Peter L Palmer

US Patent:

6845760, Jan 25, 2005

Filed:

Jan 15, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/758445

Inventors:

Jan-Roger Linna - Boston MA, US
Peter Palmer - Carson City NV, US
John Paul Mello - Belmont MA, US
Stuart Bennett Sprague - Oakland CA, US

Assignee:

Chrysalis Technologies Incorporated - Richmond VA

International Classification:

F02M 5100

US Classification:

123480, 123478, 123445

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for improving the transient response of a spark-ignited fuel-injected internal combustion engine is disclosed. This is accomplished by employing one or more novel capillary fuel injectors. These devices are port fuel injectors modified by inserting one or more relatively small diameter heated tubular capillaries between the fuel line and a conventional injector. Sufficient heating can be produced so that flash vaporization occurs as the fuel exits the injector. The heaters are turned on using control algorithms that can be based on exhaust gas oxygen concentration, load on the engine, and accelerator pedal position.

US Patent:

6953024, Oct 11, 2005

Filed:

Aug 19, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/223573

Inventors:

Jan-Roger Linna - Boston MA, US
Robert Bowyer - Cambridge, GB
Bernard J. Challen - Sussex, GB
John Paul Mello - Arlington MA, US
Peter Palmer - Carson City NV, US
Richard Stobart - Cambridge MA, US

Assignee:

Tiax LLC - Cambridge MA

International Classification:

F02M007/00

US Classification:

123435, 123419

Abstract:

A method of controlling combustion in an homogenous charge compression ignition engine through indirect mechanisms. The method utilizes a predictive model so that combustion can be controlled over a wide range of operating conditions while maintaining optimum operation with respect to efficiency and emissions. The methods include an adaptive aspect, which allows the predictive model to be updated if deemed necessary. Furthermore, the methods include a model with a plurality of control modes. A control mode can be chosen to optimize the engine for one of a plurality of output characteristics, including response time, efficiency, or emissions characteristics.

US Patent:

7137383, Nov 21, 2006

Filed:

Oct 19, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/968386

Inventors:

Jan-Roger Linna - Boston MA, US
John Baron - Lexington MA, US
Roberto O. Pellizzari - Groton MA, US
Peter Loftus - Cambridge MA, US
Peter Palmer - Waltham MA, US
John Paul Mello - Belmont MA, US
Stuart Bennett Sprague - Somerville MA, US

Assignee:

Philip Morris USA Inc. - Richmond VA

International Classification:

F02M 51/00

US Classification:

123549

Abstract:

A fuel injector for vaporizing a liquid fuel for use in an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector includes at least one capillary flow passage, a heat source arranged along the at least one capillary flow passage, the heat source operable to heat the liquid fuel in the at least one capillary flow passage to a level sufficient to change at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and deliver a stream of substantially vaporized fuel from the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage; and a valve for metering fuel to the internal combustion engine, the valve located proximate to the outlet end of the at least one capillary flow passage, the valve including a low mass member for substantially occluding the stream of fuel to the internal combustion engine; wherein the low mass member for substantially occluding the stream of fuel to the internal combustion engine is formed of a material having low mass and or a low coefficient of thermal conductivity. The fuel injector is effective in reducing cold-start and warm-up emissions of an internal combustion engine.

US Patent:

7237539, Jul 3, 2007

Filed:

Oct 28, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/975304

Inventors:

John Paul Mello - Newton MA, US
Peter Palmer - Carson City NV, US
Jan-Roger Linna - Boston MA, US

Assignee:

Philip Morris USA Inc. - Richmond VA

International Classification:

F02D 41/06

US Classification:

123549

Abstract:

A method for controlling a fuel system of an internal combustion engine. The method is employed with a fuel system having a source of alcohol-containing liquid fuel, at least one fuel injector, a heat source for heating the liquid fuel in the at least one fuel injector, the heat source capable of heating the liquid fuel to a level sufficient to convert at least a portion thereof from the liquid state to a vapor state and a metering valve operable to achieve a range of flow rates characterized by a valve open versus valve closed duty cycle. The method includes the steps of metering a predetermined amount of fuel based on engine operating conditions, controlling power supplied to the heat source of the at least one fuel injector to achieve a target temperature, determining alcohol concentration of the fuel and adjusting the power supplied to the heat source of the at least one fuel injector based on the alcohol concentration determination. A method of determining alcohol concentration and a fuel system for use in an alcohol fueled internal combustion engine is also provided.