Patents by Inventor Douglas G. Hunter

Douglas G. Hunter 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: 11635076
    Abstract: An arrangement of a variable capacity vane pump for an automobile is provided that includes a pump housing having an outlet and inlet. A pump control ring is provided having a cavity. The control ring is positioned within the housing to move about a pivot. A vane pump rotor is positioned within the cavity of the pump control ring. A position of the pump control ring determines an offset between a center of the pump control ring cavity and an axis of rotation of the vane pump rotor. Vanes are provided that are driven by the rotor and which engage an interior surface of the pump control ring. The vanes and the engaged surface defining working fluid chambers. A first control chamber is provided. The first control chamber is exposed to a first side of the pivot between the pump housing and the outer surface of the pump control ring. The first control chamber is operable to receive pressurized fluid to create a force to move the pump control ring to reduce a volumetric capacity of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: SLW Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis N. Koenig, Douglas G. Hunter, Fuzheng Hu, Matthew J. Jannausch
  • Publication number: 20220235764
    Abstract: An arrangement of a variable capacity vane pump for an automobile is provided that includes a pump housing having an outlet and inlet. A pump control ring is provided having a cavity. The control ring is positioned within the housing to move about a pivot. A vane pump rotor is positioned within the cavity of the pump control ring. A position of the pump control ring determines an offset between a center of the pump control ring cavity and an axis of rotation of the vane pump rotor. Vanes are provided that are driven by the rotor and which engage an interior surface of the pump control ring. The vanes and the engaged surface defining working fluid chambers. A first control chamber is provided. The first control chamber is exposed to a first side of the pivot between the pump housing and the outer surface of the pump control ring. The first control chamber is operable to receive pressurized fluid to create a force to move the pump control ring to reduce a volumetric capacity of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Dennis N. KOENIG, Douglas G. HUNTER, Fuzheng HU, Matthew J. JANNAUSCH
  • Patent number: 8961148
    Abstract: A unified variable displacement pump having a housing which includes a fluid pump and a vacuum pump. A portion of the housing is part of the fluid pump, and a portion of the housing is part of the vacuum pump. A shaft extends through the fluid pump and the vacuum pump. A vacuum pump rotor is formed as part of the shaft, and a vane pump rotor is mounted to the shaft such that when the shaft rotates, the vacuum pump rotor and the vane pump rotor rotate, causing the fluid pump to pump fluid and the vacuum pump to generate a vacuum. The vacuum pump and fluid pump are combined into a single component driven by a single shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventors: Douglas G. Hunter, Dennis N. Koenig
  • Patent number: 8672658
    Abstract: A fluid vane pump having a housing with a generally cylindrically walled control volume with an inlet and outlet. A rotor is provided having a rotatable axis within the cylindrical wall control volume. The rotor has a plurality of radially movable vanes operating with the cylindrical wall. A single vane ring is provided which operates with the rotor having an outer radial surface contacting the inner radial edges of the vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: SLW Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas G. Hunter
  • Patent number: 8512006
    Abstract: The present invention is a variable displacement pump system for delivering precisely controlled oil flow and pressure, including a variable displacement pump having an inlet passage, an outlet passage, a first chamber and a second chamber for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement pump. The present invention also includes a fluid control device for receiving fluid from the outlet passage, and selectively delivering fluid to the second chamber. Fluid is delivered from the inlet passage to the outlet passage from the variable displacement pump, and fluid is also delivered from the outlet passage to the first chamber and the fluid control device. When fluid pressure is greater in the first chamber relative to the second chamber, the displacement of the variable displacement pump will decrease, and when fluid pressure is greater in the second chamber relative to the first chamber, the displacement of the variable displacement pump will increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas G. Hunter
  • Patent number: 8430645
    Abstract: A pump having a housing with an actuator member positioned inside for controlling the flow generated by the pump. A first decrease port is connected to the housing and has a surface area in operable contact with the actuator member. A second decrease port is connected to the housing and has a surface area that is operable contact with the actuator member. A valve is connected to the second decrease port for controlling the flow of fluid to the second decrease port. A suction passage is connected to the housing and drawings fluid to the housing using the actuator member. A discharge passage is connected to the housing so that fluid providing an exit for fluid that has been pressurized by the actuator member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: SLW Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Jannausch, Douglas G. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20130022485
    Abstract: A unified variable displacement pump having a housing which includes a fluid pump and a vacuum pump. A portion of the housing is part of the fluid pump, and a portion of the housing is part of the vacuum pump. A shaft extends through the fluid pump and the vacuum pump. A vacuum pump rotor is formed as part of the shaft, and a vane pump rotor is mounted to the shaft such that when the shaft rotates, the vacuum pump rotor and the vane pump rotor rotate, causing the fluid pump to pump fluid and the vacuum pump to generate a vacuum. The vacuum pump and fluid pump are combined into a single component driven by a single shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: SLW Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Hunter, Dennis N. Koenig
  • Publication number: 20120034125
    Abstract: A fluid vane pump is provided which includes a housing providing a generally cylindrically walled control volume wherein the control volume has an inlet and outlet. A rotor is provided having a rotatable axis within a cylindrical wall control volume. The rotor has a plurality of radially movable vanes operatively associated with the cylindrical wall. A single vane ring is provided which is operatively associated with the rotor having an outer radial surface contacting the inner radial edges of the vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: SLW AUTOMOTIVE INC.
    Inventor: Douglas G. Hunter
  • Publication number: 20110039250
    Abstract: A module 7 for an internal combustion engine is provided. The module 7 includes a housing 10 for connection to an internal combustion engine 16, the housing 10 has a coolant inlet 40 and outlet 52 and a lubrication inlet 26 and outlet 38. The housing 10 has a lubricant heat exchanging chamber 36. A coolant pump 42 is mounted with the housing 10. A lubricant pump 30 is within the housing. A heat exchanging boundary 68 separates the lubricant heat exchanging chamber 36 into lubricant and coolant portions 64, 66.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: SLW Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Hunter, Dennis Koenig, Pei-lung Sun
  • Publication number: 20100139611
    Abstract: The present invention is a variable displacement pump system for delivering precisely controlled oil flow and pressure, including a variable displacement pump having an inlet passage, an outlet passage, a first chamber and a second chamber for controlling the displacement of the variable displacement pump. The present invention also includes a fluid control device for receiving fluid from the outlet passage, and selectively delivering fluid to the second chamber. Fluid is delivered from the inlet passage to the outlet passage from the variable displacement pump, and fluid is also delivered from the outlet passage to the first chamber and the fluid control device. When fluid pressure is greater in the first chamber relative to the second chamber, the displacement of the variable displacement pump will decrease, and when fluid pressure is greater in the second chamber relative to the first chamber, the displacement of the variable displacement pump will increase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas G. Hunter
  • Patent number: 7726948
    Abstract: A pump system including a control system for controlling a variable flow pump for controlling oil flow and oil pressure in a hydraulic circuit in an engine. The system includes a pump member, an actuating member capable of controlling the flow generated by the pump member, and a solenoid valve system including a solenoid valve portion and a pressure regulator valve portion. The solenoid valve system is operably associated with the pump and the pressure regulator valve portion is operably associated with the actuating member for selectively controlling the flow generated by the pump member. An electronic control unit is operably associated with the solenoid valve portion, wherein the electronic control unit is selectively operable to provide an input control signal to the solenoid valve portion for controlling oil flow and oil pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: SLW Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Hunter, Matthew J. Jannausch
  • Publication number: 20100080724
    Abstract: A pump having a housing with an actuator member positioned inside for controlling the flow generated by the pump. A first decrease port is connected to the housing and has a surface area in operable contact with the actuator member. A second decrease port is connected to the housing and has a surface area that is operable contact with the actuator member. A valve is connected to the second decrease port for controlling the flow of fluid to the second decrease port. A suction passage is connected to the housing and drawings fluid to the housing using the actuator member. A discharge passage is connected to the housing so that fluid providing an exit for fluid that has been pressurized by the actuator member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Jannausch, Douglas G. Hunter
  • Patent number: 7674095
    Abstract: A variable displacement vane-type fluid pump is provided which permits improved regulation of the pump discharge such that the pump can meet the various requirements of lubrication for internal combustion engines at all speeds with minimized use of power. Of course, the vane pump may also be utilized in a wide range of power transmission and other fluid distribution applications. The vane pump of the invention may also use both hydrostatic and mechanical actuators to control the position of its containment ring or eccentric ring and hence, regulate the output of the pump. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, to prevent inlet flow restriction or cavitation, a valve may be provided to permit some of the pump outlet or discharge flow to bleed into the pump inlet to provide needed velocity energy to the fluid flow into the pump inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Hunter, Thomas Haase
  • Patent number: 7396214
    Abstract: A control system for a variable displacement pump. The control system is operably associated with an engine control unit for passively or actively controlling the output of the pump in response to signals from the engine control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Hunter, Dennis Koenig
  • Patent number: 6896489
    Abstract: A variable displacement vane-type fluid pump is provided which permits improved regulation of the pump discharge such that the pump can meet the various requirements of lubrication for internal combustion engines at all speeds with minimized use of power. Of course, the vane pump may also be utilized in a wide range of power transmission and other fluid distribution applications. The variable displacement vane pump of the invention may utilize both hydrostatic and mechanical assistance in radially positioning its vanes to ensure efficient and quiet operation of the pump and to facilitate priming of the pump. The vane pump of the invention may also use both hydrostatic and mechanical actuators to control the position of its containment ring or eccentric ring and hence, regulate the output of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Hunter, Albin J. Niemiec
  • Patent number: 6790013
    Abstract: A variable displacement vane-type fluid pump is provided which permits improved regulation of the pump discharge such that the pump can meet the various requirements of lubrication for internal combustion engines at all speeds with minimized use of power. Of course, the vane pump may also be utilized in a wide range of power transmission and other fluid distribution applications. The vane pump of the invention may also use both hydrostatic and mechanical actuators to control the position of its containment ring or eccentric ring and hence, regulate the output of the pump. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, to prevent inlet flow restriction or cavitation, a valve may be provided to permit some of the pump outlet or discharge flow to bleed into the pump inlet to provide needed velocity energy to the fluid flow into the pump inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Hunter, Albin J. Niemiec
  • Publication number: 20030031567
    Abstract: A variable displacement vane-type fluid pump is provided which permits improved regulation of the pump discharge such that the pump can meet the various requirements of lubrication for internal combustion engines at all speeds with minimized use of power. Of course, the vane pump may also be utilized in a wide range of power transmission and other fluid distribution applications. The vane pump of the invention may also use both hydrostatic and mechanical actuators to control the position of its containment ring or eccentric ring and hence, regulate the output of the pump. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, to prevent inlet flow restriction or cavitation, a valve may be provided to permit some of the pump outlet or discharge flow to bleed into the pump inlet to provide needed velocity energy to the fluid flow into the pump inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Douglas G. Hunter, Albin J. Niemiec
  • Publication number: 20020114708
    Abstract: A variable displacement vane-type fluid pump is provided which permits improved regulation of the pump discharge such that the pump can meet the various requirements of lubrication for internal combustion engines at all speeds with minimized use of power. Of course, the vane pump may also be utilized in a wide range of power transmission and other fluid distribution applications. The variable displacement vane pump of the invention may utilize both hydrostatic and mechanical assistance in radially positioning its vanes to ensure efficient and quiet operation of the pump and to facilitate priming of the pump. The vane pump of the invention may also use both hydrostatic and mechanical actuators to control the position of its containment ring or eccentric ring and hence, regulate the output of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Douglas G. Hunter, Albin J. Niemiec
  • Patent number: 6186750
    Abstract: A valve spool (70) for an oil pump assembly (10) that includes a pilot pressure relief valve (80) to provide pilot pressure relief that increases the stability of the pump assembly (10) and eliminates the delay between the change in the discharge pressure and the associated response to the pilot pressure. The valve spool (70) operates in response to the pilot pressure to increase or decrease the pump discharge pressure during vehicle operation. A chamber (72) within the valve spool (70) is in fluid communication with the discharge flow and pressure at one end and the pilot pressure at the other end. When the pilot pressure exceeds the discharge pressure, the relief valve (80) opens, allowing the discharge pressure and the pilot pressure to equalize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas G. Hunter