Fuel mileage indicator
AssigneeCummins Engine Company, Inc.
InventorsJulius P. Perr, Peter W. Schutz, Patrick R. Badgley, Edgars Valdmanis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosure illustrates a fuel mileage indicator which gives a dynamic reading of the fuel mileage for a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. As a result it indicates to the driver whether he is driving efficiently and is conserving fuel. The device consists of a variable resistance device responsive to a fuel system parameter or other engine parameter which is proportional to engine fuel flow. This variable resistance device is connected in series with a generator having a D.C. voltage output directly proportional to vehicle speed. An ammeter indicates current through the circuit and is calibrated to give an output of miles per gallon.
Claims7
An apparatus for indicating fuel mileage in terms of the ratio between distance traveled and engine fuel consumption for a vehicle powered by an engine of the compression ignition type having unit fuel injectors and a fuel delivery system producing a fuel pressure substantially proportional to fuel flow, said vehicle having ground drive wheels, said apparatus comprising:
- means for generating a first signal substantially proportional to the fuel pressure of said fuel system;
- means for generating a second signal substantially proportional to the velocity of said vehicle;
- means for dividing said second signal by said first signal;
- and
- means connected to said dividing means for indicating fuel mileage.
In combination:
- a compression ignition engine having a fuel system comprising unit fuel injectors injecting fuel into individual cylinders and a fuel delivery system having variable pressure, said pressure being substantially proportional to the fuel consumption of said engine, said engine powering a vehicle having at least one ground drive wheel,
- means for generating a first signal substantially proportional to said fuel delivery system fuel pressure;
- means for generating a second signal substantially proportional to the velocity of the vehicle powered by said engine;
- means for dividing said second signal by said first signal, and
- means connected to said dividing means for indicating fuel mileage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.