Patents Examined by Erick R. Solis
  • Patent number: 11060439
    Abstract: A system of diagnosing a deterioration of a catalyst, which includes a precious metal component and a ceramic part and purifies an exhaust gas emitted from an engine, includes: a diagnosis means comparing a diagnosis object value corresponding to an output from an NOx sensor provided on a downstream side with respect to the catalyst and a predetermined diagnosis threshold value stored in a storage means, thereby diagnosing a degree of deterioration of the catalyst, wherein the diagnosis threshold value is previously determined based on a correlationship between the diagnosis object value and a total weight value of NOx and THC in the exhaust gas through the catalyst in a state where the vehicle travels under a constant threshold value setting condition, and the diagnosis means diagnoses that a deterioration occurs in the precious metal component when the diagnosis object value exceeds the diagnosis threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: NGK INSULATORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Taku Okamoto, Osamu Nakasone
  • Patent number: 11053873
    Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for improving engaging automatic vehicle motive power source stopping and inhibiting automatic vehicle motive power source stopping. The methods and systems include processing driver inputs in a machine learning model and characterizing the driver in one of a plurality of driver groups. Automatic vehicle motive power source stopping and starting may be adjusted responsive to a group in which a driver is a member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dominique Meroux, Sravani Yajamanam Kidambi
  • Patent number: 11047320
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for predicting a fluid type, comprising sensing, by a first sensor, mass flow data of a fluid in an engine, wherein the first sensor operates based on a first fluid property; sensing, by a second sensor, mass flow data of the fluid, wherein the second sensor operates based on a second fluid property; and detecting, by a logic circuit of a controller, a percent difference in the mass flow data provided by the first and second sensors, the percent difference indicating that the fluid is comprised of at least a first fluid type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Marten H. Dane, Shu Li
  • Patent number: 11047351
    Abstract: Electronic fuel injection for an internal combustion engine maintains an operator-specified air-to-fuel ratio during engine operations in high-speed, high-volume, mixed fuel applications. A microprocessor-based controller executes a program stored in memory to calculate a fuel flow value as a function of the specified air-to-fuel ratio and specified density ratio of mixed fuels. The controller outputs a control signal to a variable fuel flow relief valve and receives feedback from an engine fuel flow sensor. The controller adjusts the control signal until the feedback matches the fuel flow value. The program optimizes the fuel flow value by accounting for engine air flow, water vapor density, and dry air density effects in the calculation, based on signals received by the controller from various environmental sensors. The system has particular application in dragster engines that burn a mixture of nitromethane and methanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventor: Donald John Jackson
  • Patent number: 11041454
    Abstract: A method and system for correcting a fuel injection amount that injects fuel may include applying a current value for injecting a target fuel amount and injecting fuel under a driving condition in which fuel injection is blocked; determining a frequency analysis value for a pressure signal of the fuel pressure rail when the fuel is injected; determining a fuel amount difference corresponding to a difference value between the frequency analysis value and a reference frequency analysis value stored in a data storage in advance; and correcting a current value of the injector which is applied to inject the target fuel amount to remove the fuel amount difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Jeong Sang Oh
  • Patent number: 11035310
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for calibration and control of various engine subsystems using a target value approach. Under the target value approach, the control of each engine subsystem is separated or decoupled to include a set of target values, or a reference value set. A subsystem has a corresponding target determiner, which provides a target value set, or reference value set, in response to a basis variable set and optionally an overall subsystem target. The basis variable set includes parameters selected to robustly characterize the variables that affect the operation of the particular subsystem. The target determiner is optionally calibrated to provide a reference value set within specifications of the subsystem. A physical subsystem controller operates in response to the reference value set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Phanindra V. Garimella, Paul V. Moonjelly, Edmund P. Hodzen, Ming-feng Hsieh, Gayatri Adi, Gokul Vishwanathan
  • Patent number: 11035317
    Abstract: A control system for controlling pilot fuel injection in a dual fuel engine is disclosed. The control system may determine, using measurements from one or more sensors, one or more combustion parameters associated with the dual fuel engine during operation of the dual fuel engine. The control system may determine an estimated nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions level based on the one or more combustion parameters, and may determine a NOx error based on a comparison between the estimated NOx emissions level and a desired NOx emissions level. The control system may control a quantity of pilot fuel injected into the dual fuel engine based on the NOx error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Fiveland, Arvind Sivasubramanian, Shivangi Wagle, Shawn Damm, Christopher Gallmeyer, Andy Pierpont
  • Patent number: 11035308
    Abstract: An evaporation gas active purge system may include a purge line of connecting a canister for absorbing an evaporation gas of a fuel tank to an intake pipe; a purge pump mounted on the purge line; a purge valve mounted on the purge line to be disposed between the purge pump and the intake pipe; a pressure sensor mounted on the purge line to be disposed between the purge pump and the purge valve; and a control unit of receiving a signal from the pressure sensor, and transmitting an operating signal to the purge pump and the purge valve, wherein the control unit controls the purge pump and the purge valve by an engine condition and a vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Gompany, Kia Motors Gorporation
    Inventor: Young-Kyu Oh
  • Patent number: 11035334
    Abstract: An ignition system for an engine includes a sparkplug, ignition circuitry electrically connected to the sparkplug, and an ignition control unit structured to energize the ignition circuitry to fire the sparkplug at an ignition timing, detect a fault condition caused by an abnormal response of the sparkplug to the energizing, and to energize the ignition circuitry to dry fire the sparkplug at an offset timing such as during an exhaust, stroke based on the detection of the fault condition. Dry firing the sparkplug reduces a break down voltage required to subsequently fire the sparkplug and extends sparkplug service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James Jay Cress, Chris Hoops
  • Patent number: 11028805
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle, system, and method for on-board catalytic upgrading of hydrocarbon fuels. In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle may include, amongst other things, an internal combustion engine configured to provide motive force to the vehicle, an unreformed fuel subsystem, a reformed fuel subsystem, and a fuel system control architecture. The unreformed fuel subsystem may be structurally configured to transfer unreformed hydrocarbon fuel from the on-board point-of-sale fuel tank to the internal combustion engine. The reformed fuel subsystem may be structurally configured to reform hydrocarbon fuel from the on-board point-of-sale fuel tank and transfer reformed fuel to the internal combustion engine along a reformed fuel supply pathway separated from the unreformed fuel supply pathway. The fuel system control architecture may include a reformate flow control device and a cetane rating controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Esam Zaki Hamad, Christos Kalamaras
  • Patent number: 11028718
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gas turbine engine including a turbine rotor, a turbine frame at least partially surrounding the turbine rotor, and an outer diameter seal assembly. The turbine rotor includes an inner shroud, an outer shroud, and at least one connecting airfoil coupling the inner shroud and the outer shroud. The outer shroud includes a plurality of outer shroud airfoils extended inward along a radial direction. The outer diameter seal assembly includes a sliding portion disposed between the turbine frame and the outer shroud of the turbine rotor. The outer diameter seal assembly defines a secondary tooth at the outer shroud radially inward of a longitudinal face of the sliding portion, and a primary tooth defined axially adjacent to a radial face of the sliding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nathan Evan McCurdy Gibson, Darek Tomasz Zatorski
  • Patent number: 11022062
    Abstract: An example system includes a controller configured to: receive pressure information indicative of a pressure level of the pressurized fuel between an electro-mechanical valve and an engine; based on the pressure level being below a first threshold pressure, send a first signal to open the electro-mechanical valve; determine, based on the pressure information, that the pressure level is increasing upon sending the first signal; in response to the pressure level increasing, send a second signal to activate a pump; determine that the pressure level has increased to a second threshold pressure; and provide information indicating that the engine is ready for operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Power Solutions International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian R. White, Hans Kwok, Ricky Lulloff, Gregory D. Aykens
  • Patent number: 11022077
    Abstract: An EGR cooler includes an elongated, stainless steel cooler housing with a first end having a stainless steel end plate and a second end opposite the first end, and an Inconel diffuser having an inlet end defining a gas inlet and an outlet end welded to the stainless steel end plate. The stainless steel end plate having a first thickness and the outlet end of the Inconel diffuser including a sidewall having a second thickness that is 50% or less of the first thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dongming Tan, Michael Pollard
  • Patent number: 11015565
    Abstract: A battery pack for use in providing starting power for a starter motor of an internal combustion engine and to supply power to one or more auxiliary loads. The battery pack includes an outer housing that encloses a plurality of battery cells. The battery pack further includes a control module. The control module includes a processing circuit configured to control one or more functions associated with the internal combustion engine and an interface circuit configured to interface with the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Koenen
  • Patent number: 11002208
    Abstract: An in-vehicle control device carries out fuel cut-off for stopping fuel injection from a fuel injection valve when a prescribed fuel cut-off condition including that a lockup clutch with which a torque converter is equipped is engaged and that an accelerator is off is fulfilled. Besides, the in-vehicle control device performs a fuel cut-off suspension process for carrying out fuel injection from the fuel injection valve and releasing the lockup clutch when there is a request to suspend fuel cut-off with the accelerator off. Also, the in-vehicle control device performs a speed increase process for performing shift control of an automatic transmission such that the rotational speed of a turbine impeller with which the torque converter is equipped becomes higher while the fuel cut-off suspension process is performed than when fuel cut-off is carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryota Iwasaki, Yoshitsugu Shinohara
  • Patent number: 10995720
    Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel injector having an inlet conduit which extends along an inlet conduit axis and has an inlet conduit shoulder which is travers to the inlet conduit axis. A fuel distribution conduit supplies fuel to the fuel injector, extends along a fuel distribution conduit axis, and has external threads which threadably engage internal threads of a connection nut. A retention member is a segment of an annulus and includes a central passage extending axially therethrough and external threads which threadably engage the internal threads of the connection nut. The retention member is terminated in a direction circumferentially about the fuel distribution conduit axis by first and second end surfaces which together form a retention member slot therebetween sized to permit the inlet conduit to pass therethrough in a direction perpendicular to the fuel distribution conduit axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventor: Ravish S. Masti
  • Patent number: 10995768
    Abstract: A compressor rotor of a turbomachine includes a rotor disk; a rotor hub forming or connected to a radially outer edge of the rotor disk; and a plurality of rotor blades on the rotor hub extending radially outwards. The rotor hub includes an axially frontal leading edge, an axially rear trailing edge, a top side, a frontal bottom side extending on a bottom side of the rotor hub from the leading edge in a direction of the rotor disk and transitioning into same, and a rear bottom side extending on the bottom side from the trailing edge in the direction of the rotor disk and transitioning into same. The frontal bottom side and/or the rear bottom side of the hub is contoured in a circumferential direction of the rotor hub to form respectively one indentation in an area below a rotor blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
    Inventor: Erik Johann
  • Patent number: 10989103
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a vehicle includes a temperature monitoring controller. The temperature monitoring controller is a processor, control module, or other suitable hardware that is configured to receive temperature sensor values from an engine control module (ECM) when an ignition bus is in a powered on state, and to decide when the engine should be automatically started in order to maintain a temperature above a low temperature threshold. The temperature monitoring controller periodically causes an ignition bus of the vehicle to be placed in the powered on state when the engine is shut down in order to collect temperature sensor values. The temperature monitoring controller determines whether to automatically start the engine, and if not, determines how long to wait before collecting temperature sensor values again based on a rate of change of the temperature sensor values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: PACCAR INC
    Inventor: Brendan A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10975797
    Abstract: Provided is an internal-combustion-engine control device that minimizes a detection error of a cylinder pressure sensor used in a control of an internal combustion engine. The internal-combustion-engine control device is an electronic control unit (ECU) 1 for an internal combustion engine 100 that includes a cylinder pressure sensor 140 for detecting cylinder pressure in a combustion chamber. The ECU 1 includes an overall controller 81 configured to correct an output signal S2 transmitted from the cylinder pressure sensor 140 in a cylinder 150. The overall controller 81 corrects the output signal S2 from the cylinder pressure sensor 140 in accordance with a correction period calculated based on drive of components of the internal combustion engine 100, such as a fuel injector 400.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOVIE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventor: Eiichiro Ohata
  • Patent number: 10975790
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for using an electric machine as a generator to control boost during an engine cold start. In one example, a method may include receiving a request to increase an engine load during the engine cold start, determining an available capacity of a battery, operating the electric machine as a generator to increase the engine load with an electrical load, and responsive to the available capacity of the battery being less than a charge threshold, charging the battery with the electrical load while generating an increased boost pressure with an electric boosting device by powering the electric boosting device via the battery, and coordinating an amount of the increased boost pressure to compensate the electrical load. By increasing the engine load during the engine cold start, an exhaust gas temperature may be increased to achieve catalyst light-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Matthew Kurtz, Jason Brian Martz, Satheesh Makkapati