System Of Plural Motors Having A Common Output Structure Patents (Class 60/716)
  • Patent number: 7726130
    Abstract: The Stirling-Electric Hybrid automobile herein disclosed utilizes an electric drive motor which is powered by electric storage device. The electric storage device is kept at suitable charge by electric generator mechanically driven by external combustion of Stirling engine type, by thermoelectric generator thermally coupled to the exhaust of the Stirling engine and to kinetic energy recovery system which during deceleration of the automobile utilizes the electric drive motor as a generator and recovering the electrical energy generated by deceleration to the electric storage device. Almost any clean combusting liquid or gaseous fuel may be utilized by the Stirling engine with greater fuel economy and less atmospheric pollution than internal combustion engines presently used. The utilization of thermoelectric generator to recover heat from exhaust of the Stirling engine and utilization of kinetic energy recovery system provides even better fuel efficiency and reduced pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph Shea McDowell
  • Publication number: 20100089064
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating the drive of a hybrid motor vehicle by an internal combustion engine torque and the torque of at least one electric motor which are superimposed in such a way than a common drive torque of the hybrid motor vehicle is produced. According to said invention, the torque of the internal combustion engine is influenced by the speed of rotation thereof or a signal derived therefrom and the torque of the electric motor is influenced by the speed of rotation or the signal derived therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Jens-Werner Falkenstein
  • Publication number: 20100063659
    Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine (1) in conjunction with an electric motor (2), when one of a process of regenerating the purification capacity of an exhaust gas purifying device (10) and a process of charging a battery (7) is performed (S102), the presence or absence of a request to perform the other process is determined (S103) so that the two processes may be performed as simultaneously as possible to reduce deterioration in driveability and in the fuel efficiency as much as possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Makoto Ogiso
  • Publication number: 20100030455
    Abstract: The internal combustion engine system makes detection on the occurrence or the non-occurrence of a misfire by comparing the 240-degree difference TD240 of the 30-degree rotation time T30 (CA) with the tentative detection reference value A1 and comparing the detection base difference ratios J1 and J5 with the ranges of the respective reference values B11, B12, B51 and B52 when the exhaust gas recirculation is performed, in addition to the methodology in the non-performance of the exhaust gas recirculation, that is, in addition to the methodology of comparing the 360-degree difference TD360 of the 30-degree rotation time T30 (CA) with the tentative detection reference value A1 and comparing the detection base difference ratios J0, J2 and J4 with the ranges of the respective reference values B01, B02, B21, B22, B41 and B42 (S410, S440). This arrangement enables to detect a misfire in any of cylinders of the engine 22 accurately even when the exhaust gas recirculation is performed or not performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Hikokazu Akimoto
  • Publication number: 20090255255
    Abstract: Engine exhaust is sent to a reformer, which produces hydrogen from fuel remaining in the exhaust. The hydrogen may be stored in a hydrogen tank, and may be used by a fuel cell to produce electricity to recharge a vehicle battery and/or to supply propulsion current to an electric propulsion system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: ENERGYIELD LLC
    Inventor: Robert Hotto
  • Patent number: 7600381
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine, a multi-speed transmission connected to a final drive, and a selectively engageable magnetorheological fluid clutch drivingly connected between the engine and multi-speed transmission. A motor/generator is operatively connected to the engine and the magnetorheological fluid clutch for selectively exchanging power with the engine and/or the magnetorheological fluid clutch such that the motor/generator may be used to start the engine, to drive the multi-speed transmission, and to receive energy from the magnetorheological fluid clutch for regenerative braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Verbrugge, Patrick B. Usoro, Anthony L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090229267
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steam power plant comprising at least one steam heater for preparing compressed steam, a main turbine, which is connected downstream of the steam heater, is arranged on a main drive shaft and is a high-pressure or medium-pressure turbine, and a secondary turbine, which is interposed between the steam heater and the main turbine and is arranged on a secondary drive shaft, characterized in that the secondary turbine has an at least 50% higher operating speed when compared with a nominal speed of the main turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Kai Wieghardt
  • Publication number: 20090193807
    Abstract: A system for converting potential energy into heat including a tower configured to contain a fluid and to permit the formation of a substantially nitrogen-free combustion chamber defined by the tower and the surface of the fluid in the tower and at a pressure less than ambient, a first tower outlet in fluid communication with a first fuel valve configured to regulate a flow of the fluid out of the tower, an oxygen source in fluid communication with an oxygen valve in fluid communication with an oxygen inlet in fluid communication with the tower, a source of combustible fuel including hydrogen in fluid communication with a fuel valve in fluid communication with a fuel inlet in fluid communication with the tower, and an ignition source positioned so that it resides within the combustion chamber and is configured to initiate a reaction between oxygen and fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: SOG PARTNERS
    Inventors: Carl W. Glasgow, Robert C. Olson, Edward J. Stockton
  • Publication number: 20090019853
    Abstract: A flexible method and arrangement provides an effective conversion of energy from any kind of energy sources and/or fuels by combustion and/or gasification, during long-term sustainable economy and environment, by energy conversion in stages. With an open partially circulated condensate system and/or a closed circulation feed water system, stages include first stage of conversion by gasification/combustion, pressurized and/or atmospheric with or without steam- and/or gas-turbines and/or pressurized fuel cell, followed by a second stage of conversion, which second stage utilizing condensation cooling including direct and/or indirect heat transmissions by the first stage produced pressurized mass flow of primary/secondary/residual heat comprising sensible and latent heat, by means of arrangement of expander turbines including counter current fed feed water/condensate fractions during preheating of condensate and feed water respectively before the return to the first stage of conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Bengt Nilsson
  • Patent number: 7398841
    Abstract: An energy conversion apparatus and method using recovered energy sources including motor vehicle kinetic energy (deceleration and shock) and wind resistance, supplemented by liquefied air transferred to the vehicle and by solar radiation thereto. The energy sources are combined, as available, to drive a compressor for supplying intake working fluid of a motor vehicle prime mover, wherein liquefied air provides pre-compression cooling of an atmospheric air portion of the working fluid. The liquefied air is made by recovered energy, stored and transferred between vehicles and between vehicles and stationary sites. In a hybrid version of the vehicle, exhaust heat from a combustion engine part of the prime mover increases working fluid temperature in a gas expander part, thereof; the engine and expander operating independently or together for improved vehicle propulsion efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Jay Stephen Kaufman
  • Publication number: 20080022686
    Abstract: A powertrain including an HCCI engine is disclosed. The HCCI engine is configured to supply mechanical power, and a generator operably coupled to the HCCI engine is configured to convert at least a portion of the mechanical power into one of electric energy and hydraulic energy. The powertrain further includes a motor operably coupled to the generator. The powertrain also includes an energy storage device operably coupled to the generator and the motor. The powertrain further includes a controller configured to control the powertrain such that energy stored in the energy storage device is supplied to the motor when the HCCI engine supplies insufficient mechanical power to the generator to supply the motor with sufficient power to meet power requirements of the powertrain, until the HCCI engine supplies sufficient mechanical power to the generator to supply the motor with sufficient power to meet the power requirements of the powertrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: John K. Amdall, Gerald N. Coleman, Kevin P. Duffy, David M. Milam
  • Publication number: 20070276579
    Abstract: An engine controller of the present invention is comprised of: a determining section for determining a state where an engine is not driven; a braking torque obtaining section for obtaining a braking toque acting on the vehicle; a vehicle speed sensing section for sensing a vehicle speed; an atmospheric pressure obtaining section for obtaining an atmospheric pressure value when an engine is driven; a road gradient obtaining section for obtaining a road gradient on the basis of the braking torque and the vehicle speed when the determining section determines the state where the vehicle is not driven; an atmospheric pressure correcting section which calculates a vehicle vertical travel of a downhill on the basis of the road gradient and a travel distance derived from the vehicle speed when the vehicle has descended the downhill, and corrects the atmospheric pressure value on the basis of the vehicle vertical travel of the downhill.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiji Asano
  • Publication number: 20070267232
    Abstract: A diagnostic control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided for shortening the time required for a failure diagnosis of an evaporation purge system. After introducing the inlet-pipe's negative pressure into the evaporation purge system 51, the evaporation control unit 52 diagnoses failure states concerning the evaporation purge system 51 such as a leak by detecting changes in inner tank pressure over a prescribed time. In order to shorten such failure diagnosis control time, a motor generator 12 is driven to assist the engine when introducing the inlet-pipe's negative pressure into the evaporation purge system 51. With such assist-driving, it becomes possible to reduce engine load, therefore, the throttle valve 67 of the engine 11 can be controlled to be on the closed side, making it possible to create sufficient inlet-pipe's negative pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoichi SAITO
  • Patent number: 7207177
    Abstract: A method and a position control device for an electrical-fluid power drive comprising a fluid power and an electrical actuator for driving a force output point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Rüdiger Neumann, Armin Hartmann
  • Patent number: 7127896
    Abstract: In an engine cogeneration system in which power generators 5 to 8 are driven by a plurality of engines 1 to 4 to thereby supply electric power to power load 22 of a general household, at the same time, heat produced by cooling each of the engines 1 to 4 and heat generated from the exhaust gas are recovered by heat exchangers 18 and 19 to be stored as hot water into a hot-water tank 20 to supply heat to heat load 21 of the general household, the amount of power to be supplied and of the amount of heat to be supplied are controlled by a number of the engines 1 to 4 and the combustion modes of these engines 1 to 4. This engine cogeneration system can follow both the head demand and power demand in a high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Shimada, Kazumasa Ide, Shiro Yamaoka
  • Patent number: 7062916
    Abstract: When an actual output power level of an engine is greater than a preset engine power demand due to the higher density of intake air in a cold environment, the control procedure of the invention controls a motor to raise a rotation speed of the engine with a throttle opening TH kept at a current level, so as to make the actual output power level of the engine substantially equal to the engine power demand (this is attained by, for example, a change of a target drive point from a point A to a point B). This arrangement effectively restrains a battery from being charged with an unexpectedly large electric power and prevents frequent changeover between the stop and the start of the engine with a significant variation in current state of charge (SOC) of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yusuke Kamijo, Kiyoshiro Ueoka, Norihiro Iwase
  • Patent number: 7047745
    Abstract: According to a prepared program and the signal from a crank angle sensor, a computer switches two operation modes A and B in which an electric motor operates, and the computer creates a pair or pairs of different operation mode phases during the period from an ignition time to the next ignition time. As a result, the sum of the second period BB of the generating phase B and the first period AA of the succeeding driving phase A is long as compared with a conventional engine. If an initial period in an intake stroke or an exhaust stroke is set within the long period sum, it is possible to reduce intake loss or exhaust loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Yasuhito Yaoita
  • Patent number: 7043920
    Abstract: A low or no pollution engine is provided for delivering power for vehicles or other power applications. The engine has an air inlet which collects air from a surrounding environment. At least a portion of the nitrogen in the air is removed. The remaining gas is primarily oxygen, which is then routed to a gas generator. The gas generator has inputs for the oxygen and a hydrocarbon fuel. The fuel and oxygen are combusted within the gas generator, forming water and carbon dioxide. The combustion products are then expanded through a power generating device, such as a turbine or piston expander to deliver output power for operation of a vehicle or other power uses. The combustion products are then passed through a condenser where the steam is condensed and the carbon dioxide is collected or discharged. A portion of the water is routed back to the gas generator. The carbon dioxide is compressed and delivered to a terrestrial formation from which return of the CO2 into the atmosphere is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Clean Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Fermin Viteri, James P. Taylor, Harry Brandt, Roger E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7036313
    Abstract: A co-generation turbocharged turbine system that utilizes a gas turbine (10) connecting the exhaust to a turbocharger (24) to introduce pressurized air into the inlet of the turbine for improving power and efficiency. A second embodiment places a work load (22) on an extension of the same power shaft (30), thereby connecting both the turbocharger driven rotor and drive rotor together in the form of an extended power shaft (30?). The turbocharger is in fluid communication from the gas turbine exhaust and is connected to the gas turbine air intake from the drive rotor of the turbocharger. A third embodiment consists of the same elements as the second embodiment except the work load (34) is driven by a turbocharger double-extended power shaft (30?) which extends from a vapor generating sub-system that has been added to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Winstead B. Weaver
  • Patent number: 7032385
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a vehicle provides variable displacement by selectively driving one or more engine crankshafts mounted within a single unitary engine block. In several embodiments the crankshafts are connected to a common output shaft with a one-way clutch between the common output shaft and at least one of the crankshafts. In one aspect starter gearing is independently associated with each of the first and second crankshafts and a starter is provided for selective engagement with the starter gearing of either of the crankshafts. In another aspect, an accessory drive for driving accessory systems of the vehicle receives power from any crankshaft which is operating, yet is isolated from any crankshaft that is not operating by a one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7028482
    Abstract: A pneumatic hybrid electric engine includes an electric source, an air supply part for compressing air and storing the compressed air, a pneumatic engine part for generating power using air supplied from the air supply part, an electric engine part for generating power using electric power applied from the electric source, a power transmission part for transmitting the power generated by the pneumatic engine part and the electric engine part, and a control part for selectively operating the pneumatic engine part and the electric engine part so that the pneumatic and electric engines parts can be switched on the basis of a predetermined torque range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Energine Corporation
    Inventors: Chol-Seung Cho, Dae-Sik Ko
  • Patent number: 7024858
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a vehicle provides variable displacement by selectively driving one or more engine crankshafts mounted within a single unitary engine block. In several embodiments the crankshafts are connected to a common output shaft with a one-way clutch between the common output shaft and at least one of the crankshafts. In one aspect starter gearing is independently associated with each of the first and second crankshafts and a starter is provided for selective engagement with the starter gearing of either of the crankshafts. In another aspect, an accessory drive for driving accessory systems of the vehicle receives power from any crankshaft which is operating, yet is isolated from any crankshaft that is not operating by a one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by United States Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray Jr.
  • Patent number: 7024859
    Abstract: A method of providing acceleration support to a combustion engine using an integrated starter/alternator. The integrated starter/alternator is in rotational combination with the crankshaft and connected to a battery system. The integrated starter/alternator is adapted to function at times as a power source adding torque to rotate the crankshaft to overcome friction and non-linear hydrodynamic forces within the engine. At other times the integrated starter/alternator functions as a power generator for subtracting torque from the crankshaft to provide electrical current to the battery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ranjit Jayabalan, Ali Emadi
  • Patent number: 7017348
    Abstract: A control device for a hybrid vehicle, the hybrid vehicle including a motor, connected to an engine output shaft, to which an engine output is transmitted, and an automatic transmission, the automatic transmission including an input shaft, connected to the engine output shaft, and an output shaft, connected to a driving wheel, the control device including a request output detection unit that detects a driver's requested output; an engine control unit that controls the engine output; a motor control unit that controls motor output so that total output of the motor output and the engine output becomes the driver's requested output; and a limitation request output unit that, when the driver's request output is larger than input-available driving force to the input shaft of the automatic transmission, outputs a limitation request to limit the total output to limitation output, which is smaller than or equal to the input-available driving force, wherein the motor control unit, when the limitation request is output
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Tajima, Yoshitaka Murase, Takayuki Kubo, Takeshi Inuzuka, Yasuhiko Kobayashi, Shigeki Takami, Takahiro Kido
  • Patent number: 6978617
    Abstract: A regenerative fuel cell is combined with a combustion engine such as a Pulse Detonation Engine (PDE) to create a closed-loop power generation system. Stored hydrogen and oxygen are used by the regenerative fuel cell, and by the combustion engine, in which the reaction of the hydrogen and oxygen produces water in the gas phase (steam). The steam is used to generate work from a turbine shaft, which is used to drive a propulsion system for the marine vessel. After the steam passes through the turbine, the steam is cooled back to liquid water by a condenser, and stored with the water produced by the regenerative fuel cell. The stored water can be converted back into hydrogen and oxygen by using electrical power external to the closed-loop system. After regeneration of the water into hydrogen and oxygen, the closed-loop power system would be ready for operation again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Goldmeer, Michael Kent Cueman, Michael Durling
  • Patent number: 6966185
    Abstract: In an engine cogeneration system in which power generators 5 to 8 are driven by a plurality of engines 1 to 4 to thereby supply electric power to power load 22 of a general household, at the same time, heat produced by cooling each of the engines 1 to 4 and heat generated from the exhaust gas are recovered by heat exchangers 18 and 19 to be stored as hot water into a hot-water tank 20 to supply heat to heat load 21 of the general household, the amount of power to be supplied and of the amount of heat to be supplied are controlled by a number of the engines 1 to 4 and the combustion modes of these engines 1 to 4. This engine cogeneration system can follow both the head demand and power demand in a high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Shimada, Kazumasa Ide, Shiro Yamaoka
  • Patent number: 6935115
    Abstract: A multi-engine power plant, includes a first internal combustion engine module having an air intake and an output shaft for delivering power, a second internal combustion engine module having an air intake and an output shaft for delivering power, and a single throttle body operatively connected to the air intakes of both the first and second engine modules, for controlling a flow of air to the intakes of the engine modules at a common manifold absolute pressure (MAP) of both engine modules during operation of one or both of the engine modules. The power plant also includes a selectively engagable clutch for operatively coupling the output shaft of the second engine module to the output shaft of the first engine module, to thereby produce a common torque output from the first and second engine modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Donald D Anderson
  • Patent number: 6895754
    Abstract: A vehicle control system is capable of precisely estimating an auxiliary machine motive power without increasing a processing load of an engine control means. An engine ECU 13 is provided with a first auxiliary machine motive power estimating section 16, and an auxiliary machine ECU 15 is provided with a second auxiliary machine motive power estimating section 17 having higher estimation precision than that of the first auxiliary machine motive power estimating section 16. Torque estimated values Tcomp1 and Tcomp2 for an auxiliary machine 14 are obtained respectively by the first auxiliary machine motive power estimating section 16 and the second auxiliary machine motive power estimating section 17, and control of an engine 11 is performed based on these torque estimated values Tcomp1 and Tcomp2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Junichiro Hara
  • Patent number: 6892541
    Abstract: A vehicle control device is installed in a hybrid vehicle which can run by a driving force of at least one of an engine and a motor, and charges a battery by driving the engine when an amount of electric power stored in a battery which supplies the electric power to a motor becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined lower limit. The vehicle control device preheats the engine, a catalyst and the like when an amount of the electric power stored in the battery becomes equal to a value which is set as an amount of stored electric power that is larger than the lower limit. Thus, since the engine and the like have already been warmed when the engine is started, deterioration of emission can be prevented, and the vehicle can run properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoto Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6862887
    Abstract: Hybrid drive containing a clutch between an engine power-output shaft (4) and a transmission power-input shaft (16) arranged axially with respect to the said power-output shaft; a first electric machine (6) connected to the engine power-output shaft (4) in a torque-transmitting manner; a second electric machine (14) connected to the transmission power-input shaft (16) in a torque-transmitting manner; preferably also a torsional vibration damper (8), which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the engine power-output shaft (4), the first-electric machine (6) being connected to the engine power-output shaft (4) in a torque-transmitting manner, ahead of the torsional vibration damper (8) in terms of the direction in which the torsional vibration damper (8) transmits the power of the propulsion drive engine. The parts of the hybrid drive are nested axially one inside the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Daimler Chrysler AG
    Inventors: Karl-Ernst Noreikat, Tobias Ostertag, Alfons Rennefeld
  • Patent number: 6846163
    Abstract: In a rotary fluid machine including pistons (37) reciprocally received in cylinders (33) provided in a rotor (27), and vanes (44) fitted in vane grooves provided in the rotor (27) for reciprocal movement, the rotor (27) includes a rotor core (31) which is supported on a rotary shaft (21) and in which the cylinders (33) are accommodated, and twelve rotor segments (32) separated in a circumferential direction and fixed to surround an outer peripheral surface of the rotor core (31); and each of the vane grooves (43) is defined between the adjacent rotor segments (32). Thus, the dimensional accuracy of the vane grooves (43) can be enhanced without need for a special accurate working or processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Takahashi, Kensuke Honma, Naoki Itoh, Tsuneo Endoh
  • Patent number: 6832148
    Abstract: This novel silent operating mode for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) reduces noise and emissions compared to traditional HEV operating modes. It is a complementary series of software control functions that allows the vehicle to operate with reduced noise and emissions where specifically needed, while phasing-in engine power where allowed. The method utilizes an energy storage system budget associated with a modal quantity of energy allocated for the mode, and is adapted to automatically adjust the operation of the vehicle to accommodate deviations from the budgeted energy amount. The mode also adjusts the vehicle operation in conjunction with changes in the parametric conditions of the ESS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Adam C. Bennett, Jyjen F. Sah, Gregory A. Hubbard
  • Publication number: 20040237510
    Abstract: During the catalyst warm-up period, when control enabling reduction in hydrocarbons is not executed in gasoline engine 100, the opening of the throttle valve 101 is made smaller in order to reduce the hydrocarbon discharge. During the catalyst warm-up period, when control enabling reduction in the quantity of hydrocarbons is executed in gasoline engine 100, the opening of the throttle valve 101 is made larger in order to accelerate warm-up of the catalyst, thereby shortening the catalyst warm-up period. A shorter catalyst warm-up period enables reduction in the total quantity of hydrocarbons from engine startup to the end of the catalyst warm-up period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masaki Kusada, Katsuhiko Yamaguchi, Toshio Inoue
  • Patent number: 6796127
    Abstract: A one cycle internal combustion engine (10) configured for powering a vehicle (V) is disclosed. The engine (10) broadly includes an engine block (12) defining three cylinders (14, 16, and 18), three double-acting pistons (20,22, and 24) slidably received in the corresponding cylinders (14,16,18), respectively, a fuel delivery system (26) for delivering fuel to the cylinders (14,16,18) to drive the pistons (20,22,24), a steam delivery system (28) for delivering steam to the cylinders (14,16,18) to additionally drive the pistons (20,22,24), a crankshaft (30) rotatably supported by the block (12) and drivingly rotated by the pistons (20,22,24), and a temperature regulation assembly (32) for regulating the temperature within the engine (10). The double-acting pistons (20,22,24) are powered on every stroke. The fuel delivery system (26) delivers diesel fuel to the cylinders (14,16,18) for combustion therein to drive the pistons (20,22,24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: John F. Helm
  • Patent number: 6769400
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling emissions in a parallel hybrid motor vehicle that includes an electric propulsion system in parallel with a combustion propulsion system. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, manifold absolute pressure (MAP) is monitored in the intake manifold of the combustion propulsion system. The electric propulsion system is engaged to reduce the MAP to a predetermined pressure, and then fueling and combustion of the combustion propulsion system are initiated only after the MAP is reduced to a pressure less than the predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Ament
  • Publication number: 20040144363
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling emissions in a parallel hybrid motor vehicle that includes an electric propulsion system in parallel with a combustion propulsion system. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, manifold absolute pressure (MAP) is monitored in the intake manifold of the combustion propulsion system. The electric propulsion system is engaged to reduce the MAP to a predetermined pressure, and then fueling and combustion of the combustion propulsion system are initiated only after the MAP is reduced to a pressure less than the predetermined pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Frank Ament
  • Patent number: 6751960
    Abstract: A control system for controlling a hybrid transmission including a two-degree-of-freedom differential mechanism is arranged to change a target prime-mover revolution speed of a prime mover so as to decrease an electric power output of first and second motor/generators when a temperature of one of the first and second motor/generators and a power device for the first and second motor/generators is higher than a predetermined temperature, wherein a target driving force of the hybrid vehicle is achieved by a demand prime-mover output generated when an output revolution speed of the hybrid transmission is kept constant and when the target prime-mover revolution speed is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Arimitsu, Keyvan Kargar, Yves Pichon
  • Patent number: 6732526
    Abstract: In a hybrid automatic transmission of a hybrid electric vehicle equipped with a differential device having two-degree-of-freedom and at least four rotating members respectively connected to a prime mover as an input element, a drive train as an output element, and first and second motor-generators. A specified relationship among inertias of rotating systems relating to the prime mover, output element, and first and second motor-generators, a first lever ratio of a distance between an input element and the first motor-generator to a distance between the input and output elements, and a second lever ratio of a distance between the output element and the second motor-generator to the distance between the input and output elements is determined, so that a center of gravity of a lever on an alignment chart of the hybrid transmission is laid out on the output element or between the output element and the second motor-generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuusuke Minagawa, Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Patent number: 6715291
    Abstract: A parallel mixed power unit includes a storage battery, an electron controlling module, an internal combustion engine with an output shaft, a planetary gear differential device having a shell, at least one planetary gear unit having two planetary gears provided inside the planetary gear differential device and disposed on a planetary arm by a bearing, with the planetary arm fixed on the shell, a solar gear meshed with one of the two planetary gears and fixed with the output shaft of the internal combustion engine, and another solar gear meshed with the other of the two planetary gears and fixed with a transmission shaft. The transmission shaft has one end connected with the output shaft of an electric motor by a rotary transmission device and the other end connected with the output shaft of a load terminal by another rotary transmission device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Unique Product & Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Liao
  • Publication number: 20040040305
    Abstract: A one cycle internal combustion engine (10) configured for powering a vehicle (V) is disclosed. The engine (10) broadly includes an engine block (12) defining three cylinders (14,16, and 18), three double-acting pistons (20,22, and 24) slidably received in the corresponding cylinders (14,16,18), respectively, a fuel delivery system (26) for delivering fuel to the cylinders (14,16,18) to drive the pistons (20,22,24), a steam delivery system (28) for delivering steam to the cylinders (14,16,18) to additionally drive the pistons (20,22,24), a crankshaft (30) rotatably supported by the block (12) and drivingly rotated by the pistons (20,22,24), and a temperature regulation assembly (32) for regulating the temperature within the engine (10). The double-acting pistons (20,22,24) are powered on every stroke. The fuel delivery system (26) delivers diesel fuel to the cylinders (14,16,18) for combustion therein to drive the pistons (20,22,24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: John F. Helm
  • Patent number: 6698395
    Abstract: A hybrid engine including an electric generator, an electric motor, and a rotary internal combustion engine including pivoted vane elements mounted on a rotor and biased into engagement to sequentially form intake, compression, combustion and exhaust chambers between the rotor and its annular wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Michael M. Vasilantone
  • Patent number: 6679058
    Abstract: A new and improved mechanical system that would replace the motor of any existing vehicle currently in production is disclosed. The present invention uses a combination of a small gas motor, a few small electric motors, and hydraulics to provide the workable engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel Andreotti
  • Patent number: 6658852
    Abstract: A motor vehicle drive includes an internal-combustion engine, at least one electric machine, and a clutch device by which the electric machine can be connected in a drive relationship with the internal-combustion engine. At least one auxiliary device (34, 36) can be connected in a drive relationship with the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Juergen Frey
  • Patent number: 6637314
    Abstract: An air is evacuated from a chamber of a bellows by a vacuum pressure supply source connected to a vacuum port of an attachment plate. The vacuum pressure in a vacuum chamber is thus balanced with the vacuum pressure in the chamber of the bellows. Consequently, the bellows is prevented from expanding by balancing the respective vacuum pressures in the chamber of the bellows and in the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Akio Saitoh, Masaki Miyahara
  • Publication number: 20030192489
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine and its method of operation including at least one embodiment operating on a six-stroke cycle and including at least one piston and cylinder assembly. The six-stroke cycle includes two power strokes, the latter of which is the result of a water to steam conversion process utilizing the heat of the exhaust gas from the first power stroke. A second embodiment comprises a hybrid power generating assembly incorporating alternative, first and second power sources respectively comprising an internal combustion engine and a water injection engine, the latter of which operates on the water to steam conversion process, wherein the required heat therefore is derived from the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. The second power source drives a source of electric energy which powers an electric motor, wherein the electric motor and the internal combustion engine are both connected in driving relation to a power take-off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Satnarine Singh
  • Publication number: 20030145597
    Abstract: A first exhaust turbo rotary machine is able to assist turbo supercharging by operating as a motor on power generated in a second rotary machine connected to a power axis of an engine. Also, when exhaust energy is large, the first turbo rotary machine operates as a generator so as to make the second rotary machine connected to the engine motive power axis operate electrically, thereby making it possible to add exhaust energy to the engine motive power axis. Consequently, that which results is a compound engine dynamo-electric machine that improves total efficiency of the engine by adding exhaust energy, which is otherwise discarded, to the engine motive power axis. This arrangement increases engine torque in a speed region where exhaust pressure is low by utilizing part of the engine's motive power as a supercharging driving force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Shin Kusase
  • Patent number: 6598398
    Abstract: A low or no pollution engine is provided for delivering power for vehicles or other power applications. The engine has an air inlet which collects air from a surrounding environment. At least a portion of the nitrogen in the air is removed using a technique such as liquefaction, pressure swing adsorption or membrane based air separation. The remaining gas is primarily oxygen, which is then compressed and routed to a gas generator. The gas generator has an igniter and inputs for the high pressure oxygen and a high pressure hydrogen-containing fuel, such as hydrogen, methane or a light alcohol. The fuel and oxygen are combusted within the gas generator, forming water and carbon dioxide with carbon containing fuels. Water is also delivered into the gas generator to control the temperature of the combustion products. The combustion products are then expanded through a power generating device, such as a turbine or piston expander to deliver output power for operation of a vehicle or other power uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Clean Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Fermin Viteri, James P. Taylor, Harry Brandt, Roger E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6594998
    Abstract: A system of combining balanced, independent, self-starting and initially separated internal combustion engines, wherein engines not immediately required for power can be shut down. Shut down engines are disconnected from the running engine or engines, and drive train. This system will dramatically reduce fuel consumption and the amount of exhaust gases. A microprocessor determines vehicle power requirements from engine sensors. Hydraulic pistons under control of the microprocessor bring the individual engine units into and out of engagement with each other. Friction plates and locking pins are provided for coupling the crankshafts at predetermined relative angular positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Lars Bogucki
  • Patent number: 6588211
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a drive combustion engine and a power supply system for supplying electric consuming devices on-board the motor vehicle. The power supply system includes a fuel cell system and a battery coupled to the fuel cell system. The energy and/or material currents of the drive combustion engine and the fuel cell system are coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Ballard Power System AG
    Inventors: Peter Friebe, Uwe Griesmeier, Berthold Keppeler, Jürgen Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20030093996
    Abstract: A system of combining balanced, independent, self-starting and initially separated internal combustion engines, wherein engines not immediately required for power can be shut down. Shut down engines are disconnected from the running engine or engines, and drive train. This system will dramatically reduce fuel consumption and the amount of exhaust gases. A microprocessor determines vehicle power requirements from engine sensors. Hydraulic pistons under control of the microprocessor bring the individual engine units into and out of engagement with each other. Friction plates and locking pins are provided for coupling the crankshafts at predetermined relative angular positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventor: Lars Bogucki