Responsive To Engine Speed Or Intake Manifold Pressure Patents (Class 60/290)
  • Patent number: 11926518
    Abstract: A shutoff valve system for dispensing beverage from an open source syrup tank is presented. The shutoff valve system includes a syrup inlet receiving syrup from the open source syrup tank and a syrup outlet dispensing the syrup to a pump. The shutoff valve also includes a water inlet receiving water, and a water outlet dispensing the water to a dispensing point. Two distinct inlets and outlets for syrup and water prevent the syrup and water being mixed in the shutoff valve. The shutoff valve system further includes an actuator rod that is configured to block the water outlet in response to a pressure change at the syrup inlet, where the pressure change is caused by air flow from the syrup inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Cleland Sales Corporation
    Inventor: James M Cleland
  • Patent number: 11377995
    Abstract: A muffler is detachably attached to an engine. A catalyst for purifying exhaust gas is provided upstream of the muffler, and a secondary air valve for supplying air to an exhaust passage is provided upstream of the catalyst. The catalyst and the secondary air valve are integrally unitized. A catalyst unit including the catalyst and the secondary air valve is provided between the engine and the muffler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventors: Kazuki Masui, Takaharu Minami, Tadashi Kato, Hideki Takatsuka, Noboru Ishizawa
  • Patent number: 11028750
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an engine body, an HC adsorption and removal catalyst in an exhaust, including an HC adsorption layer and a catalyst layer, and having a desorption temperature of the HC from the HC adsorption layer lower than an HC removal temperature of a temperature where a rate of removal of HC at the catalyst layer is a predetermined rate or more when an air-fuel ratio of the exhaust is near the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, and an air feed device for feeding air to the HC adsorption and removal catalyst. A control device for an internal combustion engine includes an air feed control for controlling feed air to the HC adsorption and removal catalyst when a condition stands. The condition includes the temperature of the HC adsorption and removal catalyst being the desorption temperature or more and less than the HC removal temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Taro Hasebe
  • Patent number: 10526988
    Abstract: A controlling device for purifying exhaust gas includes: a fuel cutting controller (2) that, if a predetermined condition for fuel cutting is satisfied, shuts off supply of fuel to an engine (10) after a predetermined delay time (B) elapses; a calculator (3) that calculates oxygen occludability of a catalyst (6, 7) being interposed in an exhaust system of the engine (10) and containing an oxygen occludable material; and a setter (4) that sets a length of the delay time (B) in accordance with the oxygen occludability calculated by the calculator (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kinichi Iwachido
  • Patent number: 10119472
    Abstract: Electrical power systems, including generating capacity of a gas turbine, where additional electrical power is generated utilizing a separately fueled system during periods of peak electrical power demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: POWERPHASE LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. Kraft
  • Patent number: 10001082
    Abstract: An assembly for a turbojet engine includes a pylon, a nacelle supported by the pylon, and a locking device interposed between the pylon and a cowl of the nacelle. The cowl slides between operating and maintenance positions. The locking device is movable between active and inhibited positions, and the device allows an operation mode in the active position and a maintenance mode in the inhibited position. In particular, the locking device comprises a rocker to maintain the cowl to the pylon, and the rocker includes an inhibiting lever and an activation lever. The inhibiting and activation levers are mounted on a switching shaft of the locking device. The inhibiting lever is set in rotation through an actuator, providing direct access from a bypass flow duct in the active position while the activation lever is set in rotation from the bypass duct in the inhibited position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: AIRCELLE
    Inventors: Olivier Conet, Rémi Pujol, Michel Jean, Jean-Francois Thouement
  • Patent number: 9835073
    Abstract: A method for checking the operability of a secondary-air system of an internal combustion engine includes measuring a first pressure between a first secondary-air pump and a first master secondary-air valve as well as a second master secondary-air valve, measuring a second pressure between a second secondary-air pump and a first slave secondary-air valve and a second slave secondary-air valve, controlling the first master secondary-air valve and the first slave secondary-air valve together, and controlling the second master secondary-air valve and the second slave secondary-air valve together. A secondary-air system includes a first control and a second control, wherein a first master secondary-air valve and a first slave secondary-air valve are controllable together by the first control and wherein a second master secondary-air valve and a second slave secondary-air valve are controllable together by the second control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Silke Weddig, Christian Riechert, Oliver Kirstein, Ralf Starke
  • Patent number: 9737850
    Abstract: Provided is a novel palladium catalyst capable of efficiently purifying carbon monoxide (CO) and total hydrocarbons (THC) under a fuel-rich atmosphere even when palladium (Pd) is used as a catalyst active component. Proposed is a palladium monolayer catalyst for an exhaust gas from a saddle-riding-type vehicle, which is an exhaust gas purification catalyst for a saddle-riding-type vehicle to be installed in an exhaust gas passage in an internal combustion engine. The palladium monolayer catalyst includes a substrate, and a catalyst layer that has the form of a monolayer and contains palladium acting as a catalyst active component, an inorganic porous body acting as a catalyst carrier, ceria (CeO2) particles acting as a promoter component, and barium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kimura, Hiroyuki Horimura, Akiko Koga, Motoki Ito, Masateru Tsuji, Takashi Wakabayashi, Yosuke Shibata, Yunosuke Nakahara, Kiyotaka Yasuda
  • Patent number: 9574475
    Abstract: A method of regenerating an oxidation device (3) of an internal combustion engine (1), in particular a stationary internal combustion engine, wherein the oxidation device (3) is connected downstream of the internal combustion engine (1) and wherein a mixture of combustion gas and exhaust gas can be fed to the oxidation device (3) to increase a temperature in the oxidation device (3) and wherein exhaust gas can be passed around the oxidation device (3) by way of a bypass conduit (4), wherein the amount of exhaust gas passed around the oxidation device (3) by way of the bypass conduit (4) is controlled in open-loop or closed-loop control mode in dependence on an ascertained exhaust gas temperature downstream of the oxidation device (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GE JENBACHER GMBH & CO., OG
    Inventors: Friedhelm Hillen, Manickam Bhuvaneswaran, Arne Bienholz
  • Patent number: 9149598
    Abstract: A pressure relief device comprising a valve configured to resiliently deform in response to a predetermined pressure; and a sound dampener configured to dampen a sound generated by the valve when the valve resiliently deforms in response to said predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: CareFusion 207, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg J. Dugan, Andre M. Rustad, Brian W. Pierro
  • Patent number: 9119934
    Abstract: A pressure relief device comprising a valve configured to resiliently deform in response to a predetermined pressure; and a sound dampener configured to dampen a sound generated by the valve when the valve resiliently deforms in response to said predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: CareFusion 207, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg J. Dugan, Andre M. Rustad, Brian W. Pierro
  • Patent number: 9021805
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for controlling an exhaust gas recirculation valve in an engine by determining errors in exhaust backpressure estimates and adapting EGR flow estimations based on these errors to meet target EGR dilutions in the engine. In one example approach, a method comprises adjusting valve position based on desired EGR flow and estimated EGR flow, where the estimated flow is based on estimated exhaust backpressure, and the estimated exhaust backpressure is updated based on errors between actual and desired intake oxygen concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Imad Hassan Makki, Timothy Joseph Clark
  • Patent number: 8931256
    Abstract: An engine system for a machine is disclosed. The engine system may have an intake manifold configured to direct air into a donor cylinder and a non-donor cylinder of an engine. The engine system may have a first exhaust manifold configured to direct exhaust from the non-donor cylinder to the atmosphere and a second exhaust manifold configured to receive exhaust from the donor cylinder. The engine system may further have a control valve configured to selectively direct a first amount of exhaust from the second exhaust manifold to the intake manifold and an after-treatment component configured to treat the first amount of exhaust. In addition, the engine system may have a controller configured to adjust a first operating parameter of the donor cylinder such that a ratio of an amount of a gaseous component and an amount of particulate matter in the first amount of exhaust exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Inventors: Keith E. Moravec, Teoman Uzkan
  • Patent number: 8857179
    Abstract: A secondary air system comprising a variable speed air pump and a gated check valve connected between the variable speed air pump and an IC engine. The gated check valve has two ports, and generally, a first of the two ports is connected to a first bank of engine cylinders, and a second of the two ports is connected to a second bank of engine cylinders. The system further comprises a controller for controlling the speed of the variable speed air pump, and the positioning of the gated check valve. The gated check valve is operable to fully close air flow to both ports, fully open air flow to one of the two ports, or variably split air flow between the two ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Mark S. Kado, Kenneth P. Degroot
  • Patent number: 8839607
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for expediting catalyst heating and generating vacuum by controlling an EBV to direct exhaust through an ejector arranged in parallel with the EBV. A position of the EBV may be controlled to achieve a desired exhaust backpressure for current engine operating conditions and stored vacuum level. Compensation for the effect of EBV position on engine airflow may be provided by adjustment of other parameters such as intake throttle position and spark timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Publication number: 20140260196
    Abstract: Described herein is an air dithering system for an internal combustion engine generating exhaust gas that includes an exhaust line in exhaust gas receiving communication with the internal combustion engine. The system also includes an exhaust aftertreatment component positioned within the exhaust line in exhaust gas receiving communication with exhaust gas in the exhaust line. Further, the system includes an air injector in air injecting communication with exhaust gas in the exhaust line at a location downstream of the internal combustion engine and upstream of the exhaust aftertreatment component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Leon A. LaPointe, Scott Miles, Jay Shah
  • Patent number: 8783020
    Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine is provided. The system comprises an exhaust tract which is connectable to an outlet side of the internal combustion engine, at least one catalytic converter arranged in the exhaust tract downstream of the engine, a particle filter downstream of the at least one catalytic converter, and a secondary-air inlet port provided in the exhaust tract upstream of the particle filter for introducing compressed secondary air into the exhaust tract via at least one flutter valve. In this way, additional oxygen may be supplied to the particulate filter to perform filter regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Moritz Klaus Springer, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Thomas Lorenz, Georg Louven, Jens Dunstheimer
  • Patent number: 8769934
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine including an NSR catalyst and an SCR, to provide an exhaust purifying system that can limit aggravation of emissions by allowing the SCR to recover effectively from degraded performance caused by poisoning. An exhaust purifying system for an internal combustion engine capable of a lean burn operation includes an NSR catalyst disposed in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine; an SCR disposed downstream of the NSR catalyst; means for detecting sulfur poisoning of the SCR; and means for increasing a bed temperature of the SCR when the poisoning detecting means detects sulfur poisoning of the SCR. The temperature increasing means includes bank control, stoichiometric control, and rich spike control, any one of which is selected for performance according to an operating condition of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8769933
    Abstract: A method to operate a vehicle equipped an internal combustion engine and a transmission coupled to drive wheels. The vehicle is equipped with a parking brake and has an electronic control unit with memory and the engine in fluid communication with an exhaust aftertreatment system. The method includes the steps of determining whether the engine is operating in idle mode for a predetermined period of time; determining whether NOx emissions exceed a predetermined level after the predetermined period of time; and limiting the engine speed not to exceed a predetermined engine speed until an operator engages the parking brake and engages an engine ignition switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Marleen F. Thompson, Tomislav Ivo Golub
  • Patent number: 8752366
    Abstract: A method for abating carbon monoxide in an exhaust stream may include injecting an amount of air into the exhaust stream to produce an air/exhaust mixture; measuring an air/fuel ratio of the air/exhaust mixture; reacting carbon monoxide in the air/exhaust mixture with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst to produce carbon dioxide to abate carbon monoxide in the air/exhaust mixture; measuring a temperature of the catalyst; and adjusting the amount of air injected into the exhaust stream based on the air/fuel ratio or the temperature of the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt E. Reichelderfer, David L. Euler
  • Patent number: 8695328
    Abstract: An exhaust purifying apparatus achieving placement of components so as to prevent an increase in the size of the vehicle caused by the placement of the exhaust purifying apparatus while maintaining the performance of the exhaust purifying apparatus by secondary air in a saddle-ride type vehicle. An exhaust purifying apparatus of a saddle-ride vehicle includes a secondary air supply pipe of which one end is connected an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. A secondary air control valve is connected with the other end of the secondary air supply pipe for controlling the supply of secondary air to the secondary air supply pipe. An outdoor air introduction passage is connected to the secondary air control valve, wherein an air filter for secondary air and a resonant passage are installed in the middle of the outdoor air introduction passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiko Shimizu, Makoto Mitsukawa, Kuniharu Kimura, Takatoshi Tatsumi
  • Patent number: 8596041
    Abstract: An ECU executes the program including the step acquiring a catalyst temperature when the execution condition for fuel-cut control is satisfied; the step selecting a throttle opening degree based on the catalyst temperature; the step executing fuel-cut control; and the step executing return control from fuel-cut control when the condition for returning from fuel-cut control is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Norihiro Tsukamoto, Atsushi Ayabe, Tomohiro Asami
  • Patent number: 8522532
    Abstract: Provided is an exhaust-treatment device for a diesel engine, said device being capable of suppressing engine noise. In a first stage P1 of an exhaust-temperature-raising process, a target engine speed is set to a prescribed first target speed R1 and an intake throttle valve 41 is set to a prescribed first degree of opening O1. In a second stage P2, the target engine speed is maintained at the first target speed R1 and the intake throttle valve 41 is set to a position more closed than the first degree of opening O1. When a set duration T2 for the second stage P2 has come to an end, the intake throttle valve 41 is at a second degree of opening O2, which is maintained in third and subsequent stages P3/P4. In said third and subsequent stages P3/P4, as a set duration T3/T4 for each stage P3/P4 passes, the target engine speed is updated to a target speed R2/R3 higher than the target speed R1/R2 during the immediately prior stage P2/P3, and the temperature of DPF1 upstream exhaust gas 12 is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: KUBOTA Corporation
    Inventors: Shuichi Yamada, Yasuo Fujii, Katsushi Inoue, Yuuki Ishii, Kenta Mitamura
  • Patent number: 8464514
    Abstract: A method for regenerating a particulate filter is disclosed. In one example, oxygen is pumped from the intake system of a direct injection turobocharged gasoline engine through a cylinder and into the exhaust system by a compressor. In this way, regeneration of a particulate filter may be accomplished without an auxiliary air supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Moritz Klaus Springer, Thomas Lorenz, Georg Louven, Jan Harmsen
  • Publication number: 20130118151
    Abstract: A secondary air injection system to aid in the warm-up of a catalyst employed as part of an emissions control system of a vehicle to obtain efficient reduction in engine emissions. A compressor utilized to compress or boost air for increased engine performance is additionally used as a secondary air injection source, eliminating the need for external air pumps. The compressor is configured to transmit boosted air to the engine of the vehicle or to the catalyst to aid in the warm-up of the catalyst. A valve having an open configuration and a closed configuration controls the passage of the boosted air to the engine or to the catalyst. The valve may be controlled by a controller based upon airflow, temperature, pressure, or time. A control map relating engine speed to airflow may be used for obtaining airflow values for controlling the configuration of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Tracey
  • Patent number: 8413433
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing hydrocarbon emissions from an engine having a hydrocarbon retaining system. One example method comprises flowing exhaust gas over a hydrocarbon trap, the trap having a plurality of layers with different porosity and/or a different adsorptive affinity to hydrocarbon chains, and flowing hydrocarbons from a fuel tank over the hydrocarbon trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Lupescu
  • Patent number: 8387370
    Abstract: A system for regenerating a particulate filter is disclosed. In one example, oxygen is pumped from the intake system of a direct injection turbocharged gasoline engine to the exhaust system by a compressor. Simultaneously, exhaust gases may be pumped from the exhaust system to the intake system for the purpose of reducing NOx while regenerating a particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Moritz Klaus Springer, Thomas Lorenz, Georg Louven, Jan Harmsen
  • Patent number: 8359840
    Abstract: A method for regenerating a particulate filter is disclosed. In one example, oxygen is pumped from the intake system of a direct injection turbocharged gasoline engine to the exhaust system by a compressor. The oxygen is introduced to a particulate filter at a location upstream from the particulate filter and downstream of a three-way catalyst. The oxygen may be regulated in part by adjusting compressor boost pressure in response to a state of particulate filter regeneration. Further, in one embodiment, engine NOx can be controlled by EGR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Moritz Klaus Springer, Thomas Lorenz, Georg Louven, Jan Harmsen
  • Patent number: 8359839
    Abstract: A method for regenerating a particulate filter is disclosed. In one example, oxygen is pumped from the intake system of a direct injection turobocharged gasoline engine to the exhaust system by a compressor. The oxygen is introduced to a particulate filter at a location upstream from the particulate filter. In this way, regeneration of a particulate filter may be accomplished without disturbing the chemistry of a three-way catalyst located in the exhaust system upstream of the particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Moritz Klaus Springer, Thomas Lorenz, Georg Louven, Jan Harmsen
  • Patent number: 8256205
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling a NOx sensor coupled to an engine exhaust system in a motor vehicle. One example method comprises generating an offset of the sensor based on an ambient air flow drawn into the exhaust system, the ambient air flow having circumvented cylinders of the engine, and adjusting an output of the sensor based on the generated offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David Charles Weber
  • Patent number: 8136347
    Abstract: A control module and method for an exhaust system of an engine can include a secondary air intake (SAI) pressure module that monitors SAI pressure. An accumulation module can accumulate an SAI string length based on the monitored SAI pressure. A calculation module can determine an average SAI string length based on the accumulated SAI string length. A determination module can determine an operating characteristic of the vehicle exhaust based on the average SAI string length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: Ian J. Mac Ewen, Martin L. Hall, Lawrence O Murray, Julia C. Grow, Richard A. Van Camp, David Edward Prout, Igor Anilovich
  • Patent number: 8056324
    Abstract: An regeneration system for use in a power system is disclosed. The regeneration system may include a source of intake air, an engine brake configured to reduce the speed of an engine by compression and release of the intake air, and a valve configured to divert a portion of the intake air to an auxiliary device. The regeneration system may further include a controller in communication with the engine brake and the valve. The controller may be configured to move the valve to reduce the portion of intake air diverted to the auxiliary device when the engine brake is active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Wiley, Robert L. Miller
  • Patent number: 8037675
    Abstract: A PM catalyst regeneration control for the purpose of “soot removal” is performed prior to a sulfur poisoning recovery control. In the PM catalyst regeneration control, PM deposits in a catalyst are burned. A target throttle opening degree for the sulfur poisoning recovery control is preset smaller than a target throttle opening for the PM catalyst regeneration control in order to reduce the intake air volume during deceleration. A catalyst bed temperature is thus prevented from dropping, and therefore maintained at a level appropriate to sulfur poisoning recovery. Controlling the intake air volume during deceleration in such a manner results in more efficient catalyst recovery from sulfur poisoning, so that the fuel economy is maintained during the sulfur poisoning recovery control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Jun Tahara, Fuminori Honjo
  • Patent number: 8020373
    Abstract: A method and a system for regenerating an exhaust gas treatment device for an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder are presented. The system comprises an exhaust gas treatment device, a fuel storage means, a fuel vapor retainer, and an engine control unit adapted to selectively allow fuel vapors from the fuel vapor retainer to reach the engine. The method comprises regenerating an exhaust gas treatment by allowing fuel vapors from the fuel vapor retainer into at least one of the engine cylinders, and inhibiting combustion in at least one of the cylinders into which fuel vapors are to allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Jonas Hermansson, Niklas Vollmer, Anders Holger Johnsson
  • Patent number: 7987664
    Abstract: A secondary air supply system includes a CPU, a ROM, an air supply pipe, and an air amount adjusting valve. One end of the air supply pipe is connected to an air cleaner box and the other end is connected to an exhaust port. Secondary air in the air cleaner box is supplied to the exhaust port through the air supply pipe. An amount of the secondary air to be supplied from the air supply pipe to the exhaust port is adjusted by the air amount adjusting valve. A target air-fuel ratio depending on a state of the engine is stored in the ROM. The CPU controls the air amount adjusting valve based on the state of the engine so that an air-fuel ratio in the exhaust port is the target air-fuel ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuuji Araki, Ryusuke Kato, Masaki Torigoshi, Hiroki Tanabe
  • Patent number: 7958722
    Abstract: A valve device includes a control valve for manipulating a communication between a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel. The valve device further includes a pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the first fluid channel. The pressure sensor is provided on a side face defining the first fluid channel. The pressure sensor has a pressure detection face directly opposed to the first fluid channel. The pressure detection face is substantially in parallel with a first axis of the first fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Komiyama, Satoshi Ishigaki, Takahiro Kouzu
  • Patent number: 7930880
    Abstract: A method for triggering a new regeneration event in a soot-trapping particulates filter disposed in an exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine, comprising the steps of determining instantaneous engine speed and engine load; determining instantaneous mass fractions for wet soot and for dry soot in the exhaust gas stream for the instantaneous engine speed and load; determining instantaneous concentrations of wet and dry soot particles in the exhaust gas; determining the rates of accumulation of wet soot and dry soot in the particulates filter; determining the total amounts of wet soot and dry soot accumulated in said soot-trapping device during all engine operation conditions since the latest previous regeneration event; and triggering the new regeneration event when the total amount of wet soot and dry soot exceeds a permissible value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Williams, Tanto Sugiarto, Thomas M. Harris, George N. Simopoulos
  • Patent number: 7930876
    Abstract: A device for monitoring an operating mode of an element used for aftertreatment of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine and to an associated method. The device includes a controller configured to receive a signal that represents a characteristic magnitude of the exhaust gases downstream of the exhaust gas aftertreatment element. In addition, the controller can receive a signal that represents engine deceleration and is configured to increment a deceleration counter with each deceleration. The controller also includes a failure counter that is incremented when a variation in the above-mentioned measured magnitude is detected during a deceleration, the controller establishing a diagnostic criterion that is a function of the two counters. The controller triggers a fault signal if the diagnostic criterion exceeds programmed limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Nicolas Thouvenel, Laurent Leprieur
  • Patent number: 7895827
    Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine, comprising controlling engine torque during regeneration of an exhaust aftertreatment system. This comprises controlling post-injection of fuel into a combustion chamber effective to regenerate an exhaust aftertreatment device. Main fuel injection into each combustion chamber and boost are selectively controlled effective to maintain engine output torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yue-Yun Wang, Ibrahim Haskara
  • Publication number: 20100018189
    Abstract: A control system of an internal combustion engine includes: a pressure detecting mechanism detecting a pressure in a gas passage which is communicated with the engine; and a controller acquiring a reference pressure as the pressure which is detected immediately after the controller is actuated, and controlling an actuator of the engine based on the reference pressure. The controller is inhibited from acquiring the reference pressure as the detected pressure when the controller is re-actuated after the controller is reset due to a factor other than a turned-off operation of an ignition switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Oi, Shinya Kondou
  • Patent number: 7647765
    Abstract: In one example, a system for an engine having an intake system and an exhaust system is described. The system comprises: an airflow sensor coupled to the intake system; an air pump having at least an inlet side and an outlet side, said inlet side having a first coupling to the intake system downstream of said airflow sensor, said outlet side having a second coupling to the exhaust system; and a controller coupled to the engine, said controller, during operation, identifying whether degradation has occurred to at least one of said first and second couplings, and providing an indication of said identified degradation. Various other examples are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brent Sealy, Jeff Doering, Michael Cullen, David Wright, Paul Pietrzyk
  • Patent number: 7637097
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including a step (S102) of limiting the maximum opening amount of a throttle valve to TH (1) when failure has occurred in a pressure sensor (“YES” in step S100); a step (S202) of limiting the maximum opening amount to TH (2) when open failure has occurred in at least one of two vacuum pressure ASVs provided for banks of a V-type engine, and an electromagnetic ASV (“YES” in step S200); a step (S302) of limiting the maximum opening amount to TH (3) when open failure has occurred in both of the vacuum pressure ASVs (“YES” in step S300); a step (S402) of limiting the maximum opening amount to TH (4) when open failure has occurred in one of the vacuum pressure ASVs (“YES” in step S400); and a step (S502) of reducing the throttle valve opening amount TH to the limited maximum opening amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomokazu Muraguchi, Akito Onishi
  • Publication number: 20090313975
    Abstract: A method of initiating regeneration of a filter assembly is disclosed. The method includes determining when regeneration of a filter assembly is to be initiated. The method also includes opening a first air valve configured to permit air flow to a regeneration assembly below a predetermined flow rate and at a sufficient flow rate to achieve ignition. The method further includes detecting ignition, and after ignition, opening a second air valve configured to supply air flow to the regeneration assembly above the predetermined flow rate and at a sufficient flow rate for regeneration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Aaron McCombs
  • Patent number: 7594391
    Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal-combustion engine comprises an exhaust bypass in parallel with an upstream portion of a main exhaust path having a main catalytic converter in a downstream portion thereof; an exhaust bypass catalytic converter provided in the exhaust bypass; and a flow path switching valve for blocking the main exhaust path at the upstream portion thereof. The exhaust system includes an ignition timing adjustment mechanism for adjusting ignition timing to delay sparking when the flow path switching valve is switched from the closed condition to the open condition thereof. A control method for the exhaust system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sunki I, Takao Inoue, Kouichi Mori
  • Patent number: 7594389
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing a secondary-air system of an internal combustion engine. The secondary-air system introduces secondary air into the exhaust-gas region of the internal combustion engine, the secondary air exothermically reacting together with combustible exhaust-gas components, and a thermoreactor being formed in the reaction region. The method provides for a measure of the secondary air to be ascertained from the thermal behavior in the thermoreactor and evaluated. The measure of the secondary air, which reflects, for example, the volumetric flow rate of the secondary air, the mass flow rate of the secondary air, or the amount or mass of secondary air flowing in a time interval, is compared to at least one threshold value. At least one diagnostic signal is then generated as a function of the comparison result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Kesch, Detlef Heinrich, Achim Guenther, Christof Thiel, Juergen Foerster
  • Patent number: 7543444
    Abstract: There is provided an air supply apparatus for an engine comprising a plurality of exhaust pipes and catalysts arranged in the exhaust pipes, respectively, the apparatus comprising devices for supplying air into the interior of the corresponding exhaust pipes upstream of the corresponding catalysts, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Oi, Takayuki Demura, Kaoru Otsuka, Yoshito Aibara, Junya Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7517372
    Abstract: The present invention includes an integrated fuel processor subsystem incorporating a thermal combustor, a catalytic combustor, a quasi-autothermal reactor (QATR) and a air-fuel-steam (AFS) mixer to provide a range of operating modes exhibiting performance between that of a pure steam reformer and a pure autothermal reformer to increase the flexibility of the fuel processor to handle transient system demands such as cold starts, suppress emissions and carbon formation and improve efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Mohammed E Sennoun, Gerald E Voecks, Gary M Robb, William H Pettit, Steven G Goebel
  • Patent number: 7487632
    Abstract: Injection of secondary air into an exhaust of an automotive vehicle at a location upstream of a catalytic converter of the vehicle in which the airflow rate is calculated by the air injection system pressure and by the pulsation of the air injection system pressure in reference to stored values in a data table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy D. Tracey
  • Publication number: 20080314031
    Abstract: A lean NOX trap is a diesel exhaust aftertreatment system is selectively denitrated based on a measure relating to the state and/or the performance of the exhaust aftertreatment system, or a portion thereof comprising the lean NOX trap, reaching a critical value. The critical value is varied according to the demands currently being place on the exhaust aftertreatment system. In one embodiment, the critical value is set based on engine speed-load information. The method regenerates more frequently when exhaust aftertreatment demands are high and less frequently when demands are low. The method improves aftertreatment performance while reducing aftertreatment fuel penalty.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Dmitry Arie Shamis, James Edward McCarthy, JR., Johannes Walter Reuter, Karen Evelyn Bevan, Christian Thomas Chimner
  • Patent number: 7464541
    Abstract: A control device of an internal combustion engine suppressing catalyst deterioration by prohibiting fuel cuts, wherein the generation of odor from the catalyst after deceleration is suppressed. The control device is provided with a fuel cut executing device for stopping the supply of fuel to an internal combustion engine when a vehicle is in a decelerating state and a fuel cut prohibiting device for prohibiting a fuel cut when a temperature of a catalyst provided in an exhaust system is a predetermined temperature or more, wherein when a fuel cut is prohibited by the fuel cut prohibiting device when the vehicle decelerates in a predetermined period after an increased fuel operation is performed, the internal combustion engine is operated so that the combustion air-fuel ratio becomes lean in the decelerating state or in the decelerating state and its succeeding idling state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mamoru Yoshioka