Multiple Engine Units Patents (Class 123/DIG8)
  • Patent number: 6105542
    Abstract: A modular engine has a plurality of engine sections, with each of the engine sections having a power module, which power modules are bolted to one another in a selected positional relationship. A link-up device is selectively able to couple any number of the engine sections to one or more output shafts. An engine management system controls the link-up device so that, in use, and according to power requirements, any one or more of the engine sections is brought into operation, or is withdrawn from operation, such that the single overall engine is able to utilize power from any number of the power modules of the engine sections (e.g., three or more) for driving the output shaft(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Clive William Efford
  • Patent number: 5983845
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a rotary drive system and an engine which have greater toughness and which are capable of smoothly converting linear thrust force into rotary torque. In the present invention, a pair of elongated members are arranged parallel in a first direction. A moving guide is spanned between the elongated members, arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and capable of moving in the first direction. A moving body is capable of moving in the second direction along the moving guide. A rotary shaft is capable of rotating about an axial line, which is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. A lever has one part, which is pivotably connected with the moving body, and another part, which is fixed to the rotary shaft, whereby the lever rotates the rotary shaft when the moving body moves round. A driving mechanism moves the moving guide in the first direction. A control mechanism stabilizes rotational speed of the rotary shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Yugen Kaisha Sozoan
    Inventor: Ken Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 5947064
    Abstract: A multi-engine plant with a common freshwater cooling system comprises turbocharged diesel engines (1) which in their coolant system are provided with a charging air cooler 911), a high-temperature circuit (HT) and a low-temperature circuit (LT). The high-temperature circuit (4) contains a fist three-way circuit delivery pipe (7) to the engine with coolant. The low-temperature circuit (5) contains a second three-way valve (13) supplying coolant to the delivery pipe (14) of the charging air cooler in the LT circuit. The charging air cooler (11) is a two-step cooler in which the first step (10) is part of the HT circuit and the second step (19) is part o the LT circuit. A control valve (16) can adjust the coolant flow through the second step in dependency of the engine load. The discharge pipe (15) from the control valve is connected to the second three-way valve and a common return pipe (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Man B&W Diesel A/S
    Inventor: Hans Christian Lauritsen
  • Patent number: 5890365
    Abstract: A self-contained, hydraulically operated clutch-type coupling, allowing a minimum of two vehicular type internal combustion engines to be mounted in tandem replacing the standard single block, multi cylinder engine. Flexibility is provided to the driver by a computerized control system to select operation of one or more engines to produce minimum to maximum horsepower at the flywheel, necessary to meet specific road and traffic conditions while maintaining a constant engine (RPM) speed. In one embodiment, a single engine is started to minimize undesirable emissions due to the combination of cold start conditions and wall quenching and fuel conservation purposes. Upon attaining engine operating temperature uniformity, the succeeding engine(s) can be started and operated to provide maximum available horsepower/torque to meet road load conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Leonard A. Sisti
  • Patent number: 5771860
    Abstract: A power balancing control to balance power output from a first and second engine that mutually drive a load is disclosed. The control includes an electronic control module electrically connected to a control panel. A first and second inlet manifold pressure sensor are associated with the first and second engine, respectively. An offset potentiometer is connected to the control panel. The control automatically adjusts power output of the second engine in response to the inlet manifold pressure of said first engine, the inlet manifold pressure of said second engine, and a signal produced by said offset potentiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Bernardi
  • Patent number: 5701062
    Abstract: A pulsing drive system delivers pulsed power signals to the driven wheels of a vehicle for improving the efficiency internal combustion or an electric motor driven vehicles. A controller receives signals such as velocity and demand, and communicates to a means for selectively communicating energy wherein the means for selectively communicating energy converts the pulse signal to a correspondingly conditioned power pulse for powering the vehicle. When combined with a plurality of motors sized with optimal horsepower ranges according to a binary array, an arrangement of such motors provides for an optimally efficient operation of the vehicle by bringing on-line strategically selected combinations of the motors. A control system selectively brings on-line the multiple motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventor: Robert D. Barrett
  • Patent number: 5616010
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a power plant, and especially two or more such power plants connected together. The power plant especially features a piston connected with a reciprocated but non-rotating piston rod which connects with a pump piston at the opposite end. Power is generated by the power piston and imparted through straight reciprocating motion to the pumped piston. Two or more of these power plants are operated together by connecting them together through a connective mechanical link so that operation of one times the operation of two or more units slaved to the first. Synchronized operation is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: James K. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 5579731
    Abstract: An engine which employs a cam follower mechanism to reduce wear and reduce the size of an assembled engine. The cam follower mechanism utilizes guide rails located to reduce side thrust on the valve stem. The engine employs a high speed quill shaft to synchronize independent cam shafts existing in each of a plurality of interconnected engines. The engine is assembled using a single size fastener to provide a uniform stress gradient within the engine. The engines are interconnected utilizing O-ring seals. The engine provides a piston crown utilizing a connecting rod directly connected to the bottom surface of the piston crown. The piston crown is stabilized along the longitudinal cylinder axis by a rail guide. Connecting rods are provided which require less than one hundred eighty degrees (180.degree.) circumference of a crankshaft pin for support so that a plurality of connecting rods can be associated with a single crankshaft pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Evestar Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Pong
  • Patent number: 5553576
    Abstract: A motorization unit comprising two internal combustion engines able to run alternately or simultaneously.The two engines (20, 40) each comprise their own cooling circuit (21, respectively 41). These two circuits are each provided with an expansion vessel (26, 46) and are connected to a heat exchanger (30). The purpose of this heat exchanger is to keep the cooling circuit of one of the engines not running, at the right temperature by means of the cooling circuit of the other engine which is running, when the unit is operating in alternate mode.This motorization unit can be adapted to road, rail and aquatic vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Wartsila Sacam Diesel S.A.
    Inventor: Jean Nikly
  • Patent number: 5528901
    Abstract: An auxiliary power assembly (5) for use with a heavy-duty diesel engine (8) of the type used in the trucking industry and including a small auxiliary diesel engine (9), an air compressor (10), a compressed air accumulator (17) fluid coupled to the air compressor (10), and a pneumatic starter (21) fluid coupled to the accumulator (17) and mechanically coupled to start the heavy-duty diesel engine (8). The auxiliary power assembly (5) further drives: a coolant pump (51) connected to circulate coolant between the auxiliary engine (9) and main diesel engine (8), a refrigerant compressor (41) formed to pump air conditioning fluid from the main diesel engine air conditioning system to the vehicle cab (70), and a pre-oiler pump (83) used to pressurize lubricating oil in the main engine (8). A method of operating the overall assembly and for retrofitting an existing heavy-duty diesel engine (8) with the auxiliary power assembly (5) also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Auxiliary Power Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Guy E. Willis
  • Patent number: 5447132
    Abstract: A control system for operating two engines (3, 4) is installed on a construction machine, such as a hydraulic shovel, to provide for the operation of either engine or both of the engines, to improve operability and to reduce the stress on the operator. The control system has a governor controller (5, 6) for each engine, a dial potentiometer (1) for providing a throttle signal representing the desired revolution rates of the engines from a low speed to a high speed, and a selector switch (2) having a plurality of control positions (F, N and R) for selecting an individual engine or a combination of the engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Minpei Shoda, Kunihiko Imanishi
  • Patent number: 5398508
    Abstract: A main internal combustion engine powers a motor vehicle at 55 MPH. A smaller auxiliary engine powers the vehicle at slower speed. Both engines power at the same time for passing, hill climbing, etc. Either engine can be shut down (or idled) while the other engine powers. Thus, the engines operate more closely to best efficiency and this shall result in reduced fuel consumption (as calculated herein) and less air pollution.In a first species, the main engine transmits shaft power through a standard friction clutch and then to an ordinary transaxle consisting of torque converter, automatic transmission and differential. The auxiliary engine is mounted next to the transmission. Power from the smaller engine passes through an overrunning clutch and then by toothed belt and sprockets to the torque converter.A second species is identical to the first except an over running clutch takes the place of the friction clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Arthur E. Brown
  • Patent number: 5301645
    Abstract: A drive assembly, particularly for driving a vehicle, comprises a driving engine and an auxiliary engine as well as auxiliary assemblies which can be selectively driven by one of the engines. In a clear frontal area of the vehicle engine, a single-bank radial engine constructed as an internal-combustion engine is arranged as the auxiliary engine to save space. For achieving a compact, high-powered arrangement, the single-bank radial engine is constructed as a 4-cylinder 2-stroke engine with a crank guide power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventors: Wilfried Ball, Reinhold Ficht
  • Patent number: 5033416
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine for propelling ships that transport gaseous fuel, the engine comprising two groups of cylinders, a first group which is always fed with the same fuel, and a second group which is fed selectively either with said same fuel or else with a different fuel. The invention is applicable to methane tankers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Assignee: S.E.M.T. Pielstick
    Inventor: Pierre Bousseau
  • Patent number: 4970873
    Abstract: The invention relates to a speed control system for a multiple engine air conditioning system in which two or more engines are used to drive respective compressors for operation of two or more heat pump circuits. According to the invention, the engine speed control system has a negative pressure generating circuit connected in common to the intake manifolds of two or more engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Masui, Yuzuru Uehara
  • Patent number: 4935689
    Abstract: A vehicle mounted engine generator system is disclosed for supplying electricity to external electrical appliances and equipment used inside a camping car or outdoors in the camping site, which comprises a secondary water-cooled internal combustion engine of relatively small size and an engine generator electrically connected to the engine. The secondary engine has its cooling jacket connected to a cooling line supplying it with cooling water for engine cooling. Also, the cooling line is connected to a radiator connected to the main internal combustion engine of water-cooled type so that the heated cooling water through the secondary engine is cooled by the same radiator as for the main engine. Also, the secondary engine is electrically connected to the battery for the main engine in such a manner that the battery can be recharged from the secondary engine as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuzo Fujikawa, Yoichi Yamaguchi, Masao Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 4850906
    Abstract: A control panel for a watercraft powered by a plurality of engines wherein the controls for each of the engines is mounted on the same panel. The controls comprise at least a first pair of control elements for controlling separate functions of the engine independently but positioned in juxtaposition to each other and a common control element for controlling the same functions of both engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isao Kanno
  • Patent number: 4773372
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a multi-engine drive system with at least two engines which have a common crankshaft. In order to test if both engines are operating properly, a mutually oppositely directed modulation of the throttle flap angles of the throttle flaps is caused by a control unit to occur periodically in the context of a test function. If this test function causes a change in the rotational speed of the crankshaft, then this means that the two engines are no longer operating symmetrically so that a disturbance is present. In this way, a continuous monitoring of the operation of both engines is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Stumm, Ernst Wild
  • Patent number: 4714060
    Abstract: A two cycle engine having multiple cylinders which is capable of expanding from two or four or more cylinders. A composite crankshaft is built up by combining components including crank webs, bearing shafts and crank pins. A composite crankcase also may expand to accommodate the number of cylinders required through the use of common mating surfaces. The mating surfaces provide opposed thrust surfaces for each pair of crank pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: R K W Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond P. Kesteloot
  • Patent number: 4638637
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine for vehicle propulsion has a number of cylinders arranged in two parallel planes and connected to two crank shafts within a common engine block. A selectively operable clutch is fitted at at least one of the crank shafts, and a gearing coordinates the output from the two crank shafts. A coupling is provided between the gearing and the output shaft of the engine plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventors: Sven O. Kronogard, deceased, Allen Linden, administrator, Clas O. Kronogard, Hakan Kronogard
  • Patent number: 4632081
    Abstract: This invention is an improved modular engine having replaceable power modules wherein the improvement consists of automatically coupling and decoupling the power modules and the engine's power output shaft in response to immediate operating requirements resulting in fuel savings. When a unit is decoupled, it is shut down and does not use fuel or add load to the engine. This feature saves fuel whenever operating requirements permit a reduction in power. The power units may be of several types known to the art. The power units are shown to have a gear which meshes with a gear part of the engine's power output shaft to drive the shaft. A microprocessor is shown to control the dynamic coupling and decoupling between the unit's gear and the power output shaft to keep the invention properly timed and fuel efficient. A flywheel is shown, in combination with the other parts, to store regenerated energy and release the energy to the power shaft upon demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Inventors: Robert L. Giuliani, Mark A. Giuliani, Karen A. Giuliani
  • Patent number: 4567864
    Abstract: A connecting-rod system particularly for mowers, wherein a crank, supporting a couple of rods, is linked to the driving shaft by means of a clamp fastened to said shaft by means of a threaded ring, and wherein the mutual positioning of crank and clamp is achieved by means of a key.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Inventor: Luigi Gaspardo
  • Patent number: 4531379
    Abstract: An auxiliary power system for an air conditioner and heater of a vehicle includes an auxiliary motor which is selectively connected by an electromagnetic clutch of a jack shaft assembly to drive the compressor of the vehicle's air conditioner. The jack shaft assembly reduces the RPM of the auxiliary motor to an RPM suitable for operating the compressor. The auxiliary engine has a cooling system and an exhaust system which are respectively connected to the cooling and exhaust systems of the vehicle's main engine. A baffle plate is provided at the point of connection to direct the flow of exhaust gases from the auxiliary engine into the exhaust system of the main engine. Solenoid actuated valves circulate coolant fluid from either the auxiliary or main engine to selectively heat water in a tank or to heat the interior of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. An auxiliary fan cools the condenser and radiator of the vehicle when the auxiliary engine is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Inventor: Robert E. Diefenthaler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4512301
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a primary engine unit and an auxiliary engine unit, in which a clutch of the auxiliary engine unit is engaged at a proper time dependent on the acceleration of the primary engine unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 4480612
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a first power unit and a second power unit, in which a clutch of the second power unit is disengaged thereby to disengage the second power unit from an output shaft, when a low reduction gear ratio of a transmission is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 4470379
    Abstract: A multi-cylinder engine for a motor vehicle comprises at least two cylinders mounted in mutually displaced relationship with respect to longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle. The crankshaft for one of the cylinders is located at a higher level than the crankshaft for the other cylinder. A crankcase assembly of the engine is vertically divided into pieces by a plurality of planes extending perpendicular to the crankshafts and each plane passing through each center of the cylinders. The engine provides first and second gears mounted on the primary shaft, a crank gear for one of the crankshaft, a crank gear for the other crankshaft, and an idle gear. The first gear is in meshing engagement with the crank gear for one of the crankshaft, while the second gear is connected to the other crank gear through the idle gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Miyakoshi, Kuniyuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 4442805
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a primary engine unit and an auxiliary engine unit, in which the auxiliary engine unit is connected to an output shaft of the primary engine unit under conditions both engine units are balanced in output torque and engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 4417551
    Abstract: In order to improve the fuel economy of a vehicle engine, its cylinders are divided into two groups, which are operable independently of each other. The fuel system is adapted to supply either, or both groups with fuel. The crank shaft of one cylinder group is connectable to the power take-off shaft by means of conventional transmission and clutch means, while the crank shaft of the other cylinder group is connectable to the power take-off shaft by way of a transmission arrangement running in parallel to the row of cylinders, and comprising a shaft. The auxiliaries of the engine are mounted at the end of the engine remote from the power take-off shaft, and can be driven from either group of cylinders by way of the transmission arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Assignee: Sven-Olof Kronogard
    Inventors: Sven-Olof Kronogard, Clas-Olof Kronogard, Hakan Kronogard
  • Patent number: 4399777
    Abstract: An engine block for a reciprocal piston internal combustion engine which is constructed from two substantially identical block halves. Each block half includes a mating surface formed around its outer periphery which is symetrical about the center line and a cylinder adapted to receive a reciprocal piston. Each block further includes a pair of manifold passageways wherein one end of each passageway is adapted to be connected to the cylinder through a valve means while the other of each passageway is open to the mating surface on opposite sides of and equidistantly spaced from the center line. A recessed channel is formed in the mating surface and extends from the other end of each passageway and to the outer edge of the mating surface. The engine block halves are secured together so that the mating surfaces abut together whereupon the recessed channels on one block half register with the recessed channels on the other block half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1983
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald W. Hoettels
  • Patent number: 4337623
    Abstract: A vehicle drive system comprises at least two prime movers communicating by way of a base block with a common output shaft. The base block has a housing enclosing two parallel, cylindrical chambers, and is provided with external mounting members for mounting in the vehicle. A strengthening wall structure separating the two chambers is defined by part-cylindrical surfaces bordering the chambers. The prime movers are mounted directly at the base block, with their shafts aligned with the axes of the chambers, and a gearing within the housing has transmission elements extending through openings in the strengthening wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Inventor: Sven-Olof Kronogard
  • Patent number: 4167857
    Abstract: A marine Diesel engine consists of parallel left and right engines mounted on a common bed plate having integral independent columns on which the cylinders of the engine are supported, the bed plate and columns forming the crank chambers of the engines. The exhaust and scavenging pipes for the engines are constructed as common parts, the scavenging pipe being mounted between the engines and being flexibly connected to at least one of them so as to permit relative movement between the engine upper portions. A single propeller shaft is driven at a desired low r.p.m. from the crank shafts of the engines through a gearing device consisting simply of a gear on the propeller shaft meshing with a pair of pinions each connected to one of the engine crank shafts by an elastic coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1979
    Assignee: Hitachi Shipbuilding & Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isamu Nishijima, Masuichi Yasuda, Yukio Tomita, Takayuki Wakabayashi, Munetsugu Fukagawa, Kenjiro Nabeshima, Takeyasu Matsui, Kazuo Nishimura, Hiroshi Nomura, Kiyoshi Kato, Takeshi Miki, Susumu Sato
  • Patent number: 4041910
    Abstract: An arrangement for an internal combustion engine is provided in which one or more of the cylinders of the engine are used for generating hydrogen rich gases from hydrocarbon fuels, which gases are then mixed with air and injected into the remaining cylinders to be used as fuel. When heavy load conditions are encountered, hydrocarbon fuel may be mixed with the hydrogen rich gases and air and the mixture is then injected into the remaining cylinders as fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: John Houseman
  • Patent number: 4037571
    Abstract: A multi-cylinder engine comprising at least a first cylinder group and a second cylinder group. The first cylinder group is connected to a first intake manifold having a first carburetor with a first throttle valve. The second cylinder group is connected to a second intake manifold having a second carburetor with a second throttle valve. A throttle valve control means is provided for controlling opening degrees of the first and the second throttle valves in response to an extent of depression of an accelerator pedal so that the opening degree of the first throttle valve is larger than that of the second throttle valve when the engine is operating under a partial load, and the first and the second throttle valves are fully opened when the engine is operating under a heavy load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1977
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Ishida