Exhaust Emission Control Patents (Class 477/100)
  • Patent number: 10323592
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation control device for an engine is provided. The device includes an EGR passage connecting an exhaust passage of the engine with an intake passage of the engine, an EGR amount adjustor for adjusting an EGR amount that is a recirculation amount of exhaust gas of the engine through the EGR passage, an adjustor controller for controlling the EGR adjustor to adjust the EGR amount, and a gear position detector for detecting a gear position of a transmission of a vehicle on which the engine is mounted. When the gear position detected by the gear position detector during an idle operation of the engine is a non-travel position, the adjustor controller performs an EGR amount increase control in which the EGR amount adjustor is controlled to increase the EGR amount to be higher than when the gear position is a travel position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Minamoto, Kotaro Takahashi
  • Patent number: 10082030
    Abstract: Expansion machines in thermodynamic cycles operate at low pressures, i.e. below 10 bar. The interplay among components including gas generator, expansion machine, heat exchangers and pressure reduction device (absorber or condenser) is optimized, resulting in configurations operating at the lowest achievable cost level. A single stage radial turbine characterized by a pressure ratio of 5-10, a dimensionless speed of about 0.7 and a loading coefficient of 0.7 is a preferred expansion machine for certain thermodynamic cycles involving CO2 gas to permit such radial turbines to operate close to their optimum design specification and highest efficiency level. Methods to handle liquids which may condense within or inside the turbine are also disclosed, as well as methods to handle axial pressure on bearings and methods to protect lubricant in bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Climeon AB
    Inventors: Magnus Genrup, Olle Bergström, Joachim Karthauser, Kari Munukka, Esko Ahlbom, Per Askebjer
  • Patent number: 9957028
    Abstract: The speed of a marine propulsion system's engine is temporarily elevated in response to a decrease in helm demand. A controller receives a command to decrease the helm demand from a first helm demand to a second helm demand and compares a demand difference between the second helm demand and the first helm demand to a threshold demand delta. In response to the demand difference exceeding the threshold demand delta, the controller tabulates a time since the demand difference exceeded the threshold demand delta and determines an engine speed offset based upon the second helm demand and the time. The controller determines a non-elevated engine speed setpoint corresponding to the second helm demand and calculates an elevated engine speed setpoint based on the non-elevated engine speed setpoint and the engine speed offset. Engine speed is then decreased to the elevated engine speed setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: William P. O'Brien, Jason S. Arbuckle, Andrew J. Przybyl
  • Patent number: 9863352
    Abstract: A method for the regulation of a temperature in an exhaust stream in a motor vehicle through control of its driveline: the motor vehicle includes a driveline having a combustion engine, which may be connected to a gearbox via a clutch device, and an exhaust system for removing an exhaust stream from the engine. The method includes controlling the driveline for activation or deactivation of coasting of the vehicle based on one or several first parameters P1 and one or several second parameters P2 for regulation of a temperature TEx in the exhaust system. At least one of the first parameters P1 is a first temperature difference between the first temperature T1 in the exhaust system and a reference temperature TREF. The said second parameter P2 is related to a calculated speed and/or a calculated road inclination over the road section ahead for the motor vehicle. Further, a computer program, a computer program product, a system and a motor vehicle including such a system are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: SCANIA CV AB
    Inventors: Ola Stenlåås, Fredrik Roos
  • Patent number: 9834115
    Abstract: A coasting torque control method of a vehicle includes: determining whether external information is received; when the external information is received, acquiring one or more pieces of speed information about a road on which the vehicle is currently driving based on the received external information; selecting a coasting torque based on the acquired speed information; and controlling a drive motor coupled to a drive shaft of the vehicle based on the selected coasting torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sang Joon Kim
  • Patent number: 9816435
    Abstract: A method for propulsion of a vehicle (100) having a combustion engine (101) and a gearbox. (103), the engine (101) having a combustion chamber with an inlet for supply of combustion gas and an outlet for evacuation of exhaust gas, the method includes, during a change of gear from a first higher to a second lower gear ratio, increasing the pressure (Put) at the chamber outlet (202) with a turbocharger unit and, when the rate of revolution (n) of the combustion engine (101) has at least partially fallen, controlling the turbocharger unit (203) such that the combustion gas pressure (Pin) is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: SCANIA CV AB
    Inventors: Magnus Granström, Anders Larsson
  • Patent number: 9657667
    Abstract: A method for regulating a temperature in an exhaust stream in a motor vehicle through control of its driveline. The motor vehicle includes a driveline having a combustion engine connected to a gearbox via a clutch device. The gearbox has several discrete gears. The driveline includes an exhaust system configured for the removal of an exhaust stream from the combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: SCANIA CV AB
    Inventors: Ola Stenlåås, Fredrik Roos
  • Patent number: 9545908
    Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling a transmission system of a vehicle by positioning a disconnect clutch at its stroke point in response to a commanded engine shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Patent number: 9103259
    Abstract: An exhaust purification system of an internal combustion engine is provided with a hydrocarbon feed valve arranged in an engine exhaust passage and an exhaust purification catalyst for causing NOX contained in exhaust gas and reformed hydrocarbons to react. The exhaust purification catalyst reduces NOX if a concentration of inflowing hydrocarbons vibrates within a predetermined range of amplitude and within a predetermined range of period and increases the amount of storage of NOX if the vibration period of the concentration of hydrocarbons longer is than a predetermined range. When hydrocarbons are being fed from the hydrocarbon feed valve within the predetermined range of amplitude and the predetermined range of period, if the amount of adsorption of hydrocarbons in the exhaust purification catalyst exceeds a predetermined judgment value of the adsorption amount, at least one of reducing amount of feed of hydrocarbons and lengthening feed interval of hydrocarbons is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Uenishi, Mikio Inoue, Kohei Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9028366
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle in which at least two shift ranges can be selected for a single running direction includes an engine, a motor generator, an EHC raising the temperature of a catalyst for cleaning up an exhaust gas from the engine, and an ECU. While the vehicle is running, if the engine is stopped and, of the two shift ranges, a shift range where larger decelerating force is produced by regenerative braking of the motor generator has been selected, the ECU causes the EHC to raise the temperature of the catalyst using electric power generated by the motor generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Keita Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 9028367
    Abstract: A method for optimized launch of a vehicle is provided wherein a driveline of the vehicle at least includes an engine, an automatic transmission, a system for exhaust gas recirculation, which are controlled by a driveline management system, wherein the management system is able to determine the mass of the vehicle, and whereby a launching gear of the transmission is calculated dependent at least on the determined mass of the vehicle, whereby a launching gear is chosen dependent of the power loss caused by the EGR and wherein the power loss caused by the EGR is determined, the available power to launch the vehicle is determined, and the launching gear is recalculated dependent of the available power, and selecting said recalculated launching gear before launch of the vehicle, launch the vehicle with the recalculated launching gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Anders Eriksson, Johan Bjernetun
  • Patent number: 8909441
    Abstract: A driving power source rotational speed control device is provided in a vehicle outputs power of a rotary driving power source via a continuously variable transmission as motive power, that changes the rotational speed of the rotary driving power source in association with changes in the vehicle speed when acceleration is requested. The control device includes: acceleration/deceleration state determination means determines whether the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating when acceleration is requested; and rotary driving power source rotational speed change setting means sets the change gradient of the rotary driving power source rotational speed to establish the association of the rotary driving power source rotational speed with changes in the vehicle speed when acceleration is requested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroya Fujiwara, Akira Hino
  • Patent number: 8790219
    Abstract: In order to maintain a high NOx purification rate of a NOx reduction catalytic converter even in the case in which an NOx emission amount from an engine changes suddenly, in an exhaust emission purifying apparatus for an engine that reduces and purifies NOx in exhaust gas using ammonia generated from an injection-supplied urea aqueous solution, after engine starting, when an exhaust temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature T (step S1), an amount of urea aqueous solution corresponding to an actual engine operating state is injection-supplied (steps S3 to S5). On the other hand, at a change of the transmission speed ratio based on a driver's shift operation, an engine operating state after the change of the transmission speed ratio is predicted (steps S2, S6), and an amount of urea aqueous solution corresponding to the predicted engine operating state is injection-supplied before the change of the transmission speed ratio is completed (steps S7, S8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: UD Trucks Corporation
    Inventors: Masakazu Yano, Kiminobu Hirata, Nobuhiko Masaki
  • Patent number: 8764607
    Abstract: A start-stop system includes a fuel type module that determines a fuel type of a fuel supplied to an engine. A threshold module determines a first threshold based on the fuel type. A temperature module estimates a temperature of a catalyst of an exhaust system of the engine. A comparison module compares the temperature to the first threshold and generates a comparison signal. A power module adjusts power to a heating circuit based on the comparison signal. The heating circuit is configured to increase temperature of the catalyst. The power module adjusts the power to the heating circuit to increase the temperature of the catalyst when the engine is shutdown. An engine control module shuts down and restarts the engine to reduce idling time of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G. Santoso
  • Publication number: 20140038775
    Abstract: A multi-mode powertrain system employing a power-split configuration to transfer torque to a driveline includes an internal combustion engine fluidly coupled to an exhaust aftertreatment system having a catalytic device. A method for controlling the multi-mode powertrain system includes identifying permitted transition paths between a plurality of engine states. The plurality of engine states includes a default state, a pre-light-off state, a light-off state, and a post-light-off state. A preferred one of the plurality of engine states is selected in response to an output torque request and an operating temperature of the catalytic device. Engine operation is transitioned to the preferred one of the plurality of engine states via the permitted transition paths, and the engine is operated in the preferred one of the plurality of engine states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Anthony H. Heap, Kee Yong Kim, Yaoyao Wei, Alexander K. Rustoni
  • Publication number: 20130324363
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle (100) in which at least two shift ranges can be selected for a single running direction includes an engine (160), a motor generator (135), an EHC (180) raising the temperature of a catalyst for cleaning up an exhaust gas from the engine (160), and an ECU (300). While the vehicle (100) is running, if the engine (160) is stopped and, of the two shift ranges, a shift range where larger decelerating force is produced by regenerative braking of the motor generator (135) has been selected, the ECU (300) causes the EHC (180) to raise the temperature of the catalyst using electric power generated by the motor generator (135).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Keita Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8475333
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes a hybrid transmission and an internal combustion engine coupled to an exhaust aftertreatment device. A method for operating the powertrain system includes operating the hybrid transmission to generate tractive torque responsive to an operator torque request with the internal combustion engine in an engine-off state so long as the tractive torque is less than a threshold. The internal combustion engine is operated in an engine-on state at preferred operating conditions to effect light-off of the exhaust aftertreatment device and the hybrid transmission is coincidentally operated to generate tractive torque responsive to the operator torque request when the operator torque request exceeds the threshold. The internal combustion engine is then operated in the engine-on state to generate tractive torque responsive to the operator torque request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Nathaniel Roos, Brian L. Spohn
  • Patent number: 8366586
    Abstract: A method for obtaining fuel-loaded exhaust gases by late and/or delayed injection(s) of fuel into a Diesel engine combustion chamber of a motor vehicle including an automatic gearbox robotized or with constant torque variation. The laws defining the reduction ratio of the gearbox are modified to limit dilution of the fuel in the oil present in the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Adrien Pillot, Celine Etcheverry, Fabien Godon, Stephane Sadai
  • Publication number: 20120283067
    Abstract: A powertrain system includes a hybrid transmission and an internal combustion engine coupled to an exhaust aftertreatment device. A method for operating the powertrain system includes operating the hybrid transmission to generate tractive torque responsive to an operator torque request with the internal combustion engine in an engine-off state so long as the tractive torque is less than a threshold. The internal combustion engine is operated in an engine-on state at preferred operating conditions to effect light-off of the exhaust aftertreatment device and the hybrid transmission is coincidentally operated to generate tractive torque responsive to the operator torque request when the operator torque request exceeds the threshold. The internal combustion engine is then operated in the engine-on state to generate tractive torque responsive to the operator torque request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Nathaniel Roos, Brian L. Spohn
  • Patent number: 8277363
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is fluidly connected to an exhaust aftertreatment system and operatively connected to an electro-mechanical transmission to transmit tractive power to a driveline. The engine is controlled during an engine operating cycle by determining a temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment system and adjusting power output of the engine based upon the temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment system and a preferred temperature range of the exhaust aftertreatment system. The electro-mechanical transmission is controlled to transmit tractive power to the driveline to meet an operator torque request based upon the adjusted power output of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler Group LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: John L. Lahti, Anthony H. Heap
  • Publication number: 20120225752
    Abstract: A start-stop system includes a fuel type module that determines a fuel type of a fuel supplied to an engine. A threshold module determines a first threshold based on the fuel type. A temperature module estimates a temperature of a catalyst of an exhaust system of the engine. A comparison module compares the temperature to the first threshold and generates a comparison signal. A power module adjusts power to a heating circuit based on the comparison signal. The heating circuit is configured to increase temperature of the catalyst. The power module adjusts the power to the heating circuit to increase the temperature of the catalyst when the engine is shutdown. An engine control module shuts down and restarts the engine to reduce idling time of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G. Santoso
  • Patent number: 8007404
    Abstract: Discontinuous torque ratio shifts by a transmission can result in complex transient exhaust conditions that can adversely affect exhaust air-fuel ratio control, which can result in ineffective regeneration. In extreme cases, the result can be irreversible damage to exhaust system components. The inventors' concept is to alter either regeneration scheduling or shift scheduling to avoid shifting while regenerating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Dmitry Arie Shamis, Matthew Richard Busdiecker, Johannes Walter Reuter
  • Publication number: 20100087994
    Abstract: A method and control system for a transmission in communication with an engine includes a pedal input interpreter module determining a power demand signal from a pedal position and a vehicle speed. The system also includes a real time gear selection module determining an engine speed of each gear in response to the vehicle speed and power demand signal, determining an engine torque of each gear in response to the vehicle speed and power demand signal, determining a transmission component speed of each gear in response to the vehicle speed and power demand signal and determining a gear selection for the transmission from the power demand signal, the engine speed, the engine torque, and the transmission component speed. The system may also use the cost signal of each gear and penalty signal of each gear for determining the gear selection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Shushan Bai
  • Patent number: 7628009
    Abstract: A power generation system comprising a LNT for exhaust aftertreatment. The LNT has an effective operating temperature range. When the LNT is near a limit of its effective operating temperature range, the transmission is used to select operating points that increase the LNT's effectiveness. Generally, these operating points reduce the exhaust flow rate, although other factors such as the exhaust temperature may also be taken into account in selecting the operating points. Preferably, the LNT's effective operating temperature-range includes exhaust temperatures produced by the engine at its point of peak power output, whereby the LNT does not approach the limits of its effective operating temperature range except when the engine is at less than peak power. At lower power levels, it is generally possible to select operating points that provide lower exhaust flow rates than the flow rate occurring at the peak power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Haoran Hu, Thomas Stover, James Edward McCarthy, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090156358
    Abstract: Discontinuous torque ratio shifts by a transmission can result in complex transient exhaust conditions that can adversely affect exhaust air-fuel ratio control, which can result in ineffective regeneration. In extreme cases, the result can be irreversible damage to exhaust system components. The inventors' concept is to alter either regeneration scheduling or shift scheduling to avoid shifting while regenerating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Dmitry Arie Shamis, Matthew Richard Busdiecker, Johannes Walter Reuter
  • Publication number: 20090118091
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is fluidly connected to an exhaust aftertreatment system and operatively connected to an electro-mechanical transmission to transmit tractive power to a driveline. The engine is controlled during an engine operating cycle by determining a temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment system and adjusting power output of the engine based upon the temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment system and a preferred temperature range of the exhaust aftertreatment system. The electro-mechanical transmission is controlled to transmit tractive power to the driveline to meet an operator torque request based upon the adjusted power output of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerishe Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: John L. Lahti, Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 7422544
    Abstract: A method of producing lower emissions in the operation of a vehicle includes an internal combustion engine which gives off exhaust gases to an exhaust system comprising a catalytic converter, injectors which are designed to inject hydrocarbon into at least one of the exhaust system and the engine combustion chamber, and a transmission that can be driven by the engine. The method includes a step in which a gear in the vehicle transmission is selected as a function at least of information that catalytic conversion is required and information on the temperature in the exhaust system, so that the gear selected regulates the temperature in the exhaust system. The catalytic converter is preferably of the LNC (Lean NO, Catalyst) type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Sixten Berglund, Anders Eriksson, Marcus Steen, Lucas Megas
  • Publication number: 20080161156
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus includes a controller. When predetermined conditions are satisfied, the controller executes a neutral control that forcibly places an automatic transmission in a substantially neutral state, the predetermined conditions including the shift position of the automatic transmission being in the drive position. When it is determined that the amount of exhaust matter accumulated in a catalyst provided in an exhaust system of a vehicle has exceeded a first reference value, the controller executes a catalyst heating control that increases the temperature of the catalyst so as to remove the exhaust matter accumulated in the catalyst. When it is determined during the catalyst heating control that the amount of the exhaust matter accumulated in the catalyst has exceeded a second reference value that is larger than the first reference value, the controller prohibits the execution of the neutral control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masaaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7380396
    Abstract: The method of the present invention is adapted to protect an exhaust aftertreatment system by preventing the system from becoming clogged and/or damaged during periods of light engine load. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention protects the exhaust aftertreatment system by increasing the load on the engine during periods of light engine load and/or low exhaust temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: John P. Kresse
  • Patent number: 7370470
    Abstract: A method for increasing the exhaust gas temperature of internal combustion engines, particularly for driving a motor vehicle under load in order to reach the necessary regeneration temperature of at least one component of an exhaust gas post-treatment system, has the step of placing the engine under load by at least one of the brakes of the motor vehicle and/or by the starting element of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Olaf Graupner, Gerhard Wissler
  • Patent number: 7063642
    Abstract: One or more parameters for denitration or desulfations of a LNT is varied, whereby the saturation of NOx and/or SOx in the LNT is reduced to a lower level when an operating state makes the LNT otherwise less effective or places a greater demand for conversion efficiency on the LNT. The operating state can relate to whether the LNT is at the limit of its effective operating temperature range, a degree of poisoning, or an engine operating state. Selectively tolerating high degrees of sulfur poisoning or NOx saturation during periods of low exhaust flow allows the efficiency of denitrations and/or desulfations to be increased over a large portion of a vehicle's operating cycle, particularly when the engine uses a CVT. Another concept relates to a power generation system comprising an engine tuned to efficiently operate in a narrow speed range for all levels of power output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Haoran Hu, Thomas Stover, James Edward McCarthy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6839637
    Abstract: An exhaust emission control system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The system includes a NOx removing device provided in an exhaust system of the engine for removing NOx contained in exhaust gases, and an oxygen concentration sensor provided in the exhaust system. The air-fuel ratio of the air-fuel mixture to be supplied to the engine is changed from a value which is leaner than the stoichiometric ratio to a value which is richer than the stoichiometric ratio. It is determined whether or not a sulfur oxide concentration in the exhaust gases is high according to a transient characteristic of an oxygen concentration detected by the oxygen concentration sensor after the air-fuel ratio is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norio Moteki, Kotaro Miyashita, Yuichiro Tanabe, Mitsuo Hashizume, Hiroaki Hasumi
  • Patent number: 6716136
    Abstract: A system is described for minimizing engine torque disturbances that would otherwise cause degraded drive feel by a vehicle driver. The system utilizes multiple torque transmission paths of a transaxle unit mounted to the engine. The system manipulates the torque transmitted by adjusting the clutches of multiple torque transmission paths so that the torque disturbance in the engine results in relatively constant vehicle drive torque. In one example, a potential torque increase due to a change in engine air-fuel ratio is minimized by transmitted torque through multiple transmission paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Davorin David Hrovat, Ilya V. Kolmanovsky
  • Publication number: 20040043866
    Abstract: A system is described for minimizing engine torque disturbances that would otherwise cause degraded drive feel by a vehicle driver. The system utilizes multiple torque transmission paths of a transaxle unit mounted to the engine. The system manipulates the torque transmitted by adjusting the clutches of multiple torque transmission paths so that the torque disturbance in the engine results in relatively constant vehicle drive torque. In one example, a potential torque increase due to a change in engine air-fuel ratio is minimized by transmitted torque through multiple transmission paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Davorin David Hrovat, Ilya V. Kolmanovsky
  • Patent number: 6648797
    Abstract: An engine control method for reducing emissions during cold start and idling is provided, which includes: opening an ISA with a predetermined opening rate such that an air/fuel ratio becomes higher than a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio, and minimizing an engine load caused by an automatic transmission; performing air/fuel ratio control and ignition timing control based on engine speed and engine load, and controlling an amount of fuel injected in consideration of a quantity of wetting fuel; and determining an air flow rate according to an engine speed and coolant temperature, and performing air/fuel ratio control and ignition timing control to control an engine speed fluctuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Myung-Sik Choi
  • Publication number: 20030047164
    Abstract: The strategy controls operation of an internal combustion engine in the time period before an oxygen sensor is warmed up sufficiently to provide reliable feedback measurements. It involves using a target speed-time (or event) goal, and then applying feedback, feedforward, and/or adaptive controls on the difference between the target and a measured engine speed. The target speed time (or event) can be programmed into an engine controller as a lookup table. The actual engine speed at each desired time or event can then be compared to the desired speed to obtain a difference value. Fueling, or any other speed control parameters, can be modified based on the difference value using feedback or feedforward routines to correct the measured value toward the target. The fueling or other control parameters can also be adapted for the next start based on any corrections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: John R. Jaye
  • Publication number: 20020165063
    Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for a vehicle including an internal combustion engine and a continuously variable transmission capable of controlling an output speed of the engine. A controller of the control apparatus determines a first operating point at which a total fuel consumption amount is minimized as an optimal operating point, such that the total fuel consumption amount is obtained by adding an amount of a fuel consumed by an exhaust purifying device disposed in an exhaust system to an amount of a fuel consumed by the engine for generating a required output. The controller then controls an engine load and also controls a speed ratio of the transmission so that the engine operates at the optimal operating point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yasushi Ito
  • Patent number: 6467255
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (1) especially for a motor vehicle is described. The engine is provided with an injection valve (10) with which the fuel is injected for a combustion, can be injected directly into a combustion chamber (4) of a cylinder (3) in a first operating mode during an induction phase and in a second operating mode during a compression phase. A spark plug (11) is provided with which the fuel, which is injected in both operating modes, is ignited. A catalytic converter (13) is provided for storing nitrous oxides arising during the combustion. With a control apparatus (12), the operating variables of the engine (1) can be controlled (open-loop and/or closed-loop) in both operating modes. A gear change into another gear stage and a switchover into the first operating mode can be carried out approximately simultaneously by the control apparatus (12). The switchover into the first operating mode is provided for discharging the nitrous oxides stored in the catalytic converter (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Grob, Uwe Maienberg
  • Publication number: 20020107105
    Abstract: A direct injection type engine comprising a variable speed transmission. Engine control lines indicating the relationship between the engine rotational speed and required torque necessary for obtaining a required output are comprised of a first control line and a second control line at the high torque side and low speed side of the first control line. When the degree of activation of the exhaust gas purification device is low, the required torque and the engine rotational speed are made ones on the first control line in accordance with the required output, while when the degree of activation is high, the required torque and the engine rotational speed are made ones on the second control line in accordance with the required output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Murata, Shizuo Sasaki, Kohei Igarashi
  • Patent number: 6188944
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling torque disturbances in direct injection stratified charge and lean burn port-fuel injection engines (12) through continuously variable transmission (40). The method and system include using the continuously variable transmission (40) to mitigate the effects of torque disturbances due to a lean NOx trap (22) purge cycle (100). The continuously variable transmission (40) is coordinated with other engine variables, such as throttle (36), fueling rate (Wf), injection timing (&ggr;), and spark timing (&dgr;), to keep the operation near the optimal regime. In periods of trap (22) purge, the engine control variables and the continuously variable transmission (40) are coordinated to maximize purge efficiency for a predetermined period of time. In periods of normal operation (102), the engine control variables and the continuously variable transmission (40) are coordinated to minimize fuel consumption subject to emission constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Llya V. Kolmanovsky, Jing Sun, Leyi Wang
  • Patent number: 5997434
    Abstract: A controller for a drive train of a motor vehicle having an engine and an automatic transmission, includes an engine controller through which variables that influence the torque of the engine are controlled, a transmission controller through which shift processes of the automatic transmission are controlled, and an interface which connects the engine controller and the transmission controller to one another and through which data are transmitted to give the vehicle good handling. The interface is used to transmit a status signal which signals to the transmission controller that catalytic converter regeneration is taking place, and through which a shift process in the transmission is changed in the transmission controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Friedrich Graf, Erwin Achleitner
  • Patent number: 5881552
    Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine has a catalyst arranged in the exhaust system, for purifying exhaust gases emitted from the engine. An ECU controls operation of the engine, based on at least one predetermined control parameter, and detects a temperature state of the catalyst at the start of the engine. The at least one predetermined control parameter is changed, based on the detected temperature state of the catalyst, after the start of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoichi Iwata, Akira Katoh, Toshikazu Oketani, Tetsu Teshirogi, Kentaro Yokoo, Naoki Iida, Yoshihisa Hara
  • Patent number: 5875761
    Abstract: An engine drive torque controller has a first mode in which torque is controlled by varying air-fuel ratio within a range greater than stoichiometric and a second mode in which torque is controlled while maintaining a substantially fixed air-fuel ratio. The control modes are selected to keep nitrogen oxide emissions low. The torque controller also changes the air-fuel ratio during transmission shifting to prevent variations in torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mamoru Fujieda, Toshiharu Nogi, Yoshishige Oyama, Minoru Ohsuga, Takuya Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 5827745
    Abstract: Apparatus for loading onto a pipettor a plurality of micropipette tips, the pipettor having a plurality of tip pins depending from a head portion, the tips each having an upper, hollow, tapered, generally cylindrical barrel portion and lower, hollow, generally cylindrical aspirating tip portion, both lying along a common vertical axis and being cojoined at a horizontal shoulder, and the tips being frictionally held in a tip package, the apparatus comprising: a horizontal pusher plate to simultaneously engage the shoulder on each of the tips and to simultaneously raise the tips for insertion of the tip pins therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas W. Astle
  • Patent number: 5387163
    Abstract: An outboard motor having vertically spaced cylinders and wherein exhaust emission control is provided by providing a leaner than normal fuel/air mixture to the lower cylinders under certain conditions. In addition, the device provides enrichment when the engine is operating at a below normal condition and also provides an engine speed reduction if the engine is operating at a temperature above a desired maximum temperature. Both three cylinder inline and V-6 embodiments are depicted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Sakamoto, Chitoshi Saito