Patents by Inventor David A. Pierpont
David A. Pierpont 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).
-
Publication number: 20150020765Abstract: A piston for a compression ignition internal combustion engine includes a piston body having an outer cylindrical surface defined along a longitudinal piston axis. A piston includes a combustion face defining a combustion bowl including an inner bowl surface, an inner rim portion and an outer rim portion. The combustion face includes a cross-sectional profile of rotation about the longitudinal piston axis. A first profile of the profile of rotation includes a convex curve segment, a linear segment outboard the convex curve segments and a first set of concave curve segments outboard the linear segment. The first set of concave curve segments defines a first radius of curvature. A second profile is provided outboard the first profile and includes a second set of concave curve segments. The second set of concave curve segments defines a second radius of curvature greater than the first radius of curvature.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2013Publication date: January 22, 2015Inventors: David A. Pierpont, John P. Timmons, Michael B. Goetzke, Reddy Pocha Siva Sankara, Raghavendra Subramanya
-
Publication number: 20130239925Abstract: A piston for a compression ignition internal combustion engine includes a piston body having a combustion face defining a combustion bowl, and the combustion face including a compound bowl surface and a compound rim surface. The combustion face is profiled to balance a combustion efficiency property of the piston with emissions properties of the piston. A ratio of a diameter of the combustion bowl to a diameter of the cylinder bowl bore is from 0.68 to 0.74. Other dimensional and proportional features of the piston support low smoke and NOx production during operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: Caterpillar, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Karch, David A. Pierpont, Daniel Lang, James A. Subatch, Jr.
-
Publication number: 20120023936Abstract: A turbine includes a turbine housing (215) including at least two gas passages (236) having substantially the same flow area and disposed on either side of at least one divider wall (240). A turbine wheel (212) includes a plurality of blades (214). A nozzle ring (238) is connected to the turbine housing (215) and disposed around the turbine wheel. The nozzle ring (238) includes an inner ring (242) disposed adjacent the divider wall (240) and at least one outer ring (238). A plurality of vanes (246) is fixedly disposed between the inner and outer rings. The vanes define a plurality of inlet openings (258) therebetween that are in fluid communication with a slot (230) formed in the ring and surrounding the turbine wheel (212). The inner ring (242) is disposed to block a portion of the inlet openings (258) that fluidly communicate with one of the at least two gas passages (236) in the turbine housing (215).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: RICHARD W. KRUISWYK, KERRY A. DELVECCHIO, PAUL W. REISDORF, DAVID A. PIERPONT, STEVE O'HARA
-
Publication number: 20110253096Abstract: A piston for a compression ignition internal combustion engine includes a piston body having a combustion face defining a combustion bowl, and the combustion face including a compound bowl surface and a compound rim surface. The combustion face is profiled to balance a combustion efficiency property of the piston with emissions properties of the piston, and includes a profile of rotation defining a convex curve segment bisected by the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of concave curve segments outboard of the convex curve segment. The profile of rotation further includes a compound rim profile defining a plurality of convex curve segments corresponding to an inner rim surface. The convex curve segment of the compound bowl profile defines a relatively small radius of curvature, and the plurality of convex curve segments corresponding to the inner rim surface define a relatively large radius of curvature.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: William L. Easley, David A. Pierpont, John P. Timmons, Karthikeyan C. Venkatasubramaniam
-
Publication number: 20090000604Abstract: An engine system for a power unit is disclosed. The engine system includes an exhaust system having at least one exhaust treatment device and an air induction system having at least one heater. The heater is configured to raise the temperature of an intake flow in the air induction system in response to a physical property of the exhaust treatment device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventors: Michael S. Bond, George E. Donaldson, David J. Kapparos, David A. Pierpont
-
Patent number: 7006910Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a parameter associated with a delivery of fuel in an engine. The method and apparatus includes determining an initial parameter value associated with the delivery of fuel, determining at least one compensation factor based on a heating effect of a fuel and a fuel system, and applying the at least one compensation factor to the initial parameter value to derive a compensated parameter value.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Scott R. Schuricht, David A. Pierpont, Travis E. Barnes
-
Publication number: 20060011159Abstract: A method of controlling an engine is provided. At least one operating parameter of the engine is sensed. The engine is operated in a first mode in response to the sensed operating parameter being at one of a predetermined first set of conditions. In the first mode, a cam assembly moves an intake valve from a first position when a piston starts an intake stroke and the cam assembly returns the intake valve to the first position when the piston completes the intake stroke. The engine is operated in a second mode in response to the sensed operating parameter being at one of a predetermined second set of conditions. In the second mode, the cam assembly moves the intake valve from the first position when the piston starts an intake stroke and an actuator prevents the intake valve from returning to the first position in response to the cam assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2005Publication date: January 19, 2006Inventors: Jason Bloms, James Faletti, Scott Leman, David Pierpont, James Weber
-
Publication number: 20050279329Abstract: A method of controlling a variable valve actuation system for an engine is provided. A cam assembly is operated to move an intake valve between a first position and a second position. A parameter indicative of an altitude at which the engine is operating is sensed. A first lookup map is accessed to determine a desired air-to-fuel ratio when the sensed parameter indicates that the engine is operating at an altitude below a first predetermined value. A second lookup map is accessed to determine a desired air-to-fuel ratio when the sensed parameter indicates that the engine is operating at an altitude above the first predetermined value. A desired valve actuation period is determined based on the determined air-to-fuel ratio. The intake valve is prevented from returning to the first position until the end of the determined valve actuation period.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2005Publication date: December 22, 2005Inventors: David Pierpont, Thomas Crowell
-
Patent number: 6912458Abstract: A method of controlling a variable valve actuation system for an engine is provided. A cam assembly is operated to move an intake valve between a first position and a second position. A parameter indicative of an altitude at which the engine is operating is sensed. A first lookup map is accessed to determine a desired air-to-fuel ratio when the sensed parameter indicates that the engine is operating at an altitude below a first predetermined value. A second lookup map is accessed to determine a desired air-to-fuel ratio when the sensed parameter indicates that the engine is operating at an altitude above the first predetermined value. A desired valve actuation period is determined based on the determined air-to-fuel ratio. The intake valve is prevented from returning to the first position until the end of the determined valve actuation period.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: David A. Pierpont, Thomas J. Crowell
-
Patent number: 6883314Abstract: Combustion air for use in an engine is normally compressed by a compressor which adds heat during the process of increasing the density of the combustion air. To decrease the heat content of the combustion air, an aftercooler is used. When compressing combustion air to a higher density, the combustion air is compressed by a first compressor section to a first preestablished pressure and temperature and by a second compressor section to a second preestablished pressure and temperature. To decrease the heat content of the highly compressed dense combustion air, a first aftercooler having an air to liquid configuration is used and a second aftercooler having an air to air configuration is used.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: James J. Callas, Gerald N. Coleman, James J. Faletti, David A. Pierpont, James R. Weber
-
Publication number: 20050051119Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. The system includes an engine valve moveable between a closed position and an open position. A spring is operatively connected to the engine valve to bias the engine valve towards the closed position. An actuator is operatively connected to the engine valve and is operable to selectively engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to allow the engine valve to return to the closed position. A sensor is configured to provide information related to the operation of the actuator. A controller is configured to transmit a signal to the actuator to engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to the allow the engine valve to return to the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2004Publication date: March 10, 2005Inventors: Jason Bloms, James Faletti, Richard Holtman, Scott Leman, David Pierpont
-
Publication number: 20040267431Abstract: A method of controlling a variable valve actuation system for an engine is provided. A cam assembly is operated to move an intake valve between a first position and a second position. A parameter indicative of an altitude at which the engine is operating is sensed. A first lookup map is accessed to determine a desired air-to-fuel ratio when the sensed parameter indicates that the engine is operating at an altitude below a first predetermined value. A second lookup map is accessed to determine a desired air-to-fuel ratio when the sensed parameter indicates that the engine is operating at an altitude above the first predetermined value. A desired valve actuation period is determined based on the determined air-to-fuel ratio. The intake valve is prevented from returning to the first position until the end of the determined valve actuation period.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: David A. Pierpont, Thomas J. Crowell
-
Publication number: 20040249554Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a parameter associated with a delivery of fuel in an engine. The method and apparatus includes determining an initial parameter value associated with the delivery of fuel, determining at least one compensation factor based on a heating effect of a fuel and a fuel system, and applying the at least one compensation factor to the initial parameter value to derive a compensated parameter value.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Scott R. Schuricht, David A. Pierpont, Travis E. Barnes
-
Publication number: 20040020204Abstract: Combustion air for use in an engine is normally compressed by a compressor which adds heat during the process of increasing the density of the combustion air. To decrease the heat content of the combustion air, an aftercooler is used. When compressing combustion air to a higher density, the combustion air is compressed by a first compressor section to a first preestablished pressure and temperature and by a second compressor section to a second preestablished pressure and temperature. To decrease the heat content of the highly compressed dense combustion air, a first aftercooler having an air to liquid configuration is used and a second aftercooler having an air to air configuration is used.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2002Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: James J. Callas, Gerald N. Coleman, James J. Faletti, David A. Pierpont, James R. Weber
-
Patent number: 6659092Abstract: A bypass venturi assembly for recirculating exhaust gas in an internal combustion engine, and particularly suitable for use in a vehicle, is provided with a housing having an outlet, a combustion air inlet and an exhaust gas inlet. A center piece is positioned within the housing and in communication with the combustion air inlet. The center piece defines a combustion air bypass section therein. An annular venturi nozzle positioned between the housing and the center piece is in communication with the combustion air inlet and defines a combustion air venturi section. The venturi nozzle is in communication with the exhaust gas inlet and defines an exhaust gas venturi section. A combustion air bypass valve is positioned in association with the combustion air bypass section. An exhaust gas valve is positioned in association with the exhaust gas inlet. The venturi nozzle is separate from the housing and allows a nozzle with a particular configuration to be utilized, depending upon the application.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Gerald N. Coleman, Dennis D. Feucht, Michael P. Harmon, David A. Pierpont, Matthew D. Rampenthal
-
Patent number: 6640542Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for use in a work machine, is provided with a combustion air supply and an exhaust manifold. A bypass venturi assembly includes a housing having an outlet, a combustion air inlet and an exhaust gas inlet. A center piece is positioned within the housing and is in communication with the combustion air inlet. The center piece defines a combustion air bypass section therein. A combustion air bypass valve is positioned in association with the combustion air bypass section. An exhaust gas valve is positioned in association with the exhaust gas inlet. A single shaft is coupled with and carries each of the combustion air bypass valve and the exhaust gas valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Gerald N. Coleman, Dennis D. Feucht, Michael P. Harmon, David A. Pierpont, Matthew D. Rampenthal
-
Patent number: 6609373Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for use in a work machine, is provided with an exhaust manifold, a turbocharger, and a bypass venturi assembly. The turbocharger includes a turbine and a compressor, with the turbine having a variable geometry inlet coupled with the exhaust manifold, and the compressor having an outlet. The bypass venturi assembly includes a housing having an outlet, a combustion air inlet and an exhaust gas inlet. The combustion air inlet is coupled with the compressor outlet. The exhaust gas inlet is coupled with the exhaust manifold. A center piece is positioned within the housing and is in communication with the combustion air inlet. The center piece defines a combustion air bypass section therein. A combustion air bypass valve is positioned in association with the combustion air bypass section. The exhaust gas valve is positioned in association with the exhaust gas inlet.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Gerald N. Coleman, David A. Pierpont, Dennis D. Feucht, Matthew D. Rampenthal, Michael P. Harmon
-
Publication number: 20030116145Abstract: A bypass venturi assembly for recirculating exhaust gas in an internal combustion engine, and particularly suitable for use in a vehicle, is provided with a housing having an outlet, a combustion air inlet and an exhaust gas inlet. A center piece is positioned within the housing and in communication with the combustion air inlet. The center piece defines a combustion air bypass section therein. An annular venturi nozzle positioned between the housing and the center piece is in communication with the combustion air inlet and defines a combustion air venturi section. The venturi nozzle is in communication with the exhaust gas inlet and defines an exhaust gas venturi section. A combustion air bypass valve is positioned in association with the combustion air bypass section. An exhaust gas valve is positioned in association with the exhaust gas inlet. The venturi nozzle is separate from the housing and allows a nozzle with a particular configuration to be utilized, depending upon the application.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Gerald N. Coleman, Dennis D. Feucht, Michael P. Harmon, David A. Pierpont, Matthew D. Rampenthal
-
Publication number: 20030115874Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for use in a work machine, is provided with a combustion air supply and an exhaust manifold. A bypass venturi assembly includes a housing having an outlet, a combustion air inlet and an exhaust gas inlet. A center piece is positioned within the housing and is in communication with the combustion air inlet. The center piece defines a combustion air bypass section therein. A combustion air bypass valve is positioned in association with the combustion air bypass section. An exhaust gas valve is positioned in association with the exhaust gas inlet. A single shaft is coupled with and carries each of the combustion air bypass valve and the exhaust gas valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Gerald N. Coleman, Dennis D. Feucht, Michael P. Harmon, David A. Pierpont, Matthew D. Rampenthal
-
Publication number: 20030110768Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for use in a work machine, is provided with an exhaust manifold, a turbocharger, and a bypass venturi assembly. The turbocharger includes a turbine and a compressor, with the turbine having a variable geometry inlet coupled with the exhaust manifold, and the compressor having an outlet. The bypass venturi assembly includes a housing having an outlet, a combustion air inlet and an exhaust gas inlet. The combustion air inlet is coupled with the compressor outlet. The exhaust gas inlet is coupled with the exhaust manifold. A center piece is positioned within the housing and is in communication with the combustion air inlet. The center piece defines a combustion air bypass section therein. A combustion air bypass valve is positioned in association with the combustion air bypass section. The exhaust gas valve is positioned in association with the exhaust gas inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Gerald N. Coleman, David A. Pierpont, Dennis D. Feucht, Matthew D. Rampenthal, Michael P. Harmon