Patents by Inventor W. Patrick Niehus

W. Patrick Niehus 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: 9983114
    Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating the loading of an air filter are disclosed herein. The method includes receiving upstream mass air flow data indicative of a mass air flow on an upstream side of an air filter (i.e., the “dirty side of the filter”), receiving downstream air pressure data indicative of an air pressure on a downstream side of the air filter (i.e., the “clean side of the filter”), and receiving downstream temperature data indicative of a temperature on the downstream side of the air filter. The method also includes determining a differential pressure (?P) across the air filter indicative of a loading of the air filter based on the upstream mass air flow data, the downstream air pressure data, and the downstream temperature data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory H. Henderson, Andry Lesmana, W. Patrick Niehus, Alex Pama
  • Patent number: 9626812
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that relate to an SCR aftertreatment system and incentives/inducements for an operator/user to maintain the SCR aftertreatment in compliance with operating requirements and/or regulations. An engine is operationally coupled to at least one of a DEF tank and an SCR aftertreatment system. An inducement signal value is determined in response to a threshold value being obtained relating to at least one of the DEF tank level indication, a DEF quality indication, and an SCR aftertreatment system malfunction indication. The inducement signal value initiates at least one derate value of the engine to incentivize or induce the operator to have the aftertreatment system maintained and avoid or prevent out-of compliance operation of the SCR aftertreatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Tung-King See, W. Patrick Niehus, Brett D. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20150330857
    Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating the loading of an air filter are disclosed herein. The method includes receiving upstream mass air flow data indicative of a mass air flow on an upstream side of an air filter (i.e., the “dirty side of the filter”), receiving downstream air pressure data indicative of an air pressure on a downstream side of the air filter (i.e., the “clean side of the filter”), and receiving downstream temperature data indicative of a temperature on the downstream side of the air filter. The method also includes determining a differential pressure (?P) across the air filter indicative of a loading of the air filter based on the upstream mass air flow data, the downstream air pressure data, and the downstream temperature data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory H. Henderson, Andry Lesmana, W. Patrick Niehus, Alex Pama
  • Publication number: 20150088362
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that relate to an SCR aftertreatment system and incentives/inducements for an operator/user to maintain the SCR aftertreatment in compliance with operating requirements and/or regulations. An engine is operationally coupled to at least one of a DEF tank and an SCR aftertreatment system. An inducement signal value is determined in response to a threshold value being obtained relating to at least one of the DEF tank level indication, a DEF quality indication, and an SCR aftertreatment system malfunction indication. The inducement signal value initiates at least one derate value of the engine to incentivize or induce the operator to have the aftertreatment system maintained and avoid or prevent out-of compliance operation of the SCR aftertreatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Tung-King See, W. Patrick Niehus, Brett D. Griffith
  • Publication number: 20030167345
    Abstract: A communications bridge between a communications network carried by a motor vehicle and configured for communications according to a first protocol and a remote system configured for communications according to a second protocol, includes a first interface configured for coupling to the communications network, a second interface configured for coupling to the remote system, and a digital signal processor (DSP) configured to process multiple operations per instruction cycle The DSP receives information from the communications network via the first interface, converts this information to the second protocol and transmits the information converted to the second protocol to the remote system via the second interface. The DSP further receives information from the remote system via the second interface, converts this information to the first protocol and transmits the information converted to the first protocol to the communications network via the first interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Alexander N. Knight, Andrew J. Pajakowski, Jon E. Krutulis, Daniel P. Wolf, Michael W. Phillips, Joseph T. Beitzinger, Lee G. Shipman, J. Patrick Eberly, W. Patrick Niehus
  • Patent number: 6202021
    Abstract: A road speed control system for a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine includes a control computer operable to control engine fueling based on inputs from at least an accelerator pedal position sensor, a vehicle speed signal, and at least one control signal. According to one aspect of the invention, the control computer is responsive to a first control signal to decrease the maximum road speed limit value and to a second control signal to increase the maximum road speed value, to thereby provide a road speed limiting system operable under manual engine fueling conditions. According to another aspect of the invention, the control computer is responsive to at least one control signal to activate a maximum road speed limit override feature for temporarily increasing the maximum road speed limit value to, for example, facilitate passing attempts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Kresse, W. Patrick Niehus
  • Patent number: 6134499
    Abstract: A road speed control system for a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine includes a control computer operable to control engine fueling based on inputs from at least an accelerator pedal position sensor, a vehicle speed signal, and at least one control signal. According to one aspect of the invention, the control computer is responsive to a first control signal to decrease the maximum road speed limit value and to a second control signal to increase the maximum road speed value, to thereby provide a road speed limiting system operable under manual engine fueling conditions. According to another aspect of the invention, the control computer is responsive to at least one control signal to activate a maximum road speed limit override feature for temporarily increasing the maximum road speed limit value to, for example, facilitate passing attempts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Goode, John P. Kresse, Matthew W. Workman, W. Patrick Niehus, Ross B. Mursell