Patents by Inventor Eric John Forthofer

Eric John Forthofer 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).

  • Pre-heated crankcase ventilation system architecture
    Patent number: 11946397
    Abstract: An engine system optionally including: a crankcase of an engine having a blow-by gas passing therethrough; a liquid source containing a liquid; and an oil separating apparatus in fluid communication with the blow-by gas. The oil separating apparatus having a coalescing filter to separate oil from the blow-by gas. Separate from the blow-by gas and the coalescing filter, the oil separating apparatus is in fluid communication with the liquid source to receive the liquid. The liquid is passed through the oil separating apparatus in a heat exchange relationship with the blow-by gas to maintain a desired temperature range for the blow-by gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Allen Lawrence, Brandyn A. Stack, Joshua Amiel Lehe, Nicholas Edwin Wainscott, Eric John Forthofer