Patents by Inventor Mihai DOROBANTU

Mihai DOROBANTU 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: 20240317210
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle with a hybrid powertrain comprising an electrical drivetrain and an internal combustion engine includes detecting that a temperature of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device of an aftertreatment system of the vehicle is below a particular temperature; directing the electrical drivetrain to fulfil a vehicle drive load; and while the electrical drivetrain is fulfilling the vehicle drive load and the temperature of the SCR device is below the particular temperature, operating the internal combustion engine to generate airflow for transport of heat through the aftertreatment system and directing a heat source to raise a temperature through the SCR device of the aftertreatment system. The internal combustion engine can be operated in idle to spin the internal combustion engine to generate the airflow while the electrical drivetrain fulfils the vehicle drive load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, JR., Mihai DOROBANTU
  • Patent number: 12071884
    Abstract: A transmission system selectively coupled to an engine crankshaft of an internal combustion engine arranged on a vehicle includes a transmission, an aftertreatment system, an accessory device and a controller. The aftertreatment system reduces emissions in an exhaust of the internal combustion engine. The accessory device is configured to provide power. The controller operates in an aftertreatment heat-up mode such that the aftertreatment system is heated up to an elevated temperature and emissions are thereby reduced based on the elevated temperature. The controller is configured to heat up the aftertreatment system to reach between one (1) and two (2) kilowatt hours (kWh) of enthalpy before two minutes at engine startup by (i) operating the internal combustion engine in cylinder deactivation mode (CDA); (ii) operating the internal combustion engine at an elevated idle speed; and (iii) operating the accessory device at a threshold power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, Jr., Mihai Dorobantu, Gary Neely, Andrew Matheaus, Viken Yeranosian
  • Publication number: 20240234757
    Abstract: A fuel cell air management system includes a compressor receiving ambient air at a compressor inlet and supplying compressed air at a compressor outlet. A mechanical power transmission is connected to an electric machine. The mechanical power transmission is operatively connected to the compressor. An expander is operatively connected to the mechanical power transmission. A recuperator is connected to the compressor outlet. The recuperator includes a recuperator inlet and a recuperator outlet. An intercooler is coupled to the recuperator outlet. A fuel cell stack is connected to an intercooler outlet. The fuel cell stack includes a fuel cell outlet connected to the recuperator and the recuperator includes an exhaust connected to the expander. A water separator is connected to an outlet of the expander. The water separator is coupled to a pump metering a specified dose of water to a specified location selected from the compressor inlet, the compressor outlet, the recuperator outlet or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Doug HUGHES, Milos TOULEC, Brandon BILLER, Vishal KHANDELWAL, Matthew FRANK, Fabiano CONTARIN, Ondrej BOLEHOVSKY, Mihai DOROBANTU, Evan REICH
  • Patent number: 11999341
    Abstract: A method of heating an aftertreatment system includes fulfilling a vehicle drive load of a vehicle via an electrical drivetrain of a vehicle hybrid powertrain, wherein the vehicle hybrid powertrain comprises the electrical drivetrain and an internal combustion engine; while the electrical drivetrain is fulfilling the vehicle drive load, operating the internal combustion engine to generate airflow for transport of heat through the aftertreatment system; and directing a heat source to raise a temperature through a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device of the aftertreatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2024
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, Jr., Mihai Dorobantu
  • Patent number: 11814033
    Abstract: A vehicle hybrid powertrain includes an internal combustion engine; an electrical drivetrain; a light-off selective catalytic reduction (LO-SCR) device coupled to receive exhaust from the internal combustion engine; and a control system that directs cylinder deactivation (CDA) of the internal combustion engine and controls heat applied to the LO-SCR device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, Jr., Mihai Dorobantu
  • Publication number: 20230174050
    Abstract: A method of heating an aftertreatment system includes fulfilling a vehicle drive load of a vehicle via an electrical drivetrain of a vehicle hybrid powertrain, wherein the vehicle hybrid powertrain comprises the electrical drivetrain and an internal combustion engine; while the electrical drivetrain is fulfilling the vehicle drive load, operating the internal combustion engine to generate airflow for transport of heat through the aftertreatment system; and directing a heat source to raise a temperature through a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device of the aftertreatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, JR., Mihai DOROBANTU
  • Publication number: 20230174049
    Abstract: A vehicle hybrid powertrain includes an internal combustion engine; an electrical drivetrain; a light-off selective catalytic reduction (LO-SCR) device coupled to receive exhaust from the internal combustion engine; and a control system that directs cylinder deactivation (CDA) of the internal combustion engine and controls heat applied to the LO-SCR device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, JR., Mihai DOROBANTU
  • Publication number: 20230132811
    Abstract: A switchable powertrain includes a main gear set configured for gear ratio selection. The main gear set includes an input shaft, first gears coupled to a main shaft, and second gears coupled to a second shaft. The second gears are meshed with the first gears. The switchable powertrain further includes a first torque source, a second torque source, a clutch configured for selectively coupling the first torque source to the input shaft of the main gear set, and an adapter. The adapter includes a first selective coupling for forming a first adapter torque transfer pathway from the second torque source directly to the main shaft, and a second selective coupling for forming a second adapter torque transfer pathway from the second torque source, through the main gear set, and to the main shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Thomas Alan Genise, Payam Naghshtabrizi, Mihai Dorobantu, Chinmaya Patil, Mahesh P. Joshi, Damrongrit Piyabongkarn, Erik Dykes
  • Patent number: 11578673
    Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle speed comprises selecting an engine speed profile for a vehicle. Road grade data is received and processed to determine a road grade for the vehicle. Vehicle speed data is received and processed to determine a vehicle speed for the vehicle. A cylinder deactivation mode for a valvetrain of a multi-cylinder engine of the vehicle is selected. The cylinder deactivation mode comprises deactivating one or more intake valve, exhaust valve, and fuel injection for one or more cylinder of the multi-cylinder engine. The selected cylinder deactivation mode provides a controlled deviation from the selected engine speed profile at the road grade and vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, Jr., Mihai Dorobantu, Douglas J. Nielsen, Brian Franke
  • Patent number: 11560140
    Abstract: A switchable powertrain comprises at least four points of freedom. The switchable powertrain comprises a main gear set configured for gear ratio selection, the main gear set comprising main gears coupled to a main shaft and second gears coupled to a second shaft. An adapter comprises a first selective coupling configured to selectively couple to the main shaft, and a second selective coupling configured to selectively couple to the second shaft. A first torque source and a clutch are configured for selectively coupling or decoupling first torque to the main shaft. A second torque source is configured for selectively outputting second torque to the first selective coupling or to the second selective coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas Alan Genise, Payam Naghshtabrizi, Mihai Dorobantu, Chinmaya Patil, Mahesh P. Joshi, Damrongrit Piyabongkarn, Erik Dykes
  • Publication number: 20220154653
    Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission of a vehicle during cylinder deactivation can comprise receiving and processing a zero or negative torque requirement for the vehicle. Receiving and processing vehicle speed data can be included to determine a vehicle speed for the vehicle. A cylinder deactivation mode can be implemented for a valvetrain of a multi-cylinder engine of the vehicle, wherein the cylinder deactivation mode comprises deactivating one or more intake valve, one or more exhaust valve, and fuel injection for one or more cylinder of the multi-cylinder engine. Selecting one of an in-gear mode and a neutral mode for a transmission of the vehicle can be included while implementing the cylinder deactivation mode and while maintaining the determined vehicle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, JR., Mihai Dorobantu, Douglas J. Nielsen, Brian Franke
  • Patent number: 11300015
    Abstract: A valvetrain for a type II engine comprises a valve bridge, a switching rocker arm, a center capsule, a first auxiliary rocker arm, and a first auxiliary capsule. The selectively switching rocker arm is configured to switch configurations to transfer a first valve actuation profile from a first overhead cam lobe to the valve bridge center point and to transfer a second valve actuation profile from a second overhead cam lobe to the center point. The center capsule is configured to switch between an active state and a lost motion state. The first auxiliary rocker arm is configured to transfer a first auxiliary valve actuation profile from a third overhead cam lobe to the valve bridge first valve mounting area. The valvetrain can further comprise a second auxiliary rocker arm and a second auxiliary capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, Jr., Mihai Dorobantu
  • Patent number: 11300061
    Abstract: A method for engine braking on a type III valvetrain diesel engine comprises, on a first downstroke of a reciprocating piston, deactivating a normal intake lift profile on a first intake valve to implement a deactivated intake profile. Before a first upstroke of the reciprocating piston completes, a late intake valve closing lift profile is actuating on a second intake valve and beginning an engine brake lift profile on a first exhaust valve. On a second downstroke of the reciprocating piston, the engine brake lift profile on the first exhaust valve is completing and a normal exhaust lift profile is deactivating on a second exhaust valve to implement a deactivated exhaust profile on the second exhaust valve. Before a second upstroke of the reciprocating piston completes, a second engine brake lift profile is beginning on the first exhaust valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, Jr., Dale Arden Stretch, Mihai Dorobantu
  • Publication number: 20220010713
    Abstract: A transmission system selectively coupled to an engine crankshaft of an internal combustion engine arranged on a vehicle includes a transmission, an aftertreatment system, an accessory device and a controller. The aftertreatment system reduces emissions in an exhaust of the internal combustion engine. The accessory device is configured to provide power. The controller operates in an aftertreatment heat-up mode such that the aftertreatment system is heated up to an elevated temperature and emissions are thereby reduced based on the elevated temperature. The controller is configured to heat up the aftertreatment system to reach between one (1) and two (2) kilowatt hours (kWh) of enthalpy before two minutes at engine startup by (i) operating the internal combustion engine in cylinder deactivation mode (CDA); (ii) operating the internal combustion engine at an elevated idle speed; and (iii) operating the accessory device at a threshold power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, JR., Mihai Dorobantu, Gary Neely, Andrew Matheaus, Viken Yeranosian
  • Patent number: 11187162
    Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle speed comprises selecting an engine speed profile for a vehicle. Road grade data is received and processed to determine a road grade for the vehicle. Vehicle speed data is received and processed to determine a vehicle speed for the vehicle. A cylinder deactivation mode for a valvetrain of a multi-cylinder engine of the vehicle is selected. The cylinder deactivation mode comprises deactivating one or more intake valve, exhaust valve, and fuel injection for one or more cylinder of the multi-cylinder engine. The selected cylinder deactivation mode provides a controlled deviation from the selected engine speed profile at the road grade and vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, Jr., Mihai Dorobantu, Douglas J. Nielsen, Brian Franke
  • Publication number: 20210324770
    Abstract: A valvetrain for a type II engine comprises a valve bridge, a switching rocker arm, a center capsule, a first auxiliary rocker arm, and a first auxiliary capsule. The selectively switching rocker arm is configured to switch configurations to transfer a first valve actuation profile from a first overhead cam lobe to the valve bridge center point and to transfer a second valve actuation profile from a second overhead cam lobe to the center point. The center capsule is configured to switch between an active state and a lost motion state. The first auxiliary rocker arm is configured to transfer a first auxiliary valve actuation profile from a third overhead cam lobe to the valve bridge first valve mounting area. The valvetrain can further comprise a second auxiliary rocker arm and a second auxiliary capsule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, Jr., Mihai Dorobantu
  • Publication number: 20210254562
    Abstract: A method for engine braking on a type III valvetrain diesel engine comprises, on a first downstroke of a reciprocating piston, deactivating a normal intake lift profile on a first intake valve to implement a deactivated intake profile. Before a first upstroke of the reciprocating piston completes, a late intake valve closing lift profile is actuating on a second intake valve and beginning an engine brake lift profile on a first exhaust valve. On a second downstroke of the reciprocating piston, the engine brake lift profile on the first exhaust valve is completing and a normal exhaust lift profile is deactivating on a second exhaust valve to implement a deactivated exhaust profile on the second exhaust valve. Before a second upstroke of the reciprocating piston completes, a second engine brake lift profile is beginning on the first exhaust valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, Jr., Dale Arden Stretch, Mihai Dorobantu
  • Patent number: 11084373
    Abstract: A system includes a PTO device that selectively couples to a driveline of a vehicle at each of two driveline coupling positions, and a motor/generator electrically coupled to an electrical power storage system. The system further includes a shared load selectively powered by the driveline or the motor/generator. The PTO device further includes a coupling actuator that couples the shared load to the motor/generator in a first position, and couples the shared load to the driveline in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Glenn Clark Fortune, Mihai Dorobantu
  • Publication number: 20210070280
    Abstract: A switchable powertrain comprises at least four points of freedom. The switchable powertrain comprises a main gear set configured for gear ratio selection, the main gear set comprising main gears coupled to a main shaft and second gears coupled to a second shaft. An adapter comprises a first selective coupling configured to selectively couple to the main shaft, and a second selective coupling configured to selectively couple to the second shaft. A first torque source and a clutch are configured for selectively coupling or decoupling first torque to the main shaft. A second torque source is configured for selectively outputting second torque to the first selective coupling or to the second selective coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Applicant: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Alan Genise, Payam Naghshtabrizi, Mihai Dorobantu, Chinmaya Patil, Mahesh P. Joshi, Damrongrit Piyabongkarn, Erik Dykes
  • Publication number: 20190277206
    Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle speed comprises selecting an engine speed profile for a vehicle. Road grade data is received and processed to determine a road grade for the vehicle. Vehicle speed data is received and processed to determine a vehicle speed for the vehicle. A cylinder deactivation mode for a valvetrain of a multi-cylinder engine of the vehicle is selected. The cylinder deactivation mode comprises deactivating one or more intake valve, exhaust valve, and fuel injection for one or more cylinder of the multi-cylinder engine. The selected cylinder deactivation mode provides a controlled deviation from the selected engine speed profile at the road grade and vehicle speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: James E. McCarthy, JR., Mihai Dorobantu, Douglas J. Nielsen, Brian Franke