Patents by Inventor Robert R. Patterson

Robert R. Patterson 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).

  • Method and apparatus for controlling a fuel injector assembly of an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 6026786
    Abstract: A method of controlling a fuel injector assembly of an internal combustion engine includes the stop of generating a first injection pulse with an engine control module. The method also includes the step of injecting fuel into a cylinder of the engine in response to generation of the first injection pulse. The method further includes the step of detecting when fuel is injected into the cylinder and generating a control signal in response thereto. Moreover, the method includes the step of determining a time period between generation of the first injection pulse and generation of the control signal. The method also includes the step of adjusting initiation of a second injection pulse based on the time period. An apparatus for controlling a fuel injector assembly of an internal combustion engine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Groff, Stephen R. Lewis, David C. Mack, Robert R. Patterson