Patents Assigned to CATERPILLAR ENERGY SOLUTIONS GMBH
  • Patent number: 12163492
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to arrangements for a pre-chamber of a combustion engine as well as pre-chambers comprising such arrangements, in particular to condition or temper a gas flow within a gas-purged pre-chamber prior to entering a combustion area. Accordingly, an arrangement for a pre-chamber gas valve of a combustion engine is suggested, comprising a housing having an outer surface and comprising a channel, a first end of the channel being in fluid communication with the outer surface and a second end of the channel being connectable to a valve seat of the pre-chamber gas valve, and at least one protrusion extending from the outer surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Enrico Drehobl, Friedrich Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20240356311
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a spark plug comprising a housing, an insulator for electrically insulating a center electrode provided at least partly on the inside of the insulator. The housing of the spark plug is configured such that in a mounted state, an annular gap is formed between the housing and the insulator. The annular gap is filled with a heat-conducting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR ENERGY SOLUTIONS GmbH
    Inventor: Friedrich SCHAEFER
  • Patent number: 12060842
    Abstract: Misfire classification method for an internal combustion engine, comprising: a step of determining whether the engine is subjected to a misfire; a step of obtaining at least one temperature signal being indicative of a temperature prevailing in a cylinder of the engine; and a step of determining a type of misfire in dependence on the obtained temperature signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Darshit Shah
  • Patent number: 12048989
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a device for tensioning a connecting element fastened to a component to be tightened. The device comprises an engagement element connectable to the connecting element, and an actuating unit for translating a rotational movement applied to an actuating element into a translational movement of the engagement element relative to the component. Further, the device comprises a gear unit configured to transform an input torque applied to a transmission input element into an output torque applied to the actuating element which absolute value is higher compared to the input torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Inigo Guisasola
  • Patent number: 12036645
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a device for tensioning a connecting element fastened to a component to be tightened, which comprises an engagement element having an engagement section receiving and holding the connecting element, a support element configured to support the device against the component, and an actuating unit having a fluid chamber for receiving a fluid, wherein the actuating unit is configured to manipulate a volume of the fluid chamber so as to move the engagement element relative to the support element. The device further comprises a vent opening fluid-communicatively connectable to the fluid chamber which is disposed in the region of the engagement section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Inigo Guisasola, Daniela Ehlers, Michael Weitzel
  • Patent number: 12037969
    Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a method for detecting an exchange of a component of an ignition system of a spark-ignited internal combustion engine. The method comprises the step of determining at least one parameter being indicative of an operation or condition of the ignition system; and the step of detecting an exchange of the component based on a comparison of the parameter with at least one reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Darshit Shah
  • Patent number: 12023788
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a device for tensioning a connecting element fastened to a component to be tightened, comprising a fixation element for holding the connecting element; a support element for supporting the device against the component; and an actuating unit with a fluid chamber for receiving a fluid and a piston which is translationally guided in the fixation element. The actuating unit is configured for manipulating a volume of the fluid chamber by translationally actuating the piston so as to move the fixation element relative to the support element. The piston is coupled to the fixation element by means of at least one ball or roller screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Inigo Guisasola
  • Publication number: 20240209815
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a gas mixer for an internal combustion engine for mixing air with at least one admix gas, comprising a first duct segment having a first tube section and a first cone section, and a second duct segment having a second tube section and a second cone section. The first and second duct segments are stackable such that in a stacked state, a main gas conduit is formed by the first and second tube sections and an admix gas conduit is formed between the first cone section and the second duct segment. The present disclosure also pertains to a method for producing a gas mixer, comprising the steps of: for a predetermined mass flow of a gas to be admixed to air, calculating a flow cross section; machining at least one inner surface of an admix gas conduit such that at any position, the admix gas conduit comprises at least the calculated flow cross section; stacking two duct segments to provide the gas mixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2022
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Energy Solution GmbH
    Inventors: Enrico DREHOBL, Thomas WILSTERMANN, Ute GOERDES
  • Publication number: 20240209768
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to arrangements for a pre-chamber of a combustion engine as well as pre-chambers comprising such arrangements, in particular to avoid or impair backfiring or flashbacks of a combustible mixture and/or to enable a flame retardation within a respective pre-chamber. Accordingly, an arrangement for a pre-chamber gas valve of a combustion engine, preferably a gas engine, is suggested, which comprises a housing having an outer surface and comprising a channel, wherein a first end of the channel is in fluid communication with the outer surface and a second end of the channel is connectable to a valve seat of the pre-chamber gas valve. The arrangement furthermore comprises a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward from the outer surface of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Enrico DREHOBL, Friedrich SCHAEFER
  • Publication number: 20240209809
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a cylinder liner for an internal combustion engine, comprising a flange having a seat-engaging surface which is configured for bearing onto a flange seat of an engine block, and wherein the seat-engaging surface has a sloped portion which extends along at least a half of a radial length of the seat-engaging surface and which is inclined relative to a radial plane being normal to a longitudinal axis of the cylinder liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Inigo GUISASOLA, Olaf BERGER
  • Patent number: 12021354
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is fitted with a pre-combustion chamber having first and second electrodes, each electrode extending through a respective electrode aperture located in a thermally conductive body portion of the pre-combustion chamber body which is located within the cylinder head or other engine body component outside the combustion chamber. The second electrode may be a ground electrode and is adjustable along an axis of the respective, second electrode aperture to adjust the spark gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Bernhard Snuis
  • Publication number: 20240183326
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to arrangements for a pre-chamber of a combustion engine as well as pre-chambers comprising such arrangements, in particular to condition or temper a gas flow within a gas-purged pre-chamber prior to entering a combustion area. Accordingly, an arrangement for a pre-chamber gas valve of a combustion engine is suggested, comprising a housing having an outer surface and comprising a channel, a first end of the channel being in fluid communication with the outer surface and a second end of the channel being connectable to a valve seat of the pre-chamber gas valve, and at least one protrusion extending from the outer surface of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Enrico DREHOBL, Friedrich SCHAEFER
  • Patent number: 11988117
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of determining a lubrication oil condition of a stationary gas engine comprising the steps of retrieving a lubrication oil temperature information and retrieving a lubrication oil level information from a lubrication oil level sensor, wherein the lubrication oil level sensor is a capacitance sensor, and a step of normalizing a lubrication oil level information over the lubrication oil temperature information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Darshit Shah, Jan-Rudolf Spitzer, Markus Frank
  • Patent number: 11962130
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a spark plug jacket, e.g. for a large or high performance combustion engine, and a corresponding method of manufacturing a spark plug jacket, in particular to provide an improved sealing towards a coolant cavity. Accordingly, a spark plug jacket is suggested, comprising a contact surface for contacting a support surface of a cylinder head of a combustion engine, wherein in a first state, when a spark plug is not mounted in the spark plug jacket, at least a portion of the contact surface of the spark plug jacket defines a first angular offset to a contact surface direction defined by the support surface of the cylinder head and, in a second state, when the spark plug is mounted to the spark plug jacket, said portion defines a second angular offset, wherein the first angular offset is larger than the second angular offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Inigo Guisasola
  • Publication number: 20240102425
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for controlling operation of an internal combustion engine configured to run on a fuel mixture of hydrogen and natural gas. The method comprises a step of obtaining temperature values measured by at least one temperature sensor provided in a cylinder head of the engine; and a step of controlling operation of the engine in dependence on the temperature values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Inigo GUISASOLA, Olaf Berger
  • Patent number: 11926026
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a device for tensioning a connecting element fastened to a component to be tightened, which comprises a fixation element for receiving and holding the connecting element; a support element for supporting the device against the component; and an actuating unit with a fluid chamber for receiving a fluid and a piston which is translationally guided in the fixation element. The actuating unit is configured for manipulating a volume of the fluid chamber by translationally actuating the piston so as to move the fixation element relative to the support element. Further, the device comprises a guiding unit for locking a relative rotational movement between the piston and the fixation element, wherein the guiding unit is arranged outside of the fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Inigo Guisasola, Daniela Ehlers, Michael Weitzel
  • Publication number: 20240055836
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a spark plug jacket, e.g. for a large or high performance combustion engine, and a corresponding method of manufacturing a spark plug jacket, in particular to provide an improved sealing towards a coolant cavity. Accordingly, a spark plug jacket is suggested, comprising a contact surface for contacting a support surface of a cylinder head of a combustion engine, wherein in a first state, when a spark plug is not mounted in the spark plug jacket, at least a portion of the contact surface of the spark plug jacket defines a first angular offset to a contact surface direction defined by the support surface of the cylinder head and, in a second state, when the spark plug is mounted to the spark plug jacket, said portion defines a second angular offset, wherein the first angular offset is larger than the second angular offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Inigo GUISASOLA
  • Publication number: 20240047950
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is fitted with a pre-combustion chamber having first and second electrodes, each electrode extending through a respective electrode aperture located in a thermally conductive body portion of the pre-combustion chamber body which is located within the cylinder head or other engine body component outside the combustion chamber. The second electrode may be a ground electrode and is adjustable along an axis of the respective, second electrode aperture to adjust the spark gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Bernhard SNUIS
  • Publication number: 20230374931
    Abstract: The present invention pertains A cooling system for a gas engine piston, the system comprising a cooling oil supply configured to feed a cooling oil flow to the gas engine piston, and a control device configured to control the cooling oil flow based at least on a predetermined parameter. The present invention further pertains to a gas engine comprising at least one gas engine piston and a cooling system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the gas engine piston is configured to be operable with at least one combustion gas. In addition, the present disclosure pertains to a cooling method for a gas engine piston, comprising the steps of receiving at least one predetermined parameter at the control device; controlling the cooling oil flow based on at least the predetermined parameter; and observing a sufficient cooling oil flow fed to the gas engine piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian OHLER, Olaf BERGER
  • Publication number: 20230340921
    Abstract: Method for identifying cylinders of an internal combustion engine which are subjected to misfire during operation, comprising a step of determining whether the engine is subjected to a misfire condition; a step of measuring vibrations generated upon operating the engine; and a step of identifying at least one cylinder subjected to a misfire in dependence on the measured vibrations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH
    Inventor: Darshit SHAH