Dynamic infrared sensor for automotive pre-vaporized fueling control

US6237575A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Engelhard Corporation · US

Inventors

• Jordan Keith Lampert · Ludwigshafen, DE
• Andrian Kouznetsov · Lompoc, US
• Jacob Y. Wong · Lompoc, US
• Ronald M. Heck · Frenchtown, US
• John J. Steger · Pittstown, US
• Arthur B. Robertson · Fryeburg, US
• Jeff H. Moser · White Lake, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 8, 1999
• Grant date: May 29, 2001
• Expiry date: Apr 8, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F02M25/08
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A pre-vaporized fuel system for use in fueling an internal combustion engine is provided with a dynamic infrared sensor. The infrared sensor senses the hydrocarbon content of the vaporized fuel which information is used by the engine control module to control engine fueling to minimize emissions. The infrared source is operated to maintain the pre-vaporized fuel below its lower explosive limit and the thermopile detector electronics is synchronized with the light pulse frequency to develop fast signal responses suitable for fueling control.