Patents by Inventor Joseph M. Brault

Joseph M. Brault 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: 10989093
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for adaptive regeneration of aftertreatment system components. The system may include an aftertreatment system and a controller. The controller is configured to access one or more parameters indicative of an ambient condition, determine a regeneration type of a regeneration process for a component of the aftertreatment system, determine an application in condition, and modify a parameter for the regeneration process for the component of the aftertreatment system. In some instances, the controller initiates the regeneration process. In some instances, the one or more parameters include an ambient air temperature, a reductant tank temperature, or a particulate matter sensor temperature. In some instances, the modified parameter includes a target regeneration temperature, a regeneration duration, a dwell time between regeneration process, a threshold value for the regeneration process, or a minimum regeneration temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Emission Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Yinghuan Lei, Todd A. Corbet, Robert Edward Cochran, Sergio M. Hernandez-Gonzalez, Uma Vajapeyazula, Weichao Wang, Marc A Greca, Joseph M. Brault
  • Publication number: 20190203627
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for adaptive regeneration of aftertreatment system components. The system may include an aftertreatment system and a controller. The controller is configured to access one or more parameters indicative of an ambient condition, determine a regeneration type of a regeneration process for a component of the aftertreatment system, determine an application in condition, and modify a parameter for the regeneration process for the component of the aftertreatment system. In some instances, the controller initiates the regeneration process. In some instances, the one or more parameters include an ambient air temperature, a reductant tank temperature, or a particulate matter sensor temperature. In some instances, the modified parameter includes a target regeneration temperature, a regeneration duration, a dwell time between regeneration process, a threshold value for the regeneration process, or a minimum regeneration temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Applicant: Cummins Emission Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Yinghuan Lei, Todd A. Corbet, Robert Edward Cochran, Sergio M. Hernandez-Gonzalez, Uma Vajapeyazula, Weichao Wang, Marc A Greca, Joseph M. Brault
  • Publication number: 20180156096
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine may have a reductant delivery system that delivers reductant to an exhaust stream in an exhaust aftertreatment system. A temperature sensor may be positioned in or near the flow of reductant and exhaust to measure the temperature of the reductant and exhaust. A change in temperature over time, such as an increase, decrease, or change in variation amplitude, may indicate the presence of a reductant deposit in the system. Detection of the deposit may initiate a regeneration cycle in which the operating characteristics of the system change to eliminate the reductant deposit to prevent it from hindering the performance of the exhaust aftertreatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. MITCHELL, Andrew W. OSBURN, Jason DROST, Jim F. BURKE, Joseph M. BRAULT
  • Patent number: 9909480
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine may have a reductant delivery system that delivers reductant to an exhaust stream in an exhaust aftertreatment system. A temperature sensor may be positioned in or near the flow of reductant and exhaust to measure the temperature of the reductant and exhaust. A change in temperature over time, such as an increase, decrease, or change in variation amplitude, may indicate the presence of a reductant deposit in the system. Detection of the deposit may initiate a regeneration cycle in which the operating characteristics of the system change to eliminate the reductant deposit to prevent it from hindering the performance of the exhaust aftertreatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: CUMMINS IP, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Mitchell, Andrew W. Osburn, Jason Drost, Jim F. Burke, Joseph M. Brault
  • Publication number: 20160131010
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine may have a reductant delivery system that delivers reductant to an exhaust stream in an exhaust aftertreatment system. A temperature sensor may be positioned in or near the flow of reductant and exhaust to measure the temperature of the reductant and exhaust. A change in temperature over time, such as an increase, decrease, or change in variation amplitude, may indicate the presence of a reductant deposit in the system. Detection of the deposit may initiate a regeneration cycle in which the operating characteristics of the system change to eliminate the reductant deposit to prevent it from hindering the performance of the exhaust aftertreatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. MITCHELL, Andrew W. OSBURN, Jason DROST, Jim F. BURKE, Joseph M. BRAULT
  • Patent number: 9267456
    Abstract: One embodiment is a method including determining whether an ammonia storage device has a stored quantity of ammonia, predicting an impending ammonia release from the ammonia storage device, determining a NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release, and increasing an amount of NOx provided by an engine based on the NOx increase amount. In certain embodiments, determining the NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release comprises determining a NOx increase schedule based on the stored quantity of ammonia. In certain embodiments, the NOx increase schedule comprises a specified NOx increase time period, and in certain further embodiments, the method further includes decrementing the specified NOx increase time period based on an estimated catalyst degradation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Hasan Mohammed, Joseph M. Brault
  • Patent number: 9261006
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine may have a reductant delivery system that delivers reductant to an exhaust stream in an exhaust aftertreatment system. A temperature sensor may be positioned in or near the flow of reductant and exhaust to measure the temperature of the reductant and exhaust. A change in temperature over time, such as an increase, decrease, or change in variation amplitude, may indicate the presence of a reductant deposit in the system. Detection of the deposit may initiate a regeneration cycle in which the operating characteristics of the system change to eliminate the reductant deposit to prevent it from hindering the performance of the exhaust aftertreatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Mitchell, Andrew W. Osburn, Jason Drost, Jim F. Burke, Joseph M. Brault
  • Publication number: 20140245719
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine may have a reductant delivery system that delivers reductant to an exhaust stream in an exhaust aftertreatment system. A temperature sensor may be positioned in or near the flow of reductant and exhaust to measure the temperature of the reductant and exhaust. A change in temperature over time, such as an increase, decrease, or change in variation amplitude, may indicate the presence of a reductant deposit in the system. Detection of the deposit may initiate a regeneration cycle in which the operating characteristics of the system change to eliminate the reductant deposit to prevent it from hindering the performance of the exhaust aftertreatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: CUMMINS IP, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Mitchell, Andrew W. Osburn, Jason Drost, Jim F. Burke, Joseph M. Brault
  • Publication number: 20140165557
    Abstract: One embodiment is a method including determining whether an ammonia storage device has a stored quantity of ammonia, predicting an impending ammonia release from the ammonia storage device, determining a NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release, and increasing an amount of NOx provided by an engine based on the NOx increase amount. In certain embodiments, determining the NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release comprises determining a NOx increase schedule based on the stored quantity of ammonia. In certain embodiments, the NOx increase schedule comprises a specified NOx increase time period, and in certain further embodiments, the method further includes decrementing the specified NOx increase time period based on an estimated catalyst degradation value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Hasan Mohammed, Joseph M. Brault
  • Patent number: 8689542
    Abstract: One embodiment is a method including determining whether an ammonia storage device has a stored quantity of ammonia, predicting an impending ammonia release from the ammonia storage device, determining a NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release, and increasing an amount of NOx provided by an engine based on the NOx increase amount. In certain embodiments, determining the NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release comprises determining a NOx increase schedule based on the stored quantity of ammonia. In certain embodiments, the NOx increase schedule comprises a specified NOx increase time period, and in certain further embodiments, the method further includes decrementing the specified NOx increase time period based on an estimated catalyst degradation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Hasan Mohammed, Joseph M. Brault
  • Publication number: 20130333363
    Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system includes a mixer that has a plurality of blades spaced about a central tube. The mixer can be configured to receive a reductant and exhaust gas mixture. The SCR system also includes a closed-end tube that is downstream of the mixer and configured to receive the reductant and exhaust gas mixture from the mixer. The closed-end tube includes a closed end opposing an open end. The closed end is substantially perpendicular to an exhaust flow direction. The closed-end tube further includes a sidewall that extends between the open and closed end. The sidewall can include a plurality of perforations. The flange plate of the SCR system includes an annular disk that has a plurality of openings through which reductant and exhaust gas mixture received from the closed-end tube is flowable. The flange plate is coupled to and supports in place the closed-end tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Vinay K. Joshi, Tamas Szailer, Dipesh M. Kadam, Jose Palacios, Timothy V. Splinter, Abhijeet Nande, Joseph M. Brault
  • Publication number: 20120085081
    Abstract: One embodiment is a method including determining whether an ammonia storage device has a stored quantity of ammonia, predicting an impending ammonia release from the ammonia storage device, determining a NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release, and increasing an amount of NOx provided by an engine based on the NOx increase amount. In certain embodiments, determining the NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release comprises determining a NO increase schedule based on the stored quantity of ammonia. In certain embodiments, the NOx increase schedule comprises a specified NOx increase time period, and in certain further embodiments, the method further includes decrementing the specified NOx increase time period based on an estimated catalyst degradation value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Hasan Mohammed, Joseph M. Brault
  • Patent number: 7877988
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for controlling soot filter regeneration. The apparatus includes an average temperature module configured to determine an average bed temperature, and a max temperature module configured to calculate a target maximum bed temperature based upon the average bed temperature. The system includes a vehicle having a motor, an exhaust system, an after treatment system, an after treatment controller module, and the apparatus. The method includes determining an average bed temperature, and calculating a target maximum bed temperature based upon the average bed temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory H. Henderson, Peter Rauznitz, Greg Emerick, Joseph M. Brault
  • Patent number: 7788911
    Abstract: A system, method and computer operable code is disclosed for reducing HC and liquid accumulation in an exhaust gas treatment system. A timer is used to monitor the amount of time the system spends in either absorption mode or desorption mode. If the exhaust gas temperature at the inlet of a oxidation catalyst device is below an absorption threshold, the timer is instructed to count up. If the exhaust gas temperature is above a desorption threshold, the timer is instructed to count down. At a predetermined timer threshold value, the engine is instructed to enter a thermal management mode operable to reduce accumulation of HC and liquid in the exhaust gas management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuetao Zhang, Daniel D. Wilhelm, Joseph M. Brault, Venkata Lakkireddy, James A. Cramer, Thomas A. Grana
  • Publication number: 20080155965
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for controlling soot filter regeneration. The apparatus includes an average temperature module configured to determine an average bed temperature, and a max temperature module configured to calculate a target maximum bed temperature based upon the average bed temperature. The system includes a vehicle having a motor, an exhaust system, an after treatment system, an after treatment controller module, and the apparatus. The method includes determining an average bed temperature, and calculating a target maximum bed temperature based upon the average bed temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory H. Henderson, Peter Rauznitz, Greg Emerick, Joseph M. Brault
  • Publication number: 20080016853
    Abstract: A system, method and computer operable code is disclosed for reducing HC and liquid accumulation in an exhaust gas treatment system. A timer is used to monitor the amount of time the system spends in either absorption mode or desorption mode. If the exhaust gas temperature at the inlet of a oxidation catalyst device is below an absorption threshold, the timer is instructed to count up. If the exhaust gas temperature is above a desorption threshold, the timer is instructed to count down. At a predetermined timer threshold value, the engine is instructed to enter a thermal management mode operable to reduce accumulation of HC and liquid in the exhaust gas management system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Yuetao Zhang, Daniel D. Wilhelm, Joseph M. Brault, Venkata Lakkireddy, James A. Cramer, Thomas A. Grana