Material From Exhaust Structure Fed To Engine Intake Patents (Class 60/278)
  • Patent number: 7328573
    Abstract: A system for assisting regeneration of a particle filter of an exhaust line (3) of a diesel engine associated with, in particular: a particle filter (7); an oxidation catalytic converter (6); a common system (8) for feeding fuel to the cylinders of the engine; means (16) for adding to the fuel an additive adapted to reduce the combustion temperature of the trapped particles and propagate their combustion; and monitoring means (17) for triggering a phase of regeneration of the particle filter by combustion of the particles trapped therein during a phase of multiple injections of fuel; characterized in that the particle filter (7) is impregnated with a catalyst for oxidizing the hydrocarbons and CO present in the exhaust gases flowing through said particle filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Christine Rigaudeau, Yvan Agliany, Marion Wermester
  • Publication number: 20080010976
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas regenerator (VG) comprising an exhaust gas catalyst (KAT). According to the invention, the hot-operated catalyst (KAT) is located adjacent to a diffusion membrane (MEM) that is resistant to high temperatures and is, in turn, adjacent to a regenerated gas collector (RS) that is maintained at a lower pressure (pr) than the respectively prevailing inner pressure (pk) in the catalyst, and the regenerated gas (RG) produced is supplied as a complementary fuel to a combustion device (COMB) mounted upstream of the generator (1) and/or is used otherwise in a chemico-energetic manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2005
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventor: Werner Lohberg
  • Patent number: 7313913
    Abstract: An oxidation catalyst is disposed upstream of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) in an exhaust passage of a diesel engine. An electronic control unit (ECU) operates temperature increasing circuit to combust and eliminate particulate matters deposited on the DPF. The ECU determines execution and stoppage of regeneration of the DPF based on a quantity of the particulate matters deposited on the DPF. The ECU increases an exhaust gas recirculation quantity (EGR quantity) during the regeneration to reduce an intake air quantity from the intake air quantity in a non-regeneration period and to achieve a flow rate of the exhaust gas passing through the DPF suitable for the temperature increase. The ECU corrects a valve opening degree of an EGR control valve based on the sensed intake air quantity to reduce a variation in the exhaust gas flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Okugawa, Kazuo Kobayashi, Hiroshi Haraguchi
  • Patent number: 7314501
    Abstract: A method in which all or some of the particles contained in the exhaust gases of a diesel engine are retained on particle filters and burnt due to the action of a combustion catalyst. At least a part of the particle filters are obstructed when the temperature ?g of the exhaust gases for filtration is equal to or less than a threshold temperature ?s, so as to limit or avoid cooling of the obstructed part of the particle filters and to maintain the same at a temperature ?o greater than or equal to ?s up until the time when ?g becomes greater than ?s again and thus permit accelerated regeneration of the obstructed part of the particle filters. Also disclosed is an exhaust gas filtration device which permits the carrying out of the filtration method with continuous and regular regeneration of the particle filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Fayard
  • Patent number: 7296400
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine capable of reforming and recycling a portion of fuel included in exhaust gas from a combustion chamber includes an exhaust passage where exhaust gas from the combustion chamber flows; a reformer that has a reforming reaction chamber including a fuel reforming catalyst; a branch passage that branches from the exhaust passage at a branch portion provided upstream from the reformer, and directs exhaust gas to the reforming reaction chamber; and a secondary air supplier and an exhaust purification catalyst serving as fuel removal means, which are provided downstream from the branch portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Isamu Nakada
  • Patent number: 7296403
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine exhaust gas recirculation system. A turbine section of a turbocharger is coupled to an exhaust manifold of the engine. A compressor section has an output coupled to an intake manifold of the engine. The exhaust gas aftertreatment system is coupled to an output of the turbine section. The exhaust gas aftertreatment system includes a particulate filter having: a housing of an outer wall and an inner wall; a particulate filtering section disposed within the inner wall of the housing; and a channel formed between the inner wall and the outer wall. The channel created by the outer wall includes: an inlet disposed downstream of the filtering section for receiving a portion of exhaust gasses exiting the filtering section, and an outlet coupled to the input of the compressor section of the turbine for transporting the exhaust gasses received by the inlet of the channel to an input of the compressor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael S. Goebelbecker
  • Patent number: 7293407
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a diesel engine in which an air ratio (?) of the fuel which is to be burnt and of the combustion air supplied is set by a control unit (14) according to predetermined values. When a value (15) which is predetermined as a switching criterion is recorded, the control unit (14) switches to a special operating mode for regeneration of a catalytic converter (22) and sets the fuel/air ratio according to predetermined values for this operating mode. To achieve more effective regeneration of the catalytic converter, according to the invention it is provided that at least one afterinjection, which is separated in time from a main injection, of fuel which is also to be burnt takes place in the special operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Holger Adler, Klaus Allmendinger, Dirk Becker, Oliver Erlenmayer, Andreas Hasert, Hans-Hubert Hemberger, Anton Kerckhoff, Stefan Kurze, Michael Lenz, Thomas Liebscher, Ulrich Merten, Andreas Roll, Norbert Ruzicka
  • Patent number: 7284366
    Abstract: In an apparatus having an internal combustion engine, a compressor for compressing engine intake gases, a particulate filter for filtering particulate matter from engine exhaust, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for recirculating exhaust gases from a location downstream of the particulate filter to a location upstream of the compressor, and a particulate filter function detector configured to detect a failure of the particulate filter, a method of operating the engine, including receiving a signal from the particulate filter function detector, comparing the signal from the particulate filter function detector to a predetermined signal threshold, determining if the signal received from the particulate filter function detector meets a predetermined condition relative to the predetermined signal threshold; and reducing a flow of exhaust gas through the EGR system if the signal meets the predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Kurtz
  • Patent number: 7281530
    Abstract: A supercharging system for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust introduction passage for introducing exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine; an exhaust discharge passage for introducing the exhaust gas from the exhaust introduction passage and exhausting the exhaust gas to an exterior; a mixture part arranged between the exhaust introduction passage and the exhaust discharge passage, for changing internal pressure into negative pressure upon accelerating flowing velocity of the exhaust gas with a narrowed flowing passage set to have a smaller diameter than the exhaust introduction pipe; an absorption passage for mixing outside air and the exhaust gas inside the mixture part upon introducing the outside air with use of negative pressure into an inside of the mixture part; and an intake passage for taking out and returning a part of mixed gas mixed inside the mixture part to a side of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayoshi Usui
  • Patent number: 7281368
    Abstract: In an NOx discharge quantity estimation method for an internal combustion engine equipped with an EGR apparatus, the gas components (e.g., oxygen molecules and NOx) of intake gas taken into a combustion chamber are assumed to be uniformly distributed throughout the entire region of the combustion chamber. Under such assumption, the combustion chamber is divided into a combustion region (region B) and a non-combustion region (region A) by making use of the ratio of the “mass of oxygen consumed as a result of combustion” to the “total mass of oxygen taken in the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Teruhiko Miyake, Shigeki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7266944
    Abstract: In order to restrict an over-temperature-rising of a diesel particulate filter (DPF), an electronic control unit (ECU) computes a flow rate of the exhaust gas flowing through the DPF so that temperature of the DPF is kept at a temperature in which the DPF can be regenerated. By adjusting a position of a throttle valve, a fresh air flow rate is adjusted so that the flow rate of the exhaust gas flowing through the DPF is equal to a target flow rate of the exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Okugawa, Kazuo Kojima
  • Patent number: 7251932
    Abstract: A reconfigurable exhaust system provides selective positioning of exhaust gas treatment devices either near, or spaced from, the exhaust gas outlet port of a turbine of a turbocharged Diesel engine. In some embodiments, auxiliary air or a heat exchanger are arranged to cool the exhaust gas when required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Yiqun Huang
  • Patent number: 7249453
    Abstract: Prior to failure determination of a three-way catalyst, which is carried out on the basis of a reverse frequency ratio of upstream and downstream O2 sensors, deterioration determination is performed at the point when the reverse frequency ratio of the O2 sensors starts to increase, and low NOx control is then implemented. The implement of the low NOx control makes it possible to compensate for the deterioration of the three-way catalyst with respect to NOx purification and to keep NOx emissions from the three-way catalyst equal to or less than the regulation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Saito, Yoshiaki Higuchi, Hitoshi Kamura
  • Patent number: 7240480
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is disclosed in which at least one cylinder is adapted to run in homogeneous-charge compression-ignition (HCCI) combustion mode and at least one cylinder is adapted to run in spark-ignition (SI) combustion mode with the HCCI cylinder having a compression ratio at least 2 ratios higher than the SI cylinder. The intakes and exhausts of the HCCI and SI cylinders are separated with a throttle valve disposed in each intake and exhaust aftertreatment devices tailored to each combustion mode disposed in the exhausts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Brevick, Clifford Carlson
  • Patent number: 7219492
    Abstract: This system for assisting regeneration of a storage/release NOx trap integrated into an exhaust system (5) of a motor vehicle diesel engine (4) is characterized in that it includes means (11) for injecting fuel into the cylinders of the engine (4) in the form of pilot injections and main injections and means (12) for controlling the injection means (11) to switch the engine (4) periodically from a standard mode of operation using a lean mixture and pilot injection and main injection, in which NOx are stored in the trap (6), to a regeneration mode of operation using a rich mixture, with at least two pilot or main injections depending on the engine load, in which NOx, are released from the trap (6) and the trap is regenerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Yvon Beauge, Ali Chaouche, Djamal Medioun, Piet Ameloot, Mickael Gascoin
  • Patent number: 7210289
    Abstract: An engine output control system includes an engine ECU having a fundamental ignition timing map, a fundamental fuel injection quantity map, a target throttle angle determination unit for determining a target throttle angle of an exhaust control valve, an exhaust control valve diagnosis unit for diagnosing operation of the exhaust control valve, an ignition timing map to be used during an abnormality for determining fundamental ignition timing when the exhaust control valve operates abnormally, and an abnormal fuel injection thinning-out table for determining a reduced rate of fuel injection when the exhaust control valve has been diagnosed as abnormal. The exhaust control valve driving unit supplies a driving current to an actuator in such a manner that the target throttle angle notified by the engine ECU coincides with actual valve throttle angle. The system is capable of obtaining sufficient traveling performance even when an exhaust control valve has is operating abnormally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoyuki Sugano, Norihiko Sasaki, Noritake Takami, Yuichi Moriyama, Hiroaki Tamai
  • Patent number: 7207323
    Abstract: A fuel conversion system having an exhaust gas generator, such as an engine or a furnace, having a heated exhaust gas outlet, a reactor vessel having a heated exhaust gas inlet in fluid communication with the heated exhaust gas outlet, having a cooled exhaust gas outlet, and containing at least one reactor tube having an exhaust gas inlet in fluid communication with the heated exhaust gas outlet, a convertible fuel inlet, and a converted fuel outlet, and a monolithic fuel conversion catalyst structure substantially centered within the at least one reactor tube and shaped to form at least one flow channel between the monolithic fuel conversion catalyst structure and an inside wall of the at least one reactor tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Utilization Technology Development, NFP
    Inventor: Klaus Heinrich Hemsath
  • Patent number: 7181902
    Abstract: A method for controlling a direct-injection gasoline engine during regeneration of a lean NOx trap disposed in an exhaust path of the engine includes determining the current air-fuel ratio and comparing the current air-fuel ratio to a lean limit air-fuel ratio. Transitions from lean stratified engine operation to rich homogenous engine operation are delayed until the current air-fuel ratio reaches the lean limit air-fuel ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Sanjeev M. Naik
  • Patent number: 7181908
    Abstract: A torque compensation method for controlling a direct-injection gasoline engine during regeneration of a lean NOx trap disposed in an exhaust path of the engine determines a desired torque in accordance with driver demands, cruise control settings or idle control. An estimate of torque loss attributable to stratified to homogeneous transitioning to effect the regeneration is determined and a compensating control torque to the engine is provided in an amount sufficient to compensate for the estimated decrease in engine torque to thereby maintain the desired torque level during the lean NOx trap regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Sanjeev M. Naik
  • Patent number: 7178326
    Abstract: An ECU controls an opening degree of an EGR gas switch valve based on a temperature of intake air and a load state of an engine in such a manner that a temperature of exhaust gas becomes a suitable temperature, which is suitable for regeneration of a particulate filter arranged in an exhaust gas passage. In this way, cooled EGR gas, which passes a main passage, and hot EGR gas, which passes a bypass passage, are appropriately mixed. In a case, where reliability of an EGR valve cannot be maintained, EGR cut is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Kojima, Hiroshi Haraguchi
  • Patent number: 7174706
    Abstract: An exhaust emission control system for an internal combustion engine is located on a vehicle and provided with a particulate filter to accumulate particulate matters in an exhaust gas of the engine. The system has a pressure difference detector, an exhaust flow rate detector, a regeneration controller and a detection accuracy increaser. The pressure difference detector detects a differential pressure in the particulate filter. The exhaust flow rate detector detects an exhaust flow rate of the engine. The regeneration controller determines to regenerate the particulate filter based on the differential pressure and the exhaust flow rate. The detection accuracy increaser increases a detection accuracy of the differential pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tsukasa Kuboshima, Masumi Kinugawa
  • Patent number: 7162864
    Abstract: A method of controlling NOx emission from combustors. The method involves the controlled addition of a diluent such as nitrogen or water vapor, to a base fuel to reduce the flame temperature, thereby reducing NOx production. At the same time, a gas capable of enhancing flame stability and improving low temperature combustion characteristics, such as hydrogen, is added to the fuel mixture. The base fuel can be natural gas for use in industrial and power generation gas turbines and other burners. However, the method described herein is equally applicable to other common fuels such as coal gas, biomass-derived fuels and other common hydrocarbon fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Sandia National Laboratories
    Inventors: Robert W. Schefer, Jay O Keller
  • Patent number: 7159386
    Abstract: A crankcase ventilation system may include a first exhaust flow path configured to permit flow of main exhaust gases from a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine and a particulate trap disposed in the first exhaust flow path. The system may also include a second exhaust flow path configured to enable flow of crankcase gases from a crankcase of the internal combustion engine and to merge the crankcase gases with the main exhaust gases at a point in the first exhaust flow path located downstream of the particulate trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Cornelius N. Opris
  • Patent number: 7159393
    Abstract: A device for purifying exhaust gases from a combustion engine (1) is provided with a first filter (10) arranged in an exhaust conduit (7) between the engine (1) and an exhaust outlet (8) for removing particular constituents from the exhaust gases, and a recirculation conduit (11) for diverting a part of the exhaust gases passing through the first filter (10) recirculating this part of the exhaust gases to the air intake (2) of the engine. A second filter (30) is arranged between the inlet end (20) of the recirculation conduit and the air intake (2) of the engine. A method for purifying exhaust gases from the combustion engine (1) and using this device to purify exhaust gas, in particular, from a diesel engine, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: STT Emtec AB
    Inventors: Micael Blomquist, Urban Ericson
  • Patent number: 7152393
    Abstract: In an arrangement for reducing exhaust emissions and utilizing the throttling energy of an internal combustion engine, a compressor and a generator are operatively connected to a turbine by which the intake air flow is controlled while transferring the throttling energy recuperated by the turbine to the compressor and the generator and, in the engine start-up phase, the compressor supplies fresh air to an engine air intake duct, the intake air flow volume being controlled by the energy withdrawn from the turbine via the compressor and the generator thus eliminating the need for a throttle valve in the fresh air intake line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG.
    Inventors: Thorsten Hergemöller, Armin Hürland, Andreas Juretzka, Hans-Georg Lehmann
  • Patent number: 7146800
    Abstract: An exhaust purification device, including a NOx storing catalyst comprised of a precious metal catalyst and NOx absorbent, arranged in an engine exhaust passage, which increases the ratio of the nitrogen dioxide to the nitrogen monoxide produced when burning fuel under a lean air-fuel ratio when the NOx storing catalyst is not active compared with the time when the NOx storing catalyst is active under the same engine operating conditions and stores the nitrogen dioxide contained in the exhaust gas in the NOx absorbent at that time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shunsuke Toshioka, Shinya Hirota, Takamitsu Asanuma, Yasuaki Nakano, Kohei Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7137247
    Abstract: In regeneration apparatus and method for a particulate filter that collects a particulate in exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, a timing at which an accumulated particulate is combusted to regenerate the particulate filter is determined and a control is performed for a combustion of the particulate, during the control for the combustion of the particulate, a temperature of the engine exhaust gas is raised to a first target temperature set at a temperature equal to or higher than a criterion temperature which provides a criterion of whether the particulate is combusted to regenerate the particulate filter when the engine falls in a first driving region, and the engine exhaust gas temperature is raised to a second target temperature set at a temperature lower than the criterion temperature when the engine falls in a second driving region different from the first driving region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimasa Koga, Junichi Kawashima, Makoto Otake, Naoya Tsutsumoto, Terunori Kondou, Takao Inoue
  • Patent number: 7137246
    Abstract: A system and method are described for operating a diesel engine and particulate filter during self-sustained filter regeneration. In particular, a method is described for preventing over-temperature during filter regeneration by limiting excess oxygen supplied to the particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel J. van Nieuwstadt, Tom Alan Brewbaker
  • Patent number: 7131263
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing contaminants from internal combustion engine exhaust gas recirculation cooler. The method feeds a portion of such exhaust gasses to an input end of an exhaust gas recirculation cooler with such gases flowing through the cooler to exit an output end of the cooler. The output end is at a lower elevation then the input end with gravitational forces being imparted to the contaminants. At least a portion of the contaminants exiting the cooler are collected in a trap. The exhaust gasses exiting the trap are returned to an intake manifold of the engine. Apparatus includes: a cooler for cooling the exhaust gasses having an input port for receiving a portion of such exhaust gasses and an output port for removing the cooled gasses; and a trap coupled to the output port for collecting particulates in the exhaust gasses passing to such trap from the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel J. Styles
  • Patent number: 7121086
    Abstract: Sulphur oxides in the exhaust gas of a vehicle engine (1) are trapped by a nitrogen oxide trapping catalyst (5A). A controller (6) calculates the sulphur oxide poisoning amount of the trapping catalyst (5A) from the running condition of the vehicle (S13), and desulphating the sulphur oxides by a removing mechanism (3, 4, 14). The release amount of sulphur oxides per unit time due to desulphating is set as a parameter based on the sulphur oxide poisoning amount (S11), and by integrating the calculated release amount using the parameter, the current poisoning amount is calculated, and the release completion timing is precisely found.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nishii, Kenichi Sato, Yasuji Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 7121081
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, an intake pipe, and an afterburner. As the intake valve communicates an exhaust gas stream to an EGR valve, an afterburner affixed to an inside wall of the intake pipe captures and burns large particles contained in the exhaust gas stream to prevent obstruction of the EGR valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: GSI Engine Management Group
    Inventors: John F. Wirkus, Robert F. Killion
  • Patent number: 7112231
    Abstract: A clutch filter for filtering a fluid and a method for installing a filter member on the clutch filter are provided. The clutch filter includes a conduit member having an inlet end and an outlet end. The clutch filter further includes a filter member configured to be removably disposed about an exterior of the conduit member wherein an inner surface of the filter member and an exterior surface of the conduit member are in a spaced relationship. Finally, the clutch filter includes a collection vessel coupled to the outlet end of the conduit member. The collection vessel defines a first area in fluid communication with the outlet end. A second area is defined between the inner surface of the filter member and the exterior surface of the conduit member that is in fluid communication with the first area. A portion of the exterior surface of the filter member is not covered by the collection vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Edmond H. Cote, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7107764
    Abstract: An exhaust treatment system of a power source includes a filter having a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and a regeneration device disposed outside of the housing of the filter. The regeneration device is fluidly connected to the inlet of the housing. The exhaust treatment system also includes an exhaust line configured to assist in directing a portion of a filtered flow of exhaust from the filter outlet to the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Cornelius N. Opris, John P. Timmons, Mari Lou Balmer-Millar, Cho Y. Liang, Anil Raina
  • Patent number: 7107761
    Abstract: An exhaust control apparatus applied to an internal combustion engine in which intake sides of a plurality of cylinder groups are connected to a common intake passage and exhaust sides thereof are connected to different exhaust passages, comprises an exhaust gas flow amount adjusting device for causing a flow amount of exhaust gas, which is discharged through each of the exhaust passages of the cylinder groups, to be changed, an exhaust gas flow amount difference estimating device for estimating a difference in an exhaust gas flow amount between the exhaust passages of the cylinder groups, and an exhaust gas flow amount control device for controlling the exhaust gas flow amount adjusting device so as to reduce the estimated difference in the exhaust gas flow amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Takao Fukuma, Yoshiyuki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7104048
    Abstract: A diesel engine system includes a diesel engine having a first exhaust segment and a second exhaust segment. A filter filters exhaust gas from the first and second exhaust segments. A flow control valve selectively re-circulates a portion of exhaust from the first exhaust segment back into the diesel engine. An injector system injects fuel into exhaust flowing through the second exhaust segment. The fuel is combusted to regenerate the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: David B. Brown
  • Patent number: 7100365
    Abstract: In a combustion control system, a control unit determines, based on an operating condition of an exhaust purifying device, whether a request for an exhaust temperature rise or a rich A/F ratio engine operating mode is present. The control unit executes, by way of fuel injection control in presence of the request of the exhaust temperature rise or the rich operating mode, a split retard combustion mode in which a main combustion needed to produce a main engine torque and at least one preliminary combustion occurring prior to the main combustion are both achieved, and the preliminary combustion occurs near top dead center on a compression stroke, and the main combustion initiates after completion of the preliminary combustion. The control unit simultaneously executes an exhaust-emission reduction control that reduces HC and CO emissions, while keeping the excess air factor at a desired value in the catalyst deactivated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Nishizawa, Masayoshi Kishino, Yasuhisa Kitahara
  • Patent number: 7080506
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system is configured to recirculate a large amount of exhaust gas to an engine intake passage while reducing contamination inside the intake passage caused by the recirculated exhaust gas and prevent damage to the intake passage caused by the heat of the recirculated exhaust gas. A first recirculation path recirculates exhaust gas from an upstream section of the exhaust passage located upstream of a catalytic converter unit. A second recirculation path recirculates exhaust gas from a downstream section of the exhaust passage located downstream of the catalytic converter unit. A control unit is provided that controls the switching of a selector valve between the first and the second recirculation paths based on the temperature of the recirculated exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Fukuzumi, Yuichi Iriya, Shinichi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 7076944
    Abstract: An exhaust gas cleaning system of a diesel engine includes a diesel particulate filter (a DPF) disposed in an exhaust passage, and a diesel oxidation catalyst (a DOC) disposed upstream of the DPF. When an electronic control unit (an ECU) performs a temperature increasing operation such as post-injection to eliminate particulate matters accumulated in the DPF, a ratio (a duty ratio) between a performing period and an interrupting period of the temperature increasing operation is changed in accordance with temperature of the DPF. Thus, a quantity of hydrocarbon supplied to the DOC is controlled stepwise or continuously. Thus, the temperature of the DPF can be increased to target temperature quickly and can be maintained near the target temperature when the regeneration of the DPF is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Okugawa, Tsukasa Kuboshima
  • Patent number: 7065959
    Abstract: A regeneration control device, which regenerates a filter (13) for trapping particulate matter in exhaust gas from an engine (1), is disclosed. The filter (13) supports a catalyst which oxidizes unburnt components in the exhaust gas. The regeneration control device has a temperature sensor (14) which detects a filter inlet exhaust gas temperature (Tdpf_in_mea); and a microcomputer (22). The microcomputer (22) is programmed to compute a filter outlet exhaust gas temperature (Tdpf_out_cal), not including temperature rise due to oxidation reaction of unburnt components based on the detected inlet exhaust gas temperature; compute the filter bed temperature (Tbed_cal) based on the detected inlet exhaust gas temperature and computed outlet exhaust gas temperature; compute a temperature rise (?Thc1) due to oxidation reaction of unburnt components; correct the bed temperature based on the computed temperature rise (?Thc1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shouichirou Ueno, Junichi Kawashima, Makoto Otake, Terunori Kondou, Naoya Tsutsumoto, Takao Inoue, Toshimasa Koga
  • Patent number: 7059114
    Abstract: A hydrogen fueled reciprocating spark ignition engine includes a fuel system for providing gaseous hydrogen to the cylinders of the engine and a lean NOx trap coupled to the engine for treating the engine's exhaust. A controller determines when to purge the lean NOx trap and provides gaseous hydrogen to the lean NOx trap during purging by operating the engine fuel rich or injecting hydrogen upstream of the lean NOx trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoguo Tang, Joseph Robert Theis, Robert Jay Natkin, Siamak Hashemi, William F. Stockhausen
  • Patent number: 7051514
    Abstract: A method of controlling exhaust emission oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from an internal combustion engine (ICE) includes the steps of determining when an engine speed is below a first predetermined level, and controlling an oxygen displacement valve (ODV) such that at least a portion of exhaust gas generated by the ICE is directed into an intake air flow of the ICE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Shawn Midlam-Mohler
  • Patent number: 7047933
    Abstract: A low emission, direct injection, compression ignition, internal combustion engine operates with reduced charge-air oxygen concentration levels to control localized peak combustion temperatures and reduce NOx formation. Low cetane fuel, below 43 cetane, and most preferably with a cetane rating below 30, is utilized with the combustion system to reduce smoke and PM formation simultaneously with the reduced NOx formation. In a preferred embodiment, FCC Naptha fuel, with a cetane rating below 30 and an end boiling point below 120 degrees Celsius, is used with the combustion system together with the reduced charge-air oxygen concentration levels to produce engine-out NOx emissions of 0.2 g/bhp-hr or lower, and PM emissions at 0.01 g/bhp-hr or lower, without the need for NOx (and potentially PM) aftertreatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7047730
    Abstract: De-sulfurizing a NOx adsorber catalyst (48) without significantly increasing the temperature of exhaust gases leaving the engine exhaust manifold (42) by using a diesel oxidation catalyst (46) between the exhaust manifold and the NOx adsorber catalyst to elevate exhaust gas temperature entering the NOx adsorber catalyst to suitable de-sulfurizing temperature through control of certain aspects of engine operation (24, 28, 52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Xinlei Wang, Patrick D. Barasa, Justin M. O'Connor, Shouxian Ren
  • Patent number: 7043914
    Abstract: An EGR system for an internal combustion engine provided with a first EGR passage for recirculating EGR gas to the downstream side of a compressor from the upstream side of a turbine of a turbo-charger is provided with a second EGR passage for recirculating EGR gas from the downstream side of the turbine to the upstream side of the EGR gas, and provided also with a DPF in the second EGR passage, while the exhaust gas flow in the first EGR passage and the second EGR passage is controlled based on the exhaust gas temperature detected by an exhaust gas temperature sensor arranged in the exhaust gas passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Naoya Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7040086
    Abstract: An exhaust purifying device is arranged in an exhaust gas passage extending from an internal combustion engine. The exhaust purifying device includes a NOx trapping catalyst that traps NOx in the exhaust gas when an exhaust air/fuel ratio is leaner than stoichiometric and releases the trapped NOx therefrom when the exhaust air/fuel ratio is richer than stoichiometric, and a particulate filter that collects a particulate matter in the exhaust gas. A condition detecting device is arranged to detect a condition of the particulate filter. An exhaust air/fuel ratio control device is arranged to control the exhaust gas from the engine in such a manner that the exhaust gas has a target exhaust air/fuel ratio. When the exhaust air/fuel ratio is changed from a stoichiometric or richer side to a leaner side, the exhaust air/fuel ratio control device varies the exhaust air/fuel ratio under the leaner air/fuel exhaust condition in accordance with the condition of the particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Kitahara, Takashi Shirakawa, Manabu Miura
  • Patent number: 7028463
    Abstract: A valve assembly defines a chamber and three ports. A first valve selectively obstructs a first port to prevent fluid communication between a secondary air injection pump and the chamber. A second valve selectively obstructs a second port to prevent fluid communication between an air intake manifold and the chamber. A third port provides fluid communication between the chamber and an exhaust manifold. The chamber thus serves as a common passageway for secondary air flowing from the pump to the exhaust manifold and for exhaust gas flowing from the exhaust manifold to the air intake manifold. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second valves are rigidly interconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Bryant G. Hammond, David A. Frank, Martin L. Hall
  • Patent number: 7021050
    Abstract: An exhaust particulate trapping means 12 for trapping particulates in exhaust gases is provided in an exhaust path 3 of an engine. When the engine enters a deceleration condition during the removal by burning of exhaust particulates trapped by the exhaust particulate trapping means 12, the drop of the flow rate of exhaust gases flowing into the exhaust particulate trapping means 12 is restricted. Thus, the cooling action of the exhaust particulate trapping means 12 through heat exchange with the exhaust gases can be kept up to suppress that the temperature of the exhaust particulate trapping means 12 excessively rises on engine deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nishimura, Eriko Yashiki
  • Patent number: 7007462
    Abstract: A combustion control apparatus operates an internal combustion engine in a split retard combustion mode during regenerating an exhaust purifier such as a NOx trap. In the split retard combustion mode, the combustion control apparatus controls a first fuel injection to cause preliminary combustion at or near top dead center, and controls a second fuel injection to cause main combustion after an end of the preliminary combustion. In this manner, the combustion control apparatus controls an exhaust gas temperature, or an exhaust air-fuel ratio, without increasing exhaust smoke. During the split retard combustion mode, the combustion control apparatus controls a quantity of the first fuel injection, in accordance with an ignition lag of the preliminary combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhisa Kitahara
  • Patent number: 7007459
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exhaust gas control device for internal combustion engines. The exhaust gas control device has a main exhaust pipe (3) communicating with an exhaust manifold (2) used for guiding exhaust gas discharged from a combustion chamber (1) of an engine, a catalytic converter (6) arranged on a predetermined position of the main exhaust pipe (3) for purifying unburnt fuel discharged with the exhaust has and having a plurality of sequentially arranged catalyst units (6a, 6b, 6c), and an unburnt fuel collection tank (8) provided with a plurality of cooling fins (9) and connected to the catalytic converter (6) through a branch pipe (7). The collection tank (8) collects purified unburnt fuel after the unburnt fuel is treated by the catalytic converter (6) so as to remove noxious materials therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Ju-Cheol Lee
  • Patent number: 7007463
    Abstract: An engine fuel injection control system including a particulate filter is configured to compare an accelerator request fuel injection quantity based on an accelerator depression amount to an air fuel ratio request fuel injection quantity determined based on a target air fuel ratio based on the engine operating condition. The engine fuel injection control system is configured to select the smaller of the accelerator request fuel injection quantity and the air fuel ratio request fuel injection quantity as a target fuel injection quantity. When the engine is operating in a low rotational speed region with full load, the target air fuel ratio is adjusted to a value substantially equal to the air fuel ratio that provides a maximum torque. Thus, the fuel is injected to achieve an air fuel ratio close to the stoichiometric air fuel ratio the torque performance and acceleration performance can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Shirakawa