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).

  • Patent number: 11933211
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Deepashri Phatak, Dereck G Heffron, Jun Cai
  • Publication number: 20230193802
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Deepashri Phatak, Dereck G. Heffron, Jun Cai
  • Patent number: 11615660
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Deepashri Phatak, Dereck G Heffron, Joseph Patrick Karasch
  • Patent number: 11459972
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Marchionda, Dereck G. Heffron
  • Patent number: 11459970
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Kennedy, Dereck G. Heffron, Ryan M. Hinrichsen
  • Publication number: 20220268233
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. KENNEDY, Dereck G. HEFFRON, Ryan M. HINRICHSEN
  • Publication number: 20220157098
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Deepashri PHATAK, Dereck G. HEFFRON, Joseph Patrick KARASCH
  • Patent number: 10371143
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Billing, Brian G. Wheeler, Michael J. Campagna, Dereck G. Heffron
  • Publication number: 20170241414
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Billing, Brian G. Wheeler, Michael J. Campagna, Dereck G. Heffron
  • Patent number: 8968443
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Brinkmeyer, Dereck G. Heffron, Robert Moore
  • Publication number: 20140124060
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Scott D. Brinkmeyer, Dereck G. Heffron, Robert Moore
  • Publication number: 20130032120
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron Claver, Jeffrey P. Buening, Dereck G. Heffron
  • Publication number: 20110232362
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sairam Payyalore Thiagarajan, Matthew Edward Leustek, Trent J. Cleveland, Dereck G. Heffron