Patents by Inventor Eric L. Schroeder

Eric L. Schroeder has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11936060
    Abstract: A power supplying device that can be used during emergencies is disclosed. The device comprises multiple adjustable battery compartments that can be connected, via switches, to deliver power to an external device connected to at least one power delivery port of the power supplying device. Each adjustable battery compartment includes a fixed lead and a sliding lead so that the multiple different battery sizes can be inserted into the compartment and connected to the device. An external battery connection device or harness can also be used with the power supplying device. The external battery connection device can be used to connect various different kinds of batteries with the power supplying device, such as cordless power tool batteries, cordless appliance batteries, and batteries for radio controlled (RC) devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Eric David Schroeder, Donnette L. Moncrief Brown, Snehal Desai, Manfred Amann, Timothy Frank Davison, Rachel Michelle Ballew, Kelsey Anne O'Brien, Sayeef Rahim
  • Patent number: 11920528
    Abstract: Operating a gaseous fuel engine system includes detecting preignition in one or more of a plurality of cylinders based on a monitored cylinder pressure during combustion of a gaseous fuel such as a gaseous hydrogen fuel. Operating a gaseous fuel engine system also includes reducing a fuel injection amount for the one or more of the plurality of cylinders to a derated fuel injection amount that is based on a timing of the detected preignition. Fuel injection amount may be reduced to a greater relative extent if detected preignition is early, and to a lesser relative extent if detected preignition is later, in an engine cycle. Related apparatus and control logic is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Graziano, Jr., Eric L. Schroeder, Christopher R. Gehrke, Jaswinder Singh, Patrick J. Seiler, Andrew J. Neaville, Geetika Dilawari, Zachary S. Engstrom
  • Publication number: 20240044298
    Abstract: A fuel injection system includes a first fuel injector having a first electronically-controlled valve and a first injection valve configured to inject fuel when the first electronically-controlled valve is actuated. A second fuel injector has a second electronically-controlled valve and a second injection valve configured to inject fuel when the second electronically-controlled valve is actuated. The fuel injection system also includes a single fuel injector driver configured to actuate the first electronically-controlled valve and the second electronically-controlled valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew O. MARRACK, Bradley D. FERGUSON, Eric L. SCHROEDER
  • Patent number: 11873776
    Abstract: A fuel injection system includes a first fuel injector having a first electronically-controlled valve and a first injection valve configured to inject fuel when the first electronically-controlled valve is actuated. A second fuel injector has a second electronically-controlled valve and a second injection valve configured to inject fuel when the second electronically-controlled valve is actuated. The fuel injection system also includes a single fuel injector driver configured to actuate the first electronically-controlled valve and the second electronically-controlled valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew O. Marrack, Bradley D. Ferguson, Eric L. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 11840979
    Abstract: Operating a gaseous hydrogen fuel engine includes controlling an injection timing of a gaseous hydrogen fuel injected into a flow of pressurized intake air so as to produce a leading cooling flow of pressurized intake air into a cylinder in an engine, a trailing purging flow through an intake conduit, and a middle flow of both pressurized intake air and gaseous hydrogen fuel into the cylinder. Undesired combustion such as preignition and/or backfire can be limited. Related apparatus and control logic is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jaswinder Singh, Michael Bardell, Yongxian Gu, Eric L. Schroeder, Patrick J. Seiler
  • Patent number: 11815055
    Abstract: A fuel injector capable of injecting a plurality of different fuels in a single fuel injection event includes a body including a primary fuel path and a pilot fuel path and a first plunger in fluid communication with the pilot fuel path. The fuel injector also includes a second plunger in fluid communication with the primary fuel path and with the pilot fuel path, a hydraulic control chamber within the pilot fuel path, and an injection valve at which the primary fuel path and the pilot fuel path connect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dana R. Coldren, Lifeng Wang, Eric L. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 11773792
    Abstract: A multi-fuel injector includes a primary fuel inlet configured to receive a liquid primary fuel, a pilot fuel inlet configured to receive a liquid pilot fuel that is a different fuel than the primary fuel, and a spill valve in fluid communication with the primary fuel inlet. The fuel injector also includes a control valve configured to control a pressure of fluid within a hydraulic control chamber, and an injection valve abutting the hydraulic control chamber, the injection valve being configured to move to an injection position to inject both the primary fuel and the pilot fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dana R. Coldren, Eric L. Schroeder, Robert Graumueller, Andrew O. Marrack
  • Patent number: 11230992
    Abstract: The piston has a contoured combustion bowl with a radially inner shelf portion that is spaced axially away from the radially outer lip portion a first axial distance, and a swirl pocket that extends radially from the radially inner shelf portion and defines a lower axial extremity that is spaced axially away from the radially outer lip portion a second axial distance that is greater than the first axial distance. The swirl pocket defines a tangent extending in the radially outer direction, forming an acute angle with the radially outer lip portion ranging from 70 degrees to 80 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Schroeder, Christopher R. Gehrke, David A. Pierpont
  • Publication number: 20210310438
    Abstract: The piston has a contoured combustion bowl with a radially inner shelf portion that is spaced axially away from the radially outer lip portion a first axial distance, and a swirl pocket that extends radially from the radially inner shelf portion and defines a lower axial extremity that is spaced axially away from the radially outer lip portion a second axial distance that is greater than the first axial distance. The swirl pocket defines a tangent extending in the radially outer direction, forming an acute angle with the radially outer lip portion ranging from 70 degrees to 80 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Schroeder, Christopher R. Gehrke, David A. Pierpont
  • Patent number: 10746089
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an exhaust log structure onto which a plurality of turbochargers is connected, each turbocharger having a turbine connected to the exhaust log structure and having an inlet fluidly connectable to a respective one of the plurality of outlet ports, an exhaust valve disposed at a turbine outlet such that the flow of exhaust gas out of the turbine is fluidly blocked, and an actuator associated with the exhaust valve and operating to move the exhaust valve from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. An electronic controller provides a command to the actuator to move the exhaust valve between the open and closed positions and is programmed to selectively open two one or more exhaust valves based on an operating condition of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Byrd, Eric L. Schroeder, Liangtao Zhu, Arvind Sivasubramanian, Ryan T. Sunley, Craig P. Hittle, Aaron L. Robinson
  • Patent number: 10544767
    Abstract: A fuel injector assembly is disclosed. The fuel injector assembly may include a case that encloses a solenoid assembly. The fuel injector assembly may include one or more inlet passages, positioned on the case, to permit fluid to enter the case to cool the solenoid assembly. The fuel injector assembly may include one or more outlet passages, positioned on the case, to permit fluid to exit the case. The fuel injector assembly may include an annular protrusion positioned around a circumference of the case between the one or more inlet passages and the one or more outlet passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Schroeder, Craig P. Hittle
  • Publication number: 20190353117
    Abstract: A cylinder liner is disclosed. The cylinder liner may include a generally cylindrical body having a top end and a bottom end. The cylinder liner may include a flange connected to the generally cylindrical body at the top end of the generally cylindrical body. The flange may have an annular surface. A first diameter of a top portion of the annular surface may be less than a second diameter of a bottom portion of the annular surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Schroeder, Craig P. Hittle, Shu Zhang, Nathan Bjerk, Andrew Schick
  • Publication number: 20190316557
    Abstract: A fuel injector assembly is disclosed. The fuel injector assembly may include a case that encloses a solenoid assembly. The fuel injector assembly may include one or more inlet passages, positioned on the case, to permit fluid to enter the case to cool the solenoid assembly. The fuel injector assembly may include one or more outlet passages, positioned on the case, to permit fluid to exit the case. The fuel injector assembly may include an annular protrusion positioned around a circumference of the case between the one or more inlet passages and the one or more outlet passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Schroeder, Craig P. Hittle
  • Patent number: 10378408
    Abstract: Described herein are illustrative exhaust systems and methods including ammonia generation and storage. An illustrative system can include a first exhaust conduit to and receive a first exhaust stream from a first engine, and a second exhaust conduit to and receive a second exhaust stream from a second engine. In the illustrative example, an exhaust treatment device coupled to the second exhaust conduit downstream of the second engine can convert nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the second exhaust stream into ammonia. An ammonia storage device coupled to the second exhaust conduit downstream of the exhaust treatment device can be configured to receive and store at least a portion of the converted ammonia as stored ammonia and to release at least a portion of the stored ammonia to a catalytic converter. The catalytic converter can include a selective catalytic reduction catalyst configured to use the ammonia to reduce NOx.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Driscoll, Eric L. Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20190226389
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an exhaust log structure onto which a plurality of turbochargers is connected, each turbocharger having a turbine connected to the exhaust log structure and having an inlet fluidly connectable to a respective one of the plurality of outlet ports, an exhaust valve disposed at a turbine outlet such that the flow of exhaust gas out of the turbine is fluidly blocked, and an actuator associated with the exhaust valve and operating to move the exhaust valve from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. An electronic controller provides a command to the actuator to move the exhaust valve between the open and closed positions and is programmed to selectively open two one or more exhaust valves based on an operating condition of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Byrd, Eric L. Schroeder, Liangtao Zhu, Arvind Sivasubramanian, Ryan T. Sunley, Craig P. Hittle, Aaron L. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20190178149
    Abstract: A supercharger system for an engine having a turbocharger is provided. The supercharger system includes a supercharger driver and an air inlet. The supercharger system also includes a supercharger compressor mechanically coupled to the supercharger driver. The supercharger compressor includes a supercharger compressor inlet and a supercharger compressor outlet. The supercharger compressor inlet is in fluid communication with the air inlet. The supercharger compressor outlet is in fluid communication with a turbine inlet associated with the turbocharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Schroeder, Ryan T. Sunley
  • Patent number: 10247052
    Abstract: A guide assembly for a valve lifter of an engine. The valve lifter is at least partly received within a bore of a body of the engine and an end portion of the valve lifter is exposed to an outside of the body. The guide assembly includes a pin and a guide. The pin is adapted to be fixedly coupled to the end portion of the valve lifter, while the guide is adapted to be coupled to the body. The guide defines a channel. The pin is received within the channel and cooperates with the channel to facilitate a movement of the valve lifter along an axis of the bore and to restrict a rotation of the valve lifter about the axis of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Craig P. Hittle, Eric L. Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20190032520
    Abstract: A guide assembly for a valve lifter of an engine is disclosed. The valve lifter is at least partly received within a bore of a body of the engine and an end portion of the valve lifter is exposed to an outside of the body. The guide assembly includes a pin and a guide. The pin is adapted to be fixedly coupled to the end portion of the valve lifter, while the guide is adapted to be coupled to the body. The guide defines a channel. The pin is received within the channel and cooperates with the channel to facilitate a movement of the valve lifter along an axis of the bore and restrict a rotation of the valve lifter about the axis of the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Craig P. Hittle, Eric L. Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20150165377
    Abstract: An exhaust system includes an catalytic oxidation device, an particulate trap, a mixer, and a selective reduction catalyst (SCR), an adapter, and a sensor. The SCR is disposed downstream of a mixing tube and reduces oxides of nitrogen in the exhaust gas stream. The oxides of nitrogen are reduced in presence of ammonia on the SCR. The exhaust system also includes an adapter with an inlet and outlet pipe. A sensor is disposed downstream of the SCR, between the inlet and outlet pipe. The sensor is configured to measure an amount of oxides of nitrogen in the exhaust gas stream. Further an ammonia oxidation (AMOX) catalyst is disposed, in the adapter, upstream of the sensor for oxidizing the residual ammonia that may slip through the SCR before the exhaust gas stream reaches the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric L. Schroeder, Sylvain J. Charbonnel