Microcomputer controlled engine cleaning system
First Claim
1. A microcomputer controlled engine cleaning system comprising:
- a microcomputer which executes a program for controlling the operation of said engine cleaning system;
a power cable for connection to a power source for supplying power to said engine cleaning system;
a solution tank for holding a fluid;
a first hose and a second hose coupled to said solution tank, said first hose having an input connector for connection to an engine and said second hose having an output connector for connection to the engine;
a pump controlled by said microcomputer to cause fluid to flow from said solution tank through said first hose to said engine;
a regulating valve coupled to said first hose and said second hose for regulating a fluid pressure of the fluid being supplied to the engine by opening up said regulating valve and allowing at least a portion of the fluid to bypass said engine and to pass through said regulating valve to said tank via said second hose when the fluid pressure being supplied to the engine reaches a predetermined pressure;
a solenoid valve coupled to said first hose between said regulating valve coupling and said input connector, for enabling said engine cleaning system to trap fluid in the engine and measure changes in the fluid pressure in order to determine whether any leaks exist in the engine, said solenoid valve connected to a signal which causes said solenoid valve to close when said engine cleaning system is operating in a leak test mode; and
a sensor which measures the fluid pressure is said first hose when said solenoid valve is closed, said sensor connected to said microprocessor to communicate fluid pressure information to said microprocessor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electronically controlled carbon-cleaning apparatus for removal of carbon deposits in internal combustion engines. A microcomputer and associated electronics controls the solenoid valve and pump motor. The microcomputer performs all user interface functions. Firmware provides self test, automatic voltage verification and a variety of safety features. The apparatus includes a fill feature whereby a solution tank is filled automatically. The apparatus is designed to gradually provide power to the pump so that leaks or faulty connections can be detected before the pump reaches full pressure. The apparatus circulates a fuel-cleaner solution through the fuel injection system of the engine while it is operated, thereby saving the time and cost associated with the removal and hand cleaning of injectors. Fuel-cleaner solution level and run time are continuously monitored by the microcomputer and displayed on a LED display. Fuel-cleaner solution pressure is continuously monitored for leaks due to faulty hose connections. An automated leak test feature allows the user to check for leaks in the fuel injectors and pressure control valve without removing them from the engine. An audio alarm comprised of many unique sets of frequencies alerts the operator when necessary.
102 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A microcomputer controlled engine cleaning system comprising:
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a microcomputer which executes a program for controlling the operation of said engine cleaning system; a power cable for connection to a power source for supplying power to said engine cleaning system; a solution tank for holding a fluid; a first hose and a second hose coupled to said solution tank, said first hose having an input connector for connection to an engine and said second hose having an output connector for connection to the engine; a pump controlled by said microcomputer to cause fluid to flow from said solution tank through said first hose to said engine; a regulating valve coupled to said first hose and said second hose for regulating a fluid pressure of the fluid being supplied to the engine by opening up said regulating valve and allowing at least a portion of the fluid to bypass said engine and to pass through said regulating valve to said tank via said second hose when the fluid pressure being supplied to the engine reaches a predetermined pressure; a solenoid valve coupled to said first hose between said regulating valve coupling and said input connector, for enabling said engine cleaning system to trap fluid in the engine and measure changes in the fluid pressure in order to determine whether any leaks exist in the engine, said solenoid valve connected to a signal which causes said solenoid valve to close when said engine cleaning system is operating in a leak test mode; and a sensor which measures the fluid pressure is said first hose when said solenoid valve is closed, said sensor connected to said microprocessor to communicate fluid pressure information to said microprocessor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A microcomputer controlled engine cleaning system comprising:
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a microcomputer which executes a program for controlling the operation of said engine cleaning system; a power cable for connection to a power source for supplying power to said engine cleaning system; a solution tank for holding a fluid; a first hose and a second hose coupled to said solution tank; said first hose having an input connector for connection to an engine; said second hose having an output connector for connection to the engine; a pump in electrical communication with said microcomputer and in fluid communication with said solution tank via said first hose, said pump being coupled to said first hose between said solution tank and said input connector; a solenoid valve in electrical communication with said microcomputer and in fluid communication with said pump via said first hose, said solenoid valve being coupled to said first hose between said pump and said input connector; a regulating valve in fluid communication with said first hose and said second hose, said regulating valve being coupled to said first hose between said pump and said solenoid valve on a first end, and coupled to said second hose between said solution tank and said output connector on a second end; an overpressure valve in fluid communication with said first hose and said second hose, said overpressure valve being coupled to said first hose between said pump and said solenoid valve on a first end, and coupled to said second hose between said solution tank and said output connector on a second end to permit fluid to flow from said first hose to said second hose, bypassing the engine; a low pressure switch in electrical communication with said microcomputer and in fluid communication with said first hose, said low pressure switch being coupled to said first hose between said solenoid valve and said input connector; a gauge in fluid communication with said first hose, said gauge being coupled to said first hose between said solenoid valve and said input connector; and a filter in fluid communication with said solution tank via said first hose, said filter being coupled to said first hose between said solution tank and said pump. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method of operating a processor-controlled engine cleaning system comprising the steps of:
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operating a fluid pump coupled by a hose to a solvent container to pump solvent into an engine; monitoring a current used to power said pump to detect when said current reaches a first current level; halting the operation of said pump when said current exceeds said first current level; pumping fluid into the engine at a fluid pressure below the required operating fluid pressure of the engine thereby ensuring that fluid does not exit the engine; closing a solenoid valve positioned between said pump and the engine to trap the fluid in the engine; turning off said pump; waiting for a first time duration; and determining whether a leak exists in the engine based upon whether the fluid pressure has dropped during the first time duration. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification