Cummins Engine Company, Inc.

Mark G Thomas

William D Meyer

W Beale Delano

Kenneth R Federle

Ronald B Lannan

Scott A Thompson

Zhong Sang

Greg Fridholm

George Studtman

Jonathon A Stavnheim

Jeffrey Daiker

A back-up battery system is provided for use with a real-time clock of an on-board device controller. In its normal operation, the real-time clock (RTC) is powered by a primary power source, such as a vehicle battery. When the primary source is interrupted, the back-up battery system is invoked to provide back-up power to the RTC. The system includes a low voltage dry cell battery mounted within a fuse component configured for electrical engagement within the vehicle fuse block. In one embodiment, a relay is interposed between the fuse component and the RTC to make and break the back-up power circuit in response to the state of the primary power source. In another embodiment, the battery within the fuse component is replaceable, with the fuse component including a base and a removable cap. In still another embodiment, the battery within the fuse component is a rechargeable battery, and the back-up power system includes a recharging circuit operable with the primary power source.

Real-time clock back-up battery

An electronic digital control system monitors and controls the operation of an engine fueling system. Signals activating injection for a plurality of cylinders are transmitted through a single line to a driving circuit for a single injector solenoid valve, while signals controlling accumulator fuel pumps are transmitted to pumping control solenoids. Injection signals are controlled to vary fuel delivery rate during an injection event. A back EMF sensing circuit measures valve opening delay and the control system compensates for valve delay. Variable cylinder-specific delays in the injection solenoid output signal pulses are programmed to compensate for a varying fuel line length to each injector nozzle. At startup, the control system pulses the pumping control solenoids to begin pressurizing the accumulator before engine angular position sensors provide an accurate indication of engine angular position to allow precise timed control of the pump. Pressure variations in the high pressure accumulator are monitored by the control system in conjunction with injection events, and pump equipment failures or weaknesses are detected based on the pressure variations. In alternative embodiments of the invention, a pre-biasing current using battery voltage is provided to the injection control valve prior to the desired time of an injection event, and the current is increased at the desired time of opening. An input allows signaling the control system when a load is to be applied to cause an immediate change in fueling levels, to prepare for load increases in electrical generation and other non-motive-power applications.

System and methods for electronic control of an accumulator fuel system

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Columbus, IN, United States of America

Mark G Thomas