Having Condition Responsive Means To Control Supercharged Flow To Engine Patents (Class 60/611)
  • Patent number: 6550461
    Abstract: Internal combustion engine (8), in particular a stationary gas engine, with a bypass (6) going around the super-charger (4), in which at least one detonation protector (11) is arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Jenbacher Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Reinhard Robitschko
  • Patent number: 6539714
    Abstract: A system for estimating turbocharger rotational speed includes a first pressure sensor producing a first pressure signal indicative of the pressure of air supplied by a turbocharger compressor to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine, a second pressure sensor producing a second pressure signal indicative of the pressure of air entering the turbocharger compressor, a temperature sensor producing a temperature signal indicative of the temperature entering the compressor, a speed sensor producing a speed signal indicative of the rotational speed of the engine, and a control computer estimating the turbocharger rotational speed as a function of the first pressure signal, the second pressure signal, the temperature signal and the speed signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventor: Yue Yun Wang
  • Publication number: 20020170291
    Abstract: A fresh air amount of an engine (1) is controlled by a variable nozzle (53) of a turbocharger (50). A controller (41) calculates an open loop control value of a drive signal of a variable nozzle (53) based on the running state of the engine (1). A target intake fresh air amount of the engine (1) is calculated based on the running state, and a processing value obtained by smoothing the target intake fresh air amount value is calculated (S132). A feedback control value of the drive signal is calculated so that a real intake fresh air amount coincides with the processing value (S367). The variable nozzle (53) is controlled based on the open loop value and feedback control value. By using the processing value as the target value of the feedback control, unstable factors in feedback control resulting from the time delay from operation of the variable nozzle (53) to change of the intake fresh air amount aspirated by the engine (1), are eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Takashi Shirakawa
  • Patent number: 6474318
    Abstract: An air induction system (10) for use with an internal combustion engine (E) including an intake is disclosed. The system (10) includes a supercharger (12) and a valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a valve (14) and a valve control mechanism (16). The supercharger (12) receives air through a supply opening (18), pressurizes it, and discharges it through an exhaust opening (20). The valve (14) is in communication with the supply opening (18) to control air supply thereto. The control mechanism (16) is coupled to the valve (14) and causes it to vary the air supply to the opening (18) in response to air pressure conditions downstream from the supercharger (12). In one embodiment, the control mechanism (16) varies the air supply responsive to air pressure in the intake in order to both throttle the supercharger (12) as well as substantially eliminate undesirable surge conditions therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Accessible Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel W. Jones, Glennon J. Roderique, Christopher S. Spies
  • Patent number: 6457312
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine, in particular a stationary gas engine, comprising a compressor arranged in the induction tract, in particular an exhaust gas turbocharger, an electrically operable blow-off valve connected downstream of the compressor, and a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure actual value of the mixture in the region of the blow-off valve. In according with the invention there is provided a device (9) for detecting the engine power output (N), a device (10) for calculating a pressure reference value in dependence on the detected engine power output and a relationship previously stored in a memory between engine power output (N) and pressure reference value (Psoll), and a regulating device (11) for regulating the blow-off valve (7) until the pressure actual value (Pist) reaches the calculated pressure reference value (Psoll).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Jenbacher Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Albert Fahringer, Bernd Lutz, Peter Skorjanz
  • Patent number: 6442936
    Abstract: A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine has a compressor operable as a single stage or multi-stage compressor. A first compressor stage includes a first compressor wheel carried by a shaft, an axially extending first inlet and a radially extending first outlet. A second compressor stage includes a second compressor wheel carried by the shaft and axially extending second inlet and a radially extending second outlet. An interstage duct fluidly connects in series the first outlet of the first compressor with the second inlet of the second compressor. The interstage duct includes a bypass opening includes in communication with an ambient environment. A valve is positioned within the interstage duct. The valve is moveable to and between a first position to close the interstage duct and a second position to close the bypass opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip J. Houtz
  • Publication number: 20020116926
    Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas turbine in the exhaust gas system and a compressor in the intake system for producing compressed charge air. A compressor rotor is arranged in a compressor inlet channel. In order to achieve a greater range of utilization, an adjustable shutoff element is arranged in the compressor inlet channel, upstream from the compressor rotor, for variable adjustment of the effective cross-section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Siegfried Sumser, Peter Fledersbacher, Friedrich Wirbeleit, Juergen Willand, Hans-Georg Lehmann
  • Publication number: 20020112478
    Abstract: A turbocharged internal-combustion engine (10), with at least one high-pressure stage (20), with at least one low-pressure stage (30), which is arranged downstream of the high-pressure stage, with bypass piping (24a, 24b) having pipe switch(es) (70, 71), and which connect the exhaust side (12) of the engine with the inlet side of the low-pressure turbine (31) with sensors for detection of the operating parameters of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Frank Pfluger
  • Patent number: 6434938
    Abstract: A turbocharger (32) creates intake manifold boost for a diesel engine (10). At times, exhaust valve opening is increasingly retarded in relation to the engine operating cycle to cause the turbocharger to increase boost, engine fueling is also increased in relation to the increased boost, and in response to any incipient surging of the compressor resulting from such increasingly retarded exhaust valve opening and such increased engine fueling, compressed charge air is bled from the intake manifold to counter the incipient surging and thereby avoid any significant turbocharger surge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jinhui Sun, Xinqun Gui, Terry G. Wood, Steven T. Omachi
  • Publication number: 20020108371
    Abstract: According to the present disclosure, a turbogenerator system may be combined with other heat/energy sources. A simple cycle or recuperated cycle turbogenerator have a variety of fuel options and grid connect or stand alone capability that can be combined with one or more external heat sources such as a Solar Collector/Receiver Heat Energy System, a Bio-mass Gasifier/Combustor Heat Energy System, a Fuel Cell Heat/Energy System, a Nuclear Heat/Energy System, a Waste Heat/Energy System, or some other suitable Heat/Energy System. The above external heat systems can be used to provide all of part of the heat/energy input to operate the turbogenerator and achieve electrical output, as well as a turbogenerator hot exhaust flow that has potential for other uses. Using an integral turbogenerator low emission combustor and fuel control as part of these combined systems has additional advantages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Gregory C. Rouse, William Treece, Jeff Willis
  • Patent number: 6418720
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for engine braking a four-stroke internal combustion engine. The engine has for each cylinder (2) at least one inlet valve (7) and at least one exhaust valve (9) for controlling communication between a combustion chamber (5) in the cylinder (2) and an inlet system (8) and an exhaust system (10) respectively. In accordance with the invention, the arrangement also establishes communication between the combustion chamber (5) and the exhaust system (10) in conjunction with the exhaust stroke and also when the piston (3) is located in the proximity of the its bottom-dead-center position after the inlet stroke and during the latter part of the expansion stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sean O. Cornell, Ronald D. Shinogle, Scott A. Leman
  • Publication number: 20020088231
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for a vehicle, is provided with a plurality of combustion cylinders, at least a first exhaust manifold and a second exhaust manifold and at least one intake manifold. Each exhaust manifold is coupled with a plurality of the combustion cylinders. Each intake manifold is coupled with a plurality of the combustion cylinders. A first turbocharger includes a first turbine having at least one inlet and an outlet, and a first compressor having an inlet and an outlet. Then at least one first turbine inlet has a controllable, variable intake nozzle fluidly coupled with the first exhaust manifold. A second turbocharger includes a second turbine having an inlet and an outlet, and a second compressor having an inlet and an outlet. The second turbine inlet has a controllable, variable intake nozzle fluidly coupled with the second exhaust manifold. The first compressor outlet is fluidly coupled with the second compressor inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Gerald N. Coleman, James J. Faletti, Dennis D. Feucht, David A. Pierpont
  • Patent number: 6378306
    Abstract: A device for limiting the supercharger speed which makes do without a speed sensor or an atmospheric pressure sensor has a bandpass filter which filters out a spectral component from the output signal of a boost pressure sensor arranged in the induction pipe of the engine, the spectral component appearing in the signal spectrum of the boost pressure sensor when the air column in the induction pipe is set into a vibration which develops when the compressor of the turbocharger rotates at the maximum permissible speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Koelle, Armin Lussman
  • Patent number: 6378307
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has an exhaust gas turbocharger with an exhaust gas turbine and a compressor. In addition, an air-driven turbine is provided which is torsionally connected to the compressor and to which combustion air can be supplied via an adjustable shut-off element. For operation of the exhaust gas turbocharger over a wide operating spectrum, an additional duct is provided between compressor inlet and the air inlet of the air turbine, the air supply in the additional duct being adjustable by the shut-off element. In the lower load range, in the case where the required boost pressure falls below a threshold value, the additional duct is opened by means of the shut-off element and the air supply to the compressor inlet is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Peter Fledersbacher, Siegfried Sumser, Juergen Willand, Friedrich Wirbeleit
  • Patent number: 6374610
    Abstract: A secondary air fan for an internal combustion engine includes a housing in which a motor unit drives a pump unit, the housing having an air inlet channel and an air outlet channel, an air mass sensor, being arranged in one of the channels to control the motor unit by an electronic unit. The air mass sensor is connected to the electronic unit which is attached to the housing and/or to the air inlet channel or to the air outlet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Pierburg AG
    Inventors: Klaus Muckelmann, Thomas Rosgen
  • Publication number: 20020043066
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, in which a compressor is disposed in the intake duct and a turbine is disposed in the exhaust duct, and wherein the turbine has a turbine wheel in a turbine housing with at least one inlet flow passage for the introduction of exhaust gas which flow passage is provided with a variable turbine geometry for the variable setting of the effective turbine inlet flow passage cross-section, the variable turbine geometry being adjustable between a shut-off position that minimizes the turbine inlet flow cross-section and an open position that maximizes the turbine inlet flow cross-section, a gas-collecting chamber is provided which is in communication with the inlet flow passage in the turbine housing, the total volume of flow passage and the gas-collecting chamber being adjustable by an actuator movably disposed in the turbine housing as a function of the operating state of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Helmut Finger, Peter Fledersbacher, Siegfried Sumser, Friedrich Wirbeleit
  • Patent number: 6363721
    Abstract: This invention relates to an internal combustion engine, in particular of the self-igniting type, with a compressor, which is preferably connected to an exhaust gas turbine and is located in an intake flow passage for compression of the intake air, and with a charge air line leading to an intake manifold, the compressor operating independently of the engine, at least in the starting phase. To permit a quick and simple start-up of the engine at a low compression ratio the proposal is put forward that an air recirculation line controlled by a valve depart from the intake manifold, which opens into the intake flow passage upstream of the compressor, charge air line and air recirculation line forming a closed loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Prenninger, Reinhard Knoll, Michael Frings
  • Patent number: 6357234
    Abstract: A turbocharger system for an internal combustion engine is provided with a plurality of turbochargers. Each turbocharger includes a rotatable shaft; a turbine having turbine wheel carried by the shaft, an inlet and a variable nozzle at the inlet; and a multi-stage compressor. The multi-stage compressor includes a first compressor wheel carried by the shaft, an axially extending first inlet associated with the first compressor wheel, a radially extending first outlet associated with the first compressor wheel, a second compressor wheel carried by the shaft, an axially extending second inlet associated with the second compressor wheel, a radially extending second outlet associated with the second compressor wheel, and a interstage duct fluidly interconnecting in series the first outlet associated with the first compressor wheel with the second inlet associated with second compressor wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Gladden
  • Publication number: 20020023438
    Abstract: An exhaust-gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine has a turbine having a variable turbine geometry for the variable setting of the effective flow inlet cross section to the turbine wheel. The exhaust-gas turbocharger has a compressor which is connected to the turbine via a shaft. The variable turbine geometry can be adjusted by means of a regulating device between a closed position and an open position. To compensate for wear, a stop limiting an end position of the variable turbine geometry is provided, and the position of this stop can be set in a variable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Erwin Schmidt, Siegfried Sumser
  • Patent number: 6349708
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an internal combustion engine with a mechanically driven supercharger which can be switched on and off by means of a clutch and is arranged in a charge-air line. A bypass-air line with a bypass-air control element connects the intake and delivery sides of the supercharger. A throttle valve is situated upstream of the supercharger or downstream in the charge-air line. The clutch and/or the bypass-air control element are controlled with specifiable values for a degree of opening and/or a switching state of the clutch, and, in a specified part-load range of the internal combustion engine, the bypass-air control element closes the bypass-air line when the clutch is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrylser AG
    Inventors: Rainer Horlacher, Roland Kemmler, Wolfgang Widmann
  • Publication number: 20020014077
    Abstract: A method and system for reliably and cost effectively operating a turbocharged diesel engine by injecting propane in gaseous form from a vehicle mounted tank into the engine by the use of a fuel pressure regulator valve responsive to the boost pressure of the engine turbocharger to adjust fuel flow correspondingly. A safety switching arrangement requires manual reactivation of the system each time the engine is restarted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Keith A. Long
  • Patent number: 6321536
    Abstract: A pneumatic throttle system for maintaining sufficient exhaust pressure to maintain exhaust flow through an EGR system. The throttle system includes an apertured throttle plate positioned to selectively restrict the flow of exhaust gasses exiting the engine. Movement of the plate is controlled by a pneumatic piston assembly connected thereto. The piston assembly includes a piston movably mounted within a gas-tight chamber. The piston head functionally divides the chamber into two variable-volume portions. The first chamber portion is pneumatically connected to the intake manifold, while the second portion is pneumatically connected to the exhaust manifold. The gas pressure in one chamber portion relative the other determines the relative volume of each chamber portion according to P1V1=P2V2. The piston moves within the chamber to satisfy the above relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory H. Henderson, Scott A. Henry
  • Patent number: 6318085
    Abstract: In the apparatus for controlling a coasting air recirculation valve of the turbocharger of an internal combustion engine, the coasting air recirculation valve is arranged in the coasting air recirculation line bypassing a compressor in the intake duct, and the coasting air recirculation valve is controllable by way of the intake duct pressure on the downstream side of the throttle valve. In order to ensure defined opening and closing of the coasting air recirculation valve, an additional control pressure, with which the coasting air recirculation valve can be opened independently of the intake duct pressure, can be delivered to the coasting air recirculation valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Oskar Torno, Carsten Kluth, Werner Häming, Iwan Surjadi, Steffen Franke, Michael Bäuerle
  • Patent number: 6318083
    Abstract: An engine with a charger, in which an intake passage is provided with a throttle valve which is electronically controlled to a target opening degree and the charger on the upstream side of the throttle valve, wherein a target supercharged pressure is corrected in a direction of eliminating a delay in the intake air amount based upon a difference between the target supercharged pressure of the charger and the supercharged pressure detected on the upstream side of the throttle valve, to thereby set a target supercharged pressure of the throttle valve based on the corrected target supercharged pressure. This suppresses a delay in the intake air amount caused by a delay in the change of the supercharged pressure during the transient period, makes it possible to accomplish acceleration/deceleration performance of good response, and suppresses a torque difference that occurs when the combustion system is changed over to the stratified charge combustion or to the homogeneous combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignees: Unisia Jecs Corporation, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Machida, Toru Fuse, Takao Kawasaki
  • Publication number: 20010037644
    Abstract: A secondary air fan for an internal combustion engine includes a housing in which a motor unit drives a pump unit, the housing having an air inlet channel and an air outlet channel, an air mass sensor, being arranged in one of the channels to control the motor unit by an electronic unit. The air mass sensor is connected to the electronic unit which is attached to the housing and/or to the air inlet channel or to the air outlet channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: PIERBURG AG
    Inventors: Klaus Muckelmann, Thomas Rosgen
  • Patent number: 6295816
    Abstract: An apparatus (11) for controlling the peak pressure in the combustion chamber (46) of a turbo-charged diesel locomotive engine (12). A pressure relief valve (56) is disposed in the compressor discharge downstream of the turbo-charger (18). The relief valve (56) is operable to release a selected amount (58) of the compressed air (24) produced by the compressor section (20) of turbo-charger (18). The actuation of valve (56) may be a function of the pressure of the compressed air (24), and/or a manifold air temperature signal (52) and a fuel injection timing signal (40). An actuator (60) attached to valve (56) is responsive to a valve position signal (62) generated by a controller (38) having the appropriate inputs and programmed logic capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Shawn Michael Gallagher, Ihab Khalil, Doug Glenn, Juan Carlos Alvarez
  • Patent number: 6289882
    Abstract: A supercharger clutch system has a clutch housing (52) in which a clutch pack (84) is disposed to transmit torque from an input, such as a pulley (66), to one of the timing gears (58). The clutch pack (84) is disposed within a cage (92), having a spring seat member (98) adjacent thereto. A set of springs (104) biases the seat member and the clutch cage (92) to engage the clutch pack (84). On the opposite side, axially, of the clutch pack there is a piston (76) including a portion (80) surrounding the clutch cage (92) and engaging the seat member (98). The piston (76) and the clutch housing (52) define a pressure chamber (106) which, when pressurized, causes movement of the piston in a direction compressing the springs (104) and disengaging the clutch pack. The invention provides a method of controlling the clutch system by means of an electrohydraulic valve (110) which can communicate the pressure chamber (106) to either high pressure (112) or low pressure (132).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Slicker
  • Patent number: 6279551
    Abstract: An electronic engine control system of an internal combustion engine with a supercharging device operable to produce a desired boost pressure, includes an electronically-controlled throttle valve and a pressure sensor located in an induction system to detect an actual boost pressure. The system computes a target air quantity used in a stratified combustion mode or in a homogeneous lean combustion mode, based on at least an operated amount of an accelerator, and computes the desired boost pressure based on engine speed and engine load, and computes a boost-pressure correction factor as the ratio of the desired boost pressure to the actual boost pressure, during the stratified combustion mode or during the homogeneous lean combustion mode. An arithmetic-calculation section is also provided to compensate for the target air quantity by the boost-pressure correction factor during the stratified combustion mode or during the homogeneous lean combustion mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Iwano, Hiraku Ooba, Isamu Kazama, Toru Fuse
  • Patent number: 6276139
    Abstract: An arrangement of an internal combustion engine 7 is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the internal combustion engine 7 has at least one variable working and combustion chamber 12. A first passage 14 is provided for delivering air to the combustion chamber 12. A second passage 26 is provided for delivering exhaust from the combustion chamber 12. A turbocharger is provided. The turbocharger has a compressor 18 with an outlet 16 fluidly connected with the first passage 14. The turbocharger has a turbine inlet 28 fluidly connected with the second passage 26. An exhaust 29 of the turbine is connected with a third passage 30. A first bypass passage 70 is provided between the first passage 14 and the third passage 30. A first valve 72 controls the flow of air through the first bypass passage between the first passage 14 and the third passage 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Eduard Moraal, Brendan Patrick Carberry
  • Patent number: 6276328
    Abstract: An air intake shut down device which utilizes variations in the ratio of air pressure and vacuum during load and no load conditions in different locations of a turbo charged engine air intake to influence movement of a pair of diaphragms which are linked to trip a butterfly valve mounted within a diesel engine air intake system. The butterfly valve is mounted between the engine air filter and turbo charger. One diaphragm moves to trip the butterfly valve when exposed to increased vacuum between the turbo charged and engine air filter during no load high engine speeds. The other regulating diaphragm moves to resist tripping the butterfly valve when exposed to increased air pressure between the turbo charger and the engine during load high engine speeds. During no load high engine speeds, vacuum influence on the first diaphragm is increased and counteractive air pressure on the regulating diaphragm is decreased resulting in the a net overall movement which trips the butterfly valve to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel Webster Denton
  • Patent number: 6256993
    Abstract: The motor-assisted variable geometry turbocharging system has a motor to add power to the turbocharger rotating assembly, especially at low exhaust gas volume. Additionally, the system includes a control over compressor air inlet direction, and/or control of exhaust gas to a two-volute expander. These are individually controlled, or controlled in combination, to enhance turbocharged engine performance. In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises an electric motor, mounted directly within the turbocharger main housing, variable pre-whirl vanes mounted upstream of the turbocharger compressor, and a diverter valve in the exhaust piping upstream of a divided turbine volute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Halimi, Ralph P. Maloof, William E. Woollenweber
  • Patent number: 6256992
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for managing the operation of a turbocharger and is responsible for controlling the turbocharger to cause a desired air mass flow to be provided to the engine and for protecting the turbocharger from excessive shaft speed and excessive turbine inlet temperature. The protection modes have higher priority than the performance control. First, turbocharger shaft speed is checked against a programmable limit, and the turbocharger is adjusted to bring the speed under control if its speed exceeds this limit. If the speed is not above the limit, the turbine inlet temperature is checked against a second programmable limit. If the turbocharger inlet temperature is above the predetermined limit, the turbocharger is adjusted to bring the inlet temperature under control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Spencer C. Lewis, Jr., Peter Rauznitz, Mark W. Pyclik, Joseph F. Mohos, W. Barry Bryan
  • Patent number: 6209324
    Abstract: An exhaust turbocharger for an internal combustion engine has a main compressor for compressing the fresh air supplied to the engine, an additional compressor for compressing combustion gases to be recycled to the engine, and a turbine that can be driven by the exhaust gases from the engine and which serves to drive the main compressor and the additional compressor. The turbine has an adjustable geometry which facilitates optimization of engine operation regarding pollutant emissions, fuel consumption, and performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Helmut Daudel, Helmut Finger, Siegfried Sumser
  • Patent number: 6062178
    Abstract: A method of operating a two-cycle internal combustion engine under low load conditions. A throttle is placed at the intake air system to reduce air intake into the engine cylinders. A pump is placed in the exhaust system, such that it creates reduced pressure downstream of the exhaust valves. In this manner, when the air intake ports close, the exhaust is evacuated and the air trapped in the cylinder is reduced. This permits fuel to be reduced so that the engine may operate in a low load state without losing combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: David P. Meyers, John C. Hedrick, Gary D. Bourn, John T. Kubesh, Kevin D. Beaty, Robert W. Burrahm
  • Patent number: 6052995
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine that has an intake device with a turbocharger compressor device with a valve in a bypass line that bypasses the compressor device. To assure a simple, economical installation of the valve in a way secured against relative rotation, the valve is secured to a tubular receiving element, by means of a bayonet mount, formed by the valve and receiving element. The valve is intended for internal combustion engines that are equipped with a turbocharger compressor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Krimmer, Wolfgang Schulz
  • Patent number: 6009710
    Abstract: With a protection system for a turbocharged internal combustion engine, it is determined, using a parameter characterizing the turbocharging, whether an overshoot or a serious defect, such as for example a hose failure, is present in the turbocharging pressure system and, according to the case, a 1st or 2nd suppression pattern for suppressing fuel injection to individual cylinders is activated. In the event of repeat occurrences, the protection system according to the invention responds considerably faster than in the first occurrence of the defect. An error correction is possible under certain operating conditions, and the original response time is restored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karin Kienle, Michael Baeuerle
  • Patent number: 5950432
    Abstract: An electronic turbocharger control system for an internal combustion engine is provided to control at least one turbocharger by controlling a bypass valve and a wastegate in response to the engine speed, engine load, ambient temperature, and the operating environment's barometric pressure wherein the turbocharger is controlled to operate within predetermined islands of efficiency on a pressure ratio versus mass airflow map thereby allowing the adaptation of one turbocharger assembly for various applications. The method and apparatus provides improved engine efficiency and increases low speed torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Zimmer, Richard J. Kakoczki, James A. Davis, Jerrold A. Pratt, Edward O. Reinbold
  • Patent number: 5819538
    Abstract: A turbocharged engine air supply system for eliminating turbo lag in an internal combustion engine includes an air tank containing a pressurized auxiliary air supply which is used to raise manifold pressure promptly during periods of turbo lag, an air pump connected with the engine crankshaft for filling the air tank with compressed air during deceleration and during other periods of operation when it is not necessary to devote all of the engine torque to the driveline, a first valve for controlling the flow of auxiliary air from the air tank to the engine, and a second valve for recirculating turbocharged air when auxiliary air is being supplied to the engine, thereby allowing the turbocharger to accelerate more quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas Towles Lawson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5724813
    Abstract: A bypass system for a diesel engine having a turbocharger, a bypass conduit, a valve and a controller which cooperate to bypass a portion of the combustion air compressed by the turbocharger bypassed to a turbine portion of the turbocharger or to the atmosphere, a controller containing maps based on empirical fixed point data specific to the engine, turbocharger and bypass system responds to signals indicative of changes in atmospheric pressure, inlet manifold pressure and engine speed to control the valve and prevent the turbocharger from surging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Fenelon, Robert L. Hercey, Gerald A. Hill
  • Patent number: 5694899
    Abstract: Apparatus for regulating an engine parameter, in particular the output power or the speed of rotation of an internal combustion engine, wherein there are provided two or more adjustable devices by way of which the engine parameter to be regulated can be influenced. There are provided two or more separate regulators, each of which regulates a respective one of the adjustable devices in dependence on the detected actual value of the engine parameter and a predeterminable reference value. There is also provided a change-over switching device by way of which selectively one of the regulators can be activated for regulating the adjustable device associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Jenbacher Energiesysteme Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dieter Chvatal, Albert Fahringer, Friedrich Gruber, Bernd Lutz, Diethard Plohberger
  • Patent number: 5585553
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for diagnosing an engine using a computer based model of the boost pressure of a turbo-charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Schricker
  • Patent number: 5560208
    Abstract: The motor-assisted variable geometry turbocharging system has a motor to add power to the turbocharging shaft, especially at low exhaust gas volume. Additionally, the turbocharger has control over compressor air inlet direction and/or control of exhaust gas to a two-volute expander. These are individually controlled directly or indirectly from an engine controller to enhance turbocharger performance. In a preferred embodiment, the motor is an electric motor, mounted directly on the turbocharger shaft intermediate the turbo expander and turbo compressor and within the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventors: Edward M. Halimi, William E. Woollenweber, Ralph P. Maloof
  • Patent number: 5551236
    Abstract: An electronic turbocharger control system for an internal combustion engine is provided to control at least one turbocharger by controlling a bypass valve and a wastegate in response to the engine speed, engine load, ambient temperature, and the operating environment's barometric pressure wherein the turbocharger is controlled to operate within predetermined islands of efficiency on a pressure ratio versus mass airflow map thereby allowing the adaptation of one turbocharger assembly for various applications. The method and apparatus provides improved engine efficiency and increases low speed torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Zimmer, Richard J. Kakoczki, James A. Davis, Jerrold A. Pratt, Edward O. Reinbold
  • Patent number: 5526645
    Abstract: An excess air control system and method (10) for a dual-fuel or spark ignition gas internal combustion engine (12) is provided. The controller (18) senses the exhaust temperature, senses the air manifold temperature, senses the air manifold pressure, and measures the engine power output of the engine (12). Based on these measurements and engine characterization data, a target air manifold pressure is computed. The target air manifold pressure is compared with the sensed air manifold pressure, and an air blowoff valve coupled to an air bypass line linking the air intake to the turbocharger (36) and the air manifold (40) is either opened or closed to achieve the target air manifold pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Powerhouse Diesel Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 5461860
    Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine consists essentially of a turbine and a centrifugal compressor, which are both arranged on a common shaft. A vaned diffuser adjoins the compressor impeller driven by the turbine. An auxiliary air drive, which is fed from an external compressed air source, is provided in the compressor part. The auxiliary air drive has a plurality of ejectors by means of which the auxiliary air can be introduced into the region of the diffuser inlet, preferably in the flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: ABB Management AG
    Inventor: Claus-Detlef Schegk
  • Patent number: 5437156
    Abstract: In an internal combustion engine equipped with a turbocharger and a compression release engine brake, excessive stress in the engine and engine brake during operation of the engine brake at relatively high engine speeds is prevented by limiting the intake manifold pressure increase produced by the turbocharger, particularly at higher engine speeds. When the engine brake is turned on, a pressure sensor is enabled to sense the gas pressure in the intake manifold. When the pressure sensor detects that the intake manifold pressure is above a predetermined threshold level, the pressure sensor applies gas from the intake manifold to a pneumatic actuator. The pneumatic actuator opens a pressure relief valve which releases gas from the intake manifold to the ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Jacobs Brake Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis R. Custer
  • Patent number: 5386698
    Abstract: A control system and method for governing turbocharged internal combustion engines is disclosed including an electronic control unit, a fuel flow control valve, an engine speed sensor, and a bypass valve to control exhaust gas flow through an exhaust bypass conduit. When engine speed is above a first predetermined engine speed, the electronic control unit controls the bypass valve to regulate exhaust gas flow through the bypass conduit, thereby limiting exhaust gas flow through the turbocharger. When the engine speed reaches a second, predetermined engine speed value that is higher than the first predetermined engine speed value, the electronic control unit completely opens the bypass valve allowing virtually total bypass of the turbocharger, and limits fuel flow to the engine by controlling the fuel flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mostafa M. Kamel
  • Patent number: 5323612
    Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine is described, in the turbine housing of which there is arranged upstream of the turbine wheel a turbine guide wheel which is mounted rotatably relative to the turbine wheel. In order to be able to improve the response of the internal combustion engine after a positive load change without any impairment of the overall efficiency of the internal combustion engine, it is proposed to provide at least one braking device which reduces the speed of the turbine guide apparatus in higher load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventor: Johannes Werner
  • Patent number: 5299547
    Abstract: In an intake air flow increasing device for a combustion engine according to this invention, an air exhausting body is provided forward of an air intake opening, and the air exhausting body is connected to a main compressed air conducting path and an auxiliary compressed air conducting path, while each of the compressed air conducting paths is connected to an air compressing mechanism via a main switching control valve and an auxiliary switching control valve respectively. The main switching control valve is opend and closed according to switching operations of a speed change mechanism when a vehicle is accelerated. The auxiliary switching control valve can work independently from opening/closing operations of the main switching control valve. Thus an enough quantity of intake air required for combustion in the diesel engine can be supplied, in addition, power performance of the combustion engine is ensured regardless of running conditions or heavy things loaded on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventor: Sandou Michimasa
  • Patent number: RE36609
    Abstract: The motor-assisted variable geometry turbocharging system has a motor to add power to the turbocharging shaft, especially at low exhaust gas volume. Additionally, the turbocharger has control over compressor air inlet direction and/or control of exhaust gas to a two-volute expander. These are individually controlled directly or indirectly from an engine controller to enhance turbocharger performance. In a preferred embodiment, the motor is an electric motor, mounted directly on the turbocharger shaft intermediate the turbo expander and turbo compressor and within the main housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Turbodyne Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward M. Halimi, William E. Woolenweber, Ralph P. Maloof