Patents Examined by Patrick Maines
  • Patent number: 10294792
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of internal combustion engines and compressors in general and to linear compressors, in particular these used as in U.S. Pat. No. 8,056,527, by accurately controlling the pressure being delivered into the combustion chambers of said engine while returning unused energy of the compression phase into the motor for complete expansion. Another improvement relates to a pressure compensated vane to be used inside grooves of the motor assembly rotor. This invention enables the vane to seal against the cavity of the housing tightly with minimal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventor: Egidio Lucas de Oliveira
  • Patent number: 10253886
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for processing a high-temperature process fluid using a processing machine in a subsea location while protecting dynamic seals within the machine. In some examples a small portion of the process fluid is cooled using a cooling system the cooled process fluid is then directed towards the dynamic seals. In other examples the dynamic seals are shielded and isolated from the high temperature process fluid and cooler barrier fluid is circulated within an enclosed volume in proximity to the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Framo Engineering AS
    Inventors: Robert Groette, Anders Brunvold, Per Gunnar Vikre, Haakon Jostein Grimstad
  • Patent number: 10247080
    Abstract: An aftertreatment system comprises a SCR system, an engine out NOx (EONOx) adjustment system and a controller. The controller is configured to instruct the EONOx adjustment system to adjust an EONOx amount between a high EONOx level for a first predetermined time and a low EONOx level for a second predetermined time when the SCR system is in a diagnostic enabling condition. The controller determines a SCR system out NOx (SONOx) amount. The controller determines an efficiency parameter of the SCR system from the SONOx amount when the EONOx amount transitions from the low EONOx level to the high EONOx level and if the efficiency parameter satisfies a predetermined threshold. In response to the efficiency parameter not satisfying the predetermined threshold, the controller determines that the SCR system has failed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Cummins Emission Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Farshad Farid, Jinqian Gong, Varun R. Rajagopal
  • Patent number: 10240501
    Abstract: A two-stage venturi cooler comprises a first tubular conduit having a longitudinal axis, the first elongate tubular conduit having an exhaust gas inlet at one end, a mixed gas outlet at an opposing end, and a cooling gas inlet, wherein structures inside the first stage define a venturi that forms a column of mixed gas, wherein the column of mixed gas comprises a ring of exhaust gas surrounding a core of cooling gas; and a second tubular conduit that is coaxial with the first tubular conduit, wherein the second tubular conduit has a mixed gas inlet at one end and a mixed gas outlet at an opposing end, and wherein the mixed gas inlet is to receive the column of mixed gas and to surround the column of mixed gas with an entrained column of ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Alan D. Sheidler, Sai K. Nandigam, Tyler L. Holp, Xijun Wang
  • Patent number: 10240498
    Abstract: A device and a method for regenerating a particulate filter that is arranged in the exhaust tract of an internal combustion engine. There is disposed at least one NO oxidation catalytic converter upstream of the particulate filter for the oxidation of NO, and in particular to form NO2. At least one heating device is also provided upstream of the particulate filter, by way of which an exhaust-gas flow that is conducted towards the particulate filter can be heated to a defined temperature in accordance with defined regeneration parameters, in particular in accordance with a degree of loading of the particulate filter and/or in accordance with an efficiency of an NO2-based regeneration of the particulate filter by way of an NO2 quantity formed in the at least one NO oxidation catalytic converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: MAN Truck & Bus AG
    Inventor: Andreas Doering
  • Patent number: 10233809
    Abstract: A method to process exhaust gas expelled from at least one cylinder of a plurality of cylinders of an internal combustion engine, the method comprising providing an internal combustion engine, wherein the engine comprises a steam hydrocarbon reformer including a steam reformation catalyst, treating exhaust gas of the engine containing hydrocarbon and water by reacting the hydrocarbon and water in the presence of the steam reformation catalyst in the steam hydrocarbon reformer to provide treated exhaust gas. The treated exhaust gas includes carbon monoxide gas and hydrogen gas produced from the reaction, and mixing the treated exhaust gas, including the carbon monoxide gas and hydrogen gas produced in the steam hydrocarbon reformer with air to provide the mixture of air and treated exhaust gas introduced into the cylinders of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Cary A. Henry
  • Patent number: 10233808
    Abstract: A system comprises an engine including a plurality of cylinders. A first intake throttle is positioned upstream of a first set of cylinders of the plurality of cylinders. The first intake throttle provides air at a first flow rate to the first set of cylinders so as to produce a lean air/fuel mixture in the first set of cylinders. A second intake throttle is positioned upstream of a second set of cylinders included in the plurality of cylinders and in parallel of the first intake throttle. The second intake throttle provides air at a second flow rate to the second set of cylinders so as to produce a rich air/fuel mixture in the second set of cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Cummins Emission Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Backhaus
  • Patent number: 10227938
    Abstract: A method for controlling a supercharger of a vehicle includes: determining, at a first determination step, whether or not an engine operates in a cylinder deactivation (CDA) mode; calculating, at a second determination step, a difference value between a target boost pressure of a turbocharger and a current boost pressure of intake air boosted by the turbocharger, and determining whether or not the difference value is equal to or greater than a reference difference value; determining, at a third determination step, based on a current operating condition of the engine whether or not the supercharger is allowed to operate; determining, at a fourth determination step, a target rpm of the supercharger, and determining whether or not the target rpm is equal to or greater than a reference rpm; and operating the supercharger at an operating step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Seung Eun Yu, Hyo Sang Cho
  • Patent number: 10226738
    Abstract: An assembly for treating gaseous emissions includes a substrate body having a front and a rear and cells for the passage of emissions gas. Inductance heating metal is located in the substrate body and an induction heating coil is mounted adjacent the substrate body for generating a varying electromagnetic field for inductively heating the metal and thereby heating the substrate body. A greater concentration of the metal is located near the front of the substrate body than near the rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY EMISSION SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Robin Crawford, John Douglas
  • Patent number: 10221756
    Abstract: Various systems are provided for an exhaust aftertreatment system that includes a support platform, a plurality of isolated legs coupled to the support platform, a plurality of catalysts arranged in parallel with one another and supported above the support platform by the plurality of isolated legs, and an aftertreatment outlet manifold coupled above the plurality of catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: GE Global Sourcing LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Synnott Music, Taylor Duane Gray
  • Patent number: 10207222
    Abstract: An assembly for treating gaseous emissions includes a substrate body having cells for the passages of emissions gas. Lengths of metal wire are located in selected ones of the cells and an induction heating coil is mounted adjacent the substrate body for generating a varying electromagnetic field. In this way the metal wires are heated, resulting in heating of the substrate body and heating of exhaust gas flowing in the cells. Individual lengths of wire or wire lengths that are joined together are configured as loop conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY EMISSION SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Robin Crawford, John Douglas
  • Patent number: 10196955
    Abstract: A method includes determining whether a urea refill event is detected, and clearing a quality accumulator value and clearing a latching abort command. The method includes determining whether urea fluid quality check abort conditions are met, and clearing the urea quality accumulator, latching the abort command, and exiting the reductant fluid quality check. In response to the abort conditions not being met, incrementing the urea quality accumulator according to an amount of urea being injected, and comparing the accumulated urea quantity to a low test threshold. The method includes, in response to the accumulated urea quantity being greater than the low test threshold, comparing the accumulated urea quantity to a high test threshold, and in response to the urea quantity being greater than the high test threshold, determining whether the a NOx exceedance is observed and clearing a urea quality error in response to the NOx exceedance not being observed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Cummins Emission Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Xi Wei, David Samuel Everard, Baohua Qi, Mickey R. McDaniel, Edmund P. Hodzen, Guoquian Li
  • Patent number: 10196941
    Abstract: An exhaust gas system includes an arrangement for conveying an exhaust gas stream and a thermodynamic engine connected to the exhaust gas stream conveying arrangement for recovery of heat from the exhaust gas stream. The thermodynamic engine includes a working fluid circulation circuit. The exhaust gas system includes at least one working fluid release arrangement which is connected between the working fluid circulation circuit and the exhaust, gas conveying arrangement for releasing the working fluid from the working fluid circulation circuit to the exhaust gas conveying arrangement. The exhaust gas stream conveying arrangement includes at least one exhaust gas treatment unit. Further, the working fluid release arrangement is connected upstream of or directly to the exhaust gas treatment unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Lennart Andersson, Arne Andersson, Peter Mårdberg
  • Patent number: 10196897
    Abstract: A turbofan engine includes a fan section with a plurality of fan blades rotatable about an engine axis generating an airflow, a bypass passage through which the airflow passes, and a fan exit guide vane. The fan exit guide vane assembly includes a plurality of airfoils disposed between an inner platform wall and an outer platform wall. At least one of the inner platform wall and the outer platform wall includes a contoured surface between adjacent airfoils. The contoured surface includes at least one concave region and at least one convex region. A method of reducing secondary flow structures in bypass air flow with the turbofan is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Flavien L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 10190596
    Abstract: A multi-stage compressor for a turbocharger includes a compressor housing that defines an aperture for receiving a compressor wheel for successively compressing air in first and second stages. First- and second-stage inlets are fluidly connected to the aperture in opposite axial directions, and first- and second-stage volutes extend at least partially annularly therearound so that each volute is configured to receive gas flowing generally radially outward from the compressor wheel. First and second passages fluidly connect the first-stage volute to the second-stage inlet. The passages approach the second-stage inlet from opposite radially inward directions, and are asymmetric with respect to any pair of orthogonal axes having an origin lying on the turbocharger rotary axis as viewed on a transverse cross-section that is normal to the turbocharger axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Garrett Transportation I Inc.
    Inventors: Vaclav Kares, Vit Houst, Ondrej Lednicky, Milan Nejedly, Michal Mokos, Zbynek Oslejsek, Daniel Turecek
  • Patent number: 10167761
    Abstract: An injection device (14), for introducing a reducing agent (11) into an exhaust gas stream (8) of an exhaust system (7) of an internal combustion engine (1), has an exhaust pipe (15) for guiding the exhaust gas stream (8), which has a connecting piece opening (18) in a wall (17). A connecting piece (16) is inserted with an inner end (19) into the connecting piece opening (18) and is provided for connecting an injector (10) at an outer end (20). Simplified assembly is achieved if the connecting piece (16) has, at an inner end (19), a laterally projecting, fully circumferentially extending collar (22). The collar (22) is in contact, on an inner side (23) of the wall (17), with an opening edge (24) enclosing the connecting piece opening (18) and is welded to the wall (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Eberspächer Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co.KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Kobe, Frank Berkemer, Konrad Klausa, David Binder, Felix Hackländer
  • Patent number: 10161332
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, an air-fuel control method for the engine system may include flowing air from the intake manifold through a plurality of engine cylinders to a junction of the exhaust passage and a bypass passage in response to a condition, the junction positioned along the exhaust passage between first and second emission control devices. The method may further include flowing exhaust gas to the first emission control device while flowing the air to the junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Donald Lewis
  • Patent number: 10151301
    Abstract: A method of controlling a wind turbine is described. The method involves forecasting the temperature evolution of a component of the wind turbine based upon the current operating parameters of the wind turbine and upon a required power output; predicting from the temperature forecast a future alarm event caused by the temperature of the component exceeding a first threshold level or falling below a second threshold level; and adjusting the operating parameters of the wind turbine to control the temperature evolution of the component thereby to avoid or delay the predicted alarm event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Fabio Caponetti, Martin Ansbjerg Kjær
  • Patent number: 10143967
    Abstract: An assembly for treating gaseous emissions includes a substrate body having cells for the passages of emissions gas. Lengths of metal wire are located in selected ones of the cells and an induction heating coil is mounted adjacent the substrate body for generating a varying electromagnetic field. In this way the metal wires are heated, resulting in heating of the substrate body and heating of exhaust gas flowing in the cells. The metal wires are distributed non-uniformly through the substrate body to obtain a desired heating pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY EMISSION SOLUTIONS INC.
    Inventors: Robin Crawford, John Douglas
  • Patent number: 10145298
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising an engine block comprised of a main cavity, an intake plenum, and an exhaust plenum; a crankshaft supported within the main cavity of the engine block; a rotating piston assembly contained within the main cavity of the engine block and comprised of a rotatable cylinder housing having a housing axis of rotation and comprised of a plurality of pistons contained in combustion cylinders; and a rotating valve ring contained within the engine block and surrounding the rotating piston assembly, and comprised of intake ports, ignition energy ports, and exhaust ports corresponding to each of the plurality of combustion cylinders. The rotatable cylinder housing has an axis of rotation that is parallel to and offset from the crankshaft axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Vengen Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Vengen