Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Larry G. Cain
  • Patent number: 6205775
    Abstract: Past exhaust emission control systems fail to utilize exhaust gas recirculation during all operating parameters of an engine. The present exhaust gas recirculation system reduces the emissions emitted from an engine during all operating parameters of the engine. The engine includes a cylinder, a rotatable crankshaft and a turbocharger defining a compressor section compressing a flow of intake air to a first preestablished pressure and being driven by a flow of exhaust gas having a first preestablished pressure. The exhaust gas recirculation system is comprised of a portion of the flow of exhaust gas being recirculated to the cylinder and forming a flow of recirculated exhaust gas. The flow of recirculated exhaust gas is cooled. The flow of recirculated exhaust gas is compressed to a second preestablished pressure being at least equal to the first preestablished pressure of the intake air. And, a quantity of the flow of recirculated exhaust gas is controlled depending on the operating parameter of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald N. Coleman, Keith E. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 6205786
    Abstract: Past air intake systems have failed to effectively and efficiently utilize the arrangement of structural components to increase boost at low engine speeds. The present air intake system effectively and efficiently utilizes the arrangement of structural components to increase boost at low engine speeds. The air intake system directs intake air through a turbocharger and evaluates the quantity of flow of intake air to the engine as compared to the flow of fuel. And, depending on the results of the evaluation, a directional control valve directs the flow of intake air to a supercharger or to the engine. The supercharger is driven by a motor having a variable rate of speed as compared to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory S. Hasler
  • Patent number: 6192686
    Abstract: Past exhaust emission control systems fail to utilize exhaust gas recirculation during all operating parameters of an engine. The present exhaust gas recirculation system reduces the emissions emitted from an engine during all operating parameters of the engine. The engine has a flow of intake air being at a first preestablished pressure and a flow of exhaust gas being at a first preestablished pressure being less that said first preestablished pressure of said intake air. The exhaust gas recirculation system is comprised of a portion of the flow of exhaust gas being recirculated to the cylinder and forming a flow of exhaust gas recirculation. The flow of exhaust gas recirculation is cooled. The flow of exhaust gas recirculation is compressed to a second preestablished pressure by a positive displacement pump. The second preestablished pressure of the flow of exhaust gas recirculation is at least equal to the first preestablished pressure of the intake air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald N. Coleman, Dennis D. Feucht, Keith E. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 6158121
    Abstract: Circular recuperators are used to increase the efficiency of gas turbine engines. The present circular recuperators is made of a plurality of cells. Each of the plurality of cells includes a plurality of components, such as, a plurality of sheets, a plurality of bars and guide strips. To more efficiently utilize the configuration of a primary surface circular heat exchanger or recuperator, the plurality of cells are manufactured to have a involute configuration. A fixture is used to position, hold and form the involute configuration. The fixture includes clamping device which positions and holds a base edge and the plurality of bars in a preestablished position and a forming member forms the remainder of the individual cells into the involute configuration. Corresponding ones of the base edges of individual cells form an inner diameter of the recuperator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventors: Doug R. Ervin, Tom L. Grigsby, Robert A. Prochnow
  • Patent number: 6142731
    Abstract: Today, the trend is to increase the temperature of operation of gas turbine engines. To cool the components with compressor discharge air, robs air which could otherwise be used for combustion and creates a less efficient gas turbine engine. The present low thermal expansion sealing ring support system reduces the quantity of cooling air required while maintaining life and longevity of the components. Additionally, the low thermal expansion sealing ring reduces the clearance "C","C'" demanded between the interface between the sealing surface and the tip of the plurality of turbine blades. The sealing ring is supported by a plurality of support members in a manner in which the sealing ring and the plurality of support members independently expand and contract relative to each other and to other gas turbine engine components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Dewis, Boris Glezer
  • Patent number: 6139256
    Abstract: Conventional gas compressors use dry gas sealing arrangements mounted on a shaft of the gas compressor. Functionally, for the dry gas sealing arrangement to properly seal, the concentricity of shaft and the dry gas sealing arrangement must be maintained at a close tolerance. Past assembly techniques have failed to mount such dry gas sealing arrangement to the shaft in an effective and efficient manner to control the concentricity during operation. The present method and apparatus for controlling the concentricity of a member with a centering device effectively and efficiently controls the concentricity between the member and the shaft. The structure of the centering device includes a first cylindrical portion, a second cylindrical portion and a transition portion. The first cylindrical portion is cantilevered about the shaft and centers a first end of the member. The second cylindrical portion and the transition portion form a mid-support for a second end of said member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventors: Jess L. Freeman, Donald E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6135073
    Abstract: An hydraulic actuator for a spring closed poppet valve is connected to an electrically motivated valve selecting a high or a low fluid pressure source for a chamber in which a plunger reciprocates in a cylindrical body. Poppet valve closing is controlled by restricting fluid flow from the chamber to the low pressure source. Initially, closing flow is through a closing check valve and is gradually cut off by a frusto-conical end of the plunger. Closing flow is then restricted by an orifice bypassed by a snubber check valve during poppet valve opening. The closing check valve, an opening port, and a recuperation check valve open radially through the body. The closing check valve and the opening port communicate with an annular body groove connected to the electrically motivated valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Feucht, Steven J. Funke
  • Patent number: 6112642
    Abstract: Past pistons have been susceptible to reduced longevity due to increased forces of combustion thereon during operating cycles of an engine. The present two piece unitary piston increases the longevity of pistons used with increased forces of combustion. For example, a head member has a crown portion defining a ring band portion having a bottom surface and a support portion. And, a skirt member defines a ring band support surface and a mating portion. The head member and the skirt member have a preestablished material strength being generally the same. The head member and the skirt member are joined at an interface of the support portion and the mating portion by an interference fit and are joined at the interface of the bottom surface and the ring band support surface by a weld. The force of combustion acting on the crown portion is resisted by the ring band support surface being in contacting relationship with the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Jarrett, Werner H. Koeslin, Robert L. Weber
  • Patent number: 6112403
    Abstract: Circular recuperators are used to increase the efficiency of gas turbine engines. The present circular recuperators are made of a plurality of cells. Each of the plurality of cells includes a plurality of components, such as, a plurality of sheets, a plurality of bars and guide strips. To more efficiently utilize the configuration of a primary surface circular heat exchanger or recuperator, the plurality of cells are manufactured to have a involute configuration. A fixture is used to position, hold and form the involute configuration. The fixture includes clamping device which positions and holds a base edge and the plurality of bars in a preestablished position and a forming member forms the remainder of the individual cells into the involute configuration. Corresponding ones of the base edges of individual cells form an inner diameter of the recuperator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventors: Doug R. Ervin, Tom L. Grigsby, Robert A. Prochnow
  • Patent number: 6109541
    Abstract: Existing poppet valves have a tendency to rebound or bounce during operation. This rebound or bounce adversely affects engine governability, high pressure injector fuel flow, noise and idle stability. The present invention reduces or nearly eliminates poppet valve (52) rebound or bounce. The apparatus (161) for compensating for the rebound of bounce overcomes the problem of variable injection. For example, as the poppet valve (52) rebounds the weight (174) strikes the bottom or contacting surface (168) preventing the poppet valve (52) from moving toward the first position (156). Thus, the variation in the injection of fuel is prevented or eliminated. Additionally, with the variation in the injection of fuel eliminated, the adverse affects of the bounce or rebound enables better engine governability, high pressure injector fuel flow and idle stability with reduced noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Beatty, Steven J. Bockelman, Jon E. Kasen
  • Patent number: 6102014
    Abstract: Past exhaust emission control systems have required additional add on or hang on components. The present exhaust emission recirculation system reduces the emissions emitted from an engine. The present exhaust emission recirculation system is comprised of a head being attached to a block having of a cylinder therein. The head has an intake passage therein and an intake valve interposed the intake passage and the cylinder. The head has a recirculation passage therein having an exhaust gas recirculation valve interposed the intake passage and the cylinder. And, the exhaust gas recirculation valve is movable between a closed position and an open position in which an exhaust gas is communicated from the cylinder to the intake passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: George E. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 6092371
    Abstract: A turbocharger assembly for use with an internal combustion engine, the turbocharger assembly including a housing having an integral backpressure control valve assembly disposed in the turbine exhaust passage and an actuator assembly integral to the turbocharger housing, the actuator assembly being hydraulically operated by the pressurized engine lubricating oil supplied for lubricating the turbocharger, and the actuator assembly selectively actuating the backpressure control valve assembly in response to control signals generated by a control module based on engine coolant temperature and intake air temperature to optimize engine warm-up time and engine operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. Feucht, Maurice E. Moushon
  • Patent number: 6085722
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of restricting flow of exhaust gas in an exhaust gas duct of a machine having an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The apparatus includes a closure member pivotably mounted relative to the exhaust gas duct within the exhaust gas duct interior. The closure member is pivotable between a first position wherein the exhaust gas duct is substantially unblocked by the closure member and a second position wherein the exhaust gas duct is substantially blocked by the closure member. An actuator is operatively connected to the closure member, moving the closure member between the first and second positions. A machine speed sensor and a throttle position sensor are provided, as is a manually operable switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6082093
    Abstract: Systems for controlling the combustion air to be used with a gas turbine engine for control the products of combustion and reducing emissions emitted therefrom have been used in the past. The present system includes a compressed air plenum being divided into a combustion air supply portion and a dilution or cooling air supply portion. A variable geometry system is positioned between the compressor section and the compressed air plenum. The variable geometry system is movably between an open position and a closed position. Movement of the variable geometry system varies the distribution of the compressed air between the combustion air supply portion and the dilution or cooling air supply portion. The system reduces emissions emitted from the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Solar Turbines Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Greenwood, Jorge Montoya, Mike Kelton, Tony Fahme
  • Patent number: 6079395
    Abstract: Past exhaust emission control systems have failed to cool the exhaust gas prior to mixing with the intake air. The present exhaust gas recirculation system cools a flow of exhaust gas with a common coolant being used to cool an engine prior to mixing the flow of exhaust gas with a flow of intake air. The present exhaust gas recirculation system includes a control system for monitoring an operating parameter of an engine. The control system interprets a signal sensing the operating parameter within a controller and the controller causes an exhaust valve regulator to move between an open position and a closed position. Additionally, a plurality of paths or maps, for example, one being a normal coolant temperature strategy and another being a high coolant temperature strategy is used. In the normal coolant temperature strategy, with the exhaust valve regulator in the open position the supply of fuel to the engine would be advanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald N. Coleman
  • Patent number: 6076493
    Abstract: A glow plug shield centrally receives a glow plug which, typically, has a silicon nitride surface. The shield and plug are spaced radially from a fuel injector disposed centrally of a cylinder head. The shield and glow plug extend into a combustion chamber where the shield has an oblique end exposing the circumferential portion of the plug which faces the injector. This shield configuration protects the glow plug from cooling by inlet air, increases the residence time of air/fuel mixture around the plug, and improves flame propagation so that plug temperature and electrical power can be reduced to extend glow plug life. The shield has a coating exteriorly and interiorly covering the portion of the shield extended into the combustion chamber. The coating is of thermally insulating, high temperature resistant ceramic material and acts as a thermal barrier to further reduce glow plug cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Miller, Kenneth J. Suda, Kent A. Koshkarian
  • Patent number: 6065757
    Abstract: A flywheel housing adapted for use with an engine. The engine has a cylinder block and the cylinder block defines a mating portion. The flywheel housing has a groove with an elastomeric seal disposed therein. The groove has an arcuate portion and a pair of leg portions and is in sealing engagement with the mating portion. The principle use is for flywheel housing made of aluminum, however any flywheel housing that has thermal stresses or encounters vibrational loads will benefit from this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin P. Schneider, Eric D. Hardin, David L. Oedewaldt
  • Patent number: 6062186
    Abstract: Past methods for starting an engine have included increasing the amount of fuel to support combustion creating an excess of unburned fuel in the exhaust causing white smoke. Such past methods for starting an engine additionally required additional components, such as heater, and required an excessive draw on the battery to provide extensive glow plug operation and extensive cranking. The present method of starting an engine reduces and essentially eliminates white smoke, reduces the need for extensive glow plug operation and reduces the need for extensive cranking. The method of starting an engine includes the steps of: positioning an intake valve in a closed position; positioning an exhaust valve in a closed position; rotating a piston to a top dead center position; rotating the piston from the top dead center position toward a bottom dead center position; and injecting a fuel into the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Travis E. Barnes, David J. Beatty, William H. Lane, Alan R. Stockner
  • Patent number: 6022286
    Abstract: A pulley suitable for use in a V-type belt drive power train, the pulley including an integral securing mechanism in the central bore thereof for engaging a corresponding securing mechanism on the shaft of the device to be driven by the pulley, the integral securing mechanism preferably being corresponding screw threads, with a method of manufacturing the pulley from cylindrical bar stock as a unit including the generation of the V-belt grooves, the central bore, forming the integral securing mechanism in the central bore, and cutting off the pulley to provide a one-piece pulley of substantially simplified design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt A. Jackson, Dale A. Dalton, Lee R. Loyd
  • Patent number: 6021570
    Abstract: Present combustion liners are used to form combustors in which fuel and air are burned and heat energy is directed to a turbine. The construction of the present combustion liners reduces manufacturing cost by reducing assembly time and processing time. An inner and outer liner portion is formed from a single sheet into a generally cylindrical tube. The tube is formed, by a spin forming operation to include a plurality of generally axial portions being interconnected by a plurality of transition portions. The transition portions have a plurality of openings therein to be used for cooling the combustion liner portions. The transition portions also act as stiffeners to support the generally cylindrical configuration of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Lockyer, Kenneth W. Maden