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).

  • Patent number: 7051699
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. McGee, John P. Timmons
  • Patent number: 6863056
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Gregory G. Hafner, Brian G. McGee
  • Patent number: 6843221
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar
    Inventors: Brian G. McGee, John P. Timmons, Mark E. Rettig
  • Patent number: 6837212
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jason K. Bloms, Brian G. McGee, David Andrew Pierpont, Jeffrey A. L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040118377
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Jason K. Bloms, Brian G. McGee, David Andrew Pierpont, Jeffrey A.L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040079324
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Brian G. McGee, John P. Timmons
  • Publication number: 20040079325
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Brian G. McGee, John P. Timmons, Mark E. Rettig
  • Patent number: 6705277
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Brian G. McGee
  • Patent number: 6705278
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Brian G. McGee, Matthew R. Roth, Jason J. Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20040045536
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory G. Hafner, Brian G. McGee
  • Patent number: 6691671
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Kevin P. Duffy, Eric C. Fluga, Gregory G. Hafner, Brian G. McGee, Matthew R. Roth
  • Patent number: 6606974
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Kevin P. Duffy, Brian G. McGee
  • Publication number: 20030089333
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin P. Duffy, Eric C. Fluga, Gregory G. Hafner, Brian G. McGee, Matthew R. Roth
  • Patent number: 6536209
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Eric C. Fluga, Brian G. McGee, Kent A. Koshkarian
  • Patent number: 6516773
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Charles H. Dutart, Brian G. Mcgee
  • Publication number: 20020195081
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Brian G. McGee, Matthew R. Roth, Jason J. Rasmussen
  • Publication number: 20020194837
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Eric C. Fluga, Brian G. McGee, Kent A. Koshkarian
  • Patent number: 6491018
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Kevin P. Duffy, Eric C. Fluga, Gregory G. Hafner, Brian G. McGee, Matthew R. Roth
  • Patent number: 6480781
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory G. Hafner, Brian G. McGee
  • Patent number: RE40144
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Duffy, Eric C. Fluga, Brian G. McGee, Matthew R. Roth, Gregory G. Hafner