US5321979A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Engine position detection using manifold pressure
Assignee: MULTIPLE OR NON GM ASSIGNEE
•
Filing: 1993-03-15
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Granted: 1994-06-21
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Expires: 2013-03-15
Abstract
Abstract The absolute angular position of an internal combustion engine is determined by monitoring engine intake manifold pressure at a strategic position in the manifold affected most significantly by the intake event of a predetermined cylinder. A significant or maximum depression in manifold pressure over each engine cycle then is indicative of the intake stroke of the predetermined cylinder.
Inventors
- 👤 David G. Mc Kendry
- 👤 Kenneth D. Leininger
- 👤 Mark G. Thomas
- 👤 Matthew T. Hamilton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 09:45
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01L; G01L23/00; G01L23/26; G01L23/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for sensing an intake stroke of a predetermined cylinder in an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and having an air intake manifold, comprising the steps of: sensing air pressure at a predetermined location in the air intake manifold in proximity to an air intake path to the predetermined cylinder; generating a signal representative of the sensed air pressure; and sensing the intake stroke of the predetermined cylinder when the signal is at a minimum value.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
80 words
A method for sensing an intake stroke of a predetermined cylinder in an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and having an air intake manifold, comprising the steps of: sensing air pressure at a predetermined location in the air intake manifold in proximity to an air intake path to the predetermined cylinder; generating a signal representative of the sensed air pressure; and sensing the intake stroke of the predetermined cylinder when the signal is at a minimum value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: periodically measuring the magnitude of the generated signal during an engine cycle, and wherein the intake stroke sensing step senses the intake stroke of the predetermined cylinder when the lowest pressure signal is measured.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: sensing engine speed; and comparing engine speed to a predetermined engine speed range, and wherein the intake stroke sensing step senses the intake stroke of the predetermined cylinder when the engine speed is within the predetermined engine speed range and the pressure signal is at a minimum value.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: measuring the magnitude of the generated signal during the intake strokes of a multiplicity of the engine cylinders including the predetermined cylinder, and wherein the intake stroke sensing step senses the intake stroke of the predetermined cylinder when a minimum magnitude is measured.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for determining when an engine having an intake manifold is at a predetermined operating angle within an engine cycle, comprising the steps of: sensing air pressure in the intake manifold at a predetermined position in proximity to an air intake of a predetermined cylinder; determining when the sensed air pressure is at a minimum pressure over the engine cycle; and determining the engine to be at the predetermined operating angle when the sensed air pressure is at the minimum pressure.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for determining when an engine having an intake manifold is at a predetermined operating angle within an engine cycle, comprising the steps of: sensing air pressure in the intake manifold at a predetermined position in proximity to an air intake of a predetermined cylinder; determining when the sensed air pressure is at a minimum pressure over the engine cycle; and determining the engine to be at the predetermined operating angle when the sensed air pressure is at the minimum pressure.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
88 words
An apparatus for sensing an intake stroke of a predetermined cylinder in an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and having an air intake manifold, comprising: a pressure sensor for sensing air pressure in the engine intake manifold at a predetermined position in proximity to an intake air path to the predetermined cylinder; signal generating means for generating a signal representative of the sensed air pressure; and means for sensing the intake stroke of the predetermined cylinder when the pressure signal is at a minimum value.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
88 words
An apparatus for sensing an intake stroke of a predetermined cylinder in an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders and having an air intake manifold, comprising: a pressure sensor for sensing air pressure in the engine intake manifold at a predetermined position in proximity to an intake air path to the predetermined cylinder; signal generating means for generating a signal representative of the sensed air pressure; and means for sensing the intake stroke of the predetermined cylinder when the pressure signal is at a minimum value.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: means for periodically measuring the magnitude of the generated signal over an engine cycle, and wherein the intake stroke sensing means senses the intake stroke of the predetermined cylinder when a minimum magnitude is measured.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
60 words
The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: means for sensing engine speed; and means for comparing engine speed to a predetermined engine speed range, and wherein the intake stroke sensing means includes means for sensing the intake stroke of the predetermined cylinder when the engine speed is within the predetermined range and the pressure signal is at a minimum value.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: means for measuring the magnitude of the generated signal during the air intake event of a multiplicity of engine cylinders including the predetermined cylinder, and wherein the intake stroke sensing means includes means for sensing the intake stroke of the predetermined cylinder when a minimum magnitude is measured.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-06-20 | 1997-12-20 | 1998-06-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-06-20 | 2001-12-20 | 2002-06-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-06-20 | 2005-12-20 | 2006-06-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |