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Hybrid electric vehicle catalyst control

  • US 5,785,137 A
  • Filed: 05/03/1996
  • Issued: 07/28/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/03/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A hybrid electric vehicle comprising in combination:

  • A. an electrically powered motor connected to provide the sole driving torque for said vehicle;

    B. an electrical energy storage device connected to said motor to provide electrical energy for driving said vehicle;

    C. a generator for applying electrical energy to the electrical energy storage device.D. a sensor for determining when the electrical energy in said storage device is at a predetermined level and providing an output.E. a heat engine having one or more undesired constituents in its exhaust gas when said engine is operating to drive said generator;

    F. a catalytic converter including a catalyst heated by electrical energy for at least one of said constituents connected to receive exhaust gas from said engine; and

    G. a controller responsive to said sensor output for applying electrical energy to said converter to cause heating of said catalyst and thereafter operating said heat engine.

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