Patents by Inventor Jennifer Kay Light-Holets

Jennifer Kay Light-Holets 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: 11920506
    Abstract: A system includes a first heater positioned in or proximate to an exhaust aftertreatment system in exhaust gas-receiving communication with an engine, a second heater positioned downstream of the first heater, and a controller coupled to the first and second heaters. The controller is structured to activate the second heater in response to determining that a compound deposit is likely present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher R. Bare, Xing Jin, Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, Sriram S. Popuri, Xiaobo Song
  • Patent number: 11920533
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignees: Cummins Inc., Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, J. Steven Kolhouse, Christopher R. Nelson, Anant Puri, Xiaobo Song, Avra Brahma
  • Publication number: 20240026808
    Abstract: A system includes an exhaust aftertreatment system coupled to an engine, and a controller including at least one processor coupled to at least one memory device storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to perform certain operations. The operations include estimating an aging of the exhaust aftertreatment system, and adjusting at least one of an entry temperature threshold or an exit temperature threshold for a thermal management mode for the exhaust aftertreatment system based on the aging of the exhaust aftertreatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher R. Bare, Michael J. Cunningham, Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, Xiaobo Song, Agneya Turlapati
  • Patent number: 11872978
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes an electric motor switchable between a first mode with a first number of poles and a second mode with a second number of poles less than the first number of poles, a plurality of inverters coupled to the motor, and a control module coupled to the plurality of inverters. The control module receives current vehicle information, determines that a mode switch is required between the first and second modes of the motor based on the current vehicle information, wherein the first mode achieves higher torque than the second mode, and performs the mode switch by controlling the plurality of inverters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventors: Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, Bradford K. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20240001952
    Abstract: Systems and methods for triggering and issuing safety warnings, including a risk-assessment system that collects movement data pertaining to each of a plurality of subsystems including one or more slow-moving subsystems (SMSSs) and/or one or more fast-moving subsystems (FMSSs). The risk-assessment system identifies, based at least in part on the collected movement data, an instance in which each of a set of warning-triggering conditions is true. The set includes (i) that a likelihood of a collision occurring among an identified subset of the plurality of subsystems is greater than a collision-probability threshold and (ii) that at least one of the subsystems in the identified subset has at least one current movement anomaly. In response to identifying the instance, the risk-assessment system issues at least one warning to at least one of the subsystems in the identified subset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Thomas M. Yonushonis, J. Stephen Wills, Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, Joseph P. Chandraraj
  • Patent number: 11820360
    Abstract: A system includes at least one sensor coupled to an aftertreatment system and a controller having at least one processor coupled to at least one memory device storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to perform operations. The operations include: adjusting an operating point of an engine in response to emissions information from the at least one sensor and based on a fault indicator regarding a component of the system; and, controlling an electric motor in response to the adjustment of the operating point of the engine based on a change in power output from the engine to assist in a desired emissions characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, Xing Jin
  • Patent number: 11797898
    Abstract: Platooning vehicles can result in operational cost savings. Disclosed is a method of apportioning costs that are incurred/saved as a result of platooning vehicles, as well as assigning penalties for unfair platoon participation. For example, platooning history of a vehicle can be tracked, and if that vehicle acts too often as a trailing vehicle in a series of platoons then a penalty might be assigned to that vehicle. Also disclosed is a technique for operating a platoon in the presence of external factors such as municipal regulations, merging traffic, emergency vehicles, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, Daniel E. Kershner, Morgan M. Andreae, Jeffrey A. Matthews, Kristopher Ray Young
  • Patent number: 11772673
    Abstract: Systems and methods for triggering and issuing safety warnings, including a risk-assessment system that collects movement data pertaining to each of a plurality of subsystems including one or more slow-moving subsystems (SMSSs) and/or one or more fast-moving subsystems (FMSSs). The risk-assessment system identifies, based at least in part on the collected movement data, an instance in which each of a set of warning-triggering conditions is true. The set includes (i) that a likelihood of a collision occurring among an identified subset of the plurality of subsystems is greater than a collision-probability threshold and (ii) that at least one of the subsystems in the identified subset has at least one current movement anomaly. In response to identifying the instance, the risk-assessment system issues at least one warning to at least one of the subsystems in the identified subset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Yonushonis, J. Stephen Wills, Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, Joseph P. Chandraraj
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11680532
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed that include an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders operable by a valve actuation mechanism. A cylinder deactivation operation is modified in response to determining a cyclical operation mode of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, Rohit Saha, Timothy Shipp, Daniel J. Mohr
  • Publication number: 20230018724
    Abstract: A system includes at least one sensor coupled to an aftertreatment system and a controller having at least one processor coupled to at least one memory device storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the controller to perform operations. The operations include: adjusting an operating point of an engine in response to emissions information from the at least one sensor and based on a fault indicator regarding a component of the system; and, controlling an electric motor in response to the adjustment of the operating point of the engine based on a change in power output from the engine to assist in a desired emissions characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, Xing Jin
  • Publication number: 20220402481
    Abstract: A method for controlling the distribution of power to a traction motor in a plug-in electric vehicle having a plurality of on-board sources of electric power. Power is distributed at a normal power control relationship in response to an operator control input during operation in a normal mode. Power is depleted at a first rate during operation of the vehicle in the normal mode. Power is distributed at a derate power control relationship in response to the operator control input during operation in a derate mode. Power is depleted at a second rate that is less than the first rate during operation in the derate mode to conserve the power of the one or more on-board sources. Operation in the derate mode can be initiated in response to information from sensors identifying a vehicle condition indicating a battery charge limitation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: Martin T. Books, Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, Praveen Chitradurga Muralidhar, David E. Schister
  • Patent number: 11512652
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine system includes an internal combustion engine, a controller, and an increased brake load event communicator. The internal combustion engine includes a first cylinder and a first cylinder deactivation prevention mechanism. The first cylinder is configured to be selectively activated and deactivated. The first cylinder deactivation prevention mechanism is configured to selectively prevent the first cylinder from being deactivated. The controller is communicable with the first cylinder deactivation prevention mechanism. The controller includes an increased brake load event detection module that is configured to selectively control the first cylinder deactivation prevention mechanism to prevent the first cylinder from being deactivated. The increased brake load event communicator is communicable with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventor: Jennifer Kay Light-Holets
  • Publication number: 20220371572
    Abstract: An electric vehicle is disclosed herein which includes an electric motor switchable between a first mode with a first number of poles and a second mode with a second number of poles less than the first number of poles, a plurality of inverters coupled to the motor, and a control module coupled to the plurality of inverters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Applicant: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, Bradford K. Palmer
  • Patent number: 11454970
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems adjust the level of control authority of one or more autonomous vehicles in order to respond to changes in one or more operating conditions associated with the vehicle, operator, environment, route, and other conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, Robert L. Kern, Jennifer Kay Light-Holets
  • Patent number: 11447124
    Abstract: A method is provided for reducing emissions from a hybrid vehicle having an exhaust aftertreatment system. The method includes: receiving, by a controller, emissions data regarding an emissions level of a hybrid vehicle having an exhaust aftertreatment system from a sensor; determining, by the controller, that the emissions level is at or above a predefined threshold; adjusting, by the controller, an operating point of an engine of the hybrid vehicle based on the emissions level being at or above the predefined threshold; and controlling, by the controller, an elector motor in response to the adjustment of the operating point of the engine to compensate for a change in power output from the engine and to reduce the emissions level to below the predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, Xing Jin
  • Publication number: 20220282654
    Abstract: A system includes a first heater positioned in or proximate to an exhaust aftertreatment system in exhaust gas-receiving communication with an engine, a second heater positioned downstream of the first heater, and a controller coupled to the first and second heaters. The controller is structured to activate the second heater in response to determining that a compound deposit is likely present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Applicant: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher R. Bare, Xing Jin, Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, Sriram S. Popuri, Xiaobo Song
  • Patent number: 11428133
    Abstract: Systems and apparatuses include a controller including at least one processor coupled to a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the controller to: determine a set of emission regulations based on a location of a vehicle; determine a target temperature of a catalyst of an aftertreatment system of the vehicle in response to the determined set of emission regulations; compare a current temperature of the catalyst to the determined target temperature; and in response to the current temperature of the catalyst being below the determined target temperature, provide a thermal management command to increase the catalyst temperature toward the determined target temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignees: Cummins Inc., Tula Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, J. Steven Kolhouse, Govindarajan Kothandaraman, Carlos Alcides Lana
  • Publication number: 20220219674
    Abstract: A method is provided for reducing emissions from a hybrid vehicle having an exhaust aftertreatment system. The method includes: receiving, by a controller, emissions data regarding an emissions level of a hybrid vehicle having an exhaust aftertreatment system from a sensor; determining, by the controller, that the emissions level is at or above a predefined threshold; adjusting, by the controller, an operating point of an engine of the hybrid vehicle based on the emissions level being at or above the predefined threshold; and controlling, by the controller, an elector motor in response to the adjustment of the operating point of the engine to compensate for a change in power output from the engine and to reduce the emissions level to below the predefined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Applicant: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, Xing Jin
  • Patent number: 11377088
    Abstract: Systems and methods to control operation of a system based on aftertreatment interaction include a controller structured to receive one or more parameters associated with an exhaust aftertreatment system of an electric vehicle, where the one or more parameters are associated with an aftertreatment event associated with the aftertreatment system, determine an operation state of the system based on the one or more parameters, and generate a command structured to adjust operation of the system responsive to the determination of the operation state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Rauch, Jennifer Kay Light-Holets, Michael Haas