Having Condition Responsive Valve Controlling Engine Exhaust Flow Patents (Class 60/602)
  • Patent number: 8726655
    Abstract: A modular exhaust gas assembly includes a turbocharger housing having an exhaust flange and a bearing flange receptacle, and a plurality of turbine scrolls of different sizes for selective installation into the turbocharger housing in dependence on a power of an engine. Each turbine scroll has an inlet zone and is connected to the bearing flange receptacle via a selected one of a plurality of different bearing flanges and to the exhaust flange via a selected one of a plurality of different exhaust links. The inlet zone of each turbine scroll is configured to complement a contour of an outlet zone of a standard manifold so that the turbine scrolls are selectively connectable via their inlet zone to the manifold to suit the engine power at hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Smatloch, Elmar Grussmann, Frank Arlt
  • Patent number: 8720200
    Abstract: In the case where a low-pressure-side supercharging pressure acquired value corresponding to the pressure of inlet gas at the outlet of a low-pressure compressor operated in a twin supercharging mode is less than a target supercharging pressure in a single supercharging mode, changeover from the twin supercharging mode to the single supercharging mode is prohibited. Meanwhile, in the case where the low-pressure-side supercharging pressure acquired value is equal to or greater than the target supercharging pressure, the changeover from the twin supercharging mode to the single supercharging mode is permitted. Alternatively, in the case where a supercharging pressure during operation in the single supercharging mode is less than a target value of the pressure of supply gas at the outlet of the low-pressure compressor in the twin supercharging mode, changeover from the single supercharging mode to the twin supercharging mode is prohibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 8713935
    Abstract: A control system for a turbo charged natural gas engine. A butterfly valve used for fuel control upstream of a carburetor provides non-linear flow response during opening and closing and a flow compensator compensates for the non-linear response. A throttle valve position sensor acts in association with a controller which compares the throttle valve position signal with a predetermined set point and thereby opens or closes the waste gate of the turbo charger which affects oxygen content in the exhaust. A compensator for a throttle valve used with electronic engine controllers is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: REM Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Leigh Malm, Wade Larry Mowat
  • Publication number: 20140109884
    Abstract: Engine coolant heating systems and methods that improve waste heat recovery. The systems and methods include a piped connection between the outlet of an exhaust gas recirculation cooler and the main exhaust pipe leading to the vehicle's tailpipe. The systems and methods also include at least one additional valve in the exhaust stream for directing the flow of exhaust appropriately given specific driving conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel E Hornback, Kevin J Laboe, Gregg T Black
  • Publication number: 20140109569
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust gas recirculation system for an engine (1), wherein at least a downstream sub-region of a region of an exhaust passage (33) upstream of a turbine wheel (52) is divided into two sub-passages (R1, R2) by a partition wall (20a, 30a) extending along an exhaust gas flow direction. A high-speed sub-passage (R2) in the two sub-passages (R1, R2) is equipped with an openable-closable exhaust variable valve (23). The exhaust variable valve (23) is configured to be controlled to open the high-speed sub-passage (R2) when an engine speed is equal to or greater than a reference speed, and close the high-speed sub-passage (R2) when the engine speed is less than the reference speed. An inlet (60a) of an EGR passage (60) on the side of the exhaust passage (33) is opened to the high-speed sub-passage (R2) at a position downstream of the exhaust variable valve (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shuhei TSUJITA, Einosuke SUEKUNI, Junji UMEMURA, Yuki NABETANI
  • Patent number: 8701408
    Abstract: A connecting device, comprising: a linearly driving drive member; an actuating member driven in a rotating manner by an internal combustion engine charging device with at least one pivot arm connected to the actuating member in a fixed manner, wherein the actuating member transmits rotational moments about a pivot axis, with a slide element connected to the driving member in a fixed manner, and wherein the driving member transmits linear forces oriented obliquely to the pivot axis, with at least one bearing arrangement, which moveably couples the slide element to the pivot arm such that the slide element is displaceably mounted along a displacement axis running parallel to the pivot axis and rotatably mounted about the displacement axis and about a rotary axis running perpendicularly to the displacement axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Tobias Dettmann, Frank Neumann
  • Publication number: 20140102092
    Abstract: Various methods for controlling a wastegate with an electric actuator including a bias are provided. In one example, the actuator is supplied with a first current when moving a wastegate valve toward a fully open position, and is supplied with a second current when moving a wastegate toward a fully closed position. The methods may ensure appropriate supply of boost to an engine even in the event of wastegate degradation while enabling engine downsizing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Amey Y. Karnik, Yan Wang, Vladimir V. Kokotovic
  • Publication number: 20140102093
    Abstract: A multistage turbocharging system provided with a first turbocharger, a second turbocharger, and an exhaust bypass valve device, in which a seal surface of the opening of the bypass flow passage that is abutted by the bottom surface of the valve body of the exhaust bypass valve device has a higher oxidation resistance than the housing of the second turbocharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Tomohiro HONMA, Kenji BUNNO, Fumihiko FUKUHARA
  • Patent number: 8695336
    Abstract: In one aspect, an internal combustion engine may include at least one turbocharger having an exhaust gas inlet and a turbine. An exhaust gas channel may be connected to the exhaust gas inlet of the turbocharger. In the exhaust gas system a valve may be provided that has a valve member. The valve may regulate exhaust gas directed to the turbine. The valve position may be controlled in response to a characteristic indicative of charge pressure of combustion air. In another aspect, a method may be provided for regulating the pressure of charged air delivered by a turbocharger of an internal combustion engine. The method may include regulating the exhaust gas that is directed to the turbine of the turbocharger in response to a characteristic indicative of a charge pressure of charged combustion air. In another aspect, a valve for regulating exhaust gas directed to the turbine may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Sascha Burkhard, Wolfgang Heintze
  • Patent number: 8695337
    Abstract: A piston ring for sealing gas flow past a sliding cylinder is provided at the interface of the turbine and bearing housings, and is axially close to the turbine inlet. A V-band or similar connection joins the turbine and bearing housings but it is axially further away from the turbine inlet. The piston ring is provided with a spacer element between it and the bearing housing that is at least partially thermally decoupled from the bearing housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Turbo Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Timothy James William Proctor
  • Patent number: 8695338
    Abstract: A flow rate control valve and a waste-gate valve are operatively linked to a common cam plate, which is driven by an actuator. The cam plate has a first driving portion for rotating the flow rate control valve in a synchronized manner with rotation of the cam plate. The cam plate has a second driving portion for rotating the waste-gate valve in accordance with the rotation of the cam plate, wherein an operational pattern for the waste-gate valve is different from that for the flow rate control valve. As above, two valves are operated by one actuator so as to move independently from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Sato, Etsugou Yanagida
  • Patent number: 8684675
    Abstract: A turbocharger includes a turbine wheel mounted within a turbine housing and connected to a compressor wheel by a shaft. The turbine housing defines an exhaust gas inlet connected to a volute that surrounds the turbine wheel, and an axial bore through which exhaust gas that has passed through the turbine wheel is discharged from the turbine housing. The turbine housing further defines an annular bypass passage surrounding the bore and arranged to allow exhaust gas to bypass the turbine wheel. An annular bypass valve is disposed in the bypass passage. The bypass valve includes a fixed annular valve seat and a rotary annular valve member arranged coaxially with the valve seat. The valve member is disposed against the valve seat and is rotatable about the axis for selectively varying a degree of alignment between respective orifices in the valve seat and valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Lombard, Michael Ladonnet, Michel Thirion
  • Patent number: 8688306
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to limiting the use of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle by particular occupants based on permission data. More specifically, permission data may include destinations, routes, and/or other information that is predefined or set by a third party. The vehicle may then access the permission data in order to transport the particular occupant to the predefined destination, for example, without deviation from the predefined route. The vehicle may drop the particular occupant off at the destination and may wait until the passenger is ready to move to another predefined destination. The permission data may be used to limit the ability of the particular occupant to change the route of the vehicle completely or by some maximum deviation value. For example, the vehicle may be able to deviate from the route up to a particular distance from or along the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Nemec, Christopher Paul Urmson, Bradley Templeton, Nathaniel Fairfield, Anthony Scott Levandowski
  • Patent number: 8683799
    Abstract: A turbocharger includes a plurality of nozzle vanes provided on an outer circumferential side of a turbine wheel, a variable nozzle vane mechanism adjusting a flow of an exhaust gas with the nozzle vanes, and an actuator driving the nozzle vane mechanism. A control device for the turbocharger continues an abutting control that causes a movable member of the variable nozzle vane mechanism to abut against a stopper that regulates the movable range of the nozzle vanes as long as the engine is stopped while the vehicle is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Azuma
  • Patent number: 8683987
    Abstract: Otto intake-cycle controlled-air (throttled) internal combustion engines suffer from parasitic pumping losses associated with partial vacuums developed in their intake manifolds and in the cylinders above their pistons. To solve this problem, there is provided individually partitioned dry-sump crankcases dynamic pneumatic coupling pressure reduction cycle system and method that reduce the damaging parasitic effects of the differential pressure about a piston head during an intake cycle which is a source of part-load pumping-loss friction. This closed loop system includes an independent supplemental mechanical fail-safe system of a turbo-compound engine variant for pneumatic coupling of individual cylinder-crankcase volumes. It does not alter the cylinder homogeneous mixture charge integrity and stability. The system is applicable to several engine configurations, such as controlled air intake or uncontrolled air intake combustion engines, using different fuel types, either in liquid or in gazeous state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: R & D Machma Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Marcil
  • Patent number: 8678755
    Abstract: A turbocharger includes a turbine wheel mounted within a turbine housing and connected to a compressor wheel by a shaft. The turbine housing defines an exhaust gas inlet connected to a volute that surrounds the turbine wheel, and an axial bore through which exhaust gas that has passed through the turbine wheel is discharged from the turbine housing. The turbine housing further defines an annular bypass passage surrounding the bore and arranged to allow exhaust gas to bypass the turbine wheel. An annular bypass valve is disposed in the bypass passage. The bypass valve comprises a fixed annular valve seat and a rotary annular valve member arranged coaxially with the valve seat. The valve member is disposed against the valve seat and is rotatable about the axis for selectively varying a degree of alignment between respective orifices in the valve seat and valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Alain Lombard, Michael Ladonnet, Michel Thirion
  • Patent number: 8677749
    Abstract: A combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine has at least a first and a second exhaust port, which are decoupled downstream of the combustion chamber. The first exhaust port is opened before the second exhaust port during an expansion stroke of the piston. The first exhaust port is coupled to a high-pressure turbine and the second exhaust port is coupled to a low-pressure turbine. By directing exhaust gases at higher pressure to the high-pressure turbine and gases at lower pressure to the low-pressure turbine, the overall energy recovery from the exhaust gases is greater than a system with one or more exhaust turbines coupled in series with all of the exhaust ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: EcoMotors International
    Inventors: Franz Laimboeck, Peter P. Hofbauer
  • Publication number: 20140075933
    Abstract: An exhaust-gas turbocharger has a turbine housing and a waste-gate valve of a ball-cock configuration which is arranged therein. The actuating crank of the waste-gate valve has a crank arm, to which the closing element is fastened, and a crank spindle which is connected integrally to the crank arm and is mounted in the turbine-housing wall. A stop shoulder for sealing the crank-spindle bearing and a flexural-stress relief pocket are provided in the transition region between the crank spindle and the crank arm, as a result of which the sealing action of the crank-spindle bearing and a more uniform distribution of flexural stresses in the transition region between the crank arm and the crank spindle are brought about and therefore an increased service life of the actuating crank is ensured with a simultaneously economical configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Alexander Jaegle, Roland Herfurth
  • Patent number: 8671682
    Abstract: Multi-stage turbocharging, and more particularly, an advanced multi-stage turbocharging system using the variable turbine power of one or more variable turbine geometry (VTG) turbochargers to adjust compressor boost and exhaust back pressure to engine operating demands. The invention further relates to a turbocharged internal combustion engine, in particular a turbocharged internal combustion engine with at least one high-pressure turbine stage and one downstream low-pressure turbine stage, wherein the high-pressure turbine may be a single-flow or double-flow type, wherein the high pressure or low pressure compressor may be variable geometry, wherein the high pressure or low pressure compressor may be variably bypassed, and wherein the high pressure or low pressure turbine may be provided with an active control variable bypass or wastegate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc
    Inventors: Eric Parlow, Patrick Sweetland, Matt Rice
  • Patent number: 8667794
    Abstract: An assembly can include a valve seat for an exhaust bypass valve of a serial turbocharger system where the valve seat includes a base portion and a wall portion that extends axially away from the base portion; and a gasket that includes a planar portion that defines a perimeter and a socket disposed interior to the perimeter, where the socket includes a valve seat surface axially recessed from the planar portion and configured to position the seat. In various examples, the valve seat is positioned in the socket of the gasket and fixed to the gasket. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Perrin, Marylene Ruffinoni, Philippe Renaud, Patrick Masson
  • Publication number: 20140060042
    Abstract: An internal-combustion engine has a turbo supercharger. A control apparatus calculates a fuel flow rate based on an injection quantity of fuel in the engine and a number of revolutions of the engine. The control apparatus calculates an upstream side pressure and temperature on an upstream side of a turbine impeller and a turbine flow rate. The control apparatus calculates an upper limit threshold value of an opening degree level of a variable nozzle of the turbo supercharger such that a turbine pressure ratio is equal to or less than a predetermined ratio on a basis of the turbine flow rate and a pressure ratio•turbine flow rate characteristic. The pressure ratio•turbine flow rate characteristic is pre-stored information indicating a relationship between the turbine pressure ratio, the turbine flow rate, and the opening degree level of the variable nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Hideki AOKI, Haruki MASUYAMA
  • Publication number: 20140067236
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for lowering exhaust gas temperature. In one embodiment, a method comprises increasing an air-to-fuel ratio of an engine in response to an exhaust gas temperature exceeding a threshold temperature value to lower the exhaust gas temperature to a temperature below the threshold temperature value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Luke Henry, Daniel Edward Loringer, James Robert Mischler, Neil Xavier Blythe, Matthew John Malone, Greg Thomas Polkus
  • Publication number: 20140060041
    Abstract: A desired wastegate valve opening degree is set in accordance with a driving condition of an internal combustion engine; based on a detected rotation speed of the internal combustion engine and a set desired wastegate valve opening degree, it is determined whether or not supercharging for the internal combustion engine is required; and in the case where it is determined that the supercharging is not required, a driving current for a wastegate valve driving unit is stopped when the opening degree of the wastegate valve becomes a desired value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Tomokazu MAKINO, Michihisa YOKONO
  • Patent number: 8661816
    Abstract: A hybrid internal combustion engine having a cylinder, a piston disposed within the cylinder, the piston constructed and arranged to reciprocate within the cylinder, and a combustion chamber defined by the cylinder and the top of the piston. The hybrid internal combustion engine also includes an exhaust manifold and a heat exchanger disposed within the exhaust manifold. A pump disposed between the heat exchanger and a fluid reservoir is provided to deliver fluid from the reservoir to the heat exchanger, whereby the fluid in the heat exchanger is heated and turned into high pressure gas (HPG) when the combustion gases are exhausted from the combustion chamber via the exhaust manifold. The resulting HPG may then be introduced into the combustion chamber to provide a HPG power stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Will Weldon Mathews, Harry Bruce Crower, Tibor Kiss
  • Patent number: 8661813
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling and/or adjusting the charging pressure of an exhaust gas turbocharger of an internal combustion engine, the exhaust gas turbocharger having a turbine, a compressor which is driven by the latter and which makes available compressed fluid for the internal combustion engine, and a pressure setting device for setting the turbine inlet pressure. Here, it is provided that the turbine inlet pressure is set to a defined turbine inlet pressure such that for the internal combustion engine there is a maximum indicated medium pressure and/or a maximum effective medium pressure, the defined turbine inlet pressure being computed by means of an air model. The invention furthermore relates to an internal combustion engine with an exhaust gas turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Hermann Henning
  • Publication number: 20140053551
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an exhaust heat recovery valve is presented. In one embodiment, the method may control an amount of boost provided by a turbocharger to an engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Publication number: 20140053547
    Abstract: An engine receiving boost from a supercharger and/or a turbocharger compressor is provided, along with methods for its operation. The engine may include inline cylinders arranged on an engine block and an integrated exhaust manifold (IEM), where exhaust flow from inner cylinders is kept separate from exhaust flow from outer cylinders within the IEM and where exhaust flow from the inner cylinders but not the outer cylinders flows through a turbine of the turbocharger. The supercharger and turbocharger compressor may be arranged in parallel upstream of an intake manifold of the engine, and throttles upstream of each of the supercharger and compressor may be controlled to direct intake air through one or both of the supercharger and the compressor based on engine operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Andrew Wade, John Christopher Riegger
  • Publication number: 20140053548
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a hydraulically actuated engine valve. In one example, a method includes receiving an indication of a temperature of an exhaust flow exceeding a threshold temperature. The method further includes responsive to the indication, increasing a flow, in a hydraulically actuated valve system having a valve and an actuator in thermal communication with the exhaust flow, of hydraulic fluid through the actuator, to manage a temperature of the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Eric David PETERS
  • Publication number: 20140053549
    Abstract: A four-way exhaust gas valve has a permanent inlet, a permanent outlet, a selectable inlet, a selectable outlet and a pivotable valve flap. The pivotable valve flap is arranged for switching between a first mode of operation, in which exhaust gas entering through the permanent inlet is guided directly to the permanent outlet, and a second mode of operation, in which exhaust gas entering through the permanent inlet is discharged through the selectable outlet and exhaust gas re-entering through the selectable inlet is discharged through the permanent outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Eberspaecher Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Denis Scholt, Christoph Illi, Rolf Duerrstein, Georg Wirth
  • Publication number: 20140053550
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a twin scroll turbocharged engine with a junction configured to selectively control exhaust gas delivery to an exhaust gas recirculation system and a twin scroll turbine are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Brad Boyer, Lawrence Marshall, James Leiby
  • Publication number: 20140048049
    Abstract: Embodiments for a charge air cooler are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises increasing intake air flow velocity through a charge air cooler and coordinately adjusting a position of one or more of an intake manifold throttle and a turbocharger wastegate in response to the increased intake air flow velocity to maintain torque. In this way, intake air flow velocity may be increased while maintaining desired torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Charles A. Cockerill, Shuya Shark Yamada, Phil Andrew Fabien, Julia Helen Buckland
  • Publication number: 20140047834
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for regulating air flow through a two-stage turbocharger. In one embodiment, a method for an engine comprises, in response to a transient engine operating event, adjusting a provided amount of exhaust gas recirculation provided to an intake of the engine based on at least one of desired intake oxygen, one or more turbocharger conditions of a turbocharger, or a magnitude of the transient engine operating event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Greg Thomas Polkus, James Robert Mischler, Luke Henry
  • Publication number: 20140047835
    Abstract: A turbocharger system is provided. The turbocharger system includes a turbine positioned downstream of a combustion chamber and a turbine bypass conduit in fluidic communication with a turbine inlet and a turbine outlet. The turbocharger system further includes a wastegate positioned in the turbine bypass conduit, a wastegate actuator coupled to the wastegate adjusting a position of the wastegate, and an air-cooled solenoid valve coupled to wastegate actuator adjusting a position of the wastegate actuator, the air-cooled solenoid valve receiving cooling airflow from an intake conduit positioned upstream of a compressor mechanically coupled to the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick Matthews
  • Publication number: 20140041382
    Abstract: An engine includes a first turbine fluidically coupled to a first group of adjacent cylinders, and a second turbine fluidically coupled to a second group of adjacent cylinders. In this engine, the cylinders of the first and second groups are arranged along a line. The engine also includes a variable valve-lift system configured to admit at least air to the first group of cylinders during reduced engine-load conditions, but to stop admitting air to the second group of cylinders during the reduced engine-load conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Carsten Weber, Martin Wirth, Rainer Friedfeldt, Guenter Bartsch
  • Publication number: 20140041380
    Abstract: Embodiments for controlling boost pressure are provided. In one example, a method of controlling a turbocharger of an engine via a multi-staged wastegate comprises during a first condition, actuating a first stage of the wastegate based on boost pressure generated by the turbocharger, and actuating a second stage of the wastegate based on a temperature of a catalyst downstream of the turbocharger. In this way, catalyst heating and boost control may be provided by a common wastegate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Durand Byrd, Keith Michael Plagens, William Charles Ruona
  • Publication number: 20140041381
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for discharging condensate from a turbocharger arrangement of an internal combustion engine. Specifically, in on example, condensate may be drained from a condensate reservoir by opening a drain valve coupled to the condensate reservoir. Further, the drain valve may be closed responsive to engine operating conditions indicating the condensate reservoir has been completely drained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Kuske, Christian Winge Vigild, Daniel Roettger
  • Patent number: 8646433
    Abstract: An arrangement for exhaust braking of a combustion engine (2) which is equipped with a turbo unit with at least one flow element in the form of a vane or rail (17, 27) settable in varying positions to control the flow of exhaust gases through the turbine (6). A bypass line (25) provided with an inlet aperture (25a) is connected to an exhaust passage (4a, 19, 20) at a location upstream of the flow element (17, 27). An outlet aperture (25b) is connected to the exhaust passage (21, 4b) at a location downstream of the flow element (17, 27). A throttle (26) in the bypass line. A control device (13, 18) places the flow element (17, 27) in a substantially closed position when an exhaust braking process is to be effected, so that a positive pressure occurs in the exhaust passage (4a, 19) at a location upstream of the flow element (17, 27), which positive pressure is defined by the throttle (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Scania CV AB
    Inventors: Håkan Fransson, Roger Olsson
  • Patent number: 8646270
    Abstract: Turbines and compressors, which constitute superchargers, are disposed in series on an exhaust gas passage and an air intake passage, respectively. The supercharger is equipped with a supercharger rotation sensor, which transmits a detection signal obtained according to the rotation of the compressor to a control device, a bypass passage, which bypasses exhaust gas from the upstream side to the downstream side of the turbine, and a bypass valve, which regulates the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing through the bypass passage. Control device regulates the rotational speed of the compressors in a high-efficiency range by producing a control signal based on the detection signal from the supercharger rotation sensor, and sending the control signal to the bypass valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Takahashi, Takao Kawabe, Hidenori Nomura, Tomoo Ogata, Kouji Shimizu, Satomi Ukai
  • Patent number: 8640459
    Abstract: A turbocharger control system for a high-pressure turbocharger and a low-pressure turbocharger includes a turbo mode determination module and a transition control module. The turbo mode determination module determines a transition from a dual turbo mode to a single turbo mode. The high-pressure turbocharger is active in the dual turbo mode and idle in the single turbo mode. The transition control module determines a turbine efficiency of the high-pressure turbocharger and controls the high-pressure turbocharger during the transition based on a predetermined maximum turbine efficiency equation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: Ping Ge, Donald R. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8640672
    Abstract: An engine brake system and a method for controlling the exhaust gas pressure of an exhaust system for a vehicle provided with an engine are provided. The system includes a main exhaust gas conduit connected to the turbine of a turbo arrangement and an Exhaust Pressure Governor (EPG) which is used to create a backpressure in the exhaust system so as to function as an engine brake. The turbo arrangement includes a Variable Geometry Turbine (VGT). The Exhaust Pressure Governor is located in a bypass conduit which is connected to the main exhaust conduit upstream the connection to the turbine of the turbo arrangement and the main exhaust conduit includes a valve arrangement downstream the bypass conduit connection for closing the main exhaust conduit. According to the method for controlling the system, the flow passage through the main conduit is open and the flow through the bypass conduit is closed in response to an output control indicating that no engine braking is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Peter Carlström, Per Larsson
  • Patent number: 8640457
    Abstract: A method includes substantially reducing specific fuel consumption and exhaust emissions of an engine by adjusting an exhaust flow from a set of predetermined cylinders among a plurality of cylinders of the engine through an exhaust gas recirculation system to an intake manifold, by adjusting a temperature of a cooler of the exhaust gas recirculation system, and by adjusting a fuel injection timing, in response to variance in a plurality of parameters of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Manoj Prakash Gokhale, Nilesh Vinayak Deshpande
  • Publication number: 20140026561
    Abstract: A power system includes an engine including an exhaust line, a turbine in the exhaust line, a bypass line connected to the exhaust line upstream of the turbine and comprising a controllable bypass valve, and a controller arranged to control opening of the bypass valve to bypass the turbine when for example, the engine is operated such that power is transmitted from the crankshaft to the turbine shaft, and/or at least one of an engine load, an engine speed, and an exhaust line pressure are below predetermined levels. A method of operating a power system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Alan Horne
  • Publication number: 20140026559
    Abstract: Disclosed is a control device that is for an internal combustion engine with a supercharger and capable of handling an operation resumption request during an internal combustion engine stop period in a situation where waste-gate valve control is exercised in consideration of pumping loss at the time of internal combustion engine stop. The internal combustion engine includes a turbocharger and a waste-gate valve. When the operation resumption request is generated while the internal combustion engine is stopped due to automatic stop control, the waste-gate valve fully opens as far as the engine speed is not lower than a predetermined revolution speed. Further, self-recovery control is exercised over the internal combustion engine (or more specifically, a fuel injection and ignition operation is resumed). Meanwhile, in a case where the engine speed is lower than the predetermined revolution speed when the operation resumption request is generated, the waste-gate valve fully closes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tomohiro Shinagawa
  • Publication number: 20140026560
    Abstract: A relief valve for turbines of exhaust turbochargers. Hot exhaust gas flows against this type of relief valves and the relief valves heat up significantly. Sensitive components such as the springs or the membrane can be damaged as a result. The relief valves are normally designed so that the membrane and a radiation panel are adjacent to a first chamber. Air is continuously guided through the first chamber in order to specifically cool the membrane and protect the membrane from excessive heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: MTU Friedrichshafen Gmbh
    Inventor: Michael Dobrowolski
  • Publication number: 20140020379
    Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a housing defining an interior cavity and at least a first and second port coupled to the housing and having associated passages configured to be in fluid communication with the interior cavity. The solenoid valve further includes a valve seat disposed about an opening between the first and second ports and interior cavity. The valve seat is integrally formed with the housing, such that the housing and valve seat are a single unitary structure. The solenoid valve further includes a bobbin supporting a coil and an armature and seal movably disposed within the bobbin and relative to the coil. The armature and seal are moveable between an open position and a closed position relative to the valve seat, wherein, in the closed position, the seal sealingly engages with the valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: STONERIDGE, INC.
    Inventor: Stoneridge, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8627659
    Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure, first and second exhaust gas conduits, a turbine and a flow control mechanism. The engine structure may define a first cylinder and first and second exhaust ports in communication with the first cylinder. The first exhaust gas conduit may be in fluid communication with the first exhaust port. The second exhaust gas conduit may be in fluid communication with the second exhaust port. The turbine may be in fluid communication with the first exhaust gas conduit. The flow control mechanism may prevent the exhaust gas from the first cylinder from flowing through the second exhaust gas conduit during a first mode and may allow the exhaust gas to flow through both the first and second exhaust gas conduits during a second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Robert D. Straub
  • Patent number: 8627660
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine with a variable nozzle vane turbocharger, when the flow rate (VN passage flow rate) of exhaust gas passing through nozzle vanes has reached a spatial resonance region in an exhaust gas passage space between a turbine housing and a catalyst during acceleration, the flow rate is increased so that the spatial resonance region can be quickly passed. When the flow rate (VN passage flow rate) of exhaust gas passing through the nozzle vanes has reached the spatial resonance region during deceleration, the flow rate is decreased so that the spatial resonance region can be quickly passed. Such a control can reduce a period of time during which the frequency of pressure pulsation occurring at the rear ends of the nozzle vanes is amplified in the spatial resonance region, whereby noise caused by the pressure pulsation can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinya Ito
  • Patent number: 8621863
    Abstract: In a turbocharger for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, comprising a turbine housing having first and second spiral passages, each of which is connected to at least one exhaust gas line of an exhaust train of the internal combustion engine and a turbine wheel disposed within a rotor chamber of the turbine housing and connected to a compressor impeller via a drive shaft for rotation with the impeller, the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine can be routed through the spiral passages for admission to the turbine wheel via the first and second spiral passages which have different wrap angles around the turbine wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Stephan Krätschrner, Wolfram Schmid, Michael Stiller, Siegfried Sumser
  • Patent number: 8615996
    Abstract: A turbine assembly for an exhaust gas turbocharger has separate first and second volutes that are sequentially activated via a valve that receives exhaust gases from an engine. In a first position of the valve, only the first volute receives exhaust gas; in a second position, both volutes receive exhaust gases. In a third position, a bypass passage is also opened so that some exhaust gas bypasses the turbine wheel. Unlike conventional twin-scroll turbines, each volute receives exhaust gases from all engine cylinders, and the first volute feeds gas into the B-width portion of the wheel, while the second volute feeds gas into the wheel after the contour portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas Serres, Michael Ladonnet
  • Publication number: 20130340425
    Abstract: One embodiment is an apparatus including a bearing housing mechanically coupled to a compressor housing on a first side and to a turbine housing on a second side. The compressor housing has a compressor outlet and the turbine housing has a fluid outlet. A first flow path fluidly connects the compressor outlet to a first circumferential channel formed between the bearing housing and the compressor housing. A fifth flow path fluidly connects the fluid outlet to a second circumferential channel formed between the bearing housing and the turbine housing. A third fluid flow path fluidly connects the first circumferential channel to the second circumferential channel. The apparatus further includes a fluid conduit that fluidly connects the fluid outlet to an actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Dale G. Gibby