Patents by Inventor Charles J. Kocian

Charles J. Kocian 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: 6012289
    Abstract: A method for controlling an engine turbocharger having a wastegate control valve is provided where the turbocharger is controlled by an electronic controller which is capable of delivering a wastegate control signal to the wastegate control valve. A determination is made as to whether an engine speed falls within a predetermined speed range defined by a first predetermined speed and a second predetermined speed, where the second predetermined speed is higher than the first predetermined speed. A predetermined initializing wastegate control signal may be delivered to the wastegate control valve in response to the engine speed falling within the predetermined speed range. A determination is made as to whether an engine speed exceeds the second predetermined speed, and a determination is made as to whether an engine load falls within a predetermined load range defined by a first predetermined load and a second predetermined load, where the second predetermined load is greater than the first predetermined load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mitchel R. Deckard, David L. Frohberg, Phillip J. Houtz, Charles J. Kocian, Kevin A. Lantz, James B. Maddock, Gregg W. Uhland
  • Patent number: 5868116
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing white smoke during start up of a compression ignition engine is disclosed. The apparatus includes an engine cylinder, a fuel injector, an engine speed sensor, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor preferably includes an engine speed controller that governs the engine speed to a desired value. The microprocessor issues a first fueling level corresponding to a difference between an actual engine speed and the desired engine speed signal. The microprocessor quits fueling the engine cylinder then determines a second fueling level. A determination about whether the cylinder is firing is then based on a comparison between the first and the second fueling level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Betts, David J. Doddek, Charles J. Kocian, Marshall T. Kolb, Gregg W. Uhland, Shawn J. Weck
  • Patent number: 5720249
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an engine control system, and more particularly to an engine control system that decreases the amount of waste oil that must be disposed of in an internal combustion engine by automatically burning spent oil based upon engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Betts, David M. Erickson, John L. Johnson, Jr., Charles J. Kocian, Robert L. Weber