Patents Assigned to DETROIT DIESEL
  • Patent number: 6349250
    Abstract: A method of operating an electronic control module disposed on a vehicle and operative to record in a memory a plurality of data items among a plurality of pages, and a computer program for execution by the electronic control module are disclosed. The plurality of data items include at least one event item and at least one accumulation item for the vehicle. In operation, recording of the at least one event item is disabled in a selected page of a plurality of pages in response to receiving a stop recording page signal associated with the selected page. All event items and all accumulation items for the selected page are then erased to eliminate historical data. Subsequent accumulation items may then be recorded in the selected page. Synchronization of the accumulation items and event items is re-established by erasing all historical accumulation items from the selected page when the selected page recording is reenabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: David Lloyd Hart, Richard M. Avery, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6347276
    Abstract: A method of limiting engine control delays in an internal combustion engine having an electronic engine controller with an electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) for storing data. A timer and/or a counter may be used to limit re-attempts to write data to the EEPROM upon engine shutdown. If a predetermined time set by the timer for writing to the EEPROM has been exceeded, the system terminates the engine shutdown data write and allows the controller to switch to its low power mode. The counter counts the number of unsuccessful attempts to write to the EEPROM. If the number of unsuccessful attempts to write to the EEPROM exceeds the predetermined number of attempts, the system indicates that there has been a gross failure of the EEPROM and allows the engine control module to be switched to the low power mode. Both a timer and counter may be employed in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Richard M. Avery, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6345426
    Abstract: A cylinder liner removal tool (11) is shown having a gripping portion (12) capable of expanding against the inner surface of the cylinder liner (14). The gripping portion (12) has a rod (26). Concentrically disposed about the rod (26) in trailing order is a stop (32), a plate (36), a cylindrical mandrel (38), a shoulder (42), a bearing (44), and a nut (40). The mandrel (38) is hollow having a recess (52). The shoulder (42) has a plug member (66) disposed within the recess (52). Torquing down upon the nut (40) compresses the mandrel (38) between a radially extending shelf member (62) of the shoulder (42) and the plate (36). The mandrel (38) thereby expands radially outward to frictionally grip the cylinder liner (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis Reef Collier
  • Patent number: 6347272
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an engine in a vehicle which allows the vehicle operator to manually request a vehicle speed in excess of the established vehicle speed limit that includes establishing a normal vehicle speed limit, establishing a passing duration period, establishing a passing override reset interval, and controlling the engine in response to operator input to provide a greater vehicle speed for a cumulative period not greater than the passing duration period at any time during the passing override reset interval. The system and method may include the capability of establishing a passing speed increment and controlling the vehicle speed during passing to limit the vehicle to a speed not exceeding the normal vehicle speed limit plus the passing speed increment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Karl Flammersfeld, Richard M. Avery, Jr., Ian D. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 6345614
    Abstract: A separator for a closed crank case ventilation system has an upstream located inlet and downstream gas and oil outlets. A plurality of flat plate baffles alternately extend from opposing side walls to form a tortuous path for blow by gasses to separate the oil from the gasses. The separator is located upstream from the crankcase depression regulator such that the pressure differential between the separator and the crankcase is minimal to allow the oil to easily open the check valve and return to the crankcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Francis Shureb
  • Patent number: 6339742
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring engine operating data include monitoring various engine operating parameters and periodically storing engine data when corresponding criteria are met. In one embodiment, enigne operating parameters may include engine speed, powertrain demand, or a fluid temperature, for example. Engine operating data such as oil pressure, turbo boost pressure, battery voltage, fuel economy, oil temperature, coolant temperature, maximum RPM, maximum vehicle speed, and throttle position sensor voltage, for example may be stored for trending and analysis. In addition, engine components may be monitored to determine service or replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: S. Miller Weisman, II
  • Patent number: 6339741
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling engine speed of an internal combustion engine provide automatically returning to a set speed selected with a hand throttle after operating at idle or near idle. The system and method are particularly suited for operation in driving a mud pump used in petroleum drilling applications where the operator dials-in a desired operating speed corresponding to a desired pumping rate. The engine is returned to idle or near idle to allow additional sections of pipe to be added. The engine then automatically returns to the previously selected set speed without additional manipulation of the hand throttle. In one embodiment, dual hand throttles are provided to support remote station operation and control of the engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Curtis Paul Ritter, Marleen Frances Thompson, Jeffery Scott Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6330873
    Abstract: A method for comprehensive integrated control of a compression-ignition internal combustion engine having integral fuel pump-injectors utilizing an electronic control unit is disclosed. The control strategy integrates various functions of engine control including fuel delivery, cooling fan control, engine speed governing and overspeed protection, engine braking, torque control, and vehicle speed diagnostics and control. Cooling fan control is integrated with vehicle speed diagnostics and control as well as fuel delivery to provide an integrated cruise control function which incorporates engine braking. The method also includes improved control over the various engine speed governors while improving idle quality by balancing the power delivered by each of the engine cylinders when at idle. The integrated torque control employs functions to reduce NOx emissions and noise utilizing adaptive fuel delivery timing and a split injection strategy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis M. Letang, Douglas J. Babcock, S. Miller Weisman, II
  • Patent number: 6328000
    Abstract: A method of controlling an internal combustion engine having a variable speed fan driven by a torque multiplying fan driver includes controlling the variable speed fan with closed loop control based on fan speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery Scott Hawkins, Steve Miller Weisman
  • Publication number: 20010044690
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an engine in a vehicle which allows the vehicle operator to manually request a vehicle speed in excess of the established vehicle speed limit that includes establishing a normal vehicle speed limit, establishing a passing duration period, establishing a passing override reset interval, and controlling the engine in response to operator input to provide a greater vehicle speed for a cumulative period not greater than the passing duration period at any time during the passing override reset interval. The system and method may include the capability of establishing a passing speed increment and controlling the vehicle speed during passing to limit the vehicle to a speed not exceeding the normal vehicle speed limit plus the passing speed increment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Karl Flammersfeld, Richard M. Avery, Ian D. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 6305348
    Abstract: A method of controlling fuel delivery in an internal combustion engine includes enabling split injection status without subjection to a temperature comparison while the engine operates in the start mode, and enabling split injection status without subjection to a time limit while the engine operates in the idle normal mode, but with subjection to the temperature comparison in the idle normal mode. In the method, a temperature threshold is established, an engine operating temperature is monitored, the engine operating temperature is compared to the temperature threshold. Further, the engine is operated in the start mode, and at that time, the split injection status is enabled without subjection to the temperature comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Anne-Lise Grosmougin, Richard M. Avery, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6305167
    Abstract: A method of controlling an internal combustion engine includes determining an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) command signal based on at least one engine condition, and determining a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) command signal based on at least one engine condition and at least partially based on the EGR command signal. Advantageously, the EGR system and VGT system may be continuously and simultaneously controlled, taking into account the effects of each system on the other, to provide improved and more precise control over engine air flow. In an alternative embodiment, an engine may be controlled with a feedback control system where engine intake chemical composition is the feedback variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Steve Miller Weisman, II, Admir Kreso, Andrew May
  • Patent number: 6298814
    Abstract: A sectionalized rocker arm cover assembly (10) is utilized for diesel engine (14) applications having overhead high pressure fuel lines (26). The fuel lines (26) connect to fuel injectors (20) that protrude through a primary member (16) of the rocker arm cover assembly (10). The rocker arm cover assembly (10) is sectionalized longitudinally. Sectionalizing the cover assembly (10) obviates the need to dismantle the fuel lines (26) and permits easy access to service the rocker arms (29). The injectors (20) are disposed longitudinally and provide vertical support to the rocker arm cover assembly (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Pearlman, Jared Keyes
  • Publication number: 20010021893
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring engine operating data include monitoring various engine operating parameters and periodically storing engine data when corresponding criteria are met. In one embodiment, enigne operating parameters may include engine speed, powertrain demand, or a fluid temperature, for example. Engine operating data such as oil pressure, turbo boost pressure, battery voltage, fuel economy, oil temperature, coolant temperature, maximum RPM, maximum vehicle speed, and throttle position sensor voltage, for example may be stored for trending and analysis. In addition, engine components may be monitored to determine service or replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Applicant: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: S. Miller Weisman
  • Publication number: 20010018632
    Abstract: An engine controller and computer readable storage medium for detecting cold engine operation include determining at least two fluid temperatures and providing an output signal based on the at least two temperatures. Preferably, an engine coolant temperature, an intercooler temperature, and an engine air temperature are determined via appropriate temperature sensors. In one embodiment, the cold engine output signal is activated or asserted if any one of the at least two fluid temperatures is below a corresponding temperature threshold. The cold engine output signal is deactivated when all of the fluid temperatures are above corresponding temperature thresholds (plus hysteresis where applicable). An optional user-selectable parameter provides for actuation of the cold engine output only during idle. The cold engine output signal may be used to control various accessories including coolant heating systems, shutters, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Applicant: DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6278282
    Abstract: A method for determining quality of lubricating oil using electrodes in contact with the oil includes applying a potential having a first amplitude to the electrodes, wherein the first amplitude is sufficiently low such that substantially no solution current will flow; determining a first voltage phase lag with respect to the potential when the potential has the first amplitude; increasing amplitude of the potential to a second amplitude at which solution current flows; determining a second voltage phase lag with respect to the potential when the potential has the second amplitude; and determining the quality of the oil based on the voltage phase lags. A system for practicing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Gary A. Marszalek
  • Patent number: 6274944
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle including an internal combustion engine having an idle speed includes controlling the idle speed based on system voltage, and increasing the idle speed when system voltage is low and the vehicle speed status indicates that the vehicle is stationary. In some embodiments, idle speed may ramp up with current demanded engine speed while the vehicle is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Dennis Michael Letang
  • Patent number: 6273034
    Abstract: A method of controlling an internal combustion engine having a variable speed fan includes controlling the variable speed fan with closed loop control based on fan motor hydraulic pressure. A reference fan pressure is based on an applied fan request signal. The actual fan motor pressure is monitored, and an error signal is determined by comparing the reference fan pressure to the actual fan pressure. The fan is driven based on the error signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery Scott Hawkins, Steve Miller Weisman
  • Patent number: 6268737
    Abstract: A method for determining quality of lubricating oil includes positioning first and second electrodes in the oil, wherein the electrodes are coated with an electrically insulating material; applying a symmetrically balanced time-varying potential to the electrodes, the potential having a predetermined amplitude; sweeping the potential over a range of frequencies from a first frequency to a second frequency greater than the first frequency; monitoring magnitude of amplitude modulation of the potential over the range of frequencies; and determining the quality of the oil based on variation of the amplitude modulation. A system for practicing the method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Gary A. Marszalek
  • Patent number: 6250377
    Abstract: An engine radiator of the coolant downflow type can be equipped with an internal hood structure at the mouth of the radiator exit flow passage, to prevent air entrainment with the downflowing coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Albert W. Gyenese, Jr.