while still enabling the purging to continue, an engine intake oxygen concentration may be corrected based on a fuel canister vapor purge only during boosted conditions. Responsive to the intake oxygen concentration, exhaust gas recirculation may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Lynn Aimee Chesney, Mark W. Peters, Timothy Joseph Clark, Matthew John Gerhart
  • Patent number: 9181887
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately learning the zero point of an intake gas oxygen sensor during selected idling conditions. The learned zero point is used to infer EGR flow and accordingly adjust EGR valve control. In addition, EGR valve leakage is diagnosed based on the zero point learned during an idle adaptation relative to a zero point learned during a DFSO adaptation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, James Alfred Hilditch, Timothy Joseph Clark, Matthew John Gerhart, Todd Anthony Rumpsa
  • Patent number: 9181894
    Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine having a throttle valve disposed in an intake passage of the engine is provided. A wide-open intake air amount, which is an intake air amount corresponding to a state where the throttle valve is fully opened, is calculated according to the engine rotational speed, and a theoretical intake air amount, which is an intake air amount corresponding to a state where no exhaust gas of the engine is recirculated to a combustion chamber of the engine, is calculated according to the wide-open intake air amount and the intake pressure. An intake air amount of the engine is detected or estimated, and an amount of the evaporative fuel/air mixture supplied through the evaporative fuel passage to the intake passage is calculated. An intake gas amount is calculated by correcting the intake air amount using the evaporative fuel/air mixture amount, and an exhaust gas recirculation ratio is calculated using the theoretical intake air amount and the intake gas amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seiichiro Irie, Hiroshi Kubo, Yoshitomo Kono, Hiroaki Tone, Toshifumi Hiraboshi, Junpei Yamamoto, Hirotaka Komatsu
  • Publication number: 20150114376
    Abstract: An apparatus according to the present invention includes a control apparatus configured to detect inter-cylinder air-fuel ratio variation abnormality based on a parameter correlated with the degree of a fluctuation in output from the air-fuel ratio sensor. The control apparatus is configured to execute a step of identifying two cylinders estimated to have a deviation of the air-fuel ratio based on an output waveform from the air-fuel ratio sensor during one engine cycle, a step of performing reducing control to reduce the deviation of the air-fuel ratio on each of the two cylinders, that is, a first cylinder and a second cylinder, to calculate first and second values of the parameter, respectively, and a step of identifying one of the two cylinders having the most significant deviation of the air-fuel ratio based on the first and second values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Kenji Suzuki, Yasushi Iwazaki, Hiroshi Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20150114375
    Abstract: A method for controlling a variable valve lift apparatus includes: measuring an operation mode switching condition; determining whether the variable valve lift apparatus is in a normal operation condition; controlling the operation of the variable valve lift apparatus depending on a predetermined normal valve lift switching map; determining whether the variable valve lift apparatus is in a mode switching delay or switching disable condition from a high lift mode to a low lift mode or whether the variable valve lift apparatus is in the mode switching delay or switching disable condition from the low lift mode to the high lift mode; controlling the operation of the variable valve lift apparatus depending on a predetermined low oil temperature valve lift switching map; and controlling the operation of the variable valve lift apparatus depending on a predetermined high oil temperature valve lift switching map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jang Su LEE, Jun YU, Keun Sang KIM, Hyeungwoo LEE
  • Publication number: 20150114374
    Abstract: A method for the fuel consumption reduction and/or power increase of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle is disclosed. A crank angle of a crankshaft is detected at which out of a cylinder the exhaust gases of a cylinder can be representatively measured on a lambda probe. The exhaust gas flow is measured on the lambda probe. A signal of the lambda probe is scanned at the time of the detection of the crank angle. A value indicated the detected angle and/or the scanned signal is sent to a computer. The value is corrected with the help of an exhaust gas pressure or exhaust gas back pressure model stored in the computer. An effective combustion lambda of the cylinder is calculated based on the sent values and a global lambda value stored in the computer and used to the control of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Stefan Horst
  • Publication number: 20150075508
    Abstract: Provided are a misfire detection apparatus and a misfire detection method for an internal combustion engine, which are capable of correctly detecting a misfire state of an engine for a vehicle small in number of cylinders and in rotational inertia without limiting control to O2 feedback control. When an air/fuel ratio of an exhaust gas exhausted from a cylinder that is a misfire determination subject is in a lean state, and when lean control is not being carried out on the internal combustion engine, enrichment processing for the air/fuel ratio is carried out. When the air/fuel ratio remains in the lean state even though the enrichment processing is carried out, it is determined that misfire occurs in the cylinder that is a misfire determination subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Shuichi WADA
  • Publication number: 20150034061
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to reduce the difference between the torque generated by an internal combustion engine and a required torque in a control system for a multifuel internal combustion engine that can use CNG and liquid fuel. To achieve the object, the control system for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention causes the internal combustion engine to operate in a first operation mode in which only CNG is used, when the required torque of the internal combustion engine is equal to or lower than a threshold and to operate in a second operation mode in which at least liquid fuel among CNG and liquid fuel is used, when the required torque of the internal combustion engine is higher than the threshold and changes the magnitude of the threshold in conjunction with the concentration of inert gases contained in CNG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masahiko Masubuchi, Satoshi Taniguchi, Kouseki Sugiyama, Hiroshi Eto
  • Publication number: 20150027424
    Abstract: A method for operating a self ignition internal combustion engine (ICE) with a low cetane fuel such as alternative fuels, for example pyrolysis oil, as well as an ICE are disclosed. To reach self ignition conditions one may provide the internal combustion engine to have a compression ratio of at least 17:1, for example, 18:1 (step 100). Moreover, one may load a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine with charge air having a minimal temperature in the range of 340 degrees K to 360 degrees K (step 200) and inject the low cetane fuel at an injection angle of a piston of the internal combustion engine within the range of 20° to 10°, for example between 17.5° to 11° before top dead center into the charge air (step 300), thereby forming a low cetane fuel-charge air mixture. Compressing the low cetane fuel-charge air mixture further during the combustion cycle may result in a compression end temperature of at least 1000 K, allowing self ignition of the low cetane fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Andreas Von Der Osten-Sack, Jens-Uwe Reeh, Udo Schlemmer-Kelling
  • Patent number: 8910616
    Abstract: A carburetor includes a passageway having a constricted section, a nozzle directed into the passageway proximate the constricted section, and a shaft having a surface that at least partially defines the constricted section. The nozzle is configured to deliver fuel to air passing through the passageway, and the surface includes a contour that is configured to be moved relative to the passageway to change the area of the passageway through the constricted section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Jason J. Raasch
  • Publication number: 20140261351
    Abstract: An apparatus for dithering fuel into an internal combustion engine includes a turbine that is powered by the internal combustion engine and a first fuel injector that injects a first fuel into an air stream to create a fuel/air stream. The apparatus also includes an air/fuel compressor that provides a compressed fuel/air stream to the internal combustion engine. The air/fuel compressor is powered by the turbine, and the air/fuel compressor compresses the fuel/air stream to create the compressed fuel/air stream. Additionally, the apparatus includes a second fuel injector that injects a second fuel into the compressed fuel/air stream prior to the compressed fuel/air stream entering the engine and after the compressed fuel/air stream exits the air/fuel compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon A. LaPointe, Edward J. Lyford-Pike, Daniel J. Mohr, Ashish Gupta, James A. Zigan
  • Patent number: 8838363
    Abstract: Embodiments for adjusting fuel injection are provided. In one example, a method comprises adjusting fuel injection based on fuel concentration in an engine intake manifold, and during idle and when EGR is disabled, adjusting fuel injection based on the fuel concentration and a fuel pushback amount. In this way, fuel injection may be adjusted based on fuel concentration in the intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, James Michael Kerns, Stephen B. Smith, Imad Hassan Makki
  • Publication number: 20140165980
    Abstract: In some aspects, a spark plug includes a spark gap in an enclosure of the spark plug. The spark plug includes a passage in the interior of the enclosure. During operation of the engine, the passage directs flow through the spark gap, primarily away from a combustion chamber end of the enclosure. The passage can direct flow at a velocity of 5 meters/second or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Domenico Chiera, Gregory James Hampson
  • Patent number: 8751136
    Abstract: A method for controlling combustion in a spark-ignition direct-injection internal combustion engine includes monitoring an engine operating mode and an ambient parameter, determining a deviation of the ambient parameter relative to a nominal ambient parameter, determining a nominal desired engine operation parameter based on engine speed and load, determining and adjusted desired engine operation parameter based on the nominal desired engine operation parameter and said deviation of the ambient parameter, and controlling the engine based on the engine operating mode and one of the nominal desired engine operation parameter and adjusted desired engine operation parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Hanho Yun, Nicole Wermuth, Paul M. Najt, Jun-Mo Kang, Chen-Fang Chang
  • Patent number: 8695573
    Abstract: During operation of an internal combustion engine system which has at least one sensor for measuring a hydrocarbon content of a gas stream in a line, a temperature is determined at the at least one sensor. If the temperature is greater than a prespecified temperature, the flow of gas through the line is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Bierl, Stephan Heinrich, Wolfgang Mai, Paul Rodatz, Manfred Weigl, Andreas Wildgen
  • Patent number: 8683983
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating a stationary gas motor (1). In said method, a deviation of the regulated speed is calculated from a desired speed and an actual speed, a desired moment is determined as an adjustable variable from the deviation of the regulated speed by means of a speed governor, said desired moment being limited to an air ratio-limiting moment by limiting the moment, and a desired volume flow (VSL) is determined from the limited desired moment in order to define an angle (DKW1, DKW2) of the mixture throttle valve and an angle of the gas throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Baldauf, Peer Smuda, Ludwig Klaeser-Jenewein
  • Publication number: 20140069082
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling recirculated exhaust gas composition and quantity provided to an internal combustion engine, which has one or more separately controllable combustion cylinders, a main exhaust line and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) loop. A first exhaust valve is connected to the main exhaust line, and a second exhaust valve is connected to the EGR loop. The operation of the exhaust valves is controlled such that exhaust does not flow through both exhaust valves at the same time. Control of the exhaust valves is coordinated with the main fueling event used to control the exhaust composition exiting each valve for every cylinder on every cycle. During each engine cycle, a post-combustion fuel injection event is also used to add fuel to the exhaust in-cylinder, which flows only through the second (EGR) exhaust valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Terrence F. Alger, II, Jess W. Gingrich
  • Publication number: 20140020668
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to achieve a stable idling revolution speed in a short time and to prevent easily the occurrence of abnormal combustion, misfire, or the like by effectively controlling a gas flow rate adjustment valve even in a case where a fuel gas which tends to fluctuate in fuel gas concentration, as represented by a coal mine gas, is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Michiyasu Ishida, Minoru Esaki
  • Publication number: 20140007856
    Abstract: An inter-cylinder air/fuel ratio variation abnormality detection apparatus for a multicylinder internal combustion engine in accordance with the invention: detects a first parameter that represents revolution fluctuation of a cylinder of a plurality of cylinders of the engine, with respect to each cylinder; calculates, with respect to an unspecified cylinder, a second parameter as a sum of the first parameters of the cylinders other than the unspecified cylinder, and calculates the second parameter with respect to each cylinder; and detects an inter-cylinder air/fuel ratio variation abnormality based on the second parameter of each cylinder, and determines an abnormal cylinder that has the inter-cylinder air/fuel ratio variation abnormality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuki Tsuruoka
  • Publication number: 20140000576
    Abstract: An integrated H-bridge electrical harness for controlling an actuator, such as a stepper motor, where the harness includes a signal converter in electrical communication with an ECU, a driver in electrical communication with the signal converter, and a plurality of connectors. At least one of the connectors provides a connection with the ECU, and another of the connectors provides a connection with an actuator. The signal converter receives a first type of signal (such as a pulse width modulated signal) from the ECU, and converts the first type of signal to a second type of signal, and the signal converter sends the second type of signal to the driver. The driver sends a third type of signal (such as a double square wave signal) to the actuator to control the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Andrew Weldon, Richard Bogl, Bernie D. Watson, David Koen, William J Boucher
  • Patent number: 8594906
    Abstract: Methods and systems for diagnosing a multiple cylinder engine are provided herein. An exemplary method of diagnosing an internal combustion engine system having a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine is described. In one example, cylinder air-fuel imbalance is determined from the squared value of a difference of two values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignees: Mazda Motor Corporation, Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hajime Suetsugu, Kenji Kojima, Tetsushi Hosokai, John D. Russell
  • Patent number: 8554446
    Abstract: Provided is a control apparatus, which can successfully suppress that deterioration of combustion is caused in response to inflow of a large amount of blow-by gas to cylinders at the time of a valve return from a valve stop state in an internal combustion engine including a positive crankcase ventilation system and a variable valve operating mechanism that is capable of stopping at least one valve of an intake valve and exhaust valve in a closed state. A valve stop control is performed which stops the intake valve and exhaust valve in a closed state when a fuel cut of the internal combustion engine is executed. A deviation amount ?A/F between a predetermined target air fuel ratio and an actual air fuel ratio detected by an A/F sensor at the time of a valve return is obtained. A correction is performed to decrease a fuel injection amount by a fuel amount equivalent to the deviation amount ?A/F at the time of the subsequent valve returns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keisuke Sano, Kazuhiro Wakao, Takashi Nishikiori, Takashi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20130247886
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the oxy-combustion of fuel in an internal combustion engine (ICE) used to power a vehicle converts the free energy available onboard the vehicle in the form of waste heat from the engine exhaust gas stream and coolant system into electrical and/or mechanical energy which energy is used to separate oxygen from air to eliminate or significantly reduce the volume of nitrogen entering the ICE's combustion chamber, and thereby reduce NOx pollutants released into the atmosphere and increase the concentration of CO2 in the engine exhaust stream for capture using an integrated system to compress and increase the density of the captured CO2 for temporary on-board storage until it is discharged at a recovery station, e.g., during vehicle refueling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Esam Zaki HAMAD, Wajdi Issam AL-SADAT
  • Patent number: 8543316
    Abstract: An air-fuel ratio control device comprising a fuel supply unit, engine operation state detector, air-fuel ratio information detector, and an electronic control unit is disclosed. The electronic control unit determines a fuel injection amount which realizes a target air-fuel ratio while using engine load information by the engine operation state detector on the basis of air-fuel ratio information by the air-fuel ratio information detector, and then outputs a driving signal to the fuel supply unit, to execute feedback control mainly at an excessively rich side air-fuel ratio, characterized in that the air-fuel ratio information detector is an exhaust gas temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Nikki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Buso Takigawa, Umerujan Sawut, Tohti Gheyret
  • Publication number: 20130239934
    Abstract: Provided are a controller and a control method for a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine, which are capable of obtaining a highly efficient and stable combustion state over a wide range of load condition. A correction factor computing section executes combustion control with an excess air ratio smaller than approximately 3 when a predetermined condition is satisfied and computes a correction factor for correcting deviations between execution values of valve-opening timings and valve-opening periods of an intake valve and an exhaust valve and basic valve-opening timings and basic valve-opening periods of the intake valve and the exhaust valve which are previously determined for each operation condition, based on a timing at which an ion current becomes maximum detected by a combustion-timing detection section, in the combustion control with the excess air ratio smaller than approximately 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuya HONDA
  • Publication number: 20130180511
    Abstract: In a method for operating an internal combustion engine having multiple combustion chambers and an injector for injecting fuel associated with at least one combustion chamber, an excess air factor which is individual for each combustion chamber is adjusted for the at least one combustion chamber, and a torque which is individual for each combustion chamber is ascertained for the at least one combustion chamber. A control period of the injector is adapted for the injector by ascertaining a valve opening period in such a way that tolerances of the injector are at least essentially compensated for with respect to a relationship between the control period and the valve opening period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Werner Hess, Klaus Ries-Mueller
  • Patent number: 8461449
    Abstract: A fixing member of solar battery modules for fixing edges of module glass to a roofboard by solar battery modules supporting a first frame body, including: a to-be connected portion to restrict the first frame body from moving upward; a pedestal to restrict the first frame body from moving downward; a portion connecting the pedestal and to-be connected portion to restrict solar battery modules from moving in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first frame body and outwardly along a surface of solar battery modules; and a plate-like portion extending outward farther than one side of the pedestal, the fixing member being fixed to the roofboard through the plate-like portion, supported on both sides of the portion connecting the pedestal and to-be connected portion such that upper surfaces of adjacent solar battery modules are substantially flush with each other, and slidable along the first frame body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Yanegijutsukenkyojo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuichi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20120318249
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system (100) for an internal combustion engine. The fuel delivery system (100) includes a diaphragm carburettor (102) for mixing air and fuel, a start preparation system (104) for introducing fuel into the carburettor before a start of the engine, and a fuel enrichment system (106) for providing an enriched fuel and air mixture when the engine is cranked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: HUSQVARNA CONSUMER OUTDOOR PRODUCTS N.A. INC.
    Inventors: Paul Warfel, Neal Chandler, Darien Lynn Lacroix
  • Publication number: 20120227720
    Abstract: The fuel injection apparatus includes: a fuel injector having a leading end that has an internal space in which fuel is accumulated and has a fuel injection port; and an adsorbent, capable of selectively adsorbing an alcohol component in a blended fuel of gasoline and alcohol, disposed in the internal space. The fuel injection apparatus controls an injection amount from the fuel injector such that an air-fuel ratio is a controlled target air-fuel ratio based on an alcohol concentration of a blended fuel supplied to the fuel injector. In this fuel injection apparatus, a fuel pressure is brought to a predetermined high fuel pressure during cold starting of the internal combustion engine. At this time, an adsorbed amount of alcohol on the adsorbent is estimated and any deviation in the air-fuel ratio of the internal combustion engine is corrected based on the adsorbed amount of alcohol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Fumito Chiba, Mamoru Yoshioka, Takahiro Tsukagoshi, Ryota Onoe
  • Patent number: 8234038
    Abstract: A method of evaluating intake air temperature (IAT) sensor rationality may include measuring a first intake air temperature associated with an engine using an IAT sensor when the engine is in a non-operating condition, determining a second intake air temperature associated with the engine using a hot wire air flow meter when the engine is in the non-operating condition, and indicating an IAT sensor fault when a difference between the first and second intake air temperatures exceeds a predetermined temperature limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventors: Kurt D. McLain, Wenbo Wang
  • Patent number: 8141356
    Abstract: Methods and systems for separating fuel and supplying the separated fuel to an engine are disclosed. In one example, alcohol is separated from a blend of alcohol and gasoline. The methods and systems may improve fuel separator operation by adjusting separator operation in response to engine operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Robert A. Stein
  • Patent number: 8141545
    Abstract: A method and a system for correcting combustion in an engine to control for the effect of crankcase gases in the intake system are disclosed. The system includes one or more sensors in the crankcase ventilation system. An air to fuel ratio sensor may be disposed within a breather line and/or a PCV line of the crankcase ventilation system to monitor crankcase gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji D. Matsuura, James S. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20120024274
    Abstract: The invention provides an inter-cylinder air/fuel ratio imbalance determination apparatus and method. The determination apparatus includes a “limiting current type air/fuel ratio sensor”, and acquires a pre-correction index quantity that is greater the greater the degree of non-uniformity of the cylinder-by-cylinder air/fuel ratios, on the basis of a time differential value of the output value of the air/fuel ratio sensor. The determination apparatus obtains as the correction-purpose output value an average value of the output value obtained during a fuel-cut operation. The correction-purpose output value is greater the higher the responsiveness of the air/fuel ratio sensor. The determination apparatus acquires an air/fuel ratio imbalance index value by correcting the pre-correction index quantity so that the pre-correction index quantity is smaller the greater the correction-purpose output value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masashi Hakariya, Masahide Okada
  • Patent number: 8050852
    Abstract: An abnormality detection device for an internal combustion engine capable of performing abnormality detection with accuracy, and an air/fuel ratio control apparatus for an internal combustion engine capable of performing air/fuel ratio control with accuracy. An estimated value of the amount of intake air at a valve closing time at which an intake value is closed, is computed. The in-cylinder air/fuel ratio in a cylinder is computed by using the estimated value. The obtained in-cylinder air/fuel ratio is used as an input air/fuel ratio to identify a parameter in a primary delay element. Determination as to the existence/nonexistence of an abnormality in a pre-catalyst sensor (A/F sensor) is made on the basis of the obtained parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoto Kato
  • Publication number: 20110253117
    Abstract: A method adjusts fuel injection to account for fuel puddling in the engine intake. The fuel is adjusted based on the ethanol content of the fuel in the puddle, and the make-up of the various fuel components in the puddle. In this way, it is possible to better account for the effects of these parameters on puddle evaporation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mrdjan J. Jankovic, Stephen Lee Cooper
  • Publication number: 20110197867
    Abstract: A fuel vaporizer system for an internal combustion engine including a first closed chamber defining a first volume, the first closed chamber having a heat transfer surface; a second closed chamber at least partially surrounding the first closed chamber and defining a second volume; and a third closed chamber at least partially surrounding the second closed chamber and defining a third volume. A liquid fuel supply system including a liquid fuel supply line emits fuel into the first volume in an expanding pattern of liquid fuel spray from at least one orifice. A thermal fluid system from said engine is configured to circulate fluid, which may be engine coolant, through the second volume and transfer heat from the fluid through the first closed chamber and vaporize said liquid fuel. An exhaust system from said engine is configured to circulate exhaust through the third volume and transfer heat from the exhaust through the second closed chamber and heat said fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: ADVANCED MILEAGE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Smart
  • Publication number: 20110132284
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a first fuel is reformed into a gaseous fuel comprising H, CO, and CH4. The engine is operated by injecting the gaseous fuel and a second fuel to a cylinder of the engine in response to an available amount of gaseous fuel, engine speed and engine load. Further, an engine actuator may be adjusted to vary cylinder charge in response to the available amount of gaseous fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Michael H. Shelby, James Michael Kerns
  • Publication number: 20110048393
    Abstract: It is determined whether or not an in-cylinder-injecting fuel injection valve enters an excessive injection state, by comparing a planned demanded in-cylinder injection amount Fdio and a minimum fuel injection amount Fmin. If Fdio<Fmin is determined, the fuel injection from the in-cylinder-injecting fuel injection valve is prohibited, and the fuel injection of the amount that is prohibited is carried out through the in-intake passageway fuel injection performed by the intake port-injecting fuel injection valve. This realizes more accurate amount of fuel injection. Therefore, even during an excessively high pressure state of fuel, for example, at the time of high-temperature dead soak or the like, excessive fuel injection is not performed, so that rich shift of the air/fuel ratio can be restrained. In consequent, deterioration of emissions can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko AKITA, Kenichi Saito
  • Publication number: 20110030665
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing a condition of a system for supplying fuel to a fuel injected controlled-ignition internal combustion engine, of a type including an electric control device that makes use of an oxygen probe for closed-loop regulation of a value of an air/fuel ratio admitted to the combustion chambers of the engine, and according to which a signal delivered by the oxygen probe is analyzed, the method a) deducing from the signal a change in injection time correction factor ALPHACL_MEAN making it possible to regulate richness of exhaust gases leaving the engine; b) comparing ALPHACL_MEAN against predetermined minimum and maximum threshold values THRESHOLD_MIN and THRESHOLD_MAX; c) diagnosing a defective condition when ALPHACL_MEAN is outside of a window included between THRESHOLD_MIN and THRESHOLD_MAX.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventors: Nicolas Protin, Michel Leporcq
  • Publication number: 20100313863
    Abstract: An intake system for an internal combustion engine includes an intake passage connected with an intake port of the internal combustion engine; an EGR passage merged with the intake passage at a junction portion; a gas sensor attached to the intake passage and configured to detect a concentration of specific gas; and a control section configured to control the internal combustion engine on the basis of an output signal of the gas sensor. A diameter-enlarged portion having an inner diameter larger than an inner diameter of the junction portion is formed at a portion of the intake passage which is located on a downstream side of the junction portion. The gas sensor is located downstream from the diameter-enlarged portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takaya YOSHIKAWA, Tomohiro TAJIMA, Masao Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 7844388
    Abstract: A method of regulating the actual lambda value for an internal-combustion engine of a motor vehicle in a closed control loop is provided. A lambda setpoint is transferred to a controller for influencing an injection calculation for the internal-combustion engine, and an actual lambda value, which occurs at the output of a controlled system as a function of the injection calculation, is returned to the controller. At least one system parameter of the controlled system is determined, and the determined system parameter is transferred to a Smith predictor added to the controller for compensating the influence of the system dead time on the control loop characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz Perschl, Edith Heidi Dumele, Martin Buss
  • Publication number: 20100263647
    Abstract: A microcomputer of an alcohol concentration sensor reads a first measurement value corresponding to a first frequency and reads a second measurement value corresponding to a second frequency. The microcomputer calculates a difference between the first and second measurement values. The microcomputer performs stuck failure abnormality determination when a state where the difference between the measurement values is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value continues. The microcomputer outputs a PWM signal of a specific frequency, which is different from a frequency in a case of a normality, to an engine ECU. Thus, a failure of the alcohol concentration sensor can be surely determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akikazu UCHIDA, Jun Tarui, Toshiki Annoura, Hiroshi Katsurahara
  • Publication number: 20100242937
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for regulating a stationary gas motor (1). In said method, a deviation of the regulated speed is calculated from a desired speed and an actual speed, a desired moment is determined as an adjustable variable from the deviation of the regulated speed by means of a speed governor, said desired moment being limited to an air ratio-limiting moment by limiting the moment, and a desired volume flow (VSL) is determined from the limited desired moment in order to define an angle (DKW1, DKW2) of the mixture throttle valve and an angle of the gas throttle valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: MTU FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH
    Inventors: Johannes Baldauf, Peer Smuda, Ludwig Klaeser-Jenewein
  • Publication number: 20100242936
    Abstract: In controlling an engine, an amount of an intake charge provided, during operation of the engine, to a combustion chamber of the engine is determined. The intake charge includes an air component, a fuel component and a diluent component. An amount of the air component of the intake charge is determined. An amount of the diluent component of the intake charge is determined utilizing the amount of the intake charge, the amount of the air component and, in some instances, the amount of the fuel component. An amount of a diluent supplied to the intake charge is adjusted based at least in part on the determined amount of diluent component of the intake charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: James Richard Zurlo, Kevin Paul Konkle, Andrew May
  • Patent number: 7769526
    Abstract: An engine control module includes a target intake carbon dioxide (CO2) module that determines a target intake CO2 concentration. An intake CO2 estimation module estimates an actual intake CO2 concentration. The engine control module adjusts fuel injection based on the target intake CO2 concentration and the actual intake CO2 concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventors: Qian Chen, Tim Chang, Hongxun Gao