Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Crowell
Thomas J. Crowell 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).
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Patent number: 11174825Abstract: A seal configuration for a fuel injector is disclosed. The seal configuration may include a seal ring within a seal groove of the fuel injector. The seal ring may be formed from a first material. The seal configuration may include a spacer ring within the seal groove of the fuel injector. The spacer ring may be formed from a second material. An outer diameter of the spacer ring may be greater than a diameter of a fuel injector bore of the fuel injector. The spacer ring may be configured to be adjacent the seal ring within the seal groove to form a seal of a fuel injector slot of an engine head of an engine, and the fuel injector slot is configured to support the fuel injector.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2019Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Derik Warne, David Halteman, Thomas J. Crowell
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Publication number: 20200256298Abstract: A seal configuration for a fuel injector is disclosed. The seal configuration may include a seal ring within a seal groove of the fuel injector. The seal ring may be formed from a first material. The seal configuration may include a spacer ring within the seal groove of the fuel injector. The spacer ring may be formed from a second material. An outer diameter of the spacer ring may be greater than a diameter of a fuel injector bore of the fuel injector. The spacer ring may be configured to be adjacent the seal ring within the seal groove to form a seal of a fuel injector slot of an engine head of an engine, and the fuel injector slot is configured to support the fuel injector.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2019Publication date: August 13, 2020Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Derik WARNE, David HALTEMAN, Thomas J. CROWELL
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Patent number: 10519877Abstract: A control system for a dual fuel engine having a liquid fuel supply and a gaseous fuel supply is disclosed. The control system may include at least one sensor operably coupled to a cylinder of the dual fuel engine and configured to monitor cylinder condition and transmit a cylinder condition signal. Additionally, a controller may be communicably coupled with the at least one sensor and the controller may be configured to receive the cylinder condition signal and determine whether the cylinder is operating in an abnormal operating condition. Whereas the controller determines the cylinder is operating in the abnormal operating condition, the controller sends a control signal for the liquid fuel supply to provide an amount of liquid fuel which is greater than an amount of liquid fuel supplied to the cylinder during a normal operating condition.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2016Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Alan R. Stockner, Thomas J. Crowell, Scott F. Shafer
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Publication number: 20180142629Abstract: A control system for a dual fuel engine having a liquid fuel supply and a gaseous fuel supply is disclosed. The control system may include at least one sensor operably coupled to a cylinder of the dual fuel engine and configured to monitor cylinder condition and transmit a cylinder condition signal. Additionally, a controller may be communicably coupled with the at least one sensor and the controller may be configured to receive the cylinder condition signal and determine whether the cylinder is operating in an abnormal operating condition. Whereas the controller determines the cylinder is operating in the abnormal operating condition, the controller sends a control signal for the liquid fuel supply to provide an amount of liquid fuel which is greater than an amount of liquid fuel supplied to the cylinder during a normal operating condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2016Publication date: May 24, 2018Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Alan R. Stockner, Thomas J. Crowell, Scott F. Shafer
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Patent number: 8214115Abstract: A system and method for managing the heat produced by operation of an internal combustion system utilizes an electronic controller to control operation the engine that is coupled to a transmission. The transmission can include a high drive ratio and a low drive ratio. Stored in the controller are a plurality of different performance curves. When the transmission is in the low drive ratio, the controller selects a performance curve that comparatively increases the amount of torque and/or power the engine produces. When the transmission is in the high drive ratio, the controller selects a performance curve that comparatively reduces torque and/or power produced by the engine. Because the engine generates less heat when it produces less torque, the engine can accommodate additional emissions control devices and/or techniques that may otherwise adversely affect heat rejection.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Crowell
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Publication number: 20100152983Abstract: A system and method for managing the heat produced by operation of an internal combustion system utilizes an electronic controller to control operation the engine that is coupled to a transmission. The transmission can include a high drive ratio and a low drive ratio. Stored in the controller are a plurality of different performance curves. When the transmission is in the low drive ratio, the controller selects a performance curve that comparatively increases the amount of torque and/or power the engine produces. When the transmission is in the high drive ratio, the controller selects a performance curve that comparatively reduces torque and/or power produced by the engine. Because the engine generates less heat when it produces less torque, the engine can accommodate additional emissions control devices and/or techniques that may otherwise adversely affect heat rejection.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Thomas J. Crowell
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Patent number: 7678015Abstract: A power train control system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The power train control system has a power source configured to produce a power output, a transmission device operatively connected to receive the power output and propel the mobile machine, and a control module. The control module is configured to receive an indication of a power demand, receive an indication of a current travel speed of the mobile machine, and reference the power demand and the current travel speed with a power train efficiency map to determine a desired power source speed. The power train control system is also configured to control operation of the transmission device to bring a speed of the power source within a predetermined amount of the desired power source speed.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignees: Caterpillar Inc., Eaton CorporationInventors: Steven J. Funke, Jason K. Bloms, Thomas J. Crowell, Scott A. Leman, James R. Weber, Jeff Skorupski, Tom Genise, Rich Nellums, Daniel G. Smedley, Donald Speranza
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Publication number: 20080264081Abstract: A cooling system for cooling a gas flow is provided having a heat exchanger heat exchanger with a plurality of chambers through which a coolant may flow. The system also has a plurality of chamber valves, wherein each of the plurality of chamber valves is configured to selectively control fluid flowing through an associated one of the plurality of chambers. In addition, the system has at least one gas sensor situated to sense a parameter indicative of a temperature of a gas flowing through the heat exchanger. The system further has a controller configured to actuate at least one of the plurality of chamber valves to prevent the flow of coolant through at least one of the plurality of chambers when the gas temperature is below a threshold temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Thomas J. Crowell, Scott Alex Snoble
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Publication number: 20070254771Abstract: A power train control system for a mobile machine is disclosed. The power train control system has a power source configured to produce a power output, a transmission device operatively connected to receive the power output and propel the mobile machine, and a control module. The control module is configured to receive an indication of a power demand, receive an indication of a current travel speed of the mobile machine, and reference the power demand and the current travel speed with a power train efficiency map to determine a desired power source speed. The power train control system is also configured to control operation of the transmission device to bring a speed of the power source within a predetermined amount of the desired power source speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2006Publication date: November 1, 2007Inventors: Steven J. Funke, Jason K. Bloms, Thomas J. Crowell, Scott A. Leman, James R. Weber, Jeffrey H. Skorupski, Thomas A. Genise, Richard A. Nellums, Daniel G. Smedley, Donald Speranza
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Patent number: 7047920Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling an intake engine valve capable of variable closing timing. A condition indicative of white smoke production is determined. An intake engine valve is closed at a first crank angle for a given engine operating condition when the condition indicative of white smoke production does not exist. The intake valve is closed at a second crank angle for the given engine operating condition when the condition indicative of white smoke production exists. The second crank angle is less than the first crank angle.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Caterpillar, Inc.Inventors: D. Andy Pierpont, Thomas J. Crowell
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Patent number: 6965826Abstract: Electronically controlled internal combustion engines are operated based upon control calibration algorithms that can come in a variety of forms, including maps, equations, surfaces and other mathematical techniques. Each combination of a control calibration algorithm and a particular engine must satisfy certain constraints such as customer acceptance and value demands, and should have the ability to perform a variety of expected duty cycles for the given engine application. A plurality of different engine control calibration algorithms are made available to an engine control system. Each of the engine calibration algorithms corresponds to a particular duty cycle while being optimized for a performance parameter such as reduced emissions, while meeting a variety of constraints.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: David J. Andres, Gregory D. Hoenert, Thomas J. Crowell, George E. Donaldson
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Patent number: 6912458Abstract: A method of controlling a variable valve actuation system for an engine is provided. A cam assembly is operated to move an intake valve between a first position and a second position. A parameter indicative of an altitude at which the engine is operating is sensed. A first lookup map is accessed to determine a desired air-to-fuel ratio when the sensed parameter indicates that the engine is operating at an altitude below a first predetermined value. A second lookup map is accessed to determine a desired air-to-fuel ratio when the sensed parameter indicates that the engine is operating at an altitude above the first predetermined value. A desired valve actuation period is determined based on the determined air-to-fuel ratio. The intake valve is prevented from returning to the first position until the end of the determined valve actuation period.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: David A. Pierpont, Thomas J. Crowell
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Publication number: 20040267431Abstract: A method of controlling a variable valve actuation system for an engine is provided. A cam assembly is operated to move an intake valve between a first position and a second position. A parameter indicative of an altitude at which the engine is operating is sensed. A first lookup map is accessed to determine a desired air-to-fuel ratio when the sensed parameter indicates that the engine is operating at an altitude below a first predetermined value. A second lookup map is accessed to determine a desired air-to-fuel ratio when the sensed parameter indicates that the engine is operating at an altitude above the first predetermined value. A desired valve actuation period is determined based on the determined air-to-fuel ratio. The intake valve is prevented from returning to the first position until the end of the determined valve actuation period.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: David A. Pierpont, Thomas J. Crowell
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Patent number: 6799552Abstract: A system for operating an internal combustion engine includes an intake valve moveable between a first position at which fluid is blocked from flowing to or from the cylinder and a second position at which fluid is allowed to pass to or from the cylinder. The system includes a fluid actuator selectively operable to hold the intake valve from moving to the first position during a portion of a compression stroke and a control valve configured to control fluid flow between a source of fluid and the fluid actuator. A fuel supply system supplies a predetermined amount of fuel to the cylinder at an appropriate time during an engine cycle based on at least one engine operating parameter, and a controller determines a need to de-rate the engine based on a sensed parameter relating to source fluid viscosity during a cycle in which the fluid actuator is not operated.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Thomas J. Crowell, David Andrew Pierpont
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Publication number: 20040128058Abstract: Electronically controlled internal combustion engines are operated based upon control calibration algorithms that can come in a variety of forms, including maps, equations, surfaces and other mathematical techniques. Each combination of a control calibration algorithm and a particular engine must satisfy certain constraints such as customer acceptance and value demands, and should have the ability to perform a variety of expected duty cycles for the given engine application. A plurality of different engine control calibration algorithms are made available to an engine control system. Each of the engine calibration algorithms corresponds to a particular duty cycle while being optimized for a performance parameter such as reduced emissions, while meeting a variety of constraints.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: David J. Andres, Gregory D. Hoenert, Thomas J. Crowell, George E. Donaldson
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Publication number: 20040055564Abstract: A system for operating an internal combustion engine includes an intake valve moveable between a first position at which fluid is blocked from flowing to or from the cylinder and a second position at which fluid is allowed to pass to or from the cylinder. The system includes a fluid actuator selectively operable to hold the intake valve from moving to the first position during a portion of a compression stroke and a control valve configured to control fluid flow between a source of fluid and the fluid actuator. A fuel supply system supplies a predetermined amount of fuel to the cylinder at an appropriate time during an engine cycle based on at least one engine operating parameter, and a controller determines a need to de-rate the engine based on a sensed parameter relating to source fluid viscosity during a cycle in which the fluid actuator is not operated.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2002Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Thomas J. Crowell, David Andrew Pierpont
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Patent number: 6279555Abstract: Air laden with oil and blow-by gases is evacuated from an engine compartment such as a crankcase. The air is cleaned by removing oil and may be reused for engine combustion by routing it through a turbocharger inlet. The reclaimed oil may be returned to an oil pan for reuse in engine lubrication.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Crowell, Douglas E. Wilson
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Patent number: 5865158Abstract: A method and system for controlling the injection of fuel across a plurality of fuel injectors coupled together along a fuel rail in an internal combustion engine is provided. The method and system involve producing a reference fuel delivery control signal for each of the fuel injectors as a function of the desired fuel mass to be injected and subsequently adjusting the pulse width of each fuel delivery control signal as a function of the fuel temperature proximate each of the respective fuel injectors. The temperature of the fuel proximate each of the respective fuel injectors along the fuel rail is ascertained by measuring the temperature of the fuel near the inlet of the fuel rail using a temperature sensor and subsequently determining the temperature of the fuel proximate each of the fuel injectors based on the measured fuel temperature measured and the location of said fuel injector along said fuel rail.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1996Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Trent J. Cleveland, Thomas J. Crowell
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Patent number: 4157501Abstract: The meter is primarily adapted to replace a standard analog panel meter and is designed to selectively receive different ranges of input signals such as DC input signals in ranges extending from 50 mVDC to 500 VDC. In the disclosed embodiment there are four ranges also adapted to receive AC input signals in ranges extending from 100 mVAC to 480 VAC. Preferably, a jumper is used to select the different ranges. The jumper is readily accessible at the rear of the meter. The meter circuitry comprises an analog to digital converter having three digit, seven segment display and input circuitry including a range circuit, an operational amplifier and filter circuitry coupling serially to the converter.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1978Date of Patent: June 5, 1979Assignee: R. T. Engineering Service Inc.Inventors: Ralph E. Cain, Jr., Thomas J. Crowell