EP0777041B1 - Brennkraftmaschine mit einem Durchblasgassensor und ein Verfahren zur Auswertung der Leistung einer Brennkraftmaschine - Google Patents

Brennkraftmaschine mit einem Durchblasgassensor und ein Verfahren zur Auswertung der Leistung einer Brennkraftmaschine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0777041B1
EP0777041B1 EP96308618A EP96308618A EP0777041B1 EP 0777041 B1 EP0777041 B1 EP 0777041B1 EP 96308618 A EP96308618 A EP 96308618A EP 96308618 A EP96308618 A EP 96308618A EP 0777041 B1 EP0777041 B1 EP 0777041B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
venturi
crankcase
engine
sensor
blow
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP96308618A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0777041A2 (de
EP0777041A3 (de
Inventor
Matthew L. Schneider
Abhay P. Bhagwat
Alfred Schuppe
George M. Kuhns
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Cummins Inc
Original Assignee
Cummins Engine Co Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cummins Engine Co Inc filed Critical Cummins Engine Co Inc
Publication of EP0777041A2 publication Critical patent/EP0777041A2/de
Publication of EP0777041A3 publication Critical patent/EP0777041A3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0777041B1 publication Critical patent/EP0777041B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01M—LUBRICATING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; LUBRICATING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES; CRANKCASE VENTILATING
    • F01M13/00—Crankcase ventilating or breathing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01M—LUBRICATING OF MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; LUBRICATING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES; CRANKCASE VENTILATING
    • F01M11/00—Component parts, details or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F01M1/00 - F01M9/00
    • F01M11/10—Indicating devices; Other safety devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B77/00—Component parts, details or accessories, not otherwise provided for
    • F02B77/08—Safety, indicating, or supervising devices
    • F02B77/085—Safety, indicating, or supervising devices with sensors measuring combustion processes, e.g. knocking, pressure, ionization, combustion flame
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
    • F02B3/00—Engines characterised by air compression and subsequent fuel addition
    • F02B3/06—Engines characterised by air compression and subsequent fuel addition with compression ignition

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to engine crankcase gas blow-by sensors and to a method of evaluating performance of an internal combustion engine. More particularly, this invention relates to an engine crankcase gas blow-by sensor using a venturi and a differential pressure transducer to measure volumetric flow of blow-by gases.
  • the pressure within an internal combustion engine crankcase should be maintained at a level equal to or slightly less than atmospheric pressure to prevent external oil leakage through the various gasketed joints, such as that between the valve cover and the cylinder head.
  • a so-called blow-by gas is emitted in the crankcase as a result of leaks of intake air-fuel mixture and combustion gases through the clearances around piston rings, during the compression, combustion and/or exhaust cycles. Because of these blow-by gases, the crankcase pressure will inherently rise, promoting leakage of oil from the crankcase.
  • the crankcase pressure was vented to the atmosphere through a breather in order to solve this problem.
  • blow-by gases in the crankcase be vented back to the combustion chamber rather than being released to the atmosphere.
  • closed crankcase ventilation (CCV) systems recycle the blow-by gas by burning these gases together with the intake air-fuel mixture.
  • a good way to measure the volume of blow-by gas entering the crankcase is to measure the pressure of such gases in the crankcase.
  • closed crankcase ventilation systems do not allow any of the crankcase gases to be vented through an orifice, which would be required in order to measure the crankcase pressure.
  • the present invention is directed toward meeting this need.
  • US-A-3,862,624 discloses an engine which uses oxygen and an excess of hydrogen as fuel and which has a substantially closed exhaust system which recirculates the gaseous part of the exhaust and mixes it with fresh gaseous feed and recirculated blow-by gas.
  • a flow meter is provided for the mixture of recirculated exhaust gas, fresh gaseous fuel and blow-by gas.
  • crankcase gases are allowed to flow through a venturi which includes high pressure and low pressure taps.
  • the high and low pressure taps are coupled to a differential pressure transducer which produces an output that is proportional to the volumetric flow of crankcase gases through the venturi.
  • the use of a venturi in conjunction with a differential pressure sensor offers a low resistance path for the flow of crankcase gases and allows continuous monitoring of blow-by without exceeding the operating pressure limitations of various oil seals.
  • Such a sensor is particularly suited for closed crankcase ventilation (ccv) systems, as it doesn't require venting of crankcase gases to the atmosphere (but will also work well on open systems).
  • FIG. la is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the venturi of the present invention.
  • FIG. lb is an end view of the venturi of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the venturi of FIG. 1 with the differential pressure transducer mounted thereon.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the venturi and differential pressure sensor of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is an end view of the venturi and differential pressure sensor of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 5 is a graph of differential pressure as a function of the flow transfer function of the venturi of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 6 is a graph of the voltage output signal of the differential pressure sensor of FIG. 2 as a function of air flow through the venturi.
  • the present invention involves the sensing of crankcase blow-by gases by measuring the volumetric flow of such gases rather than the prior art method of measuring the pressure of these gases.
  • Volumetric flow of the blow-by gases is accomplished by routing a portion of these gases through a venturi which has high pressure and low pressure taps therein.
  • a differential pressure sensor is then attached to the high and low pressure taps in order to measure the pressure differential between the taps.
  • This differential pressure is related to the volumetric flow of blow-by gases through the venturi, and hence the volumetric flow of blow-by gases around the engine pistons.
  • the venturi 10 includes a generally cylindrical venturi body 12 having an inlet port 14 and an outlet port 16 attached thereto.
  • the inlet port 14 includes a hose connection nipple 18 while the outlet port 16 includes a hose connection nipple 20.
  • Crankcase gases may thus be routed to the venturi 10 via a suitable hose (not shown), and crankcase gases exiting the venturi 10 may be routed back to the crankcase via a second suitable hose (not shown).
  • the venturi 10 is preferably formed from aluminum, steel or an injection molded engineering thermoplastic, or any other suitable material.
  • venturi 10 will vary depending upon the engine size with which the venturi is associated.
  • the dimensions given for the venturi 10 of FIG. la are preferred for use with a K50 diesel engine manufactured by the Cummins Engine Company of Columbus, Indiana. Because the venturi effectively amplifies the flow rate of crankcase gases through the venturi, different venturi sizes will be appropriate for different size engines.
  • the venturi 10 has an inlet port 14 internal diameter of 1 inch (25.4mm).
  • the outlet port 16 also has an internal diameter of 1 inch (25.4).
  • the venturi throat 22 has an internal diameter of 0.425 inches (10.795mm.) Dimensions for the other portions of the venturi 10 are illustrated in FIG. la.
  • a high pressure tap 24 is formed from the exterior surface of the venturi body 12 to the inlet bore 26 which extends through the inlet port 14.
  • a low pressure tap 28 is formed from the exterior surface of the venturi body 12 to the venturi throat 22.
  • a differential pressure sensor 30 is coupled to the venturi body 12 by means of four screws 32 which bore into the body 12.
  • the differential pressure sensor 30 is preferably a variable capacitive on ceramic differential pressure sensor such as a model P604 manufactured by Kavlico of Moorepark, California, but any type of differential pressure sensor may be utilized in the present invention.
  • the differential pressure sensor 30 is mounted to the venturi body 12 such that the high pressure tap 24 is aligned with the inlet 34 to the high pressure side of the differential pressure sensor 30.
  • the low pressure tap 28 communicates with the inlet 36 of the low pressure side of the differential pressure sensor 30.
  • the differential pressure sensor 30 is preferably of the wet-dry type, therefore the low pressure side of the sensor includes a filter element 38 in order to prevent liquid, such as uncombusted fuel and oil, to enter the low pressure side of the differential pressure sensor 30.
  • the output of the differential pressure sensor 30 is a voltage which is proportional to the differential pressure across the high pressure tap 24 and the low pressure tap 28. This output voltage is supplied to a multi-pin electrical connector 40.
  • the connector 40 additionally accepts the input voltage which is used to power the differential pressure sensor 30.
  • the venturi 10 of FIG. la is capable of flowing in excess of 50 actual cubic feet per minute (ACFM) (1.4 cubic metres per minute) air or crankcase gas, although the flow rate will be approximately 26 ACFM (0.728 cubic metres per minute) maximum for the model K50 engine for which the venturi 10 was designed.
  • a flow rate of 26 ACFM (0.728 cubic metres per minute) results in approximately 30 inches (760 mm) of water pressure differential developed across the pressure taps 24 and 28.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the differential pressure developed across the pressure taps 24 and 28 of the venturi 10 as a function of gas flow through the venturi 10.
  • This graph illustrates that the transfer function of gas flow vs. differential pressure for the venturi 10 is not linear.
  • the combination venturi body 12 and differential pressure sensor 30 is preferably mounted in a substantially vertical orientation in order to allow gas to run out of the venturi in order to prevent build-up and contamination within the differential pressure sensor 30. Such build-up will change the measured pressure and result in inaccuracies in the measurement of crankcase gas flow.
  • the differential pressure sensor 30 is mounted to the venturi body 12 by means of an appropriate sealing gasket which forms an airtight seal between the differential pressure sensor 30 and the high pressure tap 24 and low pressure tap 28.
  • the output voltage of the differential pressure sensor 30 is a non-linear function of media volumetric flow, which tracks the actual differential pressure developed across the high and low pressure taps of the venturi.
  • the input voltage to the differential pressure sensor 30 is 5.0+/-5% VDC. Because the sensor 30 is ratiometric to the input voltage, the output voltage illustrated in FIG. 6 assumes a 5.0 VDC input voltage. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the transfer function of FIG. 6 allows an engine monitoring system to determine the flow-rate of crankcase gases through the venturi by monitoring the output voltage of the differential pressure sensor 30. This information may be used in different ways by the engine monitoring system.
  • the output voltage of the differential pressure sensor 30 may be monitored for an instantaneous increase of blow-by gas flow, indicative of a catastrophic failure within the engine.
  • the amount of instantaneous increase necessary to signal a catastrophic failure may be made a calibratable threshold point within the engine monitoring system and is dependent upon engine size.
  • an indicator light may be used to alert the driver of the situation.
  • the output voltage of the differential pressure sensor 30 may also be used to record crankcase gas flow rate over time in order to chart the wear of the engine and hence predict when the engine will require an overhaul.
  • the engine monitoring system may use a filtered linear projection in order to determine at what time the engine blow-by gases have increased to the point where maximum performance is no longer available from the engine. Appropriate servicing can then be scheduled for the vehicle prior to that time.
  • the present invention allows useful measurement of engine crankcase blow-by which was previously unavailable in closed crankcase ventilation systems. Measurement of such blow-by gases can provide information to signal catastrophic failures within the engine as well as to predict when major engine servicing will be required in the future. Such information may be used to minimize downtime of the engine and to prevent expensive catastrophic engine failure.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Lubrication Details And Ventilation Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
  • Testing Of Engines (AREA)

Claims (11)

  1. Motor mit einem Sensor für ins Kurbelgehäuse durchblasendes Gas und einem Motorkurbelgehäuse, das Durchblasgase über einen Gasströmungsweg empfangen kann; gekennzeichnet durch
    ein Venturi (10), das in dem Gasströmungsweg derart angeordnet ist, daß die Durchblasgase in Betrieb durch das Venturi (10) strömen und von dem Venturi (10) aus zu dem Kurbelgehäuse zurückgeleitet werden;
    eine Hochdruckzapfstelle (24), die sich von außerhalb des Venturis (10) bis zu einem Innenraum (26) des Venturis (10) erstreckt;
    eine Niederdruckzapfstelle (28), die sich von außerhalb des Venturis bis zu dem Innenraum (22) des Venturis erstreckt; und
    einen Sensor (30), der mit dem Venturi (10) verbunden und wirksam ist, um einen Differenzdruck zwischen der Hochdruckzapfstelle (24) und der Niederdruckzapfstelle (28) zu messen.
  2. Sensor für ins Motorkurbelgehäuse durchgeblasenes Gas gemäß Anspruch 1 in einer Brennkraftmaschine, mit
    mindestens einem Zylinder;
    mindestens einem Kolben, der verschiebbar in dem mindestens einen Zylinder angeordnet ist, um eine Brennkammer über dem Kolben zu begrenzen;
    wobei das Kurbelgehäuse mit dem mindestens einen Zylinder verbunden ist, wobei ein Innenraum des Kurbelgehäuses in Strömungsverbindung mit einem Innenraum des mindestens einen Zylinders unter dem mindestens einen Kolben über mindestens dem Gasströmungsweg steht, wobei Verbrennungsdurchblasgase, die an dem mindestens einen Kolben vorbeiströmen, in das Kurbelgehäuse eintreten können.
  3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, bei der sich die Hochdruckzapfstelle (24) von außerhalb des Venturis bis zum Innern einer Einlaßbohrung (26) des Venturis (10) erstreckt.
  4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, bei der sich die Niederdruckzapfstelle (24) von außerhalb des Venturis bis zum Innern einer Venturiengstelle (22) des Venturis (10) erstreckt.
  5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, bei der der Sensor (30) einen Naß-Trocken-Differenzdrucksensor aufweist.
  6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, bei der der Sensor (30) einen regelbaren kapazitiven Auf-Keramik-Drucksensor aufweist.
  7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, bei der das Venturi (10) im wesentlichen vertikal angeordnet ist, so daß Gas aus dem Venturi (10) ausströmen kann.
  8. Verfahren zum Bewerten der Leistung einer Brennkraftmaschine, gekennzeichnet durch die Schritte:
    (a) Leiten von mindestens einem Teil der in ein Kurbelgehäuse der Brennkraftmaschine eintretenden Durchblasgase durch ein Venturi (10) und zurück zu dem Kurbelgehäuse, wobei das Venturi (10) eine Hochdruckzapfstelle (24) und eine Niederdruckzapfstelle (28) hat;
    (b) Messen einer Druckdifferenz zwischen der Hochdruckzapfstelle (24) und der Niederdruckzapfstelle (28); und
    (c) Ausgeben eines Signals, das zu der gemessenen Druckdifferenz proportional ist.
  9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, bei dem Schritt (b) durch einen Naß-Trocken-Differenzdrucksensor (30) ausgeführt wird.
  10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, bei dem Schritt (b) durch einen regelbaren kapazitiven Auf-Keramik-Drucksensor (30) ausgeführt wird.
  11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, bei dem das Signal ein Spannungssignal ist.
EP96308618A 1995-11-25 1996-11-28 Brennkraftmaschine mit einem Durchblasgassensor und ein Verfahren zur Auswertung der Leistung einer Brennkraftmaschine Expired - Lifetime EP0777041B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US564419 1983-12-22
US56441995A 1995-11-25 1995-11-25

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0777041A2 EP0777041A2 (de) 1997-06-04
EP0777041A3 EP0777041A3 (de) 1998-04-01
EP0777041B1 true EP0777041B1 (de) 2002-03-13

Family

ID=24254397

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96308618A Expired - Lifetime EP0777041B1 (de) 1995-11-25 1996-11-28 Brennkraftmaschine mit einem Durchblasgassensor und ein Verfahren zur Auswertung der Leistung einer Brennkraftmaschine

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0777041B1 (de)
JP (1) JPH09177530A (de)
DE (1) DE69619772T2 (de)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102749203A (zh) * 2011-04-21 2012-10-24 浙江派尼尔机电有限公司 一种船用发动机测试方法、装置和系统
CN103003536A (zh) * 2010-05-14 2013-03-27 沙勒工业自动化技术两合公司 为操作发动机确定气体和/或悬浮微粒读数的系统和方法
US9447745B2 (en) 2011-09-15 2016-09-20 General Electric Company System and method for diagnosing an engine

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2864156B1 (fr) * 2003-12-18 2006-02-03 Renault Sas Dispositif de controle moteur
FR2867564B1 (fr) * 2004-03-11 2006-06-23 Total France Procede et dispositif de mesure en temps reel de la consommation d'huile du systeme de separation d'huile moteur
ATE420279T1 (de) 2005-07-18 2009-01-15 Danfoss As Verfahren und system zur erfassung eines motorfehlers
DE102011007172A1 (de) * 2011-04-12 2012-10-18 Man Diesel & Turbo Se Brennkraftmaschine
JP5338994B1 (ja) * 2011-10-19 2013-11-13 トヨタ自動車株式会社 過給機
US10060394B2 (en) * 2014-09-10 2018-08-28 Denso International America, Inc. Evaporative system
FR3051020B1 (fr) * 2016-05-04 2020-03-20 Valeo Systemes De Controle Moteur Systeme de controle des emissions d'un vehicule automobile
CN110160792B (zh) * 2018-11-15 2020-12-25 北京机电工程研究所 一种动力系统动态模拟试验方法
JP7188275B2 (ja) * 2019-05-16 2022-12-13 トヨタ自動車株式会社 車載内燃機関の異常診断装置
CN110725760A (zh) * 2019-10-18 2020-01-24 广西玉柴机器股份有限公司 一种解决压差传感器积水的文丘里管结构
CN112051047B (zh) * 2020-09-07 2022-12-09 中国第一汽车股份有限公司 一种曲轴箱通风系统携出机油测量及回收装置
CN113670624B (zh) * 2021-07-30 2023-09-19 东风汽车集团股份有限公司 一种发动机检测系统以及发动机检测方法

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3862624A (en) * 1970-10-10 1975-01-28 Patrick Lee Underwood Oxygen-hydrogen fuel use for combustion engines

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1428610A (fr) * 1965-01-07 1966-02-18 Alsacienne Constr Meca Dispositif de sécurité pour moteur à combustion interne
US4481828A (en) * 1983-01-27 1984-11-13 Phillips Petroleum Company Differential flow rate sensor
FR2641575B1 (fr) * 1989-01-11 1991-05-17 Guilcher Guy Dispositif de detection des augmentations de pression dans les carters des moteurs a combustion interne

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3862624A (en) * 1970-10-10 1975-01-28 Patrick Lee Underwood Oxygen-hydrogen fuel use for combustion engines

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103003536A (zh) * 2010-05-14 2013-03-27 沙勒工业自动化技术两合公司 为操作发动机确定气体和/或悬浮微粒读数的系统和方法
CN103003536B (zh) * 2010-05-14 2015-04-15 沙勒工业自动化技术两合公司 为操作发动机确定气体和/或悬浮微粒读数的系统和方法
CN102749203A (zh) * 2011-04-21 2012-10-24 浙江派尼尔机电有限公司 一种船用发动机测试方法、装置和系统
US9447745B2 (en) 2011-09-15 2016-09-20 General Electric Company System and method for diagnosing an engine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0777041A2 (de) 1997-06-04
JPH09177530A (ja) 1997-07-08
EP0777041A3 (de) 1998-04-01
DE69619772D1 (de) 2002-04-18
DE69619772T2 (de) 2002-09-19

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6575022B1 (en) Engine crankcase gas blow-by sensor
EP0777041B1 (de) Brennkraftmaschine mit einem Durchblasgassensor und ein Verfahren zur Auswertung der Leistung einer Brennkraftmaschine
EP1406005B1 (de) Verfahren und Gerät für Überwachung von Steuerventilen
JP3116556B2 (ja) 内燃機関の燃料タンク系の気密チェック装置
ITMI971514A1 (it) Dispositivo e procedimento atti al controllo dell'ermeticita' di un serbatoio
CA2245438A1 (en) System for detecting failure of fuel pressure sensor
US6065335A (en) Method for detecting the fill level quantity of a tank system
JP4951006B2 (ja) 内燃機関用の排気ターボチャージャ
US4719792A (en) Method and a device for testing the tightness of an engine
US5988149A (en) Pressure sensing system for an internal combustion engine
FI79887B (fi) Foerfarande och anordning foer taethetsprovning av en foerbraenningsmotor.
JP4551059B2 (ja) 燃焼エンジンにおける圧力制御のためのバルブデバイスおよびそのような圧力制御のための方法
CN111550312B (zh) 内燃机的异常判定装置
CA2163044A1 (en) Cylinder combustion gas leakage testing
US6779516B1 (en) Closed crankcase ventilation system with flow meter for monitoring engine operation
US5385134A (en) System for monitoring leakage into exhaust lines
JP2019506608A (ja) リアルタイム流体種質量流量計
US5477837A (en) Controller for internal combustion engine
JPH0419312A (ja) エンジンブローバイガスの流量検知装置およびその検知方法
KR100218165B1 (ko) Egr밸브의 유량특성 시험장치
US20140305393A1 (en) Compression relief valve
US6463795B2 (en) Method for testing an internal combustion engine for assembly and/or manufacturing faults
US11408312B2 (en) PCV valve
JPH0763122A (ja) 排ガス還流管の異常判定装置
JP3445466B2 (ja) エンジンのブローバイガス還元装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19980904

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20000314

RTI1 Title (correction)

Free format text: AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH AN ENGINE CRANKCASE GAS BLOW-BY SENSOR AND A METHOD OF EVALUATING PERFORMANCE OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69619772

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20020418

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20021216

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20111128

Year of fee payment: 16

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20130731

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121130

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20131127

Year of fee payment: 18

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20131127

Year of fee payment: 18

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 69619772

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: ANDRAE WESTENDORP PATENTANWAELTE PARTNERSCHAFT, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 69619772

Country of ref document: DE

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20141128

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20141128

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150602