Patents by Inventor Andrew M. Denis

Andrew M. Denis 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: 9464550
    Abstract: An aftertreatment system and method treats exhaust gasses produced by an internal combustion process or similar process. The system includes an aftertreatment module having at least one sleeve extending between a first end and a second end. One or more aftertreatment bricks may be axially inserted through an opening disposed in the first end of the sleeve. The aftertreatment brick may include an substrate matrix surrounded by a tubular, protective mantle. To prevent the aftertreatment bricks from unintentionally exiting the sleeve, a retention ring is releasably engaged with the first end of the sleeve. The retention ring may include a dimension that is less than a dimension of the opening in the first end so that at least a portion of the retention ring contacts the mantle of the aftertreatment brick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mirza P. Baig, Andrew M. Denis
  • Publication number: 20160175784
    Abstract: A mixing system for an aftertreatment system is disclosed. The mixing system includes a mixing tube. The mixing tube is provided in fluid communication with an exhaust conduit. The mixing system also includes a reductant injector positioned at an injection location on the mixing tube. The mixing system further includes a mixer assembly positioned downstream of the injection location. The mixer assembly includes a plurality of mixing elements provided in a series arrangement, such that each of the plurality of mixing elements is provided downstream of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Harmon, Andrew M. Denis, Anthony C. Rodman, Eric P. Spaeth, Jayaraman K. Venkataraghavan, Raymond U. Isada, Yong Yi
  • Publication number: 20160108790
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system of an engine is provided. The waste heat recovery system includes an inlet member adapted to introduce exhaust gases in the aftertreatment system, and an outlet member adapted to receive the exhaust gases from the Selective Catalytic Reduction module. The outlet member includes a first surface defining a passage, and a second surface coupled with a power generation module. The power generation module includes a plurality of power generating units having a first lead and a second lead. The power generating units are adapted to generate electric power based on a temperature gradient between the first and second lead. At least one of the first lead and the second lead is exposed to the exhaust gases. An electric load is coupled with the plurality of power generating units for utilizing the power generated by the plurality of power generating units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew M. Denis
  • Publication number: 20160032810
    Abstract: An exhaust gas aftertreatment system includes an exhaust conduit having an inner wall, and a mixer mounted inside the exhaust conduit. The exhaust conduit defines a passage along a length of the exhaust conduit for exhaust gas flow therethrough. The mixer includes first bars coupled to second bars. Each first bar includes deflectors on a straight section, a first end, and a second end. The one or more of the first bars include a curved section at the first end and the second end. Each second bar includes a straight section, a third end, and a fourth end. The one or more of the second bars include a curved section at the third end and the fourth end. The mixer is mounted inside the exhaust conduit by coupling the curved section of the first bar and the second bar to the inner wall of the exhaust conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Denis, Timur Trubnikov, Umakanth Sakaray, Kevin J. Weiss, Chiranjeevi Mangamuri, Nagaraju Manchikanti
  • Patent number: 9217355
    Abstract: An arrangement for mounting at least one electrical component to a portion of an aftertreatment module, the arrangement including; at least one standoff member coupled between the electrical component and the portion of the aftertreatment module, and an enclosure substantially surrounding at least three sides of the electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Boahene, Ethan D. Sanborn, Kristian N. Engelsen, Andrew M. Denis
  • Publication number: 20150354431
    Abstract: A boss configured to mount a nitrous oxide sensor in an exhaust conduit is disclosed. The boss includes a first tier configured to contact with an exterior surface of the exhaust conduit, the first tier defined by a first diameter and a first height. The boss also includes a second tier extending from the first tier. The second tier is configured to be disposed within an interior space defined within the exhaust conduit. The second tier is defined by a second diameter and a second height. Further, the second diameter is sized smaller than the first diameter. The boss further includes a condensation protection feature configured to direct condensation away from the nitrous oxide sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew M. Denis, Eric A. Scott, Eric P. Spaeth, Jianping Pan, Katherine D. Driscoll, Timothy J. Alcenius, Kimberly M. Stanek
  • Publication number: 20150246420
    Abstract: An alignment pin attachable to a first member for piloted engagement with an aperture defining a circular edge portion within a second member is provided. The alignment pin includes a curved tip portion. A piloting section includes a conical locating portion extending circumferentially from the curved tip portion. A cylindrical locating portion extending from the conical locating portion defines a first height and a first diameter. An engagement portion extending from the cylindrical locating portion defines a second height and a second diameter. The engagement portion of the alignment pin is structured and arranged to engage within a receiving hole in the first member. The second member is coupled with the first member through piloted engagement between the circular edge portion of the second member and the sequential piloted engagement with the conical locating portion and the cylindrical locating portion of the alignment pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Denis, Raymond U. Isada, Lucas J. Greene
  • Publication number: 20150211406
    Abstract: An after-treatment system includes a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst or a similar aftertreatment unit or brick that may be inserted into the opened end of a sleeve. The aftertreatment brick includes a substrate matrix with catalytic material that extends between a first face and a second face. A mantle is disposed around the substrate matrix and extends between a first rim proximate the first face and a second rim proximate the second face. The mantle may include a overhang extension that extends the first rim of the mantle beyond the first face of the substrate matrix. To enable retrieval of the SCR catalyst from the sleeve, a retrieval feature is disposed on a readily accessible, inner surface of the overhang extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Mirza P. Baig, Thomas W. Manning, Rick E. Jeffs, Kristian N. Engelsen, Andrew M. Denis, Pradyumna V. Rao
  • Patent number: 9086007
    Abstract: One or more aftertreatment bricks are axially inserted through an opening in the first end of a tubular sleeve of an aftertreatment system. The aftertreatment brick includes a substrate matrix and a mantle disposed around the substrate matrix. The mantle further includes a lip arranged to extend through the opening of the sleeve. One or more channel pockets are secured proximate to the opening of the sleeve and oriented radially outward with respect to the sleeve axis. To retain the aftertreatment brick in the sleeve, a clamping assembly is used that includes a hook, a fastener, and a capture nut. The capture nut is installed and accommodated in the channel pockets. The hook engages the protruding lip of the aftertreatment brick and the fastener secures the hook to the capture nut received in the channel pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mirza P. Baig, Andrew M. Denis, Kristian Engelsen, Pradyumna V. Rao, Raymond U. Isada, Raymond B. Gerges
  • Publication number: 20150160102
    Abstract: A system including a sampling flute is provided. The sampling flute defines a conduit therein. The sampling flute includes a plurality of holes configured for allowing passage of an exhaust gas flow therethrough. The system also includes a hood provided on the sampling flute. The hood is configured to enclose a nitrogen oxide sensor therein. The hood includes an inlet in fluid communication with the sampling flute. The hood also includes an outlet positioned opposed to the inlet. The hood is configured to cause the exhaust gas flow to impact a side of the nitrogen oxide sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Denis, Mirza P. Baig, Sachin S. Deshmukh, Eric P. Spaeth
  • Patent number: 9050559
    Abstract: An aftertreatment system and method treats exhaust gasses produced by an internal combustion process or a similar process. The aftertreatment system includes an aftertreatment module having a sleeve extending between a first end and a second end. One or more aftertreatment bricks are axially inserted into a sleeve opening disposed in the first end of the sleeve. To prevent the aftertreatment bricks from unintentionally exiting the sleeve, a captive ring is disposed around the first end of the sleeve as a loose fitting collar. The captive ring is restrained on the sleeve by a circumferential bead protruding about the first end. The captive ring can couple with a retention ring placed adjacent the first end. When coupled to the captive ring, a portion of the retention ring extends partially across and blocks the sleeve opening, preventing the aftertreatment brick from exiting the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Denis, Thomas W. Manning, Ian Aguirre, Rick E. Jeffs, Nagaraju Manchikanti
  • Patent number: 9011782
    Abstract: An after-treatment system includes a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst or a similar aftertreatment unit or brick that may be inserted into the opened end of a sleeve. The aftertreatment brick includes a substrate matrix with catalytic material that extends between a first face and a second face. A mantle is disposed around the substrate matrix and extends between a first rim proximate the first face and a second rim proximate the second face. The mantel may include a overhang extension that extends the first rim of the mantle beyond the first face of the substrate matrix. To enable retrieval of the SCR catalyst from the sleeve, a retrieval feature is disposed on a readily accessible, inner surface of the overhang extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mirza P. Baig, Thomas W. Manning, Rick E. Jeffs, Kristian N. Engelsen, Andrew M. Denis, Pradyumna V. Rao
  • Publication number: 20140283528
    Abstract: To assemble an aftertreatment module for use in the treatment of exhaust gasses and the like, an aftertreatment brick is inserted into a sleeve opening in a sleeve and advanced toward an opposite end of the sleeve. To retain the aftertreatment brick in the sleeve, the end of the sleeve can include a stop flange and the aftertreatment brick can include a mantle flange. The stop flange and the mantle flange can abut against each other to prevent further movement of the aftertreatment brick through the sleeve. To seal against exhaust gasses leaking though the module, a gasket can be disposed between the stop flange and the mantle flange. Exterior ribs disposed around the aftertreatment brick can assist concentric alignment between the flanges and gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Denis, Mirza P. Baig, Nilkanth N. Desai, Rick E. Jeffs, Kristian N. Engelsen, Pradyumna V. Rao, Ian Aguirre
  • Publication number: 20140248186
    Abstract: An aftertreatment system and method treats exhaust gasses produced by an internal combustion process or a similar process. The aftertreatment system includes an aftertreatment module having a sleeve extending between a first end and a second end. One or more aftertreatment bricks are axially inserted into a sleeve opening disposed in the first end of the sleeve. To prevent the aftertreatment bricks from unintentionally exiting the sleeve, a captive ring is disposed around the first end of the sleeve as a loose fitting collar. The captive ring is restrained on the sleeve by a circumferential bead protruding about the first end. The captive ring can couple with a retention ring placed adjacent the first end. When coupled to the captive ring, a portion of the retention ring extends partially across and blocks the sleeve opening, preventing the aftertreatment brick from exiting the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Denis, Thomas W. Manning, Ian Aguirre, Rick E. Jeffs, Nagaraju Manchikanti
  • Publication number: 20140208724
    Abstract: An aftertreatment system of an engine is disclosed. The aftertreatment system includes a housing. The aftertreatment system also includes a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst provided within the housing. The aftertreatment system further includes an exhaust duct associated with the SCR catalyst. The aftertreatment system includes a sampling flute provided within the exhaust duct. The aftertreatment system also includes a NOx sensor at least partly enclosed by a first end of the sampling flute. The aftertreatment system further includes a spring member. The spring member is joined to the sampling flute and the exhaust duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew M. Denis, James D. Peltier, Kevin J. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20140174060
    Abstract: One or more aftertreatment bricks are axially inserted through an opening in the first end of a tubular sleeve of an aftertreatment system. The aftertreatment brick includes a substrate matrix and a mantle disposed around the substrate matrix. The mantle further includes a lip arranged to extend through the opening of the sleeve. One or more channel pockets are secured proximate to the opening of the sleeve and oriented radially outward with respect to the sleeve axis. To retain the aftertreatment brick in the sleeve, a clamping assembly is used that includes a hook, a fastener, and a capture nut. The capture nut is installed and accommodated in the channel pockets. The hook engages the protruding lip of the aftertreatment brick and the fastener secures the hook to the capture nut received in the channel pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Mirza P. Baig, Andrew M. Denis, Kristian Engelsen, Pradyumna V. Rao, Raymond U. Isada, Raymond B. Gerges
  • Publication number: 20140178263
    Abstract: An aftertreatment system and method treats exhaust gasses produced by an internal combustion process or similar process. The system includes an aftertreatment module having at least one sleeve extending between a first end and a second end. One or more aftertreatment bricks may be axially inserted through an opening disposed in the first end of the sleeve. The aftertreatment brick may include an substrate matrix surrounded by a tubular, protective mantle. To prevent the aftertreatment bricks from unintentionally exiting the sleeve, a retention ring is releasably engaged with the first end of the sleeve. The retention ring may include a dimension that is less than a dimension of the opening in the first end so that at least a portion of the retention ring contacts the mantle of the aftertreatment brick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Mirza P. Baig, Andrew M. Denis
  • Publication number: 20140044612
    Abstract: An after-treatment system includes a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) catalyst or a similar aftertreatment unit or brick that may be inserted into the opened end of a sleeve. The aftertreatment brick includes a substrate matrix with catalytic material that extends between a first face and a second face. A mantle is disposed around the substrate matrix and extends between a first rim proximate the first face and a second rim proximate the second face. The mantel may include a overhang extension that extends the first rim of the mantle beyond the first face of the substrate matrix. To enable retrieval of the SCR catalyst from the sleeve, a retrieval feature is disposed on a readily accessible, inner surface of the overhang extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Mirza P. Baig, Thomas W. Manning, Rick E. Jeffs, Kristian N. Engelsen, Andrew M. Denis, Pradyumna V. Rao
  • Publication number: 20130145820
    Abstract: An arrangement for mounting at least one electrical component to a portion of an aftertreatment module, the arrangement including; at least one standoff member coupled between the electrical component and the portion of the aftertreatment module, and an enclosure substantially surrounding at least three sides of the electrical component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Boahene, Ethan D. Sanborn, Kristian N. Engelsen, Andrew M. Denis