Method and apparatus for enhancing fuel economy of a lean burn internal combustion engine

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 6594989
SERIAL NO

09531096

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Abstract

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A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a 'lean-burn' internal combustion engine in cooperation with an exhaust gas purification system having an emissions control device capable of alternatively storing and releasing NO.sub.x when exposed to exhaust gases that are lean and rich of stoichiometry, respectively, optimizes vehicle fuel economy while complying with emissions standards by prohibiting lean engine operation only when tailpipe emissions, calculated in terms of grams of an exhaust gas constituent per vehicle mile traveled, exceeds a permissible threshold value. The threshold value is preferably itself periodically determined based upon a detected or determined level of vehicle activity, such that vehicle activity characterized by greater transient engine operation prescribes a relatively lower level of permissible vehicle emissions.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC1 AMERICAN RD FL4 DEARBORN MI 48126-2701

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Cullen, Michael John Northville, MI 94 1758
Hepburn, Jeffrey Scott Birmingham, MI 69 1476
Robichaux, Jerry D Riverview, MI 36 1105
Surnilla, Gopichandra West Bloomfield, MI 552 8677

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