Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Robert J. Hampsch
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Patent number: 5829250Abstract: The present invention is particularly applicable to lean burn engines that produce exhaust containing insufficient amounts of unburned hydrocarbons to satisfactorily reduce NOx emissions without undermining engine performance. In the exhaust purification system, ethanol or another suitable hydrocarbon is injected into the exhaust stream at an appropriate location between the engine and the catalytic converter. A deNOx catalytic converter is positioned within the exhaust downstream from the ethanol injection point. The combination engine application, ethanol injection and suitable deNOx catalyst combine to reduce NOx to satisfactory levels without producing significant amounts of undesirable secondary nitrogen containing compounds. An oxidation catalytic converter is positioned in the exhaust downstream from the deNOx catalytic converter. The oxidation catalyst serves to convert any remaining unburned hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: William H. Lane, Daniel J. Learned, Randy N. Peterson, Aaron L. Smith, Scott T. White
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Patent number: 5802846Abstract: A constant rate exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for a pressure-charged internal combustion engine is provided. The disclosed exhaust gas recirculation system includes one or more exhaust gas diversion ports, one or more EGR diversion valves each of which is operatively associated with a selected combustion chamber for diverting a flow of exhaust gas from the selected combustion chambers via an exhaust gas recirculation conduit to the intake air circuit of the pressure-charged internal combustion engine. The disclosed embodiment of the constant rate EGR system also includes a bypass conduit for diverting a flow of intake air to the exhaust manifold and an EGR cooler disposed in operative association with the recirculation conduit and the bypass conduit and adapted for cooling the volume of recirculated exhaust gas in the recirculation conduit while concurrently heating the intake air in the bypass conduit.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Brett M. Bailey
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Patent number: 5791316Abstract: An apparatus for an internal combustion engine controls engine timing as a function of engine load, speed and air intake temperature to reduce engine NOx emissions and/or engine fuel consumption. The apparatus is particularly beneficial to a large, aftercooled turbocharged engine which utilizes a cooling system having a liquid cooled, separate circuit aftercooler (SCAC) to cool the pressurized intake air. By routing the aftercooler circuit and engine coolant circuit through a common or single core radiator, the aftercooler cooling circuit temperature and associated engine air intake temperature are reduced to further reduce engine NOx emissions and/or engine fuel consumption.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1997Date of Patent: August 11, 1998Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Phillip J. Houtz, Brian R. Weller
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Patent number: 5787708Abstract: The present invention is particularly well suited for purifying exhaust from relatively large lean burn diesel engines. The emissions purification system causes the addition of an optimal amount of fuel through the engine fuel injector after closure of the fuel injector needle check valve by enlarging the fuel injector SAC volume. The optimal amount corresponds to an amount that will achieve optimal NOx reduction rates for the given engine operating condition and exhaust temperature when the exhaust is passes through appropriate deNOx and oxidation catalysts located downstream from the injector. The emissions purification system of the present invention has the ability to greatly reduce NOx content of the exhaust while maintaining HC emissions at acceptable levels and greatly reducing system complexity.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1997Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: William H. Lane, Daniel J. Learned, Randy N. Peterson, Aaron L. Smith
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Patent number: 5771867Abstract: A system and method for controlling an exhaust gas recirculation system in an internal combustion engine having two or more actuating devices on a supercharger-type pressure-charged internal combustion engine, or, in a turbocharger equipped pressure-charged internal combustion engine. In the disclosed embodiments, the actuating devices may include a variable gas pocket valve, an air intake throttle valve, an exhaust gas recirculation valve, a turbocharger back pressure valve, or the adjustable turbine blades in a variable gas turbine. In the disclosed embodiments, the control system includes a pair of actuators operatively coupled to an engine controller. The second actuator is operatively responsive to the first actuator when the first actuator command signal exceeds prescribed actuator limits.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1997Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Alois Amstutz, James J. Faletti
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Patent number: 5765537Abstract: A fuel recirculation system is provided that includes a fuel tank, a fuel delivery circuit for transporting fuel between the fuel tank and an internal combustion engine, a fuel recirculation circuit coupled with the fuel delivery circuit upstream of the engine and adapted for recirculating the fuel back to the fuel tank periodically. The present fuel recirculation system also includes a fuel pump, the capacity of which is sufficient to supply the required fuel to the engine via the fuel delivery circuit and recirculate the remaining volume of fuel by way of the fuel recirculation circuit periodically (e.g. once every 24 hours).Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1997Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Gerald N. Coleman, James E. Sibley
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Patent number: 5709196Abstract: A method and system for the control of the fuel injection timing in an internal combustion engine using a low cetane quality fuel such as an aqueous fuel emulsion is provided. The disclosed system includes a compression ignition engine adapted to receive a prescribed supply of an aqueous fuel emulsion. The prescribed supply of fuel is preferably determined by an fuel system control unit as a function of one or more engine operating parameters. The disclosed system also includes an exhaust sensor located proximate the engine exhaust so as to detect the presence and level of selected exhaust products, such as carbon monoxide, in the engine exhaust. The level of carbon monoxide or other such exhaust product, as measured by the sensor, is input to the engine control unit where it is processed together with various other engine operating parameters to produce a prescribed fuel injection timing signal which operatively controls the fuel injection timing.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1996Date of Patent: January 20, 1998Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Gerald N. Coleman, James E. Sibley
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Patent number: 5701863Abstract: A system and method for the identification of the fuel being transported within a fuel delivery system of an internal combustion engine that may utilize an advanced fuel such as a fuel in water emulsion is provided. The identification of the fuel is accomplished using a fuel identification sensor that distinguishes the fuel type based on differences in optical properties, electrical properties, physical properties, or other characteristics between an aqueous fuel emulsion and a conventional fuel. The disclosed fuel identification device is readily incorporated in an anti-tampering device for preventing the use of a conventional fuel, such as diesel fuel, in an engine designed and certified for aqueous fuel emulsions.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1997Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Cemenska, Gerald N. Coleman, James E. Sibley
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Patent number: 5682842Abstract: A method and system for the control of the overall water content of an aqueous fuel in an internal combustion engine is provided. The disclosed fuel control system includes a post add water system and a control valve that is responsive to selected engine operating characteristics such as engine operating temperature, engine load, and carbon monoxide levels in the engine exhaust. The post add water system is adapted for selectively providing an additional supply of purified water via the control valve to the aqueous fuel in the fuel line. The fuel system controller is operatively associated with the control valve to regulate the quantity of water added and thereby control the overall content of water in the aqueous fuel emulsion delivered to the fuel injectors.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1996Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Gerald N. Coleman, James E. Sibley
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Patent number: 5666861Abstract: An armrest adjusting mechanism is disclosed which includes a base plate mountable to an article of construction machinery and a first working plate movable relative to the base plate. First and second shafts are mounted to the first working plate. The first shaft is guided by first and second spherical bearings fixedly mounted to the base plate. The second shaft is guided by a third spherical bearing adjustably mounted to the base plate. The third spherical bearing is attached to a third shaft which is disposed normal to the first and second shafts. A cylindrical bearing guides the third shaft as it moves in response to misalignment between the first and second shafts. In a similar manner, fourth and fifth shafts are mounted to the first working plate. The fourth shaft is guided by fourth and fifth spherical bearings fixedly mounted to a second working plate. The fifth shaft is guided by a sixth spherical bearing adjustably mounted to the second working plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1995Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: David M. Fee, Stephen A. Haytcher, John P. Mackoway
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Patent number: 5658040Abstract: Operator enclosures or cabs in many cases have rear windows which are disposed in a generally upright or vertical position. The vertical position of the window reflects the instruments and dash as well as elements disposed forwardly of the cab during operation at night. The enclosure of the present invention includes a rear wall having lower wall portion and a upper wall portion. The upper wall portion is angled rearwardly from its lower edge to its upper edge and includes an opening for a window. A transparent window is sealably mounted in the opening and is thus also angled rearwardly at an angle sufficient to direct the reflection downward out of the operator's line of vision. This permits improved vision for the operator when operating in the dark.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1994Date of Patent: August 19, 1997Assignee: Caterpillar, Inc.Inventors: James L. Nicholls, Brad F. Adams, John A. Bauler
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Patent number: 5653204Abstract: The design and construction of past piston pin assemblies includes a retaining device which adds stress concentration factors to the piston pin assembly, piston skirt or piston crown. The present invention provides a device for retaining the piston assembly to the connecting rod and retaining the two parts of the piston pin assembly together without adding a stress concentration factor. The device uses a retaining means which applies a compressive force along the entire piston pin to add rigidity to the piston pin assembly. This design additionally allows for a stronger piston assembly with greater pull apart resistance and/or a lighter total weight piston assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1996Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Bradley J. Shaffer
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Patent number: 5653101Abstract: A method for treating exhaust gas stream of an engine for the removal of NOx by mixing a NOx reducing fluid and air together with the exhaust gas and subsequently cooling the treated exhaust gas stream prior to contact with the deNOx catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: William H. Lane, Randy N. Peterson, Aaron L. Smith
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Patent number: 5611198Abstract: The present invention is particularly applicable to lean burn engines that produce exhaust containing insufficient amounts of unburned hydrocarbons to satisfactorily reduce NOx emissions without undermining engine performance. In the exhaust purification system, ethanol or another suitable hydrocarbon is injected into the exhaust stream at an appropriate location between the engine and the catalytic converter. A deNOx catalytic converter is positioned within the exhaust downstream from the ethanol injection point. The combination engine application, ethanol injection and suitable deNOx catalyst combine to reduce NOx to satisfactory levels without producing significant amounts of undesirable secondary nitrogen containing compounds. An oxidation catalytic converter is positioned in the exhaust downstream from the deNOx catalytic converter. The oxidation catalyst serves to convert any remaining unburned hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1994Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: William H. Lane, Daniel J. Learned, Randy N. Peterson, Aaron L. Smith, Scott T. White
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Patent number: 5519318Abstract: A triaxial magnetic heading sensing apparatus includes nulling coils and netoresistive sensors having inputs and outputs. The nulling coils are arranged in parallel relation to three orthogonal planes intersecting at a common center point. The sensors are disposed along orthogonal axes in parallel relation to the orthogonal planes and in close proximity to the center point. Each sensor has a bridge configuration balanced in the absence of an applied external magnetic field and unbalanced in the presence one. Also, a signal generator is connected to the inputs of the sensors for exciting the sensors with a bipolar voltage waveform exhibiting alternating positive and negative voltage polarities punctuated by "off" states of zero volts.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1992Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Steve J. Koerner, Anthony E. Lifur, Michael J. Wall
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Patent number: 5371257Abstract: The new compound diisopropyl stibine is prepared by reacting an diisopropyl antimony halide with a hydride or deuteride transferring agent. The reaction is preferably carried out below about 0.degree. C., in an inert atmosphere, under darkened conditions. The diisopropyl stibine is used as a precursor in forming antimony-containing semiconductor material by chemical vapor deposition.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1993Date of Patent: December 6, 1994Inventor: Robert Gedridge, Jr.
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Patent number: 5361710Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for actively controlling a combustion process such as a waste incinerator by means of a spatial and temporal synchronized injection of fuel. The improved method and apparatus employs an active control system which controls the intentional formation of large scale, coherent vortices and the synchronized injection of the fuel supply at various locations relative to the formation of the vortices. The preferred apparatus comprises an actuator or similar structure that is adapted for producing and stabilizing discrete, large scale vortices in a combustion device. In addition, another device controls or modulates the injection of the fuel into the vortices at the optimal location and timing relative to the vortex cycle. As applied to an incinerator, this method can be optimized to ensures that the fuel and waste are introduced into the highest temperature locations, were extended residence times are obtained by trapping the fuel and waste inside the vortices.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1993Date of Patent: November 8, 1994Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Ephraim Gutmark, Klaus C. Schadow, Timothy P. Parr, Donna M. Hanson-Parr, Kenneth J. Wilson, Robert A. Smith, Richard A. Stalnaker
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Patent number: H1367Abstract: A wire assault weapon warhead preferably for breaching barbed-wire barrics in a battlefield at standoff distances, has a cylindrical shaped projectile having a domed nose cone and a rear bulkhead sized so as to allow the warhead to be fired from a Shoulder-Fired Multi-Purpose Assault Weapon or a similar weapon. The warhead includes a fragmentation tube that fragments upon the detonation of an explosive charge and the fragments expelled into the wire of the barricade sever the wire and breach the barricade.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1991Date of Patent: November 1, 1994Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Louie A. Allen, Jr., Tucker T. Yee
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Patent number: H1410Abstract: A single-input single-output control system includes an H.sub..infin. controller having an input for receiving an command input signal and an output for producing an output signal, an electro-mechanical (E-M) actuator connected in series with the H.sub..infin. controller and having an input for receiving the output signal from the H.sub..infin. controller and an output for producing an output signal representative of an action taken by the E-M actuator, and a feedback loop connected in series with the E-M actuator and the H.sub..infin. controller for transferring the output signal of the E-M actuator to the input of the H.sub..infin. controller for combining with the command input signal and inputting an error input signal to the H.sub..infin. controller. The H.sub..infin.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1993Date of Patent: January 3, 1995Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Gerald A. Hartley
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Patent number: H1612Abstract: A method for making silarylene-siloxane polymers having the Formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 -R.sub.6 are alkyl or aryl and n is an integer above about , wherein the rate of reaction and the degree of polymerization achieved when reacting disilanols with dichlorosilanes to form silarylene-siloxane polymers are unexpectedly enhanced by a subsequent charge into the reaction medium of a tertiary amine which functions as an acid acceptor.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1993Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Robert A. Rhein, James C. Baldwin