The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 20, 2007
Filed:
Jun. 05, 2003
David Y. Chang, Savoy, IL (US);
David Y. Chang, Savoy, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc, Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A system and method for controlling a variable valve actuation system for an engine is provided. An engine valve is moved between a first position where the engine valve blocks a flow of fluid and a second position where the engine valve allows a flow of fluid. Fluid is provided to a chamber of a valve actuator adapted to operatively engage the engine valve. A parameter indicative of a viscosity of the fluid provided to the chamber of the valve actuator is sensed. Fluid is trapped within the chamber of the valve actuator to prevent the engine valve from moving to the first position. A response time of the valve actuator is determined based on the viscosity of the fluid provided to the chamber of the valve actuator. The response time indicates the time required to release the fluid from the chamber of the valve actuator to allow the engine valve to move to the first position.