Patents by Inventor Vivek A. Sujan

Vivek A. Sujan 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: 9235817
    Abstract: Systems and methods of vehicle freight/load distribution are provided to assist in determining optimal freight distribution. Although it is standard practice to fill each vehicle to its maximum limit, due to the non-linear nature of engine fueling maps (that is, fueling maps vary non-linearly as a function of torque and speed), the optimal distribution may not be obtained by the standard practice. Finding a solution for the optimal freight distribution may also need to account for the cost of fueling and operator costs, particularly if the situation involves multiple vehicles not filled to capacity. The benefit is increased freight efficiency in transporting cargo from source to destination amongst a fleet of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Phani Vajapeyazula, Kenneth Follen, An Wu, Barty L. Moffett
  • Patent number: 9228460
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system includes an oxidation catalyst and a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst disposed in an exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine. A stay warm thermal management strategy is employed after warm-up of the aftertreatment system is complete to maintain the aftertreatment system above a temperature providing a desired performance threshold of one or more components of the aftertreatment system, such as the oxidation catalyst or the SCR catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Ancimer, Vivek A. Sujan, Ashwin Vyas, Guoqiang Li, Fan Zeng
  • Publication number: 20150361915
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling performance characteristics of a vehicle are provided. A system for controlling performance characteristics of a vehicle includes a memory storage device including at least one torque curve profile stored thereon. The at least one torque curve profile includes a mapping of accessible torque for the vehicle with respect to an engine speed of an engine coupled to the vehicle. The system also includes an electronic control unit operatively coupled to the memory storage device, the electronic control unit configured to re-map the at least one torque curve profile in response to receipt by the electronic control unit of an electronic signal indicating a change in a vehicle condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 17, 2015
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Timothy J. Proctor, Edmund P. Hodzen, Guoqiang Li
  • Patent number: 9206756
    Abstract: A method and related apparatuses and systems for operating an engine that provides a high level of NOX to regenerate particulate matter deposited on a particulate filter. The method includes producing NOX in response to a NOX excess capacity value of a NOX reduction device. The method optionally includes determining that particulate matter exceeds an enhanced passive regeneration threshold amount before providing a high level of NOX. The method optionally includes producing a higher particulate emissions output value to warm the engine exhaust to bring an aftertreatment catalyst to an optimal operating temperature. The method can be implemented with a closed loop feedback controller, which may be configured to reduce particulate matter variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Yongjie Zhu, Vivek A. Sujan, Timothy R. Frazier
  • Publication number: 20150345622
    Abstract: A method for a vehicle includes receiving a shift schedule for a transmission of a vehicle, the shift schedule indicating when shift events occur based on operation of the vehicle. The method further includes receiving vehicle operation data during operation of the vehicle. The method further includes determining a power to overcome vehicle losses based on the vehicle operation data. The method further includes determining an adjustment to the shift schedule to optimize a vehicle operating parameter based on the determined power to overcome vehicle losses and implementing the adjustment to the shift schedule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: CUMMINS, INC.
    Inventor: Vivek A. Sujan
  • Patent number: 9194318
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a method and system for determining recommendations for vehicle operation that reduce soot production in view of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) of an exhaust aftertreatment system. Recommendations generated can reduce excessive particulate matter (PM) production during transient engine events and provide for operating conditions favorable for passive regeneration. In this way, less frequent active regeneration of the DPF is needed and/or more opportunities are provided for passive regeneration. The system and method can utilize location and terrain information to anticipate and project a window of operation in view of reducing soot production and soot loading of the DPF, or provide the operator with instruction when such opportunities are present or will soon be encountered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Timothy R. Frazier
  • Patent number: 9194309
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying and analyzing a route using an inexpensive GPS system is provided. The system and method provides a location for storing GPS and vehicle operating data for at least one route, requiring a plurality of runs over the at least one route. Once a predetermined minimum number of runs have been reached, the system and method define a route segment, interpolate additional data points using the GPS and vehicle operating data, synchronize the data over the plurality of runs, and analyze the data. The analyzed data is then provided to a module capable of controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine. The analyzed data is forward-looking in that it permits anticipation of vehicle operation, and more particularly, engine and transmission operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignees: Cummins Intellectual Properties, Inc., PACCAR, Inc., Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, An Wu, Phani Vajapeyazula, Kenneth Follen, Howard R. Frost, Suk-Min Moon, Jaidev Khatri
  • Publication number: 20150329119
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a transmission, an engine, and a controller communicably coupled to the transmission and the engine. The controller is structured to receive a vehicle operating parameter, receive vehicle operation data during operation of the vehicle, determine that the vehicle is in a coasting state based on the vehicle operation data, and provide a command to control at least one of an engine and the transmission during the coasting state to at least one of optimize the vehicle operating parameter and facilitate and maintain the coasting state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: CUMMINS, INC.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Daniel R. Dempsey
  • Publication number: 20150330500
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a powertrain system including an engine, a transmission, a drive shaft, and a final drive. The system also includes a controller communicably coupled to the powertrain system. The controller is structured to: receive vehicle operation data during operation of a vehicle; receive route data for a route of the vehicle, wherein the route data is received in advance of the vehicle traveling the route; determine a cylinder deactivation event has occurred based on the vehicle operation data; determine an adjustment to a shift schedule for the transmission based on at least one of the cylinder deactivation event and the route data; and provide a command to implement the adjustment with the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: CUMMINS, INC.
    Inventor: Vivek A. Sujan
  • Publication number: 20150330503
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a powertrain system including an engine, a transmission, a drive shaft, and a final drive; and a controller communicably coupled to the powertrain system. The controller is structured to: receive a shift schedule for the transmission of a vehicle, the shift schedule indicating when shift events occur based on operation of the vehicle; receive vehicle operation data during operation of the vehicle, the vehicle operation data including a current combustion recipe for the engine; determine a predicted impact of a scheduled shift event on a fuel consumption rate of the vehicle based on the current combustion recipe for the engine; determine an adjustment to the scheduled shift event based on the predicted impact; and provide a command to implement the adjustment to the scheduled shift event to the transmission of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, J. Steven Kolhouse, Gary C. Salemme
  • Patent number: 9187093
    Abstract: A method of selectively adjusting one or more cruise droop settings based on past and present road loads includes receiving a cruise control operating mode initiation for a vehicle; receiving vehicle operation data; determining a current road load for the vehicle based on the vehicle operation data, wherein the current road load provides an indication of a load on the vehicle; maintaining a history of determined road loads while the vehicle is in the cruise control operating mode; and selectively adjusting a cruise control droop characteristic based on the current road load and the history of determined road loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventor: Vivek A. Sujan
  • Patent number: 9182764
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a logistics manager that includes a processor. The logistics manager is communicably coupled to at least one of a first wireless communication module onboard a first vehicle and a second wireless communication module onboard a second vehicle. The logistics manager is configured to: receive, via the first wireless communication module, first data regarding the first vehicle, where the first data is provided by a first sensor module onboard the first vehicle; receive, via the second wireless communication module, second data regarding the second vehicle, where the second data is provided by a second sensor module onboard the second vehicle; and provide navigational commands to at least one of the first vehicle and the second vehicle based on a cost and benefit analysis in response to at least one the first data and the second data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Kolhouse, Carlos A. Lana, Vivek A. Sujan, Phani Vajapeyazula, J. Stephen Wills, Thomas M. Yonushonis
  • Patent number: 9175970
    Abstract: A method and system for remotely determining real-time operating fuel efficiencies based on dynamic operating characteristics of a vehicle to generate an optimal refueling management approach for the vehicle by providing refueling locations and associated refueling amounts for each refueling location, to achieve improved vehicle fuel economy, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: An Wu, Kenneth Follen, Howard Robert Frost, Suk-Min Moon, Vivek A. Sujan, Phani Vajapeyazula
  • Patent number: 9162679
    Abstract: A vehicle operating condition profile can be determined over a given route while also considering imposed constraints such as deviation from time targets, deviation from maximum governed speed limits, etc. Given current vehicle speed, engine state and transmission state, the present disclosure optimally manages the engine map and transmission to provide a recommended vehicle operating condition that optimizes fuel consumption in transitioning from one vehicle state to a target state. Exemplary embodiments provide for offline and online optimizations relative to fuel consumption. The benefit is increased freight efficiency in transporting cargo from source to destination by minimizing fuel consumption and maintaining drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Phani Vajapeyazula, Kenneth Follen, An Wu, Barty L. Moffett
  • Publication number: 20150275803
    Abstract: A method and related apparatuses and systems for operating an engine that provides a high level of NOX to regenerate particulate matter deposited on a particulate filter. The method includes producing NOX in response to a NOX excess capacity value of a NOX reduction device. The method optionally includes determining that particulate matter exceeds an enhanced passive regeneration threshold amount before providing a high level of NOX. The method optionally includes producing a higher particulate emissions output value to warm the engine exhaust to bring an aftertreatment catalyst to an optimal operating temperature. The method can be implemented with a closed loop feedback controller, which may be configured to reduce particulate matter variation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Yongjie Zhu, Vivek A. Sujan, Timothy R. Frazier
  • Patent number: 9140203
    Abstract: An apparatus for fresh airflow determination includes an operating conditions module that interprets a MAF value, a current operating condition and a charge flow value. The apparatus further includes a volume estimation module that determines an apparent plumbing volume of an air intake assembly in response to the MAF value, the current operating condition and the charge flow value. The apparatus further includes a volume reporting module that provides the apparent plumbing volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Govindarajan Kothandaraman, Vivek Sujan, Andrew Osburn, Ashwin Vyas
  • Patent number: 9109546
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling air flow in an engine system. In one embodiment, the system includes an engine, a turbocharger coupled to the engine, and a compressor bypass valve coupled to the turbocharger and to the engine. The compressor bypass valve includes a mechanism that allows the compressor bypass valve to be closed by default and allows the compressor bypass valve to be actuated passively when acted upon by a boost pressure when the boost pressure increases above a predefined pressure threshold. According to the system and method disclosed herein, the compressor bypass valve is passive, and thus controls air flow to the engine without requiring active control circuitry or logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Morgan Andreae, Marcus Hoevener, Adrian Dale, Vivek Sujan, Jeffrey Matthews
  • Patent number: 9103294
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for fuel drift estimation and compensation using exhaust oxygen levels and fresh air flow measurements. An actual fueling to the engine cylinders is determined from the exhaust oxygen level and fresh air flow to the internal combustion engine. The actual fueling is compared to an expected fueling based on the fueling command provided to the internal combustion engine. The difference between the actual fueling and expected fueling is fuel drift error attributed to changes or drift in the fuel injection system and is used to correct or compensate future fueling commands for the fuel drift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Vivek A. Sujan, Ashwin Vyas, Mert Geveci, Axel Otto zur Loye
  • Publication number: 20150211466
    Abstract: An engine starting system and technique include selecting a target engine speed profile from a plurality of engine speed profiles based on operator inputs and operating parameters of the vehicle. A feedback control strategy is used to substantially conform the engine speed with the target speed profile during starting until a target speed is reached in which fueling is initiated to start the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Anant Puri, Fan Zeng, Vivek Sujan, Edmund Hodzen, C. Larry Bruner
  • Patent number: 9086025
    Abstract: Systems and methods for correcting mass airflow sensor drift include an operation conditions module to interpret a base calibration function, a MAF sensor input value, and a current operating condition. A MAF correction module determines an expected MAF value in response to the current operating condition and a predetermined operating condition. The MAF correction module will also determine an adjusted MAF value in response to the expected MAF value, the base calibration function, and the MAF sensor input value. A MAF reporting module is structured to provide the adjusted MAF value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Ashwin Vyas, Vivek A. Sujan, Andrew W. Osburn, Abdul Ofoli, Govindarajan Kothandaraman, Karim Azizou