Patents by Inventor Brian G. McGee
Brian G. McGee 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).
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Patent number: 7051699Abstract: Methods for operating a fuel injection system of an engine. A first number of the fuel injectors is operated in a first mode during a first engine cycle. The first mode has a first set of fuel delivery characteristics, including at least one fuel shot per fuel injector per engine cycle. A second number of the fuel injectors is operated in a second mode during the first engine cycle. The second mode has a second set of fuel delivery characteristics, including at least one fuel shot per fuel injector per engine cycle.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian G. McGee, John P. Timmons
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Patent number: 6863056Abstract: A fuel injection control system and method for trimming an internal combustion engine during a fuel injection event based upon engine operating conditions, the control system including an electronic controller in electrical communication with the engine, the controller being operable to detect the operating mode of each injector of the engine and alter each injector operating mode as desired.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Gregory G. Hafner, Brian G. McGee
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Patent number: 6843221Abstract: Methods for operating a fuel injection device. A single fuel shot is delivered when rack is less than a first predetermined threshold. A first fuel shot and a second fuel shot is delivered when rack is above the first predetermined threshold and below a second predetermined threshold. A single fuel shot is delivered when rack is above a third predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: CaterpillarInventors: Brian G. McGee, John P. Timmons, Mark E. Rettig
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Patent number: 6837212Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for delivering fuel to at least two combustion chambers of an engine. A fuel controller receives a first fuel quantity signal indicative of a first desired quantity of fuel to be delivered to each combustion chamber of the engine during a combustion cycle. The fuel controller transmits at least one second fuel quantity signal as a function of the first fuel quantity signal, and transmits at least one third fuel quantity signal as a function of the first fuel quantity signal. The second and third fuel quantity signals are indicative of a respective second and third desired quantities of fuel to be delivered during a combustion cycle. The sum of the fuel quantities corresponding to the second fuel quantity signals transmitted during a combustion cycle are less than the first desired fuel quantity.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jason K. Bloms, Brian G. McGee, David Andrew Pierpont, Jeffrey A. L. Smith
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Publication number: 20040118377Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for delivering fuel to at least two combustion chambers of an engine. A fuel controller receives a first fuel quantity signal indicative of a first desired quantity of fuel to be delivered to each combustion chamber of the engine during a combustion cycle. The fuel controller transmits at least one second fuel quantity signal as a function of the first fuel quantity signal, and transmits at least one third fuel quantity signal as a function of the first fuel quantity signal. The second and third fuel quantity signals are indicative of a respective second and third desired quantities of fuel to be delivered during a combustion cycle. The sum of the fuel quantities corresponding to the second fuel quantity signals transmitted during a combustion cycle are less than the first desired fuel quantity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2002Publication date: June 24, 2004Inventors: Jason K. Bloms, Brian G. McGee, David Andrew Pierpont, Jeffrey A.L. Smith
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Publication number: 20040079324Abstract: Methods for operating a fuel injection system of an engine. A first number of the fuel injectors is operated in a first mode during a first engine cycle. The first mode has a first set of fuel delivery characteristics, including at least one fuel shot per fuel injector per engine cycle. A second number of the fuel injectors is operated in a second mode during the first engine cycle. The second mode has a second set of fuel delivery characteristics, including at least one fuel shot per fuel injector per engine cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Brian G. McGee, John P. Timmons
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Publication number: 20040079325Abstract: Methods for operating a fuel injection device. A single fuel shot is delivered when rack is less than a first predetermined threshold. A first fuel shot and a second fuel shot is delivered when rack is above the first predetermined threshold and below a second predetermined threshold. A single fuel shot is delivered when rack is above a third predetermined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Brian G. McGee, John P. Timmons, Mark E. Rettig
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Patent number: 6705277Abstract: System and method for delivering multiple fuel injections to a cylinder of an engine based upon engine operating conditions, the control system including an electronic controller coupled to an electronically controlled fuel injector and a plurality of sensors for inputting certain signals representative of certain engine operating conditions, the controller being operable to output a fuel injection signal to the fuel injector to deliver a first fuel shot during the intake stroke and, in one embodiment, when the cylinder piston is positioned near top dead center during the intake stroke, a second fuel shot when the cylinder piston is positioned near top dead center during the compression stroke, and a third fuel shot when the cylinder piston is positioned near top dead center during the compression stroke. The first shot fuel quantity is preferably greater than the second shot fuel quantity but preferably less than the third shot fuel quantity.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2000Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventor: Brian G. McGee
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Patent number: 6705278Abstract: An apparatus and method transitions fuel delivery between a first injection characteristic shape and a second injection characteristic shape based on engine operating parameters. The apparatus and method may be adapted to control a fuel injection system, and to operate in at least a split injection mode and a boot injection mode, including steps or means for determining whether an acceleration condition exists, and on the basis of such determination, rapidly changing from a split injection mode to a boot injection mode. This may include a fuel injection control system and/or a controller operative to identify an acceleration condition on the basis of at least one sensed acceleration-related engine operating condition, and to rapidly change the fuel injection mode for at least one fuel injector from the split fuel injection mode to the boot fuel injection mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Brian G. McGee, Matthew R. Roth, Jason J. Rasmussen
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Publication number: 20040045536Abstract: A fuel injection control system and method for trimming an internal combustion engine during a fuel injection event based upon engine operating conditions, the control system including an electronic controller in electrical communication with the engine, the controller being operable to detect the operating mode of each injector of the engine and alter each injector operating mode as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Gregory G. Hafner, Brian G. McGee
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Patent number: 6691671Abstract: A fuel injection control system and method for delivering multiple fuel injections to a cylinder of an engine during a fuel injection event based upon engine operating conditions, the control system including an electronic controller coupled to an electronically controlled fuel injector, and a plurality of sensors coupled to the controller for inputting certain signals representative of certain engine operating conditions of the engine, the controller being operable to output a fuel injection signal to the fuel injector to deliver a first, a second, and a third fuel shot to the cylinder during a fuel injection event based upon the sensor signals. The controller also delivers each of the multiple fuel injection shots within defined cylinder piston displacement parameters during a particular piston stroke, within defined fuel apportionment limits, and within defined delay limits between each respective fuel shot so as to control exhaust emissions.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Kevin P. Duffy, Eric C. Fluga, Gregory G. Hafner, Brian G. McGee, Matthew R. Roth
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Patent number: 6606974Abstract: A fuel injection control system and method for delivering multiple fuel injections to a cylinder of an engine during a fuel injection event based upon engine operating conditions, the control system including an electronic controller coupled to an electronically controlled fuel injection device, and a plurality of sensors coupled to the controller for inputting certain signals representative of certain engine operating conditions of the engine, the controller being operable to output a fuel injection signal to the fuel injection device to deliver pilot, main, and anchor fuel shots to the cylinder during a fuel injection event based upon the sensor signals. The controller also divides the desired fuel quantity between the three shots. In dividing the total fuel set by the governor system between the three shots, the controller determines desired pilot and anchor fuel shot amounts and also determines minimum pilot, main, and anchor fuel shot amounts.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2000Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Kevin P. Duffy, Brian G. McGee
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Publication number: 20030089333Abstract: A fuel injection control system and method for delivering multiple fuel injections to a cylinder of an engine during a fuel injection event based upon engine operating conditions, the control system including an electronic controller coupled to an electronically controlled fuel injector, and a plurality of sensors coupled to the controller for inputting certain signals representative of certain engine operating conditions of the engine, the controller being operable to output a fuel injection signal to the fuel injector to deliver a first, a second, and a third fuel shot to the cylinder during a fuel injection event based upon the sensor signals. The controller also delivers each of the multiple fuel injection shots within defined cylinder piston displacement parameters during a particular piston stroke, within defined fuel apportionment limits, and within defined delay limits between each respective fuel shot so as to control exhaust emissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Kevin P. Duffy, Eric C. Fluga, Gregory G. Hafner, Brian G. McGee, Matthew R. Roth
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Patent number: 6536209Abstract: An exhaust gas heating system and method of a direct injection compression ignition internal combustion engine which has a plurality of combustion chambers, an exhaust passage, and one or more direct fuel injection devices, each operable to inject fuel directly into a corresponding one of the combustion chambers. The system also includes a fuel injection controller which is operable to provide to at least one of the direct fuel injection devices, a post fuel injection signal during a corresponding cylinder cycle of the corresponding one of the plurality of combustion chambers. The post fuel injection signal is timed so as to provide exhaust gas heating from a resultant post fuel injection, and the fuel injection controller dynamically determines the particular one or more of the plurality of direct fuel injection devices to which the post fuel injection signal will be applied based on a temperature related engine operating parameter such as a desired amount of exhaust gas heating.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Eric C. Fluga, Brian G. McGee, Kent A. Koshkarian
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Patent number: 6516773Abstract: A fuel injection control system and method for controlling multiple fuel injections to a cylinder of an engine during a fuel injection event based upon engine operating conditions, the control system including an electronic controller coupled to an electronically controlled fuel injector, the controller being operable to determine and deliver a fuel injection current signal to the fuel injector to adjust the duration of each fuel shot associated with a particular fuel injection event to compensate for the inherent delay of the fuel injector in responding to the injection current signal, that is, the delay between the start of the injection current signal and the actual start of the fuel injection.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Charles H. Dutart, Brian G. Mcgee
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Publication number: 20020195081Abstract: An apparatus and method transitions fuel delivery between a first injection characteristic shape and a second injection characteristic shape based on engine operating parameters. The apparatus and method may be adapted to control a fuel injection system, and to operate in at least a split injection mode and a boot injection mode, including steps or means for determining whether an acceleration condition exists, and on the basis of such determination, rapidly changing from a split injection mode to a boot injection mode. This may include a fuel injection control system and/or a controller operative to identify an acceleration condition on the basis of at least one sensed acceleration-related engine operating condition, and to rapidly change the fuel injection mode for at least one fuel injector from the split fuel injection mode to the boot fuel injection mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Brian G. McGee, Matthew R. Roth, Jason J. Rasmussen
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Publication number: 20020194837Abstract: An exhaust gas heating system and method of a direct injection compression ignition internal combustion engine which has a plurality of combustion chambers, an exhaust passage, and one or more direct fuel injection devices, each operable to inject fuel directly into a corresponding one of the combustion chambers. The system also includes a fuel injection controller which is operable to provide to at least one of the direct fuel injection devices, a post fuel injection signal during a corresponding cylinder cycle of the corresponding one of the plurality of combustion chambers. The post fuel injection signal is timed so as to provide exhaust gas heating from a resultant post fuel injection, and the fuel injection controller dynamically determines the particular one or more of the plurality of direct fuel injection devices to which the post fuel injection signal will be applied based on a temperature related engine operating parameter such as a desired amount of exhaust gas heating.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Eric C. Fluga, Brian G. McGee, Kent A. Koshkarian
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Patent number: 6491018Abstract: A fuel injection control system and method for delivering multiple fuel injections to a cylinder of an engine during a fuel injection event based upon engine operating conditions, the control system including an electronic controller coupled to an electronically controlled fuel injector, and a plurality of sensors coupled to the controller for inputting certain signals representative of certain engine operating conditions of the engine, the controller being operable to output a fuel injection signal to the fuel injector to deliver a first, a second, and a third fuel shot to the cylinder during a fuel injection event based upon the sensor signals. The controller also delivers each of the multiple fuel injection shots within defined cylinder piston displacement parameters during a particular piston stroke, within defined fuel apportionment limits, and within defined delay limits between each respective fuel shot so as to control exhaust emissions.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2001Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Kevin P. Duffy, Eric C. Fluga, Gregory G. Hafner, Brian G. McGee, Matthew R. Roth
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Patent number: 6480781Abstract: A fuel injection control system and method for trimming an internal combustion engine during a fuel injection event based upon engine operating conditions, the control system including an electronic controller in electrical communication with the engine, the controller being operable to detect the operating mode of each injector of the engine and alter each injector operating mode as desired.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Gregory G. Hafner, Brian G. McGee
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Patent number: RE40144Abstract: A fuel injection control system and method for delivering multiple fuel injections to a cylinder of an engine during a fuel injection event based upon engine operating conditions, the control system including an electronic controller coupled to an electrically controlled fuel injector, and a plurality of sensors coupled to the controller for inputting certain signals representative of certain engine operating conditions of the engine, the controller being operable to output a fuel injection signal to the fuel injector to deliver a first, a second, and a third fuel shot to the cylinder during a fuel injection event based upon the sensor signals. The controller also delivers each of the multiple fuel injection shots within defined cylinder piston displacement parameters during a particular piston stroke, within defined fuel apportionment limits, and within defined delay limits between each respective fuel shot so as to control exhaust emissions.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Kevin P. Duffy, Eric C. Fluga, Brian G. McGee, Matthew R. Roth, Gregory G. Hafner