Patents by Inventor Jeffery S. Hawkins

Jeffery S. Hawkins 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: 20130070804
    Abstract: A method to estimate ambient air temperature in the vicinity of a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine equipped with at least an ignition and an electronic control unit (ECU) with memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Hawkins, Michael C. Salch, Bryant C. Pham, Kurt J. Couture
  • Publication number: 20130068203
    Abstract: A method to operate an electronic controlled internal combustion engine to perform on board NOx emissions level diagnostics. In one embodiment, the method may include operating the engine to maintain a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, determining whether the engine operating status is stable for one of cruise control, idle engine speed, engine torque, or high idle regeneration for a predetermined period of time, cycling the EGR valve between a first position for a predetermined period of time and then in a second position for a predetermined period of time, a determining a change in engine out NOx levels to determine whether an engine component or system is malfunctioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Hawkins, Marc C. Allain, Justin R. Kollien
  • Patent number: 8160800
    Abstract: A method to operate a vehicle equipped with an electronic controlled internal combustion engine. The engine fan is used as a dynamic fan brake when the vehicle exceeds a minimum predetermined operating parameter for a predetermined period of time, and is disabled once the vehicle is operating within predetermined operating parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Hawkins, Todd C. Slater, Charles C. Blake, Miguel Menoyo-Alonso, Darren P. Aherne, Matthew T. Baird
  • Publication number: 20110106505
    Abstract: A method to estimate ambient air temperature in the vicinity of a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine equipped with at least an electronic control unit (ECU) with memory and a temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Hawkins, Mark A. Zurawski
  • Patent number: 7650781
    Abstract: A method for verifying the functionality of the components for a diesel particulate filter system based upon engine speed, engine torque, inlet and outlet exhaust pressure at the diesel particulate filter. Various sensor signals are compared to calibratable values in memory for a determination whether the diesel particulate filter system is functional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Keski-Hynnila, Jeffery S. Hawkins, Harald Wedler, Reinhard Pfundt, Frank S. Groer, Mark A. Zurawski, Amr M. Radwan, Peter Zagone, Kevin D. Sisken, Matthew T. Baird, Min Sun, Zornitza P. Pavlova-MacKinnon, Dennis J. Grace, Heather A. Staley
  • Patent number: 7631552
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for operating an electronically controlled internal combustion engine in a vehicle to perform at least one rationality check on at least one sensor to detect impending sensor failure and verify component functionality. The engine is equipped with an engine control system (ECS) having a memory and in electronic communication with various sensors. The sensors transmit data signals to the ECS indicative of associated engine and vehicle component functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Keski-Hynnila, Jeffery S. Hawkins, Harald Wedler, Reinhard Pfundt, Frank S. Groer, Mark A. Zurawski, Dennis J. Grace, Heather A. Staley, Jimmie L. Priest, Jr., Min Sun, Jason T. Barton, Zhiping Han, Martin Fritz
  • Publication number: 20090164084
    Abstract: A method to operate a vehicle equipped with an electronic controlled internal combustion engine. The engine fan is used as a dynamic fan brake when the vehicle exceeds a minimum predetermined operating parameter for a predetermined period of time, and is disabled once the vehicle is operating within predetermined operating parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Hawkins, Todd C. Slater, Charles C. Blake, Miguel Menoyo-Alonso, Darren P. Aherne, Matthew T. Baird
  • Publication number: 20090037047
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling an engine controller in response to actual vehicle load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: DETROIT DIESEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Hawkins, Charles C. Blake
  • Publication number: 20080156084
    Abstract: A method for verifying the functionality of the components for a diesel particulate filter system based upon engine speed, engine torque, inlet and outlet exhaust pressure at the diesel particulate filter. Various sensor signals are compared to calibratable values in memory for a determination whether the diesel particulate filter system is functional.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Keski-Hynnila, Jeffery S. Hawkins, Harald Wedler, Reinhard Pfundt, Frank S. Groer, Mark A. Zurawski, Amr M. Radwan, Peter Zagone, Kevin D. Sisken, Matthew T. Baird, Min Sun, Zornitza P. Pavlova-MacKinnon, Dennis J. Grace, Heather A. Staley
  • Publication number: 20080155970
    Abstract: A method for verifying the functionality of the components for a diesel particulate filter system based upon engine speed, engine torque, inlet and outlet exhaust pressure at the diesel particulate filter. Various sensor signals are compared to calibratable values in memory for a determination whether the diesel particulate filter system is functional.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Keski-Hynnila, Jeffery S. Hawkins, Harald Wedler, Reinhard Pfundt, Frank S. Groer, Mark A. Zurawski, Amr M. Radwan, Peter Zagone, Kevin D. Sisken, Matthew T. Baird, Min Sun, Zornitza P. Pavlova-MacKinnon, Dennis J. Grace, Heather A. Staley
  • Publication number: 20080148827
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for operating an electronically controlled internal combustion engine in a vehicle to perform at least one rationality check on at least one sensor to detect impending sensor failure and verify component functionality. The engine is equipped with an engine control system (ECS) having a memory and in electronic communication with various sensors. The sensors transmit data signals to the ECS indicative of associated engine and vehicle component functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Donald E. Keski-Hynnila, Jeffery S. Hawkins, Harald Wedler, Reinhard Pfundt, Frank S. Groer, Mark A. Zurawski, Dennis J. Grace, Heather A. Staley, Jimmie L. Priest, Min Sun, Jason T. Barton, Zhiping Han
  • Patent number: 7072761
    Abstract: An engine shutdown system is provided that includes an engine control module (ECM) (12) having sensors (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 34, 36) that can activate an engine shutdown sequence. A set of redundant sensors (20?, 22?, 24?, 26?, 28?, 30?, 32?, 34?, 36?) and a redundant engine control module (RECM) (14) can also activate an engine shutdown sequence independent of the ECM. Engine operating parameters are monitored by sensors to determine if one of the engine parameters deviates from an acceptable level. If the engine control determines that a parameter has exceeded a predetermined level, an engine shutdown signal may be generated by either the ECM or RECM that may cut off the fuel supply, interrupt an ignition circuit, or activate external engine shutdown devices and may also activate alarm and message panels. A redundant engine shutdown system is also provided to disable the primary engine control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Hawkins, Curtis P. Ritter
  • Patent number: 7000587
    Abstract: A system for modifying or disabling a selected engine function in response to a determination based upon a precipitation sensor input that precipitation is present. The system also may include an ambient temperature sensor that determines whether the ambient temperature is below a predetermined level. Signals from the precipitation sensor and temperature sensor are provided to an engine controller. The engine controller functions to modify or disable a selected engine function such as a compression brake, engine exhaust brake, maximum speed calibration or passing speed variance calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffery S. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6904352
    Abstract: A method for estimating engine torque loss due to a fan. A table of maximum fan torque losses is compiled at a plurality of engine speeds. An engine control unit (ECU) is configured with the table of maximum fan torque losses. A first maximum fan torque loss and a second maximum fan torque loss for an engine speed are retrieved from the table. A maximum fan torque loss for the engine speed is estimated by interpolating between the first maximum fan torque loss and the second maximum fan torque loss. An engine torque loss estimate is calculated by adjusting the maximum fan torque loss based on a set of predetermined fan characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Hawkins, Richard M. Avery, Jr., Leopold Super
  • Patent number: 6529815
    Abstract: A method for controlling an engine of a system having an air-charger system connected to the engine includes sensing air-charger system temperature; comparing the air-charger system temperature to a temperature threshold; and adjusting an engine control parameter when the air-charger system temperature exceeds the temperature threshold. A system for controlling engine operation is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Hawkins, Ian D. McKenzie
  • Patent number: 6487995
    Abstract: An electronic device and enclosure assembly is provided for use with an engine arrangement having a plurality of cavities. The assembly comprises an enclosure including a main body having a base panel. The base panel includes a plurality of openings alignable with the cavities. An electronic device is disposable in the enclosure and has a plurality of apertures alignable with the openings and the cavities. The assembly further includes a plurality of fasteners for connecting the electronic device to the enclosure, and for connecting the enclosure to the engine arrangement. Each fastener is configured to extend through an aperture in the electronic device, through an opening in the enclosure, and into a cavity of the engine arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Craig R. Markyvech, Dennis J. Sitek, Jeffery S. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6457466
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an engine of a system having an exhaust system connected to the engine, and the exhaust system includes an exhaust gas cooler. The method includes sensing exhaust system temperature downstream of the exhaust gas cooler; comparing the exhaust system temperature to a temperature threshold that is less than 200 degrees Celsius; and adjusting an engine control parameter when the exhaust system temperature exceeds the temperature threshold. A system for controlling engine operation is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Curtis P. Ritter, Jeffery S. Hawkins, Ian D. McKenzie
  • Publication number: 20020069011
    Abstract: A method for controlling an engine of a system having an air-charger system connected to the engine includes sensing air-charger system temperature; comparing the air-charger system temperature to a temperature threshold; and adjusting an engine control parameter when the air-charger system temperature exceeds the temperature threshold. A system for controlling engine operation is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Detroit Diesel Corporaton
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Hawkins, Ian D. McKenzie
  • Publication number: 20020062812
    Abstract: An electronic device and enclosure assembly is provided for use with an engine arrangement having a plurality of cavities. The assembly comprises an enclosure including a main body having a base panel. The base panel includes a plurality of openings alignable with the cavities. An electronic device is disposable in the enclosure and has a plurality of apertures alignable with the openings and the cavities. The assembly further includes a plurality of fasteners for connecting the electronic device to the enclosure, and for connecting the enclosure to the engine arrangement. Each fastener is configured to extend through an aperture in the electronic device, through an opening in the enclosure, and into a cavity of the engine arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Craig R. Markyvech, Dennis J. Sitek, Jeffery S. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 5355677
    Abstract: The combination of an intake air supply system with an internal combustion engine having a charge air cooler, a cylinder charging air intake and an exhaust discharge is provided. The intake air supply system includes a Roots-type positive displacement blower having inlet and outlet means and an exhaust gas driven turbo-compressor connected in series with the blower. The intake air supply system further includes a bypass passage connecting the blower inlet and outlet and a valve in the bypass passage to control the flow of fluid through the bypass. The valve is operative to open and close the bypass passage in response to engine operating parameters and to modulate the flow area of the passage in response to the same engine operating parameters so as to infinitely vary the flow area between the open and closed positions of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Hawkins, Stanley P. Miller, Craig L. Savonen, Steven M. Weisman, David P. Tasky, Richard E. Winsor