Michael D Lowe

US Patent:

7677028, Mar 16, 2010

Filed:

Feb 28, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/363245

Inventors:

David J. Kapparos - Chillicothe IL, US
Michael D. Lowe - Metamora IL, US

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

F01N 3/025

US Classification:

60286, 60295

Abstract:

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a particulate trap regeneration temperature control system. The system may include a particulate trap configured to remove one or more types of particulate matter from an exhaust flow of an engine. The system may also include a heating system configured to increase the temperature of the particulate trap. The system may further include a controller configured to control operation of the heating system during execution of a thermal regeneration event of the particulate trap. The controller may control operation of the heating system by effectuating a first temperature increase of the particulate trap at a predetermined rate up to a first predetermined temperature. The controller may also be configured to effectuate a first temperature hold by maintaining the temperature of the particulate trap at the first predetermined temperature for a predetermined amount of time. The controller may further be configured to effectuate a second temperature increase of the particulate trap at a predetermined rate to a higher second predetermined temperature.

US Patent:

7770386, Aug 10, 2010

Filed:

Dec 28, 2004

Appl. No.:

11/022692

Inventors:

Michael D. Lowe - Metamora IL, US
Wade J. Robel - Normale IL, US
Maarten Verkiel - Metamora IL, US
James J. Driscoll - Dunlap IL, US

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc - Peoria IL

International Classification:

F01N 3/00

US Classification:

60295, 60274, 60286, 60287, 60292, 60297, 60303

Abstract:

A method of removing sulfur from a filter system of an engine includes continuously passing an exhaust flow through a desulfation leg of the filter system during desulfation. The method also includes sensing at least one characteristic of the exhaust flow and modifying a flow rate of the exhaust flow during desulfation in response to the sensing.

US Patent:

7841172, Nov 30, 2010

Filed:

May 31, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/806358

Inventors:

Mark Scaife - Metamora IL, US
Trent Cleveland - Metamora IL, US
Michael Lowe - Metamora IL, US
Cornelius Opris - Peoria IL, US
Evan Jacobson - Peoria IL, US

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc - Peoria IL

International Classification:

F01N 3/00
F01N 3/02
F02B 27/04

US Classification:

60297, 60273, 60277, 60295, 60311

Abstract:

A method is provided for compensating for variability in ash accumulation rates within an aftertreatment element of an engine exhaust system. The method includes determining flow resistance values through the aftertreatment element and tracking minimum flow resistance values over time. The method also includes correlating the tracked minimum flow resistance values over time, with a model of engine oil consumption rate that is based on predetermined values for model engine oil consumption. The method further includes adjusting the predetermined values based on the tracked minimum flow resistance values over time.

US Patent:

8011179, Sep 6, 2011

Filed:

May 31, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/806359

Inventors:

Mark Scaife - Metamora IL, US
Trent Cleveland - Metamora IL, US
Michael Lowe - Metamora IL, US
Cornelius Opris - Peoria IL, US
Evan Jacobson - Peoria IL, US
Matthew R. Roth - Metamora IL, US

Assignee:

Caterpillar Inc. - Peoria IL

International Classification:

F01N 3/00

US Classification:

60297, 60288, 60289, 60295, 60293

Abstract:

A method is provided for compensating for factors affecting particulate matter accumulation within an aftertreatment element of an engine exhaust system. The method comprises determining rate of change of flow resistance through the aftertreatment element with time. Regeneration is periodically initiated to reduce particulate matter accumulation within the aftertreatment element. Rate of change of flow resistance through the aftertreatment element over time is correlated with at least a model of particulate matter accumulation within the aftertreatment element and a model of regeneration frequency of the aftertreatment element, based on predetermined values for particulate matter accumulation and regeneration frequency. Action, at least including increasing regeneration frequency, is initiated to compensate for an increased rate of particulate matter accumulation in the aftertreatment element.

US Patent:

20080104948, May 8, 2008

Filed:

Oct 31, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/589964

Inventors:

David Joseph Kapparos - Chillicothe IL, US
Michael Dennis Lowe - Metamora IL, US
Trent J. Cleveland - Metamora IL, US
Maarten Verkiel - Metamora IL, US
Jessica Anne Crompton - Washington IL, US

International Classification:

F01N 3/00
F01N 3/10

US Classification:

60297, 60295, 60300

Abstract:

A method of regenerating a particulate filter is disclosed. The method involves heating the particulate filter to an intermediate temperature, and maintaining the particulate filter at the intermediate temperature until substantial temperature equilibrium is reached. The particulate filter is then heated to a regeneration temperature higher than the intermediate temperature.