Having A Means For Heating The Catalyst Patents (Class 60/300)
  • Patent number: 8825251
    Abstract: A device for performing energy management in an electric vehicle which can be driven at least partially by an electric machine which can be supplied with electrical energy by a rechargeable battery, wherein the state of charge (SOC) of the rechargeable battery varies during charging and discharging, includes a driver-type recognition device for determining the driver-type (I, II). The driver-type recognition device monitors the discharge process of the rechargeable battery during driving and recognizes the driver-type (I, II) therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Jochen Ungermann
  • Publication number: 20140230414
    Abstract: An electric heating catalyst (EHC) in which a short circuit between a heat generation element and a case in EHC is suppressed. The EHC includes a heat generation element (catalyst carrier) electrically energized to generate heat; a case receiving the heat generation element; an insulating support member between the heat generation element and the case; a tubular inner pipe inserted into the insulating support member and located between the heat generation element and the case. The inner pipe has an end protruding into an exhaust gas from the insulating support member's end face, and the inner pipe has an electrically insulating layer formed on an entire surface, or the inner pipe is formed of an electrically insulating material; and an inner pipe heater supplied with electricity through a path different from a path through which electricity is supplied to the heat generation element, thereby heating the inner pipe's protrusion portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Noriaki Kumagai, Mamoru Yoshioka
  • Publication number: 20140223902
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a turbocharger wherein a bypass line in an exhaust gas discharge system delivers an aqueous urea reductant to an at least one SCR catalyst and a method to maintain the reductant at a desired temperature to maximize its conversion to ammonia and optimize the reduction of NOx in the SCR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Yasser Mohamed sayed Yacoub
  • Publication number: 20140216019
    Abstract: Electricity is suppressed from flowing to a case of an electrically heated catalyst. In the electrically heated catalyst which is provided with a heat generation element adapted to be electrically energized to generate heat, the case in which the heat generation element is received, an inner pipe arranged between the heat generation element and the case for insulating electricity, an inner mat arranged between the heat generation element and the inner pipe, and an outer mat arranged between the inner pipe and the case, the inner pipe includes a tubular portion that is arranged in the surrounding of the heat generation element and is formed in parallel to a central axis of the heat generation element, and a downstream side inclination portion that is arranged at the downstream side of the tubular portion, with an inside diameter thereof becoming smaller in a direction toward a downstream side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mamoru Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 8793983
    Abstract: A heater tube for an exhaust system is disclosed. The heater tube may have an open end to receive heated exhaust from a pre-heater. The heater tube may have a closed end located opposite the open end. The heater tube may also have an outer surface extending from the open end to the closed end. The heater tube may further have a fin attached to the outer surface. In addition, the heater tube may have an opening disposed on the outer surface to discharge the heated exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Pradeep K. Ganesan, Satyajit Gowda
  • Patent number: 8783016
    Abstract: A system may include a hydrocarbon (HC) absorber positioned in an exhaust flow path and an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) positioned in the exhaust flow path downstream of the HC absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G Santoso, Frank Ament
  • Patent number: 8776500
    Abstract: A control system for a hybrid vehicle is presented. The control system can include an air/fuel ratio control module that selectively commands a rich air/fuel ratio upon starting an engine based on a temperature of an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) in an exhaust system of the engine, wherein the EHC includes a hydrocarbon (HC) adsorber. The control system can include an air pump control module that selectively activates an air pump supplying air into the exhaust system upstream from the EHC based on whether the engine is on and at least one of whether the HC adsorber is full and whether the EHC is saturated with oxygen. The control system can also include an electric heater control module that selectively activates an electric heater of the EHC based on whether the engine is on and the temperature of the EHC, as well as whether the HC adsorber is full.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G. Santoso, Bryan N. Roos
  • Patent number: 8776507
    Abstract: A system for regenerating a particulate filter mounted on an exhaust pipe of a gasoline engine including a plurality of cylinders and an ignition device for igniting fuel and air in the cylinder, a three-way catalyst device mounted on the exhaust pipe connected to the gasoline engine, and to oxidize or reduce exhaust gas, the particulate filter mounted on the exhaust pipe downstream of the three-way catalyst device to trap particulate matter and regenerate the particulate matter using heat of the exhaust gas, a differential pressure sensor mounted upstream and downstream of the particulate filter and to measure a pressure difference of the particulate filter, and a control portion to receive the measured pressure difference and control parameters to determine an amount of non-ignited fuel which is not ignited and flows to the three-way catalyst device among the fuel flowing into the plurality of cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Chibum In, Ki Young Yoon
  • 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: 8774993
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is equipped with an engine and a motor generator (MG2) serving as a power source for driving the vehicle. A catalytic converter is provided in an exhaust pipe of the engine. An HV-ECU estimates a possible EV-running distance based on an SOC of a power storage device for comparison with a traveling distance (L) to a destination set by a navigation device. When the possible EV-running distance is longer than the traveling distance (L), the HV-ECU outputs a control signal (CTL2) instructing prohibition of warm-up of the catalytic converter, to an EG-ECU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Harada, Daigo Ando
  • Patent number: 8769932
    Abstract: A cold start NO2 generation system includes a catalyst control module that identifies a portion of a three-way catalyst that corresponds to a nitrogen dioxide zone. A diagnostic module determines a temperature in the nitrogen dioxide zone, and a fuel control module adjusts an air/fuel ratio based on the temperature in the nitrogen dioxide zone. A cold start NO2 generation method includes identifying a portion of a three-way catalyst that corresponds to a nitrogen dioxide zone. The method further includes determining a temperature in the nitrogen dioxide zone and adjusting an air/fuel ratio based on the temperature in the nitrogen dioxide zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Chang H. Kim, Steven J. Schmieg
  • Patent number: 8765084
    Abstract: Several embodiments of high-efficiency catalytic converters and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a catalytic converter for treating a flow of exhaust gas comprising a reaction chamber, a heating enclosure enclosing at least a portion of the reaction chamber, and an optional coolant channel encasing the heating enclosure. The reaction chamber can have a first end section through which the exhaust gas flows into the reaction chamber and a second end section from which the exhaust gas exits the reaction chamber. The heating enclosure is configured to contain heated gas along the exterior of the reaction chamber, and the optional coolant channel is configured to contain a flow of coolant around the heating enclosure. The catalytic converter can further include a catalytic element in the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: in the works
    Inventors: Todd K. Hansen, David A. Endrigo
  • Patent number: 8763378
    Abstract: An exhaust system that processes exhaust generated by an engine is provided. The system generally includes a particulate filter (PF) that filters particulates from the exhaust wherein an upstream end of the PF receives exhaust from the engine and wherein an upstream surface of the particulate filter includes machined grooves. A grid of electrically resistive material is inserted into the machined grooves of the exterior upstream surface of the PF and selectively heats exhaust passing through the grid to initiate combustion of particulates within the PF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Mark R. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8763380
    Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst temperature control device to control a temperature of a catalyst which influences emission performance of an internal combustion engine. A plurality of temperature measurement points are disposed continuously or dispersedly at least in a flow path direction inside the catalyst. The temperature measurement points can include actual measurement points where temperature sensors are disposed, and virtual measurement points where temperature sensors are not disposed. A control point is selected from the plurality of temperature measurement points in accordance with operation conditions of the internal combustion engine, and a target value of the temperature of the catalyst is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kota Sata
  • Patent number: 8763366
    Abstract: In a method for operating an air-compressing fuel-injection internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas post-treatment system with a particle filter and a nitrogen oxide reduction catalytic converter, a plurality of internal combustion engine operating settings are provided, each having respective predefined values for predefined internal combustion engine operating parameters. A heating operating setting is set when the internal combustion engine is warming up, while a basic operating setting is set in the warmed-up state. When the temperature in the exhaust gas system exceeds a predefinable first value, the heating operating setting is changed over to the basic operating setting. In the warmed-up state, at least one further (third) operating setting, with an exhaust gas recirculation rate that is reduced compared to the basic operating setting, is provided in addition to the basic operating setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Bernd Christner, Alexander Kaiser, Berthold Keppeler, Holger Kissling, Markus Paule
  • Patent number: 8763374
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device for a diesel engine capable of starting the generation of a combustible gas is provided. The device includes a combustible gas generator. A core member is fitted in the center portion of an annular wall to form an air-fuel mixing chamber between the inner peripheral surface of the annular wall and the outer peripheral surface of the core member. An air-fuel mixture gas in the air-fuel mixing chamber is adapted to be supplied from the end of the air-fuel mixing chamber to a combustible gas generating catalyst to a portion near the center thereof. A heater is used as the core member. The heat dissipating outer peripheral surface of the heater is exposed to the air-fuel mixing chamber. Heat is dissipated directly from the heat dissipating outer peripheral surface of the heater to the air-fuel mixing chamber when starting the generation of the combustible gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: KUBOTA Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Onishi, Keita Naito, Toshio Nakahira, Yoshikazu Takemoto
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8763379
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to suppress a short circuit between a heat generation element and a case in an electrically heated catalyst. An electrically heated catalyst (1) according to the present invention is provided with a heat generation element (3), a case (4), an insulating support member (5) arranged between said heat generation element (3) and said case (4), an inner pipe (6) inserted into said insulating support member (5) with its ends protruding into an exhaust gas from end faces of said insulating support member (5), and a catalyst (10) having an oxidation function that covers at least outer peripheral surfaces of protrusion portions (6a, 6b) of said inner pipe (6) protruding into the exhaust gas from the end faces of said insulating support member (5), except for predetermined ranges which are in contact with the end faces of said insulating support member (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mamoru Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 8756917
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine comprises a particulate filter assembly configured to receive exhaust gas from the engine. The particulate filter assembly comprises an electrically heated catalyst, a particulate filter disposed downstream of the electrically heated catalyst, a hydrocarbon injector, in fluid communication with the exhaust gas, upstream of the electrically heated catalyst and configured to inject excess hydrocarbon into the exhaust gas, an air pump in fluid communication with the exhaust gas upstream of the electrically heated catalyst and configured to deliver air to the exhaust gas to increase the volumetric gas flow rate through, and to decrease the heat residence time in, the particulate filter and a controller configured to operate the hydrocarbon injector, the electrically heated catalyst and the air pump based on predetermined exhaust gas flow rates, temperature thresholds and particulate loadings within the particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Garima Bhatia
  • Patent number: 8756925
    Abstract: An exhaust pipe through which an exhaust port of an internal combustion engine and a catalyst for purifying an exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine are connected to each other includes a porous portion that is provided on at least a part of an inner peripheral face of the exhaust pipe. A thermal conductivity that the porous portion exhibits in a high temperature state where a temperature of the exhaust gas is as high as it is required to radiate a heat of the exhaust gas through the exhaust pipe is at least ten times higher than a thermal conductivity that the porous portion exhibits in a low temperature state where the temperature of the exhaust gas is as low as it is required to warm the catalyst up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Sasajima, Hideo Yamashita, Daisaku Sawada
  • Patent number: 8756924
    Abstract: A catalyst heating system includes a monitoring module, a mode selection module and an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) control module. The monitoring module monitors at least one of (i) a first temperature of a non-EHC of a catalyst assembly in an exhaust system of an engine and (ii) an active catalyst volume of the catalyst assembly. The mode selection module is configured to select an EHC heating mode and generate a mode signal based on the at least one of the first temperature and the active catalyst volume. The EHC control module controls current to an EHC of the catalyst assembly based on the mode signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G. Santoso, Brian L. Spohn, Bryan Nathaniel Roos
  • Publication number: 20140165541
    Abstract: A device for the treatment of exhaust gases includes at least a first honeycomb body through which the exhaust gas can flow and a second honeycomb body through which the exhaust gas can flow. The first honeycomb body and the second honeycomb body are disposed in series in an exhaust line and a first cross-sectional area of the first honeycomb body is smaller than a second cross-sectional area of the second honeycomb body. The first honeycomb body is disposed eccentrically in the exhaust line. One of the honeycomb bodies, which is electrically heatable, can be connected to a multiplicity of supporting honeycomb bodies for easy installation in a multiplicity of different vehicle models. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: EMITEC GESELLSCHAFT FUER EMISSIONSTECHNOLOGIE MBH
    Inventors: THOMAS NAGEL, FERDI KURTH
  • Patent number: 8755941
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling a temperature of an exhaust gas being introduced to a catalyst is provided. Using an adjustable flow controller, an adjustable amount of tempering fluid is provided to the exhaust gas prior to the exhaust gas proceeding to the catalyst. A sensor senses a parameter indicative of a temperature of the exhaust gas being introduced to the catalyst. A computer processor uses a relationship to relate the parameter to an adjustment of the adjustable flow controller that will adjust the amount of tempering fluid provided to the exhaust gas and change the temperature of the exhaust gas being introduced to the catalyst toward a target temperature. Adjustment of the adjustable flow controller is initiated by the computer processor to change the flow of the tempering fluid, and the relationship between the parameter and the adjustment of the adjustable flow controller is updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Larry William Swanson, Douglas Frank Beadie, Neil Colin Widmer, Hua Zhang, Gilbert Otto Kraemer
  • 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: 8728422
    Abstract: System to reduce the amount of NOx in exhaust gases of a vehicle. The system includes a storage space 1 containing an agent, a SCR catalytic converter 5, an injection module 6c to inject the agent upstream of the converter, a heat exchanger 2 containing a porous matrix, a shutter or injector 11 to control the flow rate of the agent to the exchanger, a valve 12 between the storage space and exchanger, to transfer thermal energy to gases during the starting period. The shutter or injector controls the flow of agent into the exchanger during the starting period to raise its temperature, and is closed when gases have reached a certain temperature. The valve regulates exchanger pressure during a period at operating temperature and conveys the agent to storage space when the exchanger pressure is higher than storage space pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Aaqius & Aaqius S.A.
    Inventors: Arnaud Audouin, Jean-Baptiste Dementhon
  • Patent number: 8720193
    Abstract: A catalyst heating system includes a monitoring module, a mode selection module and an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) control module. The monitoring module monitors at least one of (i) a first active volume of a catalyst assembly in an exhaust system of an engine and (ii) a first temperature of a non-EHC of the catalyst assembly. The mode selection module is configured to select a non-EHC radiant heating mode and generate a mode signal based on the at least one of the first active catalyst volume and the first temperature. An EHC control module increases temperature of the EHC to an elevated temperature that is greater than a stabilization temperature based on the mode signal. The stabilization temperature is greater than a catalyst light off temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G. Santoso, Brian L. Spohn, Bryan Nathaniel Roos
  • Patent number: 8720185
    Abstract: A method and system for raising the operating temperature of an emissions control device of an automotive vehicle. A generator converts the vehicle's mechanical braking energy to electrical energy. The electrical energy is delivered, without electrical storage, to an electric heater that heats either the emissions control device or the exhaust gas at the input to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Cynthia C. Webb, Karl J. Kreder, III
  • Patent number: 8707935
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for operating an engine system having a sensor coupled to an exhaust gas recirculation system in a motor vehicle. One example method comprises during a first operating condition, directing at least some exhaust gas from an exhaust of the engine through the exhaust gas recirculation system and past the sensor to an intake of the engine and, during a second operating condition, directing at least some fresh air through the exhaust gas recirculation system and past the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dave Charles Weber, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Daniel Joseph Styles, Daniel Joseph Rinkevich
  • Patent number: 8701388
    Abstract: A method of controlling an exhaust treatment system, comprising: selectively determining a first control state from a plurality of control states based on an exhaust temperature and a plurality of activation temperatures; estimating a reductant dose based on the control state; and controlling an injection of a reductant to the exhaust treatment system based on the reductant dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8701394
    Abstract: An electrically heated catalytic device includes an electrically heated catalyst accommodated in an outer casing provided on an exhaust pipe. A heater ring made of an insulating material is provided adjacent to an outer peripheral edge portion of an upstream end face of the electrically heated catalyst. The heat of the electrically heated catalyst is transferred to the heater ring by generating resistive heat in the electrically heated catalyst. When the soot in exhaust gas accumulates on the surface of the heater ring, the deposits of soot is removed through combustion by the heat from the surface of the heater ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuaki Sobue
  • Patent number: 8695329
    Abstract: The adherence to future legally obligatory exhaust gas limit values for diesel vehicles in Europe, North America and Japan requires not only the removal of particles but also effective removal of nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas (‘deNOx’). The ‘active SCR process’ is the preferred method for this. The nitrogen oxide conversions achieved by means of this process are particularly high when an optimal NO2/NOx ratio, preferably 0.5, is set upstream of the SCR catalyst. The invention proposes a process which solves the problem of supplying NO2 in accordance with requirements by means of temperature control of the precatalyst which is decoupled from the operating state of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: UMICORE AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lothar Mussmann, Ingo Lappas, Andreas Geisselmann, Wilfried Mueller
  • Patent number: 8695569
    Abstract: A vehicle burner (6) for heating a gas flow (14) in a motor vehicle is provided with a fuel pump (10) for delivering a fuel to an injection nozzle (11) that can be actuated for injecting the fuel into a combustion chamber (7), with an air delivery device (16) for delivering air to the combustion chamber (7), with a control (17) for operating the. A vehicle burner (6), which is coupled with the fuel pump (10), with the air delivery and/or air regulating device (16) and with the injection nozzle (11). Burner waste gas, which is generated during the operation of the. A vehicle burner (6) by the reaction of fuel with air in the combustion chamber (7), is used to heat the gas flow (14). To increase efficiency, a control (17) determines a quantity of fuel, a quantity of air and a fuel pressure as a function of a presettable heat output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Emission Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerd Gaiser
  • Patent number: 8689542
    Abstract: One embodiment is a method including determining whether an ammonia storage device has a stored quantity of ammonia, predicting an impending ammonia release from the ammonia storage device, determining a NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release, and increasing an amount of NOx provided by an engine based on the NOx increase amount. In certain embodiments, determining the NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release comprises determining a NOx increase schedule based on the stored quantity of ammonia. In certain embodiments, the NOx increase schedule comprises a specified NOx increase time period, and in certain further embodiments, the method further includes decrementing the specified NOx increase time period based on an estimated catalyst degradation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Hasan Mohammed, Joseph M. Brault
  • Patent number: 8689541
    Abstract: An engine control system includes a catalyst module and a cylinder module. The catalyst module determines a catalyst temperature. The cylinder module selectively switches operation of a first cylinder from a first engine cycle having four strokes to a second engine cycle having N times four strokes, based on the catalyst temperature, wherein N is an integer greater than one. A related method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: Mike M. McDonald, William C. Albertson
  • Patent number: 8677739
    Abstract: Hydrocarbon traps used to trap then release unburned hydrocarbons upon startup of a spark ignition internal combustion engine are sensitive to degradation if exposed to normal temperature exhaust gases. On board diagnostics of HC traps are provided by the invention, by incorporating a heat sensitive oxygen storage material in the HC trap material, and using conventional determination of OSC efficiency to determine if the HC trap material has been exposed to excessive temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Neil Robert Collins, Christopher Morgan, Michael Howard
  • Patent number: 8676475
    Abstract: A method is provided for regenerating a diesel particulate filter within a diesel engine system that includes, but is not limited to at least a combustion chamber defined by a reciprocating piston inside a cylinder, at least an exhaust valve for cyclically open the combustion chamber towards an exhaust line, and the diesel particulate filter located in the exhaust line, wherein the method comprises injecting an amount of fuel into the combustion chamber by means of least two consecutive after-injection pulses (AIP1-AIP3), each of which starts (SOI) after the piston has passed the top dead center (TDC), and sufficiently near to the latter for the fuel to burn at least partially inside the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Stefano Cassani, Davide Mercuri, Simone Barbero, Pierluigi Rellecati
  • Patent number: 8667779
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for an exhaust gas treatment system. In one example, a system includes an exhaust gas treatment device and a wire wrapped around an exterior circumference of the exhaust gas treatment device. Continuity of the wire is monitored such that degradation of the wire due to degradation of the exhaust gas treatment device is indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey David Sloss
  • Patent number: 8667781
    Abstract: A vehicle control device applied to a vehicle including an internal combustion engine and an electrically heated catalyst which is warmed by applying a current, and includes a catalyst carrier supporting a catalyst and a carrier retention unit that retains the catalyst carrier and has an electrical insulation property. The control unit performs a control of suppressing a supply of an unburned gas from the internal combustion engine to the electrically heated catalyst so that the carrier retention unit is maintained at a lower temperature than the catalyst, when a condition for performing a fuel cut of the internal combustion engine during a deceleration is satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a rapid cooling of the catalyst, and it becomes possible to maintain a temperature of the carrier retention unit at a lower temperature than a temperature of the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru Yoshioka, Noriaki Kumagai, Naoya Takagi
  • Patent number: 8661790
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided, and includes an exhaust gas conduit, an upstream selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) device, an electrically heated catalyst (“EHC”) device, an oxidation catalyst (“OC”) device, a downstream SCR device, and a control module. The EHC device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and is configured to receive the exhaust gas. The EHC device is located downstream of the upstream SCR device and is selectively activated to produce heat. The OC device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit, and is selectively heated by the EHC device. At least one of the EHC device and the OC device have a NOx adsorber catalyst disposed thereon for selectively adsorbing NOx below a threshold temperature and substantially releasing NOx above the threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Charles E. Solbrig
  • Patent number: 8661796
    Abstract: A vehicle control device applied to a vehicle including an internal combustion engine and an electrically heated catalyst which is warmed by applying a current, and includes a catalyst carrier supporting a catalyst and a carrier retention unit that retains the catalyst carrier and has an electrical insulation property. The vehicle control device includes an insulation resistance determination unit which determines whether or not an insulation resistance of the carrier retention unit decreases to a value equal to or lower than a predetermined value, and an applying current prohibition unit which prohibits applying the current to the electrically heated catalyst when the insulation resistance determination unit determines that the insulation resistance decreases to the value equal to or lower than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru Yoshioka, Noriaki Kumagai, Naoya Takagi
  • Patent number: 8656705
    Abstract: A method for controlling an exhaust gas purification device 1 equipped with branch exhaust passages 2 and 3 connected to an exhaust passage 100 on the engine side; a shutoff valve 4 capable of shutting off exhaust gas at the exhaust inlets 2a and 3a of the branch exhaust passages 2 and 3; a nitrogen oxide adsorbing material 5, disposed inside each of the branch exhaust passages 2 or 3, temporarily adsorbing nitrogen oxides in an excess air atmosphere, and detaching the adsorbed nitrogen oxides in a rising temperature atmosphere or a reducing atmosphere; a first combustion device 6, disposed on the exhaust upstream side of the nitrogen oxide adsorbing material 5 inside each of the branch exhaust passages 2 or 3, having an air nozzle 61, and changing the air supplied from the air nozzle 61 into the rising temperature atmosphere or the reducing atmosphere; and a second combustion device 7, disposed on the exhaust downstream side of the nitrogen oxide adsorbing material 5 inside each of the branch exhaust passage
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Taisuke Ono
  • Patent number: 8650860
    Abstract: A temperature control system is provided for use with a hybrid engine. The system includes a controller configured to receive a signal representative of a temperature associated with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst configured to receive an exhaust gas stream produced by a hybrid engine. The controller is also configured to transmit a first signal to a generator operably coupled to a battery and the hybrid engine, and transmit a second signal to a heater configured to heat the SCR catalyst, wherein the first and second signals are configured to regulate the temperature associated with the SCR catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Applegate, William L. Easley, Jr., Michael S. Bond
  • Patent number: 8646259
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system is provided having an internal combustion engine, an exhaust gas conduit, a passive selective catalyst reduction (SCR) device, a heated SCR device, and a control module. The exhaust gas conduit is in fluid communication with and is configured to receive an exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The passive SCR device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and is configured to receive the exhaust gas. The passive SCR includes a passive SCR temperature profile. The heated SCR device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and is configured to receive the exhaust gas. The heated SCR device is located upstream of the passive SCR. The heated SCR is selectively activated to produce heat. The control module is in communication with the heated SCR and the engine and includes a control logic for determining the passive SCR temperature profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Paul Jasinkiewicz, Christopher J. Kalebjian
  • Publication number: 20140033688
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to suppress a short circuit between a heat generation element and a case in an electrically heated catalyst. An electrically heated catalyst (1) according to the present invention is provided with a heat generation element (3), a case (4), an insulating support member (5) arranged between said heat generation element (3) and said case (4), an inner pipe (6) inserted into said insulating support member (5) with its ends protruding into an exhaust gas from end faces of said insulating support member (5), and a catalyst (10) having an oxidation function that covers at least outer peripheral surfaces of protrusion portions (6a, 6b) of said inner pipe (6) protruding into the exhaust gas from the end faces of said insulating support member (5), except for predetermined ranges which are in contact with the end faces of said insulating support member (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mamoru Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 8640447
    Abstract: An exhaust emission control device includes a catalytic converter arranged in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine. The catalytic converter includes an upstream catalytic converter and a downstream catalytic converter arranged on a downstream side of the upstream catalytic converter. The upstream catalytic converter includes a first support and a first catalyst supported on the first support. The first catalyst includes a first lower layer catalyst and a first upper layer catalyst. Pd in the first lower layer catalyst is supported only on the oxygen storage component contained in the first catalyst. The first upper layer catalyst is provided on the first lower layer catalyst, Pd in the first upper layer catalyst being supported on each of the oxygen storage component and Al2O3 contained in the first catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Nishi, Kei Kuroki, Norihiko Suzuki, Kenji Katayama
  • Patent number: 8635861
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system including an exhaust flow area, a first bank of one or more exhaust treatment devices in fluid communication with the exhaust flow area and a second bank of one or more exhaust treatment devices in fluid communication with the exhaust flow area. The first bank may be arranged in parallel with the second bank and inlet of the first bank is configured to provide greater flow resistance to the exhaust than the inlet of the second bank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jinhui Sun, Yung T. Bui, Michael P. Boahene, Shashank Mupparapu
  • Patent number: 8635862
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine is provided having an exhaust gas conduit, an oxidation catalyst (“OC”) device, a selective catalytic reduction (“SCR”) device, and a control module. The internal combustion engine has at least one operating parameter. The exhaust gas conduit is in fluid communication with, and is configured to receive an exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. The exhaust gas contains oxides of nitrogen (“NOx”) and hydrocarbons. The exhaust gas has an exhaust gas temperature. The OC device is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit, and is activated to induce oxidation of the hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas. The OC device has an oxidation catalyst compound disposed thereon that is selectively activated at a specified temperature range for converting nitrogen oxide (“NO”) to nitrogen dioxide (“NO2”) at a specified percentage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Chang H. Kim, Michael J. Paratore, Jr., Steven J. Schmieg
  • Patent number: 8631645
    Abstract: A thermal management system includes a catalytic converter module that determines whether a catalytic converter is active. A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst module determines whether a SCR catalyst is active. An engine control module adjusts an air and fuel ratio of an engine to operate at a stoichiometric ratio and retards spark of the engine when the catalytic converter is not active. The engine control module at least one of performs post fuel injection and directly injects fuel into an exhaust system of the engine when the catalytic converter is active and the SCR catalyst is not active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G. Santoso, Bruce F. Hunter
  • Patent number: 8627654
    Abstract: A method of treating emissions from an internal combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle includes directing a flow of air created by the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is spinning but not being fueled through a hydrocarbon absorber to collect hydrocarbons within the flow of air. When the hydrocarbon absorber is full and unable to collect additional hydrocarbons, the flow of air is directed through an electrically heated catalyst to treat the flow of air and remove the hydrocarbons. When the hydrocarbon absorber is not full and able to collect additional hydrocarbons, the flow of air is directed through a bypass path that bypasses the electrically heated catalyst to conserve the thermal energy stored within the electrically heated catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Nathaniel Roos, Eugene V. Gonze, Halim G. Santoso, Brian L. Spohn
  • Patent number: 8621845
    Abstract: A thermal management system includes an enable module, a status module and a temperature control module. The enable module enables generation of ammonia for use in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts of an exhaust system during a passive SCR mode. The status module determines whether the exhaust system is operating in a passive SCR mode and generates a passive SCR active signal. The passive SCR mode includes operating an engine with rich air/fuel ratios. The temperature control module activates electrical heating of an oxidation catalyst based on the passive SCR active signal and a temperature of the oxidation catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Inventors: Eugene V. Gonze, David B. Brown