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).

  • Patent number: 11174825
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Derik Warne, David Halteman, Thomas J. Crowell
  • Publication number: 20200256298
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Derik WARNE, David HALTEMAN, Thomas J. CROWELL
  • Patent number: 10519877
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Alan R. Stockner, Thomas J. Crowell, Scott F. Shafer
  • Publication number: 20180142629
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Alan R. Stockner, Thomas J. Crowell, Scott F. Shafer
  • Patent number: 8214115
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Crowell
  • Publication number: 20100152983
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Crowell
  • Patent number: 7678015
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignees: Caterpillar Inc., Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20080264081
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas J. Crowell, Scott Alex Snoble
  • Publication number: 20070254771
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 7047920
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Andy Pierpont, Thomas J. Crowell
  • Patent number: 6965826
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: David J. Andres, Gregory D. Hoenert, Thomas J. Crowell, George E. Donaldson
  • Patent number: 6912458
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: David A. Pierpont, Thomas J. Crowell
  • Publication number: 20040267431
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: David A. Pierpont, Thomas J. Crowell
  • Patent number: 6799552
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Thomas J. Crowell, David Andrew Pierpont
  • Publication number: 20040128058
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Andres, Gregory D. Hoenert, Thomas J. Crowell, George E. Donaldson
  • Publication number: 20040055564
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas J. Crowell, David Andrew Pierpont
  • Patent number: 6279555
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Crowell, Douglas E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5865158
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Trent J. Cleveland, Thomas J. Crowell
  • Patent number: 4157501
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1979
    Assignee: R. T. Engineering Service Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph E. Cain, Jr., Thomas J. Crowell