Patents Assigned to K&N Engineering, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20230123016
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for an air filter configured to be mounted onto an air inlet of an internal combustion engine. The air filter comprises a first end cap configured to couple with a base which is configured to support a conventional air filter and provide an interface between the conventional air filter and the air inlet. A filter medium which is relatively thicker than the conventional air filter is configured to remove particulate matter and other contaminates from an incoming airstream. A second end cap is configured to couple with a cover which is configured to fasten the conventional air filter and the base onto the air inlet, such that the incoming airstream is directed through the filter medium. The air filter is configured to be installed in place of the conventional air filter without necessitating alteration of the base and cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20230110960
    Abstract: A combined mass airflow sensor and hydrocarbon trap is provided for absorbing evaporative hydrocarbon emissions from an air intake duct of an internal combustion engine. The combined mass airflow sensor and hydrocarbon trap comprises a duct that supports a hydrocarbon absorbing sheet in an unfolded configuration within a housing. The duct communicates an airstream from an air filter to the air intake duct during operation of the internal combustion engine. An opening in the housing receives a mass airflow sensor into the duct, such that the mass airflow sensor is disposed within the airstream. Guide vanes extending across the duct reduce air turbulence within the airstream passing by the mass airflow sensor. Ports disposed along the duct allow the evaporative hydrocarbon emissions to be drawn into the interior and arrested by the hydrocarbon absorbing sheet when the internal combustion engine is not operating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin McClelland, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11608802
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for an air cleaner to be mounted onto an air inlet of an internal combustion engine. The air cleaner comprises an air filter that includes a filter medium disposed between a curved base and a cover. The curved base provides an interface between the air filter and the air inlet, and comprises a shape that provides clearance between the curved base and an electric choke installed onto a carburetor comprising the air inlet. The cover secures the air filter and the curved base to the air inlet such that an airstream is drawn through the filter medium and is conducted into the air inlet. A raised portion of the cover is configured to cooperate with the curved base to ensure a desired volume of the airstream is available to the air inlet at substantially all engine speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve E. Williams, Jere James Wall
  • Publication number: 20230082759
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an oil filter-leak pressure-test station. The oil filter-leak pressure-test station comprises an air pump, a pressure gauge, a vent valve, an overflow reservoir, and a manifold configured to receive an oil filter. The oil filter-leak pressure-test station is configured to apply a desired internal air pressure to an oil filter for observing the oil filter assembly for any potential leaks, such as along a seal ring, rolled seam or a nut-end. The oil filter-leak pressure-test station is also configured to be mounted in a vise or similar mechanical attachment for observation to determine the extent or existence of any leak in the oil filter. The oil filter-leak pressure-test station may also be submerged in water using a submersion reservoir, so as to determine the existence and location of any leaks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Valles, Steve Williams, Jonathan Richard Fiello
  • Publication number: 20230082896
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an air box configured to cool an engine control unit (ECU) by way of an airstream being communicated to an air intake system of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The air box is comprised of a housing to support an air filter within an interior of the housing. An opening in the housing fixedly receives at least one surface of the ECU to transfer heat from the ECU to the airstream. A mount portion within the housing receives the air filter. A conduit to a clean side of the air filter is configured to be coupled with the air intake system. An inlet to the housing is configured to couple with an air inlet duct of the vehicle so as to direct the airstream into the interior of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Fiello, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11603813
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a heat shield with an integrated air filter assembly is disclosed. Wherein the air filter assembly comprising a filter material circumferentially extending such that the filter material surrounds at least a portion of an interior cavity of the air filter, a distal end cap affixed to a distal end of the filter material, and a wire support extending along at least a portion of an exterior surface of the filter material; and wherein the heat shield is configured to direct cooler air into an air intake conduit extending from an intake portion of an automobile engine for combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Jonathan Richard Fiello
  • Patent number: 11598296
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a throttle body spacer that improves the performance of an internal combustion engine. The throttle body spacer comprises a body that includes an airflow opening for conducting airflow from a throttle body into an intake manifold. A spiral is disposed along a sidewall of the airflow opening and configured for swirling the airflow. The spiral comprises a helical shape disposed around a circumference of the sidewall and extends from an initial bore near a first contact surface of the body to a second contact surface. The helical shape includes a diameter that increases as the spiral extends toward the second contact surface, giving the body a sidewall taper angle that contributes to an increase in power output of the engine. A sawtooth cross-sectional shape of the spiral causes the airflow to swirl so as to improve atomization of an air-fuel mixture entering engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Richard Fiello
  • Publication number: 20230045362
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a flangeless air filter configured to be mounted onto a flat surface within an air intake system of an internal combustion engine. The flangeless air filter is comprised of a cone-shaped filter medium, retained between a base and a cap, that is fabricated to remove contaminants and particulate matter from an intake airstream. The base includes a pliable seal that forms an airtight connection between the flangeless air filter and the flat surface of the air intake system. A mounting bracket and fasteners may be used to attach the base to the flat surface, compressing the seal there between. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket may be incorporated into, and made a part of the base. A cap is disposed on a top of the flangeless air filter and configured to direct the intake airstream around the cap and toward the filter medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jere James Wall, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11565584
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a multiple inlet air box to communicate an airstream through an air filter to an air intake duct of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The multiple inlet air box is comprised of a housing that supports the air filter within an interior of the housing. A mount portion within the housing fixedly receives a base of the air filter. Multiple air inlets couple with corresponding air inlet ports of the vehicle to direct the airstream into the multiple inlet air box. A duct directs the airstream from the multiple air inlets to the interior of the housing. A conduit communicates the airstream from an interior of the air filter to the air intake duct of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Jere James Wall
  • Patent number: 11548394
    Abstract: A system and methods are provided for a wing stabilizer charging system for recharging onboard batteries during operation of an electrically powered vehicle. The wing stabilizer charging system comprises a wing stabilizer configured to be coupled with a rear of the vehicle. One or more air inlets are disposed in the wing stabilizer and configured to receive an airstream during forward motion of the vehicle. Wind turbines are disposed within the wing stabilizer and configured to be turned by the airstream. A circuit box is configured to combine electricity received from the wind turbines into a useable electric current. A power cable extends from the circuit box and is configured to supply the useable electric current to any one or more electronic devices, such as any of an onboard battery for powering the vehicle, mobile phones or smart phones, portable music players, tablet computers, cameras, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Fiello, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11549469
    Abstract: A turbo-boost controlled intake system is disclosed that provides a driver of a vehicle with greater control over vehicle performance. The turbo-boost controlled intake system includes a control module that is coupled with an aircharger air intake. The control module instructs an electronic control unit of the vehicle to increase manifold pressure to a higher level before releasing the pressure through a waste gate so as to provide a greater power output of the engine. The turbo-boost controlled intake system further includes a wiring harness and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness couples the control module with a turbo inlet pressure sensor, a manifold absolute pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the power output of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Fiello, Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11536231
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for an air filter configured to be mounted onto an air inlet of an internal combustion engine. The air filter comprises a first end cap configured to couple with a base which is configured to support a conventional air filter and provide an interface between the conventional air filter and the air inlet. A filter medium which is relatively thicker than the conventional air filter is configured to remove particulate matter and other contaminates from an incoming airstream. A second end cap is configured to couple with a cover which is configured to fasten the conventional air filter and the base onto the air inlet, such that the incoming airstream is directed through the filter medium. The air filter is configured to be installed in place of the conventional air filter without necessitating alteration of the base and cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20220370943
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) home air filter to remove airborne molecular contaminants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air within residential spaces. The HVAC home air filter comprises a supportive frame having a shape and size suitable to orient the HVAC home air filter within a residential HVAC system. A filter medium is retained within the supportive frame to remove the airborne molecular contaminants and VOCs from air flowing through the residential HVAC system. The filter medium comprises a combination of media layers configured to exhibit a relatively high filtration efficiency and a low air pressure drop across the filter medium. The supportive frame comprises a plurality of elongate sections and corner sections disposed along perimeter edges of the filter medium to support the filter medium within the residential HVAC system so as direct air through the filter medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Jere James Wall
  • Publication number: 20220372939
    Abstract: A filter oil composition and a method for removing airborne molecular contaminants from air are provided. The composition includes a first portion comprising paraffinic oil by volume of the composition, a second portion comprising polyalphaolefin (PAO) by volume of the composition, and a third portion comprising red dye by volume of the composition. Applying the filter oil composition to a cotton air filter material causes tackiness throughout the air filter material, thereby enhancing filtration of air passing through the filter. The composition generally is substantially non-reactive, has an excellent oxidation stability, possesses good thermal stability, and retains a suitable viscosity at a normal operating temperatures of an automobile engine. In an embodiment, the composition comprises 96.74% paraffinic oil by volume, 3.20% polyalphaolefin (PAO) by volume, and 0.06% red dye by volume. A viscosity of the composition at 100 degrees-C ranges between substantially 7.2 and 7.6 centistokes (cSTs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Jere James Wall, Rick Daniels
  • Patent number: 11506155
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an air box configured to cool an engine control unit (ECU) by way of an airstream being communicated to an air intake system of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The air box is comprised of a housing to support an air filter within an interior of the housing. An opening in the housing fixedly receives at least one surface of the ECU to transfer heat from the ECU to the airstream. A mount portion within the housing receives the air filter. A conduit to a clean side of the air filter is configured to be coupled with the air intake system. An inlet to the housing is configured to couple with an air inlet duct of the vehicle so as to direct the airstream into the interior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Fiello, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11478739
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a flangeless air filter configured to be mounted onto a flat surface within an air intake system of an internal combustion engine. The flangeless air filter is comprised of a cone-shaped filter medium, retained between a base and a cap, that is fabricated to remove contaminants and particulate matter from an intake airstream. The base includes a pliable seal that forms an airtight connection between the flangeless air filter and the flat surface of the air intake system. A mounting bracket and fasteners may be used to attach the base to the flat surface, compressing the seal there between. In some embodiments, the mounting bracket may be incorporated into, and made a part of the base. A cap is disposed on a top of the flangeless air filter and configured to direct the intake airstream around the cap and toward the filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jere James Wall, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20220331731
    Abstract: A reusable air filter and methods are provided for filtering air being conducted to an air intake of an internal combustion engine. The reusable air filter comprises a filter medium configured to pass an airstream and entrap particulates flowing within the airstream. The filter medium is comprised of cotton gauze disposed in a sinusoidal arrangement that provides a filtration surface area that is larger than a perimeter area of the filter medium. An end cap and base may be configured to retain the filter medium therebetween. The base provides an interface between the air filter and an air inlet of the engine. The filter medium may be disposed in a flat, panel shape that is bordered by a supportive tray. Support rods may be embedded within the tray to prevent bowing of the tray due to air pressure when coupled with an air box of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jere James Wall, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20220314151
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for an air filter for removing contaminants from air within interior building spaces. The air filter comprises a V-bank filter element for removing contaminants from an airstream flowing through a HVAC system. The V-bank filter element includes filter panels that are angled with respect to one another to form adjacent V-configurations such that front edges of adjacent filter panels are placed in contact and rear edges of adjacent filter panels similarly placed in contact. A top member and a bottom member receive top and bottom edges of the filter panels for supporting the V-configurations. A frame couples with the top member and the bottom member and orients the V-bank filter element within the HVAC system such that the airstream is directed through the V-bank filter element. Openings are disposed in the frame for allowing the airstream to enter the V-bank filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Fiello, Jere James Wall
  • Patent number: 11459982
    Abstract: A combined mass airflow sensor and hydrocarbon trap is provided for absorbing evaporative hydrocarbon emissions from an air intake duct of an internal combustion engine. The combined mass airflow sensor and hydrocarbon trap comprises a duct that supports a hydrocarbon absorbing sheet in an unfolded configuration within a housing. The duct communicates an airstream from an air filter to the air intake duct during operation of the internal combustion engine. An opening in the housing receives a mass airflow sensor into the duct, such that the mass airflow sensor is disposed within the airstream. Guide vanes extending across the duct reduce air turbulence within the airstream passing by the mass airflow sensor. Ports disposed along the duct allow the evaporative hydrocarbon emissions to be drawn into the interior and arrested by the hydrocarbon absorbing sheet when the internal combustion engine is not operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin McClelland, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20220297047
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) home air filter to remove airborne molecular contaminants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air within residential spaces. The HVAC home air filter includes a supportive frame having a shape and size suitable to orient the HVAC home air filter within a residential HVAC system. A filter medium is retained within the supportive frame to remove the airborne molecular contaminants and VOCs from air flowing through the residential HVAC system. The filter medium includes a combination of media layers configured to exhibit a relatively high filtration efficiency and a low air pressure drop across the filter medium. The supportive frame includes a plurality of elongate sections and corner sections disposed along perimeter edges of the filter medium to support the filter medium within the residential HVAC system so as direct air through the filter medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Jere James Wall