US5337722A — Fuel control and feed system for gas fueled engine

Claim 1

Independent Claim 217 words

A charge forming and induction system for an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an induction system for supplying a charge to said combustion chamber, said induction system comprising a charge forming device having an induction passage communicating at one end with atmospheric air and at another end with said combustion chamber, a throttle valve in said induction passage, means for automatically controlling the position of said throttle valve to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the induction passage in the area of the throttle valve during the running of said engine, a main fuel discharge circuit discharging into said induction passage contiguous to said throttle valve and including a fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied from said main fuel discharge circuit, means for controlling the condition of said fuel control valve in response to the position of said throttle valve, an idle discharge circuit for supplying fuel to said engine downstream of said main fuel discharge circuit, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, means for supplying fuel from said source to said fuel discharge circuits, and means for controlling the fuel/air mixture supplied to at least one of the fuel discharge circuits by selectively adding air to the fuel supplied thereto upstream of said fuel control valve.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 217 words

A charge forming and induction system for an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an induction system for supplying a charge to said combustion chamber, said induction system comprising a charge forming device having an induction passage communicating at one end with atmospheric air and at another end with said combustion chamber, a throttle valve in said induction passage, means for automatically controlling the position of said throttle valve to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the induction passage in the area of the throttle valve during the running of said engine, a main fuel discharge circuit discharging into said induction passage contiguous to said throttle valve and including a fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied from said main fuel discharge circuit, means for controlling the condition of said fuel control valve in response to the position of said throttle valve, an idle discharge circuit for supplying fuel to said engine downstream of said main fuel discharge circuit, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, means for supplying fuel from said source to said fuel discharge circuits, and means for controlling the fuel/air mixture supplied to at least one of the fuel discharge circuits by selectively adding air to the fuel supplied thereto upstream of said fuel control valve.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 46 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for supplying fuel from the source to the fuel discharge circuits includes means for effecting vaporization of the fuel and regulation of the pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 26 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 2 wherein the pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuits is below atmospheric pressure.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 30 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 1 further including a further fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied to the main fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 27 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 4 wherein the further fuel control valve is adjusted to compensate for the type of gaseous fuel burned.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 24 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 4 wherein the further fuel control valve is adjusted in response to an engine condition.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 31 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the air fuel ratio supplied to both circuits is controlled by adding air with the fuel supplied to the circuits.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 44 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 7 further including a quick air bleed valve for supplying air under atmospheric pressure to the fuel discharge circuits for precluding the discharge of fuel from the fuel discharge circuits in response to a condition.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 47 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 1 further including a quick air bleed valve for supplying air under pressure to at least one of the fuel discharge circuits for the discharge of fuel from that one fuel discharge circuit in response to a condition.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 31 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 1 further including means for discontinuing the supply of fuel to the fuel discharge circuits in the event of an extreme deceleration.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 39 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 10 wherein the means for discontinuing the supply of fuel under an extreme deceleration condition comprises a valve for shutting off the flow of fuel to the fuel discharge circuits.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 55 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 11 wherein the means for stopping the supply of fuel to the fuel discharge circuits upon extreme deceleration comprises a quick air bleed valve for supplying air under atmospheric pressure to the fuel discharge circuits for precluding the discharge of fuel from the fuel discharge circuits.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 39 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 1 further including an operator controlled throttle valve for controlling the speed of the engine and further including a bypass circuit bypassing the throttle valve for controlling the idle speed.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 205 words

A charge forming and induction system for an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an induction system for supplying a charge to said combustion chamber, said induction system comprising a charge forming device having an induction passage communicating at one end with atmospheric air and at another end with said combustion chamber, a throttle valve in said induction passage, means for automatically controlling the position of said throttle valve to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the induction passage in the area of the throttle valve during the running of said engine, a main fuel discharge circuit discharging into said induction passage contiguous to said throttle valve and including a fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied from said main fuel discharge circuit, means for controlling the condition of said fuel control valve in response to the position of said throttle valve, an idle discharge circuit for supplying fuel to said engine downstream of said main fuel discharge circuit, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, means for supplying fuel from said source to said fuel discharge circuits, and means for supplying fuel from said source to the engine independently of said charge forming device for enrichment purposes.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 205 words

A charge forming and induction system for an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an induction system for supplying a charge to said combustion chamber, said induction system comprising a charge forming device having an induction passage communicating at one end with atmospheric air and at another end with said combustion chamber, a throttle valve in said induction passage, means for automatically controlling the position of said throttle valve to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the induction passage in the area of the throttle valve during the running of said engine, a main fuel discharge circuit discharging into said induction passage contiguous to said throttle valve and including a fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied from said main fuel discharge circuit, means for controlling the condition of said fuel control valve in response to the position of said throttle valve, an idle discharge circuit for supplying fuel to said engine downstream of said main fuel discharge circuit, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, means for supplying fuel from said source to said fuel discharge circuits, and means for supplying fuel from said source to the engine independently of said charge forming device for enrichment purposes.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 46 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 14 wherein the means for supplying fuel from the source to the fuel control circuits includes means for effecting vaporization of the fuel and regulation oft he pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel control circuits.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 26 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 15 wherein the pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel control circuit is below atmospheric pressure.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 35 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 16 wherein the pressure of the fuel supplied for enrichment purposes is at a higher pressure than the fuel pressure supplied to the charge forming device.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 22 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 14 wherein the enrichment fuel is supplied only after the engine is running.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 27 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 18 wherein the enriching fuel is supplied only if the engine exhaust system is below a predetermined temperature.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 207 words

A charge forming and induction system for an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an induction system for supplying a charge to said combustion chamber, said induction system comprising a charge forming device having an induction passage communicating at one end with atmospheric air and at another end with said combustion chamber, an automatic throttle valve in said induction passage, means for automatically controlling the position of said automatic throttle valve to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the induction passage in the area of the automatic throttle valve during the running of said engine, a fuel discharge circuit discharging into said induction passage and including a fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied from said fuel discharge circuit, means for controlling the condition of said fuel control valve in response to the position of said throttle valve, a manually operated throttle valve downstream of said fuel discharge circuit for controlling the speed of the engine, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, means for supplying fuel from said source to said fuel discharge circuit and means for controlling the fuel/air mixture supplied to said fuel discharge circuit by adding air to the fuel supplied to said fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 207 words

A charge forming and induction system for an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an induction system for supplying a charge to said combustion chamber, said induction system comprising a charge forming device having an induction passage communicating at one end with atmospheric air and at another end with said combustion chamber, an automatic throttle valve in said induction passage, means for automatically controlling the position of said automatic throttle valve to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the induction passage in the area of the automatic throttle valve during the running of said engine, a fuel discharge circuit discharging into said induction passage and including a fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied from said fuel discharge circuit, means for controlling the condition of said fuel control valve in response to the position of said throttle valve, a manually operated throttle valve downstream of said fuel discharge circuit for controlling the speed of the engine, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, means for supplying fuel from said source to said fuel discharge circuit and means for controlling the fuel/air mixture supplied to said fuel discharge circuit by adding air to the fuel supplied to said fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 46 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 20 wherein the means for supplying fuel from the source to the fuel discharge circuit includes means for effecting vaporization of the fuel and regulation of the pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 26 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 21 wherein the pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit is below atmospheric pressure.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 24 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 20 wherein the air is mixed with the fuel upstream of the fuel control valve.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 29 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 23 further including a further fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 27 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 24 wherein the further fuel control valve is adjusted to compensate for the type of gaseous fuel burned.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 24 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 24 wherein the further fuel control valve is adjusted in response to an engine condition.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 31 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 20 further including means for discontinuing the supply of fuel to the fuel discharge circuit in the event of an extreme deceleration.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 39 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 27 wherein the means for discontinuing the supply of fuel under an extreme deceleration condition comprises a valve for shutting off the flow of fuel to the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 55 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 28 wherein the means for stopping the supply of fuel to the fuel discharge circuit upon extreme deceleration comprises a quick air bleed valve for supplying air under atmospheric pressure to the fuel discharge circuit for precluding the discharge of fuel from the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 29 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 20 wherein the air/fuel ratio is adjusted in response to a sensor positioned in an exhaust system of the engine.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 23 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 30 wherein the sensor comprises an oxygen sensor which senses a rich fuel condition.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 58 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 31 further including means for supplying additional fuel to the engine through the induction system on initial starting of the engine and when the oxygen sensor is below its operating temperature for providing an output signal from th oxygen sensor immediately upon the oxygen sensor reaching its operating temperature.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 23 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 32 wherein the additional fuel is not supplied until after the engine is started.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 31 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 33 further including temperature responsive means for precluding the supply of additional fuel when the engine temperature is above a predetermined value.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 29 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 30 further including a further fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 27 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 35 wherein the further fuel control valve is adjusted to compensate for the type of gaseous fuel burned.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 24 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 35 wherein the further fuel control valve is adjusted in response to an engine condition.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 29 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 31 wherein the control of the air/fuel ratio is a feedback control controlled by the output of the oxygen sensor.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 26 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 38 wherein the feedback control is provided at different rates in response to different engine running conditions.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 33 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 39 wherein the feedback control operates faster when the engine is operating on off/idle condition then when the engine is operating at idle condition.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 25 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 39 wherein the rate of feedback control is also changed when the engine is being accelerated.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 31 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 38 wherein the feedback control includes means for precluding the initiation of feedback control until after the sensor reaches its operating condition.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 27 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 42 further including means for testing when the sensor is at an operating condition for initiating feedback control.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 28 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 43 wherein the operating temperature of the sensor is tested by enriching the fuel/air supply supplied to the engine.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 27 words

A charge forming system as set forth in claim 44 wherein the enrichment fuel supply is supplied only if the oxygen sensor is below its operating temperature.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 168 words

A control system for an internal combustion engine for controlling the emission of undesirable exhaust gases, said engine having a combustion chamber and an induction system for drawing atmospheric air and delivering a charge to said combustion chamber, a charge former having a main fuel discharge circuit and another fuel discharge circuit for delivering fuel to said induction system, a fuel control valve for controlling the flow of fuel from said source through at least one of said circuits, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, means for supplying fuel from said source to said charge former, means for selectively adding atmospheric air with the fuel supplied from said source to said charge former upstream of said fuel control valve for varying the air/fuel ratio discharged by said charge former, air/fuel ratio sensor means for sensing the air/fuel ratio of said engine, and means for adjusting the amount of atmospheric air added with the fuel supplied to maintain the desired fuel/air ratio during engine operation.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 168 words

A control system for an internal combustion engine for controlling the emission of undesirable exhaust gases, said engine having a combustion chamber and an induction system for drawing atmospheric air and delivering a charge to said combustion chamber, a charge former having a main fuel discharge circuit and another fuel discharge circuit for delivering fuel to said induction system, a fuel control valve for controlling the flow of fuel from said source through at least one of said circuits, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, means for supplying fuel from said source to said charge former, means for selectively adding atmospheric air with the fuel supplied from said source to said charge former upstream of said fuel control valve for varying the air/fuel ratio discharged by said charge former, air/fuel ratio sensor means for sensing the air/fuel ratio of said engine, and means for adjusting the amount of atmospheric air added with the fuel supplied to maintain the desired fuel/air ratio during engine operation.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 43 words

A system as set forth in claim 46 wherein the means for supplying fuel from the source to the charge former includes means for effecting vaporization of the fuel and regulation of the pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 23 words

A system as set forth in claim 47 wherein the pressure of the fuel supplied to the charge former is below atmospheric pressure.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 26 words

A system as set forth in claim 48 further including a further fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied to the charge former.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 25 words

A system as set forth in claim 49 wherein the further fuel control valve is adjusted to compensate for the type of gaseous fuel burned.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 22 words

A system as set forth in claim 49 wherein the further fuel control valve is adjusted in response to an engine condition.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 28 words

A system as set forth in claim 46 wherein the fuel charge former other fuel discharge circuit comprises an idle discharge circuit supplied with fuel from the source.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 29 words

A system as set forth in claim 52 wherein the air fuel ratio supplied to both circuits is controlled by adding air with the fuel supplied to the circuits.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 40 words

A system as set forth in claim 46 further including a quick air bleed valve for supplying air under atmospheric pressure to the charge former for precluding the discharge of fuel from the charge former in response to a condition.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 28 words

A system as set forth in claim 46 further including means for discontinuing the supply of fuel to the charge former in the event of an extreme deceleration.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 36 words

A system as set forth in claim 55 wherein the means for discontinuing the supply of fuel under an extreme deceleration condition comprises a valve for shutting off the flow of fuel to the charge former.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 52 words

A system as set forth in claim 56 wherein the means for stopping the supply of fuel to the charge former upon extreme deceleration comprises a quick air bleed valve for supplying air under atmospheric pressure to the fuel discharge circuit for precluding the discharge of fuel from the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 23 words

A system as set forth in claim 46 wherein the air/fuel ratio sensor comprises an oxygen sensor which senses a rich fuel/air condition.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 56 words

A system as set forth in claim 58 further including means for supplying additional fuel to the engine through the induction system on initial starting of the engine and when the oxygen sensor is below its operating temperature for providing an output signal from the oxygen sensor immediately upon the oxygen sensor reaching its operating temperature.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 22 words

A system as set forth in claim 59 where in the additional fuel is not supplied until after the engine is started.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 28 words

A system as set forth in claim 60 further including temperature responsive means for precluding the supply of additional fuel when the temperature is above a predetermined value.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 27 words

A system as set forth in claim 58 wherein the control of the air/fuel ratio is a feedback control controlled by the output of the oxygen sensor.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 24 words

A system as set forth in claim 62 wherein the feedback control is provided at different rates in response to different engine running conditions.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 31 words

A system as set forth in claim 63 wherein the feedback control operates faster when the engine is operating on off/idle condition then when the engine is operating at idle condition.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 23 words

A system as set forth in claim 63 wherein the rate of feedback control is also changed when the engine is being accelerated.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 30 words

A system as set forth in claim 62 wherein the feedback control includes means for precluding the initiation of feedback control until after the oxygen sensor reaches its operating condition.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 28 words

A system forming system as set forth in claim 66 further including means for testing when the oxygen sensor is at an operating condition for initiating feedback control.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 28 words

A system as set forth in claim 67 wherein the operating temperature of the oxygen sensor is tested by enriching the fuel air supply supplied to the engine.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 25 words

A system as set forth in claim 68 wherein the enrichment fuel supply is supplied only if the oxygen sensor is below its operating temperature.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 29 words

A system as set forth in claim 46 further including means for supplying fuel from the source to the engine independently of the charge forming device for enrichment purposes.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 43 words

A system as set forth in claim 70 wherein the means for supplying fuel from the source to the charge former includes means for effecting vaporization of the fuel and regulation of the pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel control circuit.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 23 words

A system as set forth in claim 71 wherein the pressure of the fuel supplied to the charge former is below atmospheric pressure.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 181 words

A control system for an internal combustion engine for controlling the emission of undesirable exhaust gases, said engine having a combustion chamber and an induction system for drawing atmospheric air and delivering a charge to said combustion chamber, a charge former for delivering fuel to said induction system, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, means for supplying fuel from said source to said charge former including means for effecting vaporization of the fuel and regulation of the pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit at a below atmospheric pressure, means for selectively adding atmospheric air with the fuel supplied from said source to said charge former for varying the air/fuel ratio discharged by said charge former, air/fuel ratio sensor means for sensing the air/fuel ratio of said engine, and means for adjusting the amount of atmospheric air added with the fuel supplied to maintain the desired fuel/air ratio during engine operation, the pressure of the fuel supplied for enrichment purposes being at a higher pressure than the fuel pressure supplied to the charge former.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 181 words

A control system for an internal combustion engine for controlling the emission of undesirable exhaust gases, said engine having a combustion chamber and an induction system for drawing atmospheric air and delivering a charge to said combustion chamber, a charge former for delivering fuel to said induction system, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, means for supplying fuel from said source to said charge former including means for effecting vaporization of the fuel and regulation of the pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit at a below atmospheric pressure, means for selectively adding atmospheric air with the fuel supplied from said source to said charge former for varying the air/fuel ratio discharged by said charge former, air/fuel ratio sensor means for sensing the air/fuel ratio of said engine, and means for adjusting the amount of atmospheric air added with the fuel supplied to maintain the desired fuel/air ratio during engine operation, the pressure of the fuel supplied for enrichment purposes being at a higher pressure than the fuel pressure supplied to the charge former.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 20 words

A system as set forth in claim 70 wherein the enrichment fuel is supplied only after the engine is running.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 24 words

A system as set forth in claim 74 wherein the enrichment fuel is supplied only if the oxygen sensor is below its operating temperature.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 158 words

An emission control system for an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an exhaust system for discharging exhaust gases from said combustion chamber to the atmosphere, an oxygen sensor in said exhaust system for sensing a rich fuel/air condition in the exhaust gases of said engine, an induction system including charge forming means for supplying a fuel/air mixture into said combustion chamber for combustion therein, means for controlling said charge former from the signal of said oxygen sensor for maintaining a desired fuel/air ratio for exhaust emission control, means for providing a rich fuel/air mixture to said combustion chamber during initial engine operation for testing when said oxygen sensor is operative to supply a signal indicative of a rich fuel condition, and means for thereafter controlling the supply of fuel/air mixture by said oxygen sensor by selectively adding air with the fuel supplied upstream of the discharge point a fuel discharge circuit of said charge former means.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 158 words

An emission control system for an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an exhaust system for discharging exhaust gases from said combustion chamber to the atmosphere, an oxygen sensor in said exhaust system for sensing a rich fuel/air condition in the exhaust gases of said engine, an induction system including charge forming means for supplying a fuel/air mixture into said combustion chamber for combustion therein, means for controlling said charge former from the signal of said oxygen sensor for maintaining a desired fuel/air ratio for exhaust emission control, means for providing a rich fuel/air mixture to said combustion chamber during initial engine operation for testing when said oxygen sensor is operative to supply a signal indicative of a rich fuel condition, and means for thereafter controlling the supply of fuel/air mixture by said oxygen sensor by selectively adding air with the fuel supplied upstream of the discharge point a fuel discharge circuit of said charge former means.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 34 words

A system as set forth in claim 76 wherein the fuel of the fuel/air mixture is a gaseous fuel supplied from a source wherein the gaseous fuel is stored under pressure as a liquid.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 34 words

A system as set forth in claim 77 wherein the means for supplying fuel from the source includes means for effecting vaporization of the fuel and regulation of the pressure of the fuel supplied.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 19 words

A system as set forth in claim 78 wherein the pressure of the fuel supplied is below atmospheric pressure.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 27 words

A system as set forth in claim 76 further including a further fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 24 words

A system as set forth in claim 80 wherein the further fuel control valve is adjusted to compensate for the type of fuel burned.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 22 words

A system as set forth in claim 80 wherein the further fuel control valve is adjusted in response to an engine condition.

Claim 89

Independent Claim 208 words

A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an induction system for supplying a charge to said combustion chamber, said induction system comprising a charge forming device having an induction passage communicating at one end with atmospheric air and at another end with said combustion chamber, a throttle valve in said induction passage, means for automatically controlling the position of said throttle valve to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the induction passage in the area of the throttle valve during the running of said engine, a main fuel discharge circuit discharging into said induction passage and including a fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied from said main fuel discharge circuit, means for controlling the condition of said fuel control valve in response to the position of said throttle valve, an idle discharge circuit for supplying fuel to the engine downstream of said main fuel discharge circuit and a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, said method comprising the steps of supplying fuel from said source to said fuel discharge circuits and controlling the fuel/air mixture supplied to the fuel discharge circuit by selectively adding air with the fuel supplied thereto upstream of the fuel control valve.

Claim 90

Independent Claim 208 words

A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an induction system for supplying a charge to said combustion chamber, said induction system comprising a charge forming device having an induction passage communicating at one end with atmospheric air and at another end with said combustion chamber, a throttle valve in said induction passage, means for automatically controlling the position of said throttle valve to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the induction passage in the area of the throttle valve during the running of said engine, a main fuel discharge circuit discharging into said induction passage and including a fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied from said main fuel discharge circuit, means for controlling the condition of said fuel control valve in response to the position of said throttle valve, an idle discharge circuit for supplying fuel to the engine downstream of said main fuel discharge circuit and a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, said method comprising the steps of supplying fuel from said source to said fuel discharge circuits and controlling the fuel/air mixture supplied to the fuel discharge circuit by selectively adding air with the fuel supplied thereto upstream of the fuel control valve.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 32 words

A method as set forth in claim 83 further including the steps of effecting vaporization of the fuel and regulating of the pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuits.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 25 words

A method as set forth in claim 84 wherein the regulated pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit is below atmospheric pressure.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 25 words

A method as set forth in claim 83 further including the step of controlling the amount of fuel supplied to the main fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 23 words

A method as set forth in claim 86 wherein the fuel control is adjusted to compensate for the type of gaseous fuel burned.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 20 words

A method as set forth in claim 86 wherein the fuel control is adjusted in response to an engine condition.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 29 words

A method as set forth in claim 83 wherein the air fuel ratio supplied to both circuits is controlled by adding air with the fuel supplied to the circuits.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 28 words

A method as set forth in claim 89 further including the step of precluding the discharge of fuel from the fuel discharge circuits in response to a condition.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 30 words

A method as set forth in claim 83 further including the step of discontinuing the supply of fuel to the fuel discharge circuits in the event of an extreme deceleration.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 34 words

A method as set forth in claim 91 wherein discontinuing of the supply of fuel under an extreme deceleration condition is accomplished by shutting off the flow of fuel to the fuel discharge circuits.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 48 words

A method as set forth in claim 92 wherein the stopping of the supply of fuel to the fuel discharge circuit upon extreme deceleration is accomplished by supplying air under atmospheric pressure to the fuel discharge circuits for precluding the discharge of fuel from the fuel discharge circuits.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 36 words

A method as set forth in claim 83 further including an operator controlled throttle valve for controlling the speed of the engine and the method further comprises bypassing the throttle valve for controlling the idle speed.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 28 words

A method as set forth in claim 83 wherein the air/fuel ratio is adjusted in response to sensing of a condition in an exhaust system of the engine.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 20 words

A method as set forth in claim 95 wherein the sensed condition comprises the amount of oxygen in the exhaust.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 57 words

A method as set forth in claim 96 further including the step of supplying additional fuel to the engine through the induction system on initial starting of the engine and when the oxygen sensor is below its operating temperature for providing an output signal from the oxygen sensor immediately upon the oxygen sensor reaching its operating temperature.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 21 words

A method as set forth in claim 97 wherein the additional fuel is not supplied until after the engine is started.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 24 words

A method as set forth in claim 97 further including precluding the supply of additional fuel when the temperature is above a predetermined value.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 24 words

A method as set forth in claim 99 further including the step of controlling the amount of fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 23 words

A method as set forth in claim 100 wherein the fuel control is adjusted to compensate for the type of gaseous fuel burned.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 21 words

A method as set forth in claim 100 wherein the fuel control valve is adjusted in response to an engine condition.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 39 words

A method as set forth in claim 102 further including the step of supplying air under atmospheric pressure to the fuel discharge circuit for precluding the discharge of fuel from the fuel discharge circuit in response to a condition.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 25 words

A method as set forth in claim 96 wherein the control of the air/fuel ratio is a feedback control controlled by the amount of oxygen.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 24 words

A method as set forth in claim 104 wherein the feedback control is provided at different rates in response to different engine running conditions.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 31 words

A method as set forth in claim 105 wherein the feedback control operates faster when the engine is operating on off/idle condition then when the engine is operating at idle condition.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 23 words

A method as set forth in claim 105 wherein the rate of feedback control is also changed when the engine is being accelerated.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 27 words

A method as set forth in claim 104 wherein the feedback control is not initiated until after a sensor for sensing the oxygen reaches its operating condition.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 26 words

A method as set forth in claim 104 further including the step of testing when the sensor is at an operating condition for initiating feedback control.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 27 words

A method as set forth in claim 109 wherein the operating temperature of the sensor is tested by enriching the fuel air supply supplied to the engine.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 26 words

A method system as set forth in claim 110 wherein the enrichment fuel supply is supplied only if the oxygen sensor is below its operating temperature.

Claim 119

Independent Claim 200 words

A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an induction system for supplying a charge to said combustion chamber, said induction system comprising a charge forming device having an induction passage communicating at one end with atmospheric air and at another end with said combustion chamber, a throttle valve in said induction passage, means for automatically controlling the position of said throttle valve to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the induction passage in the area of the throttle valve during the running of said engine, a main fuel discharge circuit discharging into said induction passage and including a fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied from said main fuel discharge circuit, means for controlling the condition of said fuel control valve in response to the position of said throttle valve, an idle discharge circuit for supplying fuel to the engine downstream of said main fuel discharge circuit and a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, said method comprising the steps of supplying fuel from said source to said fuel discharge circuits and supplying fuel from the source to the engine independently of the charge forming device for enrichment purposes.

Claim 120

Independent Claim 200 words

A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an induction system for supplying a charge to said combustion chamber, said induction system comprising a charge forming device having an induction passage communicating at one end with atmospheric air and at another end with said combustion chamber, a throttle valve in said induction passage, means for automatically controlling the position of said throttle valve to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the induction passage in the area of the throttle valve during the running of said engine, a main fuel discharge circuit discharging into said induction passage and including a fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied from said main fuel discharge circuit, means for controlling the condition of said fuel control valve in response to the position of said throttle valve, an idle discharge circuit for supplying fuel to the engine downstream of said main fuel discharge circuit and a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, said method comprising the steps of supplying fuel from said source to said fuel discharge circuits and supplying fuel from the source to the engine independently of the charge forming device for enrichment purposes.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 32 words

A method as set forth in claim 112 further including the steps of effecting vaporization of the fuel and regulation of the pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 24 words

A method as set forth in claim 113 wherein the pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit is below atmospheric pressure.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 33 words

A method as set forth in claim 114 wherein the pressure of the fuel supplied for enrichment purposes is at a higher pressure than the fuel pressure supplied to the charge forming device.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 20 words

A method as set forth in claim 112 wherein the enrichment fuel is supplied only after the engine is running.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 24 words

A method as set forth in claim 116 wherein the enriching fuel is supplied only if engine exhaust system is below a predetermined temperature.

Claim 126

Independent Claim 198 words

A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an induction system for supplying a charge to said combustion chamber, said induction system comprising a charge forming device having an induction passage communicating at one end with atmospheric air and at another end with said combustion chamber, an automatic throttle valve in said induction passage, means for automatically controlling the position of said automatic throttle valve to maintain a substantially constant pressure in said induction passage at said automatic throttle valve during the running of said engine, a fuel discharge circuit discharging into said induction passage and including a fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied from said fuel discharge circuit, means for controlling the condition of said fuel control valve in response to the position of said throttle valve, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, a manually operated throttle valve downstream of said fuel discharge circuit for controlling the speed of the engine, said method comprising the step of supplying fuel from said source to said fuel discharge circuit and controlling the air/fuel ratio by selectively adding air to the fuel supplied to said fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 127

Independent Claim 198 words

A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an induction system for supplying a charge to said combustion chamber, said induction system comprising a charge forming device having an induction passage communicating at one end with atmospheric air and at another end with said combustion chamber, an automatic throttle valve in said induction passage, means for automatically controlling the position of said automatic throttle valve to maintain a substantially constant pressure in said induction passage at said automatic throttle valve during the running of said engine, a fuel discharge circuit discharging into said induction passage and including a fuel control valve for controlling the amount of fuel supplied from said fuel discharge circuit, means for controlling the condition of said fuel control valve in response to the position of said throttle valve, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, a manually operated throttle valve downstream of said fuel discharge circuit for controlling the speed of the engine, said method comprising the step of supplying fuel from said source to said fuel discharge circuit and controlling the air/fuel ratio by selectively adding air to the fuel supplied to said fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 128

Dependent Claim 31 words

A method as set forth in claim 118 further including the steps of effecting vaporization of the fuel and regulating the pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 129

Dependent Claim 25 words

A method as set forth in claim 119 wherein the regulated pressure of the fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit is below atmospheric pressure.

Claim 130

Dependent Claim 22 words

A method as set forth in claim 118 wherein the air is added with the fuel upstream of the fuel control valve.

Claim 131

Dependent Claim 24 words

A method as set forth in claim 119 further including the step of controlling the amount of fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 132

Dependent Claim 23 words

A method as set forth in claim 122 wherein the fuel control is adjusted to compensate for the type of gaseous fuel burned.

Claim 133

Dependent Claim 20 words

A method as set forth in claim 122 wherein the fuel control is adjusted in response to an engine condition.

Claim 134

Dependent Claim 30 words

A method as set forth in claim 118 further including the step of discontinuing the supply of fuel to the fuel discharge circuit in the event of an extreme deceleration.

Claim 135

Dependent Claim 34 words

A method as set forth in claim 125 wherein discontinuing of the supply of fuel under an extreme deceleration condition is accomplished by shutting off the flow of fuel to the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 136

Dependent Claim 48 words

A method as set forth in claim 126 wherein the stopping of the supply of fuel to the fuel discharge circuit upon extreme deceleration is accomplished by supplying air under atmospheric pressure to the fuel discharge circuit for precluding the discharge of fuel from the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 137

Dependent Claim 28 words

A method as set forth in claim 118 wherein the air/fuel ratio is adjusted in response to sensing of a condition in an exhaust system of the engine.

Claim 138

Dependent Claim 26 words

A method as set forth in claim 128 wherein the sensed condition comprises the amount of oxygen in the exhaust as sensed by an oxygen sensor.

Claim 139

Dependent Claim 57 words

A method as set forth in claim 129 further including the step of supplying additional fuel to the engine through the induction system on initial starting of the engine and when the oxygen sensor is below its operating temperature for providing an output signal from the oxygen sensor immediately upon the oxygen sensor reaching its operating temperature.

Claim 140

Dependent Claim 21 words

A method as set forth in claim 130 wherein the additional fuel is not supplied until after the engine is started.

Claim 141

Dependent Claim 24 words

A method as set forth in claim 130 further including precluding the supply of additional fuel when the temperature is above a predetermined value.

Claim 142

Dependent Claim 27 words

A method as set forth in claim 129 wherein the control of the air/fuel ratio is a feedback control controlled by the output of the oxygen sensor.

Claim 143

Dependent Claim 24 words

A method as set forth in claim 133 wherein the feedback control is provided at different rates in response to different engine running conditions.

Claim 144

Dependent Claim 31 words

A method as set forth in claim 134 wherein the feedback control operates faster when the engine is operating on off/idle condition then when th engine is operating at idle condition.

Claim 145

Dependent Claim 23 words

A method as set forth in claim 134 wherein the rate of feedback control is also changed when the engine is being accelerated.

Claim 146

Dependent Claim 23 words

A method as set forth in claim 133 wherein the feedback control is not initiated until after the sensor reaches its operating condition.

Claim 147

Dependent Claim 26 words

A method as set forth in claim 137 further including the step of testing when the sensor is at an operating condition for initiating feedback control.

Claim 148

Dependent Claim 26 words

A method as set forth in claim 138 wherein the operating temperature of the sensor is tested by enriching the fuel/air supply supplied to the engine.

Claim 149

Dependent Claim 26 words

A method as set forth in claim 139 wherein the enrichment fuel supply is supplied only if the oxygen sensor is below its operating temperature. PG,90

Claim 150

Dependent Claim 164 words

A control system for an internal combustion engine for controlling the emission of undesirable exhaust gases, said engine having a combustion chamber and an induction system for drawing atmospheric air and delivering a charge to said combustion chamber, a charge former having a main fuel discharge circuit and another discharge circuit for delivering fuel to said induction system, a fuel control valve for controlling the flow of fuel from said fuel source through at least one of said circuits, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, means for supplying fuel from said source to said charge former, means for selectively adding atmospheric air with the fuel supplied from said source to said charge former upstream of said fuel control valve for varying the air/fuel ratio discharged by said charge former, said system comprising sensing the air/fuel ratio of said engine, and adjusting the amount of atmospheric air added with the fuel supply to provide the desired fuel/air ratio during engine operation.

Claim 151

Dependent Claim 164 words

A control system for an internal combustion engine for controlling the emission of undesirable exhaust gases, said engine having a combustion chamber and an induction system for drawing atmospheric air and delivering a charge to said combustion chamber, a charge former having a main fuel discharge circuit and another discharge circuit for delivering fuel to said induction system, a fuel control valve for controlling the flow of fuel from said fuel source through at least one of said circuits, a source of gaseous fuel under pressure as a liquid, means for supplying fuel from said source to said charge former, means for selectively adding atmospheric air with the fuel supplied from said source to said charge former upstream of said fuel control valve for varying the air/fuel ratio discharged by said charge former, said system comprising sensing the air/fuel ratio of said engine, and adjusting the amount of atmospheric air added with the fuel supply to provide the desired fuel/air ratio during engine operation.

Claim 152

Dependent Claim 29 words

A system as set forth in claim 141 wherein the fuel from the source is vaporized and pressure regulated before the fuel is supplied to the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 153

Dependent Claim 23 words

A system as set forth in claim 142 wherein the pressure of the fuel supplied to the charge former is below atmospheric pressure.

Claim 154

Dependent Claim 20 words

A system as set forth in claim 143 further including controlling the amount of fuel supplied to the charge former.

Claim 155

Dependent Claim 23 words

A system as set forth in claim 144 wherein the fuel control is adjusted to compensate for the type of gaseous fuel burned.

Claim 156

Dependent Claim 20 words

A system as set forth in claim 144 wherein the fuel control is adjusted in response to an engine condition.

Claim 157

Dependent Claim 28 words

A system as set forth in claim 141 wherein the fuel charge former other fuel discharge circuit comprises and idle discharge circuit supplied with fuel from the source.

Claim 158

Dependent Claim 29 words

A system as set forth in claim 147 wherein the air fuel ratio supplied to both circuits is controlled by adding air with the fuel supplied to the circuits.

Claim 159

Dependent Claim 34 words

A system as set forth in claim 141 further including supplying air under atmospheric pressure to the charge former for precluding the discharge of fuel from the charge former in response to a condition.

Claim 160

Dependent Claim 26 words

A system as set forth in claim 141 further including discontinuing the supply of fuel to the charge former in the event of an extreme deceleration.

Claim 161

Dependent Claim 34 words

A system as set forth in claim 150 wherein the discontinuing of the supply of fuel under an extreme deceleration condition is done by shutting off the flow of fuel to the charge former.

Claim 162

Dependent Claim 41 words

A system as set forth in claim 151 wherein the means for stopping the supply of fuel is done by supplying air under atmospheric pressure to the fuel discharge circuit for precluding the discharge of fuel from the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 163

Dependent Claim 23 words

A system as set forth in claim 141 wherein the air/fuel ratio sensor comprises an oxygen sensor which senses a rich fuel condition.

Claim 164

Dependent Claim 54 words

A system as set forth in claim 153 further including supplying additional fuel to the engine through the induction system on initial starting of the engine and when the oxygen sensor is below its operating temperature for providing an output signal from the oxygen sensor immediately upon the oxygen sensor reaching its operating temperature.

Claim 165

Dependent Claim 21 words

A system as set forth in claim 154 wherein the additional fuel is not supplied until after the engine is started.

Claim 166

Dependent Claim 24 words

A system as set forth in claim 155 further including precluding the supply of additional fuel when the temperature is above a predetermined value.

Claim 167

Dependent Claim 27 words

A system as set forth in claim 153 wherein the control of the air/fuel ratio is a feedback control controlled by the output of the oxygen sensor.

Claim 168

Dependent Claim 24 words

A system as set forth in claim 157 wherein the feedback control is provided at different rates in response to different engine running conditions.

Claim 169

Dependent Claim 31 words

A system as set forth in claim 158 wherein the feedback control operates faster when the engine is operating on off/idle condition then when the engine is operating at idle condition.

Claim 170

Dependent Claim 23 words

A system as set forth in claim 158 wherein the rate of feedback control is also changed when the engine is being accelerated.

Claim 171

Dependent Claim 26 words

A system as set forth in claim 157 wherein the the initiation of feedback control is precluded until after the oxygen sensor reaches its operating condition.

Claim 172

Dependent Claim 26 words

A system forming system as set forth in claim 161 further including testing when the oxygen sensor is at an operating condition for initiating feedback control.

Claim 173

Dependent Claim 28 words

A system as set forth in claim 162 wherein the operating temperature of the oxygen sensor is tested by enriching the fuel air supply supplied to the engine.

Claim 174

Dependent Claim 25 words

A system as set forth in claim 163 wherein the enrichment fuel supply is supplied only if the oxygen sensor is below its operating temperature.

Claim 175

Dependent Claim 27 words

A system as set forth in claim 141 further including supplying fuel from the source to the engine independently of the charge forming device for enrichment purposes.

Claim 176

Dependent Claim 26 words

A system as set forth in claim 165 wherein the fuel supplied from the source to the charge former is first vaporized and its pressure regulated.

Claim 177

Dependent Claim 23 words

A system as set forth in claim 166 wherein the pressure of the fuel supplied to the charge former is below atmospheric pressure.

Claim 178

Dependent Claim 32 words

A system as set forth in claim 167 wherein the pressure of the fuel supplied for enrichment purposes is at a higher pressure that the fuel pressure supplied to the charge former.

Claim 179

Dependent Claim 20 words

A system as set forth in claim 165 wherein the enrichment fuel is supplied only after the engine is running.

Claim 180

Dependent Claim 24 words

A system as set forth in claim 169 wherein the enrichment fuel is supplied only if the oxygen sensor is below its operating temperature.

Claim 181

Dependent Claim 153 words

An emission control system for an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an exhaust system for discharging exhaust gases from said combustion chamber to the atmosphere, an oxygen sensor in said exhaust system for sensing a rich fuel condition in the exhaust gases of said engine, an induction system including charge forming means for supplying a fuel/air mixture into said combustion chamber for combustion therein, means for controlling said charge former from the signal of said oxygen sensor for maintaining a desired fuel/air ratio for exhaust emission control, said system comprising providing a rich fuel/air mixture to said combustion chamber during initial engine operation for testing when said oxygen sensor is operative to supply a signal indicative of a rich fuel condition, and thereafter controlling the supply of fuel/air mixture by said oxygen sensor by mixing air with the fuel supplied upstream of a fuel discharge circuit of the charge former means.

Claim 182

Dependent Claim 153 words

An emission control system for an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber, an exhaust system for discharging exhaust gases from said combustion chamber to the atmosphere, an oxygen sensor in said exhaust system for sensing a rich fuel condition in the exhaust gases of said engine, an induction system including charge forming means for supplying a fuel/air mixture into said combustion chamber for combustion therein, means for controlling said charge former from the signal of said oxygen sensor for maintaining a desired fuel/air ratio for exhaust emission control, said system comprising providing a rich fuel/air mixture to said combustion chamber during initial engine operation for testing when said oxygen sensor is operative to supply a signal indicative of a rich fuel condition, and thereafter controlling the supply of fuel/air mixture by said oxygen sensor by mixing air with the fuel supplied upstream of a fuel discharge circuit of the charge former means.

Claim 183

Dependent Claim 34 words

A system as set forth in claim 171 wherein the fuel of the fuel/air mixture is a gaseous fuel supplied from a source wherein the gaseous fuel is stored under pressure as a liquid.

Claim 184

Dependent Claim 23 words

A system as set forth in claim 172 further effecting vaporization of the fuel and regulation of the pressure of the fuel supplied.

Claim 185

Dependent Claim 19 words

A system as set forth in claim 173 wherein the pressure of the fuel supplied is below atmospheric pressure.

Claim 186

Dependent Claim 21 words

A system as set forth in claim 171 further including controlling the amount of fuel supplied to the fuel discharge circuit.

Claim 187

Dependent Claim 23 words

A system as set forth in claim 175 wherein the fuel control valve is adjusted to compensate for the type of fuel burned.

Claim 188

Dependent Claim 20 words

A system as set forth in claim 175 wherein the fuel control is adjusted in response to an engine condition.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1997-08-15	1998-02-14	1998-08-16	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2001-08-15	2002-02-14	2002-08-16	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2005-08-15	2006-02-14	2006-08-16	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Fuel control and feed system for gas fueled engine

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