US2787989A - Dual solenoid controlled apparatus for preventing release of contaminants from an internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Description

April 9, 1957 F. E. M KINLEY 2,787,939

DUAL SOLENOID CONTROLLED APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING RELEASE OF CONTAMINANTS FROM AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE 1 Filed March 19, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet l 1 -92 llllllllkt Ell/9057' o 3 i INVENTOR.

Fun 5 flak war I Arm/mm Apnl 9, 1957 F. E. MOKINLEY 2,737,989

mum. souauom CONTROLLED APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING RELEASE OF CONTAMINANTS FROM AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Filed March 19, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 9i Y INVENTOR.

Fun 6''. Half/ 4 DUAE SOLENOID CoNTRoLLED APPARATUS FOR PREVENTING RELEASE-.0171 CONTAMINANTS FROM AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Fred E. McKinley, Paramount, Calif.

Application March 19, 1956, Serial No;'572,276 'Clain1s.- (C1. 123 -'11'9 Th'epresent invention relates generally to the field of internal-combustion engines and more particularly to a'novel apparatus for preventingthe release of contamin'ants from the'exhaust thereof.

Itis well known that the exhaust gases issuing from the int'e'rnal Combustion engines of automotive vehicles constitute a prime source of theso-called smog which exists in and around the principal population centers of-the cduntry. The harmful effects of this "smog upon both'anirn'ate and inanimate objects isflike'wise very well known." Although manyforms of apparatus for preventing the release of contaminants from the exhaust gases of su'chengines have beenheretofore-proposed, such devices have for various reasons proven to be unsatisfactory andaccordinglyam not now in general usage.

lt'i's a major object oftlie present inventionto provide an effective apparatus for preventing the release of contaminants from the exhaust of an internal combustion en ine. 7

Another object of the invention is to providean apparatus of the aforedescribed nature whichmaybe readily installed upon the engine of any conventional automotive vehicle. g

It is another object of theinvntiod-to rovide-a paratus of the aforedescribed nature which includes means for re-cyclingexhaust gas through 'the'intakemanifold of the engine during deceleration:

Another object is to provide apparatus of theaforedescribed nature that is'sim'ple'iri design -and rugged of construction whereby it may afford 'a long and troublefree service life.- 1

his yet another object to provide-apparatus of this nature that is foolproof and entirely *autoinatic'in operation.

A further object is to provide-apparatus of th'enfor'edescribed nature which does not in any. way; 'eifectthe operation of the engine during' other th'an'dec'eleration conditions.

Another object is to-provide apparatus of the aforedescribed nature whichis compact in size andlight 'in weight. I v

These and other objects and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent from the 'following detailed description, when takenin conjunction" with the appended drawings, wherein:

Figure '1 is a partially. diagrammatio side elevational view of a preferred form of apparatus embodying' -the present invention mounted upon --a coiiventional-internal combustion engine;

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but showing the parts of the apparatus during deceleration of said engine;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary, vertical-sectional ,l'nite States PatentO Fatented Apr. 9, 1957 to the upper end of a curved by-p'ass pipe '12. The

lower end of the by-pass pipe 12 is rigidly securedto a T-fitting 14. The upper end of the T-fitting 14 is'connected to a flanged opening 16 formed on th'eexhaust manifold E. The lower end of-the T-fitting 14 is rigidly secured to the front of the tail pipe *T. A fuel shutoff valve 20 is mounted withinthe carburetor support-10 above the flanged opening 11 so as to control communication between the carburetor C and the intake manifold I. A re-cycling valve 22 is also mounted within -the carburetor support 10 adjacent the flanged opening 11. This re-cycling valve 22 controls communication between the by-pass pipe and the intake manifold I.

Referring to Figure 1, during operation'of theengine E other than deceleration, the fuel shut-oil valve; 20

'will be arranged in'an open position while the recycling valve 22 will be arranged'in a closed position. Accordingly, the carburetor C will be in free communication with the intake manifold I while the re-cycling'valvef2'2 'willprevent the flow of re-cycled exhaust gasinto the intake manifold 1. Referring now to Figure 2, during deceleration of the engine, however, the fuel shu'e'oif valve 20 will be arranged in a closed position while the reycling valve 22 will be opened. Accordingly, during deceleration of the engine, the closed "fuel 'shut-oibvalve 20 will prevent the flow of fuel from the carburetor C to the intake manifold I while at the same time the opened re-cycling valve 22 will permit 'exhaust'gases 'to be r'e-cycled from the exhaust manifold E into the iiitake'manifold I.

More particularly, referring to Figuresl and 3, both the fuel shut-off valve 20 and the re-cycling valve 22 maybe 'of the butterfly type. Other types of valves, however, may, also prove satisfactory, The fuel shuton valve 22 is pivotally supported within the carburetor support 10 by means of a horizontal shaft 26. The recycling valve 22 is likewise pivotally supported within the carburetor support lfiby a second. horizontal'sha'f t '28; Externally of the carburetor support 10, the shaft 26 "is keyed to a crank 30. The horizontal shaft 28 of the re-cycling valve 22'is' likewise keyed to a second crank 32 aligned with the .firstcrank 30. The free ends of these cranks 30 and32 are pivotally interconnected by a rigid lever 34.. The shaft26 is also keyed to. a

, downwardly extending toggle arm 36. The lowerend of this'toggle arm is .pivotally-connected to the intermediate portion of a horizontally extending, plunger rod 40, The two. end portions of this plunger rodv 40 are aflixed to the armatures (not shown) of a pairofelecf tric solenoids .42 and 44. These solenoids 42 ancl 44 are rigidly 'aflixedto the carburetor support 10.- The lowerend offthe toggle arm 36.is also secured to the loivvr 'end of atensionspring 46. The upper endof this tension spring 46 is rigidly secured to the-side of .the carburetor support 10.

andsis connected to the carburetorC by suitablepouventional linkage. This linkage, includes ahhorizont all y extending; longitudinally T movable? rod 56, bumper memberSS is rigidly afiixedto this rod. 56. Theupper end of the bumper member 58 carries a set screw 60. The front end of the set screw 60 is aligned with an actuator button 62 that protrudes from the rear of the switch 50. As indicated in Figure l, at such time as the accelerator pedal is depressed, the set screw 60 will be spaced rearwardly and out of engagement with the microswitch button 62. Referring now to Figure 2, when the accelerator pedal A is released, however, the rod 56 will be moved to its forward position so that the set screw 60 engages and depresses the microswitch button 62.

A low output circuit closing switch 70 forms another component of the apparatus. As indicated in Figure 4, this switch '70 includes a switch element 74 which is normally biased towards a closed position by a suitable spring 76. The switch element 74 is adapted to be retained in an open position upon adequate energization of the windings 78 of a solenoid 80, the armature 82 of this solenoid being connected to the switch 74. One side of the windings 78 are grounded by a lead 84 while the other side is connected by a lead 86 to the ungrounded terminal of the generator G. One side of the switch element 74 is connected to the windings of the right-hand solenoid 42 by a lead 88. The opposite side of the switch element 74 is connected by a lead 90 to the vehicles battery 92.

Referring now to Figure 5, the solenoids 42 and 44 ,are of identical construction. They incorporate an elec- .tric switch element 94 that is normally biased to a closed -.position, as indicated in this figure. The electric current flowing to the windings 98 from the battery 92 will thereby be automatically cut off.

Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the upper terminal 100 of the switch 50 is connected by a lead 102 to the windings of the left-hand solenoid 44. The other side of these windings are grounded by a lead 104. The center terminal 106 of the switch 50 is connected by a lead 108 to the vehicles battery 92. The lower terminal 110 of the switch 50 is connected by a lead 112 to the righthand solenoid 42, the lead 112 intersecting the lead 88 from the low output closing switch 70. The other side of these windings are grounded by a lead 114.

In the operattion of the aforedescribed apparatus and referring to Figure 1, assuming the vehicles driver is exerting downward pressure upon the accelerator pedal A, the set screw 60 of the bumper member 58 will be spaced rearwardly from the switch button 62. Accordingly, current will be free to flow from the battery 92 through lead 108 to the center terminal 106 of the switch 50. At this time the center terminal 106 will be connected to the lower terminal 110 and accordingly this current will be free to fiow through lead 112 to the windings of the right-hand solenoid 42. This current will not actually flow to the solenoid windings, however, inasmuch as the solenoids switch element 94 will be in an open position. Assuming that the rotational speed of the generator G is above idling at this time, the switch element 74 of the low output circuit closing switch 70 will likewise be open. Thus, current cannot flow from lead 90 through to lead 88 to the windings of the solenoid 42. The plunger rod 40 and hence the toggle arm normal communication will exist between the carburetor C and the intake manifold I, while the flow of exhaust gases into the intake manifold will be effectively blocked by the closed re-cycling valve 22.

Referring now to Figure 2 and assuming that the ve hicle is undergoing forward motion, when the driver releases the accelerator pedal A so as to decelerate, the set screw 60 will engage and depress the switch button 62. This will cut oil? the flow of current to the lower terminal 110 of the microswitch 50 from the center terminal 106, and instead connect the center terminal 106 to the upper terminal 100. Accordingly, current will be free to fiow from the battery 92 through lead 102 to the windings of the left-hand solenoid 44. The latter will be thereby energized so as to retract the plunger rod 40 into the solenoid 44. As the plunger rod is so retracted, its actuating pin 96 will open its switch element 94 and thereby cut oft further flow of current to these windings. Once the plunger rod 40 has been urged into its position of Figure 2, the toggle spring 46 will positively retain it therein. This movement of the plunger rod 40 will close the fuel shut-off valve 20 and concurrently open the re-cycling valve 22. Accordingly, the flow of fuel from the carburetor C into the intake manifold I will cease. Concurrently, exhaust gases will be free to recycle from the exhaust manifold E into the intake manitold I. Under these conditions, the contaminants usually produced by the conventional engines during deceleration due to the existence of an excess of fuel within the combustion chambers will not be produced. Additionally, the intake manifold I will be maintained in a heated and dry condition by the recycled exhaust gases. Accordingly, when the fuel shut-off valve 20 is again opened, the fuel flowing into the intake manifold will be sufficiently vaporized as to undergo immediate combustion. The introduction of exhaust gas within the intake manifold I below the fuel shut-ofi valve 20 also prevents the fuel from being drawn around the periphery of the fuel shut-off valve due to the high vacuum normally created within the intake manifold during deceleration of the engine. 7

Assuming that the vehicle comes to a stop with the accelerator pedal released, the electric current generated by the generator G will gradually decrease. As the current decreases, the spring 76 of the low output circuit closing switch 70 will eventually overcome the weakening force of the windings of the solenoid 78 whereby the switch element 74 will move to a closed position. Electric current will then flow from the battery 92 through leads and 88 to the windings of the right-hand solenoid 42 so as to energize these windings. Upon such energization, the plunger rod 40 will be returned to the right to its original position so as to thereby re-open the fuel shut-off valve 20 and concurrently close the re-cycling valve 22. The closing movement of the plunger rod 40 will serve to open its switch element 94 whereby the flow of current to the windings of the solenoid 42 will be cut off.

Assuming that the vehicle is again accelerated after a deceleration period without coming to a stop, the switch element 74 of the low output circuit closing switch 70 will not be closed. When the accelerator pedal A is again depressed, the set screw 60 will be retracted from the switch button 62. Accordingly, current from the battery 92 will no longer flow from the center terminal 106 of the switch to the upper terminal thereof but instead will fiow from the center terminal to the lower terminal 110. This will effect momentary energization of the right-hand solenoid 42 so as to return the plunger rod 40 to the right. In this manner, the fuel shut-off valve 20 will be reopened while the re-cycling valve 22 will be concurrently closed.

Although the intake manifold I is shown as being connected to a conventional carburetor, it will be apparent that various other fueling devices may be employed such as a conventional fuel injection arrangement. It will also be apparent that various other modifications and changes may be made with respect to the foregoing description without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the following claims.

l Apparatusfor preventin grrelease of contaminants from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine duringsdeceleration, said engine including an intake manifold, a carburetor and an accelerator, comprising: a fuel shut-otf-valve interposed between said carburetor and said intake manifold; fluid conduit means interconnecting said exhaust and said intake manifold; a re-cycling valve interposed in said fluid conduit means; first solenoid means operatively connected to said valves and which when energized concurrently moves said fuel shut-off valve to an open position and said re-cycling valve to a closed position; secondsolenoid means operatively connected to saidvalves and which when energized concurrently moves said fuel shut-off valve to a closed position and said re-cycling valve to an open position; an, electric switch operable by said accelerator for effecting energifzation of said first solenoid means when said accelerator is depressed and for alternately effecting energization of said second solenoid means when said accelerator is released; electric conduit means for conducting current to said solenoid means, said-electric conduitmeans being connected to said electric switch; a second electricv switch interposed in said electric conduit means and which when closed will effect energization of: said first solenoid, said second electric, switch normally beingrnaintainedopen; and means for automatically closing said second electric switch when the rfotationalspeedof said engine falls below a predetermined value whereby said first solenoid means will be energized even though said accelerator is released.

.2. Apparatus for preventing release of contaminants from the. exhaust of an internal'combustion engine during deceleration, said engine'including an intake manifold; a. carburetor and an accelerator, comprising: a fuel shut-off valve interposed between said carburetor and said intake'manifold; fluid conduitmeans interconnecting said exhaust and said intake manifold; a re-cycling valve interposed in' said fluid conduit means; first solenoid means operatively connected to said valves and which when energized concurrently moves said fuel shut-off valve to an open position and said re cycling valve' to a closed position; second solenoid means operatively connected to said valves and which when energized cor'icurrently moves 1 said fuel shut-off valve to a closed position. and said re-cycling valve-to anopen position; spring'means for retaining'said fuel shut-off valve in'an open position aud -said re-cycling valv'e Y in a'close'd position'o'r alternately retaining said fuelshut-oif' valve ina closed position and said re-cycling valve in"an"open position; an'electric switch operable by said accelerator for effecting energization of said first solenoid means when said accelerator is depressed and'for alternately elfecting energization of 'said second solenoid means when said accelerator is released; electric conduit means forconductin'g current to said solenoid means, said electric conduit means being connected to said electric switch; a'second electric switchinte'rposed in said electric conduit means and whic hwhen closed will effect energization'of said first solenoid, said second electric switch normally being maintained" open; and means for automatically closing 'said secon d electric switch when' th'e rotational-speed of said engine falls below" a predetermined value whereby said-first solenoid means will be energized even though said accelerator is released.

,3IAppara'tu's' for preventing release of contaminants from'the' exhaust of an internal combustion engine during deceleration, said engine including an intake manifoldfalcarburetor and an accelerator, comprising: a fuel shiit-ol'fvalve interposed between said carburetorand said intake manifold; fluid conduitme'ans'interconnecting said exhaust and said intake manifold; a recycling valve interposed in said fluid conduit means; first'solenoidmeans operatively connected to said valves and which when energizedconcurrently moves said fuel shut-off valve to an openposition and said re-cyclingvalve to a closed posh dons second solenoid ineansoperatively connected to said valves and which 'whe n energized concurrently movessaid fuel shut-off valve to a closed-position and said re-cycling valve to an open position;-an electric switch operable by said accelerator for effecting encrgization of said first solenoid means when said accelerator is depressed and for alternately effecting energization of said second solenoid' means when said accelerator is released; electric conduit means for conducting current to said solenoid means, said electric conduit means being connected with said electric switch; a second electric switch interposed in said electric conduit means and which when energized will elfect energization of said first solenoid,said second electric switch normally being maintained open; means for automatically stopping the flow' of electric current to said solenoid means after they have moved said valves from one position to another; and means for automati cally closing saidsecond electric switch when the rotational speed of said engine falls below a predetermined value whereby said first solenoid means will be energized eventhough'said accelerator is released.

4. Apparatus forpreventing release of contaminants fromth e exhaust of an internal combustion engine duringdeceleration, saidengine including an intake mani: fold, a carburetor and an accelerator, comprising: a fuel shut-off valve interposed between said carburetor and said intake manifoldyfluid conduit means interconnecting said exhaustand said intake manifold; a recycling valve interposed in said fluid conduit means; first solenoid means operatively connected to said valvesand which whenenergized concurrently moves said fuel shut-otf valve to an open position and said re-cycling valve to a closed position; second solenoid means operatively connected to said valves andwhich when energized concurrently moves sa'id fuel shutoff valve to a closed position and said re-cycling valve to an open position;spring' means for retaining said fuel shut-off valve-in an open position and said re-cycling valve in a closed position or alternatelyretaining said fuel shut-off valve in a closed position and said re-cycling valve in an open position; an electric switch operable by said accelerator for effecting energization of said first solenoid-means when said accelerator is depressed and for alternately effecting energization of said second solenoid m eanswhen said accelerator is released; electric conduit means for conducting current to said solenoid means, said electric conduit means being connected with said electric switch; a second electric switch interposed in said electric conduit means and which when'energized will effect energization of said firstsolenoid, said second electric switch normally being maintained open; means for automatically stopping-the flow of electric current to said solenoid means after they have movedsaid valves from one position to another; and means for automatically closing said second electric switch when the rota tional speed of said engine falls below a predetermined value whereby said first solenoid means will be energized even though said accelerator is released. j

- S ApparatuS for preventingrelease of contaminants from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine'during-deceleratio'n, said engine including an intake manifold, a carburetor, a generator and an'accelerator, coniprising: 'a fuel shut-off valve interposed between said carburetor and saidiintake manifold; fluid conduit means interconnecting)saidexhaust and said intake manifold; a re cyclingvalve interposed in said fluid conduit means; first solenoid means operatively connected to said valves and which when energized concurrently moves said fuel ,shut-ofl valveto an open position and said recycling valve to a closed position; secondsolenoid means operatively eonnectedto said valves and which when energized concurrentlymovessaid fuel shut-off valve to a closed p o' sition and said recycling valve to an open position; an electr switch operable by said accelerator for effecting energization of said first-solenoid means' when"saidac-- 7 t. celerator is depressed and for alternately effecting energization of said second solenoid means when said accelerator is released; electric conduit means for conducting current to said solenoid means, said electric conduit means being connected with said electric switch; and a low output circuit closing switch interposed in said electric conduit means for conducting electric current to said first solenoid means only when the rotational speed of said engine falls below a predetermined value, said switch including a switch element, resilient means normally biasing said switch element closed, a solenoid having windings connected to said generator and an armature secured to said switch element.

6. Apparatus for preventing release of contaminants from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine during deceleration, said engine including an intake manifold, a carburetor, a generator and an accelerator, comprising: a fuel shut-off valve interposed between said carburetor and said intake manifold; fluid conduit means interconnecting said exhaust and said intake manifold; a recycling valve interposed in said fluid conduit means; first solenoid means operatively connected to said valves and which when energized concurrently moves said fuel shutoff valve to an open position and said re-cycling valve to a closed position; second solenoid means operatively connected to said valves and which when energized concurrently moves said fuel shut-off valve to a closed position and said recycling valve to an open position; toggle spring means for retaining said fuel shut-off valve in an open position and said re-cycling valve in a closed position or alternately retaining said fuel shut-off valve in a closed position and said re-cycling valve in an open position; an electric switch operable by said accelerator for effecting energization of said first solenoid means when said accelerator is depressed and for alternately eflecting energization of said second solenoid means when said accelerator is released; electric conduit means for conducting current to said solenoid means, said electric conduit means being connected with said electric switch; and a low output circuit closing switch interposed in said electric conduit means for conducting electric current to said first solenoid means only when the rotational speed of said engine falls below a predetermined value, said switch including a switch element, resilient means normally biasing said switch element closed, a solenoid having windings connected to said generator and an armature secured to said switch element.

7. Apparatus for preventing release of contaminants from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine during deceleration, said engine including an intake manifold, a carburetor, a generator and an accelerator, comprising: a fuel shut-off valve interposed between said carburetor and said intake manifold; fluid conduit means interconnecting said exhaust and said intake manifold; a re-cycling valve interposed in said fluid conduit means; first solenoid means operatively connected to said valves and which when energized concurrently moves said fuel shutoff valve to an open position and said re-cycling valve to a closed position; second solenoid means operatively connected to said valves and which when energized concurrently moves said fuel shut-off valve to a closed position and said re-cycling valve to an open position; an electric switch operable by said accelerator for effecting energization of said first solenoid means when said accelerator is depressed and for alternately effecting energization of said second solenoid means when said accelcrator is released; electric conduit means for conducting current to said solenoid means, said electric conduit means being connected with said electric switch; means for automatically stopping the flow of electric curlCntlO said solenoid means after they have moved said valves from one position to another; and a low output circuit closing switch interposed in said electric conduit means for conducting electric current to said first solenoid means only when the rotational speed of said engine falls below a predetermined value, said switch including a switch element, resilient means normally biasing said switch element closed, a solenoid having windings connected to said generator and an armature secured to said switch element.

8. Apparatus for preventing release of contaminants from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine during deceleration, said engine including an intake manifold, a carburetor, a generator and an accelerator, comprising: a fuel shutoff valve interposed between said carburetor and said intake manifold; fluid conduit means interconnecting said exhaust and said intake manifold; a recycling valve interposed in said fluid conduit means; first solenoid means operatively connected to said valves and which when energized concurrently moves said fuel shut-off valve to an open position and said re-cycling valve to a closed position; second solenoid means operatively connected to said valves and which when ener' gized concurrently moves said fuel shut-ofl valve to a closed position and said re-cycling valve to an open position; toggle spring means for retaining said fuel shut-off valve in an open position and said re-cycling valve in a closed position or alternately retaining said fuel shut-off valve in a closed position and said re-cycling valve in an open position; an electric switch operable by said accelerator for effecting energization of said first solenoid means when said accelerator is depressed and for alternately effecting energization of said second solenoid means when said accelerator is released; electric conduit means for conducting current to said solenoid means, said electric conduit means being connected with said electric switch; means for automatically stopping the flow of electric current to said solenoid means after they have moved said valves from one position to another; and a low output circuit closing switch interposed in said electric conduit means for conducting electric current to said first solenoid means only when the rotational speed of said engine falls below a predetermined value, said switch including a switch element, resilient means normally biasing said switch element closed, a solenoid having windings connected to said generator and an armature secured to said switch element.

9. Apparatus for preventing release of contaminants from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine during deceleration, said engine including an intake manifold, a carburetor and an accelerator, comprising: a fuel shut-off valve interposed between said carburetor and said intake manifold; fluid conduit means interconnecting said exhaust and said intake manifold; a recycling valve interposed in said fluid conduit means; electric solenoid means for moving said valves between a normal position wherein said fuel shut-off valve is open and said recycling valve is closed and a second position wherein said fuel shut-off valve is closed and said re-cycling valve is open; an electric switch operable by said accelerator whereby said solenoid means will be free to move said valves to their first position when said accelerator is released and said solenoid means will be free to move said valves to their second position when said accelerator is depressed; electric conduit means for conducting current to said solenoid means, said electric conduit means being connected to said electric switch; a normally open second electric switch interposed in said electric conduit means and which when closed will cause said solenoid means to move said valves to their first position; and means for automatically closing said second electric switch when the rotational speed of said engine falls below a predetermined value.

10. Apparatus for preventing release of contaminants from the exhaust of an internal combustion engine during deceleration, said engine including an intake manifold, a carburetor and an accelerator, comprising: a fuel shut-off valve interposed between said carburetor and said intake manifold; fluid conduit means interconnecting said exhaust and said intake manifold; a rcelectric solenoid means for moving said valves between a normal position wherein said fuel shut-offvalve is open and said re-cycling valve is closed and a second position wherein said fuel shut-off valve is closed and said recycling valve is open; toggle spring means for retaining said valves in either position until they are again moved by said solenoid means; an electric switch operable by said accelerator whereby said solenoid means will be free to move said valves to their first position when said accelerator is released and said solenoid means will be free to move said valves to their second position when said accelerator is depressed; electric conduit means for conducting current to said solenoid means, said electric conduit means being connected to said electric switch; a normally open second electric switch interposed in said electric conduit means and which when closed will cause said solenoid means to move said valves to their first position; and means for automatically closing said second electric switch when the rotational speed of said engine falls below a predetermined value.

No references cited.

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