Patents by Inventor Dereck G. Heffron
Dereck G. Heffron 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: 11933211Abstract: Operating an engine exhaust aftertreatment system includes receiving fluid pressure data of a reductant pump, determining a pump operating state, and comparing a pump health parameter to a prognostic pump failure criterion based upon the determining a pump operating state. Operating an engine exhaust aftertreatment system further includes outputting a pump health alert based upon a difference between the pump health parameter and the prognostic pump failure criterion. Related control logic is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2021Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Deepashri Phatak, Dereck G Heffron, Jun Cai
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Publication number: 20230193802Abstract: Operating an engine exhaust aftertreatment system includes receiving fluid pressure data of a reductant pump, determining a pump operating state, and comparing a pump health parameter to a prognostic pump failure criterion based upon the determining a pump operating state. Operating an engine exhaust aftertreatment system further includes outputting a pump health alert based upon a difference between the pump health parameter and the prognostic pump failure criterion. Related control logic is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2021Publication date: June 22, 2023Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Deepashri Phatak, Dereck G. Heffron, Jun Cai
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Patent number: 11615660Abstract: A controller may obtain data associated with operation of an engine of a machine that comprises a first engine bank associated with a first set of turbochargers and a second engine bank associated with a second set of turbochargers, and may determine, based on the data, that the engine is in an operating state that requires the first and second sets of turbochargers to be operative. The controller may determine, based on the data, a difference in operation of the first engine bank and the second engine bank and identify, based on the data, a turbocharger failure condition associated with a particular set of turbochargers, of the first and second sets of turbochargers. The controller may identify, based on the data, a particular turbocharger, of the particular set of turbochargers, as a failed turbocharger, and may perform one or more actions based on identifying the particular turbocharger.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Deepashri Phatak, Dereck G Heffron, Joseph Patrick Karasch
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Patent number: 11459972Abstract: A monitoring system obtains sensor data associated with operation of an engine, of a machine, that includes a first engine bank with a first set of fuel injectors and a second engine bank with a second set of fuel injectors. The monitoring system determines, based on the sensor data, a first temperature value that is representative of temperature differences between the first engine bank and the second engine bank for a period of time when the engine operated in a particular operation state, and a second temperature value that is representative of temperature differences between the first engine bank and the second engine bank for one or more prior periods of time when the engine operated in the particular operation state. The monitoring system determines, based on the first temperature value and the second temperature value, that a fuel injector malfunction condition occurred during the period of time.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2021Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael Marchionda, Dereck G. Heffron
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Patent number: 11459970Abstract: Fuel leak detection systems and methods are disclosed. A method for detecting a fuel leak for a fuel system of an engine includes detecting a ramp up of the engine. The method includes measuring rail pressure of a fuel rail during the ramp up. The method also includes determining a fuel leak exists in the fuel system based on the measured rail pressure during the ramp up. In accordance with a determination that a fuel leak exists, the method includes outputting an indication of the fuel leak in the fuel system.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. Kennedy, Dereck G. Heffron, Ryan M. Hinrichsen
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Publication number: 20220268233Abstract: Fuel leak detection systems and methods are disclosed. A method for detecting a fuel leak for a fuel system of an engine includes detecting a ramp up of the engine. The method includes measuring rail pressure of a fuel rail during the ramp up. The method also includes determining a fuel leak exists in the fuel system based on the measured rail pressure during the ramp up. In accordance with a determination that a fuel leak exists, the method includes outputting an indication of the fuel leak in the fuel system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2021Publication date: August 25, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Joseph L. KENNEDY, Dereck G. HEFFRON, Ryan M. HINRICHSEN
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Publication number: 20220157098Abstract: A controller may obtain data associated with operation of an engine of a machine that comprises a first engine bank associated with a first set of turbochargers and a second engine bank associated with a second set of turbochargers, and may determine, based on the data, that the engine is in an operating state that requires the first and second sets of turbochargers to be operative. The controller may determine, based on the data, a difference in operation of the first engine bank and the second engine bank and identify, based on the data, a turbocharger failure condition associated with a particular set of turbochargers, of the first and second sets of turbochargers. The controller may identify, based on the data, a particular turbocharger, of the particular set of turbochargers, as a failed turbocharger, and may perform one or more actions based on identifying the particular turbocharger.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2020Publication date: May 19, 2022Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Deepashri PHATAK, Dereck G. HEFFRON, Joseph Patrick KARASCH
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Patent number: 10371143Abstract: A system for determining health of a component is provided. The system includes an operational parameter module associated with the component and in communication with a controller. The controller is configured to receive an operating parameter signal from the operational parameter module. The controller is configured to monitor a change of the operating parameter over a predetermined time period. The controller is configured to compare the monitored operating parameter with a first predetermined threshold. The controller is configured to determine a rate of change of the monitored operating parameter over the predetermined time period. The controller is also configured to compare the determined rate of change with a second predetermined threshold. The controller is further configured to determine the health of the component based, at least in part, on the comparisons with the first and second predetermined thresholds respectively and one or more additional parameters associated with the component.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Andrew W. Billing, Brian G. Wheeler, Michael J. Campagna, Dereck G. Heffron
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Publication number: 20170241414Abstract: A system for determining health of a component is provided. The system includes an operational parameter module associated with the component and in communication with a controller. The controller is configured to receive an operating parameter signal from the operational parameter module. The controller is configured to monitor a change of the operating parameter over a predetermined time period. The controller is configured to compare the monitored operating parameter with a first predetermined threshold. The controller is configured to determine a rate of change of the monitored operating parameter over the predetermined time period. The controller is also configured to compare the determined rate of change with a second predetermined threshold. The controller is further configured to determine the health of the component based, at least in part, on the comparisons with the first and second predetermined thresholds respectively and one or more additional parameters associated with the component.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2017Publication date: August 24, 2017Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Andrew W. Billing, Brian G. Wheeler, Michael J. Campagna, Dereck G. Heffron
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Patent number: 8968443Abstract: A closed loop pressure management system for an exhaust regeneration system is provided with a first tube capable of retaining a first fluid and extending between a proximal end and a distal end, a first fitting coupled between the distal end of the first tube and an exhaust conduit for receiving an exhaust fluid, and a pressure sensor manifold. The first fitting may include a diaphragm configured to provide a sealed interface between the first fluid of the first tube and the exhaust fluid of the exhaust conduit, and communicate the exhaust fluid pressure through the first fluid pressure. The pressure sensor manifold may include at least a first inlet coupled to the proximal end of the first tube and a pressure sensor configured to determine the exhaust fluid pressure based at least partially on the first fluid pressure at the first inlet.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Scott D. Brinkmeyer, Dereck G. Heffron, Robert Moore
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Publication number: 20140124060Abstract: A closed loop pressure management system for an exhaust regeneration system is provided with a first tube capable of retaining a first fluid and extending between a proximal end and a distal end, a first fitting coupled between the distal end of the first tube and an exhaust conduit for receiving an exhaust fluid, and a pressure sensor manifold. The first fitting may include a diaphragm configured to provide a sealed interface between the first fluid of the first tube and the exhaust fluid of the exhaust conduit, and communicate the exhaust fluid pressure through the first fluid pressure. The pressure sensor manifold may include at least a first inlet coupled to the proximal end of the first tube and a pressure sensor configured to determine the exhaust fluid pressure based at least partially on the first fluid pressure at the first inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Scott D. Brinkmeyer, Dereck G. Heffron, Robert Moore
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Publication number: 20130032120Abstract: A piston for an internal combustion engine includes a one-piece aluminum piston body including a piston head and a piston skirt adjoining the head. The skirt includes a taper narrowing towards the head and defining a major diameter in a first direction normal to a longitudinal piston axis, and a minor diameter in a direction normal to the first direction. The major diameter and minor diameter may have dimensions specified in Table 1, such that scuffing or scratching of the piston is prevented, particularly during engine break-in.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.Inventors: Aaron Claver, Jeffrey P. Buening, Dereck G. Heffron
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Publication number: 20110232362Abstract: A method and kit for determining the effectiveness of an exhaust filter. The method may involve exposing an indicator to an exhaust stream of a engine downstream of the exhaust filter, visually comparing the indicator against test samples, and assigning a level of exhaust filter effectiveness based on the comparison. The method may also involve restricting the exhaust stream, diverting a test stream of exhaust from the exhaust stream, and exposing the indicator to the test stream. The kit may include a collector having a housing defining a flow passage configured to transmit a test stream of exhaust from a engine and a restrictor having a orifice plate configured to restrict an exhaust stream from which the test stream is diverted.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2010Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Sairam Payyalore Thiagarajan, Matthew Edward Leustek, Trent J. Cleveland, Dereck G. Heffron