Motor Or Engine Patents (Class 219/205)
  • Patent number: 8410401
    Abstract: A powertrain/driveline warm-up system includes a vehicle controller, an electrical power source interfacing with the vehicle controller, at least one heater interfacing with the vehicle controller and at least a portion of a vehicle powertrain provided in thermal contact with the at least one heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Thomas, John Edward Brevick
  • Patent number: 8389904
    Abstract: The invention relates to a glow plug for Diesel engines, comprising a housing, a heater rod, which is movable in the housing in axial direction and projects from the housing at a forward end, and a pressure measuring device for measuring a combustion chamber pressure exerted on the heater rod. It is provided according to the invention that a housing chamber is filled with a substance having or achieving liquid to paste-like consistency at temperatures occurring during operation and conducting heat generated by the heater rod to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Pottiez, Jochen Hammer, Yue Cheng
  • Patent number: 8383996
    Abstract: The invention concerns an electrical cartridge heater (1) with supply cable (7), wherein the cartridge heater (1) comprises a metal jacket (2), in which at least one electrical conductor (3) is arranged in an insulated fashion, which conductor is connected with a metal terminal pin (6) protruding from the jacket (2), wherein the supply cable (7) is exposed at an end region, is enclosed in the exposed region by a housing, wherein the housing encloses a contact bush (10) fixed at the free end of the supply cable (7), into which contact bush the terminal pin (6) can be inserted or is inserted, wherein finally the housing is connected or can be connected immediately detachably with the cartridge heater (1), which while keeping the advantage of the easy exchangeability of the cartridge heater without supply cable, secures a simplified manufacture, a safe assembly and a high tightness against environmental influences such as hydraulic oil, splash or surge water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hotset Heizpatronen U. Zubehoer GmbH
    Inventors: Hendrik Woelper, André Dunse
  • Patent number: 8362400
    Abstract: A ceramic joining unit, ceramic heater and gas sensor, the ceramic joining unit including: a ceramic base member; an electrode pad provided on a surface of the ceramic base member; a coupling terminal; and a joining portion, wherein the electrode pad includes: a first layer in contact with the ceramic base member; and a second layer laminated on a surface of the first layer and in contact with the joining portion, wherein each of the first and second layers contains a ceramic material as a main component, a content of the ceramic material in the first layer is greater than that of the second layer, and a contour of the first layer is located outside of a contour of the second layer at an entire periphery of the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kikuo Sakurai, Tomohiro Kuwayama
  • Patent number: 8362405
    Abstract: A reference heater energization delay time is established according to an engine conditions (shift range, cooling water temperature, intake-air temperature, ambient temperature, and oil temperature) during starting period. An extension delay time is established according to an engine condition after starting period. A final heater energization delay time is established by adding the extension delay time to the reference heater energization delay time. Until an elapsed time after starting period of engine reaches the final heater energization delay time, an energization of a heater of an exhaust gas sensor is inhibited. When the elapsed time after starting period of engine reaches the final heater energization delay time, the energization of the heater is started to heat a sensor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Jun Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8334486
    Abstract: A system includes a first heater located at the leading edge of a gas turbine structural member, a second heater located aft of the first heater, and a third heater located aft of the second heater. The first, second and third heaters are electrically-powered to prevent icing of the gas turbine structural member. Each of the heaters has a Watt density, and the Watt densities of the heaters differ from one another as a function of a magnitude of a cooling coefficient for airflow passing the vicinity of each heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Isaac Jon Hogate
  • Patent number: 8314364
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an electric add-heater in a motor vehicle having at least one rechargeable electrochemical cell as a power source and an electric generator which is connected with the cell and is driven by a drive engine of the motor vehicle and by which an electric add-heater can be supplied with current when the drive engine is running. It is provided according to the invention that in case of need the add-heater can be supplied with current even when no current is supplied by the generator, by switching over the add-heater to at least one electrochemical cell as a power source, monitoring the charging condition of at least one electrochemical cell, and interrupting the power supply of the electric add-heater realized by the at least one monitored electrochemical cell again when the charging condition of the at least one monitored electrochemical cell has dropped below a lower limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: BERU Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jürgen Brust, Rolf Merte, Klaus Lehmann, Andreas Mulczet
  • Patent number: 8301020
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tank withdrawal system for a vehicle tank filled with a frozen liquid. The tank withdrawal system comprises a heating system comprising at least one electric heating element as primary heating device and a conduit system provided with at least one withdrawal conduit with a withdrawal opening arranged in the vehicle tank. The cold start volume of the frozen liquid extending around the withdrawal opening can be melted by the primary heating device. To quickly melt a cold start volume while melting off the remaining frozen liquid consuming as minimal amount of energy, the heating system comprises a secondary heating device supplied with a heating fluid and the conduit system comprises at least one heating conduit through which the heating fluid can flow and which is arranged in the liquid in the vehicle tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: DBK David + Baader GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Wildegger
  • Publication number: 20120261398
    Abstract: A vehicle heater control apparatus variably contras electric power to be supplied to a heater with an inexpensive configuration and simple control. The vehicle heater control apparatus is provided in a vehicle including an engine control system, the engine control system including: an intake air temperature sensor for detecting an intake air temperature; and a speed sensor for detecting a traveling state of the vehicle, the engine control system using the intake air temperature and the traveling state to control drive of the engine, and the vehicle heater control apparatus includes a heater control portion for variably controlling electric power to be supplied to a warmer provided to a heated part of the vehicle based on the intake air temperature and the traveling state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tadashi TAKAHASHI, Yosuke FUKUZAWA
  • Patent number: 8231779
    Abstract: A filtering device for fluids features a filter element located in a filter housing and a heating device located in the flow path of the fluid. The heating device comprises a heating element that is held by a heating support which is located at the inner surface of the cover, with a water outlet connection being designed as one-piece with the heating support, the water outlet connection being directed outwards through a recess in the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Mann+Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Jokschas, Frank Muschkiet, Michael Fasold, Gunther Kraft, Stefan Uhl, Thomas Friederich, Oliver Krauβ
  • Publication number: 20120181261
    Abstract: A method for heating a delivery device for a reducing agent includes providing the delivery device with a return valve which is in an open position when an opening current is supplied to the return valve and which is in a closed position and operates as a heater when a heating current that is smaller than the opening current is supplied to the return valve. The return valve is preferably in heat-conducting contact with a metallic base plate of the delivery device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: EMITEC GESELLSCHAFT FUR EMISSIONSTECHNOLOGIE MBH
    Inventors: ROLF BRÜCK, JAN HODGSON, SVEN SCHEPERS
  • Patent number: 8173939
    Abstract: A non-film based, thermally conditionable light transmitting article is provided. The article includes an adhesively coated resistive wire and a substrate suitably selected for light transmittance. The adhesively coated resistive wire is solely and directly adhesively affixed to the substrate so as to be thereby supported upon and by the substrate. A layer of adhesive, in the form of an adhesive linkage originating from the adhesive of the adhesively coated resistive wire, is present between the resistive wire and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Minco Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter M. Bobgan
  • Publication number: 20120001026
    Abstract: The invention relates to a de-icing device (1) in particular for an aircraft nacelle comprising at least two electric bands (5) each made from at least one main conductor (7) oriented substantially along the length of said band (5), characterised in 11 that said bands (5) comprising rectilinear elements (13) and bent elements (17), and in that said bands (5) comprising spirals (15) formed by the association of several bent elements (17), and in that the contiguous bands (5) are embedded together at least in pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: AIRCELLE
    Inventor: Pierre Caruel
  • Publication number: 20110272391
    Abstract: A heater system for an electrical storage device, such as a high voltage traction battery, is connectable to an external AC power source maintain a proper temperature of the battery as long as the system remains connected to the external power source. The battery temperature can be maintained at a level that ensures that the vehicle will start even in extremely cold climates. The heater system includes a heater disposed within the battery itself. Other system components, such as an AC/DC converter and a control module, may be connected to the battery heater system outside of the battery, allowing the battery heater system to act as a modular component that can be easily included in or excluded from a vehicle as an option, either alone or in a package with an engine block heater. The battery heater system is designed so that it can be connected along with the engine block heater to the AC power source using a single common connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Douglas Zhu, Jacob Mathews, Pax Maguire, Patrick Padgett
  • Patent number: 8049147
    Abstract: A system includes a first heater located at the leading edge of a gas turbine structural member, a second heater located aft of the first heater, and a third heater located aft of the second heater. The first, second and third heaters are electrically-powered to prevent icing of the gas turbine structural member. Each of the heaters has a Watt density, and the Watt densities of the heaters differ from one another as a function of a magnitude of a cooling coefficient for airflow passing the vicinity of each heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Isaac Jon Hogate
  • Patent number: 8003922
    Abstract: An intake air heating system for an internal combustion engine includes an electric heater that heats the intake air, a control circuit that switches a voltage to the electric heater based on a control signal and an over-temperature signal, a temperature sensor that generates a temperature signal based on a temperature of the control circuit, and a temperature sensing circuit that generates the over-temperature signal based on the temperature signal and a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Phillips & Temro Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald Neil Seger
  • Publication number: 20110168688
    Abstract: A method for installing a heated piston into a cylinder sleeve that is initially smaller than the piston includes: receiving the engine block at a heating station, heating the engine cylinder sleeve with heated air for a predetermined time at a predetermined temperature such that a temperature of the cylinder sleeve is equal to or greater than a temperature of the piston, and inserting the piston into the heated cylinder sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Brent C. Rankin, Michael Bergman, Phillip Ford
  • Patent number: 7971799
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a heating assembly comprising, in combination, a main radiator (1) for fluid flow and an electric radiator. The latter is disposed on one face of the main radiator (1) defining its general plane, and consists of a plurality of independent heating elements (6). Each of these heating elements (6) comprises an elementary electrical heating body (7), having connecting means (31, 31?) for connection to an electrical power source, and a finned element (8). These heating elements (6) are assembled on a connecting structure of the electric radiator on the face of the main radiator (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Valeo Climatisation S.A.
    Inventors: Olivier Colette, Frederic Pierron, Gilbert Terranova, Roland Haussmann
  • Publication number: 20110155714
    Abstract: A powertrain/driveline warm-up system includes a vehicle controller, an electrical power source interfacing with the vehicle controller, at least one heater interfacing with the vehicle controller and at least a portion of a vehicle powertrain provided in thermal contact with the at least one heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: STEVEN THOMAS, JOHN EDWARD BREVICK
  • Patent number: 7918203
    Abstract: A motor oil heating system for a vehicle comprising one or more solar panels comprised of one or more photovoltaic cells; one or more heaters thermally coupled to the motor oil, wherein the solar panels are electrically coupled to the heaters and power the heaters based on a voltage generated by the solar panel such that the heaters warm the engine oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Richard D Sposato
  • Patent number: 7860381
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device for diesel fuel comprising at least one PTC heating element (8), at least two contact sheets (7) each comprising a front face (10) by means of which they contact the PTC heating element (8) electrically, wherein the PTC heating element (8) is provided between the front faces (10) of the two contact sheets (7); a plastic housing (2) enclosing an interior space through which the diesel fuel to be heated can flow and in which the PTC heating element (8) and the contact sheets (7) are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Eichenauer Heizelemente GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kai Wallhaeusser, Gerhard Thome, Willi Arnold
  • Publication number: 20100307447
    Abstract: A motor oil heating system for a vehicle comprising one or more solar panels comprised of one or more photovoltaic cells; one or more heaters thermally coupled to the motor oil, wherein the solar panels are electrically coupled to the heaters and power the heaters based on a voltage generated by the solar panel such that the heaters warm the engine oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Richard D. Sposato
  • Publication number: 20100288745
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an electric add-heater in a motor vehicle having at least one rechargeable electrochemical cell as a power source and an electric generator which is connected with the cell and is driven by a drive engine of the motor vehicle and by which an electric add-heater can be supplied with current when the drive engine is running. It is provided according to the invention that in case of need the add-heater can be supplied with current even when no current is supplied by the generator, by switching over the add-heater to at least one electrochemical cell as a power source, monitoring the charging condition of at least one electrochemical cell, and interrupting the power supply of the electric add-heater realized by the at least one monitored electrochemical cell again when the charging condition of the at least one monitored electrochemical cell has dropped below a lower limit value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Jürgen Brust, Rolf Merte
  • Patent number: 7832382
    Abstract: A strap-like support includes means for removably affixing chemical heating elements to one side of the support and means for removably securing the ends of the support whereby the support can be removably attached to the fuel filter of a diesel engine. Alternatively, the strap-like support component is configured to wrap around a fuel line, fuel pipe, or other conduit. Alternatively, the heating device is devised of a sheet-like support component having means for removably affixing one or more chemical heating elements to one side of the support component and means for removably securing the edges of the support component to a surface whereby the component can be removably attached to the oil pan or fuel tank of an engine or with a self-contained, individual meal product of conventional manufacture. The heating device is temporarily attached to the meal product container to heat the food contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Mark D. Poje
  • Patent number: 7820949
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a gas sensor with a built-in heater is provided which can prevent damage to, deterioration of, and reduction in accuracy of detection of, a gas sensor. When an ignition switch is turned ON, supply of electricity to a heater 27 starts, and when the temperature in the vicinity of a gas sensor 15 (gas temperature of gas detection chamber 24) Ts becomes greater than a predetermined temperature #Ti at start, or when a predetermined electricity supply time after start of supply of electricity to the heater 27 has elapsed, the gas sensor 15 is started. The flow of off-gas is started simultaneously with starting of the gas sensor 15, or after starting. When the ignition switch is turned OFF, the flow of off gas is stopped, and the supply of electric power to the gas sensor 15 is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Hiroyuki Abe, Tsuyoshi Eguchi, Akihiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20100252546
    Abstract: A method is described for operating an ignition device, in particular in an internal combustion engine, having a combustion chamber window for optically connecting the ignition device to a combustion chamber. An optical signal which may be detected in the region of the combustion chamber window is evaluated to deduce a state of the combustion chamber window. In particular, soiling of the combustion chamber window may be identified in this manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Werner Herden, Martin Weinrotter, Pascal Woerner, Manfred Vogel, Juergen Raimann, Bernd Schmidtke, Heiko Ridderbusch
  • Publication number: 20100176209
    Abstract: The engine block warming controller is an engine warming device for diesel engines. The controller includes a thermostat/temperature controller unit that monitors temperature outside during operation of the engine block warming controller. The unit includes a sensing probe for sensing the outside temperature. A heavy-duty outdoor timer controls time to turn on and off the engine block warming controller and a heavy-duty extension cord electrically connects the engine block warming controller to an engine cord of the vehicle. A backing board is used for securely receiving the engine block warming controller to mount it on an inside wall away from outside elements. A plurality of fasteners mounts the probe on an outside wall to detect a temperature of the outside elements. When the timer turns on the controller, the probe detects the outside temperature and warms the diesel engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: John W. Van Cleve
  • Publication number: 20100176111
    Abstract: A heater system for a vehicle has an internal combustion engine fluidly connected to a fuel tank by a fuel line for delivering fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. The heater system includes an in-line heater disposed along the fuel line between the fuel tank and the internal combustion engine for heating fuel within the fuel line. A power cord is operatively connected to the in-line heater for providing electrical power thereto. The power cord has a distal end configured to removably connect to an external power source and a length sufficient to reach the external power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Neisen
  • Publication number: 20100172747
    Abstract: A compression system is disclosed, comprising a first compressor having a first flowpath, a second compressor having a second flowpath located axially aft from the first compressor, and a transition duct capable of flowing an airfow from the first compressor to the second compressor, the transition duct having at least one plasma actuator mounted in the transition duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: DAVID SCOTT CLARK, Aspi Rustom Wadia, Ching Pang Lee
  • Publication number: 20100154382
    Abstract: A method and systems for an engine igniter excitation system includes an energy storage device, a first adaptive comparator configured to control the storage of an amount of energy in the energy storage device wherein the amount of energy is determined using at least one of an environmental parameter of the engine and a process parameter of the engine. The system also includes a second adaptive comparator communicatively coupled to the energy storage device wherein the second adaptive comparator is configured to control a rate of energy delivery to the energy storage device using at least one of an environmental parameter of the engine and a process parameter of the engine. The system also includes an igniter configured to generate a spark based on the amount of stored energy and the rate of energy delivery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Scott Brian Wright
  • Publication number: 20100140244
    Abstract: An electrical port is integrated with a side view mirror assembly of an automotive vehicle. The electrical port is electrically connected to at least one heater in the vehicle. The electrical port is configured to receive electrical power from a power source external to the vehicle to power the heater. The electrical port may be concealed or exposed depending on a position of the side view mirror assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bala S. Chander, Duane M. Grider
  • Publication number: 20100140246
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling heating of at least one of an engine and a battery in a hybrid vehicle includes at least one heater and at least one system controller. The system controller receives a command signal and generates a heater control signal based on the command signal. The heater is in the hybrid vehicle and is electrically coupled to an electrical port integrated in the hybrid vehicle. The electrical port receives electric power from a power source external to the hybrid vehicle. In addition, the system includes a heater switch. The heater switch receives the heater control signal to control an amount of energy transferred from the electrical port to the heater and the heater selectively heats at least one of the engine and the battery in the hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Duane M. Grider, Bala S. Chander
  • Publication number: 20100108661
    Abstract: A multi-layer heating assembly, configured to be embedded inside or mounted on a component and to provide ice protection for the component, includes a first heating element, a second heating element, and a dielectric support having opposed first and second surfaces. The first heating element is located on the first surface and the second heating element is located on the second surface. The multi-layer heating assembly is configured to provide failure immunity or variable watt density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: John H. Vontell, George Alan Salisbury
  • Patent number: 7619187
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a porous ceramic heating element wherein 0.08 to 1.00 wt % of a foaming agent is added in 99.00 to 99.92 wt % of a mixture of an inorganic material, a binder, a conductive material, a hardener, a bonding agent and a dispersion medium and mixed with the mixture. The bonding strength of porous foam formed in the ceramic heating element is increased, thereby providing an effect that the entire structure is hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventors: Changhee Kim, Taehee Kim
  • Patent number: 7615725
    Abstract: A heater controlling apparatus for controlling a heater that heats a sensing element of a gas sensor provided in an exhaust system of a diesel engine includes a device that changes a reference condition for controlling the heater after a start of the engine in a first operation based on an operational state before a stop of the engine in a second operation, which precedes the first operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Yuji Kosaka, Shuichi Nakano
  • Publication number: 20090272727
    Abstract: The present invention provides a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating device with a cathode oxygen depletion (COD) function for a fuel cell vehicle, which can improve durability of a fuel cell stack by reacting residual oxygen with hydrogen to be consumed as heat and improve cold startability by rapidly heating a coolant even at a temperature below the freezing point, the PTC heating device including a housing having an inlet and an outlet, formed on both ends there of, and a PTC heater fixed in the inside of the housing and including an electrode to which electric power is applied from the outside, a PTC heating element disposed on the electrode, and an insulating tape for insulating the PTC heater from a coolant flowing in the housing. Accordingly, it is possible to improve electrical safety and heat transfer performance and effectively prevent bubbles from forming, compared with a conventional cartridge heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Su Dong Han
  • Publication number: 20090229584
    Abstract: An electromagnetic PCV valve includes a valve seat, a valve element, a step motor for moving the valve element, and a housing that houses the valve seat, the valve element, and the step motor. When the valve element is moved by the step motor, a size (an opening degree) of a blow-by gas passage defined between the valve seat and the valve element is changed. The step motor is configured to selectively receive energization for moving the valve element and energization for holding the valve element in a fixed position. A heating apparatus of the PCV valve 1 includes a cover member and an output shaft that conducts heat generated in the step motor by energization to the valve element and the valve seat, and an electronic control unit (ECU) for conducting energization of the step motor to hold the valve element in the fixed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicants: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Asanuma, Katsumi Ishida, Koichi Suzuki, Naoya Okada, Shoichiro Morinaka
  • Patent number: 7574987
    Abstract: A device intended for heating the coolant of a motor driven vehicle in order to heat the engine of the vehicle. The device includes a connection arrangement arranged to allow electrical connection of the device to a current source and a heat-generating element including an electrical conductor designed to generate heat when a current flows through the conductor, which heat-generating element is designed to be in contact with and transfer the generated thermal energy to the coolant water, wherein the electrical conductor is designed in such a way that the conductor is destroyed if the heat transfer from the heat-generating element substantially decreases during a time period, wherein the current through the conductor is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Calix AB
    Inventor: Erik Preiholt
  • Publication number: 20090162041
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating device (1) for fuel with at least one PTC heating element (5) and a heat transfer device (6) in thermal contact with the latter, which exhibits two heat transfer elements (7, 7?), and with a tubular casing (2) made of plastic that envelop the heat transfer device (6) and the a least one PTC heating element (5), wherein the diesel fuel to be heated flows through the casing (2) and around the heat transfer device (6) during operation of the heating device (1). Provided on the interior side of the tubular casing (2) is a guiding device that interacts with the at least one PTC heating element (5) and/or the heat transfer device (6) in such a way that at least one PTC heating element (5) and the heat transfer device (6) can be axially inserted into the casing (2) for assembling the heating device (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Klaus Dr. Beetz, Gerd Kissner
  • Patent number: 7531770
    Abstract: A cleaning processing jig is inserted into a bolt heater hole, and pollution such as extraneous matter on an inner surface of the hole is removed by a waste cloth. A penetration processing jig is inserted into the hole, and the penetrant is made to uniformly penetrate into the inner surface by a sponge onto which a penetrant is applied. Then, a developing processing jig is inserted into the hole, and the inner surface is developed by injecting a developer toward the inner surface from an injection tip provided on a head. When a predetermined time elapses after the developing processing, a visual inspection tool in which a visible head is attached to a tip of a pipe is inserted into the hole, and the inner surface is visually inspected through a light pipe connected to the visible head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoji Tanaka, Shigeo Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20090084108
    Abstract: A fuel conveying member for an engine, the fuel conveying member having heating means integrated therein to permit pyrolysis of carbonaceous deposits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Lev Alexander Prociw, Harris Shafique, Jason Fish, Bhawan B. Patel
  • Patent number: 7470874
    Abstract: A particle reduction apparatus comprises a radiation absorption zone for receiving a gaseous flow carrying particulate matter. A transparent shield surrounds at least a portion of the radiation absorption zone. A radiation source for generating radiation and for directing the radiation into the radiation absorption zone to promote reduction of the particulate matter is provided, and an insulation layer at least partially surrounds the radiation source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bahram Keramati, Mark Woodmansee, Aaron Simon, Roy Primus
  • Publication number: 20080178830
    Abstract: A motor oil heating system for a vehicle comprising one or more solar panels comprised of one or more photovoltaic cells; one or more heaters thermally coupled to the motor oil, wherein the solar panels are electrically coupled to the heaters and power the heaters based on a voltage generated by the solar panel such that the heaters warm the engine oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Richard Sposato
  • Publication number: 20080124062
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device for diesel fuel comprising at least one PTC heating element (8), at least two contact sheets (7) each comprising a front face (10) by means of which they contact the PTC heating element (8) electrically, wherein the PTC heating element (8) is provided between the front faces (10) of the two contact sheets (7); a plastic housing (2) enclosing an interior space through which the diesel fuel to be heated can flow and in which the PTC heating element (8) and the contact sheets (7) are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Kai Wallhaeusser, Gerhard Thome, Willi Arnold
  • Patent number: 7353810
    Abstract: A heating element for a fuel tank takes the form of an immersion heater commonly used in process applications to heat the contents of a fuel tank. The heater would be encased within a well for ease of servicing and replacement as well as safety. The tank heater would be wired in parallel with an engine block heater and connected to a suitable power cord, which would be plugged into a receptacle powered by alternating current. This feature allows the energizing of two heaters from only power cord and is identical to the procedure followed for only the block heater. The thermostat would be provided with an operating thermostat to keep the diesel fuel at the proper temperature, as well as an over-limit termination device for safety purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Steven D. Blaschke
  • Publication number: 20080061051
    Abstract: A method improving fuel economy by the retention of heat in or heating a liquid cooled, internal combustion engine is provided wherein insulation, a heating member, or both are attached to the engine and used to reduce heat loss from the engine or keep the engine at an operating temperature. The engine is subsequently maintained at the operating temperature or a temperature substantially close thereto for either a period of time determined by a user or for a time period that is longer than time periods obtained by following standard practices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: John E. Traina
  • Publication number: 20080047944
    Abstract: A heater includes an electrically conducting heating element, an insulator and a spring urging the insulator into contact with the heating element. The spring is formed from a superalloy and is operable to output a substantially constant force at a predetermined deflection up to approximately 650° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Paul T. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20080000889
    Abstract: The invention under consideration relates to an electric heating device for heating a flowing medium with a housing, in which the at least one electric heating element of the electric heating device is held securely and fully shielded from the medium held in the circulation chamber by a separating wall that divides the housing into a heating chamber and a circulation chamber. The circulation chamber has inlet openings and outlet openings for introducing and removing, respectively, the medium. The heating element is preferably a PTC heating element and is held by means of a clamping force in a recess formed by the separating wall, said recess preferably projecting into the circulation chamber. The invention furthermore relates to a recuperator for converting electrical energy into thermal energy, particularly for an electric drive in a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: CATEM GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Michael Niederer, Kurt Walz, Franz Bohlender
  • Patent number: 7230210
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling the operating conditions of a probe (11) associated with means purifying (7) exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine (2), which consists in comparing an output signal of the probe with a reference value, and in acting on the probe (11) to decrease a difference between the output signal (S1) and the reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Renault s.a.s.
    Inventors: Marc Daneau, Bernard Dionnet, Karim Guenounou, Valerie Vayssie
  • Patent number: RE40548
    Abstract: An engine oil heater suited to use with an engine having an oil fill port in fluid communication with an oil reservoir that is adapted to contain a quantity of oil. The engine heater generally includes a coupling member operable to engage the oil fill port and a heater element interconnected with the coupling member and having a sufficient length such that the heater element is adapted to be at least partially immersed in oil. A temperature sensor is positioned to measure a temperature and a first electrical connector is configured to engage a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector is electrically connectable to the heater element to provide a flow of current and a control circuit is operable to vary the flow of current to the heater element in response to the measured temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Ryczek, James D. Makiya, William M. Kindness, Kyle Clasen