Patents by Inventor Eric D. Thomas

Eric D. Thomas 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: 10196998
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine control system includes at least one cylinder having a combustion chamber configured to combust an air/fuel mixture stored therein. The air/fuel mixture is configured to combust in response to reaching an autoignition temperature. At least one electronic control module is configured to determine a chamber temperature within the combustion chamber. The electronic control module controls combustion of the air/fuel mixture based on a comparison between the chamber temperature and an autoignition temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9777654
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle including an exhaust aftertreatment system for purifying exhaust gases from a compression-ignition engine includes monitoring vehicle operating parameters, determining whether the vehicle is stopped, determining whether the engine is commanded off, and determining whether the exhaust aftertreatment device is at a predetermined operating temperature. When the vehicle is stopped, the engine is commanded off and the exhaust aftertreatment device is at the predetermined operating temperature the engine is controlled in a run-on state for a predetermined period of time. The run-on state includes operating the engine in a throttled and fueled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gongshin Qi, Eric D. Thomas, Charles E. Solbrig
  • Publication number: 20170198653
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle including an exhaust aftertreatment system for purifying exhaust gases from a compression-ignition engine includes monitoring vehicle operating parameters, determining whether the vehicle is stopped, determining whether the engine is commanded off, and determining whether the exhaust aftertreatment device is at a predetermined operating temperature. When the vehicle is stopped, the engine is commanded off and the exhaust aftertreatment device is at the predetermined operating temperature the engine is controlled in a run-on state for a predetermined period of time. The run-on state includes operating the engine in a throttled and fueled state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: GONGSHIN QI, ERIC D. THOMAS, CHARLES E. SOLBRIG
  • Publication number: 20160107150
    Abstract: An aftertreatment system utilizes chemical reactions to treat an exhaust gas flow. A device for use within an aftertreatment system includes a platinum-free ammonia oxidation catalyst comprising palladium to treat ammonia slip in the exhaust gas flow. In one embodiment, the catalyst includes a Pd/Cu/SAPO-34 catalyst used within a selective catalytic reduction device or in a device downstream of the selective catalytic reduction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: ERIC D. THOMAS, GONGSHIN QI
  • Publication number: 20160053700
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine control system includes at least one cylinder having a combustion chamber configured to combust an air/fuel mixture stored therein. The air/fuel mixture is configured to combust in response to reaching an autoignition temperature. At least one electronic control module is configured to determine a chamber temperature within the combustion chamber. The electronic control module controls combustion of the air/fuel mixture based on a comparison between the chamber temperature and an autoignition temperature threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8621846
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust gas conduit configured to receive and to deliver exhaust gas to a downstream exhaust treatment device. An injector bay extends outwardly from the exhaust gas conduit upstream of the exhaust treatment device and an exhaust fluid injector mounts through an opening in the injector bay and is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and oriented in an upstream direction to deliver an exhaust fluid to the exhaust gas in the upstream direction. An exhaust flow baffle extends outwardly from the injector bay and into the exhaust gas in an upstream direction. The exhaust flow baffle is located upstream of the exhaust fluid injector and is configured to define a turbulent, low pressure velocity field downstream thereof and proximate to the exhaust fluid injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20110214415
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust gas conduit configured to receive and to deliver exhaust gas to a downstream exhaust treatment device. An injector bay extends outwardly from the exhaust gas conduit upstream of the exhaust treatment device and an exhaust fluid injector mounts through an opening in the injector bay and is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and oriented in an upstream direction to deliver an exhaust fluid to the exhaust gas in the upstream direction. An exhaust flow baffle extends outwardly from the injector bay and into the exhaust gas in an upstream direction. The exhaust flow baffle is located upstream of the exhaust fluid injector and is configured to define a turbulent, low pressure velocity field downstream thereof and proximate to the exhaust fluid injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6516782
    Abstract: A method for controlling fuel delivery from a fuel injector includes determining a first desired engine torque output; determining engine speed; determining a first quantity of fuel to be delivered by the fuel injector based on the first desired engine torque output and the engine speed; determining an injection pressure; and determining a first amount of time for energizing the fuel injector in order to deliver the first quantity of fuel based on the injection pressure. For a system capable of split injection, the method further includes determining a second desired engine torque output; determining a second quantity of fuel to be delivered by the fuel injector based on the second desired engine torque output and the engine speed; and determining a second amount of time for energizing the fuel injector in order to deliver the second quantity of fuel. The method and system of the invention provide more precise control of fuel delivery compared with prior systems and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6484694
    Abstract: A method of controlling an internal combustion engine includes determining the pressure within the cylinder with a pressure sensor which samples at specific positions of the piston indicating the properties of the thermodynamic cycle. The engine is controlled and operating condition diagnosed in real time based on that series of cylinder pressures at corresponding piston positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6445997
    Abstract: An engine controller and computer readable storage medium for detecting cold engine operation include determining at least two fluid temperatures and providing an output signal based on the at least two temperatures. Preferably, an engine coolant temperature, an intercooler temperature, and an engine air temperature are determined via appropriate temperature sensors. In one embodiment, the cold engine output signal is activated or asserted if any one of the at least two fluid temperatures is below a corresponding temperature threshold. The cold engine output signal is deactivated when all of the fluid temperatures are above corresponding temperature thresholds (plus hysteresis where applicable). An optional user-selectable parameter provides for actuation of the cold engine output only during idle. The cold engine output signal may be used to control various accessories including coolant heating systems, shutters, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20020066445
    Abstract: A method of controlling an internal combustion engine includes determining the pressure within the cylinder with a pressure sensor which samples at specific positions of the piston indicating the properties of the thermodynamic cycle. The engine is controlled and operating condition diagnosed in real time based on that series of cylinder pressures at corresponding piston positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20010018632
    Abstract: An engine controller and computer readable storage medium for detecting cold engine operation include determining at least two fluid temperatures and providing an output signal based on the at least two temperatures. Preferably, an engine coolant temperature, an intercooler temperature, and an engine air temperature are determined via appropriate temperature sensors. In one embodiment, the cold engine output signal is activated or asserted if any one of the at least two fluid temperatures is below a corresponding temperature threshold. The cold engine output signal is deactivated when all of the fluid temperatures are above corresponding temperature thresholds (plus hysteresis where applicable). An optional user-selectable parameter provides for actuation of the cold engine output only during idle. The cold engine output signal may be used to control various accessories including coolant heating systems, shutters, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Applicant: DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6243642
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting cold engine operation include determining at least two fluid temperatures and providing an output signal based on the at least two temperatures. Preferably, an engine coolant temperature, an intercooler temperature, and an engine air temperature are determined via appropriate temperature sensors. In one embodiment, the cold engine output signal is activated or asserted if any one of the at least two fluid temperatures is below a corresponding temperature threshold. The cold engine output signal is deactivated when all of the fluid temperatures are above corresponding temperature thresholds (plus hysteresis where applicable). An optional user-selectable parameter provides for actuation of the cold engine output only during idle. The cold engine output signal may be used to control various accessories including coolant heating systems, shutters, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6240772
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting engine malfunctions based on crankcase pressure include determining a reference value indicative of current engine operating conditions and using the reference value to determine a crankcase pressure limit which varies as a function of the reference value. The sensed crankcase pressure is compared to the limit to determine when a fault condition exists. The reference value is preferably a function of engine speed and requested engine torque and includes a second order term multiplied by a calibratable constant which controls sensitivity of the fault determination. The sensitivity may be adjusted to provide equally detectable faults across all engine speeds and loads, to be more sensitive to faults occurring at higher engine speeds, or to be more sensitive to faults occurring at higher engine loads. The system and method control the engine based on the determination of an engine fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6164264
    Abstract: A method for controlling a compression-ignition internal combustion engine which provides delivery of multiple fuel injection pulses per cylinder firing with precision of pulse quantities, separation, and timing adequate for transition between split and single injection at any speed and load, without disturbing the primary engine governor. The method compensates for variable operating conditions such as supply voltage, injection pressure, injection pulse separation, and injector actuation latency or rise-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6131539
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and controlling an engine based on an engine fluid pressure include sensing an engine fluid pressure, determining a current value for an engine operating parameter, determining whether the engine fluid pressure has crossed a first threshold corresponding to the current value of the engine operating parameter, determining whether the engine fluid pressure has crossed a second threshold corresponding to the current value of the engine operating parameter, generating a warning signal when the fluid pressure has crossed the first threshold but has not crossed the second threshold, and generating a shutdown signal when the fluid pressure has crossed the second threshold. In one embodiment, the second threshold is determined based on the first threshold by applying a constant offset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6125823
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling fuel delivery from a fuel injector includes determining engine speed, determining a proposed pilot pulse width time based on engine speed, determining injection pressure, determining a proposed first quantity of fuel to be delivered by the fuel injector based on the proposed pilot pulse width time and injection pressure and determining a desired engine torque output. A desired total quantity of fuel to be delivered by the fuel injector is determined based on the desired engine torque output and engine speed. The proposed first quantity of fuel is compared with the desired total quantity of fuel. A desired first quantity of fuel to be delivered by the fuel injector is determined based on the desired engine torque output and engine speed if the proposed first quantity of fuel is greater than the desired total quantity of fuel. A desired pilot pulse width time is determined based on the desired first quantity of fuel and the injection pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6016791
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the fuel pressure in a common rail fuel injection system which electronically controls a variable output high pressure pump based upon engine speed, torque and actual common rail pressure inputs, as well as the present system voltage, thereby providing simple yet stable control of the fuel pressure in the accumulator of the common rail system which is relatively insensitive to supply voltage fluctuations from the power source providing the electrical power to the solenoid-controlled valve which controls the high pressure pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Eric D. Thomas, S. Miller Weisman, II
  • Patent number: 5924403
    Abstract: A method for controlling a compression-ignition internal combustion engine which provides delivery of multiple fuel injection pulses per cylinder firing with precision of pulse quantities, separation, and timing adequate for transition between split and single injection at any speed and load, without disturbing the primary engine governor. The method compensates for variable operating conditions such as supply voltage, injection pressure, injection pulse separation, and injector actuation latency or rise-time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5732676
    Abstract: A method for comprehensive integrated control of an internal combustion engine, such as a compression-ignition engine, utilizing an electronic control module (20) is disclosed. The control strategy integrates various functions of engine control including an acceleration balance test for the engine cylinders, a fuel economy vehicle speed limit adder, a fueling limit for high altitude vehicle operation, throttle logic, a data-hub for operation trending and vehicle component lifing analyses, a gear ratio torque limit, an air temperature based torque limit, enhanced cooling fan control, and an idle shutdown strategy based on ambient air temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corp.
    Inventors: S. Miller Weisman, Dennis M. Letang, Douglas J. Babcock, Arnold J. Vanderbok, Eric D. Thomas