| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090025683 | DETECTION OF FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEMS - A method for detecting failures in a fuel system of a motor vehicle including monitoring a feed-forward table of a fuel pump controller that is electrically connected to a fuel pump of the fuel system. The fuel pump controller is electrically connected to a rail pressure sensor, which is coupled to the fuel injector rail. The actual fuel injector rail pressure measured by the rail pressure sensor is compared to a desired fuel injector rail pressure associated with the feed-forward table. The feed-forward table is adjusted if the actual fuel injector rail pressure is less than the desired fuel injector rail pressure. A fuel system error is signaled if an adjusted feed-forward table differs from an initial feed-forward table. A fuel system failure is signaled of the adjusted feed-forward table requires a saturation voltage of the controller. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090038587 | Fuel Control for Direct Injection Fuel System - A method for controlling a direct injection fuel system of a vehicle, the method comprising generating fuel pressure via an electronically controlled lift pump and a second pump, the electronically controlled lift pump actuated responsive to a command during an initial start-up duration, translating the fuel pump command via a first mapping to drive the fuel pump, where the first mapping includes mapping a default signal to active pump operation and after the initial start-up duration, translating the fuel pump command via a second mapping to drive the fuel pump where the second mapping includes mapping the default signal to pump deactivation. This method may achieve near immediate lift pump actuation upon system power-up while preserving favorable degradation modes and maintaining a simple, cost-effective inter-module communication scheme. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090077965 | Approach for Identifying and Responding to an Unresponsive Wastegate in a Twin Turbocharged Engine - As one example, an engine system for a vehicle is provided, comprising an internal combustion engine including an air intake system and an exhaust system; a first turbocharger including a first compressor arranged along a first branch of the air intake system, a first turbine arranged along a first branch of the exhaust system, and a first turbine bypass passage include a first wastegate; a second turbocharger including a second compressor arranged along a second branch of the air intake system, a second turbine arranged along a second branch of the exhaust system, and a second turbine bypass passage including a second wastegate; a first exhaust gas sensor arranged along the first branch of the exhaust system downstream of the first turbine and first wastegate; a second exhaust gas sensor arranged along the second branch of the exhaust system downstream of the second turbine and the second wastegate; and a control system configured to command both the first wastegate and the second wastegate to a closed position or an opened position and to indicate one of said wastegates as unresponsive to said command in response to a temperature difference between the first and second branches indicated by the first and second exhaust gas sensors. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090090331 | Volumetric Efficiency Based Lift Pump Control - As one example, a method of operating a fuel delivery system of a directly injected internal combustion engine including a plurality of in-cylinder direct fuel injectors, a higher pressure fuel pump and a lower pressure fuel pump is provided. The method comprises operating the lower pressure fuel pump and the higher pressure fuel pump to maintain a prescribed fuel pressure at the fuel injectors; and varying an amount of pump work that is provided by the lower pressure fuel pump relative to the higher pressure fuel pump responsive to an indication of the efficiency of the higher pressure pump. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090095259 | Fuel System for Improved Engine Starting - A method for operating fuel system that supplies fuel to a plurality of injectors in an internal combustion engine via a first pump and a second pump with a bypass circuit coupled between the first and second pump for returning fuel to a fuel tank, the pumps connected in series, is provided. The method includes before actuating fuel injectors during an engine start, operating the first pump, where fuel is driven through the bypass circuit that generates a fuel pressure that is delivered to the injectors that is greater than the fuel pressure delivered to the injectors during the moderate pressure mode of operation when the bypass regulator is maintaining a constant fuel line pressure. The method also includes during actuation of the fuel injectors after an engine start, operating the first and second pumps, where fuel pressure is regulated at a specified regulator pressure via bypass flow in the bypass. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090101114 | Internal Combustion Engine Having Common Power Source For Ion Current Sensing and Fuel Injectors - A system and method for controlling operation of a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having fuel injectors and an ionization current sensor include a high-voltage power supply connectable to, and supplying substantially the same nominal boosted voltage relative to nominal battery voltage to, the fuel injectors and ionization sensor during at least a portion of the engine operation. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090107140 | Twin Turbocharged Engine with Reduced Compressor Imbalance and Surge - As one example, a method of operating a vehicle propulsion system including an engine having an intake manifold communicating with two compressors arranged in separate intake passages is provided. The method includes limiting a boost pressure provided to the engine by the first and the second compressors in response to a total flow rate of air consumed by the engine, said first and second compressors cooperating to provide the total flow rate; and choking the first compressor having a higher flow rate during an imbalanced flow condition between the first and the second compressors to limit a further reduction of a flow rate of intake air through the second compressor before the second compressor experiences surge. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090107461 | Direct Injection Fuel System with Reservoir - A method of operating a fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine is described. The system may include a plurality of direct cylinder injectors, a fuel rail upstream of the injectors, a first pump, and a second pump coupled downstream of the first pump and to the fuel rail. The method may include, after or during engine shutdown, and during a fuel system cool down, activating the first pump; and varying the activation of the first pump responsive to temperature to maintain a higher pressure for high temperatures. Alternatively, in some examples, the system may include a reservoir in a bypass around the second pump, the bypass having a valve downstream of the fuel reservoir, where the valve is positioned vertically above the second pump and the fuel reservoir is positioned vertically above the valve. The fuel reservoir may be sized to hold a sufficient amount of fuel in the bypass to allow fuel to migrate from the bypass to the fuel rail during engine cool down. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090114191 | LIFT PUMP CONTROL FOR A TWO PUMP DIRECT INJECTION FUEL SYSTEM - An economical method for controlling a lift pump operating as part of a direct injection fuel system is described. According to the method, at least two distinct operating modes are provided. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090157277 | On-Board Fuel Vapor Separation for Multi-Fuel Vehicle - A fuel delivery system for a fuel burning engine of a vehicle and a method of operating the fuel delivery system is provided. As one example, the method includes separating a first fuel and a second fuel from a fuel vapor on-board the vehicle, said fuel vapor including at least an alcohol component and a hydrocarbon component and said first fuel including a higher concentration of the alcohol component than the fuel vapor and the second fuel; condensing the separated first fuel from a vapor phase to a liquid phase; delivering the condensed liquid phase of the first fuel to the engine; and combusting at least the condensed liquid phase of the first fuel at the engine. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090159057 | Fuel Rail Assembly Including Fuel Separation Membrane - As one example, a fuel rail assembly for supplying pressurized fuel to a plurality of cylinders of an engine is provided. The fuel rail assembly includes a fuel rail housing defining an internal fuel rail volume having at least a first region and a second region; a fuel separation membrane element disposed within the fuel rail housing that segregates the first region from the second region. The membrane element can be configured to pass a first component of a fuel mixture such as an alcohol through the membrane element from the first region to the second region at a higher rate than a second component of the fuel mixture such as a hydrocarbon. The separated alcohol and hydrocarbon components can be provided to the engine in varying relative amounts based on operating conditions. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090183507 | TURBOCHARGER WASTE GATE CONTROL - A method for improving turbocharger waste-gate control is presented. The method can reduce turbocharger flow oscillation, at least during some conditions. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090188472 | LIFT PUMP SYSTEM FOR A DIRECT INJECTION FUEL SYSTEM - An economical method for controlling a lift pump operating as part of a direct injection fuel system is described. According to the method, the lift pump is operated at efficient operating conditions and then stopped until additional fuel is requested. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090260601 | FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS AFTER SHUT-DOWN - A method for operation of a fuel delivery system in an internal combustion engine including a lower pressure pump, a higher pressure pump fluidly coupled downstream of the lower pressure pump, and a fuel rail fluidly coupled downstream of the high pressure pump. The method including initiating a mitigating action based on a fuel rail pressure response, the fuel rail pressure response occurring after an engine shut-down, where the mitigating action includes disabling vehicle operation if fuel rail pressure drops below a threshold value after activation of one of the pumps, the activation occurring before a subsequent engine start, the subsequent engine start occurring after the engine shut-down, and where the mitigating action includes adjusting operation of one of the pumps during the subsequent engine start if fuel rail pressure achieves at least the threshold value after or during the activation. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090271090 | SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD FOR SELECTING FUEL TYPE FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CAPABLE OF COMBUSTING A PLURALITY OF FUEL TYPES - A system and method for improving fuel usage of a dual fuel engine is described. Fuel type is delivered to engine cylinders in response to operating conditions. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090287400 | APPROACH FOR ENGINE START SYNCHRONIZATION - A method of starting an engine is provided. The engine includes a cylinder and a fuel injector configured to directly inject fuel into the cylinder. The method includes: at an engine start condition, receiving a sensed engine position, in response to the sensed engine position correlating with a stored engine stop position, injecting fuel directly into the cylinder at a next suitable engine position for a first combustion cycle, and in response to the sensed engine position not correlating with the stored engine stop position, rotating a shaft of the engine an angular distance without injecting fuel directly into the cylinder until the sensed engine position correlates with another parameter, and thereupon, injecting fuel directly into the cylinder at a next suitable engine position for a first combustion cycle. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20100012099 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING FUEL VAPOR PURGING FOR AN ENGINE HAVING A COMPRESSOR - A system and method for storing and purging fuel vapors for an internal combustion engine comprising a compressor is presented. The system allows the canister to be purged even while the engine is operated at high engine load. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100024770 | FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR A MULTI-FUEL ENGINE - A fuel delivery system for a multi-fuel internal combustion engine and an approach for operating the fuel delivery system are provided. The fuel delivery system can be operated in two or more different fuel delivery modes according to operating conditions of the engine or fuel delivery system. A first example mode can be performed to concurrently deliver two or more fuels to the engine. A second example mode can be performed to transfer fuel from a first fuel storage tank to a second fuel storage tank. A third example mode can be performed to supply a fuel from a first fuel storage tank to at least two fuel injectors of each cylinder of the engine. In some embodiments, the various modes of operation may be selected by varying a fuel pressure that is provided by the fuel delivery system. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100065376 | Efficient Vehicle Component Heating - Methods for achieving efficient vehicle component heating are provided. One example method for controlling the warming of powertrain lubricants during engine warm-up from a cold start, the engine having an output crankshaft, includes selectively driving a lubricant heating device with the crankshaft during the cold start based on lubricant temperature. The method further includes directing the powertrain lubricants to the lubricant heating device. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100078244 | CNG-Fueled Vehicle with Fuel Tanks Packaged Between Cab and Bed - A vehicle, a system, and a method are disclosed for providing the vehicle configured to operate on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) with CNG storage tanks. An example vehicle may include a cab including an engine compartment. An engine may be configured to operate on a gaseous fuel and may be located in the engine compartment. The vehicle may include a bed, and a mid-box positioned between the cab and the bed. The mid-box may include at least one storage tank configured to store the fuel in a compressed, or a compressed liquid state. The vehicle may include a fueling system configured to supply fuel from the at least one storage tank to the engine. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100108031 | ENGINE AND EXHAUST HEATING - A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders is provided. The method comprises: during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to before a peak torque timing, and retarding spark timing from the advanced timing toward the peak torque timing in response to decreased engine speed to maintain idling speed. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100108032 | ENGINE AND EXHAUST HEATING FOR HYBRID VEHICLE - A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders and an electric motor configured to rotate the engine is provided. The method includes, during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to substantially before a peak torque timing. The method further includes adjusting motor torque output of the electric motor to maintain engine idle speed. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100108035 | ADDRESSING FUEL PRESSURE UNCERTAINTY DURING STARTUP OF A DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE - An engine system and a method of starting an internal combustion engine of the engine system are described. In one embodiment, the method includes adjusting a fuel pressure within a fuel rail to a first value; after the fuel pressure within the fuel rail attains the first value, initiating delivery of fuel to the internal combustion engine from the fuel rail by successively injecting fuel directly into combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine; and after at least a first fuel injection event, reducing the fuel pressure within the fuel rail from the first value to a second value over subsequent successive fuel injection events by adjusting an operating parameter of the high pressure fuel pump. The method may optionally include increasing an air-fuel ratio over subsequent successive fuel injection events after fuel delivery is initiated by varying an amount of fuel that is directly injected into the combustion chambers. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100139628 | FUEL PREHEAT FOR ENGINE START - Systems and methods for providing heated fuel to a fuel injector of an engine are provided. One example method comprises maintaining a volume of fuel above a start-ready temperature during a pre-start interval, the pre-start interval beginning after the engine is turned off, beginning automatically, and ending when the engine is restarted, the start-ready temperature greater than a lowest temperature of the engine during the pre-start interval. The method further comprises delivering some of the volume of fuel to the fuel injector when the engine is about to be restarted. According to the approaches described herein, adequate cold-start fuel atomization may be provided without compromising driver satisfaction due to excessive pre-ignition delay, while at the same time reducing unnecessary heating of fuel during warm engine off conditions. Further, the approaches described herein may be enacted inexpensively in a wide variety of motor-vehicle configurations. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100147270 | CRANKCASE BREECH DETECTION FOR BOOSTED ENGINES - Methods for indicating whether a crankcase of an engine is breeched are provided. One example method comprises restricting a communication of the crankcase with atmosphere, acting to increase or decrease a crankcase pressure, and indicating whether the crankcase is breeched based on the crankcase pressure. Another example method comprises sensing a crankcase pressure component, and indicating whether the crankcase is breeched based on the crankcase pressure component, the crankcase communicating with atmosphere via a conduit, a restrictedness of the conduit responsive to one or more of a crankcase pressure and a signal from an electronic control unit of the motor vehicle. Still other examples provide more particular methods for indicating whether the crankcase is breeched, and example configurations that enable the various methods. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100170470 | FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR MULTI-FUEL ENGINE - A fuel delivery system for an engine and a method of its operation are described. The fuel delivery system includes a first fuel injector for delivering a first fuel to a cylinder of the engine; a second fuel injector for delivering a second fuel to the cylinder; an electrical relay system disposed between a first electrical potential and each of the first and second fuel injectors; an electronic driver disposed between a second electrical potential and each of the first and second fuel injectors; and a control module. The control module is configured to switch the electrical relay system between first and second positions to select one of the first and second fuels, respectively. The electronic driver is closed by the control module to deliver the selected one of the first or second fuel to the first cylinder via a respective one of the first or second fuel injectors. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100174473 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Method and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method comprises, adjusting a brake torque applied to a deactivated rotating engine after an engine restart request, the brake torque applied to slow the engine to at least a predetermined threshold speed without stopping the engine, and engaging a starter to the still rotating engine to increase the engine speed and restart the engine. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100175657 | COLD-START RELIABILITY AND REDUCING HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS IN A GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE - A method for starting an engine of a motor vehicle under varying temperature conditions, the engine having a plurality of combustion chambers and a pump for pressurizing fuel for delivery to the combustion chambers, the method comprising during a first, higher-temperature, starting condition, directly injecting fuel into all of the combustion chambers during at least an initial fueled cycle of the engine, and spark igniting the fuel to increase a rotation speed of the engine, the initial fueled cycle comprising two rotations of a crankshaft of the engine during which at least some fuel is injected for a first time since the engine was brought from rest; and during a second, lower-temperature, starting condition, directly injecting fuel into less than all of the combustion chambers during at least the initial fueled cycle of the engine, and spark igniting the fuel to increase the rotation speed of the engine. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100179743 | COLD-START RELIABILITY AND REDUCING HYDROCARBON EMISSIONS IN A GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE - A method for starting an engine of a motor vehicle, the engine having an intake manifold, an intake throttle controlling admission of air into the intake manifold, and a plurality of combustion chambers communicating with the intake manifold, the method comprising providing a reduced pressure of air in the intake manifold prior to delivering fuel or spark to the engine, the reduced pressure of air responsive to a temperature of the engine; delivering fuel to one or more of the plurality of combustion chambers in an amount based on the reduced pressure of air; and delivering spark to the one or more combustion chambers to start the engine. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100192879 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STARTING A VEHICLE ENGINE - Methods and systems for starting a vehicle engine are provided. One example method for starting a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders may include generating hydrogen gas and oxygen gas onboard the vehicle from water. The method may further include maintaining the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas together as a gaseous mixture. The method may further include injecting the gaseous mixture to at least one cylinder of the engine during a start. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100197441 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HEATING TRANSMISSION FLUID - Systems and methods are provided for heating transmission fluid in a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an engine and a transmission, the engine including a heat exchanger. One example method comprises, during a first engine running condition, operating an auxiliary transmission fluid pump to generate pressure in the transmission fluid and pump transmission fluid to the heat exchanger, and during a second condition where the engine is not running, operating the auxiliary transmission fluid pump to generate pressure in the transmission fluid and pump transmission fluid to the heat exchanger. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100211288 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE STARTING - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions and selectively reactivated during engine restart conditions. One example method comprises, during an engine restart from an idle stop, performing a first combustion event in a cylinder with a piston at an engine crankshaft position that is after a crankshaft position at which said cylinder's exhaust valve opens, and before a crankshaft position at which the cylinder's intake valve closes, during a cycle of said cylinder. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100223984 | FUEL VAPOR PURGING DIAGNOSTICS - Systems and methods are provided for monitoring reverse flow of fuel vapors and/or air through a vehicle fuel vapor recovery system, said fuel vapor recovery system coupled to an engine intake of a boosted internal combustion engine. One example method comprises, intermittently adjusting a restriction in the fuel vapor recovery system during boosted conditions, and indicating degradation based on one or more of a change in a pressure value, or based on a change in flow in the fuel vapor recovery system. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100224171 | FUEL VAPOR PURGING DIAGNOSTICS - Systems and methods are provided for monitoring reverse flow of fuel vapors and/or air through a vehicle fuel vapor recovery system, said fuel vapor recovery system coupled to an engine intake of a boosted internal combustion engine. One example method comprises, during boost, when the fuel vapor recovery system is commanded to be sealed from the intake, indicating degradation based on a pressure value in the fuel vapor recovery system. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100236770 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING AN AUTOMOTIVE HVAC SYSTEM - Systems and methods are provided for operating a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system of a vehicle. One example method comprises, during a first engine-running condition, operating the HVAC system to provide a passenger-requested level of thermal comfort; during a second vehicle-off condition, where a vehicle door or window is in a closed and/or locked position, maintaining operation of the HVAC system to continue providing the passenger-requested level of thermal comfort; and during a third vehicle-off condition, where a vehicle door or window is in an open and/or unlocked position, discontinuing operation of the HVAC system. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100244459 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for starting an engine in a vehicle, the engine including a starter, the vehicle including a plurality of energy storage devices electrically coupled to the starter. One example method comprises, during a first charging condition, electrically coupling the plurality of energy storage devices in parallel to each other; and during a second discharging condition, electrically coupling the plurality of energy storage devices in series to each other and to the starter to actuate the starter and rotate the engine. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100263636 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING FUEL VAPOR PURGING FOR AN ENGINE HAVING A COMPRESSOR - A system and method for storing and purging fuel vapors for an internal combustion engine comprising a compressor is presented. The system allows the canister to be purged even while the engine is operated at high engine load. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100275880 | FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS AFTER SHUT-DOWN - A method for operation of a fuel delivery system in an internal combustion engine including a lower pressure pump, a higher pressure pump fluidly coupled downstream of the lower pressure pump, and a fuel rail fluidly coupled downstream of the high pressure pump. The method including initiating a mitigating action based on a fuel rail pressure response, the fuel rail pressure response occurring after an engine shut-down, where the mitigating action includes disabling vehicle operation if fuel rail pressure drops below a threshold value after activation of one of the pumps, the activation occurring before a subsequent engine start, the subsequent engine start occurring after the engine shut-down, and where the mitigating action includes adjusting operation of one of the pumps during the subsequent engine start if fuel rail pressure achieves at least the threshold value after or during the activation. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100282208 | ENGINE AND EXHAUST HEATING FOR HYBRID VEHICLE - A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders and an electric motor configured to rotate the engine is provided. The method includes, during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to substantially before a peak torque timing. The method further includes adjusting motor torque output of the electric motor to maintain engine idle speed. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100288367 | DISTINGUISHING THE FUEL ADMITTED TO A FUEL SYSTEM - A method for registering a content change in a fuel system of a motor vehicle, where the fuel system is configured to receive a first fuel and a second fuel into a common space. A first condition is correlated to receiving the first fuel, and a second condition is correlated to receiving the second fuel. The method comprises admitting fuel to the fuel system and indicating that the first fuel has been admitted if a condition responsive to admitting the fuel matches the first condition and does not match the second condition. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100300383 | Methods and Systems for Engine Control - Methods and systems for controlling an engine are provided. In some examples, the method includes transitioning from operating a cylinder with a first number of strokes per combustion cycle to a second, lesser, number of strokes per combustion cycle in response to boost pressure rising above a threshold boost value. In additional examples, the method includes boosting intake air delivered to the cylinder, operating the cylinder with four strokes per combustion cycle—during at least the operation with four strokes per combustion cycle, adjusting boost of the intake air responsive to operating condition—transitioning from the operation with four strokes per combustion cycle to two strokes per combustion cycle in response to a selected condition only when a boost is greater than a threshold boost amount and when cylinder peak combustion pressure is greater than a threshold peak cylinder pressure, adjusting throttling, spark timing, and the boost during the transition from the operation with four strokes per combustion cycle to two strokes per combustion cycle and transitioning from the operation with two strokes per combustion cycle to four strokes per combustion cycle based on engine speed and torque requested. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300413 | Variable Venturi System and Method for Engine - Systems and methods for an engine are described. In one example, a system may include a variable venturi coupled in an intake of the engine; an exhaust gas recirculation system having an exhaust gas recirculation flow path, the exhaust gas recirculation flow path coupled to the variable venturi; and a vacuum-utilizing device or system coupled to the variable venturi. In another example, a method may include coordinating adjustment of an exhaust gas recirculation valve coupled to the exhaust gas recirculation system, a fuel vapor purging valve coupled to the fuel vapor purging system, and the variable venturi in response to operating conditions. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100300414 | Methods and Systems for Engine Control - Methods and systems for controlling an engine are provided. In some examples, the engine has at least a cylinder and a compression device coupled to an intake of the engine, and the method includes, during engine re-start operation of an engine idle-stop condition, commencing combustion in the cylinder from a non-combusting condition, the combustion in a two-stroke combustion cycle of the cylinder. However, in some examples, at least partially electrically powered boosting operation may also be used to extend the two-stroke operation during a start. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100307454 | Fuel Distribution in Multi-Fuel Tank Compressed Gas Fuel Systems - A method for distributing fuel in a fuel system of a motor vehicle. The method may be applied in a fuel system having a first fuel tank, where fuel is confined at a first pressure, and a second fuel tank, where fuel is confined at a second pressure greater than the first pressure. The method comprises releasing fuel already resident in the second fuel tank to the first fuel tank, and admitting fuel to the first and second fuel tanks simultaneously. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100318277 | MULTI-FUEL ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Various example approaches are described, one of which includes a method for adjusting relative delivery of liquid and gaseous fuel to a cylinder of the engine to effect rapid changes in cylinder air charge via changes in the displacement of fresh air by the gaseous fuel. In one particular approach, turbocharger lag is addressed by decreasing gaseous fuel injection while increasing liquid fuel injection to increase cylinder fresh air over and above any changes to fresh air via the throttle, wastegate, and/or turbocharger. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100318284 | MULTI-FUEL ENGINE STARTING CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Various example approaches are described, one of which includes a method for controlling injection of gaseous and liquid fuel to a cylinder during engine starting. Specifically, gaseous fuel is injected during or before an intake stroke of the cycle to form a well-mixed overall lean air-fuel mixture, and then liquid fuel is directly injected to the cylinder at least during one of a compression and expansion stroke of the engine cycle to form a rich air-fuel cloud near the spark plug, where a spark initiates combustion of the injected fuels. In one example, the rich cloud enables additional spark retard, and thus faster catalyst light-off, while maintain acceptable combustion stability of the gaseous fuel. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20110005504 | OXIDANT INJECTION DURING COLD ENGINE START - Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine with a turbocharger in a vehicle. One example method comprises, under selected operating conditions, generating an oxidant rich component from engine intake air, storing the oxidant rich component of the intake air, and, under subsequent cold start conditions, injecting an amount of the stored oxidant rich component to the engine. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110005505 | OXIDANT INJECTION TO REDUCE TURBO LAG - Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine with a turbocharger in a vehicle. One example method comprises, under selected operating conditions, generating an oxidant rich component from engine intake air, storing the oxidant rich component, and during subsequent increased torque request, injecting an amount of the stored oxidant rich component to the engine. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110017174 | ENGINE WITH GASEOUS AND/OR LIQUID FUEL INJECTOR - In one example, a system for a vehicle travelling on a surface is described. The system includes an engine with a cylinder. The cylinder includes a fuel injector that is supplied with gaseous fuel and liquid fuel by a fuel delivery system. The fuel injector is mounted in the vehicle such that the fuel injector inlet faces at least partially toward the road surface. The orientation of the fuel injector enables a quick transition from liquid fuel to gaseous fuel because the gaseous fuel can rise to the injectors and be preferentially injected. Further, various approaches are described from transitioning operation between gaseous and liquid fuel injection. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110023837 | FUEL VAPOR PURGING DIAGNOSTICS - Systems and methods are provided for monitoring reverse flow of fuel vapors and/or air through a vehicle fuel vapor recovery system, said fuel vapor recovery system coupled to an engine intake of a boosted internal combustion engine. One example method comprises, during boost, when the fuel vapor recovery system is commanded to be sealed from the intake, indicating degradation based on a pressure value at a venturi in the fuel vapor recovery system. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110030658 | POSITIVE-PRESSURE CRANKCASE VENTILATION - A method for combusting a vapor of a fuel accumulated in a crankcase of an engine, the engine disposed in a vehicle having a fuel tank and an adsorbent canister coupled to the fuel tank. The method comprises flowing compressed air from a first air source through the crankcase to yield a crankcase effluent enriched in gasses leaked from the combustion chamber, which include the fuel vapor. The method further comprises combining the crankcase effluent with an effluent from the adsorbent canister, also enriched in the vapor, and, flowing the combined crankcase and adsorbent-canister effluent to an intake of the engine via a conduit. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110030659 | BIDIRECTIONAL ADSORBENT-CANISTER PURGING - A method for combusting a vapor of a fuel accumulated in an adsorbent canister in a vehicle, the vehicle having an engine and a fuel tank coupled to the adsorbent canister. The method comprises, during a first operating condition including a higher availability of compressed air, metering the compressed air from a first air source, and flowing the metered, compressed air through the adsorbent canister along a first flow path. The method further comprises, during a second operating condition including a lower availability of compressed air, flowing air from a second air source through the adsorbent canister, and, during the first and second operating conditions, venting the fuel tank to an intake of the engine and flowing effluent enriched in the vapor from the adsorbent canister to the intake of the engine. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110053735 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ENGINE DURING A RESTART - Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine being coupled to a transmission. One example method comprises, under selected braking conditions, shutting-off the engine and spinning-down the engine to rest while the vehicle is traveling, and in response to a foot-off-brake event, restarting the engine by at least partially engaging the transmission and adjusting engine torque control actuators. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110054765 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESTARTING AN ENGINE - Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine being coupled to a transmission. One example method comprises, under selected braking conditions, shutting-off the engine and spinning-down the engine to rest while the vehicle is traveling, and in response to a foot-off-brake event, restarting the engine by at least partially engaging the transmission to assist in spinning-up of the engine from rest while the vehicle is traveling. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110087422 | Internal Combustion Engine Having Common Power Source For Ion Current Sensing and Fuel Injectors - An electrical power system for an engine powered at least in part by a battery having a battery voltage and including a fuel injector and at least one ionization sensor includes at least one common power supply connected to the fuel injector and the ionization sensor and supplying a voltage higher than the battery voltage for operation of the fuel injector and the ionization sensor at least during an ionization sensing period after spark discharge. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110120432 | Variable Venturi System and Method for Engine - Systems and methods for an engine are described. In one example, a system may include a variable venturi coupled in an intake of the engine; an exhaust gas recirculation system having an exhaust gas recirculation flow path, the exhaust gas recirculation flow path coupled to the variable venturi; and a vacuum-utilizing device or system coupled to the variable venturi. In another example, a method may include coordinating adjustment of an exhaust gas recirculation valve coupled to the exhaust gas recirculation system, a fuel vapor purging valve coupled to the fuel vapor purging system, and the variable venturi in response to operating conditions. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110125386 | FUEL INJECTOR INTERFACE AND DIAGNOSTICS - A method comprising receiving a fuel injection signal from a first driver circuit via a control line, feeding the fuel injection signal to a second fuel injector driver circuit, sending a control signal output from the second fuel injector driver circuit to a fuel injector, monitoring the fuel injector for degradation based on operation according to the control signal, and in response to degradation of the fuel injector, changing a state of the control line. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110132285 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ENGINE - A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a first fuel is reformed into a gaseous fuel comprising H, CO, and CH | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132288 | Engine Fuel Reformer Monitoring - Systems and methods for monitoring a fuel reformer which reforms ethanol into a reformate gas comprising H | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132289 | Selectively Storing Reformate - Systems and methods are provided for selectively storing gaseous reformate output by a fuel reformer for fueling an engine. Carbon monoxide produced by a fuel reformer may be continuously combusted in the engine and/or engine exhaust rather than being stored. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132290 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL REFORMER - A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a method for operating an engine by injecting a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel to at least an engine cylinder is presented. The method may prioritize the injection of the gaseous fuel in response to an amount of gaseous fuel stored in a fuel storage tank. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132291 | AUXILIARY PUMP SCHEME FOR A COOLING SYSTEM IN A HYBRID-ELECTRIC VEHICLE - Various systems and methods are described for a cooling system coupled to an engine in a vehicle. One example method comprises, during engine off, operating an auxiliary pump to flow coolant through a heater core; and, during engine running, operating an engine pump to flow coolant through the heater core and radiator, and selectively operating the auxiliary pump to assist flow through the heater core based on operating conditions. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132308 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method includes, during a first condition, engaging an engine starter, without applying a starter current, to the deactivated rotating engine after the engine speed drops below a threshold speed. The method further includes, during a second condition, engaging the starter and adjusting a starter motor switch to apply a starter braking torque to the rotating engine. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132311 | INTAKE SYSTEM INCLUDING VACUUM ASPIRATOR - In some examples, reduced engine displacement reduces an engine's ability to provide brake booster vacuum. The present application relates to intake systems including a vacuum aspirator to generate vacuum. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132320 | FLUID INJECTION PRESSURIZATION SYSTEM - A system including, an internal combustion engine including a combustion chamber, a first injector to provide a first injection fluid to the combustion chamber, and a heated pressurization system to heat the first injection fluid in a pressure vessel to achieve a sufficient injection pressure. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132321 | Fuel Injector Diagnostic for Dual Fuel Engine - Various systems and methods are described for controlling fuel injection of a dual fuel engine which includes first and second fuel rails and first and second fuel pumps. In one example, while pumping is suspended in the second fuel rail, the first fuel is injected to all but one cylinder of the engine and the second fuel is injected to the one cylinder in a predetermined sequence. As such, the fuel injector injecting to the one cylinder is isolated and its performance may be assessed without significantly affecting engine performance. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132330 | System and Method for Injecting Fuel to a Gaseous Fueled Engine - A method for controlling injection timing for a gaseous fuel injector is described. In one example, the fuel injector is opened with a saturating fuel injector at a predetermined crankshaft angular position. In one embodiment, the predetermined crankshaft angular position corresponds to at least one crankshaft angular position where battery voltage increases during engine cranking. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132331 | VACUUM SUPPLY SYSTEM - A method of operating a boosted engine system is described in which an ejector coupled with a fuel vapor purging system can generate vacuum during both purging and non-purging conditions, and during both boosted and non-boosted conditions. The vacuum can therefore be used to power vacuum actuated brakes, and/or other vacuum actuators, irrespective of the purging conditions, and irrespective of boost levels. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132334 | Warming Intake Air Using EGR Cooler in Dual-Throttle Boosted Engine System - A method for providing intake air to an engine in a vehicle comprises delivering compressed fresh air and EGR to the engine via first and second throttle valves coupled to an intake manifold of the engine. During a higher engine-load condition, an EGR exhaust flow is cooled in a heat exchanger and the cooled EGR exhaust flow is admitting to the intake manifold. During a lower engine-load condition, fresh air is warmed in the heat exchanger, and the warmed fresh air is admitted to the intake manifold. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132335 | Stored Compressed Air Management for Improved Engine Performance - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including a compressor and a boost tank selectably coupled to an intake manifold. The method includes varying a relative amount of engine exhaust in air pressurized in the boost tank based on engine operating conditions, and discharging the air pressurized in the boost tank to the intake manifold. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110132336 | Discharging Stored EGR in Boosted Engine System - A method for controlling an engine with exhaust gas recirculation is provided. The method comprises directing EGR from exhaust downstream of an exhaust-aftertreatment catalyst to mix with fresh air upstream of an intake compressor and upstream of a throttle valve, and, in response to increased throttling by the throttle valve, discharging the mixed EGR and fresh air from downstream of the intake compressor to the exhaust downstream of the exhaust-aftertreatment catalyst. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110136620 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine coupled to a stepped-gear-ratio transmission. One example method comprises, in response to a first vehicle moving condition, shutting down the engine and at least partially disengaging the transmission while the vehicle is moving; and during a subsequent restart, while the vehicle is moving, starting the engine using starter motor assistance and adjusting a degree of engagement of a transmission clutch to adjust a torque transmitted to a wheel of the vehicle. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110138774 | INTAKE AIR HEATING AND EXHAUST COOLING - Intake air heating and exhaust cooling is provided by a double wall exhaust system serving as an exhaust-to-air heat exchanger, sourcing hot air to the intake manifold for intake stroke pumping benefit and cooling the exhaust system during high load operation by routing excess boost air through an interstitial space of the double wall. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110138807 | EXHAUST HEAT RECOVERY FOR ENGINE HEATING AND EXHAUST COOLING - Various systems and method for heating an engine in a vehicle are described. In one example, intake air flowing in a first direction may be heated via a gas-to-gas heat exchange with exhaust gases. The heated intake air may then be used in a subsequent gas-to-liquid heat exchange to heat a fluid circulating through the engine. In another example, intake air flowing in a second direction may be heated via a heat exchange with exhaust gases in order to cool an exhaust catalyst. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110162619 | Fuel Heating During Cold Start In A Direct-Injection Gasoline Engine - It has been found that direct-injection gasoline engines emit particulate matter during the first 500 seconds of operation due to fuel impacting combustion chamber surfaces. To largely overcome the fuel penetrating to surfaces in the combustion chamber, the fuel may be heated. In one embodiment, engine coolant that is heated in the water jacket portions nearest exhaust ducts is provided directly to a tube in physical contact with the fuel rail. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110167815 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TURBOCHARGING AN ENGINE - A method for improving operation of a turbocharged engine is presented. In one embodiment, the method may reduce engine emissions and improve engine efficiency during an engine start. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110168132 | APPROACH FOR CONTROLLING FUEL FLOW WITH ALTERNATIVE FUELS - Fuel is evacuated from a fuel rail upon vehicle shut-off by directing fuel from a fuel pump to provide a motive flow for an ejector to pump fuel from the fuel rail to a fuel tank. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110168133 | APPROACH FOR CONTROLLING FUEL FLOW WITH ALTERNATIVE FUELS - Fuel is evacuated from a fuel rail by directing liquid fuel from the fuel rail to a fuel tank and then by directing gaseous fuel from the fuel rail to a fuel vapor canister. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110168143 | Dual Throttle for Improved Tip-Out Stability in Boosted Engine System - A method for providing intake air to an engine in a vehicle includes forming a mixture of fresh air and treated exhaust, and compressing the mixture upstream of a first throttle valve coupled to an intake manifold of the engine. The method further includes, during a higher engine-load condition, admitting the mixture to the intake manifold via the first throttle valve, and, during a lower engine-load condition, admitting fresh air to the intake manifold via a second throttle valve. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110172890 | TRANSMISSION FLUID HEATING VIA HEAT EXCHANGE WITH ENGINE CYLINDER WALLS - Various systems and method are provided for heating transmission fluid by directing the transmission fluid through a cylinder block of an engine. In one example, the transmission fluid is directed to flow through the cylinder block of the engine while engine coolant is directed to flow through the cylinder head of the engine. Further, the transmission fluid may be directed through one or more heat exchangers to cool the transmission fluid. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110174244 | ACCESSORY DRIVE FOR A STOP/START VEHICLE - An engine with vacuum and coolant pumps is disclosed. In one example, the vacuum and coolant pumps are mechanically coupled together and driven by a single motor. The approach may reduce system cost and complexity. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110176931 | EFFICIENT VACUUM FOR A VEHICLE - An engine with an efficient selectively operable vacuum source is disclosed. In one example, an electric vacuum pump with oil wetted seals provides vacuum to a vehicle. The approach may provide for improved efficiency when generating vacuum. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110183812 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ENGINE AIR - An engine with a fast vacuum recovery brake booster system is disclosed. In one example, an actuator is adjusted in response to a flow between the brake booster and an engine intake manifold. Operation of the engine and vehicle brakes may be improved especially when the engine is boosted. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110192374 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for expediting engine spin-down in an engine that is shutdown during engine idle-stop conditions and restarted during restart conditions. In one example, the method comprises, during an automatic engine idle-stop, turning off spark, operating a first cylinder with a rich ratio of air to injected fuel richer than a rich flammability limit, operating a second cylinder with a lean ratio of air to injected fuel leaner than a lean flammability limit, and mixing un-combusted exhaust from the first and second cylinders with exhaust, the exhaust mixture being substantially stoichiometric. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110209690 | Method and System for Providing Air to an Engine - Systems and methods for supplying air to an engine are disclosed. In one example, an air inlet throttle is at least partially closed in response to a change in engine torque request. In another example, the air inlet throttle is adjusted in conjunction with adjusting an engine throttle. The approach can reduce compressor noise and may reduce the possibility of compressor surge. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110226215 | ENGINE AND EXHAUST HEATING - A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders is provided. The method comprises: during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to before a peak torque timing, and retarding spark timing from the advanced timing toward the peak torque timing in response to decreased engine speed to maintain idling speed. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110247594 | VACUUM SUPPLY SYSTEM - A method of operating a boosted engine system is described in which an ejector coupled with a fuel vapor purging system can generate vacuum during both purging and non-purging conditions, and during both boosted and non-boosted conditions. The vacuum can therefore be used to power vacuum actuated brakes, and/or other vacuum actuators, irrespective of the purging conditions, and irrespective of boost levels. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110251019 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CABIN HEATING - Methods and systems are provided for selectively increasing an amount of waste heat generated by an idling engine. An engine output is increased while a transmission output is locked to generate waste heat that may be used to heat the cabin of a stopped vehicle. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110252785 | Stored Compressed Air Management for Improved Engine Performance - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including a compressor and a boost tank selectably coupled to an intake manifold. The method includes varying a relative amount of engine exhaust in air pressurized in the boost tank based on engine operating conditions, and discharging the air pressurized in the boost tank to the intake manifold. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253098 | Stored Compressed Air Management and Flow Control for Improved Engine Performance - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including a compressor and a boost tank selectably coupled to an intake manifold. The method comprises admitting air from the compressor to the intake manifold via a main throttle valve, storing some air from the compressor in a boost tank, and discharging some of the air stored in the boost tank to the intake manifold via an auxiliary throttle valve distinct from the main throttle valve. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253111 | Condensate Management for Motor-Vehicle Compressed Air Storage Systems - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including an intake manifold selectably coupled to a boost tank. The method comprises pressurizing and storing air in the boost tank, discharging some of the air stored in the boost tank to the intake manifold, and releasing condensate from the boost tank. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110288713 | ENGINE AND EXHAUST HEATING FOR HYBRID VEHICLE - A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders and an electric motor configured to rotate the engine is provided. The method includes, during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to substantially before a peak torque timing. The method further includes adjusting motor torque output of the electric motor to maintain engine idle speed. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110290203 | APPROACH FOR CONTROLLING FUEL FLOW WITH ALTERNATIVE FUELS - A fuel pump temperature is regulated by selectively directing liquid fuel to an expansion section to evaporate the liquid fuel and create a drop in temperature to thermally cool the fuel pump. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110296815 | INTAKE AIR HEATING AND EXHAUST COOLING - Intake air heating and exhaust cooling is provided by a double wall exhaust system serving as an exhaust-to-air heat exchanger, sourcing hot air to the intake manifold for intake stroke pumping benefit and cooling the exhaust system during high load operation by routing excess boost air through an interstitial space of the double wall. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110296831 | Approach for Identifying and Responding to an Unresponsive Wastegate in a Twin Turbocharged Engine - An engine system for a vehicle is provided, comprising an internal combustion engine including an exhaust system; a first turbine including a first wastegate and arranged along a first branch of the exhaust system, a second turbine including a second wastegate and arranged along a second branch of the exhaust system a first exhaust gas sensor arranged along the first branch of the exhaust system downstream of the first turbine and first wastegate; a second exhaust gas sensor arranged along the second branch of the exhaust system downstream of the second turbine and the second wastegate; and a control system configured to command the first and second wastegates to a closed or open position and to indicate one of said wastegates as unresponsive to said command in response to a temperature difference between the first and second branches indicated by the first and second exhaust gas sensors. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110296832 | AVOIDANCE OF COOLANT OVERHEATING IN EXHAUST-TO-COOLANT HEAT EXCHANGERS - A method for operating an engine system comprises charging a cylinder of the engine system with exhaust from upstream of an exhaust turbine at a first rate. The method further comprises charging the cylinder with exhaust from downstream of the turbine at a second rate. The exhaust from downstream of the turbine is routed to the cylinder via a low-pressure exhaust-gas recirculation path. The method further comprises increasing the second rate relative to the first rate in response to a coolant-overheating condition. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110307157 | AIRFLOW GENERATING DEVICE FOR ALTERNATOR COOLING AND VAPOR CANISTER PURGING - Various systems and methods for an engine in a vehicle which includes an airflow generating device coupled between an alternator and a fuel vapor canister are described. In one example, airflow from the airflow generating device is directed to cool the alternator during a first mode such as when the alternator temperature is greater than a threshold temperature. During a second mode when the alternator temperature is less than the threshold temperature and the engine is boosted, for example, the airflow from the airflow generating device is directed to assist purging of fuel vapors from the fuel vapor canister. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20120023933 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A TURBOCHARGED ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for a boosted engine having a split intake system coupled to a split exhaust system. Aircharges of differing composition, pressure, and temperature may be delivered to the engine through the split intake system at different points of an engine cycle. In this way, boost and EGR benefits may be extended. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120023934 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A TURBOCHARGED ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for a boosted engine having a split intake system coupled to a split exhaust system. Aircharges of differing composition, pressure, and temperature may be delivered to the engine through the split intake system at different points of an engine cycle. In this way, boost and EGR benefits may be extended. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120023935 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A TURBOCHARGED ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for a boosted engine having a split intake system coupled to a split exhaust system. Aircharges of differing composition, pressure, and temperature may be delivered to the engine through the split intake system at different points of an engine cycle. In this way, boost and EGR benefits may be extended. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024261 | VACUUM SYSTEM FOR AN ENGINE - Systems and methods for generating a vacuum in an engine are provided. The system includes a first throttle upstream from a plurality of cylinders and a second throttle upstream from one of the cylinders. The system further includes a vacuum reservoir in fluidic communication with an intake runner downstream from the second throttle; a vacuum consumer in fluidic communication with the vacuum reservoir, the vacuum consumer controlled by an actuator; and a pneumatic actuator driven by a pressure state of the vacuum reservoir to adjust the second throttle. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120024267 | Stored Compressed Air Management for Improved Engine Performance - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including a compressor and a boost tank selectably coupled to an intake manifold. The method includes varying a relative amount of engine exhaust in air pressurized in the boost tank based on engine operating conditions, and discharging the air pressurized in the boost tank to the intake manifold. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029749 | TURBOCHARGER LAUNCH CONTROL - A method for launching a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises increasing alternator and boost pressure while maintaining idle speed at idle before pedal tip-in, and decreasing alternator load responsive to pedal tip-in. In this way, increased turbocharger output may be used to quickly accelerate the vehicle. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120031353 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ENGINE - A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a first fuel is reformed into a gaseous fuel comprising H, CO, and CH | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120041665 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH GAS AS A FUEL - A method for operating an internal combustion engine is provided. The method comprises, during low and medium load conditions, introducing fuel from a fuel tank by intake pipe injection into at least one intake air line coupled to at least one cylinder, and during high load conditions, introducing the fuel from the fuel tank by direct injection into the at least one cylinder. In this way, the method of fuel delivery may be optimized based on the load conditions. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120055423 | Engine Fuel Reformer Monitoring - Systems and methods for monitoring a fuel reformer which reforms ethanol into a reformate gas comprising H | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120060492 | METHOD AND SYSTEM ADJUSTING AN EXHAUST HEAT RECOVERY VALVE - A method for adjusting an exhaust heat recovery valve is presented. In one embodiment, the method may control an amount of boost provided by a turbocharger to an engine. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120060498 | Warming Intake Air Using EGR Cooler in Dual-Throttle Boosted Engine System - A method for providing intake air to an engine in a vehicle comprises delivering compressed fresh air and EGR to the engine via first and second throttle valves coupled to an intake manifold of the engine. During a higher engine-load condition, an EGR exhaust flow is cooled in a heat exchanger and the cooled EGR exhaust flow is admitting to the intake manifold. During a lower engine-load condition, fresh air is warmed in the heat exchanger, and the warmed fresh air is admitted to the intake manifold. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120073288 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TURBOCHARGING AN ENGINE - A method for improving operation of a turbocharged engine is presented. In one embodiment, the method may reduce engine emissions and improve engine efficiency during an engine start. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120096849 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING VEHICLE BRAKING - An engine with a positive pressure assisted brake booster is disclosed. In one example, an operator applying vehicle brakes is assisted by positive pressure provided by a compressor coupled to an engine of the vehicle. Operation of the vehicle brakes may be improved especially when engine vacuum is limited. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120110995 | EXHAUST HEAT RECOVERY FOR ENGINE HEATING AND EXHAUST COOLING - Various systems and method for heating an engine in a vehicle are described. In one example, intake air flowing in a first direction may be heated via a gas-to-gas heat exchange with exhaust gases. The heated intake air may then be used in a subsequent gas-to-liquid heat exchange to heat a fluid circulating through the engine. In another example, intake air flowing in a second direction may be heated via a heat exchange with exhaust gases in order to cool an exhaust catalyst. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111305 | Methods and Systems for Engine Control - Methods and systems for controlling an engine are provided. In some examples, the engine has at least a cylinder and a compression device coupled to an intake of the engine, and the method includes, during engine re-start operation of an engine idle-stop condition, commencing combustion in the cylinder from a non-combusting condition, the combustion in a two-stroke combustion cycle of the cylinder. However, in some examples, at least partially electrically powered boosting operation may also be used to extend the two-stroke operation during a start. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120138005 | ENGINE THROTTLE CONTROL WITH BRAKE BOOSTER - Methods and systems are provided for reducing variability in air-fuel control due to variations in brake booster vacuum levels at an engine start. A throttle position is adjusted during an engine start based on the vacuum availability in the brake booster to control a rate of intake aircharge flow. By allowing aircharge to enter the intake manifold at a more consistent rate, air-fuel control is improved and exhaust emissions are reduced. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120143480 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for fuel systems including a gaseous fuel. Temporary flow restrictions in the fuel line of a first gaseous fuel may be addressed by temporarily shifting to cylinder operation with a second liquid fuel. Upon resumption of first fuel operation, if the flow restriction persists, a diagnostic code may be set and cylinder operation with the second fuel may be restarted. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120145124 | ENGINE AND EXHAUST HEATING - A method for controlling a vehicle engine having a plurality of cylinders is provided. The method comprises: during engine idling, advancing spark timing of at least one cylinder to before a peak torque timing, and retarding spark timing from the advanced timing toward the peak torque timing in response to decreased engine speed to maintain idling speed. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120150419 | Fuel Injector Diagnostic for Dual Fuel Engine - Various systems and methods are described for controlling fuel injection of a dual fuel engine which includes first and second fuel rails and first and second fuel pumps. In one example, while pumping is suspended in the second fuel rail, the first fuel is injected to all but one cylinder of the engine and the second fuel is injected to the one cylinder in a predetermined sequence. As such, the fuel injector injecting to the one cylinder is isolated and its performance may be assessed without significantly affecting engine performance. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120152211 | On-Board Fuel Vapor Separation for Multi-Fuel Vehicle - A fuel delivery system for a fuel burning engine of a vehicle and a method of operating the fuel delivery system is provided. As one example, the method includes separating a first fuel and a second fuel from a fuel vapor on-board the vehicle, said fuel vapor including at least an alcohol component and a hydrocarbon component and said first fuel including a higher concentration of the alcohol component than the fuel vapor and the second fuel; condensing the separated first fuel from a vapor phase to a liquid phase; delivering the condensed liquid phase of the first fuel to the engine; and combusting at least the condensed liquid phase of the first fuel at the engine. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120167859 | FUEL SYSTEM FOR A MULTI-FUEL ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine fuel system including a low pressure pump and a high pressure pump. During conditions when direct injection is not requested, a fuel rail pressure is maintained by the low pressure pump and fuel is port injected. Further, a stroke amount of the high pressure pump is adjusted to maintain an outlet pressure of the high pressure pump just below the fuel rail pressure. By maintaining fuel flow within the high pressure pump when high pressure pump operation is not required, and without flowing fuel from the high pressure pump outlet into the fuel rail, the high pressure pump may be cooled and lubricated without affecting the fuel rail pressure. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120174897 | BIDIRECTIONAL ADSORBENT-CANISTER PURGING - A method for combusting a vapor of a fuel accumulated in an adsorbent canister in a vehicle, the vehicle having an engine and a fuel tank coupled to the adsorbent canister. The method comprises, during a first operating condition including a higher availability of compressed air, metering the compressed air from a first air source, and flowing the metered, compressed air through the adsorbent canister along a first flow path. The method further comprises, during a second operating condition including a lower availability of compressed air, flowing air from a second air source through the adsorbent canister, and, during the first and second operating conditions, venting the fuel tank to an intake of the engine and flowing effluent enriched in the vapor from the adsorbent canister to the intake of the engine. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120185158 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method includes, during a first condition, engaging an engine starter, without applying a starter current, to the deactivated rotating engine after the engine speed drops below a threshold speed. The method further includes, during a second condition, engaging the starter and adjusting a starter motor switch to apply a starter braking torque to the rotating engine. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120192836 | FUEL PREHEAT FOR ENGINE START - Systems and methods for providing heated fuel to a fuel injector of an engine are provided. According to the approaches described herein, adequate cold-start fuel atomization may be provided without compromising driver satisfaction due to excessive pre-ignition delay, while at the same time reducing unnecessary heating of fuel during warm engine off conditions. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120198819 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HEATING TRANSMISSION FLUID - Systems and methods are provided for heating transmission fluid in a vehicle, the vehicle comprising an engine and a transmission, the engine including a heat exchanger. One example method comprises, during a first engine running condition, operating an auxiliary transmission fluid pump to generate pressure in the transmission fluid and pump transmission fluid to the heat exchanger, and during a second condition where the engine is not running, operating the auxiliary transmission fluid pump to generate pressure in the transmission fluid and pump transmission fluid to the heat exchanger. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120200262 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for starting an engine in a vehicle. In one example, two or more energy storage devices are coupled in series to improve engine starting. The method and system may reduce engine starting time. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120203442 | FUEL INJECTOR INTERFACE AND DIAGNOSTICS - A method comprising receiving a fuel injection signal from a first driver circuit via a control line, feeding the fuel injection signal to a second fuel injector driver circuit, sending a control signal output from the second fuel injector driver circuit to a fuel injector, monitoring the fuel injector for degradation based on operation according to the control signal, and in response to degradation of the fuel injector, changing a state of the control line. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120210981 | ENGINE WITH GASEOUS AND/OR LIQUID FUEL INJECTOR - In one example, a system for a vehicle travelling on a surface is described. The system includes an engine with a cylinder. The cylinder includes a fuel injector that is supplied with gaseous fuel and liquid fuel by a fuel delivery system. The fuel injector is mounted in the vehicle such that the fuel injector inlet faces at least partially toward the road surface. The orientation of the fuel injector enables a quick transition from liquid fuel to gaseous fuel because the gaseous fuel can rise to the injectors and be preferentially injected. Further, various approaches are described from transitioning operation between gaseous and liquid fuel injection. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120216767 | VEHICLE FUEL BURNER - A method is provided. The method includes, during stopped engine operation, burning fuel in an engine intake heater to generate heated gas, the heated gas bypassing engine cylinders via an exhaust gas recirculation passage. The method further includes during combusting engine operation, burning fuel in the engine intake heater to generate heated gas, and flowing the heated gas through combusting engine cylinders. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120237365 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING AN EJECTOR - A selectively operable vacuum source is disclosed. In one example, vacuum source supplies as much air to an engine as is drawn by the vacuum source from a vacuum reservoir. The approach may provide vacuum to a vehicle vacuum system efficiently and with less weight than other vacuum sources. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120237366 | Method and System for Prioritizing Vehicle Vacuum - A vacuum prioritization system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one example, use and availability of vacuum provided via vacuum sources is allocated to higher priority vacuum operated actuators when a pressure in the vacuum system exceeds a threshold pressure. The lower priority vacuum operated actuators have access to vacuum supplied via the vacuum sources when pressure in the vacuum system is less than a threshold pressure. The approach may allow higher priority actuators to operate for an extended amount of time. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120237367 | Method and System for Providing Vacuum - A vacuum source arbitration system is disclosed. In one example, vacuum is supplied to a vacuum reservoir via an ejector during a first condition, and vacuum is supplied to the vacuum reservoir via an engine intake manifold during a second condition. The approach may provide a desired level of vacuum in a reservoir while reducing engine fuel consumption. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120237368 | Method and System for Providing Vacuum via Excess Boost - A vacuum source including an ejector is disclosed. In one example, vacuum is supplied via the ejector when a turbocharger has excess boost capacity. The approach can prioritize how excess boost may be used to provide vacuum. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120238405 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine coupled to a stepped-gear-ratio transmission. One example method comprises, in response to a first vehicle moving condition, shutting down the engine and at least partially disengaging the transmission while the vehicle is moving; and during a subsequent restart, while the vehicle is moving, starting the engine using starter motor assistance and adjusting a degree of engagement of a transmission clutch to adjust a torque transmitted to a wheel of the vehicle. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120247101 | Method and System for Providing Air to an Engine - Systems and methods for supplying air to an engine are disclosed. In one example, an air inlet throttle is at least partially closed in response to a change in engine torque request. In another example, the air inlet throttle is adjusted in conjunction with adjusting an engine throttle. The approach can reduce compressor noise and may reduce the possibility of compressor surge. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120285421 | Method and System for Controlling Engine Vacuum Production - A method for controlling engine vacuum production is disclosed. In one example, one or more air sources to an engine intake manifold are closed so as to increase an amount of air drawn from another air source. The method may increase a rate of vacuum supplied to a vacuum actuated device so as to improve operation of the vacuum actuated device. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120291721 | Selectively Storing Reformate - Systems and methods are provided for selectively storing gaseous reformate output by a fuel reformer for fueling an engine. Carbon monoxide produced by a fuel reformer may be continuously combusted in the engine and/or engine exhaust rather than being stored. In one example, reformate components produced by a fuel reformer, e.g., H2 and CH4, may be stored and buffered for use by an engine. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120318047 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING VACUUM LEAKS - A method for detecting leaks within a vacuum system is described. The method may detect vacuum system leaks responsive to vacuum pump speed. The method can compensate for changes in barometric pressure so that a single leak threshold may be provided for all altitudes and barometric pressures. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120323433 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSING A VACUUM SYSTEM - A vacuum system diagnostic is disclosed. In one example, vacuum system leaks are diagnosed via a pressure reading of a vacuum reservoir. The approach may reduce the number of sensors used to diagnose vacuum system degradation. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120328452 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LUBRICATING A FUEL PUMP - Systems and methods for diagnosing and operating an engine with a fuel pump that supplies fuel to a fuel injector that may be temporarily deactivated are described. In one example, injection of fuel may commence in response to a level of lubrication of a fuel pump. The system and methods may extend fuel pump life in systems where fuel injection may be deactivated. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130000570 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE WITH A FUEL REFORMER - A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a method for operating an engine by injecting a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel to at least an engine cylinder is presented. The method may prioritize the injection of the gaseous fuel in response to an amount of gaseous fuel stored in a fuel storage tank. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130000593 | EFFICIENT VACUUM FOR A VEHICLE - An engine with an efficient selectively operable vacuum source is disclosed. In one example, an electric vacuum pump with oil wetted seals provides vacuum to a vehicle. The approach may provide for improved efficiency when generating vacuum. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130014731 | On-Board Fuel Vapor Separation for Multi-Fuel Vehicle - A fuel delivery system for a fuel burning engine of a vehicle and a method of operating the fuel delivery system is provided. As one example, the method includes separating a first fuel and a second fuel from a fuel vapor on-board the vehicle, said fuel vapor including at least an alcohol component and a hydrocarbon component and said first fuel including a higher concentration of the alcohol component than the fuel vapor and the second fuel; condensing the separated first fuel from a vapor phase to a liquid phase; delivering the condensed liquid phase of the first fuel to the engine; and combusting at least the condensed liquid phase of the first fuel at the engine. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130066535 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SAMPLING INTAKE MANIFOLD PRESSURE - An engine system and method for improving sampling of a port throttle pressure sensor. In one example, the port throttle pressure sensor is sampled a plurality of times during a cylinder cycle and different engine operating conditions are determined from selected samples. The system and method may improve engine air-fuel control as well as engine diagnostics. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130074589 | FUEL VAPOR PURGING DIAGNOSTICS - Systems and methods are provided for monitoring reverse flow of fuel vapors and/or air through a vehicle fuel vapor recovery system, the fuel vapor recovery system coupled to an engine intake of a boosted internal combustion engine. One example method comprises, intermittently adjusting a restriction in the fuel vapor recovery system during boosted conditions, and indicating degradation based on one or more of a change in a pressure value, or based on a change in flow in the fuel vapor recovery system. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130103286 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUPPLYING FUEL TO AN ENGINE VIA MULTIPLE FUEL PATHS - A system and method for supplying fuel to an engine is disclosed. In one example, a first controller supplies injector commands to a second controller via an asynchronous serial communication bus. The system may reduce the complexity of supplying two or more fuels to an engine. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130111901 | PULSATION ABSORPTION SYSTEM FOR AN ENGINE - A pulsation absorption system for a turbocharged engine is provided herein. The pulsation absorption system includes a pulsation absorption device coupled to an air passage at a position between a compressor and a turbine, wherein the pulsation absorption device is configured to selectively increase a volume of the air passage. In this way, it is possible to reduce surge while limiting increase in turbo lag. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130113270 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BRAKE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided to reduce a hard brake pedal feel. A brake control variable is adjusted in anticipation of a hard pedal condition to increase hydraulic brake line pressure and maintain a normal pedal feel. A pedal force is inferred from brake line pressure relative to brake booster vacuum. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130123067 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ENGINE AIR - An engine with a fast vacuum recovery brake booster system is disclosed. In one example, an actuator is adjusted in response to a flow between the brake booster and an engine intake manifold. Operation of the engine and vehicle brakes may be improved especially when the engine is boosted. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130125853 | Efficient Vehicle Component Heating - Methods for achieving efficient vehicle component heating are provided. One example method for controlling the warming of powertrain lubricants during engine warm-up from a cold start, the engine having an output crankshaft, includes selectively driving a lubricant heating device with the crankshaft during the cold start based on lubricant temperature. The method further includes directing the powertrain lubricants to the lubricant heating device. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130125858 | FLUID INJECTION PRESSURIZATION SYSTEM - A system including, an internal combustion engine including a combustion chamber, a first injector to provide a first injection fluid to the combustion chamber, and a heated pressurization system to heat the first injection fluid in a pressure vessel to achieve a sufficient injection pressure. By heating the injection fluid in a pressure vessel, pressure in the vessel can be increased to a specified injection pressure. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130139776 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Method and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method comprises, adjusting a brake torque applied to a deactivated rotating engine after an engine restart request, the brake torque applied to slow the engine to at least a predetermined threshold speed without stopping the engine, and engaging a starter to the still rotating engine to increase the engine speed and restart the engine. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130146023 | TURBOCHARGER LAUNCH CONTROL - A method for launching a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises, during operation with an idle engine speed prior to a pedal tip-in, increasing alternator and boost pressure while maintaining the idle engine speed, and decreasing alternator load responsive to the pedal tip-in. In this way, increased turbocharger output may be used to quickly accelerate the vehicle. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146024 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING ENGINE STARTING - A method for improving exhaust after treatment initial warm up during engine starting is presented. In one example, the method adjusts an engine air flow amount to a level where a desired substantially constant heat flux is provided by the engine to an exhaust after treatment device. The method may reduce fuel consumption and a need for a vacuum pump to provide vacuum to vacuum consumers of a vehicle during exhaust after treatment heating. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146036 | Stored Compressed Air Management and Flow Control for Improved Engine Performance - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including a compressor and a boost tank selectably coupled to an intake manifold. The method comprises admitting air from the compressor to the intake manifold via a main throttle valve, storing some air from the compressor in a boost tank, and discharging some of the air stored in the boost tank to the intake manifold via an auxiliary throttle valve distinct from the main throttle valve. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146039 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING VACUUM DEGRADATION IN A VEHICLE - An engine including a lubricated vacuum source is disclosed. In one example, engine oil entrained in gases lubricates a vacuum pump. The approach may provide for improved efficiency when generating vacuum. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130152903 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING ENGINE STARTING - An engine system and method for improving engine starting are disclosed. In one example, engine port throttles are adjusted to improve fuel vaporization of a fuel that includes alcohol. The system and method may improve engine starting and emissions. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130180499 | ENGINE THROTTLE CONTROL WITH BRAKE BOOSTER - Methods and systems are provided for reducing variability in air-fuel control due to variations in brake booster vacuum levels at an engine start. A throttle position is adjusted during an engine start based on the vacuum availability in the brake booster to control a rate of intake aircharge flow. By allowing aircharge to enter the intake manifold at a more consistent rate, air-fuel control is improved and exhaust emissions are reduced. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130199499 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for fuel systems including a gaseous fuel. Fuel rail over-pressure may be addressed by temporarily closing a fuel tank valve of the gaseous fuel and initiating diagnostics routines to determine if a pressure regulator is degraded. If the pressure regulator is degraded, one or more fuel system components may be adjusted to enable fuel rail pressure control. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130211698 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESTARTING AN ENGINE - Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine being coupled to a transmission. One example method comprises, under selected braking conditions, shutting-off the engine and spinning-down the engine to rest while the vehicle is traveling, and in response to a foot-off-brake event, restarting the engine by at least partially engaging the transmission to assist in spinning-up of the engine from rest while the vehicle is traveling. In this manner, vehicle inertia can be used to assist in spinning-up the engine from rest when the vehicle is moving. | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130217540 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CABIN HEATING - Methods and systems are provided for selectively increasing an amount of waste heat generated by an idling engine. An engine output is increased while a transmission output is locked to generate waste heat that may be used to heat the cabin of a stopped vehicle. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130228156 | CONDENSATE MANAGEMENT FOR MOTOR-VEHICLE COMPRESSED AIR STORAGE SYSTEMS - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including an intake manifold selectably coupled to a boost tank. The method comprises pressurizing and storing air in the boost tank, discharging some of the air stored in the boost tank to the intake manifold, and releasing condensate from the boost tank. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130233276 | THROTTLE VALVE SYSTEM FOR AN ENGINE - An embodiment of an engine is described. The engine includes a first throttle valve. The first throttle valve is provided in a first intake passage coupled to an intake manifold. The first throttle valve has a default closed position. The engine further includes a second throttle valve. The second throttle valve is provided in a second intake passage coupled to the intake manifold. The second throttle valve has a default open position. The engine further includes a venturi pump that is provided between the second throttle valve and the intake manifold. When the second throttle valve is in the default open position, intake air flows through the venturi pump. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130239599 | VEHICLE CLIMATE CONTROL METHOD - A method for controlling a climate control system is disclosed. In one example, the climate control system includes an air mixing valve that is adjusted in response to a energy conversion device load demand. The method may provide improved climate control in a vehicle cabin during high energy conversion device load conditions. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130247873 | FUEL DISTRIBUTION IN MULTI-FUEL TANK COMPRESSED GAS FUEL SYSTEMS - A method for distributing fuel in a fuel system of a motor vehicle. The method may be applied in a fuel system having a first fuel tank, where fuel is confined at a first pressure, and a second fuel tank, where fuel is confined at a second pressure greater than the first pressure. The method comprises releasing fuel already resident in the second fuel tank to the first fuel tank, and admitting fuel to the first and second fuel tanks simultaneously. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130249275 | ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN VACUUM PUMP FOR A VEHICLE - A system for supplying vacuum to a vacuum consumption device of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes an electrically driven vacuum pump selectively routing air to an air intake system upstream and downstream of a turbocharger. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130253801 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE AIR CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for conditioning a throttle command so that, on average, a difference between an actual airflow rate and a commanded airflow rate is substantially zero. A commanded throttle position is modified with a correction factor to also reduce a throttle angle error. By reducing engine air disturbances, engine performance is improved. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130255599 | ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for expediting engine system heating by stagnating coolant in one of a plurality of loops in an engine cooling system. Degradation of the various valves and thermostats of the cooling system can be diagnosed by adjusting the valve and monitoring changes in one or more of coolant temperature, transmission temperature and cabin temperature. Based on engine operating conditions, the various valves may be adjusted to vary coolant temperature in different regions of the cooling system, thereby providing fuel economy benefits. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130255603 | ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for expediting engine system heating by stagnating coolant in one of a plurality of loops in an engine cooling system. Degradation of the various valves and thermostats of the cooling system can be diagnosed by adjusting the valve and monitoring changes in one or more of coolant temperature, transmission temperature and cabin temperature. Based on engine operating conditions, the various valves may be adjusted to vary coolant temperature in different regions of the cooling system, thereby providing fuel economy benefits. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130255604 | ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing each of a plurality of engine cooling system components including various valves and grill shutters. Each valve may be individually closed and opened for a specified duration, and corresponding changes in coolant temperature may be monitored. If all the components are functional, the various valves may be adjusted to stagnate coolant at the engine and expedite engine warm-up during a cold-start. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130255605 | ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing each of a plurality of engine cooling system components including various valves and grill shutters. Each valve may be individually closed and opened for a specified duration, and corresponding changes in coolant temperature may be monitored. If all the components are functional, the various valves may be adjusted to stagnate coolant at the engine and expedite engine warm-up during a cold-start. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130255636 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLOSING A TANK VALVE - A method for closing a storage tank valve in response to leaks in a fuel line or fuel rail and emptying the tank of a vehicle when no leaks are detected is described. The method includes comparing a tank pressure to a fuel line or fuel rail pressure in order to detect leaks therein and further includes using a dedicated tank pressure sensor to measure the gaseous pressure of the storage tank, and thereby the amount of fuel remaining. In response to leaks in the fuel system, a controller may close an electronic solenoid valve, which reinforces a mechanical excess flow valve, to block the flow of fuel and prevent fuel loss from the gaseous storage tank. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130255646 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EMPTYING A TANK - A system for method for emptying a gas storage tank of a vehicle is presented. In one example, engine valve timing is adjusted to facilitate reducing pressure within the gas storage tank. The system and method may extend the use of the gas stored in the gas storage tank. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130276756 | REDUCING INTAKE MANIFOLD PRESSURE DURING CRANKING - Embodiments for starting an engine are provided. In one embodiment, an engine control method comprises, during engine cranking, commencing fuel injection when intake manifold pressure drops below a threshold, the threshold based on fuel volatility. In this way, the stability of engine starts using low volatility fuels may be increased. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130276758 | GASEOUS FUEL RAIL SENSOR DIAGNOSTICS - Embodiments for indicating fuel rail temperature sensor degradation are provided. In one embodiment, an engine method comprises delivering gaseous fuel to a cylinder based on feedback from a fuel rail temperature sensor, and during select conditions, indicating fuel rail temperature sensor degradation based on a difference between measured fuel rail temperature and an expected temperature. In this way, measured fuel rail temperature may be correlated with other engine temperatures to detect sensor degradation. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130282255 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING CRANKCASE BREACH AND OIL LEVEL - Embodiments for detecting crankcase breach are provided. In one example, a method includes indicating both crankcase ventilation system degradation and a crankcase oil sump level based on a common crankcase sensor. In this way, the same sensor can provide both crankcase breach detection and oil level determination. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130283789 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A TURBOCHARGED ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for a boosted engine having a split intake system coupled to a split exhaust system. Aircharges of differing composition, pressure, and temperature may be delivered to the engine through the split intake system at different points of an engine cycle. In this way, boost and EGR benefits may be extended. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130283898 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSING A VACUUM SYSTEM - A vacuum system diagnostic is disclosed. In one example, vacuum system leaks are diagnosed via a pressure reading of a vacuum reservoir. The approach may reduce the number of sensors used to diagnose vacuum system degradation. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130311058 | CHARGE WHILE BEING FLAT TOWED FEATURE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES - A towed vehicle is towed by a towing vehicle. The towed vehicle includes a motor/generator for both regenerative braking and for powering wheels. A tow member connects the towed vehicle to the towed vehicle. A sensor measures or infers the tension and compression in the tow member. A computer communicates with the sensor and with the motor/generator. The computer commands the motor/generator to either utilize regenerative braking or provide assistance in propulsion of the towed vehicle based upon the tension and compression forces in the tow member. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130319371 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING ENGINE THROTTLES - An engine system and method for operating an engine including a central throttle and a port throttle is disclosed. In one example, the central throttle and port throttle are adjusted to improve transitions between throttle control modes. The approach may be particularly beneficial for turbocharged engines. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130333665 | APPROACH FOR SUPPLYING VACUUM VIA A SUPERCHARGER - A method for supplying vacuum in an engine is disclosed. The method includes controlling a throttle valve positioned upstream of a supercharger arranged in series with and upstream of a turbocharger to draw a fluid from a vacuum line positioned intermediate the throttle valve and a supercharger inlet. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130338903 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMPENSATING GASEOUS FUEL INJECTION - A system and method for operating an engine using gaseous fuel is described. In one example, engine operation is adjusted responsive to a temperature of air entering an engine and a resultant temperature of a gaseous fuel injected to the engine. The system and method may improve engine air-fuel control. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130340715 | APPROACH FOR CONTROLLING FUEL FLOW WITH ALTERNATIVE FUELS - A fuel pump temperature is regulated by selectively directing liquid fuel to an expansion section to evaporate the liquid fuel and create a drop in temperature to thermally cool the fuel pump. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130340732 | CRANKCASE VENTILATION AND VACUUM GENERATION - Methods and systems are provided for generating vacuum from crankcase ventilation flow. During both directions of gas flow between an engine intake manifold and a crankcase, gases are directed through one or more aspirators to produce vacuum. The drawn vacuum may then be used to operate various engine vacuum actuators. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140014080 | ASPIRATOR FOR CRANKCASE VENTILATION AND VACUUM GENERATION - Methods and systems are provided for flowing crankcase gases through an aspirator arranged in a PCV line. The aspirator regulates PCV flow, and may also generate vacuum depending on a position of a pintle extendable across a horizontal passage of the aspirator. When regulating PCV flow and not generating vacuum, the aspirator is fully closed and crankcase gases in the horizontal passage are metered through an orifice in the pintle. When generating vacuum, the aspirator is at least partially opened and PCV flow through the horizontal passage generates vacuum at a vacuum port of the aspirator. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140034021 | FUEL RAIL ASSEMBLY INCLUDING FUEL SEPARATION MEMBRANE - As one example, a fuel rail assembly for supplying pressurized fuel to a plurality of cylinders of an engine is provided. The fuel rail assembly includes a fuel rail housing defining an internal fuel rail volume having at least a first region and a second region; a fuel separation membrane element disposed within the fuel rail housing that segregates the first region from the second region. The membrane element can be configured to pass a first component of a fuel mixture such as an alcohol through the membrane element from the first region to the second region at a higher rate than a second component of the fuel mixture such as a hydrocarbon. The separated alcohol and hydrocarbon components can be provided to the engine in varying relative amounts based on operating conditions. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140053551 | METHOD AND SYSTEM ADJUSTING AN EXHAUST HEAT RECOVERY VALVE - A method for adjusting an exhaust heat recovery valve is presented. In one embodiment, the method may control an amount of boost provided by a turbocharger to an engine. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140057754 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine coupled to a stepped-gear-ratio transmission. One example method comprises, in response to a first vehicle moving condition, shutting down the engine and at least partially disengaging the transmission while the vehicle is moving; and during a subsequent restart, while the vehicle is moving, starting the engine using starter motor assistance and adjusting a degree of engagement of a transmission clutch to adjust a torque transmitted to a wheel of the vehicle. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140060160 | FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS - Methods and systems are provided for detecting a fuel system leak. While a system vacuum pump is operated to supply vacuum to a vacuum consumption device, air exhausted from the vacuum pump is routed to a fuel system to apply positive pressure thereon. A fuel system leak is identified based on a rate of decay of the pressure applied from the vacuum pump. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140069385 | FUEL SYSTEM FOR A MULTI-FUEL ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine fuel system including fuels of different fuel types. A first fuel type is delivered for port injection upon circulation through a high pressure pump when direct injection of a fuel is not requested to cool and/or lubricate the high pressure pump. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140069534 | EJECTOR SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A selectively operable vacuum source designed to reduce leakage is disclosed. In one example, the vacuum source is at least partially within an engine air intake system. The approach may reduce a number of sensors required to diagnose whether or not leaks are present within the vacuum source. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140076294 | CRANKCASE VENTILATION VIA CRANKCASE PULSATION - Systems and methods for ventilating crankcase gases in a crankcase ventilation system via crankcase pressure pulsations are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises driving flow of crankcase ventilation gases through a crankcase of the engine from a fresh air inlet of the crankcase to an outlet of the crankcase via crankcase pressure pulsations while restricting backflow of crankcase ventilation gases from the outlet to the inlet, where the inlet and outlet are coupled upstream of an intake throttle of the engine. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140081548 | CRANKCASE INTEGRITY BREACH DETECTION - Systems and methods for monitoring crankcase ventilation system integrity are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises indicating a crankcase ventilation system degradation based on a lower vacuum than expected downstream of a PCV breather tube. For example, indicating a crankcase ventilation system degradation based on a lower vacuum than expected downstream of a PCV breather tube may include indicating a crankcase ventilation system degradation based on an absolute pressure sensor measurement relative to a gauge pressure sensor measurement. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140081549 | CRANKCASE INTEGRITY BREACH DETECTION - Methods and systems are provided for using a crankcase vent tube pressure or flow sensor for diagnosing a location and nature of crankcase system integrity breach. The same sensor can also be used for diagnosing air filter plugging and PCV valve degradation. Use of an existing sensor to diagnose multiple engine components provides cost reduction and sensor compaction benefits. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140081550 | CRANKCASE INTEGRITY BREACH DETECTION - Methods and systems are provided for using a crankcase vent tube pressure or flow sensor for diagnosing a location and nature of crankcase system integrity breach. The same sensor can also be used for diagnosing air filter plugging and PCV valve degradation. Use of an existing sensor to diagnose multiple engine components provides cost reduction and sensor compaction benefits. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140081551 | CRANKCASE INTEGRITY BREACH DETECTION - Methods and systems are provided for using a crankcase vent tube pressure or flow sensor for diagnosing a location and nature of crankcase system integrity breach. The same sensor can also be used for diagnosing air filter plugging and PCV valve degradation. Use of an existing sensor to diagnose multiple engine components provides cost reduction and sensor compaction benefits. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140081564 | CRANKCASE INTEGRITY BREACH DETECTION - Methods and systems are provided for using a crankcase vent tube pressure or flow sensor for diagnosing a location and nature of crankcase system integrity breach. The same sensor can also be used for diagnosing air filter plugging and PCV valve degradation. Use of an existing sensor to diagnose multiple engine components provides cost reduction and sensor compaction benefits. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140081565 | GASEOUS FUEL RAIL DEPRESSURIZATION DURING INACTIVE INJECTOR CONDITIONS - Methods and systems are provided for depressurizing a fuel pressure regulator during engine cold start and varying fuel injection pressure after cold start in a gaseous-fueled vehicle. A mechanical pressure regulator may be modified to include valves which may be controlled to depressurize a reference chamber of the regulator when gaseous fuel injection is inactive (e.g., before and during cold start), and to regulate the pressure of gaseous fuel to varying pressures based on electronic pressure feedback and engine operating conditions when gaseous fuel injection is active. In one example, the pressure in the reference chamber of a pressure regulator may be varied by controlling valves to flow gaseous fuel into the reference chamber, and then controlling the valves to exhaust the gaseous fuel from the reference chamber, for example to a fuel vapor storage canister. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140100080 | VISCOUS BRAKE FOR DRIVELINE HEATING - Embodiments for heating a vehicle driveline are provided. One example method for a vehicle comprises heating a fluid with kinetic vehicle energy in response to a vehicle braking request, and directing the fluid to a driveline component. In this way, kinetic vehicle energy during a vehicle braking event may be used to heat a driveline component. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140102086 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BRAKE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided to reduce a hard brake pedal feel. A brake control variable is adjusted in anticipation of a hard pedal condition to increase hydraulic brake line pressure and maintain a normal pedal feel. A pedal force is inferred from brake line pressure relative to brake booster vacuum. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140116399 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FUEL VAPOR MANAGEMENT - Methods and systems are provided for shared handling of fuel vapor purge and crankcase ventilation in an engine system. Fuel vapors from each of a canister and a crankcase are drawn into an intake manifold in a common direction during both boosted and non-boosted engine operating conditions using vacuum drawn at various aspirators. Compressor bypass flow through a first aspirator is used to enhance vacuum produced during boosted conditions while throttle bypass flow through a second aspirator is used to enhance vacuum produced during non-boosted conditions. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140123941 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VACUUM GENERATION - Methods and systems are provided for improving the vacuum generation efficiency of an ejector coupled to in an engine system. Vacuum is generated at the ejector at a faster rate but to a lower level by opening a throttle upstream of the ejector. Vacuum is then raised to a higher level but at a slower rate by closing the throttle upstream of the ejector. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140130775 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING VACUUM - A vacuum source arbitration system is disclosed. In one example, vacuum is supplied to a vacuum reservoir via an ejector during a first condition, and vacuum is supplied to the vacuum reservoir via an engine intake manifold during a second condition. The approach may provide a desired level of vacuum in a reservoir while reducing engine fuel consumption. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140137544 | BRAKE BOOSTER FAULT DIAGNOSTICS - Methods and systems for indicating brake booster degradation when braking is suspended may include comparing expected brake booster vacuum with measured brake booster vacuum, and indicating a fault when the difference between the two values exceeds a threshold. In one example, the expected brake booster vacuum is computed differently depending on whether intake manifold vacuum or vacuum from one or more vacuum-powered pumps dominates evacuation of the brake booster. Expected brake booster vacuum may be computed based on expected brake booster mass air flow and brake booster volume; when measured brake booster vacuum is less than intake manifold vacuum, expected brake booster mass air flow may be computed as a function of intake manifold vacuum and measured brake booster vacuum, whereas expected brake booster mass air flow may be computed based on flow characteristics of the pump(s) when measured brake booster vacuum is not less than intake manifold vacuum. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140137553 | VACUUM-ACTUATED WASTEGATE - Embodiments for vacuum generation are provided. In one example, a method for an engine including a turbocharger having a compressor driven by a turbine comprises generating vacuum via exhaust flow through an ejector, and applying vacuum from the ejector to a wastegate actuator. In this way, vacuum produced via high-pressure exhaust resulting from boosted engine operation may be used to actuate the wastegate valve. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140138562 | VACUUM-ACTUATED WASTEGATE - Embodiments for vacuum generation are provided. In one example, a method comprises when boost is below a threshold, generating vacuum with an actuator in a first position by flowing air from a compressor outlet to an intake manifold through a first ejector, and when boost is above the threshold, generating vacuum with the actuator in a second position by flowing air from the compressor outlet to a compressor inlet through a second ejector. In this way, vacuum may be generated by more than one ejector via actuation of a common actuator. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140140821 | VACUUM-ACTUATED WASTEGATE - Embodiments for vacuum generation are provided. In one example, a method for an engine including a turbocharger having a compressor driven by a turbine comprises generating vacuum via compressor bypass flow through an ejector, and applying vacuum from the ejector to a wastegate actuator. In this way, vacuum produced via boosted engine operation may be used to actuate the wastegate valve. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140142819 | ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for expediting engine system heating by stagnating coolant in one of a plurality of loops in an engine cooling system. Degradation of the various valves and thermostats of the cooling system can be diagnosed by adjusting the valve and monitoring changes in one or more of coolant temperature, transmission temperature and cabin temperature. Based on engine operating conditions, the various valves may be adjusted to vary coolant temperature in different regions of the cooling system, thereby providing fuel economy benefits. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140142832 | GASEOUS FUEL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN ENGINE - A vehicle method for gaseous fuel loss detection, including for each of a high and low pressure portion of a fuel system including a gaseous fuel, indicating degradation based on a loss of mass from the fuel system, the loss of mass based on separately tracking fuel mass in each of the portions based on respective temperatures and pressures at a first and second instance following an engine off condition. The method may utilize the respective pressures and temperatures to determine which portions of the fuel system are losing mass and further identify degradation of fuel system valves. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140144128 | BRAKE BOOSTER ASSISTANCE - Systems and methods for a vehicle brake booster having first and second chambers separated by a diaphragm coupled to a brake pedal are provided. In one example approach, a method comprises applying an exhaust pressure from a vacuum pump to a first chamber of the brake booster, and applying a vacuum pressure from the vacuum pump to a second chamber of the brake booster. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140144218 | ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing each of a plurality of engine cooling system components including various valves and grill shutters. Each valve may be individually closed and opened for a specified duration, and corresponding changes in coolant temperature may be monitored. If all the components are functional, the various valves may be adjusted to stagnate coolant at the engine and expedite engine warm-up during a cold-start. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140144408 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL - Method and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method comprises, adjusting a brake torque applied to a deactivated rotating engine after an engine restart request, the brake torque applied to slow the engine to at least a predetermined threshold speed without stopping the engine, and engaging a starter to the still rotating engine to increase the engine speed and restart the engine. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140149015 | CRANKCASE VENTILATION TUBE DISCONNECT DETECTION VIA HUMIDITY SENSOR - Methods and systems are provided for detecting degradation of a crankcase ventilation tube. Humidity sensed from a humidity sensor in the crankcase ventilation tube may provide an indication of crankcase ventilation tube disconnection during different engine operating conditions. The humidity sensor may further provide diagnosis of humidity sensor function and engine degradation. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140157775 | EXHAUST HEAT RECOVERY FOR ENGINE HEATING AND EXHAUST COOLING - Various systems and method for heating an engine in a vehicle are described. In one example, intake air flowing in a first direction may be heated via a gas-to-gas heat exchange with exhaust gases. The heated intake air may then be used in a subsequent gas-to-liquid heat exchange to heat a fluid circulating through the engine. In another example, intake air flowing in a second direction may be heated via a heat exchange with exhaust gases in order to cool an exhaust catalyst. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140158095 | CONDENSATE MANAGEMENT FOR MOTOR-VEHICLE COMPRESSED AIR STORAGE SYSTEMS - A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including an intake manifold selectably coupled to a boost tank. The method comprises pressurizing and storing air in the boost tank, discharging some of the air stored in the boost tank to the intake manifold, and releasing condensate from the boost tank. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140165536 | EJECTOR IN CONJUNCTION WITH POST-CATALYST EXHAUST THROTTLE FOR VACUUM GENERATION - Methods and systems are provided for expediting catalyst heating and generating vacuum by controlling an EBV to direct exhaust through an ejector arranged in parallel with the EBV. A position of the EBV may be controlled to achieve a desired exhaust backpressure for current engine operating conditions and stored vacuum level. Compensation for the effect of EBV position on engine airflow may be provided by adjustment of other parameters such as intake throttle position and spark timing. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140165931 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VACUUM GENERATION - Methods and systems are provided for controlling motive flow through an ejector using a pneumatically controlled valve. A valve coupled upstream of an intake ejector may be adjusted based on boost pressure to control motive flow into the ejector from upstream of a compressor. This allows motive flow through the ejector to be controlled based on vacuum needs at low component cost without loss of boost pressure. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140165962 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VACUUM GENERATION - Methods and systems are provided for controlling motive flow through an ejector using a pneumatically controlled valve. A vacuum actuated valve may be opened at low vacuum conditions to increase motive flow through the ejector while the valve is closed at high vacuum conditions to decrease the motive flow. This allows motive flow through the ejector to be controlled based on vacuum needs at low component cost. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140196699 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VACUUM CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for controlling and coordinating control of a post-catalyst exhaust throttle and an EGR valve to expedite catalyst heating. By closing both valves during an engine cold start, an elevated exhaust backpressure and increased heat rejection at an EGR cooler can be synergistically used to warm each of an engine and an exhaust catalyst. The valves may also be controlled to vary an amount of exhaust flowing through an exhaust venturi so as to meet engine vacuum needs while providing a desired amount of engine EGR. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140200796 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for use of a windshield wiper fluid having a reformulated composition including one or more non-ionic surfactants. The fluid is delivered to the windshield in response to an operator demand for wiping the windshield. The same fluid is also delivered to a cylinder in response to an indication of abnormal cylinder combustion. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140214306 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for reducing exhaust temperatures during high engine load conditions in engine systems configured to operate with multiple fuels. Stoichiometric cylinder operation is provided via injection of a gaseous fuel such as CNG. In response to elevated exhaust temperatures, the cylinder is enriched by injecting a liquid fuel, such as gasoline, while maintaining the injection of CNG and while maintaining spark timing at MBT. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140230794 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A FUEL SYSTEM - Various methods and system are described for a fuel system which includes a fuel composition sensor and a fuel lift pump disposed upstream of the sensor. The system may be operated in each of three different modes of operation. In each of the modes, a fuel lift pump voltage is adjusted responsive to a fuel capacitance output by the sensor, while a variable such as sensor temperature or fuel pump pressure is maintained depending on the mode of operation. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140238348 | HUMIDITY SENSOR DIAGNOSTICS - Embodiments for diagnosing a humidity sensor are provided. One example method comprises, responsive to a humidity sensor test cycle, pumping air conditioning and windshield washer gas flows past a humidity sensor, and indicating humidity sensor degradation based on a response of the humidity sensor to the air conditioning and windshield washer gas flows. In this way, degradation of the humidity sensor may be indicated if the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor does not change responsive to the humidity sensor test cycle being initiated. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140238369 | HUMIDITY SENSOR DIAGNOSTICS - Embodiments for testing a humidity sensor are provided. One example method comprises indicating degradation of a humidity sensor based on a humidity sensor output and output from an intake gas composition sensor. In this way, output from the intake gas composition sensor may be used to determine if the humidity sensor is degraded. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140238370 | HUMIDITY SENSOR DIAGNOSTICS - Embodiments for diagnosing a humidity sensor are provided. One example method comprises adjusting an engine operating parameter based on humidity of a first gas flow measured by a humidity sensor, and indicating degradation of the humidity sensor if a humidity of a second gas flow measured by the humidity sensor is different than an expected humidity. In this way, degradation of the humidity sensor may be indicated if the humidity of the second gas flow measured by the humidity sensor is different than expected. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140244138 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AN ENGINE DURING A RESTART - Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine being coupled to a transmission. One example method comprises, under selected braking conditions, shutting-off the engine and spinning-down the engine to rest while the vehicle is traveling, and in response to a foot-off-brake event, restarting the engine by at least partially engaging the transmission and adjusting engine torque control actuators. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140257672 | EJECTOR FLOW RATE COMPUTATION FOR GAS CONSTITUENT SENSOR COMPENSATION - Methods and systems are provided for computing the flow rate at a suction port of an ejector arranged in series with an outlet of an engine system such as a fuel vapor purge system during certain conditions. In one example, the need for a sensor at an ejector suction port may be reduced by adjusting exhaust gas recirculation based on a flow rate at the ejector suction port, the flow rate based on a flow characteristic of the ejector and a flow characteristic of an engine system. The flow rate and a reductant concentration of gases from the engine system may then be used as a basis for compensation of a diluent concentration measurement taken by a gas constituent sensor arranged downstream of the ejector outlet in an engine intake passage, e.g. to improve adjustment of exhaust gas recirculation based on the compensated diluent concentration measurement. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140277975 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a transmission shift schedule in engine systems configured to operate with multiple fuels. During low engine speed and high engine load conditions, when an air charge temperature is elevated, engine operation is shifted from gasoline usage to CNG usage. The torque advantage of CNG usage is leveraged to advance a transmission upshift schedule and delay a downshift schedule to improve vehicle responsiveness when operating with CNG only. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140283799 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TURBOCHARGING AN ENGINE - A method for improving operation of a turbocharged engine is presented. In one embodiment, the method may reduce engine emissions and improve engine efficiency during an engine start. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140288804 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AN OXYGEN SENSOR - Various systems and methods are described for an engine system with an exhaust gas recirculation system and catalyzing and non-catalyzing intake oxygen sensors. In one example, the catalyzing oxygen sensor is utilized to measure and control exhaust gas recirculation while fuel vapor purge is measured and controlled based on the catalyzing and non-catalyzing sensors. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140290630 | METHOD FOR PURGING CHARGE AIR COOLER CONDENSATE DURING A COMPRESSOR BYPASS VALVE EVENT - Methods and systems are provided for draining condensate from a charge air cooler during a compressor bypass valve event. In one example, an engine controller may open a drain valve in the charge air cooler in response to potential compressor surge conditions. Opening the drain valve may be further based on an amount of condensate in the charge air cooler and a required decrease in pressure at an outlet of the compressor during the compressor bypass valve event. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140298880 | HUMIDITY SENSOR DIAGNOSTIC METHOD USING CONDENSATION CLEARING HEATER - A diagnostic method for a capacitive humidity sensor comprising a heater, and a capacitance-sensing element that individually indentifies heater, temperature-sensing element, or capacitance-sensing element degradation. By this method, individual elements of the sensor may be replaced or compensated for to allow for further operation. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140303872 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING VACUUM FOR A VEHICLE - A method and system for improving vacuum generation for a vehicle is described. In one example, engine speed and alternator load are adjusted in an alternating manner to increase and amount of vacuum provide by an engine to a vacuum reservoir. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140305406 | VARIABLE PRESSURE GASEOUS FUEL REGULATOR - A system for a gaseous-fueled engine, comprising: a gaseous fuel tank, a first pressure regulator comprising: a high pressure chamber coupled to the gaseous fuel tank, a low pressure chamber coupled to an engine fuel rail, and a reference chamber; a second pressure regulator coupled to the reference chamber; a first valve controlling fuel flow from the gaseous fuel tank to the engine fuel rail; a second valve controlling fuel flow from the second pressure regulator to the reference chamber; and a controller including memory with instructions therein for adjusting the valves based on a desired fuel rail pressure. In this way, the system enables at least two different fuel rail pressures such that peak fuel demand can be satisfied without maintaining peak fuel rail pressure at all times. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140306513 | VEHICLE BRAKING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for increasing brake line pressure after brake booster vacuum has been exhausted is presented. In one example, brake line pressure is increased at a same rate after brake booster vacuum is exhausted as before brake booster vacuum is exhausted. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140311454 | ENHANCED FUEL INJECTION BASED ON CHOKE FLOW RATE - A method is described for adjusting the amount of gaseous fuel injected based on the sonic choked flow rate through a restriction. Because the sonic choke flow rate continues to decrease as tank pressure decreases, the method includes computing the sonic choke flow rate through the restriction based on system variables and enforcing the rate of CNG injection to be less than the sonic choke flow rate through the restriction. Thereby, the mass flow rate to the fuel injector can be substantially maximized to substantially minimize the time for fuel tank emptying, particularly during the last amount of tank emptying when the contents of the gaseous storage tank is low. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140316672 | HUMIDITY SENSOR AND ENGINE SYSTEM - Methods and systems are provided for an engine coupled temperature-based humidity sensor. Degradation of the humidity sensor may be determined while flowing gasses into an engine intake air downstream of a humidity sensor and upstream of a compressor, indicating humidity sensor degradation when relative humidity readings change by less than a threshold while temperature at the sensor changes greater than a second threshold. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140316676 | HUMIDITY SENSOR AND ENGINE SYSTEM - Methods and systems are provided for an engine coupled capacitance-based humidity sensor. Degradation of the humidity sensor may be determined based on humidity readings while flowing gasses into an engine intake air downstream of the humidity sensor and upstream of a compressor change by less than a first threshold while pressure at the sensor changes greater then a second threshold. The variation in pressure can be changed by adjusting a throttle upstream and downstream of the compressor based on whether the humidity sensor is degraded or functional. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140318514 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GAS PURGE CONTROL - Systems and methods for providing vacuum to one or more of a crankcase ventilation system, an emission control system, and an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system included in a turbocharged engine system are provided. In one example, approach, a method comprises drawing vacuum from a vacuum source located in an intake of the engine downstream of a pre-compressor throttle and upstream of an intake throttle, and applying the drawn vacuum to a discharge outlet of a uni-directional crankcase ventilation system, where an inlet of the crankcase ventilation system is coupled to the intake of the engine upstream of the pre-compressor throttle. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140331642 | DIRECT INJECTION OF DILUENTS OR SECONDARY FUELS IN GASEOUS FUEL ENGINES - A method for a turbocharged engine, comprising: during high load conditions, in response to an elevated engine temperature, after port injecting a first quantity of a first gaseous fuel, direct injecting a second quantity of a second, liquid fuel at a first timing that is a function of a desired air-fuel ratio. In this way, engine power may be maximized while simultaneously decreasing the maximum combustion temperature and mitigating engine knock. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140358407 | GASEOUS FUEL INJECTOR ACTIVATION - A method for starting an engine is provided. The method comprises in response to an engine start request, cycling a gaseous fuel injector prior to activating a starter motor. In this way, delayed engine starts using gaseous fuel may be mitigated. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140358408 | GASEOUS FUEL INJECTOR ACTIVATION - A method for starting an engine is provided. The method comprises opening a throttle valve controlling air flow into an intake manifold in response to a gaseous pressure differential across a gaseous fuel injector exceeding a threshold pressure. In this way, delayed engine starts using gaseous fuel may be mitigated. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140365094 | METHOD FOR INCREASING VACUUM PRODUCTION FOR A VEHICLE - Methods and systems for providing vacuum to a vehicle are described. In one example, a method adjusts an application force of a transmission clutch in response to a request for additional vacuum. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140366845 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A DIRECT FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM - A method, comprising: during engine cylinder operation with fuel from a first injector and not a second injector: increasing a rail pressure of a fuel rail coupled to the second injector in response to a temperature increase of a tip of the second injector. In this way, by raising the rail pressure of a fuel rail coupled to the second injector in response to a temperature increase of a tip of the second injector, the method may be utilized to prevent a vapor space from forming within the tip of the second injector which is exposed to the heat of combustion within the engine cylinder. By preventing a vapor space from forming, the method may be used to prevent fuel distillation in the tip of the second injector during periods where the engine cylinder is operating with fuel from a first injector and not the second injector. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140373820 | METHOD AND SYSTEM ADJUSTING AN EXHAUST HEAT RECOVERY VALVE - A method for adjusting an exhaust heat recovery valve is presented. In one embodiment, the method may control an amount of boost provided by a turbocharger to an engine. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150013652 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRIORITIZING VEHICLE VACUUM - A vacuum prioritization system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one example, use and availability of vacuum provided via vacuum sources is allocated to higher priority vacuum operated actuators when a pressure in the vacuum system exceeds a threshold pressure. The lower priority vacuum operated actuators have access to vacuum supplied via the vacuum sources when pressure in the vacuum system is less than a threshold pressure. The approach may allow higher priority actuators to operate for an extended amount of time. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150015183 | BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE JUMPER CABLE AND JUMP STARTING METHOD - A battery electric vehicle jumper cable includes a first battery electric vehicle electrical plug adapted for connection to a standard charging port interface on a first battery electric vehicle; a second battery electric vehicle electrical plug adapted for connection to a standard charging port interface on a second battery electric vehicle; and an electrical cable establishing electrical communication between the first battery electric vehicle electrical plug and the second battery electric vehicle electrical plug. An electrical power transfer system for battery electric vehicles and a battery electric vehicle jump starting method are also disclosed. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150019106 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN ENGINE FOR DETECTION AND MITIGATION OF INSUFFICIENT TORQUE - A method comprises in response to an oil pressure below a threshold oil pressure, and an engine speed below a threshold engine speed, restricting cam movement while the vehicle is moving, and during a vehicle stopped condition, overriding the restricted cam movement. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150021140 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REDUCING VACUUM CONSUMPTION IN A VEHICLE - A system and method for conserving vacuum within a vehicle is described. In one example, vacuum is conserved via limiting volume expansion of a brake booster working chamber. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150021141 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REDUCING VACUUM USE IN A VEHICLE - A system and method for conserving vacuum within a vehicle is described. In one example, a vacuum level in a working chamber of a vacuum operated brake booster is controlled so as to limit vacuum consumption. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150025777 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INCREASING VACUUM GENERATION BY AN ENGINE - A method and a system for providing vacuum via an engine are described. In one example, introduction of a gaseous fuel is ceased in response to a request for the engine to provide vacuum to a vehicle vacuum system. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150040852 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTIPLE ASPIRATORS FOR A CONSTANT PUMP RATE - Methods and systems are provided for a parallel arrangement of at least two valved aspirators, with a high pressure source such as an intake throttle inlet coupled to a motive inlet of the arrangement and a low pressure sink such as an intake throttle outlet coupled to a mixed flow outlet of the arrangement. Intake throttle position and respective valves arranged in series with each aspirator of the arrangement are controlled based on intake manifold pressure and/or a desired engine air flow rate, for example such that a combined motive flow rate through the arrangement increases as intake manifold pressure increases. An intake throttle with a fully closed default position may be used in conjunction with the arrangement; during a fault condition where the intake throttle is fully closed, the valves of the arrangement may be controlled to achieve a controllable engine air flow rate during the fault condition. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150046065 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSIENT FUEL CONTROL - Methods are provided for reducing transient fuel issues in a multi-fuel engine system. When transitioning from co-fueling with a first fuel split ratio to co-fueling with an alternate fuel split ratio, the change in fuel split ratio is gradually ramped in over multiple engine cycles. This reduces combustion stability issues and the disturbance potential of a wholesale fuel change. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150047317 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EGR CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for using compressor recirculation flow via a venturi to enhance low pressure EGR flow. The opening of a compressor recirculation valve can be adjusted based on EGR flow demand to recirculate cooled compressed air through a venturi while generating vacuum for drawing EGR. The approach allows for concurrent EGR control and surge control. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150047350 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ENGINE COMBUSTING LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS - A method and system for operating an engine that is supplied a fuel having a low super critical temperature is presented. In one example, the method supplies excess fuel to a direct injection fuel rail to cool a portion of the fuel system that is near direct fuel injectors. The heat is drawn from the direct injection fuel rail to a fuel tank where the heat is removed via injecting fuel vapors to the engine. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150047610 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING OPERATION OF AN ENGINE COMBUSTING LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS - A method and system for improving operation of an engine that is supplied a fuel having a low super critical temperature is presented. In one example, the method supplies fuel to cool a direct injection fuel pump and participate in combustion in an engine cylinder after the fuel is vaporized. The method also provides for injecting a liquid fuel to the engine cylinder via the direct injection fuel pump. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150047618 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EGR CONTROL - Methods and systems are provided for using compressor recirculation flow via a venturi to enhance low pressure EGR flow. The opening of a compressor recirculation valve can be adjusted based on EGR flow demand to recirculate cooled compressed air through a venturi while generating vacuum for drawing EGR. The approach allows for concurrent EGR control and surge control. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150053180 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GASEOUS AND LIQUID FUEL INJECTION - Methods and systems are provided for injecting liquid and gaseous fuel, such as propane, to an engine. In one example, under a first condition, liquid fuel from a bottom of a fuel tank is injected; under a second condition, liquid fuel from a the bottom of the fuel tank is vaporized and injected to the engine as vaporized liquid fuel; and under a third condition, gaseous fuel from a top of the fuel tank is injected to the engine. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150068495 | METHODS FOR ADJUSTING FUEL COMPOSITION TO INCREASE LIQUID FUEL HEAT TOLERANCE - A method for adjusting a fuel composition to increase liquid fuel heat tolerance is described that includes directly injecting a first fuel (such as liquid propane) to the engine via a fuel rail when a fuel temperature falls below a threshold; and in response to a fuel temperature greater than a threshold, directly injecting a liquid mixture of the first fuel and a second fuel (such as gasoline) via the fuel rail. For example, gasoline may be added in sufficient amounts to the liquid propane to ensure the mixture remains a liquid during engine operations. In this way, the amount of gasoline introduced into the propane may be based on an extent of the fuel temperature above the threshold which further acts to extend the operating range of the first fuel. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150075484 | DIRECT INJECTION FUEL PUMP - Methods and systems are provided for a direct injection fuel pump. The methods and system control pressure within a compression chamber so as to improve fuel pump lubrication. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150083086 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING ENGINE STARTING - An engine system and method for improving engine starting are disclosed. In one example, engine port throttles are adjusted to improve fuel vaporization of a fuel that includes alcohol. The system and method may improve engine starting and emissions. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150083094 | PARALLEL ASPIRATOR ARRANGEMENT FOR VACUUM GENERATION AND COMPRESSOR BYPASS - Methods and systems are provided for a parallel arrangement of at least two aspirators bypassing an intake compressor in an engine system, the aspirator arrangement including an aspirator shut-off valve arranged in series with each aspirator. The aspirator shut-off valves may be controlled based on engine vacuum needs as well as based on intake manifold pressure, during non-boost conditions, and compressor surge, during boost conditions. For example, during boost conditions, the aspirator shut-off valves may be controlled to enable a selectable discrete compressor recirculation flow rate, whereas during non-boost conditions the aspirator shut-off valves may be controlled to enable a selectable, discrete level of vacuum generation for use by various engine vacuum consumers. | 03-26-2015 |
