US3898962A — Control system and devices for internal combustio…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 224 words

In combination with an internal combustion engine having an induction pipe, a control device for controlling at least one solenoid (32, 33) operated fuel injection valve (29, 30) in dependence upon the rate of air flow to the engine through the induction pipe, comprising an air flow meter (25, 26) to be arranged in the induction pipe of the engine; an oscillator (28), the frequency of which is controlled by the air flow meter (25, 26) to provide an oscillator output signal whose frequency is a function of the rate of air flow; a frequency digital converter connected to receive the oscillator output signals and providing digital signals representative of the frequency of the oscillator, and hence of the rate of air flow; and a digital computing circuit having an input connected to receive the digital signals and having an output connected to and controlling the solenoid (32, 33) of the fuel injection valve (29, 30), said computing circuit comprising a digital differential analyzer whose input is responsive to said digital signals derived as a function of frequency of the oscillator. and at least one interpolator (58, 61) having stored therein simulated operating characteristics of the internal combustion engine over its operating range to modify the digital signals passing through said computing circuit in accordance with said simulated operating characteristics of the combustion engine.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 224 words

In combination with an internal combustion engine having an induction pipe, a control device for controlling at least one solenoid (32, 33) operated fuel injection valve (29, 30) in dependence upon the rate of air flow to the engine through the induction pipe, comprising an air flow meter (25, 26) to be arranged in the induction pipe of the engine; an oscillator (28), the frequency of which is controlled by the air flow meter (25, 26) to provide an oscillator output signal whose frequency is a function of the rate of air flow; a frequency digital converter connected to receive the oscillator output signals and providing digital signals representative of the frequency of the oscillator, and hence of the rate of air flow; and a digital computing circuit having an input connected to receive the digital signals and having an output connected to and controlling the solenoid (32, 33) of the fuel injection valve (29, 30), said computing circuit comprising a digital differential analyzer whose input is responsive to said digital signals derived as a function of frequency of the oscillator. and at least one interpolator (58, 61) having stored therein simulated operating characteristics of the internal combustion engine over its operating range to modify the digital signals passing through said computing circuit in accordance with said simulated operating characteristics of the combustion engine.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 63 words

A control device as claimed in claim 1, for an engine having at least one intermittently operating fuel injection valve (29, 30) for metering the fuel, in which the computing circuit includes a frequency/time converter (70) connected to and controlling the solenoid (32, 33) of the fuel injection valve and being responsive to the output frequency (f11, f21) of the interpolator (58, 61).

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 46 words

A control device as claimed in claim 2, in which said frequency/time converter (FIG. 7: 70) comprises a frequency/digital converter (132), a backward counter (141) and a transfer gate (140) connecting the output of the frequency/digital converter (132) to the input of the backward counter (141).

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 36 words

A control device as claimed in claim 3, in which the backward counter (141) comprises a series combination of a plurality of JK flip-flops (142-144) to whose triggering inputs a stepping pulse train (f03) is applied.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 76 words

A control device as claimed in claim 4, comprising a first AND gate (150); wherein the Q2 outputs of the JK flip-flops (142-144) are connected to inputs of the AND gate (150) whose output is connected by way of an inverter (151) stage to one input of another AND gate (145) to whose other input is applied the strobing pulse train (f03), and whose output is connected to the triggering inputs of the JK flip-flops (142-144).

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 65 words

A control device as claimed in claim 3, comprising a power amplifier (153) having its output connected to the inputs of the solenoids (32, 33) serving to actuate the fuel injection valves (29, 30); a JK flip-flop, (152) the input of the power amplifier (153) being connected to the output of the JK flip-flop (152), said JK flip-flop (152) being controlled by the backward counter.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 75 words

A control device as claimed in claim 4, in which the transfer gate (140) comprises a group of AND gates (147-149) of equal number to the number of steps of the backward counter, one input of each of the AND gates of the group being connected to a signal representative of engine speed; and means (150) operable in synchronism with the rotational speed of the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine generating said speed signal.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 52 words

A control device as claimed in claim 7, comprising a JK flip-flop (152) having its J input connected to the speed signal, its K input connected to the output of the AND gate (150), and the strobing pulse train (f 03) is applied to the triggering input thereof of the JK flip-flop.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 56 words

A control device as claimed in claim 2, in which the frequency/time converter (FIG. 7: 70) comprises a frequency/digital converter (132) which includes a forward/backward counter (133) and a feedback loop containing a digital/frequency converter (140, 141, 142) arranged between the binary number output and the counting input (z) of the forward/backward counter (133) (FIG. 7).

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 34 words

A control device as claimed in claim 9, in which the digital/frequency converter is a series multiplier and includes a divider-counter (106) and a divider-gate (140) connected to the outputs of the divider-counter (106).

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 49 words

A control device as claimed in claim 10, further comprising a subtractor (135) having its output connected to the counting input (z) of the forward/backward counter (133) and its input connected to the input signal (f7) to the frequency/digital converter (132), and the output frequency of the divider-gate (140).

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 27 words

A control device as claimed in claim 11, in which a frequency divider (141) is arranged between the output of the divider-gate (140) and the subtractor (135).

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 48 words

A control device as claimed in claim 11, in which an oscillation suppressor (136) is arranged between the subtractor (135) and the counting input (z) of the forward/backward counter (133) the oscillation-suppressor also being connected to and controlling the counting direction input (d) of the forward/backward counter (133).

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 49 words

A control device as claimed in claim 11, comprising first and second strobing circuits (134, 142), wherein said input signal (f7) and said output frequency of the divider gate (140) are applied via the respective first and second strobing stage (134, 142) to the inputs of the subtractor (135).

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 41 words

A control device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the frequency/digital converter (132) comprises a forward/backward counter (133), in which the binary output of the forward/backward counter (133) is connected to the second inputs of the group of AND gates (147-149).

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 53 words

A control device as claimed in claim 1, for an engine having a continuously operating fuel injection valve (29, 30) for metering the fuel, in which the output of said interpolator (58, 611) at least in part determines energization of the solenoid (32, 33) which controls the position of the fuel injection valve.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 65 words

A control device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor (38) placed in thermal contact with the internal combustion engine (20) and a voltage/frequency converter (39) whose input is connected to the electrical output of the temperature sensor (38), and wherein the computing circuit includes a second frequency/digital converter (60) whose input is connected to the output of the voltage/frequency converter (39).

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 23 words

A control device as claimed in claim 17, comprising a second interpolator (61) connected to the output of the second frequency/digital converter (60).

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 80 words

A control device as claimed in claim 2, comprising a pulse tachogenerator (41) driven by the crankshaft (40) of the internal combustion engine (20) and providing a speed signal (f3); wherein the computing circuit is connected to process the output of the interpolator (58) and the output (f3) of the tachogenerator (41) to obtain a derived signal dependent upon both the air quantity and the engine speed, said derived signal being fed at least indirectly to said frequency/time converter (70).

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 79 words

A control device as claimed in claim 19, in which the computing circuit comprises a divider (63), one of whose inputs is connected to the tachogenerator (f3) so that the output frequency of the divider is dependent upon the reciprocal of the engine speed, and a multiplier (64), having two inputs to which the outputs of the interpolator (58) and the divider (63) are respectively connected so that said deRived signal appears at the output of said multiplier (64).

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 145 words

A control device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the computing circuit includes a frequency/time converter (70) responsive to the output frequency (f11, f21) of the interpolator, and connected to and controlling the solenoid of the fuel injection valve, further comprising a pulse tachogenerator (41) adapted to be driven by the crankshaft (40) of the internal combustion engine (20), and providing a speed signal (f3); wherein the computing circuit comprises a divider (63) having two inputs to which the second interpolator (61) and the tachogenerator (41) are respectively connected, and a multiplier (64) having two inputs to which the outputs of the first interpolator (58) and the divider (63) are respectively connected, the output of said multiplier (64) being connected at least indirectly to the input of the frequency/time converter (70) whose output controls the solenoid (32, 33) of the fuel injection valve (29, 30).

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 121 words

A control device as claimed in claim 21, in which the divider (63) comprises (FIG. 14a) a forward counter (122), a ''''final reading'''' store (123) whose inputs are connected to the binary number output of the forward counter (122); and a synchronizing gate (120), a first output of which is connected to a reset input (R) of the forward counter (122) and a second output of which is connected to a ''''transfer command'''' input (H) of the final reading store (123), the output frequency (f21) of the second interpolator (61) being applied to the counting input (z) of the forward counter (122) and the output frequency of the pulse tachogenerator (41) being applied to the input of said synchronizing gate (120).

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 28 words

A control device as claimed in claim 22, in which the synchronizing gate (120) has a synchronizing input (121) to which a strobing pulse train (f03) is applied.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 86 words

A control device as claimed in claim 22, in which said synchronizing gate (120) comprises first and second JK flip-flops (263, 265), the output frequency (f3) of the tachogenerator (41) being applied directly to the J input of each first flip-flop (263) and to the K input thereof by way of an inverter stage (264), the J of the second flip-flop (265) being connected to the Q1 output and the K inputs of both the first flip-flop (263) and the second flip-flop (265) being connected together.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 86 words

A control device as claimed in claim 24, in which the triggering inputs of the first and second JK flip-flops (263, 265) form the synchronizing input of the synchronizing gate (121), the gate (121) further comprising a first AND gate (266) having inputs connected respectively to the synchronizing input (121) and the Q1 output of the first JK flip-flop (263) and a second AND gate (267) having inputs connected respectively to the Q1 output of the second JK flip-flop (265) and to said synchronizing input (121).

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 52 words

A control device as claimed in claim 25, in which the output of the first AND gate (266) is connected to the transfer command input (H) of the final reading store (123) and the output of the second AND gate (267) is connected to the reset input of the forward counter (122).

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 46 words

A control device as claimed in claim 22, in which the forward counter (122) comprises a plurality of interconnected JK flip-flops (256-259) whose triggering inputs are interconnected to form the counting input (z), the reset input (R) being common to the plurality of JK flip-flops (256-259).

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 50 words

A control device as claimed in claim 22, in which the final reading store (123) comprises a plurality of D flip-flops (260-262) whose triggering inputs are interconnected to form the transfer command input (H) and whose D inputs are connected to the binary number output of the forward counter (122).

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 56 words

A control device as claimed in claim 18, in which the computing circuit Comprises a first multiplier (64) having two inputs to which the outputs of the two interpolators (58, 61) are connected, the output frequency of said multiplier being fed at least indirectly to said solenoid (32, 33) of the fuel injection valve (29, 30).

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 71 words

A control device as claimed in claim 29 for an engine having a throttle, or butterfly valve (23), which includes a decoder (FIG. 1: 48) responsive to the position of the throttle or butterfly valve (23) of the internal combustion engine (20) and in which the computing circuit comprises a second multiplier (65) having two inputs connected respectively to the output of the first multiplier (64) and to the decoder (48).

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 73 words

A control device as claimed in claim 30, wherein the decoder (48) comprises (FIG. 15) a logic network having logic gates (271-274), and two switches (45, 46) the first (45) of which is operable when the throttle or butterfly valve is in the idling position, and the second (46) of which is operable when the throttle or butterfly valve is in its full load position, the logic gates being controlled by said switches.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 120 words

A control device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a voltage/frequency converter (67) for producing a frequency which increases with increasing voltage of the power supply for the solenoid (32, 33), and in which said computing circuit comprises a frequency converter (68) whose input is connected to the output of the voltage/frequency converter (67) to provide a frequency which decreases with increasing power supply voltage, and an adder (69) having two inputs of which one is connected at least indirectly to the output of said at least one interpolator (58) and the other is connected to the output of the frequency converter (68), the output of the adder (69) being fed at least indirectly to said solenoid (32, 33).

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 46 words

A control device as claimed in claim 32, in which the frequency converter (68) comprises a divider to which a strobing pulse train (f02) is applied as a dividend and to which the output frequency (f4) of the voltage/frequency converter (67) is applied as a divider.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 114 words

A control device as claimed incclaim 33, wherein the divider comprises (FIG. 6) a forward counter (127), a final reading store (128) whose inputs are connected to the binary number output of the forward counter (127), and a synchronizing gate (126), a first output of which is connected to a reset input (R) of the forward counter (127) and a second output of which is connected to a transfer command input (H) of the final reading store (128), the strobing pulse train (f02) being applied to the counting input of the forward counter (127) and the output (f4) of the voltage/frequency converter (67) being applied to the input of the last-mentioned synchronizing gate (126).

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 27 words

A control device as claimed in claim 34, in which the synchronizing gate (126) has a synchronizing input to which a strobing pulse train (f01) is applied.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 60 words

A control device as claimed in claim 34, and further comprising at least one additional counter (122), final reading store (123) and gate (120); wherein the forward counter (127), the final reading store (128) and the synchronizing gate (126) are of the same construction as the additional forward counter (122), the final reading store (123) and the synchronizing gate (120).

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 57 words

A control device as claimed in claim 34, wherein the frequency converter (68) comprises (FIG. 6) a series multiplier comprising a divider-counter (106) and a divider-gate (129) connected to the outputs of the divider-counter (106), the divider-gate (129) being connected between the output of the final reading store (128) and said other input of the adder (69).

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 48 words

A control device as claimed in claim 1, in which the frequency/digital converter (57) comprises (FIG. 5a) a forward/backward counter (101) and a feedback loop including a digital/frequency converter (102, 106) arranged between the binary number oUtput (g1) and the counting input (z) of the forward/backward counter (101).

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 38 words

A control device as claimed in claim 38, in which the digital/frequency converter (102, 106) is a series multiplier and includes a central divider-counter (106) and a divider-gate (102) connected to the outputs of the central divider-counter (106).

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 51 words

A control device as claimed in claim 39, in which the central divider/counter (106) has a plurality of groups of outputs and one group being connected to said divider-gate being connected to effect division counting in other circuits of the device whereby said central divider/counter will be common to the device.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 26 words

A control device as claimed in claim 40, in which the central divider/counter comprises the divider/counter (106) forms the divider counter of claims 10 and 37.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 54 words

A control device as claimed in claim 39, comprising (FIG. 5a) subtractor (98) connected by its output to the counting input (z) of the forward/backward counter (101), the input signal (f1) to the frequency/digital converter (57) and the output frequency (f16) of the divider-gate (102) being applied to respective inputs of the subtractor (98).

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 28 words

A control device as claimed in claim 42, comprising a frequency divider (99) arranged between the output of the divider-gate (102) and the input to the subtractor (98).

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 45 words

A control device as claimed in claim 42, in which an oscillation suppressor (100) is arranged between the subtractor (98) and the counting input (z) of the forward/backward counter (101), the oscillation suppressor also controlling the counting direction input (d) of the forward/backward counter (101).

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 158 words

A control device as claimed in claim 44, in which the oscillation suppressor (100) comprises (FIG. 9a) a D flip-flop (175) whose D input is connected to the input of the subtractor (98) which receives the pulses to be counted negatively and whose triggering input is connected to the output of the subtractor (98), an EXCLUSIVE OR gate (176) whose two inputs are connected to the D input and the Q2 output of the D flip-flop (175), and a NAND gate (177) whose first input is connected to the triggering input of the D flip-flop (175) by way of an inverter (178) and whose second input is connected to the output of the EXCLUSIVE OR gate (176), the output of the NAND gate (177) being connected to the counting input (z) of the forward/backward counter (101) and the Q2 output of the D flip-flop (175) being connected to the counting direction input (d) of the forward/backward counter (101).

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 44 words

A control device as claimed in claim 42, comprising (FIG. 9a) respective first (97) and second (172) strobing stages connected to the inputs of the subtractor (98) to apply said input signal (f1) and said output frequency (f16), respectively therethrough to the subtractor (98).

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 104 words

A control device as claimed in claim 46, in which the first strobing stage comprises a series combination comprising first (167) and second (170) D flip-flops whose triggering inputs are controllable by a stepping pulse train (f01) inverted in an inverter stage (169), the input signal being applied as a frequency to the D input of said first D flip-flop (167), and a NAND gate (171) whose output forms the output of the first strobing stage (97) and whose two inputs are connected respectively to the Q1 output of said first D flip-flop (167) and the Q2 output (171) of said second D flip-flop.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 93 words

A control device as claimed in claim 43, comprising (FIG. 9a) a strobing stage (172) connected between the output of the frequency divider (99) and the subtractor (98), and including a D flip-flop (172), whose triggering input is connected to an inverted stepping pulse train (-f01) and whose D input is connected to the output of the frequency divider (99), and a NAND gate (173) whose two inputs are connected respectively to the D input and The Q2 output of the D flip-flop (172) and whose output is connected to the subtractor (98).

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 36 words

A control device as claimed in claim 46, in which the subtractor (98) comprises an EXCLUSIVE OR gate (98) whose two inputs are connected to the outputs of said first and second strobing stages (97, 172).

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 52 words

A control device as claimed in claim 49, comprising a NAND gate (174) connected by its first input to the input of the EXCLUSIVE OR gate (98) forming the subtraction stage by its second input to an inverted stepping pulse train (-f01) and having its output connected to the forward/backward counter (101).

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 22 words

A control device as claimed in claim 46, in which the first and second strobing stages (FIG. 9c: 97, 172) are similar.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 85 words

A control device as claimed in claim 46, wherein the subtractor (98) comprises (FIG. 9c) two AND gates (291, 292) each connected by one input via a respective inverter stage (293, 294) to the output of a respective one of the first and second strobing stages (97, 172a, 172), and by another input to the other of the first and second strobing stages, and an OR gate (298), connected by its inputs at least indirectly to the outputs of the two AND gates (291, 292).

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 113 words

A control device as claimed in claim 52, wherein the oscillation suppressor (100) comprises a JK flip-flop (295) whose J, K inputs are connected to the outputs of the two AND gates (291, 292), and further first and second AND gates (296, 297), two inputs of said first of which (296) are connected respectively to the J input and the Q1 output of the JK flip-flop (295) and two inputs of said second of which (297) are connected respectively to the K input and the Q2 output of the JK flip-flop (295), the outputs of the first and second AND gates (296, 297) being connected to the inputs of the OR gate (298).

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 58 words

A control device as claimed in claim 53, in which the output of the OR gate (298) is connected to the counting input (z) of the forward/backward counter (101), and the output of one of the further first and second AND gates (296, 297) is connected to the counting direction input (d) of the forward/ backward counter (101).

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 47 words

A control device as claimed in claim 42, in which the divider-gate (102) has two frequency outputs (f12, f13), an adder (103), the two frequency outputs (f12, f13) being connected to inputs of the adder (103) whose output is connected to the input of the subtractor (98).

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 17 words

A control device as claimed in claim 55, in which the adder (103) comprises a NAND gate.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 43 words

A control device as claimed in claim 55, comprising an adder circuit (107) whose inputs are connected to outputs of said central divider-counter (106) for producing a constant offset or shift frequency (f15) which is fed to an input of the subtractor (98).

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 40 words

A control device as claimed in claim 57, comprising an additional adder (105), having its output connected to the input of the frequency divider (99), its inputs connected to the outputs of the adders (103) and the adder circuit (107).

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 23 words

A control device as claimed in claim 58, comprising respective strobing stages (104, 108) connected to the input of the additional adder (105).

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 33 words

A control device as claimed in claim 59, in which the adder circuit (107) and the respective strobing stage (108) together comprise a NOR gate (107) which has an additional strobe input (197).

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 25 words

A control device as claimed in claim 17, in which the second frequency/digital converter (60) is of the same construction as the frequency/digital converter (57).

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 153 words

A control device as claimed in claim 1, in which the interpolator (58) comprises (FIG. 5a) a range or interval decoder (110); a forward/backward counter (101); the output (81) of the forward/backward counter being connected to the input of the range decoder (110); and a constant store (112) and a slope store (115) whOse inputs are connected to the digital output of the range decoder (119), the constant store (112) and the slope store (115) serving to store reference constants and slopes to simulate the operating characteristics of the engine and to modify the output signal of the interpolator in relation to the input signal to be interpolated over different ranges of the input signal as determined by the range decoder (110) whereby the output signal will be, at any level, a function of the input signal as modified by the transfer function of the interpolator at the respective signal level or range.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 48 words

A control device as claimed in claim 62, in which the range decoder comprises (FIG. 12a) NAND gates (231-239) whose outputs provide the decoder binary output and whose inputs are connected at least indirectly to those outputs of the forward/backward counter (101) associated with the highest binary digits.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 36 words

A control device as claimed in claim 63, comprising inverter stages (232, 235), some inputs of at least some of the NAND gates (231-239) being connected via the inverter stages to the respective counter (101) outputs.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 26 words

A control device as claimed in claim 62, in which the constant store (112) and the slope store (115) are in the form of wired stores.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 38 words

A control device as claimed in claim 62, in which the interpolator (57) further comprises a series multiplier connected to the constant store (112) for producing the reference constants of the interpolated function according to the decoded ranges.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 41 words

A control device as claimed in claim 66, in which the series multiplier comprises a divider-counter (106) and a separate divider-gate (111), the constant store (112) having a binary number output connected to the binary number input of the divider-gate (111).

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 45 words

A control device as claimed in claim 62, in which the interpolator (57) further comprises a series multiplier connected to the output of the slope store (115) for producing portions of the interpolated function linearly dependently upon the input frequency in the individual decoded ranges.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 23 words

A control device as claimed in claim 68, further comprising a strobing stage (114) connected to the input (z) to the series multiplier.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 71 words

A control device as claimed in claim 69, wherein the strobing stage (114) comprises (FIG. 9a) an AND gate (114) of which a first input is connected to said divider-gate frequency output (f13) NOR gate (195), and a second input of the AND gate (114) being connected to the output of the NOR gate (195), which has two inputs to which respective strobing pulse trains (f 01, f 02) are applied.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 66 words

A control device as claimed in claim 68, wherein the series multiplier of claim comprises (FIG. 5a) a divider-counter (113), and a divider-gate (102), the counting input of the counter (113) being connected to the frequency output of the divider-gate (102); and a second divider-gate (114), the slope store (115) having a binary number output connected to the binary number input of the second divider-gate (114).

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 50 words

A control device as claimed in claim 71, in which the interpolator further comprises (FIG. 5a) an adder (116) whose output forms the output of the interpolator (57), the frequency outputs of the second divider-gate (114) and the separate divider-gate (111) being applied to respective inputs of the adder (116).

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 31 words

A control device as claimed in claim 72, further comprising respective strobing stages (113a, 112a) connected between the inputs of the adder (116) and the outputs of the divider-gates (114, 111).

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 22 words

A control device as claimed in claim 73, the device comprises more than one interpolator, and at least two interpolators are similar.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 52 words

A control device as claimed in claim 74, further comprising an oxygen measuring sensor (36) located to be responsible to exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine (20); and a voltage/frequEncy converter (37) whose input is connected to the oxygen measuring sensor (36) and whose output is connected to the computing circuit.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 91 words

A control device as claimed in claim 75, wherein (FIG. 8a) the oxygen measuring sensor (36) and the voltage/frequency converter (37) connected thereto are connected in a servo-loop, said loop also comprising a subtractor or comparator (160) to compare a desired reference value with an actual value of the air number of the fuel/air mixture fed to the internal combustion engine, the voltage/frequency converter (37) being connected to a first input of the subtractor (150); and means to connect said reference value connected to the second input of the subtractor (160).

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 19 words

A control device as claimed in claim 76, in which said reference value connecting means comprises a multiplier (161).

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 59 words

A control device as claimed in claim 77, in which the multiplier (161) comprises (FIG. 8a) a series multiplier including a divider-counter (106) and a divider-gate (162) connected to the outputs of the divider-counter (106); a dividing factor store (163), the divider-gate (162) being connected between the dividing factor store (163) and the second input of the subtractor (160).

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 26 words

A control device as claimed in claim 78, wherein a central divider-counter (106) is provided in the device, and the divider-counter (106) comprises said central divider-counter.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 27 words

A control device as claimed in claim 76, in which the servo-loop comprises an integrating controller (157) connected to the output of the subtractor or comparator (160).

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 25 words

A control device as claimed in claim 80, further comprising an oscillation suppressor (158) is arranged between the subtractor (160) of said integrating controller (157).

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 17 words

A control device as claimed in claim 80, wherein said integrating controller comprises a forward/backward counter (157).

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 68 words

A control device as claimed in claim 82, wherein the computing circuit further comprises (FIG. 8a) a further multiplier (156) which has two inputs of which a first is connected to the output of the integrating controller (157); second is connected to the output of the interpolator (58), the output of the last-mentioned further multiplier (156) controlling said solenoid (32, 33) of the fuel injection valve (29, 30).

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 33 words

A control device as claimed in claim 83, further comprising means (69) connecting a signal representative of supply voltage for the solenoid (32, 33) to the second input of the further multiplier (156).

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 69 words

A control device as claimed in claim 82, in which the computing circuit comprises (FIG. 8b) an adder (165) whose inputs are connected to the output of said integrating controller (157); and means (69) connecting a signal representative of operating parameters affecting the device to the input of said adder (165), the output of the adder (165) controlling the solenoid (32, 33) of the fuel injection valve (29, 30).

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 38 words

A control device as claimed in claim 85, wherein said connecting means comprises a signal adder (69) having engine operating parameter signals applied thereto, said signal adder (69) being connected to the second input of the adder (165).

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 31 words

A control device as claimed in claim 85, in which said servo-loop includes (FIG. 8b) a digital/frequency converter (106, 166) which arranged between the integrating controller (157) and the adder (165).

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 31 words

A control device as claimed in claim 83, further comprising a frequency/time converter (70), the output of the furhter multiplier (156) being connected to the input of said frequency/time converter (70).

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 32 words

A control device as claimed in claim 85, further comprising (FIG. 8b) a frequency/time converter (70) the output of the adder (165) being connected to the input of said frequency/time converter (70).

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 47 words

A control device as claimed in claim 82, further comprising a frequency/time converter (70) (FIG. 8c) having two inputs (f 7, f 9), said servo-loop comprises a digital/frequency converter (106, 166) connected between the forward/backward counter (157) and an input (f 9) of said frequency/time converter (70).

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 41 words

A control device as claimed in claim 90, wherein (FIG. 8c) the frequency/time converter comprises a backward counter (141) and the output of the digital/frequency converter (106, 166) is connected as a stepping input (f 9) to the backward counter (141).

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 55 words

A control device as claimed in claim 89, in which the digital/frequency converter (106, 166) comprises (FIG. 8b) a series multiplier comprising a divider-counter (106) and a divider-gate (166) connected to the outputs of the divider-counter (106), the divider-gate (166) being connected between the output of the forward/backward counter (157) and the frequency/time converter (70).

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 25 words

A control device as claimed inclaim 92, wherein a central divider-counter (106) is provided in the device and the divider-counter (106) comprises said central divider-counter.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 40 words

A control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device has at least one multiplier 64, and said multiplier comprises (FIG. 4a) a series multiplier and comprises a divider-counter (71) and a divider-gate (72) connected to the divider-counter outputs.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 41 words

A control device as claimed in claim 94, in which the divider-gate (72) comprises a decoding portion (87) for decoding the outputs of the divider-counter (71) and a pulse synthesis portion (88) to provide a pulse train from the decoded outputs.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 46 words

A control device as claimed in claim 95, in which said synthesis portion (88) includes an output OR gate (95), and AND gates (92-94), equal in number to the number of stages of the divider-counter (71) connected to the inputs of the output OR gate (95).

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 66 words

A control device as claimed in claim 96, counting input (76) of the divider-counter (71) forms the first input of the respective multiplier, and the second input of the respective multiplier is in the form of a binary number input (84, 85, 86) whose individual binary digit inputs are each connected to an input (84-86) of a respective one of the AND gates (92 - 94).

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 59 words

A control device as claimed in claim 96, in which said decoding portion (87) includes a plurality of logic gates (89 -91) whose inputs (80 - 83) are connected to the outputs of the individual stages (73, 74, 75) of the respective divider-counter (71) and whose outputs are connected to respective inputs of the AND gates (92 - 94).

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 46 words

A control device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising (FIG. 11a) a common pulse generator (109) for supplying strobing pulse trains (f 01 - f 04) to strobing stages and means generating a clock pulse train (f 0) and controlling the common pulse generator (109).

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 26 words

A control device as claimed in claim 99, the common pulse train generator means comprises a crystal oscillator for producing said clock pulse train (f 0).

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 32 words

A control device as claimed in claim 99, wherein the device comprises synchronizing gates the flip-flops, and the strobing pulses for said gates and flip-flops are provided by said common pulse generator.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 51 words

A control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device has a central divider-counter, which comprises (FIG. 10) a forward counter (198) to which a stepping pulse traian (f 05) is fed and a decoding portion (199); the device has divider-gates connected to the decoding portion of said central divider-counter.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 38 words

A control device as claimed in claim 99, wherein the device has a divider-counter operating in accordance with clock pulses, in which said stepping pulse train is provided by said common pulse generator as the clock pulse train.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 64 words

A control device as claimed in claim 102, in which each divider-gate (111) connected to said central divider-counter (106) comprises (FIG. 13) a group of AND gates (241-248) Equal in number to the number of stages of the forward counter (198), and at least one output OR gate (249) connected by its inputs to the outputs of the AND gates of the group (241-248).

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 53 words

A control device as claimed in claim 104, in which the decoding portion (199) includes a plurality of logic gates (200-218) whose inputs are connected to the outputs of the individual stages of the forward counter (198) and whose outputs are connected to respective inputs of the AND gates of the group (241-248).

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 25 words

A control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device includes at least one voltage/frequency converter (39) which comprises (FIG. 16a) a voltage-controlled oscillator.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 138 words

A control device as claimed in claim 106, in which said voltage-controlled oscillator comprises (FIG. 16a) a first operational amplifier (275) whose output is connected to its inverting input by an integrating capacitor (281), the input voltage (277) to be converted into a frequency being impressed upon one input (inverting) of the first operational amplifier whilst a reference voltage (289, 290; 279, 280) is applied to its other input; a second operational amplifier (283) connected by one input (inverting) to the output of the first operational amplifier (275) and by its other input to a reference voltage; and a semi-conductor switch (282) in parallel with said integrating capacitor (281), the output frequency of said voltage/frequency converter appearing at the output of the second operational amplifier (283), said second operational amplifier being connected to control said semi-conductor switch (282).

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 66 words

A control device as claimed in claim 1, in which the oscillator is in the form of an LC oscillator having a coil element (27) and a core element (26) movably arranged in the coil element; a baffle plate (25) is arranged in the flow of intake air to the engine (20); and one of the elements is secured to the baffle plate to move therewith.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 219 words

In combination with an internal combustion engine having an air induction pipe, a central device for controlling at least one solenoid operated (32, 33) fuel injection means (29, 30) in dependence upon the rate of air flow, comprising an air flow sensing transducer means (25, 26, 28, 57) to be arranged in the induction pipe of the engine and including means responsive to air flow and providing a corresponding signal, an oscillator having its frequency of oscillation controlled by air flow through the air flow responsive means so that the output frequency of the oscillator will be dependent upon and a function of the rate of the air flow, and a frequency/digital converter connected to said oscillator and providing a digital air flow output signal in digital form as a function of the frequency of the oscillator; and a digital computing circuit having an input connected to be responsive to said air flow digital signals and having an output for controlling the fuel injection means (29, 30, 32, 33), said computing circuit comprising a digital differential analyzer whose input is responsive to signals in digital form, and at least one interpolator (58, 61) storing simulated engine operation characteristics to modify the signal from said air flow transducer means in accordance with the operating characteristics of the internal combustion engine.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 219 words

In combination with an internal combustion engine having an air induction pipe, a central device for controlling at least one solenoid operated (32, 33) fuel injection means (29, 30) in dependence upon the rate of air flow, comprising an air flow sensing transducer means (25, 26, 28, 57) to be arranged in the induction pipe of the engine and including means responsive to air flow and providing a corresponding signal, an oscillator having its frequency of oscillation controlled by air flow through the air flow responsive means so that the output frequency of the oscillator will be dependent upon and a function of the rate of the air flow, and a frequency/digital converter connected to said oscillator and providing a digital air flow output signal in digital form as a function of the frequency of the oscillator; and a digital computing circuit having an input connected to be responsive to said air flow digital signals and having an output for controlling the fuel injection means (29, 30, 32, 33), said computing circuit comprising a digital differential analyzer whose input is responsive to signals in digital form, and at least one interpolator (58, 61) storing simulated engine operation characteristics to modify the signal from said air flow transducer means in accordance with the operating characteristics of the internal combustion engine.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 297 words

In combination with an internal combustion engine, a control system, in which the engine (20) has an air induction pipe, at least one fuel injection valve (29, 30), a solenoid (32, 33) controlling the operation of the injection valve, said system comprising transducer means responsive to a respective engine operation, or operating parameter and providing a parameter output signal in digital form, said transducer means including means sensing an engine operation or operating parameter and having a corresponding variable output; a variable frequency oscillator having a frequency variation control element, said control element being operatively connected to said sensing means to vary the frequency of the oscillator in accordance with said variable output; and frequency/digital conversion means converting said variable frequency into a digital signal to provide a digital parameter output signal; a computer network having a digital differential analyzer; function storage means storing at least one transfer function of the engine fuel supply with respect to an operation, or operating parameter of the engine to simulate the operation and behavior of the engine upon variation of the respective parameter, the parameter output signal from said transducer means being connected to the computer network input to be processed therein and to develop a derived output signal, in digital form, as modified by said transfer function in the function storage means and simulating engine operation or behavior, with respect to the instantaneous value of said parameter signal; and digital-time conversion means connected to the solenoid of the injection valve having said computed output applied thereto and converting said output into a signal of such time duration that the injection valve is energized to open as determined to be appropriate to the engine with regard to the instantaneous engine operation, or operating state as sensed by said transducer means.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 297 words

In combination with an internal combustion engine, a control system, in which the engine (20) has an air induction pipe, at least one fuel injection valve (29, 30), a solenoid (32, 33) controlling the operation of the injection valve, said system comprising transducer means responsive to a respective engine operation, or operating parameter and providing a parameter output signal in digital form, said transducer means including means sensing an engine operation or operating parameter and having a corresponding variable output; a variable frequency oscillator having a frequency variation control element, said control element being operatively connected to said sensing means to vary the frequency of the oscillator in accordance with said variable output; and frequency/digital conversion means converting said variable frequency into a digital signal to provide a digital parameter output signal; a computer network having a digital differential analyzer; function storage means storing at least one transfer function of the engine fuel supply with respect to an operation, or operating parameter of the engine to simulate the operation and behavior of the engine upon variation of the respective parameter, the parameter output signal from said transducer means being connected to the computer network input to be processed therein and to develop a derived output signal, in digital form, as modified by said transfer function in the function storage means and simulating engine operation or behavior, with respect to the instantaneous value of said parameter signal; and digital-time conversion means connected to the solenoid of the injection valve having said computed output applied thereto and converting said output into a signal of such time duration that the injection valve is energized to open as determined to be appropriate to the engine with regard to the instantaneous engine operation, or operating state as sensed by said transducer means.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 172 words

System according to claim 110, wherein a power supply is provided and wherein at least two transducer means are provided, each responsive to at least one parameter, said parameters comprising: air flow through the engine induction tube; engine temperature; engine exhaust gas composition; engine speed; power supply voltage; engine throttle position; each said transducer means providing a respective parameter output signal in digital form, as a function of frequency of the respective oscillator, to said computer network; a plurality of transfer function storage means, one for each of said at least two parameters, the respective digital parameter signal being applied to the respective transfer function storage means to develop respective developed output signals; and wherein said computer network further comprises combining circuit means logically combining the derived output signals and developing a composite, derived output signal, in digital form, said composite derived output signal being applied to said digital-time conversion means, whereby the energization time of the injection valve, or valves will be a function of at least two of said parameters.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 81 words

System according to claim 111, wherein some of the transducer means comprises at least one other of the transducer means comprises means sensing an electrical output voltage representative of a respective parameter; a voltage controlled oscillator having a variable frequency output, the frequency variation depending on and being a function of the variable voltage; and frequency/digital conversion means converting said variable frequency, as controlled by said variable voltage, into a digital signal to provide one of said digital parameter output signals,

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 94 words

System according to claim 111, wherein said transducer means comprises means sensing the respective engine operation or operating parameter and providing an electrical output quantity, the level of which is representative of said respective parameter; a variable frequency, electrically controlled oscillator having its oscillation frequency controlled by said electrical quantity to provide an output signal, the frequency of which varies in accordance with said level, and hence said variable parameter; and frequency/digital conversion means converting said variable frequency into a respective digital signal to provide a respective one of said digital parameter output signals.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 34 words

System according to claim 110, wherein said valve is a two-position valve of the ON-OFF, or OPEN-CLOSED typE; and said output signal has a time duration which controls the open time of the valve.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 37 words

System according to claim 110, wherein said valve is of the continuously open type; and said output signal has an average energy which controls the extent of opening of the valve in accordance with said average energy.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1978-08-11	1979-02-10	1979-08-12	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1982-08-11	1983-02-10	1983-08-12	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1986-08-11	1987-02-10	1987-08-12	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Control system and devices for internal combustion engines

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