Fluid Motor Means Driven By Waste Heat Or By Exhaust Energy From Internal Combustion Engine Patents (Class 60/597)
  • Publication number: 20040050046
    Abstract: An engine includes a crankshaft, rotating about a crankshaft axis of the engine. A power piston is slidably received within a first cylinder and is operatively connected to the crankshaft via first linkage system. The power piston reciprocates through a power stroke and an exhaust stroke of a four stroke cycle during a single rotation of the crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a second cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft via second linkage system. The first and second linkage systems share no common mechanical link. The compression piston reciprocates through an intake stroke and a compression stroke of the same four stroke cycle during the same revolution of the crankshaft. The power piston leads the compression piston by a phase shift angle that is substantially equal to or greater than zero degrees and less than 30 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Carmelo J. Scuderi
  • Publication number: 20040020202
    Abstract: The invention relates to a channel-shaped connection device for electrical lines, especially signal and ignition lines, of internal combustion engines. At least one support element (2) is provided for preferably pre-assembled electrical lines (3) and components (7) and can be inserted, preferably pushed into receiving elements (4) of the channel-shaped connection device (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Markus Kraus, Florian Virchow
  • Patent number: 6609371
    Abstract: A four stroke cycle internal combustion engine including a crankshaft, rotating about a crankshaft axis of the engine. A power piston is slidably received within a first cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the power piston reciprocates through a power stroke and an exhaust stroke of a four stroke cycle during a single rotation of the crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a second cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the compression piston reciprocates through an intake stroke and a compression stroke of the same four stroke cycle during the same rotation of the crankshaft. The power piston reciprocates along a first piston-cylinder axis which is offset from the crankshaft axis. The offset substantially aligns a point of maximum combustion pressure applied to the power piston with a point of maximum torque applied to the crankshaft during the power stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Scuderi Group LLC
    Inventor: Carmelo J. Scuderi
  • Patent number: 6604360
    Abstract: An energy recovery system for an internal combustion engine includes a turbocharger unit having a turbocharger turbine receiving exhaust from the engine and a second turbine driven by the exhaust gasses. The second turbine drives an electrical generator. The generator supplies electrical power to an electrical control unit, which supplies power to an electric fan motor which drives an engine cooling fan driven by. The control unit also supplies electrical power to an electric coolant pump motor which drives an engine coolant pump. The second turbine is preferably a variable geometry turbine whose geometry is controlled so that its power absorption matches the electrical load of the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Carl Thomas Vuk
  • Patent number: 6581381
    Abstract: Disclosed are an adiabatic engine, an engine capable of reusing exhausted energy, and a high pressure jet assembly. The adiabatic engine has: a cylinder having an inner side surface, on which the adiabatic member is formed extending longer than at least a stroke distance; a cylinder head having a lower surface, on which the adiabatic member is formed; a suction valve and an exhaust valve respectively having a lower surface, on which the adiabatic member is formed; and a piston having an upper surface and an outer side surface, on each of which the adiabatic member is formed, the adiabatic member formed on the outer side surface of the piston has a vertical length longer than at least the stroke distance, the piston having a sealing means fitted around a circumferential outer surface of the piston under the adiabatic member on the outer side surface of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Chang Sun Kim
  • Publication number: 20030089108
    Abstract: Disclosed are an adiabatic engine, an engine capable of reusing exhausted energy, and a high pressure jet assembly. The adiabatic engine has: a cylinder having an inner side surface, on which the adiabatic member is formed extending longer than at least a stroke distance; a cylinder head having a lower surface, on which the adiabatic member is formed; a suction valve and an exhaust valve respectively having a lower surface, on which the adiabatic member is formed; and a piston having an upper surface and an outer side surface, on each of which the adiabatic member is formed, the adiabatic member formed on the outer side surface of the piston has a vertical length longer than at least the stroke distance, the piston having a sealing means fitted around a circumferential outer surface of the piston under the adiabatic member on the outer side surface of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Chang Sun Kim
  • Publication number: 20030084666
    Abstract: An exhaust energy recovery system for a combustion engine having an exhaust passage has a displacement expansion device and a generator. The expansion device is located in the exhaust passage. Exhaust gas is introduced into the expansion device. The expansion device has an expansion chamber the volume of which varies in accordance with the pressure of exhaust gas and generates power in accordance with the volume variation of the expansion chamber. The generator generates electricity in accordance with the power generated by the expansion device. This efficiently recovers exhaust gas and effectively uses the recovered exhaust gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masahiro Ogawa, Ukio Shimokawa
  • Patent number: 6543225
    Abstract: A four stroke cycle internal combustion engine including a crankshaft, rotating about a crankshaft axis of the engine. A power piston is slidably received within a first cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the power piston reciprocates through a power stroke and an exhaust stroke of a four stroke cycle during a single rotation of the crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a second cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the compression piston reciprocates through an intake stroke and a compression stroke of the same four stroke cycle during the same rotation of the crankshaft. A gas passage interconnects the first and second cylinders. The gas passage includes an inlet valve and an outlet valve defining a pressure chamber therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Scuderi Group LLC
    Inventor: Carmelo J. Scuderi
  • Patent number: 6539711
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle provided with an internal combustion engines and at least one auxiliary hydraulic mechanism, a system is provided that integrates pressurizing hydraulic fluid for the auxiliary hydraulic mechanism using of heat energy from the engine exhaust gases, and using the inertial energy from the voluntary slowing of the speed of the engine, as well as assisting in the starting system of the engine. The system includes a gas turbine (1), hydraulic pump (2), hydraulic accumulator (3), microcomputer (10), a hydraulic machined(11), a mechanical transmission (12), a tank (13) and piping, sensors and valves. A hydraulic transmission is positioned between the gas turbine (1) and the hydraulic accumulator (3), and a reverse hydraulic transmission is positioned between the shaft of the engine (15) and the hydraulic accumulator (3), so that the auxiliary hydraulic mechanism (14) can be fed with hydraulic liquid under pressure from the hydraulic accumulator (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Galin Stefanov Raychinov
  • Publication number: 20030056510
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle having a hydrogen powered internal combustion engine employing a cylinder deactivation strategy during idle or light load conditions. A continuous stream of air is supplied to the hydrogen internal combustion engine. A control system responsive to engine speed and accelerator pedal position calculates a specific amount of hydrogen to inject into the continuous air stream. The resulting stream is combusted in the engine to provide power to the vehicle. During idling or light load conditions, the hydrogen supply to one or more cylinders may cease while maintaining the flow of air to the cylinders. A rechargeable battery and an electric motor receiving power from the battery are used to supplement the hydrogen powered internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Robert C. Stempel, Richard O. Geiss, Bruce A. Webster, Ian Kinoshta
  • Patent number: 6516615
    Abstract: A system for an automobile has a compressed fuel source (14) having a first fuel pressure. An expansion device (26) is coupled to the compressed fuel source (14) and reduces the first pressure to a second pressure lower than the first pressure. The expansion device (26) generates a first quantity of work and forms a reduced pressure fuel. A chemical energy conversion engine (16) is coupled to the expansion device (26) and receives a reduced pressure fuel. The chemical energy conversion engine (16) generates a second quantity of work in response to the decompressed fuel. In one aspect of the invention, the first quantity of work and the second quantity of work may be coupled to an output shaft (20) such as the crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. In another aspect of the invention, the first quantity of work may be coupled to an accessory (40) either directly or indirectly. Indirect coupling may, for example, be performed using an accessory drive belt of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Francis Stockhausen, Donald Cameron Bingham, Robert Jay Natkin
  • Publication number: 20030014971
    Abstract: A four stroke cycle internal combustion engine including a crankshaft, rotating about a crankshaft axis of the engine. A power piston is slidably received within a first cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the power piston reciprocates through a power stroke and an exhaust stroke of a four stroke cycle during a single rotation of the crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a second cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft such that the compression piston reciprocates through an intake stroke and a compression stroke of the same four stroke cycle during the same rotation of the crankshaft. A gas passage interconnects the first and second cylinders. The gas passage includes an inlet valve and an outlet valve defining a pressure chamber therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Carmelo J. Scuderi
  • Patent number: 6470680
    Abstract: A manifold alternator generator including a turbine located proximal to a flow of exhaust gases in an internal combustion engine where the exhaust gases energize the turbine and produce rotation of an output shaft. The output shaft is connected to a rotor that is engaged with a generator such that the rotation of the turbine and output shaft generates electrical power. The manifold alternator generator may be used in combination with electromagnetic valve actuators and a flywheel alternator/starter. A processor may be used to optimize the performance of the manifold alternator generator and other system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Charl E Janeke
  • Patent number: 6434936
    Abstract: An exhaust driven turbofan to operates a generator, for generating electrical energy, which is stored in a battery until needed. An air blower is powered by energy from the battery, to generate pressurized air. The pressurized air passes into the piston chamber when the gas pedal is depressed, independent of the rotation of the crank shaft. An exhaust blower powered by the battery, sucks air from the piston chamber during the exhaust stroke, ensuring complete removal of the exhaust gasses. Valve overlap timing is no longer needed, eliminating the dwell time between intake and exhaust gasses. A non-ferrous wheel having ferrous portions is anchored in spaced relation about the outer periphery of the non-ferrous wheel, to assist the rotation of the crank shaft. At least one electromagnet is selectively energized to aid rotation of the non ferrous wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Daljit Singh
  • Patent number: 6434937
    Abstract: A multi-energy system 9 including a gas heat pump type air conditioner 10 in which a compressor 16 equipped in an outdoor unit 11 is driven by a gas engine 25, and a power generating apparatus 30 having a power generator 31 which is driven by the gas engine 25 to output AC power, characterized in that the power generating apparatus 30 further includes an AC/DC converter 32 converter for converting AC power output from the power generator 31 to DC power, and a DC/AC converter 33 for converting the DC power thus obtained in the AC/DC converter 32 to AC power having a specified frequency and then outputting the AC power thus obtained to electric equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 6397596
    Abstract: An electrical generation system that fully integrates heat utilization during the process. The system has two inputs: intake air and diesel fuel. Its outputs are some exhaust gas (carbon dioxide and nitrogen compounds), electricity, and extracted sulfur compounds. There are four interconnected systems: the turbine-diesel-generator system, the refrigerant gas system, the ammonia system and the water handling system. The refrigerant system uses R 22 (Freon) gas. Using heat extracted from the diesel engine and other components of the system, this gas is heated and is used to drive a turbine. The ammonia system is primarily used to condense the R 22. The water system is primarily used to cool the exhaust gasses from the diesel engine. As discussed below, the systems overlap so that, for example, one system is cooled while pre-heating another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventor: Heather Boyle
  • Patent number: 6367260
    Abstract: A means for eliminating a frozen or near frozen state in a drain of the condensed water generated by the action of an exhaust gas heat exchanger is provided. The condensed water separated from the exhaust gas in a silencer (31) is passed through a waste water trap provided with the joint (34) and discharged to the outside. The joint (34) also has a passage provided therein for circulating a heat transfer medium through an externally (separately) installed heat exchanger (52A). When the engine (2) is started, it is judged, based on the temperature of the waste water trap or the water measured by a sensor (53), whether the frozen state is present or not. When it is judged that the frozen state is present, a water pump 10 is switched on for circulating the heat transfer medium through the waste water trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihito Kasai, Yoshinori Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20020035834
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting between reciprocal piston motion and rotary shaft motion. A unique H-shaped piston rod configuration and corresponding cylinder assembly for improving the efficiency of internal and external combustion engines. A Stirling engine having improved efficiency due to the use of heat exchangers that are integral with the cylinder assemblies. A Stirling engine employing a novel means for rapidly varying power output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventor: Charles H. Cammack
  • Publication number: 20020017099
    Abstract: A thermal engine including a positive displacement compressor (A) having at least one rotatable vane partly defining at least one of the variable chambers within the compressor (A) having at least one rotatable vane partly defining at least one of the variable volume chambers within the compressor, a thermal chamber (D) in fluid communication with the outlet of the compressor (A), the thermal chamber (D) having heat transfer means for transferring heat from a heat source to the working fluid; and a positive displacement motor (B) having at least one rotatable vane partly defining at least one of the variable volume chambers within the motor and drive means for driving the compressor and an external load wherein, in use the flow of working fluid through the thermal chamber is substantially continuous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Glenn Alexander Thompson
  • Publication number: 20020017098
    Abstract: An exhaust gas alternator system for a diesel powered motor vehicle including a Stirling engine operating through a heat input of waste heat from a diesel engine exhaust to drive an electrical alternator. The cooler of the Stirling engine receives liquid engine coolant. An auxiliary diesel fuel burner may be operated to provide heat input for said Stirling engine when the diesel engine is not operated. The system may be used in an exhaust circuit having a catalytic converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Lennart Johansson
  • Publication number: 20020007636
    Abstract: A thermal energy retrieval system in which waste heat generated by an internal combustion engine is used to evaporate an organic working fluid in an evaporator. The evaporated working fluid is passed through a turbine to generate mechanical or electrical power which could be used to supplement the work done by the internal combustion engine. A unitary control valve is disposed between a feed pump and the evaporator to automatically regulate the flow of working fluid to the evaporator in accordance with the sensed temperature of the working fluid at its exit from the evaporator. This ensures the optimization of the thermodynamic efficiency of the system, which in turn leads to the provision of a more compact system useful as an add-on to motive mounted engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventor: Eli Hay
  • Patent number: 6334435
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for operating a pollution-free engine chamber by injecting supplementary compressed air, comprising a suction and compression chamber (1) and an expansion and exhaust chamber (4) independent of each other, which consists in separating the pressure increase process in said expansion chamber by dividing it into the two chambers, an engine chamber (2A) which receives high pressure air and a working chamber (2B) which receives the supplementary compressed air with lower pressure, separated by a quick-operating plug (2c) which communicates them suddenly thereby causing, owing to difference in pressure levels, a wave expanding the engine gas which flows into the working chamber generating a compressive shock wave substantially increasing the pressure level in the chamber shortly before it is communicated with the expansion and exhaust cylinder (4) to produce a work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventors: Guy Negre, Cyril Negre
  • Publication number: 20010042374
    Abstract: A multi-energy system 9 including a gas heat pump type air conditioner 10 in which a compressor 16 equipped in an outdoor unit 11 is driven by a gas engine 25, and a power generating apparatus 30 having a power generator 31 which is driven by the gas engine 25 to output AC power, characterized in that the power generating apparatus 30 further includes an AC/DC converter 32 converter for converting AC power output from the power generator 31 to DC power, and a DC/AC converter 33 for converting the DC power thus obtained in the AC/DC converter 32 to AC power having a specified frequency and then outputting the AC power thus obtained to electric equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 6314732
    Abstract: A hydrogen-ozone fueled power plant system that can be used for a variety of purposes including vehicles such as automobiles and trucks. The system includes a master generator for producing hydrogen and oxygen from water, another generator for producing ozone using the oxygen produced from the master generator and apparatus for supplying the hydrogen and ozone to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The steam produced during the combustion cycle is uniquely condensed into water that is returned to the fuel storage tank component of the system that supplies water to the master generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Theadore Lookholder
  • Patent number: 6301890
    Abstract: A system for preparing gas mixtures for combustion, reducing emissions during combustion and treating and purifying resultant exhaust gas mixtures includes an exhaust gas scrubbing and condensing heat exchanger which cleans, cools and dries an exhaust gas mixture, a source of clean water which supplies clean water for heating and humidifying, a steam producer for converting clean water to steam, a steam boiler for increasing the energy of the steam and the energy of a fluid compound gas. An exhaust gas turbine, a steam turbine, and a fluid compound gas turbine all mounted on a common shaft are operative to convert energy in the exhaust gas mixture, the steam, and the fluid compound gas to mechanical energy on the common shaft. The system is particularly suited for use with an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: MaK Motoren GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Herbert Zeretzke
  • Patent number: 6276138
    Abstract: A multi-cylinder Otto cycle internal combustion direct compound engine for motor vehicles with an exhaust-gas turbocharger providing direct turbo compounding upon the engine control module receiving a speed signal indicating that the vehicle is traveling in a predetermined cruise-speed mode. Upon receipt of the signal the module turns-off each fuel injector feeding a second group of the cylinders, while maintaining fuel injection to a first group of cylinders and fully opening the electronic intake-air induction throttle. As a result the unfired second group of cylinder pistons are driven solely by compressed inlet-air pressure during the time the vehicle travels at or above a predetermined light-load cruising-speed, while positive pumping work occurs in all the cylinders. The engine thus conserves fuel during light load cruising speed while maintaining low pollutant emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Damien Welch
  • Patent number: 6256990
    Abstract: An exhaust manifold integrally cast with a turbine housing for a turbocharger has pipe portions having exhaust gas flow paths and a plurality of ports adapted to receive an exhaust gas; flanges respectively extending from the ports; a converged portion connected to the pipe portions and adapted to converge the exhaust gas flow paths in the pipe portions; and a turbine housing integrally connected to the converged portion and having a circular exhaust gas flow path therein. The exhaust gas flow path in the converged portion is in a tangent direction relative to the circular exhaust gas flow path in the turbine housing. A neck portion that connects an outer surface of the turbine housing to an outer surface of the converged portion at a particular angle has a radius of curvature that is relative to the distance in a tangent direction of the exhaust gas flow path from the center of the turbine housing to the converged portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kenji Itoh
  • Patent number: 6185938
    Abstract: A five-cylinder turbocharged internal combustion engine has an exhaust manifold (6-10) connected to a turbine housing (13). Four exhaust manifold conduits (7, 8, 9, 10) lead in pairs to the inlets (11, 12) of a twin-entry turbine (14). The fifth exhaust manifold conduit (6) is drawn past the turbine housing and opens into an exhaust pipe (18) on the downstream side of the turbine housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventors: Lennarth Zander, Lars Nilsson, Patrick Olsson, Fredrik Wemmert, Johan Tollmen
  • Patent number: 6066898
    Abstract: A microturbine power generating system includes a combustor and a gas compressor that provides a flow of natural gas to a combustor. The flow of natural gas is regulated by varying the speed of the gas compressor to maintain gas compressor discharge pressure at a set point. The system further includes a turbine and an electrical generator that is driven by the turbine during a run mode of operation. A rectifier and a main inverter convert an output of the electrical generator into fixed frequency ac power during the run mode. A secondary inverter operates an electric motor of the gas compressor at the variables speeds during the run mode. During a startup mode, however, the main inverter operates the gas compressor motor, and the secondary inverter operates the electrical generator as a starter motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventor: Davis Jensen
  • Patent number: 6062024
    Abstract: An exhaust manifold and a turbine housing for a turbo-charged five-cylinder engine are cast as a single piece. This arrangement renders unnecessary a flanged connection between a separate exhaust manifold and turbine housing. The one-piece design provides optimum gas paths to obtain a good response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventors: Lennarth Zander, Ingemar Martinsson, Jan Erling Rydquist
  • Patent number: 5881559
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle which is driven by a motor powered with electric power generated by an engine, wherein the cylinder, piston, and sub-combustion chamber of the engine have insulation structure so that heat sufficient for evaporating fed fuel is held in the sub-combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Isuzu Ceramics Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5857336
    Abstract: A power plant system particularly useful for hybrid vehicles driven by electric motors, the power plant system including a positive displacement engine with a bifurcated exhaust forming first and second exhaust passages for expansion gases, each passage being separately controlled by an independently operated engine exhaust valve, the first exhaust passage supplying expansion gases to a turbine connected to a compressor delivering compressed air to the engine and the second exhaust passage supplying expansion gases to a turbine connected to an electric generator, the power plant system having a system control module independently controlling each exhaust valve for optimum air compression for the load and speed of engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: Marius A. Paul, Ana Paul
  • Patent number: 5799489
    Abstract: A torque compensating apparatus and method for a turbo-charger, includes a sensor for detecting a crank angle of a crank, a control unit for generating a control signal according to the detection, a compressing mechanism for selectively generating pressure toward a turbine, and a switch circuit for selectively activating the compressing mechanism according to the control signal so as to continuously rotate the turbine even during an intake stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Yeop Lee
  • Patent number: 5787711
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine cooling system incorporating a motor-assisted turbofan is disclosed. The turbine-driven fan is increased in rotational speed by energizing a motor attached to the turbine fan shaft from an outside power source to provide required cooling air flow. The cooling air system of the invention also includes a ducted fan for supplying cooling air for one or more heat exchangers, and is controlled via inputs from an engine speed sensor for providing a motor operating signal, a flow sensor downstream of the heat exchangers for providing a motor operating signal, and temperature sensors located throughout the cooling circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Turbodyne Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Woollenweber, Edward M. Halimi
  • Patent number: 5775105
    Abstract: This invention comprises a cam driven plug that opens and closes exhaust valve ports in an engine cylinder and while it moves to open forms an optimum variable geometry nozzle for the exhaust gasses exiting from the cylinder to impart maximum velocity energy to these exhaust gasses for delivery first at supersonic speed and then lower velocities as the cylinder pressure decays to drive a turbine that delivers power to the shaft of the internal combustion engine or other service loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Herbert G. Zinsmeyer
  • Patent number: 5713200
    Abstract: A simple exhaust system is disclosed with improved operational reliability and an increased service life for a turbocharged internal combustion engine, in which system both the advantages of shock-wave charging and those of pulse-converter charging are used, depending on the operating state of the internal combustion engine. These advantages are achieved by virtue of the fact that extension pieces (12, 13) are formed for the shock pipes (6, 7) and are arranged upstream of the connection line (8, 9) furthest away from the exhaust turbine (5). Each shock pipe (6, 7) is connected to a corresponding extension piece (12, 13). The interconnection conduit/s (14) is/are formed between the extension pieces (12, 13). Each interconnection conduit (14) has a cross-sectional constriction (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventors: Jozef Baets, Ennio Codan, Christoph Mathey
  • Patent number: 5579640
    Abstract: A hydropneumatic powertrain includes a fluidic driver connected in parallel with first and second liquid tanks connected, respectively, with first and second gas vessels. The gas within each gas vessel is in fluid communication with the liquid within the corresponding liquid vessel. A prime mover drives a pump to pump liquid alternately into one of the two liquid tanks connected in parallel with the pump. Switch valving directs the discharge of the pump to either the first liquid tank or the second liquid tank, while the liquid tank not receiving liquid from the pump discharge is discharging its liquid, driven by expansion of gas within the corresponding gas vessel, to drive the fluidic driver which, in turn, drives the drive wheels of the vehicle. Each gas tank is equipped with a heater and a cooler whereby the gas vessel, in the compression portion of the cycle, is cooled while the other gas vessel is heated for expansion of the gas contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Charles L. Gray, Jr., Karl H. Hellman
  • Patent number: 5400596
    Abstract: This invention relates to the use of the exhaust of an internal combustion engine to contribute to forward motion by a pneumatic device connected directly to the drive train and a motor generator connected to the drive train to contribute to acceleration and to provide regenerative braking. All of the automobiles electrical needs are supplied by recaptured momentum when driving conditions allow. Surplus electricity is stored to further contribute to acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: David J. Shlien
  • Patent number: 5329770
    Abstract: An exhaust gas drive system for engine accessories includes a turbine positioned in the exhaust system of the engine of a vehicle for rotation of the turbine by the pressure of the exhaust gas. The turbine is connected through a reduction transmission to a hydraulic pump which is fluidically connected to respective hydraulic motors which drive the accessories. Communication of exhaust gas to the turbine is controlled by a waste gate. The flow of hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motors is controlled by actuator valves which operate in an on/off manner or are adjustable for variable control of the accessories. A computer monitors engine speed and controls the position of the waste gate to thereby maintain a substantially constant speed of the turbine. Alternatively, a secondary output shaft of the reduction transmission has a drive pulley thereon for belt driving an accessory having a driven pulley on an input shaft thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Michael S. Ward
  • Patent number: 5313797
    Abstract: A rotary power transformer employing the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine as the fluid medium for transforming pressure into a rotative motion. It includes a circular housing and a central hollow driven shaft extendable through and rotatable relative to the housing. A central rotor of generally cylindrical shape has a plurality of equispaced vanes on the outer periphery thereof. A rotor boss is nestably received at opposite sides of each vane of the rotor. The rotor side walls are fixed to the driven shaft. An outer stator circumscribes and is in spaced relationship with the rotor for defining a circular expansion chamber between the stator and rotor and has a plurality of equispaced inwardly facing vanes defining on the inboard periphery of the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Howard Bidwell
  • Patent number: 5186081
    Abstract: The torque output of a fluidic torque converter that is driven by a supercharged engine and whose output is coupled to the input of a hydraulic automatic transmission is determined and compared with a transmission input torque limit which is a function of the transmission gear. The boost pressure output of the engine supercharger is limited based on this comparison to closed loop limit the torque output of the torque converter at the transmission input torque limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Richardson, Michael D. Parr
  • Patent number: 5138840
    Abstract: According to the present invention, a power transmission apparatus for an internal combustion engine (2) having a supercharger (1) attached thereto is constructed such that thermal energy included in exhaust gas discharged from a turbine (T) in the supercharger is recovered by a waste heat recovering turbine (3) thereby to drive the waste heat recovering turbine (3), auxiliary units (9), (10) for a cooling system of the internal combustion engine (2) are driven by power generated by the waste heat recovering turbine (3) which has been driven and the power generated by the wasted heat recovering turbine (3) is then transmitted to a crankshaft (12) of the internal combustion engine (2) via a coupling (6) for interrupting power transmission in an operational region where the internal combustion engine is rotated at a low speed or in an operational region where the internal combustion engine is rotated under a low load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventors: Tetsuro Oguchi, Hidetada Fukushima
  • Patent number: 5079913
    Abstract: A complex turbocharger compound engine system has a clutch disposed between the rotatable shaft of a turbine which is drivable by exhaust gases emitted from an engine and a power transmission device by which the rotatable shaft and the output shaft of the engine are operatively coupled to each other, a generator mounted on the rotatable shaft, and a rotary electric machine operatively coupled to the output shaft of the engine and operable selectively as a generator or as a motor. In a region in which the turbine operates with high efficiency, the region depending on operating conditions of the engine, the clutch is engaged to transmit rotative power of the turbine driven by the exhaust gases to the output shaft of the engine, thereby mechanically recovering the exhaust energy of the engine. In a region in which the turbine operates with low efficiency, the generator is driven by the turbine and the rotary electric machine is operated as a motor by the generated electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Keiji Kishishita
  • Patent number: 5074115
    Abstract: A turbocharger includes first and second turbines each having a turbine scroll for introducing exhaust gases from an engine, a first rotatable shaft having one end coupled to the first turbine and the other end to a compressor, a second rotatable shaft coupled to the second turbine, with a rotary electric machine mounted on the second rotatable shaft, and a clutch disposed between the first and second rotatable shafts, for selectively connecting and disconnecting the first and second rotatable shafts. The clutch is selectively engaged and disengaged and the rotary electric machine is operated selectively as a motor and a generator for effective recovery of exhaust gases emitted from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Hideo Kawamura
  • Patent number: 5024057
    Abstract: An electric generator system drivable by the energy of exhaust gases emitted from an internal combustion engine includes two turbines drivable by the energy of exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine, the turbines having different capacities, and an electric generator mounted on a turbine shaft interconnecting the turbine impellers of the turbines. When the energy of exhaust gases emitted from the engine is larger, the turbine of the larger capacity is driven. When the exhaust energy is smaller, the turbine of the smaller capacity is driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1991
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Hideo Kawamura
  • Patent number: 4918923
    Abstract: An exhaust-driven cooling system for an internal combustion engine includes a turbocooler having an exhaust-driven turbine and ducted fan means to generate a flow of cooling air for use in an internal combustion engine heat exchanger to dissipate heat losses of the engine and a control for the generation of cooling air. The system can provide internal combustion engines with substantially reduced temperatures and pressures for its exhaust gas, thrust usable as a motive force and exhaust system components and substantially improved reliability and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Inventors: William E. Woollenweber, Niels J. Beck
  • Patent number: 4886978
    Abstract: An exhaust energy recovery apparatus for an engine has an induction generator drivable by exhaust gases emitted from the engine, and an induction motor drivable by electric power generated by the induction generator. The frequency of an exciting current supplied to the induction generator and the load being the induction motor are controlled so that the operation efficiency of the turbine will be maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Hideo Kawamura
  • Patent number: 4885911
    Abstract: An exhaust-driven cooling system for an internal combustion engine includes a turbocooler having an exhaust-driven turbine and fan means to generate a flow of cooling air for use in an internal combustion engine heat exchanger to dissipate heat losses of the engine. The system can provide internal combustion engines with substantially reduced temperatures and pressures for its exhaust gas and exhaust system components and substantially improved reliability and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Inventors: William E. Woollenweber, Niels J. Beck
  • Patent number: 4864151
    Abstract: An exhaust gas turbine powered electric generating system for supplying electrical loads on a motor vehicle. The inlet of the gas turbine is supplied with the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The effective turbine inlet area is controlled by a valve which is adjusted as a function of the output current of the generator. As generator output current increases the valve is adjusted to decrease turbine inlet area thereby increasing engine back pressure which tends to slow the engine down. An idle speed control is provided which in response to engine slow-down increases the amount of air and fuel supplied to the engine to thereby increase the exhaust gas mass flow supplied to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Floyd A. Wyczalek, Stanley H. Mick
  • Patent number: H1841
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for evacuating air from an at least partially enclosed space around an internal combustion engine including an exhaust pipe for the flow of combustion products to atmosphere. The present system and apparatus includes a shaft and structure for mounting the shaft to the exhaust pipe in the exhaust path, and an impeller mountable for rotation on the shaft, the impeller including a first rotor having at least one vane or blade positioned in the exhaust path and oriented so as to be rotatably driven by the flow of combustion products, and a second rotor connected in rotatably driven communication to the first rotor, the second rotor including at least one vane or blade positioned and oriented for propelling air within the enclosure for evacuating the air therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald P. Simmons