Patents by Inventor Ross Daniel Collins

Ross Daniel Collins 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: 11959429
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improvements in turbocharger efficiency and more particularly to a method and system for estimating the efficiency loss of a turbocharger. The method comprises the steps of monitoring a plurality of operating parameters and determining a compressor exit temperature according to a first calibration map based on these operating parameters. An estimate of instantaneous turbocharger efficiency loss according to a second calibration map is then determined, based on the compressor exit temperature. The instantaneous turbocharger efficiency loss is used to determine an estimate of cumulative turbocharger efficiency loss during engine service. The estimate of cumulative turbocharger efficiency loss is compared with a first predetermined efficiency loss threshold and a first signal is generated if the first predetermined efficiency loss threshold is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Paul Smith, Alistair James Dales, Ross Daniel Collins
  • Publication number: 20230086963
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to improvements in turbocharger efficiency and more particularly to a method and system for estimating the efficiency loss of a turbocharger. The method comprises the steps of monitoring a plurality of operating parameters and determining a compressor exit temperature according to a first calibration map based on these operating parameters. An estimate of instantaneous turbocharger efficiency loss according to a second calibration map is then determined, based on the compressor exit temperature. The instantaneous turbocharger efficiency loss is used to determine an estimate of cumulative turbocharger efficiency loss during engine service. The estimate of cumulative turbocharger efficiency loss is compared with a first predetermined efficiency loss threshold and a first signal is generated if the first predetermined efficiency loss threshold is exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Paul SMITH, Alistair James DALES, Ross Daniel COLLINS
  • Patent number: 10415454
    Abstract: A control system is provided for thermal management of an aftertreatment device in an engine that is provided in an enclosure. The engine has a cooling fan that is operable in a first direction to cool said engine. The fan is also operable in a reverse direction opposite to the first direction. The control system includes a first temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the engine or the enclosure. The control system further includes a second temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the aftertreatment device. The control system also includes a processor that is coupled to the first and second temperature sensors. The processor is configured to issue control signals, based on whether regeneration is required by the aftertreatment device or not, for selectively controlling a direction of operation associated with the cooling fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventors: Martin George Constantine, Ross Daniel Collins
  • Publication number: 20180135501
    Abstract: A control system is provided for thermal management of an aftertreatment device in an engine that is provided in an enclosure. The engine has a cooling fan that is operable in a first direction to cool said engine. The fan is also operable in a reverse direction opposite to the first direction. The control system includes a first temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the engine or the enclosure. The control system further includes a second temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the aftertreatment device. The control system also includes a processor that is coupled to the first and second temperature sensors. The processor is configured to issue control signals, based on whether regeneration is required by the aftertreatment device or not, for selectively controlling a direction of operation associated with the cooling fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Applicant: Perkins Engines Company Limited
    Inventors: Martin George Constantine, Ross Daniel Collins