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Method and system for controlling the energization of at least one glow plug in an internal combustion engine

  • US 5,158,050 A
  • Filed: 09/11/1991
  • Issued: 10/27/1992
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/11/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for controlling the energization of at least one glow plug in an internal combustion engine of a vehicle including a voltage source having a predetermined voltage, the method comprising the steps of:

  • monitoring the temperature of the engine;

    generating an input control signal based on the temperature of the engine;

    providing a semiconductor switch to apply an energizing current to the at least one glow plug from the voltage source based on the control signal to thereby electrically heat the at least one glow plug;

    generating a feedback signal as a function of the energizing current;

    determining an electrical property of the at least one glow plug based on the feedback signal; and

    preventing the application of the energizing current to the at least one glow plug in an out-of-limit condition of the electrical property.

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