Patents by Inventor Robert M. McDavid

Robert M. McDavid 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: 12337820
    Abstract: Operating a hybrid power system for a machine includes combusting a direct injected gaseous hydrogen fuel in an engine operating an electrical generator, and increasing a load demand of the hybrid power system. Operating the hybrid power system further includes operating an electrical-assist compressor to supply an increased airflow into the engine based on an increased engine power demand to satisfy the increased load demand. Air-fuel equivalence ratio of the engine (so-called “lambda”) is maintained at a ratio of about 2 or greater to limit NOx emissions, and between a hydrogen fuel misfire limit and a hydrogen fuel preignition limit. Related apparatus and control logic is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2025
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. McDavid, Jonathan W. Anders, Bobby John, Timothy A. Bazyn, Youngjin Son, Aaron W. Costall, Radoslav B. Ivanov
  • Patent number: 12294128
    Abstract: Energy generation systems and methods are disclosed. An energy generation system includes a fuel tank configured to store a fuel in liquid form and a power generating device including a fuel cell or an internal combustion engine configured to receive the fuel and generate electrical energy with the fuel. The energy generation system also includes an expander connected between the fuel tank and the power generating device, the expander configured to receive the fuel as a gas and a generator connected to the expander so as to generate electrical energy when fuel passes through the expander.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Montgomery, Robert M. McDavid
  • Publication number: 20240351573
    Abstract: Operating a hybrid power system for a machine includes combusting a direct injected gaseous hydrogen fuel in an engine operating an electrical generator, and increasing a load demand of the hybrid power system. Operating the hybrid power system further includes operating an electrical-assist compressor to supply an increased airflow into the engine based on an increased engine power demand to satisfy the increased load demand. Air-fuel equivalence ratio of the engine (so-called “lambda”) is maintained at a ratio of about 2 or greater to limit NOx emissions, and between a hydrogen fuel misfire limit and a hydrogen fuel preignition limit. Related apparatus and control logic is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2023
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. McDavid, Jonathan W. Anders, Bobby John, Timothy A. Bazyn, Youngjin Son, Aaron W. Costall, Radoslav B. Ivanov
  • Publication number: 20230246211
    Abstract: Energy generation systems and methods are disclosed. An energy generation system includes a fuel tank configured to store a fuel in liquid form and a power generating device including a fuel cell or an internal combustion engine configured to receive the fuel and generate electrical energy with the fuel. The energy generation system also includes an expander connected between the fuel tank and the power generating device, the expander configured to receive the fuel as a gas and a generator connected to the expander so as to generate electrical energy when fuel passes through the expander.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: David T. MONTGOMERY, Robert M. MCDAVID
  • Patent number: 11519322
    Abstract: A fuel injector assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a fuel injector extending at least to the distal end portion, the fuel injector including a fuel opening. The fuel injector assembly also includes a chamber formed between the proximal and distal end portions, a flame passage extending from the chamber to the distal end portion, and an atomizer configured to provide atomization of liquid fuel injected into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. McDavid