Having Condition Responsive Valve Controlling Engine Exhaust Flow Patents (Class 60/602)
  • Patent number: 9371773
    Abstract: A two-stage supercharger for an engine having a radial high-pressure turbine and an axial low-pressure turbine. The high-pressure turbine has a spiral housing with an exhaust-gas inlet connected to an exhaust line and via which exhaust-gas flows from the engine to the high-pressure turbine. A partial flow of the exhaust-gas flows past the high-pressure turbine in a bypass unit and is adjustable by a shut-off valve. The bypass unit includes a branch line and an annular duct housing integral with the spiral housing. The branch line branches off the exhaust-gas inlet at a point where the shut-off valve is arranged and issues into a duct of the annular duct housing. The partial flow flows through the branch line into the duct and an axially arranged annular gap into an exhaust-gas duct. The partial flow merges with a main exhaust-gas flow from the high-pressure turbine and flows into the low-pressure turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: MTU FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Thoss, Thomas Zink
  • Patent number: 9359942
    Abstract: A method for operating turbocharger waste gate of a turbocharged engine is disclosed. In one example, the method operates the waste gate synchronous with engine operation via a mechanical coupling between the waste gate and a camshaft or a crankshaft. The approach may reduce turbocharger lag and improve turbocharger efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shuya S. Yamada, Keith D. Miazgowicz
  • Patent number: 9353677
    Abstract: A control apparatus calculates an upstream side pressure and temperature on an upstream side of a turbine impeller and a turbine flow rate, and calculates an upper limit threshold value of an opening degree level of a variable nozzle of a 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. The control apparatus controls an opening degree of the variable nozzle so as to be an opening degree equal to or less than the upper limit threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Hideki Aoki, Haruki Masuyama
  • Patent number: 9328656
    Abstract: Inside of a gas-tight housing, an electric motor, an inverter and a compressor are housed. Further, an intake air pipe is connected to the gas-tight housing. Inside of the gas-tight housing, an intake air flow passage is formed. Further, a connection opening of an outside air induction pipe provided with a flow rate regulating valve is arranged so as to face a suction opening of a compressor. When the delivery air flow rate as well as the delivery air pressure of the compressor is reduced due to the pressure loss and the like of the intake air ‘a’ which passes through the air flow passage and cools the electric motor and the inverter, an outside air ‘o’ of low temperature is induced so that: the capacity shortage as well as the performance deterioration of the compressor is constrained; and the over-heating of the compressor is constrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Noriyuki Hayashi, Yukio Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9322289
    Abstract: Embodiments for vacuum generation are provided. In one example, a method for an engine including a turbocharger having a compressor driven by a turbine comprises generating vacuum via compressor bypass flow through an ejector, and applying vacuum from the ejector to a wastegate actuator. In this way, vacuum produced via boosted engine operation may be used to actuate the wastegate valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 9322325
    Abstract: A variable nozzle control device is provided with a drive unit, a stopper, and a controller. The drive unit drives variable nozzles. The stopper is configured to be in contact with the drive unit with the variable nozzles being in a full close state. The controller counts a time including an operating time of an engine after preceding contact of the drive unit with the stopper, determines whether the counted time has reached a predetermined time, and controls the drive unit so as to bring the drive unit into contact with the stopper when determining that the counted time has reached the predetermined time, with the engine at a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Masayoshi Mori, Yuji Narita
  • Patent number: 9316147
    Abstract: Various methods for determining the fully closed position of a wastegate valve are provided. In one example, a non-closed position command for a wastegate valve in a low-lift region relative to a valve seat is received. Prior to executing the position command, the wastegate valve is only temporarily closed to thereby determine a fully closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yan Wang, Hamza Derbas, Vladimir V. Kokotovic, Dimitar Petrov Filev, Eric Luehrsen
  • Patent number: 9316148
    Abstract: A turbocharger assembly is disclosed with a connected lever. An actuator may be spaced away from the lever. An arm may extend from the actuator and may be connected to the lever by a preloaded joint. The joint may include a pin fixed to the lever or the arm. An opening may be provided in the lever or the arm to which the pin is not fixed. The pin may have a shaped section that matches the shape of the opening to provide selected degrees of freedom. A spring element may be engaged in the groove and may apply a force to the pin compensating for wear between the pin and the mating surface by pulling the pin into the opening under the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Hastings, Ryan Howell, Matt King, Steven Cagle
  • Patent number: 9303561
    Abstract: A turbocharger and a method are disclosed. The turbocharger includes a casing having an inlet end and an outlet end. A flow passage within the casing may have a substantially continuous inner surface and may be configured to pass inlet air from the inlet end to the outlet end. A compressor wheel may be located in the casing and may have at least one main blade and may be configured to rotate within the casing to compress the inlet air. A flow disrupting feature on the casing may be configured to disrupt the continuity of the inner surface and may be located at a leading edge of the at least one main blade. The flow disrupting feature may be closed to upstream communication with the flow passage except via the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ahsanul Karim, Brian W. Lizotte, Keith D. Miazgowicz, Abdelkrim Zouani
  • Patent number: 9297298
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for controlling dual wastegates via a single wastegate actuator are provided. In one example, a system comprises a first wastegate comprising a first wastegate valve, a second wastegate comprising a second wastegate valve, and a wastegate actuator coupled to each of the first and second wastegate valves to vary openings of the first wastegate valve and the second wastegate valve according to desired boost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Yan Wang
  • Patent number: 9291093
    Abstract: A method for controlling a turbocharger is provided. The turbocharger has a turbine operatively connected to an exhaust of an internal combustion engine, and a compressor operatively connected to an intake of the engine. The method includes determining a boost pressure command for the compressor. The boost pressure command is configured to provide sufficient combustion reactant for the engine. The method includes calculating a compressor power from the determined boost pressure command, and calculating a turbine flow from the calculated compressor power. The method commands the turbocharger to operate at the calculated turbine flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Yue-Yun Wang, Ibrahim Haskara, Kevin Andrew Gady
  • Patent number: 9284898
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Julia Helen Buckland, Stephen Lee Cooper, Brad Alan Boyer, Amey Y. Karnik, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Patent number: 9279394
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine system includes a spark-ignited internal combustion engine powered by a gaseous fuel. The engine system also includes an air intake in air providing communication with the internal combustion engine. Further, the engine system includes an exhaust system in exhaust gas receiving communication with the internal combustion engine. The exhaust system includes a methane oxidation catalyst through which at least a portion of the exhaust gas flows and an exhaust gas recirculation line in exhaust gas providing communication with the air intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Leon A. LaPointe, Edward J. Lyford-Pike, Daniel J. Mohr, Ashish Gupta, Aleksey Yezerets, Neal W. Currier, Tamas Szailer, Thomas M. Yonushonis
  • Patent number: 9267426
    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. An ECU determines whether or not supercharging air to the internal combustion engine is required. If the supercharging air is not required and if the opening degree of the wastegate valve becomes a desired valve, a driving current supplied to the wastegate actuator from a wastegate valve driving unit is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Tomokazu Makino, Michihisa Yokono
  • Patent number: 9267450
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Julia Helen Buckland, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Patent number: 9267449
    Abstract: An engine control system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a manifold air pressure (MAP) determination module, a boost control module, and a throttle control module. The MAP determination module determines a desired MAP based on a driver torque request. The boost control module controls a boost device based on the desired MAP and a basic boost pressure. The boost device is actuated using boost pressure and the boost pressure is insufficient to actuate the boost device when the boost pressure is less than the basic boost pressure. The throttle control module controls a throttle valve based on the desired MAP and the basic boost pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Kaiser, Timothy L. Gibbs, Zhong Li, James L. Worthing
  • Patent number: 9261016
    Abstract: A flow rate adjustment method for a variable geometry turbocharger may include steps as follows. An adjustment apparatus drives an actuator to an abutment position where a power transmission member abuts a stopper. The apparatus acquires the abutment position opening amount based on an opening detection sensor's signal. The apparatus drives the actuator until the detection amount attains a pre-set amount, moving the power transmission member to a temporary control position. The apparatus acquires a temporary control position flow rate. It is acquired when an adjustment gas inflow apparatus causes the adjustment gas to flow into an exhaust turbine, and a flow rate measurement sensor measures the flow rate of the adjustment gas. The apparatus obtains a correction amount based on a difference between the temporary control position flow rate and a real control position flow rate, which is a proper flow rate corresponding to the pre-set amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Uesugi, Hiromu Iwata, Kenta Akimoto
  • Patent number: 9243552
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the lift of a wastegate valve are provided. Methods comprise determining a relation between an actuator position and a lift of a wastegate valve at engine start-up in a temperature range. The relation may be modified based on a difference between a desired boost level and an actual boost level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Yan Wang
  • Patent number: 9243649
    Abstract: An adjustable mechanical coolant pump for an internal combustion engine includes a pump rotor wheel comprising an axial inlet. The pump rotor wheel is configured to pump a coolant radially outwardly. Variable pump stator blades are arranged so as to pivot radially outwardly at a circle concentrically with the pump rotor wheel. A control ring is configured to pivot the variable pump stator blades when the control ring is rotated. An actuator is configured to rotate the control ring so as to pivot the variable pump stator blades between an open position and a closed position. A pump housing body is configured to support the variable pump stator blades and the control ring. A separate static blade holding frame is mounted to the pump housing body. The variable pump stator blades and the control ring are captively mounted at the separate static blade holding frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: PIERBURG PUMP TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Arnaud Fournier, Gilles Simon, Gabriel Mele, Eric Majchrzak, Gilles Magnier
  • Patent number: 9243553
    Abstract: Various embodiments relating to detection of an end-stop position of a waste gate valve and calibration of a waste gate position sensor relative to the detected end-stop position are provided. In this way, it is possible to more accurately control the waste gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Vladimir V. Kokotovic, Yan Wang
  • Patent number: 9238999
    Abstract: A protective device for a spark-ignition gas engine is provided, which engine has a throttle valve for controlling a gas/air mixture and has an exhaust-gas turbocharger with a turbine that is associated with a throttle member for exhaust gas. A detection unit is configured to detect an actual differential pressure across the throttle valve, and a control unit is configured to change the position of the throttle member based on the actual differential pressure. The throttle member for the exhaust gas is provided only downstream of the turbine in relation to the flow direction of the exhaust gas. A method for regulating an exhaust-gas throttle member, connected downstream of a turbine of an exhaust-gas turbocharger, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Stellwagen
  • Patent number: 9238998
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Amey Y. Karnik, Julia Helen Buckland, Brad Alan Boyer, Stephen Lee Cooper
  • Patent number: 9234455
    Abstract: In an actuating device for a turbine of an exhaust gas turbocharger for controlling the charging pressure of the exhaust gas turbocharger, wherein a valve of the exhaust gas turbocharger has an actuating shaft onto which a connecting arm is firmly mounted and is pivotally coupled to an actuating link via a connecting bolt by which the actuating shaft can be pivoted about an axis of rotation by a translatory motion of the actuating link, the actuating shaft and the connecting bolt are engaged via a single integral locking element for retaining the actuating link in engagement with the connecting bolt and the actuating shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: IHI CHARGING SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Vincent Fauconnier, Tim Lowak
  • Patent number: 9234456
    Abstract: A variable geometry turbine comprising a turbine wheel mounted for rotation about a turbine axis within a housing. The housing defines an annular inlet surrounding the turbine wheel and defined between first and second inlet sidewalls. The turbine further comprises a cylindrical sleeve that is axially movable across the annular inlet to vary the size of a gas flow path through the inlet. The annular inlet is divided into at least two axially offset inlet passages. The inner diameter of the sleeve is greater than the inner diameter of the inlet passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Cummins Ltd.
    Inventors: John F. Parker, Robert L. Holroyd, Tom J. Roberts, James Alexander McEwen, Tim Denholm, Simon Moore, Michael Voong, Christopher Normington, Arun Vijayakumar, Stephen Garrett
  • Patent number: 9228504
    Abstract: First and second turbochargers for supercharging a first cylinder group which continues or stops an operation by a valve stopping mechanism for reduced cylinders, and a second cylinder group which stops or continues the operation by the valve stopping mechanism for reduced cylinders, respectively, and a third turbocharger in which air from the first and second turbochargers is supplied to the first and second cylinder groups via separate independent intake passages, to supercharge the first and second turbochargers. If a reduced-cylinder operation system provided with this valve stopping mechanism is provided in addition to the turbo-charging system, a drop in a supercharging amount during a reduced-cylinder operation is prevented, a sufficient air amount is supplied into operating cylinders, deterioration of combustion in the operating cylinders and deterioration of a state of an exhaust gas are prevented, and fuel efficiency is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventor: Akira Komatsu
  • Patent number: 9222381
    Abstract: An engine device in which a support structure of an exhaust throttle device can be made as a high rigidity structure, and it is possible to prevent the exhaust throttle device from being heated by radiation heat from peripheries of the exhaust throttle device. The engine device of the invention includes an engine having an exhaust manifold, and the exhaust throttle device adjusts exhaust gas pressure of the exhaust manifold An exhaust gas intake side of a throttle valve case of the exhaust throttle device is fastened to an exhaust gas outlet of the exhaust manifold, and an exhaust gas pipe is connected to the exhaust manifold through the throttle valve case. An intermediate portion of a cooling pipe of an EGR cooler is provided with a cooling water pipe of the exhaust throttle device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenta Saitou, Masayuki Yamada, Masataka Mitsuda, Shigehito Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 9217394
    Abstract: A multi-stage supercharging apparatus including a first supercharger and a second supercharger. The first supercharger is provided with a first turbine accommodating section, a first exhaust inlet, and a first exhaust outlet which extends in an axial direction of the first turbine from the first turbine accommodating section and is bent upward. The second supercharger is provided with a second turbine, a second turbine accommodating section, and a second exhaust inlet which is directly connected to the first exhaust outlet to allow the first exhaust outlet to be communicated with the second turbine accommodating section, and the second supercharger is supported by the first supercharger by placing an opening of the second exhaust inlet on an opening of the first exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
    Inventors: Iori Kurata, Shinobu Uno, Kazutaka Ooishi
  • Patent number: 9206734
    Abstract: A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention includes: a turbocharger having a turbine disposed in an exhaust path and a compressor disposed in an intake path; a waste gate valve that opens and closes a bypass channel that connects a part of the exhaust path upstream of the turbine and a part of the exhaust path downstream of the turbine to each other; a drive mechanism that drives the waste gate valve; and waste gate valve opening controlling means that controls the drive mechanism so that the opening of the waste gate valve agrees with a saturation minimum opening when the drive mechanism opens the waste gate valve, the saturation minimum opening being the minimum opening at which the flow rate of an exhaust gas passing through the bypass channel is saturated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shintaro Hotta, Akira Eiraku
  • Patent number: 9200562
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to control a supercharge pressure in such a manner as not to interfere with warming-up of an exhaust gas purifying catalyst, in an internal combustion engine with a turbo supercharger. To this end, a control device for an internal combustion engine with a turbo supercharger provided by the present invention makes a determined value of a target supercharge pressure with respect to a same target intake pressure smaller when a request to warm up the exhaust gas purifying catalyst is present, as compared with when the request is absent. Note that the target intake pressure is determined based on a target air amount determined from a requested torque for the internal combustion engine. The present control device operates a throttle based on the target intake pressure and an actual supercharge pressure, and operates a wastegate valve based on the target supercharge pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kiyonori Takahashi, Shinichi Soejima, Satoru Tanaka, Satoshi Yoshizaki
  • Patent number: 9188037
    Abstract: For exhaust gas recirculation in internal combustion engines operating, for example, with low sulphur marine diesel oil, an exhaust gas cooler with a cooling unit may be applied that uses a liquid injection system to maintain clean and/or clean a cooling surface of the cooling unit. The liquid injection system may provide liquid into an exhaust gas passage upstream of and or along a condensation starting region the cooling surface, thereby reducing the formation of films and deposits from particulate matter and condensing liquid of an evaporated liquid within the exhaust gas such as sulphuric acid and/or water, as those deposits could otherwise at least partially block the exhaust gas cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignees: HX HOLDING GMBH, CATERPILLAR MOTOREN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Dietmar Krauss, Jan Dreves, Michael Sturm, Carsten Rickert, Udo Schlemmer-Kelling
  • Patent number: 9188036
    Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust system (10) for an internal combustion engine, having an exhaust gas path which, at least in sections, has two parallel exhaust ducts (30, 32), specifically a main duct (30) and a secondary duct (32), wherein a HC adsorber (42) for the reversible adsorption of unburned hydrocarbons (HC) is provided in the secondary duct (32); having a setting means (46) for selectively conducting an exhaust gas flow into the main duct (30) and/or into the secondary duct (32), and having a main catalytic converter (40) arranged downstream of the parallel exhaust ducts (30, 32). It is intended that a catalytic exhaust gas converter (44) for converting at least one exhaust gas component is provided in the main duct (30) of the parallel exhaust ducts (30, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Alf Degen, Valeri Seiler
  • Patent number: 9188020
    Abstract: A variable turbine geometry may have guide blades rotatably mounted in a blade bearing ring. An adjusting ring may be arranged on the bearing ring and an actuator may be configured to adjust the adjusting ring via a link lever. An adjustable eccentric may be arranged on the link lever and guided in a groove arranged on the blade bearing ring. The eccentric may be configured to stop on at least one end of the groove to limit at least one minimal flow through the variable turbine geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Volkhard Ammon
  • Patent number: 9188058
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Amey Y. Karnik, Yan Wang, Vladimir V. Kokotovic
  • Patent number: 9188057
    Abstract: A turbocharger system is provided herein. The turbocharger system includes a turbine positioned downstream of a combustion chamber, a turbine bypass conduit in fluidic communication with a turbine inlet and a turbine outlet, a wastegate positioned in the turbine bypass conduit, and an air-cooled wastegate actuator adjusting the position of the wastegate, the air-cooled wastegate actuator receiving cooling airflow from an intake conduit positioned upstream of a compressor mechanically coupled to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Matthews
  • Patent number: 9181861
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine control apparatus includes a turbocharger, an intake air quantity detecting section, an intake air pressure detecting section, a turbine rotational speed limit determining section and a turbine control section. The turbine rotational speed limit determining section determines a turbine rotational speed limit pressure ratio between the upstream-side intake air pressure and a downstream-side intake air pressure in the air intake passage at a downstream side of the compressor for a turbine rotational speed limit that corresponds to the intake air quantity detected by the intake air quantity detecting section. The turbine rotational speed limit determining section further calculates a turbine over rotation suppressing boost pressure of the turbine compressor using the upstream-side intake air pressure and the turbine rotational speed limit pressure ratio. The turbine control section controls the turbocharger based on the turbine over rotation suppressing boost pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Kashiwagi
  • Patent number: 9175597
    Abstract: A control device is provided that acquires an estimated value of a waste gate valve opening, derives a first relation which is established between a throttle downstream pressure and an intake valve flow rate based on the estimated value, and derives a second relation which is established between the throttle downstream pressure and the throttle flow rate from a throttle model based on a measured value of a throttle opening and a measured value of a throttle upstream pressure. Subsequently, the control device calculates an estimated value of the intake valve flow rate based on the first relation and the second relation, and regulates a correspondence relation of the estimated value of the waste gate valve opening and the manipulated variable of the waste gate valve based on a comparison result of the estimated value of the intake valve flow rate and a measured value of an intake flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Machiko Katsumata, Ryutaro Moriguchi
  • Patent number: 9175578
    Abstract: A turbocharger includes a drive shaft to transmit a driving force of an actuator to a mechanism in the turbo housing, and a bush to rotatably support the drive shaft, wherein a seal is provided at an end portion on the open-air side of the bush. The seal includes a seal body made of resin and a metallic spring fitted into a recessed portion of the seal body, wherein an internal lip portion of the seal body is pressed by the elastic force of the spring to the outer circumferential surface of the drive shaft. Further, an end surface that is contactable with a member (drive link) disposed on the open-air side of the drive shaft is formed in the seal body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Osamu Igarashi, Kazutomo Yamada, Kazunori Kawabata, Takeyuki Kato, Norihiko Sumi
  • Patent number: 9163569
    Abstract: A method for controlling combustion in a spark-ignition direct-injection internal combustion engine includes monitoring at least one combustion input parameter, and when the at least one monitored combustion input parameter deviates from a respective desired combustion input parameter, adjusting a combustion input mechanism associated with controlling the at least one monitored combustion input parameter to converge toward the respective desired combustion input parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Jyh-Shin Chen, Jun-Mo Kang, Chen-Fang Chang, Paul M. Najt
  • Patent number: 9163556
    Abstract: An assembly for a turbocharger can include a turbine housing that defines an exhaust inflow chamber that includes a wastegate valve seat and that defines an exhaust outflow chamber; and a wastegate valve plug that includes a seal surface where, in a closed state, the seal surface seats against the wastegate valve seat and where, in an open state, the wastegate valve plug extends into the exhaust inflow chamber. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Vit Micanek, Lukas Rusek, Stanislav Hahn, Aurobbindo Lingegowda, Raghavendra Gattu, Mahidhar Ratnaakaram Raju, Krishnamurthy Vaidyanathan
  • Patent number: 9162592
    Abstract: A fitting for a vehicle seat includes a first fitting part, a second fitting part which is rotatable relative to said first fitting part, a peripheral clamping ring which has a substantially L-shaped cross section, and which is connected to the first fitting part and extends over the second fitting part, and an intermediate ring which has a substantially L-shaped cross section, and which is arranged between the peripheral clamping ring and the second fitting part. A ledge is formed on the second fitting part, which ledge has an end surface and a cylindrical supporting surface. The supporting surface has a diameter which is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the second fitting part, and the cylindrical supporting surface directly or indirectly supports the peripheral clamping ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: KEIPER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Uwe Assmann
  • Patent number: 9157364
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to control a supercharge pressure in such a manner as not to interfere with warming-up of an exhaust gas purifying catalyst, in an internal combustion engine with a turbo supercharger. To this end, a control device for an internal combustion engine with a turbo supercharger provided by the present invention makes a determined value of a target supercharge pressure with respect to a same target intake pressure smaller when a request to warm up the exhaust gas purifying catalyst is present, as compared with when the request is absent. Note that the target intake pressure is determined based on a target air amount determined from a requested torque for the internal combustion engine. The present control device operates a throttle based on the target intake pressure and an actual supercharge pressure, and operates a wastegate valve based on the target supercharge pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kiyonori Takahashi, Shinichi Soejima, Satoru Tanaka, Satoshi Yoshizaki
  • Patent number: 9157396
    Abstract: A turbine includes a turbine housing having two gas passages of substantially the same flow area. A nozzle ring is disposed in the housing and around the turbine wheel. The nozzle ring includes first and second outer rings, and an inner ring disposed between the first and second outer rings. First and second pluralities of vanes are disposed between the rings. The second outer ring has a thicker cross section than the first outer ring such that a larger flow area is created between the first outer ring and the inner ring than a flow area created between the second outer ring and the inner ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Lusardi, Richard W. Kruiswyk, Kerry A. Delvecchio, Matthew T. Wolk, Rohan Swar, Carl-Anders Hergart
  • Patent number: 9157352
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an engine system for a vehicle. In one example, the engine system includes a turbocharger including a turbine, the turbocharger configured to be driven via exhaust gas from an engine during a turbocharger mode and via the exhaust gas from the engine and mechanical output from the engine during a supercharger mode. The engine system further includes a bypass control element to decrease an amount of energy extracted from exhaust flow through the turbine in a regeneration mode of operation and to increase an amount of energy extracted from exhaust flow through the turbine during a non-regeneration mode of operation, and an aftertreatment system disposed downstream of the turbocharger and including a particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Robert Mischler, Roy Primus
  • Patent number: 9145827
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas charger bleed valve with a valve disk by which the flow cross-section of a bypass duct, via which exhaust gas flow volume bypassing an impeller of the exhaust gas turbocharger is adjustable, the valve includes a valve disk with the exhaust gas turbocharger is adjustable, the valve includes a valve disk with a front end valve face which is formed so as to be asymmetric with respect to the valve disk attachment to a lever arm on which the valve disk is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: IHi CHARGING SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhardt Lueddecke, Hermann Burmester, Jan Ehrhard, Dietmar Filsinger, Nobuguki Ikeya, Christian Winter, Achim-Hans Hinkelmann
  • Patent number: 9133792
    Abstract: A unit for estimating a rotational speed of a turbocharger is provided. The unit includes a microprocessor comprising input ports configured for receiving measurement signals from an exhaust gas flow control system of an internal combustion engine and an output port for outputting a signal indicative of the rotational speed of the turbocharger. The input ports are adapted to receive a first set of measurement signals and a second set of measurement signals. A microprocessor is configured to calculate an estimated rotational speed of the turbocharger using a turbocharger model, based on the first set of measurement signals and the second set of measurement signals. Rhe second set of measurement signals include signals indicative of a pressure difference across a turbine of the turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Francesco Cianflone, Gerhard Landsmann, Andreas Sidorow, Christopher Eck, Rolf Isermann, Ulrich Konigorski
  • Patent number: 9127624
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for controlling a hydraulically actuated engine valve. In one example, a system includes a hydraulically actuated engine valve and an engine having a first hydraulic system. The system further includes a second hydraulic system, which is separate from the first hydraulic system, and where the second hydraulic system provides fluid pressure to actuate the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric David Peters, Nicholas Eric Hansen, Diane Darak
  • Patent number: 9109546
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling air flow in an engine system. In one embodiment, the system includes an engine, a turbocharger coupled to the engine, and a compressor bypass valve coupled to the turbocharger and to the engine. The compressor bypass valve includes a mechanism that allows the compressor bypass valve to be closed by default and allows the compressor bypass valve to be actuated passively when acted upon by a boost pressure when the boost pressure increases above a predefined pressure threshold. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the compressor bypass valve is passive, and thus controls air flow to the engine without requiring active control circuitry or logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Morgan Andreae, Marcus Hoevener, Adrian Dale, Vivek Sujan, Jeffrey Matthews
  • Patent number: 9103235
    Abstract: A first rod is rotatably connected to a first drive lever shaft and a first valve lever shaft. A second rod is rotatably connected to a second drive lever shaft and a second valve lever shaft. A first predetermined shape portion is formed at a location, which is spaced from an axis of an output shaft by a predetermined distance. A second predetermined shape portion is formed in a second drive lever and is contactable with the first predetermined shape portion. A spring is placed between the actuator and the second drive lever and urges the second drive lever in a predetermined direction, which coincides with a closing direction of a second valve and an approaching direction of the second predetermined shape portion toward the first predetermined shape portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuji Yamanaka, Etsugo Yanagida, Masashi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9097176
    Abstract: A turbocharging system of an internal combustion engine includes compressor of a turbocharger disposed on an intake passage of an internal combustion engine and a turbine disposed on an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine. A bypass passage connects an upstream side and a downstream side of the turbine in the exhaust passage together. A wastegate valve, which is disposed on the bypass passage, opens and closes the bypass passage according to turbocharging pressure of the compressor. An accumulator, which accumulates exhaust gas pressure, is connected to a downstream side of the wastegate valve in the bypass passage. A recirculation passage connects the accumulator and an upstream side of the turbine together, and a recirculation valve, which opens and closes the recirculation passage based on an output request, is deposed on the recirculation passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Yuukichi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9097177
    Abstract: The invention relates to a turbocharger (1) having a wastegate arrangement (6), in which the leakage at the guide of the regulating flap in a multi-stage turbocharger arrangement is reduced. The turbocharger (1) comprises a compressor (2) and a turbine (3). The turbine (3) comprises a turbine housing (4) which has a turbine housing outlet (5), and a wastegate device (6) which has a regulating flap (7). The regulating flap (7) is arranged on a regulating flap shaft (9) which is guided in the turbine housing (4) by means of a bush (8). The bush (8) is provided with an annular groove (11) formed on its inner circumference (10), which annular groove (11) is connected by means of at least one connecting bore (12, 13) to an annular collecting groove (14) which is provided in the turbine housing (3) and which is connected by means of a relief bore (15) to the turbine housing outlet (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan Jacob