Patents by Inventor Patrick M. Pierz

Patrick M. Pierz 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: 10715067
    Abstract: A technique for providing electric power to an electric power utility grid includes driving an electric power alternator coupled to the grid with a spark-ignited or direct injection internal combustion engine; detecting a change in electrical loading of the alternator; in response to the change, adjusting parameters of the engine and/or generator to adjust power provided by the engine. In one further forms of this technique, the adjusting of parameters for the engine includes retarding spark timing and/or interrupting the spark ignition; reducing or retarding direct injection timing or fuel amount and/or interrupting the direct injection; and/or the adjusting of parameters for the generator including increasing the field of the alternator or adding an electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation IP, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Pendray, Patrick M Pierz, Bradford K. Palmer, Andrew Kitchen
  • Publication number: 20190363654
    Abstract: A technique for providing electric power to an electric power utility grid includes driving an electric power alternator coupled to the grid with a spark-ignited or direct injection internal combustion engine; detecting a change in electrical loading of the alternator; in response to the change, adjusting parameters of the engine and/or generator to adjust power provided by the engine. In one further forms of this technique, the adjusting of parameters for the engine includes retarding spark timing and/or interrupting the spark ignition; reducing or retarding direct injection timing or fuel amount and/or interrupting the direct injection; and/or the adjusting of parameters for the generator including increasing the field of the alternator or adding an electrical load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: Cummins Power Generation IP, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Pendray, Patrick M Pierz, Bradford K. Palmer, Andrew Kitchen
  • Patent number: 10451014
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for an injector assembly including an injector tip having a prechamber, such as a permanent, passive prechamber (PPPC), and a nozzle combustion shield (NCS) to mitigate pre-ignition events, such as knocking, caused by overheating of the prechamber. The NCS has a thermal conductivity greater than the injector tip. The NCS optionally includes a barrel forming a slip fit with the cylinder head bore and forming a press fit with the injector tip. The NCS also optionally includes a brim to form a combustion seal with a cylinder head. As the spark plug ignites a fuel charge in the prechamber, heat is absorbed into the injector tip, flows into the NCS barrel, out of the NCS brim, and into the cylinder head for cooling via a cooling jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Darren Ting, Patrick M. Pierz
  • Patent number: 10305404
    Abstract: A technique for providing electric power to an electric power utility grid includes driving an electric power alternator coupled to the grid with a spark-ignited or direct injection internal combustion engine; detecting a change in electrical loading of the alternator; in response to the change, adjusting parameters of the engine and/or generator to adjust power provided by the engine. In one further forms of this technique, the adjusting of parameters for the engine includes retarding spark timing and/or interrupting the spark ignition; reducing or retarding direct injection timing or fuel amount and/or interrupting the direct injection; and/or the adjusting of parameters for the generator including increasing the field of the alternator or adding an electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation IP, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Pendray, Patrick M Pierz, Bradford K. Palmer, Andrew Kitchen
  • Publication number: 20180149125
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for an injector assembly including an injector tip having a prechamber, such as a permanent, passive prechamber (PPPC), and a nozzle combustion shield (NCS) to mitigate pre-ignition events, such as knocking, caused by overheating of the prechamber. The NCS has a thermal conductivity greater than the injector tip. The NCS optionally includes a barrel forming a slip fit with the cylinder head bore and forming a press fit with the injector tip. The NCS also optionally includes a brim to form a combustion seal with a cylinder head. As the spark plug ignites a fuel charge in the prechamber, heat is absorbed into the injector tip, flows into the NCS barrel, out of the NCS brim, and into the cylinder head for cooling via a cooling jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Applicant: CUMMINS INC.
    Inventors: Darren Ting, Patrick M. Pierz
  • Publication number: 20180041153
    Abstract: A technique for providing electric power to an electric power utility grid includes driving an electric power alternator coupled to the grid with a spark-ignited or direct injection internal combustion engine; detecting a change in electrical loading of the alternator; in response to the change, adjusting parameters of the engine and/or generator to adjust power provided by the engine. In one further forms of this technique, the adjusting of parameters for the engine includes retarding spark timing and/or interrupting the spark ignition; reducing or retarding direct injection timing or fuel amount and/or interrupting the direct injection; and/or the adjusting of parameters for the generator including increasing the field of the alternator or adding an electrical load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Applicant: Cummins Power Generation IP, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Pendray, Patrick M. Pierz, Bradford K. Palmer, Andrew Kitchen
  • Patent number: 9793842
    Abstract: A technique for providing electric power to an electric power utility grid includes driving an electric power alternator coupled to the grid with a spark-ignited or direct injection internal combustion engine; detecting a change in electrical loading of the alternator; in response to the change, adjusting parameters of the engine and/or generator to adjust power provided by the engine. In one further forms of this technique, the adjusting of parameters for the engine includes retarding spark timing and/or interrupting the spark ignition; reducing or retarding direct injection timing or fuel amount and/or interrupting the direct injection; and/or the adjusting of parameters for the generator including increasing the field of the alternator or adding an electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation IP, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Pendray, Patrick M. Pierz, Bradford K. Palmer, Andrew Kitchen
  • Publication number: 20170211508
    Abstract: An engine including a gaseous fuel system; a cylinder including a flat combustion face, the flat combustion face including four valves, each valve positioned in a port, the four valves including two intake valves positioned to selectively meter intake of charge into the cylinder via respective ports and including two exhaust valves positioned to selectively meter output of exhaust from the cylinder via respective ports. Intake valves are larger than exhaust valves and an ignition source is offset from center of a combustion surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: Patrick M. Pierz, Leon A. LaPointe
  • Publication number: 20170138251
    Abstract: An engine includes a cylinder having an internal combustion chamber and extending longitudinally, a cylinder head coupled to the cylinder, and a fuel-fed pre-chamber positioned within a portion of the cylinder head. The pre-chamber includes a pre-chamber volume and plurality of nozzle holes extending from the pre-chamber volume. The engine also includes an ignition source positioned longitudinally above the pre-chamber volume and a locating member positioned on at least one of the pre-chamber and the cylinder head. The locating member is configured to position the pre-chamber in a predetermined orientation within the cylinder head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Atsuhiko Watanabe, Patrick M. Pierz, Darren Ting
  • Patent number: 9441528
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improved prechamber device for an internal combustion engine. The prechamber device is positioned adjacent to a combustion chamber. The improved prechamber device is configured to improve removal of heat from the prechamber device, particularly in the area adjacent to the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventor: Patrick M. Pierz
  • Publication number: 20160097317
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improved prechamber device for an internal combustion engine. The prechamber device is positioned adjacent to a combustion chamber. The improved prechamber device is configured to improve removal of heat from the prechamber device, particularly in the area adjacent to the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventor: Patrick M. Pierz
  • Patent number: 9217360
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improved prechamber device for an internal combustion engine. The prechamber device is positioned adjacent to a combustion chamber. The improved prechamber device is configured to improve removal of heat from the prechamber device, particularly in the area adjacent to the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick M. Pierz
  • Publication number: 20150076820
    Abstract: A technique for providing electric power to an electric power utility grid includes driving an electric power alternator coupled to the grid with a spark-ignited or direct injection internal combustion engine; detecting a change in electrical loading of the alternator; in response to the change, adjusting parameters of the engine and/or generator to adjust power provided by the engine. In one further forms of this technique, the adjusting of parameters for the engine includes retarding spark timing and/or interrupting the spark ignition; reducing or retarding direct injection timing or fuel amount and/or interrupting the direct injection; and/or the adjusting of parameters for the generator including increasing the field of the alternator or adding an electrical load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: CUMMINS POWER GENERATION IP, INC.
    Inventors: John R. PENDRAY, Patrick M. PIERZ, Bradford K. PALMER, Andrew KITCHEN
  • Patent number: 8912672
    Abstract: A technique for providing electric power to an electric power utility grid includes driving an electric power alternator coupled to the grid with a spark-ignited or direct injection internal combustion engine; detecting a change in electrical loading of the alternator; in response to the change, adjusting parameters of the engine and/or generator to adjust power provided by the engine. In one further forms of this technique, the adjusting of parameters for the engine includes retarding spark timing and/or interrupting the spark ignition; reducing or retarding direct injection timing or fuel amount and/or interrupting the direct injection; and/or the adjusting of parameters for the generator including increasing the field of the alternator or adding an electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generator IP, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Pendray, Patrick M. Pierz, Bradford K. Palmer, Andrew Kitchen
  • Publication number: 20130139784
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improved prechamber device for an internal combustion engine. The prechamber device is positioned adjacent to a combustion chamber. The improved prechamber device is configured to improve removal of heat from the prechamber device, particularly in the area adjacent to the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventor: Patrick M. PIERZ
  • Publication number: 20120175876
    Abstract: A technique for providing electric power to an electric power utility grid includes driving an electric power alternator coupled to the grid with a spark-ignited or direct injection internal combustion engine; detecting a change in electrical loading of the alternator; in response to the change, adjusting parameters of the engine and/or generator to adjust power provided by the engine. In one further forms of this technique, the adjusting of parameters for the engine includes retarding spark timing and/or interrupting the spark ignition; reducing or retarding direct injection timing or fuel amount and/or interrupting the direct injection; and/or the adjusting of parameters for the generator including increasing the field of the alternator or adding an electrical load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: John R. Pendray, Patrick M. Pierz, Bradford K. Palmer, Andrew Kitchen
  • Patent number: 8176885
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing fouling. In one embodiment, the system includes a housing and a plurality of channels contained within the housing. The system also includes a fouling reduction element that passes through at least one channel of the plurality of channels, wherein the fouling reduction element is movable such that it reduces fouling inside of the at least one channel. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the fouling reduction element efficiently cleans the inside of the channels of the cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Cummins Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick M Pierz
  • Publication number: 20110283980
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is provided including an engine block, a cylinder head mounted on the engine block including a combustion face forming a portion of a combustion chamber, wherein the combustion face includes a pent-roof portion and a hemispherical shaped portion. A first intake valve port formed in the cylinder head includes a first intake valve port opening formed in the pent-roof portion while a second intake valve port formed in the cylinder head includes a second intake valve port opening formed in the pent-roof portion. An exhaust valve port formed in the cylinder head includes an exhaust valve port opening formed in the hemispherical shaped portion. A transition portion may also be included to blend the combustion face connecting the pent-roof and the hemispherical portions. One or more spark plug bore openings are formed and optimally positioned in the combustion face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick M. PIERZ, Leon A. LAPOINTE
  • Patent number: 7550024
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment assembly and method enables lateral removal of an aftertreatment component from between first and second assembly components for servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Pawson, Jay V. Warner, Patrick M. Pierz, Randolph G. Zoran
  • Publication number: 20080060351
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment assembly and method enables lateral removal of an aftertreatment component from between first and second assembly components for servicing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth Pawson, Jay V. Warner, Patrick M. Pierz, Randolph G. Zoran