Patents by Inventor Larry R. Hartwick

Larry R. Hartwick 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).

  • After-burner heated catalyst system and associated control circuit and method
    Patent number: 5802844
    Abstract: An after-burner heated catalyst control system and associated control circuit for controlling operation of an after-burner heated catalyst. The control circuit has an air pump motor, a spark plug, and a fuel injector, while the catalyst is disposed within an exhaust passageway of the engine. The control circuit further includes an apparatus for controlling operation of and pulse wave modulating the air pump motor, one spark plug, and fuel injector. An RS232 interface is provided for transmitting and receiving data from and to the control circuit. In addition a method is provided for controlling a temperature of an after-burner heated catalyst and adjusting adaptively the pulse wave modulation of the air pump motor, spark plug, and fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Anson Lee, Jan S. Pyko, Mark J. Poublon, Larry R. Hartwick
  • Circuit and control method for electrically heating a catalyst
    Patent number: 5645745
    Abstract: In an engine exhaust system including a DC power source, an apparatus and method for electrically heating a catalyst, the apparatus comprising a multi-phase AC alternator in electrically operable relation to the DC power source, the AC alternator rectifying the AC to DC by a diode rectifier bridge. A device for switching power supplied from the multi-phase AC alternator to the battery to the electrically heated catalyst, the relay device in electrically operable relation with the multi-phase AC alternator. An electrically heated catalyst in electrically operable relation with the switching device is also provided, the catalytic converter including a catalyst for purifying exhaust gases of the engine and a heating element for bringing the catalytic converter expediently within peak operating temperature. The invention further includes a device for energizing and de-energizing the switching device, the energizing and de-energizing device in electrically operable relation with the switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Larry R. Hartwick, Anson Lee, Jan S. Pyko, Bruce H. Teague
  • Ambient temperature monitoring technique
    Patent number: 5001656
    Abstract: A control strategy for accurately monitoring the ambient air temperature surrounding a vehicle in such a way as to compensate for the heat generated by the electronic components and generated by the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene S. Zimmerman, Larry R. Hartwick
  • Method of measuring barometric pressure and manifold absolute pressure using a single sensor
    Patent number: 4787043
    Abstract: A method for reading the barometric pressure surrounding a vehicle and manifold absolute pressure from an engine utilizing a manifold absolute pressure sensor and a solenoid to vent the sensor to atmosphere as controlled by an electronic control system for an engine to measure the barometric pressure and to vent the sensor to manifold pressure to measure the manifold absolute pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene S. Zimmerman, Larry R. Hartwick