Internal Combustion Engine Or Related Engine System Or Engine Component Patents (Class 73/114.01)
  • Publication number: 20120011924
    Abstract: This device includes an outer casing having: a first tubular zone (16) to the inside of which a finger (4) is fastened; a second tubular zone (40) of larger outside diameter than that of the first tubular zone (16) and extending the first tubular zone (16); and an elastically deformable part (18) of annular shape, extending in a plane transverse to the first tubular zone (16) and connecting the first tubular zone (16) to the second tubular zone (40). The pressure sensor (8) is placed between, on one side, an element (30) integral with the finger and, on the other side, a fixed element (20), called an interface, which is integral with the second tubular zone (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicants: FEDERAL-MOGUL ITALY SRL, CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE
    Inventors: Alain Ramond, John Burrows, Sandro Goretti
  • Patent number: 8060275
    Abstract: An on-board diagnostic system of a vehicle comprises disabling diagnostic operation, such as a misfire monitor, based on road roughness. In one example, the disabling of the diagnostic operation is based on brake actuation and degradation of an anti-lock braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jahan Asgari, Timothy Feldkamp, Craig Stephens, Moses Fridman, Davor Hrovat, Arthur Varady, Mitch McConnell
  • Patent number: 8026105
    Abstract: A method for identifying a lubricant composition that reduces the propensity for knock in an engine. The lubricant composition is mixed with a solvent to reduce the viscosity of the lubricant composition, thereby forming a lubricant-solvent mixture having a viscosity similar to or less than that of engine fuel. A sample of a lubricant-solvent mixture is then subjected to a constant volume combustion test to determine the reactivity associated with the lubricant-solvent mixture. The test is repeated for a range of lubricant-solvent ratios, and statistical methods are used to calculate the reactivity of the lubricant composition without solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Manfred Amann, Terrence F. Alger, II
  • Patent number: 8006545
    Abstract: A method of real-time analysis of an engine, comprising sensing a temperature within a chamber of the engine with a thermocouple sensor disposed on a spark plug operating within the chamber, the thermocouple sensor generating a first signal based upon the temperature within the chamber; detecting current on a wire coupled to the sparkplug with a sensor, the sensor generating a second signal based upon current detected on the wire; converting the first and second signal into a first and second optical signal respectively utilizing one or more signal conditioners; generating a first and second digital signal based upon the first and second optical signal respectively with a receiver; and transmitting the first and second digital signal to an analysis device to generate a display of the temperature as it relates to engine speed at a first time in response to the receipt of the first and second digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Adkins, Matthew B. Below
  • Patent number: 8000934
    Abstract: A method and a device for diagnosing an ascertainment of a performance quantity of an internal combustion engine. Within the scope of a first diagnostic process a first value which is characteristic of a first performance quantity of the internal combustion engine ascertained at a first point in time after switching off the internal combustion engine is compared to a predefined value, and an error is identified when in the comparison it is detected that the absolute value of a first difference between the first value and the predefined value exceeds a predefined first threshold value for the first point in time. The predefined first threshold value is predefined to be smaller the longer the time since the internal combustion engine has been switched off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Oberascher, Damien Bouvier
  • Publication number: 20110146391
    Abstract: In a method for performing diagnostics on line systems, in particular crank casing venting systems of internal combustion engines, a correction value for an operating parameter of the internal combustion engine is formed in each of at least two chronologically successive determining steps. The correction values or values which are derived therefrom are used to detect a faulty state of the line system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: DR. ING. H.C. F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: OLAF JACH, JOERG OBERBECK
  • Patent number: 7962271
    Abstract: An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g., Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Noal R. Pederson
  • Patent number: 7954363
    Abstract: An improved method for detection of engine faults especially suited for use on ships. The method is in particular related to the detection of a fault in an internal combustion engine having within the housing a crankshaft connected to a piston. The method includes determination of a pressure difference between the housing and the area outside the housing. If comparison of the pressure difference with a fault indicating pressure difference limit shows that the pressure difference is greater than the fault indication pressure difference limit then the presence of the fault is indicated. According to the method is in the pressure difference determined by comparing the pressure existing in the housing with the pressure of the area outside the housing, while attenuating pressure changes of the area outside the housing, so that pressure changes having a duration equal to or less than a defined fault characteristic period of time are supposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventor: Ole Friis-Knudsen
  • Patent number: 7953530
    Abstract: An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g, Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventors: Neal R. Pederson, Bernie C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7862230
    Abstract: On the fulfillment of a specified condition, a temperature signal outside an actuating device is detected to which a piezoelectric actuator is assigned. A piezoelectric temperature value is determined by the temperature signal. A temperature-capacitance characteristic value of the piezoelectric actuator is determined by the piezoelectric temperature value through specified mapping. A measured capacitance characteristic value is determined by a detected piezoelectric actuator charge and voltage corresponding to the temperature signal. A first correction capacitance characteristic value is determined by the measured capacitance characteristic value and the temperature-capacitance characteristic value. Independently, the charge and the voltage of the piezoelectric actuator is detected and the measured capacitance characteristic value is determined on the basis of these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Borgmann, Manfred Klepatsch, Stephan Wenzel
  • Publication number: 20100326177
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method or an arrangement for function checking of internal combustion engines in motor vehicles, in which an external testing and measuring system is connected via a diagnostic interface to an on-board diagnostic and control system, and after the start of the testing process, the testing system triggers control signals to adjust the defined operating conditions of the internal combustion engine, and performs and documents analyses. To ensure an automatic testing process, it is proposed to launch a safety routine in the diagnostic and control system that interrupts the automatic testing process when certain signals are present from on-board control and/or operating devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Stefan Kamm, Robert Tappe, Manuel Bestle, Mike Helmchen
  • Patent number: 7774110
    Abstract: A failure diagnosis apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a diagnosis processing section for executing failure diagnosis processing on a device of the vehicle to generate a diagnosis result. The apparatus also includes a data managing section for managing data of the diagnosis result. After an execution condition is met for failure diagnosis, the diagnosis processing section outputs an execution demand to the data managing section for the failure diagnosis processing. In response to the execution demand, the data managing section outputs an execution permission to the diagnosis processing section for the failure diagnosis processing. Also, after the execution condition is met for the failure diagnosis, the diagnosis processing section starts executing the failure diagnosis processing regardless of whether the execution permission has been outputted by the data managing section. A method of failure diagnosis is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kenichi Sago
  • Patent number: 7634351
    Abstract: A diagnostic testing system for a vehicle comprising an oxygen sensor having a heating element for heating the oxygen sensor to its minimum operational temperature, an analyzer having a user interface, a communications link between the analyzer and the vehicle to obtain data from the oxygen sensor, and a diagnostic heuristic analyzing the data and confirming proper operation of the heating element, the diagnostic heuristic being adapted to generate an output and transmit the output to the user interface, the output including the results generated by analysis of the data by the diagnostic heuristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Earl D. Diem
  • Patent number: 7550126
    Abstract: Various methods and systems for augmenting the amount of NOX in the exhaust of an exhaust flow simulation system. These methods and system can be “combustion” or “post combustion”. A combustion embodiment injects a nitrogen-containing compound (doping agent) into the burner, so that it mixed and combusted with the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Cynthia C. Webb, Christopher A. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20090157355
    Abstract: A method and a device for diagnosing an ascertainment of a performance quantity of an internal combustion engine. Within the scope of a first diagnostic process a first value which is characteristic of a first performance quantity of the internal combustion engine ascertained at a first point in time after switching off the internal combustion engine is compared to a predefined value, and an error is identified when in the comparison it is detected that the absolute value of a first difference between the first value and the predefined value exceeds a predefined first threshold value for the first point in time. The predefined first threshold value is predefined to be smaller the longer the time since the internal combustion engine has been switched off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Achim Oberascher, Damien Bouvier
  • Patent number: 7520835
    Abstract: A fluid circuit module controls a fluid to be supplied to a movable element in an automatic transmission. The fluid circuit module is provided with a first body in which a first flow passage is formed, a second body in which a second flow passage is formed. A separation plate is set between the first body and the second body and has a deformation portion that is deformed and strained in accordance with the difference between pressures in the first flow passage and the second flow passage. A strain sensor is attached to the deformation portion for detecting a strain of the deformation portion. A control means controls a supply fluid to be supplied to the movable element on the basis of a detection result of the strain sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Fuminori Suzuki, Hitoshi Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20090049897
    Abstract: An electronic engine controller is configured to execute a process of adapting a base value of the volumetric efficiency of an engine through the addition of a correction value of the volumetric efficiency. The process includes comparing an estimated mass air flow value calculated using a speed-density equation, with an actual mass air flow value measured by a mass air flow (MAF) sensor. A percentage error of the estimated mass air flow value as compared to the actual mass air flow value is calculated. When the percentage error indicates that the air flow is at steady state, then the process updates the VE correction value, by integrating the percentage error. The new correction value, thus computed, is then stored in a cell of an array corresponding to the current engine operating condition. The process is configured to add the correction value to the corresponding base value to produce an updated value of the VE, valid for that operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Peter M. Olin, Sergio Quelhas, Koon Chul Yang, Sergio E. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20090025466
    Abstract: The test equipment of engine motoring of the present invention includes a conveying mechanism (30) that carries in and carries out an engine to and from a test position, a fixing mechanism (40) that fixes the engine carried in to the test position, a coupling mechanism (60) that directly couples an electrical motor (50) to the engine and can detect a drive torque, an encoder (70) that generates a pulse signal as an operating standard in synchronism with rotation of the electrical motor, a plurality of detection units (80 through 130) that are driven to reciprocate so as to be connected to and disconnected from or approach and separate from the engine positioned at the test position and detect a plurality of operating state quantities, a control means (200) for various driving controls, and a judging means (200) for judging whether the engine is normal by comparing information obtained by the plurality of detection units with standard information obtained in advance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Hitoshi Moritani, Masahide Maeda, Yoshio Kikukawa, Ryosei Sekiguchi, Tomoya Umeda
  • Patent number: 7475682
    Abstract: Method for determining the timing of an indirect injection internal combustion engine, in which the following steps are performed: use is made of a first sensor (2) including a target (6) connected to the crankshaft and having a plurality of marks (8), use is made of a second sensor (12) including a target (16) connected to the camshaft and having: a plurality of teeth (D1, D2, D3), a plurality of gaps (C1, C2, C3), and a plurality of fronts (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6) separating the teeth (D1, D2, D3) and the gaps (C1, C2, C3), the engine is turned over from a starting position, the marks (8) on the target (6) of the first sensor (2)are counted, the fronts (F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6) on the target of the second sensor are detected, this is used to deduce the engine timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Continental Automotive France
    Inventors: Frédéric Galtier, Bruno Nicolas, Cédric Vedel, Franz Dietl
  • Patent number: 7458255
    Abstract: An inspection method is conducted after the assembly of an industrial engine is complete. An identification code assigned to an industrial engine is read. Basic engine specification data and device-specific engine specification data that correspond to the read identification code are extracted from a database to a completion inspection unit. Various inspections are conducted on the individual engine by the completion inspection unit on the basis of the extracted basic engine specification data. The device-specific engine specification data of the engine that has passed the inspection is written into memory. A confirmation inspection is then conducted by a device-specific inspection machine to determine whether the engine has the output characteristics required by the mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Shinogi, Tomoki Fukushima, Akihisa Shinoda
  • Publication number: 20080282784
    Abstract: An improved method for detection of engine faults especially suited for use on ships. The method is in particular related to the detection of a fault in an internal combustion engine having within the housing a crankshaft connected to a piston. The method includes determination of a pressure difference between the housing and the area outside the housing. If comparison of the pressure difference with a fault indicating pressure difference limit shows that the pressure difference is greater than the fault indication pressure difference limit then the presence of the fault is indicated. According to the method is in the pressure difference determined by comparing the pressure existing in the housing with the pressure of the area outside the housing, while attenuating pressure changes of the area outside the housing, so that pressure changes having a duration equal to or less than a defined fault characteristic period of time are supposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Danfoss A/S
    Inventor: Ole Friis-Knudsen
  • Publication number: 20080190183
    Abstract: In order to make it possible to also mount an original exhaust system (10) substantially leading away from the internal combustion engine (2) below the output axle (7) parallel to the extension thereof in a test rig for internal combustion engines (2), the driving engine or load generator (4) is mounted in a suspended manner at a certain vertical distance front the pedestal (1) on a support arrangement (6) mounted thereon, with the-input axle (8) being substantially aligned with the output axle (7) of the internal combustion engine (2) that is to be tested, whereby the space from below the interference contour (9) of the driving engine or load generator (4) to the pedestal remains free for the passage or the exhaust system (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: AVL LIST GMBH
    Inventors: Hans Erlach, Peter M. Ziegler, Roland Rathner, Helmut Schneiderbeck, Harald Nonn, Martin Schmidt