Internal-combustion engines – Accessories – Covers – trays – vibrators – corrosion inhibitors – air filters
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-03
2001-10-23
Kamen, Noah P. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Accessories
Covers, trays, vibrators, corrosion inhibitors, air filters
C123S041150
Reexamination Certificate
active
06305344
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the air fuel mixture supplied to an internal combustion engine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the air/fuel mixture to an internal combustion engine during the period of a cooling system failure to extend the operating time of the engine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known in the art of internal combustion engines that extended operation of an internal combustion engine after a cooling system failure will result in excessive engine temperature. When a failure occurs that results in loss of engine coolant or a blockage prevents the circulation of the coolant, the temperature will rise relatively quickly to a level that may result in engine damage. An operator of the vehicle will have a limited time and operating range to drive the vehicle to a location where the cooling system may be repaired to allow normal engine operation. It would be desirable upon the occurrence of a cooling system failure to provide the vehicle with an alternate cooling system independent of the liquid coolant system and/or to extend the safe operating time of the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a method and apparatus for providing an alternate cooling system for an internal combustion engine to allow operation of the internal combustion engine for an extended period of time upon the failure of the primary conventional liquid coolant system (limp home or “camel” mode). The present invention alternately inhibits the fuel supply to different cylinders or groups of cylinders in an internal combustion engine for predetermined time periods so that each of the cylinders or groups of cylinders alternately induct an air/fuel mixture and air. Accordingly, the cylinders will soak or cool while inducting air only. The air fuel ratio of the mixture inducted is controlled by the position of the throttle plate and air/fuel mixture. U.S. Pat. No. 4,473,045 to Bolander et al. describes a method and apparatus for controlling fuel to an engine during coolant failure and is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine subsequent to a coolant system failure.
It is another object to provide an alternate cooling system for an internal combustion engine that may operate without liquid engine coolant.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4473045 (1984-09-01), Bolander et al.
DeVries Christopher
General Motors Corporation
Kamen Noah P.
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