Patents by Inventor Shawn J. Weck

Shawn J. Weck 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: 6073592
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an apparatus for controlling one or more engines by synchronizing the functions of two or more electronic control modules includes a master electronic control module, one or more slave electronic control modules, and one or more data links for transferring data between the electronic control modules. Engine control and monitoring functions are divided between the master electronic control module and the slave electronic control modules. The present invention may be used to control and monitor dual fuel engines and engines that operate on one type of fuel. The master electronic control module may transition operation of the engine to the diesel fuel only mode in the event of a failure of any dual fuel mode specific components. The master ECM coordinates timing and speed of fuel injection to engine cylinders using input from an adjustable engine speed command device and a speed sensor connected to each engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Brown, Raymond G. Evans, James B. Maddock, Shawn J. Weck
  • Patent number: 5868116
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing white smoke during start up of a compression ignition engine is disclosed. The apparatus includes an engine cylinder, a fuel injector, an engine speed sensor, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor preferably includes an engine speed controller that governs the engine speed to a desired value. The microprocessor issues a first fueling level corresponding to a difference between an actual engine speed and the desired engine speed signal. The microprocessor quits fueling the engine cylinder then determines a second fueling level. A determination about whether the cylinder is firing is then based on a comparison between the first and the second fueling level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Betts, David J. Doddek, Charles J. Kocian, Marshall T. Kolb, Gregg W. Uhland, Shawn J. Weck
  • Patent number: 5447031
    Abstract: A dynamic wastegate failure detection apparatus for determining wastegate failure levels for individual internal combustion engines is disclosed. The apparatus repeatedly measures and stores intake boost pressures at times when the engine is producing higher boost pressure levels. The apparatus calculates a boost pressure limit value as a function of the stored boost pressures. A wastegate failure is indicated and the engine output power is derated when a boost pressure value exceeds the sum of the boost pressure limit value and a predetermined pressure differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Betts, Shawn J. Weck
  • Patent number: 5375577
    Abstract: An engine control system is provided which calculates an optimum air/fuel ratio by minimizing the smoke produced by the engine while at the same time maximizing the engine response time for all altitudes over which the engine operates. The control system includes a microprocessor, an ambient pressure sensor, fuel injectors, and storage means. A manual adjustment is provided that allows an operator to manually adjust the air/fuel ratio within certain pre-defined limits of the optimum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Edward H. Betts, Jr., William A. Calliss, Phillip J. Houtz, Clark C. Schweigert, Steven C. Swanson, Shawn J. Weck, Brian R. Weller