US5287281A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Computer controlled flow of nitrous oxide injected into an internal combustion engine
Assignee: Bull HN Information Systems Inc
•
Filing: 1991-02-27
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Granted: 1994-02-15
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Expires: 2011-02-27
Abstract
Abstract An internal combustion engine system that is selectively powered by an enhanced air/fuel mixture. The supply of fuel to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine is increased in response to the addition of a supplemental oxidizing agent into an air/fuel mixture. The additional fuel may be added by increasing the duty cycle of fuel injectors mounted proximate the individual cylinders. In addition, the ignition timing is adjusted in accordance with the change in the density of the fuel air mixture. The amount of supplemental oxidizing agent provided to the cylinders may be regulated by increasing in a controlled manner the rate at which the supplemental oxidizing agent is supplied over a period of time. Furthermore, the control unit for the engine receives and responds to a number of external operating parameters including the oxygen content of the engine exhaust and the traction of the tires.
Inventors
- 👤 John D. Meaney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 01:21
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02M; F02M25/00; B; B60; B60K; B60K28/00; B60K28/10; B60K28/16; F02B; F02B13/00; F02B13/10; F02B43/00; F02B43/10; F02D; F02D19/00; F02D19/12; F02D41/00; F02D41/0025; F02P; F02P5/00; F02P5/04; F02P5/045; F02P5/145; F02P5/15; F02P5/1502; F02P5/152; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/10; Y02T10/30; Y02T10/40
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 43
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
An internal combustion engine system wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of an engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine, said system comprising: a set of fuel injectors having an adjustable duty cycle for delivering a quantity of fuel to each of the cylinders; supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means; first means for activating said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means in order to commence the addition of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; third means for adjusting fuel flow into said combustible mixture by transmitting appropriate signals to the set of fuel injectors extending or reducing the duty cycle of the fuel injectors, said fuel flow being adjusted at least in accordance with the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent to prevent a lean fuel-air mixture.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
150 words
An internal combustion engine system wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of an engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine, said system comprising: a set of fuel injectors having an adjustable duty cycle for delivering a quantity of fuel to each of the cylinders; supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means; first means for activating said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means in order to commence the addition of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; third means for adjusting fuel flow into said combustible mixture by transmitting appropriate signals to the set of fuel injectors extending or reducing the duty cycle of the fuel injectors, said fuel flow being adjusted at least in accordance with the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent to prevent a lean fuel-air mixture.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
162 words
A system for regulating power output of an internal combustion engine wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture for the cylinders of said engine; said system comprising: supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means; fuel delivery means; first means for activating said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means in order to commence the addition of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; second means for controlling the rate at which said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means adds said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; third means for adjusting fuel flow rate into said combustible mixture, said fuel flow rate being adjusted at least in accordance with the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent; and fourth means for adjusting ignition timing of said combustible mixture at least in accordance with the concentration of said combustible mixture contained within said cylinders.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
162 words
A system for regulating power output of an internal combustion engine wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture for the cylinders of said engine; said system comprising: supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means; fuel delivery means; first means for activating said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means in order to commence the addition of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; second means for controlling the rate at which said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means adds said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; third means for adjusting fuel flow rate into said combustible mixture, said fuel flow rate being adjusted at least in accordance with the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent; and fourth means for adjusting ignition timing of said combustible mixture at least in accordance with the concentration of said combustible mixture contained within said cylinders.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system of claim 2 further comprising means for sensing the speed of said engine and transmitting a first signal representative of said sensed engine speed; and means for receiving said first signal and further adjusting ignition timing in response to at least said first signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 2 further comprising means for sensing engine knock and wherein said fourth means further adjusts ignition timing of said combustible mixture in said cylinders in response to said sensed engine knock.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
88 words
The system of claim 2 further comprising: means for providing a feedback signal representing the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust from said internal combustion engine, the magnitude of said feedback signal indicating the amount of deviation from an ideal oxygen concentration in said exhaust; and wherein said third means receives said feedback signal and further adjusts fuel flow in response to said feedback signal, the magnitude of said fuel flow adjustment being responsive to the deviation of the magnitude of said feedback signal from a set point.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said third means transmits appropriate control signals to said fuel delivery means individually mounted proximate to said cylinders.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said first means activates said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means in response to the detected occurrence of at least one pre-determined engine operating condition precedent after the operator has enabled the system.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means comprises a plurality of on/off solenoid valves; and said second means transmits appropriate signals to selectively open and close one or more of said plurality of on/off solenoid valves in order to adjust the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
55 words
The system of claim 2, wherein said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means comprises one or more pulse width modulated valves; and said second means transmits appropriate signals to vary the duty cycle of one or more of said pulse width modulated valves in order to adjust the average flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means comprises one or more constant flow/variable flow rate valves; and said second means transmits appropriate signals to vary the size of the opening of one or more of said constant flow/variable flow rate valves in order to adjust the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said second means adjustably decreases the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent from said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means in response to the detected loss of traction of the vehicle's wheels.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
178 words
A system for regulating power output of an internal combustion engine wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture for the cylinders of said engine; said system comprising: supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means; fuel delivery means; means for sensing the speed of said engine and transmitting a first signal representative of said sensed engine speed; first means for activating said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means in order to commence the addition of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; third means for adjusting fuel flow rate into said combustible mixture, said fuel flow rate being adjusted at least in accordance with the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent; fourth means for adjusting ignition timing of said combustible mixture at least in accordance with the concentration of said combustible mixture contained within said cylinders; and fifth means for receiving said first signal and further adjusting ignition timing in response to at least said first signal.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
178 words
A system for regulating power output of an internal combustion engine wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture for the cylinders of said engine; said system comprising: supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means; fuel delivery means; means for sensing the speed of said engine and transmitting a first signal representative of said sensed engine speed; first means for activating said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means in order to commence the addition of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; third means for adjusting fuel flow rate into said combustible mixture, said fuel flow rate being adjusted at least in accordance with the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent; fourth means for adjusting ignition timing of said combustible mixture at least in accordance with the concentration of said combustible mixture contained within said cylinders; and fifth means for receiving said first signal and further adjusting ignition timing in response to at least said first signal.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 12 further comprising means for sensing engine knock and wherein said fourth means further adjusts ignition timing of said combustible mixture in said cylinders in response to said sensed engine knock.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
88 words
The system of claim 12, further comprising: means for providing a feedback signal representing the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust from said internal combustion engine, the magnitude of said feedback signal indicating the amount of deviation from an ideal oxygen concentration in said exhaust; and wherein said third means receives said feedback signal and further adjusts fuel flow in response to said feedback signal, the magnitude of said fuel flow adjustment being responsive to the deviation of the magnitude of said feedback signal from a set point.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 12 wherein said third means transmits appropriate control signals to fuel delivery means individually mounted proximate to said cylinders.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 12 wherein said first means activates said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means in response to the detected occurrence of at least one pre-determined engine operating condition precedent after the operator has enabled the system.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 12 further comprising a second means for controlling the rate at which said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means adds said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system of claim 17 wherein said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means comprises a plurality of on/off solenoid valves; and said second means transmits appropriate signals to selectively open and close one or more of said plurality of on/off solenoid valves in order to adjust the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
55 words
The system of claim 17 wherein said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means comprises one or more pulse width modulated valves; and said second means transmits appropriate signals to vary the duty cycle of one or more of said pulse width modulated valves in order to adjust the average flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system of claim 17 wherein said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means comprises one or more constant flow/variable flow rate valves; and said second means transmits appropriate signals to vary the size of the opening of one or more of said constant flow/variable flow rate valves in order to adjust the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
160 words
A system for regulating power output of an internal combustion engine wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture for the cylinders of said engine; said system comprising: supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means; fuel delivery means; first means for activating said supplemental oxidizinq agent delivery means in order to commence the addition of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture in response to the detected occurrence of at least one pre-determined engine operating condition precedent after the operator enables the system. third means for adjusting fuel flow rate into said combustible mixture, said fuel flow rate being adjusted at least in accordance with the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent; and fourth means for adjusting ignition timing of said combustible mixture at least in accordance with the concentration of said combustible mixture contained within said cylinders.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
160 words
A system for regulating power output of an internal combustion engine wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture for the cylinders of said engine; said system comprising: supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means; fuel delivery means; first means for activating said supplemental oxidizinq agent delivery means in order to commence the addition of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture in response to the detected occurrence of at least one pre-determined engine operating condition precedent after the operator enables the system. third means for adjusting fuel flow rate into said combustible mixture, said fuel flow rate being adjusted at least in accordance with the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent; and fourth means for adjusting ignition timing of said combustible mixture at least in accordance with the concentration of said combustible mixture contained within said cylinders.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system of claim 21 further comprising means for sensing the speed of said engine and transmitting a first signal representative of said sensed engine speed; and means for receiving said first signal and further adjusting ignition timing in response to at least said first signal.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
88 words
The system of claim 22 further comprising: means for providing a feedback signal representing the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust from said internal combustion engine, the magnitude of said feedback signal indicating the amount of deviation from an ideal oxygen concentration in said exhaust; and wherein said third means receives said feedback signal and further adjusts fuel flow in response to said feedback signal, the magnitude of said fuel flow adjustment being responsive to the deviation of the magnitude of said feedback signal from a set point.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 22 further comprising means for sensing engine knock and wherein said fourth means further adjusts ignition timing of said combustible mixture in said cylinders in response to said sensed engine knock.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 22 wherein said third means transmits appropriate control signals to fuel delivery means individually mounted proximate to said cylinders.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 22 further comprising a second means for controlling the rate at which said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means adds said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system of claim 26 wherein said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means comprises a plurality of on/off solenoid valves; and said second means transmits appropriate signals to selectively open and close one or more of said plurality of on/off solenoid valves in order to adjust the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
55 words
The system of claim 26 wherein said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means comprises one or more pulse width modulated valves; and said second means transmits appropriate signals to vary the duty cycle of one or more of said pulse width modulated valves in order to adjust the average flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system of claim 26 wherein said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means comprises one or more constant flow/variable flow rate valves; and said second means transmits appropriate signals to vary the size of the opening of one or more of said constant flow/variable flow rate valves in order to adjust the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
220 words
A system for regulating power output of an internal combustion engine wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture for the cylinders of said engine; said system comprising: supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means; fuel delivery means; first means for activating said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means in order to commence the addition of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; third means for adjusting fuel flow rate into said combustible mixture, said fuel flow rate being adjusted at least in accordance with the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent; means for providing a feedback signal representing the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust from said internal combustion engine, the magnitude of said feedback signal indicating the amount of deviation from an ideal oxygen concentration in said exhaust; and wherein said third means receives said feedback signal and further adjusts fuel flow in response to said feedback signal, the magnitude of said fuel flow adjustment being responsive to the deviation of the magnitude of said feedback signal from a set point; and fourth means for adjusting ignition timing of said combustible mixture at least in accordance with the concentration of said combustible mixture contained within said cylinders.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
220 words
A system for regulating power output of an internal combustion engine wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture for the cylinders of said engine; said system comprising: supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means; fuel delivery means; first means for activating said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means in order to commence the addition of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; third means for adjusting fuel flow rate into said combustible mixture, said fuel flow rate being adjusted at least in accordance with the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent; means for providing a feedback signal representing the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust from said internal combustion engine, the magnitude of said feedback signal indicating the amount of deviation from an ideal oxygen concentration in said exhaust; and wherein said third means receives said feedback signal and further adjusts fuel flow in response to said feedback signal, the magnitude of said fuel flow adjustment being responsive to the deviation of the magnitude of said feedback signal from a set point; and fourth means for adjusting ignition timing of said combustible mixture at least in accordance with the concentration of said combustible mixture contained within said cylinders.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
159 words
A system for regulating power output of an internal combustion engine wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture for the cylinders of said engine; said system comprising: supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means; fuel delivery means; first means for activating said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means in order to commence the addition of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; third means for adjusting fuel flow rate into said combustible mixture, said fuel flow rate being adjusted at least in accordance with the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent; and wherein said third means transmits appropriate control signals to said fuel delivery means individually mounted proximate to said cylinders; and fourth means for adjusting ignition timing of said combustible mixture at least in accordance with the concentration of said combustible mixture contained within said cylinders.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
159 words
A system for regulating power output of an internal combustion engine wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture for the cylinders of said engine; said system comprising: supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means; fuel delivery means; first means for activating said supplemental oxidizing agent delivery means in order to commence the addition of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; third means for adjusting fuel flow rate into said combustible mixture, said fuel flow rate being adjusted at least in accordance with the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent; and wherein said third means transmits appropriate control signals to said fuel delivery means individually mounted proximate to said cylinders; and fourth means for adjusting ignition timing of said combustible mixture at least in accordance with the concentration of said combustible mixture contained within said cylinders.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
141 words
A method for regulating power output of an internal combustion engine wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture for the cylinders of said engine; said method comprising the following steps: first step of testing for appropriate conditions for commencing delivery of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; second step of commencing delivery of said supplemental oxidizing agent when said appropriate conditions have been detected; combustible mixture, said fuel flow rate being adjusted at least in accordance with the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent; and fourth step of adjusting ignition timing of said combustible mixture in accordance with the concentration of the combustible mixture contained within the cylinders and in accordance with the engine speed.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
141 words
A method for regulating power output of an internal combustion engine wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture for the cylinders of said engine; said method comprising the following steps: first step of testing for appropriate conditions for commencing delivery of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; second step of commencing delivery of said supplemental oxidizing agent when said appropriate conditions have been detected; combustible mixture, said fuel flow rate being adjusted at least in accordance with the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent; and fourth step of adjusting ignition timing of said combustible mixture in accordance with the concentration of the combustible mixture contained within the cylinders and in accordance with the engine speed.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
85 words
The method of claim 32 further comprising: fifth step of generating a feedback signal representing the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust from said internal combustion engine, the magnitude of said feedback signal indicating the amount of deviation from an ideal oxygen concentration in said exhaust, and receiving said feedback signal and further adjusting fuel flow in response to said feedback signal, the magnitude of said increase or decrease being responsive to the deviation of the magnitude of said feedback signal from a set point.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
213 words
A method for regulating power output of an internal combustion engine wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture for the cylinders of said engine; said method comprising the following steps: first step of testing for appropriate conditions for commencing delivery of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; second step of commencing delivery of said supplemental oxidizing agent at an initial flow rate which is less than the maximum flow rate when said appropriate conditions have been detected; third step of testing for loss of wheel traction, and decreasing the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; and fourth step of testing whether a required period has elapsed since the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent was adjusted, and if said required period has elapsed performing the following additional steps comprising: resetting a period timer; and testing whether the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent has attained a maximum value, and if the flow rate has not reached a maximum, then increasing the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent, increasing the fuel flow rate, adjusting the ignition timing of said combustible mixture.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
213 words
A method for regulating power output of an internal combustion engine wherein the density of a combustible mixture provided to the cylinders of said engine is selectively enhanced by delivering a supplemental oxidizing agent and additional fuel to said combustible mixture for the cylinders of said engine; said method comprising the following steps: first step of testing for appropriate conditions for commencing delivery of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; second step of commencing delivery of said supplemental oxidizing agent at an initial flow rate which is less than the maximum flow rate when said appropriate conditions have been detected; third step of testing for loss of wheel traction, and decreasing the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent to said combustible mixture; and fourth step of testing whether a required period has elapsed since the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent was adjusted, and if said required period has elapsed performing the following additional steps comprising: resetting a period timer; and testing whether the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent has attained a maximum value, and if the flow rate has not reached a maximum, then increasing the flow rate of said supplemental oxidizing agent, increasing the fuel flow rate, adjusting the ignition timing of said combustible mixture.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
85 words
The method of claim 34 further comprising: fifth step of generating a feedback signal representing the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust from said internal combustion engine, the magnitude of said feedback signal indicating the amount of deviation from an ideal oxygen concentration in said exhaust, and receiving said feedback signal and further adjusting fuel flow in response to said feedback signal, the magnitude of said increase or decrease being responsive to the deviation of the magnitude of said feedback signal from a set point.
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