Patents by Inventor Adrian P. Dale

Adrian P. Dale has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9752537
    Abstract: A unique engine system has an engine with a dedicated exhaust gas recirculation cylinder, an EGR system that receives exhaust gas from the dedicated cylinder, and a turbocharger having turbine inlet ports in fluid communication with other engine cylinders via a plurality of exhaust passages. At least two of the exhaust passages are substantially isolated from each other. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for engines and engine systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian P. Dale, Michael D. Dolton, Samuel C. Geckler, James Alexander McEwen, Nicholas Kenneth Sharp, Stephen Edward Garrett, Anthony Kyle Perfetto
  • Patent number: 9644573
    Abstract: A system includes an internal combustion engine, an EGR flow path having an EGR cooler path and an EGR cooler bypass path, a turbocharger, a compressed intake flow path, an EGR bypass valve that selectively divides the EGR flow between the EGR cooler path and the EGR cooler bypass path, a charge air cooler bypass valve that reduces an amount of cooling of compressed intake air out of the compression side of the turbocharger, and an aftertreatment component that receives the exhaust stream from the turbine side of the turbocharger. The aftertreatment component requires at least intermittent exhaust stream temperature elevation. The system includes a controller that determines that an exhaust stream temperature elevation request is present, and provides a charge air cooler bypass valve command and an EGR bypass valve command in response to the exhaust stream temperature elevation request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian P. Dale
  • Publication number: 20150345433
    Abstract: A unique engine system has an engine with a dedicated exhaust gas recirculation cylinder, an EGR system that receives exhaust gas from the dedicated cylinder, and a turbocharger having turbine inlet ports in fluid communication with other engine cylinders via a plurality of exhaust passages. At least two of the exhaust passages are substantially isolated from each other. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for engines and engine systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Adrian P. Dale, Michael D. Dolton, Samuel C. Geckler, James Alexander McEwen, Nicholas Kenneth Sharp, Stephen Edward Garrett, Anthony Kyle Perfetto
  • Patent number: 8997353
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for optimizing a valve orifice shape. According to one representative embodiment, a method includes determining a specified relationship between a valve position and an output characteristic, and determining an orifice profile. The method also includes determining a relationship of an orifice area to the output characteristic. Further, the method includes shaping an orifice in a valve based on the orifice profile and the specified relationship between the valve position and the output characteristic. According to the method, the valve should approximately exhibit the specified relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian P. Dale, Vivek A. Sujan
  • Publication number: 20140319397
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for optimizing a valve orifice shape. According to one representative embodiment, a method includes determining a specified relationship between a valve position and an output characteristic, and determining an orifice profile. The method also includes determining a relationship of an orifice area to the output characteristic. Further, the method includes shaping an orifice in a valve based on the orifice profile and the specified relationship between the valve position and the output characteristic. According to the method, the valve should approximately exhibit the specified relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Adrian P. Dale, Vivek A. Sujan
  • Patent number: 8001783
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a single-actuated multi-function valve. The apparatus includes a primary fluid conduit, a secondary fluid conduit, and a valve. The primary fluid conduit flows from an exhaust manifold to an outlet through a high pressure turbocharger and a low pressure turbocharger. The secondary fluid conduit flows from the exhaust manifold to an outlet through the low pressure turbocharger. The valve has two flow passages—the first flow passage is a variable restriction within the primary fluid conduit, and the second flow passage is a variable restriction within the secondary fluid conduit. Turning the valve one direction from a nominal position controls the flow ratios in the primary and secondary fluid conduits, while turning the valve in the other direction from the nominal position controls exhaust braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian P. Dale, Vivek A. Sujan
  • Patent number: 7861580
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a virtual turbine speed sensor for a multi-stage turbocharger system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The multi-stage turbocharger system includes at least two sequential turbochargers each having a compressor and a turbine. The virtual turbine speed sensor includes a compressor efficiency module, an inter-stage air temperature module, and a turbine speed module. The compressor efficiency module is configured to estimate an efficiency of a compressor of a first of the at least two turbochargers. The inter-stage air temperature module is configured to estimate an inter-stage temperature of air between the at least two compressors. The inter-stage temperature estimate is based at least partially on the efficiency of the compressor of the first turbocharger. The turbine speed module is configured to estimate a speed of a turbine of a second of the at least two turbochargers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Adrian P. Dale, Jeffrey Matthews, Kent Krajewski, David Stroh, Ryo Fuchinoue
  • Patent number: 7805235
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling a flow of intake air entering an internal combustion engine. At least some of the intake air is diverted away from the engine in response to detection of a first operating condition that is indicative of a minimum engine fueling rate. A second operating condition that is indicative of a flow rate of the intake air entering the engine is monitored, and diverting at least some of the intake air away from the engine is discontinued if the second operating condition indicates that the flow rate of the intake air entering the engine is within a threshold value of a target flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Morgan Andreae, Adrian P. Dale, Jeffrey A. Matthews
  • Patent number: 7770565
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling recirculation of exhaust gas to an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system comprising an EGR conduit coupled between an exhaust manifold and an intake manifold of the engine. Exhaust gas produced by the engine is trapped within the EGR system in response to detection of a first operating condition that is indicative of a minimum engine fueling rate. The trapped exhaust gas is released from the EGR system into the intake manifold of the engine in response to detection of a second operating condition that is indicative of a subsequent increase in engine fueling rate above the minimum engine fueling rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Morgan Andreae, Adrian P. Dale, Jeffrey A. Matthews
  • Patent number: 7757549
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for predictive control of a turbocharger. The method includes interpreting a compressor performance model for a turbocharger, and interpreting at least one current operating parameter. The method further includes calculating a performance margin, calculating a performance margin derivative, and calculating a response value. The performance margin comprises a choke margin or a surge margin according to the position of an operating point in the compressor performance model. The performance margin is implemented in a first sigmoid function, and the performance margin derivative is implemented in a second sigmoid function. The response value is determined by applying a MIN function to the output of the product of the sigmoid functions in the choke margin case, and by applying a MAX function to the product of the sigmoid functions in the surge margin case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins IP, Inc
    Inventors: Morgan Andreae, Adrian P. Dale, Jeffrey Matthews, William A. Rankin, Vivek A. Sujan
  • Publication number: 20090314082
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a virtual turbine speed sensor for a multi-stage turbocharger system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The multi-stage turbocharger system includes at least two sequential turbochargers each having a compressor and a turbine. The virtual turbine speed sensor includes a compressor efficiency module, an inter-stage air temperature module, and a turbine speed module. The compressor efficiency module is configured to estimate an efficiency of a compressor of a first of the at least two turbochargers. The inter-stage air temperature module is configured to estimate an inter-stage temperature of air between the at least two compressors. The inter-stage temperature estimate is based at least partially on the efficiency of the compressor of the first turbocharger. The turbine speed module is configured to estimate a speed of a turbine of a second of the at least two turbochargers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Adrian P. Dale, Jeffrey Matthews, Kent Krajewski, David Stroh, Ryo Fuchinoue
  • Publication number: 20090250043
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling recirculation of exhaust gas to an internal combustion engine having an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system comprising an EGR conduit coupled between an exhaust manifold and an intake manifold of the engine. Exhaust gas produced by the engine is trapped within the EGR system in response to detection of a first operating condition that is indicative of a minimum engine fueling rate. The trapped exhaust gas is released from the EGR system into the intake manifold of the engine in response to detection of a second operating condition that is indicative of a subsequent increase in engine fueling rate above the minimum engine fueling rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Morgan Andreae, Adrian P. Dale, Jeffrey A. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20090250042
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling a flow of intake air entering an internal combustion engine. At least some of the intake air is diverted away from the engine in response to detection of a first operating condition that is indicative of a minimum engine fueling rate. A second operating condition that is indicative of a flow rate of the intake air entering the engine is monitored, and diverting at least some of the intake air away from the engine is discontinued if the second operating condition indicates that the flow rate of the intake air entering the engine is within a threshold value of a target flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Morgan Andreae, Adrian P. Dale, Jeffrey A. Matthews
  • Publication number: 20090224190
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for optimizing a valve orifice shape. According to one representative embodiment, a method includes determining a specified relationship between a valve position and an output characteristic, and determining an orifice profile. The method also includes determining a relationship of an orifice area to the output characteristic. Further, the method includes shaping an orifice in a valve based on the orifice profile and the specified relationship between the valve position and the output characteristic. According to the method, the valve should approximately exhibit the specified relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Adrian P. Dale, Vivek A. Sujan
  • Publication number: 20090211248
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for predictive control of a turbocharger. The method includes interpreting a compressor performance model for a turbocharger, and interpreting at least one current operating parameter. The method further includes calculating a performance margin, calculating a performance margin derivative, and calculating a response value. The performance margin comprises a choke margin or a surge margin according to the position of an operating point in the compressor performance model. The performance margin is implemented in a first sigmoid function, and the performance margin derivative is implemented in a second sigmoid function. The response value is determined by applying a MIN function to the output of the product of the sigmoid functions in the choke margin case, and by applying a MAX function to the product of the sigmoid functions in the surge margin case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Morgan Andreae, Adrian P. Dale, Jeffrey Matthews, William A. Rankin, Vivek A. Sujan
  • Publication number: 20090188251
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a single-actuated multi-function valve. The apparatus includes a primary fluid conduit, a secondary fluid conduit, and a valve. The primary fluid conduit flows from an exhaust manifold to an outlet through a high pressure turbocharger and a low pressure turbocharger. The secondary fluid conduit flows from the exhaust manifold to an outlet through the low pressure turbocharger. The valve has two flow passages—the first flow passage is a variable restriction within the primary fluid conduit, and the second flow passage is a variable restriction within the secondary fluid conduit. Turning the valve one direction from a nominal position controls the flow ratios in the primary and secondary fluid conduits, while turning the valve in the other direction from the nominal position controls exhaust braking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Adrian P. Dale, Vivek A. Sujan
  • Publication number: 20090178406
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for utilizing a diesel aftertreatment device between the high pressure and low pressure turbine stages of a two-stage turbocharging system. A diesel aftertreatment device is connected in series between the high pressure turbine and the low pressure turbine such that the diesel aftertreatment device receives inflow from the high pressure turbine and provides outflow to the low pressure turbine. A bypass mechanism is provided such that at low engine speeds or loads, engine exhaust flows through the high pressure turbine as well as the diesel aftertreatment device, but at high engine speeds or loads, the high pressure turbine and diesel aftertreatment device are bypassed, thereby allowing the engine to operate more efficiently while still effectively removing pollutants from the engine exhaust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey Matthews, Adrian P. Dale
  • Patent number: 5441383
    Abstract: A variable inlet nozzle exhaust-driven turbocharger comprises a compressor (2, 5, 6) driven via a main shaft (8) by a turbine wheel (10, 11) subject to engine exhaust gas flow through an annular nozzle formed between a heat shroud (21) having slots (22) to receive vanes (17) carried by a sleeve axially movable in the exhaust duct (19) downstream of the turbine wheel the sleeve being actuable by means acting via a space (25) defined between bearing parts of the sleeve and the part of the turbine housing carrying the exhaust duct bore (19) being of uniform annular section to minimize thermal effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian P. Dale, David Flaxington, Andrew R. S. McCutcheon