Patents by Inventor James J. Faletti
James J. Faletti 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).
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Patent number: 7472696Abstract: A method for recirculating exhaust gas includes operating an intake valve to open an intake port of a combustion chamber, operating an exhaust valve to open an exhaust port of the combustion chamber, and directing exhaust gas from the exhaust port to an exhaust recirculation port of the combustion chamber. The method also includes operating an exhaust recirculation valve to open the exhaust recirculation port to allow the exhaust gas to enter the combustion chamber and determining at least one valve actuation condition for controlling actuation of each of the intake valve and the exhaust recirculation valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: William L. Easley, James J. Faletti, George E. Donaldson
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Patent number: 7100552Abstract: A method of controlling a variable valve actuation system is provided. A cam assembly is operated to move an intake valve between a first position where the intake valve blocks a flow of fluid and a second position where the intake valve allows a flow of fluid. At least one operating parameter of the engine is sensed. A valve actuation period is determined based on the at least one operating parameter. A valve actuator is engaged with the intake valve to prevent the intake valve from returning to the first position in response to operation of the cam assembly. The valve actuator is released to allow the intake valve to return to the first position at the end of the determined valve actuation period.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jason Kenneth Bloms, James J. Faletti, Scott Alan Leman, David Andrew Pierpont, James Richard Weber
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Patent number: 7063055Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. The system includes an engine valve moveable between a closed position and an open position. A spring is operatively connected to the engine valve to bias the engine valve towards the closed position. An actuator is operatively connected to the engine valve and is operable to selectively engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to allow the engine valve to return to the closed position. A sensor is configured to provide information related to the operation of the actuator. A controller is configured to transmit a signal to the actuator to engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to the allow the engine valve to return to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jason Kenneth Bloms, James J. Faletti, Richard Herman Holtman, Scott Alan Leman, David Andrew Pierpont
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Patent number: 6928969Abstract: A method of controlling an engine is provided. At least one operating parameter of the engine is sensed. The engine is operated in a first mode in response to the sensed operating parameter being at one of a predetermined first set of conditions. In the first mode, a cam assembly moves an intake valve from a first position when a piston starts an intake stroke and the cam assembly returns the intake valve to the first position when the piston completes the intake stroke. The engine is operated in a second mode in response to the sensed operating parameter being at one of a predetermined second set of conditions. In the second mode, the cam assembly moves the intake valve from the first position when the piston starts an intake stroke and an actuator prevents the intake valve from returning to the first position in response to the cam assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Jason Kenneth Bloms, James J. Faletti, Scott Alan Leman, David Andrew Pierpont, James Richard Weber
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Patent number: 6883314Abstract: Combustion air for use in an engine is normally compressed by a compressor which adds heat during the process of increasing the density of the combustion air. To decrease the heat content of the combustion air, an aftercooler is used. When compressing combustion air to a higher density, the combustion air is compressed by a first compressor section to a first preestablished pressure and temperature and by a second compressor section to a second preestablished pressure and temperature. To decrease the heat content of the highly compressed dense combustion air, a first aftercooler having an air to liquid configuration is used and a second aftercooler having an air to air configuration is used.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: James J. Callas, Gerald N. Coleman, James J. Faletti, David A. Pierpont, James R. Weber
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Patent number: 6807929Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. The system includes an engine valve moveable between a closed position and an open position. A spring is operatively connected to the engine valve to bias the engine valve towards the closed position. An actuator is operatively connected to the engine valve and is operable to selectively engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to allow the engine valve to return to the closed position. A sensor is configured to provide information related to the operation of the actuator. A controller is configured to transmit a signal to the actuator to engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to the allow the engine valve to return to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Jason Kenneth Bloms, James J. Faletti, Richard Herman Holtman, Scott Alan Leman, David Andrew Pierpont
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Patent number: 6769392Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of homogenous charge compression ignition engines, in which fuel is injected when the cylinder piston is relatively close to the bottom dead center position for its compression stroke. The fuel mixes with air in the cylinder during the compression stroke to create a relatively lean homogeneous mixture that preferably ignites when the piston is relatively close to the top dead center position. However, if the ignition event occurs either earlier or later than desired, lowered performance, engine misfire, or even engine damage, can result. The present invention utilizes internal exhaust gas recirculation and/or compression ratio control to control the timing of ignition events and combustion duration in homogeneous charge compression ignition engines. Thus, at least one electro-hydraulic assist actuator is provided that is capable of mechanically engaging at least one cam actuated intake and/or exhaust valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Keith E. Lawrence, James J. Faletti, Steven J. Funke, Ronald P. Maloney
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Patent number: 6708655Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for use in a work machine, is provided with a combustion cylinder, a cylinder head at an end of the combustion cylinder and a primary piston reciprocally disposed within the combustion cylinder. The cylinder head includes a secondary cylinder and a secondary piston reciprocally disposed within the secondary cylinder. An actuator is coupled with the secondary piston for controlling the position of the secondary piston dependent upon the position of the primary piston. A communication port establishes fluid flow communication between the combustion cylinder and the secondary cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Ronald P. Maloney, James J. Faletti
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Publication number: 20040020204Abstract: Combustion air for use in an engine is normally compressed by a compressor which adds heat during the process of increasing the density of the combustion air. To decrease the heat content of the combustion air, an aftercooler is used. When compressing combustion air to a higher density, the combustion air is compressed by a first compressor section to a first preestablished pressure and temperature and by a second compressor section to a second preestablished pressure and temperature. To decrease the heat content of the highly compressed dense combustion air, a first aftercooler having an air to liquid configuration is used and a second aftercooler having an air to air configuration is used.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2002Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: James J. Callas, Gerald N. Coleman, James J. Faletti, David A. Pierpont, James R. Weber
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Patent number: 6668788Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of homogeneous charge compression engines. In these engines, fuel is injected upstream or directly into the cylinder when the power piston is relatively close to its bottom dead center position. The fuel mixes with air in the cylinder as the power piston advances to create a relatively lean homogeneous mixture that preferably ignites when the power piston is relatively close to the top dead center position. However, if the ignition event occurs either earlier or later than desired, lowered performance, engine misfire, or even engine damage, can result. Thus, the present invention divides the homogeneous charge between a controlled volume higher compression space and a lower compression space to better control the start of ignition.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Jorge R. Agama, Scott B. Fiveland, Ronald P. Maloney, James J. Faletti, John M. Clarke
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Publication number: 20030213450Abstract: A method of controlling a variable valve actuation system is provided. A cam assembly is operated to move an intake valve between a first position where the intake valve blocks a flow of fluid and a second position where the intake valve allows a flow of fluid. At least one operating parameter of the engine is sensed. A valve actuation period is determined based on the at least one operating parameter. A valve actuator is engaged with the intake valve to prevent the intake valve from returning to the first position in response to operation of the cam assembly. The valve actuator is released to allow the intake valve to return to the first position at the end of the determined valve actuation period.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Jason Kenneth Bloms, James J. Faletti, Scott Alan Leman, David Andrew Pierpont, James Richard Weber
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Publication number: 20030213447Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. The system includes an engine valve moveable between a closed position and an open position. A spring is operatively connected to the engine valve to bias the engine valve towards the closed position. An actuator is operatively connected to the engine valve and is operable to selectively engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to allow the engine valve to return to the closed position. A sensor is configured to provide information related to the operation of the actuator. A controller is configured to transmit a signal to the actuator to engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to the allow the engine valve to return to the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Jason Kenneth Bloms, James J. Faletti, Richard Herman Holtman, Scott Alan Leman, David Andrew Pierpont
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Publication number: 20030213449Abstract: A method of controlling an engine is provided. At least one operating parameter of the engine is sensed. The engine is operated in a first mode in response to the sensed operating parameter being at one of a predetermined first set of conditions. In the first mode, a cam assembly moves an intake valve from a first position when a piston starts an intake stroke and the cam assembly returns the intake valve to the first position when the piston completes the intake stroke. The engine is operated in a second mode in response to the sensed operating parameter being at one of a predetermined second set of conditions. In the second mode, the cam assembly moves the intake valve from the first position when the piston starts an intake stroke and an actuator prevents the intake valve from returning to the first position in response to the cam assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Jason Kenneth Bloms, James J. Faletti, Scott Alan Leman, David Andrew Pierpont, James Richard Weber
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Publication number: 20030192490Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for use in a work machine, is provided with a combustion cylinder, a cylinder head at an end of the combustion cylinder and a primary piston reciprocally disposed within the combustion cylinder. The cylinder head includes a secondary cylinder and a secondary piston reciprocally disposed within the secondary cylinder. An actuator is coupled with the secondary piston for controlling the position of the secondary piston dependent upon the position of the primary piston. A communication port establishes fluid flow communication between the combustion cylinder and the secondary cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Ronald P. Maloney, James J. Faletti
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Publication number: 20030116120Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of homogeneous charge compression engines. In these engines, fuel is injected upstream or directly into the cylinder when the power piston is relatively close to its bottom dead center position. The fuel mixes with air in the cylinder as the power piston advances to create a relatively lean homogeneous mixture that preferably ignites when the power piston is relatively close to the top dead center position. However, if the ignition event occurs either earlier or later than desired, lowered performance, engine misfire, or even engine damage, can result. Thus, the present invention divides the homogeneous charge between a controlled volume higher compression space and a lower compression space to better control the start of ignition.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Applicant: Caterpillar, Inc.Inventors: Jorge R. Agama, Scott B. Fiveland, Ronald P. Maloney, James J. Faletti, John M. Clarke
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Publication number: 20030116124Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of homogenous charge compression ignition engines, in which fuel is injected when the cylinder piston is relatively close to the bottom dead center position for its compression stroke. The fuel mixes with air in the cylinder during the compression stroke to create a relatively lean homogeneous mixture that preferably ignites when the piston is relatively close to the top dead center position. However, if the ignition event occurs either earlier or later than desired, lowered performance, engine misfire, or even engine damage, can result. The present invention utilizes internal exhaust gas recirculation and/or compression ratio control to control the timing of ignition events and combustion duration in homogeneous charge compression ignition engines. Thus, at least one electro-hydraulic assist actuator is provided that is capable of mechanically engaging at least one cam actuated intake and/or exhaust valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Applicant: Caterpillar, Inc.Inventors: Keith E. Lawrence, James J. Faletti, Steven J. Funke, Ronald P. Maloney
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Patent number: 6484499Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for a vehicle, is provided with a plurality of combustion cylinders, at least a first exhaust manifold and a second exhaust manifold and at least one intake manifold. Each exhaust manifold is coupled with a plurality of the combustion cylinders. Each intake manifold is coupled with a plurality of the combustion cylinders. A first turbocharger includes a first turbine having at least one inlet and an outlet, and a first compressor having an inlet and an outlet. Then at least one first turbine inlet has a controllable, variable intake nozzle fluidly coupled with the first exhaust manifold. A second turbocharger includes a second turbine having an inlet and an outlet, and a second compressor having an inlet and an outlet. The second turbine inlet has a controllable, variable intake nozzle fluidly coupled with the second exhaust manifold. The first compressor outlet is fluidly coupled with the second compressor inlet.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Caterpillar, IncInventors: Gerald N. Coleman, James J. Faletti, Dennis D. Feucht, David A. Pierpont
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Patent number: 6484500Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a first exhaust manifold, a second exhaust manifold, a first turbocharger having a first turbine and a first compressor, and a second turbocharger having a second turbine and a second compressor. A second gas inlet port of the second turbine is connected in fluid communication with a second exhaust manifold to receive at least a portion of second combustion gases. A second gas outlet port of the second turbine and the first exhaust manifold are in fluid communication with a first gas inlet port of the first turbine. A valve is connected in fluid communication with the second exhaust manifold to receive a remainder of exhaust gases not included in the at least a portion of the second combustion gases supplied to the second turbine. The valve is connected in fluid communication with a mixer to deliver at least a portion of the remainder of exhaust gases to the mixer for mixing with compressed air in the mixer.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Caterpillar, IncInventors: Gerald N. Coleman, Dennis D. Feucht, James J. Faletti, David A. Pierpont
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Patent number: 6439210Abstract: Apparatus and method, particularly suited for a work machine, provides EGR to an internal combustion engine without the addition of special EGR hardware. The invention provides a controlling of a timing of the closing of a first exhaust valve during the exhaust stroke of a first cylinder to trap exhaust gas in the first cylinder for mixing with combustion air in the first cylinder during the intake stroke.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: James J. Faletti, Steven J. Funke
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Patent number: 6418721Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for a motor vehicle, is provided with a plurality of combustion cylinders, at least a first exhaust manifold and a second exhaust manifold and at least one intake manifold. Each exhaust manifold is coupled with a plurality of the combustion cylinders. Each intake manifold is coupled with a plurality of the combustion cylinders. A first turbocharger includes a first turbine having at least one inlet and an outlet, and a first compressor having an inlet and an outlet. The at least one first turbine inlet is fluidly coupled with the first exhaust manifold and includes a controllable, variable intake nozzle. A second turbocharger includes a second turbine having an inlet and an outlet, and a second compressor having an inlet and an outlet. The second turbine inlet is fluidly coupled with the second exhaust manifold. The first compressor outlet is fluidly coupled with the second compressor inlet.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2001Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Gerald N. Coleman, James J. Faletti, Dennis D. Feucht, David A. Pierpont