Patents by Inventor J. Steven Kolhouse

J. Steven Kolhouse 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: 20230204000
    Abstract: A system includes an aftertreatment system heater of an exhaust aftertreatment system coupled to an engine A controller coupled to the aftertreatment system heater is configured to determine a condition of an exhaust gas from an engine and compare the condition to a predefined threshold. If the condition of the exhaust gas does not meet the predefined threshold, the controller is configured to determine whether an engine operating condition is met for activating a cylinder deactivation operating mode for the engine. If the engine operating condition is met, the controller is configured to operate the engine in the cylinder deactivation operating mode by deactivating a cylinder of a plurality of cylinders. If the engine operating condition is not met, the controller is configured to activate the aftertreatment system heater to heat the exhaust gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicants: Cummins Inc., Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, J. Steven Kolhouse, Christopher R. Nelson, Anant Puri, Xiaobo Song, Avra Brahma
  • Publication number: 20230175449
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mitigating exhaust gas emissions via cylinder deactivation are provided. A system includes a controller coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric motive device. The controller includes a processor and a memory. The memory stores instruction that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to: receive a power request less than a current power output from the internal combustion engine; command the electric motive device to provide a supplemental power output based on the received power request; command the internal combustion engine to operate in a cylinder deactivation mode whereby at least one cylinder of a plurality of cylinders of the internal combustion engine is deactivated; responsive to determining that a power output of the internal combustion engine is substantially equivalent to the power request after commanding the internal combustion engine to operate in the cylinder deactivation mode, deactivate the electric motive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Applicants: Cummins Inc., Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Steven Kolhouse, Avra Brahma
  • Publication number: 20230150502
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for improving predictive cruise control and predictive engine off coasting for a vehicle are provided. An apparatus includes one or more processing circuits having one or more memory devices coupled to one or more processors, the one or more memory devices configured to store instructions thereon that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive look ahead information and store the look ahead information in the one or more memory devices; receive vehicle information regarding operation of a vehicle including an engine; determine a coasting opportunity for the vehicle based on the look ahead information and the vehicle information; modulate a cruise control set speed based on the determined coasting opportunity; and turn the engine off during the determined coasting opportunity for the vehicle based on modulation of the cruise control set speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Applicant: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Dickson, Kenneth M. Follen, Arun Prakash Thunga Gopal, J. Steven Kolhouse, Manik Narula, Apurva Arvind Chunodkar
  • Publication number: 20230129719
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods of controlling an ignitor are disclosed. A method includes: receiving, by a controller, fuel quality data regarding a fuel for a spark-ignition engine; determining, by the controller, a fuel quality metric based on the fuel quality data; and controlling, by the controller, an ignition energy characteristic of an ignitor in response to the fuel quality metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Applicant: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: J. Steven Kolhouse, Daniel J. O'Connor, Philipe F. Saad
  • Publication number: 20230095003
    Abstract: Catalytic coatings and techniques for applying the catalytic coatings may be utilized in connection with a number of engine system components including fuel injectors components, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve components, EGR cooler components, piston components, spark plugs, engine valves (intake valves and exhaust valves), engine valve seats, oxygen sensors, NOx sensors, and particulate sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: J. Steven Kolhouse, Adrian P. Dale, Brian S. Bower
  • Patent number: 11608051
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving fuel economy and reducing emissions of a vehicle with an electric motor, an engine, an energy storage device, and a controller are disclosed. The method includes obtaining current state information including a current hybrid control surface, and determining a target hybrid control surface for the vehicle based on the current state information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Jeffrey A. Green, Thomas M. Yonushonis, Timothy J. Proctor, Daniel R. Dempsey, David W. Ochs, Thomas R. Marsh, James R. Nebergall, J. Steven Kolhouse
  • Patent number: 11598277
    Abstract: A method includes operating a spark ignition engine and flowing low pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) from an exhaust to an inlet of the spark ignition engine. The method includes interpreting a parameter affecting an operation of the spark ignition engine, and determining a knock index value in response to the parameter. The method further includes reducing a likelihood of engine knock in response to the knock index value exceeding a knock threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Marten H. Dane, J. Steven Kolhouse, Thomas M. Yonushonis, J. Stephen Wills, Samuel C. Geckler
  • Patent number: 11572969
    Abstract: A fluid transfer connector securely connects a port fitting of a fluid device to a fluid hose. The fluid transfer connector includes an attachment member attachable to the port fitting of the fluid storage device. The fluid transfer connector further includes a hose adapter including a housing with a seal that wipes and sealingly engages the port fitting when the hose adapter is engaged to the attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn A. Rockey, J. Steven Kolhouse
  • Publication number: 20230016806
    Abstract: A method of controlling a skip-fire cylinder deactivation system of an engine system is provided. The method includes a controller deactivating a cylinder of the engine system to operate the engine system in a skip-fire mode. The method further includes determining a temperature of an injector tip nozzle associated with the cylinder and comparing the temperature of the injector tip nozzle to a threshold a temperature. In response to determining that the temperature of the injector tip nozzle is greater than the threshold temperature, the cylinder is activated by the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicants: CUMMINS INC., TULA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: J. Steven Kolhouse, Ross A. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20220412276
    Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for controlling operation of dual fuel engines are disclosed that regulate the fuelling amounts provided by a first fuel and a second fuel during operation of the engine. The first fuel can be a liquid fuel and the second fuel can be a gaseous fuel. The fuelling amounts are controlled to improve operational outcomes of the duel fuel engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: C. Larry Bruner, Phanindra V. Garimella, Geomy George, Timothy P. Lutz, J. Steven Kolhouse, Edmund P. Hodzen, Robert Charles Borregard, Mark A. Rosswurm, Axel Otto zur Loye
  • Publication number: 20220412277
    Abstract: Managing firing fraction transitions of a variable displacement internal combustion engines by (a) avoiding transport delays in an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) feed by starting movement of an EGR valve position after a decision to transition to a new firing fraction has been made, but prior to the start of the transition and (b) adjusting the EGR valve as needed during the transition so as to maintain an EGR fraction within a predetermined range during the transition. By performing both (a) and (b), spikes of nitrous oxide (NOx) and/or hydrocarbon emissions are reduced or altogether eliminated during the transition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Vijay SRINIVASAN, Louis J. SERRANO, Xiaoping CAI, J. Steven KOLHOUSE, Avra BRAHMA, Adrian P. DALE
  • Patent number: 11536239
    Abstract: A method of controlling an ignitor for a spark-ignition engine includes receiving, by a controller, at least one of fuel quality data regarding a fuel for the spark-ignition engine or a characteristic regarding the ignitor for the spark-ignition engine. The method additionally includes controlling, by the controller, an ignition energy characteristic of the ignitor in response to the at least one of the fuel quality data regarding the fuel or the characteristic regarding the ignitor for the spark-ignition engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: J. Steven Kolhouse, Daniel J. O'Connor, Philipe F. Saad
  • Patent number: 11530659
    Abstract: A system for controlling operations of an engine comprises a plurality of cylinders and a controller operatively coupled to each of the plurality of cylinders. The controller is configured to determine an operating condition of the engine, and in response to determining that the operating condition is suitable for activating less then all cylinders of the plurality of cylinders during a cycle of the engine, determine a first firing pattern, and a second firing pattern different from the first firing pattern for activating the plurality of cylinders of the engine. The controller is configured to activate a first set of cylinders of the plurality of cylinders based on the first firing pattern, and subsequent to activating the first set of cylinders, activate a second set of cylinders of the plurality of cylinders different from the first set of cylinders based on the second firing pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignees: Cummins Inc., Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Steven Kolhouse, Aaron William Beinborn, Lyle E. Kocher
  • Publication number: 20220397071
    Abstract: A system for selectively activating and deactivating cylinders includes a first cylinder positioned in a cylinder block. A first intake or exhaust valve is coupled to the first cylinder and is actuated by a first coupling mechanism. A first oil control solenoid is coupled to the first coupling mechanism, the first oil control solenoid deactivates the first coupling mechanism to maintain the first intake or exhaust valve in a closed position. A second cylinder is positioned in the cylinder block, and a second intake or exhaust valve is coupled to the second cylinder. The second intake or exhaust valve is actuated by a second coupling mechanism. A second oil control solenoid is coupled to the second coupling mechanism, the second oil control solenoid deactivates the second coupling mechanism to maintain the second intake or exhaust valve in a closed position. The first oil control solenoid and the second oil control solenoid have different operating parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Applicant: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventors: J. Steven Kolhouse, Steven John Small
  • Patent number: 11519348
    Abstract: One embodiment is a system comprising an internal combustion engine having one or more non-dedicated cylinders and one or more dedicated EGR cylinders configured to provide EGR to the engine via an EGR loop, a first spark plug coupled to each of the one or more non-dedicated cylinders, and a second spark plug coupled to each of the one or more dedicated EGR cylinders, wherein the second spark plug has a physical or dimensional characteristic that is different from the first spark plug. In certain forms each of the non-dedicated cylinders has only one of a first type of spark plug and each of the dedicated EGR cylinders has only one of a second type of spark plug. One or more of the characteristics that may vary between the first and second types of spark plugs include spark gap, electrode diameter, heat range, and ion sensing capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: J. Steven Kolhouse, David J. Stroh, Daniel J. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20220381166
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed that during cylinder deactivation, including skipfire, at low engines speeds and low engine loads maintain adequate oil pressure of valvetrain components or hardware required for CDA and/or skipfire operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Govindarajan Kothandaraman, Lyle E. Kocher, David M. Barnes, Scott Robert Bardakjy, J. Steven Kolhouse
  • Publication number: 20220372926
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling operation of an internal combustion engine are provided. The method includes performing a cylinder deactivation operation while running the engine, selecting at least one of the plurality of temperature maintenance actions to increase an exhaust temperature, and performing at least one of the plurality of temperature maintenance actions effective to increase the exhaust temperature. The plurality of temperature maintenance actions may include one or more of a charge air cooler bypass operation, an EGR cooler bypass operation, an aftertreatment system heater operation, a turbocharger bypass operation, a turbocharger geometry adjustment operation, an intake air throttle adjustment operation, and a delayed injection timing operation, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Applicant: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron William Beinborn, Lyle E. Kocher, J. Steven Kolhouse, Suk-Min Moon, Sriram S. Popuri, Janardhan Kodavasal, Ved Merchant, Kristopher R. Bare, Avra Brahma
  • Publication number: 20220364486
    Abstract: Systems and methods to extend a life of a component of a cylinder deactivation system are provided. A method includes generating, by a controller, an initial life factor for the component; initiating, by the controller, a CDA mode for an engine; determining, by the controller, an actual life factor for the component, the actual life factor determined by comparing a number of switching events of a cylinder in the CDA mode to a number of cycles of the cylinder in the CDA mode; comparing, by the controller, the actual life factor to the initial life factor; and modifying, by the controller based on the comparison, operation of the engine in the CDA mode to adjust the actual life factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Applicants: Cummins Inc., Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy R. Frazier, J. Steven Kolhouse, Steven J. Small, Louis Joseph Serrano
  • Patent number: 11499490
    Abstract: Systems and methods for mitigating exhaust gas emissions via cylinder deactivation are provided. A system includes a controller coupled to an internal combustion engine and an electric motive device. The controller includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores instruction that, when executed by the processor, cause the controller to: command the internal combustion engine to operate in a cylinder deactivation mode whereby at least one cylinder of a plurality of cylinders of the internal combustion engine is deactivated; receive a power request exceeding a current power output from the internal combustion engine; command the electric motive device to provide a supplemental power output based on the received power request; and, subsequent to commanding the electric motive device to provide the supplemental power out, activate the at least one cylinder of the plurality of cylinders of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignees: Cummins Inc., Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Steven Kolhouse, Avra Brahma
  • Publication number: 20220356854
    Abstract: A method of calibrating a control system based on a parametric value of a component. The method includes receiving a current from a component of the control system. The component is communicatively coupled to a controller and has a parametric resistor with a parametric resistance value correlating to a parametric value associated with the component. The method further includes determining the resistance value of the parametric resistor by measuring a parametric voltage rating from the current. The method further includes mapping the resistance value to the parametric value associated with the component. The method further includes generating a calibration data set. The calibration data set is based on calibrating the control system to calibrate for the parametric value. The method further includes transmitting a signal to the component. The signal is based on the calibration data set and is configured to calibrate operation of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Applicant: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Ruth, Michael Haas, Aaron William Beinborn, J. Steven Kolhouse