Appeal No. 97-0755 Page 11
Application No. 08/400,066
1, Lipinski's system includes microprocessor controller 10 of
the type commonly used for providing engine control. Lipinski
teaches that controller 10 contains a microprocessor 10A,
which uses a variety of inputs from accelerator control
position sensor 14, engine speed sensor 16, vehicle speed
sensor 18, and various sensors 12. The sensors 12 may include
engine coolant temperature, air charge temperature, engine
mass air flow, intake manifold pressure, and other sensors
known to those skilled in the art. The controller 10 may
operate spark timing control, air/fuel ratio control, exhaust
gas recirculation (EGR), and other engine and power
transmission functions. In addition, through a plurality of
engine cylinder operators 20, controller 10 has the capability
of disabling the selected cylinders in the engine so as to
cause the engine to have a decreased effective displacement.
For example, with an 8-cylinder engine, the engine may be
operated on 4, 5, 6 or 7 cylinders, or even 3 cylinders, as
required.
Figure 2 of Lipinski is an engine operation map showing
fractional and maximum cylinder operation based on inferred
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Last modified: November 3, 2007