Patents by Inventor James R. Blass

James R. Blass 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: 6644277
    Abstract: A high pressure pump system (14) for use with a hydraulic engine system (10), such as a fuel injection system (10) or a compression release brake system, provides variable delivery of pressurized fluid using sleeve metering principles. The relative position of metering sleeves (56) with respect to pumping pistons (32) is controlled electro-hydraulically by a control circuit (60, 160). The control circuit (60, 160) receives pressurized fluid from the pump delivery gallery (50) or another high pressure area (50, 52) and, using a pressure reducer (64, 164), reduces the operating pressure within the control circuit (60, 160) to a substantially constant pressure lower than the pump output pressure. Lower operating pressure within the control circuit (60, 160) improves the manufacturability of the control circuit components and helps to achieve better control of the pump output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson, George M. Matta, Mark F. Sommars, Jerry A. Wear
  • Patent number: 6638025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved fluid actuated system, such as those used in hydraulically actuated fuel injectors of an internal combustion engine. A fluid pump supplies hydraulic fluid to a high pressure rail that in turn supplies the fuel injectors with high pressure fluid. Pump output control is provided by an actuator and an electronic control module. A position sensor provides data related to actuator position to the electronic control module. Pump control parameters are determined by the electronic control module, based on fluid pressure, engine operating conditions and actuator position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson, Ryan P. Michels
  • Publication number: 20030113210
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved fluid actuated system, such as those used in hydraulically actuated fuel injectors of an internal combustion engine. A fluid pump supplies hydraulic fluid to a high pressure rail that in turn supplies the fuel injectors with high pressure fluid. Pump output control is provided by an actuator and an electronic control module. A position sensor provides data related to actuator position to the electronic control module. Pump control parameters are determined by the electronic control module, based on fluid pressure, engine operating conditions and actuator position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson, Ryan P. Michels
  • Patent number: 6530363
    Abstract: Pressurized injector actuation fluid, such as oil or fuel, is supplied to high pressure common rail by a fixed displacement fluid pump. Variable delivery from the pump is achieved by selectively spilling pumped fluid through a digital-acting by-pass or spill valve. The by-pass valve is actuated by a momentary electrical signal, which causes internal fluid pressure in the valve to latch it in a closed condition. The digital-acting by-pass valve permits high precision variations in the pump delivery with rapid response times. Unit pump configurations, radial pump configurations, and axial pump configurations are disclosed for both fuel injection applications and non-fuel injection applications. A single pump with plural pistons can be used to power multiple independent hydraulic systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson, Mark F. Sommars
  • Publication number: 20020152991
    Abstract: A high pressure pump system (14) for use with a hydraulic engine system (10), such as a fuel injection system (10) or a compression release brake system, provides variable delivery of pressurized fluid using sleeve metering principles. The relative position of metering sleeves (56) with respect to pumping pistons (32) is controlled electro-hydraulically by a control circuit (60, 160). The control circuit (60, 160) receives pressurized fluid from the pump delivery gallery (50) or another high pressure area (50, 52) and, using a pressure reducer (64, 164), reduces the operating pressure within the control circuit (60, 160) to a substantially constant pressure lower than the pump output pressure. Lower operating pressure within the control circuit (60, 160) improves the manufacturability of the control circuit components and helps to achieve better control of the pump output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson, George M. Matta, Mark F. Sommars, Jerry A. Wear
  • Patent number: 6464473
    Abstract: A pumping system for supplying high pressure actuation fluid to individual fuel injectors of an engine equipped with a hydraulically-actuated fuel injection system wherein the three major elements of the system, namely, the pump, the rail pressure control valve and the bleed-off sump or reservoir are physically separated and spaced from one another. The pump is annular, having a central opening through which the engine crankshaft passes. The crankshaft and pump wobble plate are rotationally coupled by opposing flats on each. The pump, rail pressure control valve and reservoir are mounted directly to the engine, receiving and discharging fluid through internal engine passageways, thereby eliminating the usual tubing, and fittings. The pump itself is compact and relatively short in the axial direction, leaving space for mounting such things as a cylindrical housing having belt grooves in its outer surface and a viscous damper on the crankshaft between the pump and the terminal crankshaft end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson, Mark F. Sommars, Eric S. Keyster
  • Publication number: 20020102166
    Abstract: A pump end cap preferably includes a plastic molding that is shaped to include an external electrical socket and is internally shaped to include electric motor brush placement holders. Electric motor brushes are mounted on the holders. The electric motor portion of the electronic pump assembly is completed when the end cap is mated to an appropriate housing. By integrating a portion of the electric motor into the pump end cap, the need for wires extending from an electric motor terminal to the outside of the pump housing is eliminated. The present invention preferably finds application in fuel pump and filter assemblies used in conjunction with diesel type internal combustion engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Eric S. Keyster, James R. Blass, Terry L. Miller, Phil Hall, Paul Meyer
  • Patent number: 6364631
    Abstract: A pumping system for supplying high pressure actuation fluid to individual fuel injectors of an engine equipped with a hydraulically-actuated fuel injection system wherein the three major elements of the system, namely, the pump, the rail pressure control valve and the bleed-off sump or reservoir are physically separated and spaced from one another. The pump is annular, having a central opening through which the engine crankshaft passes. The crankshaft and pump wobble plate are rotationally coupled by opposing flats on each. The pump, rail pressure control valve and reservoir are mounted directly to the engine, receiving and discharging fluid through internal engine passageways, thereby eliminating the usual tubing, and fittings. The pump itself is compact and relatively short in the axial direction, leaving space for mounting such things as a cylindrical housing having belt grooves in its outer surface and a viscous damper on the crankshaft between the pump and the terminal crankshaft end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson, Mark F. Sommars, Eric S. Keyster
  • Patent number: 6330875
    Abstract: An engine system comprises a hydraulically actuated fuel injection system and an ABS circuit connected via a fluid flow passage that provides hydraulic fluid to both the fuel injection system and to the ABS circuit. The hydraulically actuated system includes a high pressure pump. The fluid control passage is in fluid communication with an outlet from the high pressure pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Bartley, James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson
  • Publication number: 20010045205
    Abstract: A pumping system for supplying high pressure actuation fluid to individual fuel injectors of an engine equipped with a hydraulically-actuated fuel injection system wherein the three major elements of the system, namely, the pump, the rail pressure control valve and the bleed-off sump or reservoir are physically separated and spaced from one another. The pump is annular, having a central opening through which the engine crankshaft passes. The crankshaft and pump wobble plate are rotationally coupled by opposing flats on each. The pump, rail pressure control valve and reservoir are mounted directly to the engine, receiving and discharging fluid through internal engine passageways, thereby eliminating the usual tubing, and fittings. The pump itself is compact and relatively short in the axial direction, leaving space for mounting such things as a cylindrical housing having belt grooves in its outer surface and a viscous damper on the crankshaft between the pump and the terminal crankshaft end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson, Mark F. Sommars
  • Patent number: 6289878
    Abstract: An engine comprises an engine housing. A first engine fluid sub-system that includes a first pump and the engine housing defining a first fluid passage is also included in the engine. The engine also includes at least one additional engine fluid sub-system that includes a second pump and the engine housing defining a second fluid passage. A rotating shaft is at least partially positioned in the engine housing, the first pump and the second pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Blass
  • Patent number: 6234270
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises a plurality of wheels attached to a vehicle housing. Also attached to the vehicle housing is a power steering system, including a fluid flow circuit, which is operably coupled to a number of the wheels. An internal combustion engine attached to the vehicle housing is connected to a hydraulically actuated system that includes a high pressure pump. An outlet of the high pressure pump is in fluid communication with the fluid flow circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Bartley, James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6220521
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle housing which defines a passenger compartment. Attached to the vehicle housing is a hydraulic system, that includes a hydraulic fluid which flows through at least one passageway within the hydraulic system. Also attached to the vehicle housing is a passenger compartment heating system. The passenger compartment heating system includes a heat exchanger, wherein a portion of the heat exchanger is a segment of the at least one passageway of the hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Bartley, James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6148805
    Abstract: An engine system comprises a hydraulically actuated fuel injection system and an EGR valve circuit connected via a fluid flow passage that provides hydraulic fluid to both the fuel injection system and to the EGR valve circuit. The hydraulically actuated system includes a high pressure pump. The fluid control passage is in fluid communication with an outlet from the high pressure pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Bartley, James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6142110
    Abstract: An engine comprises a hydraulic system attached to an engine housing that includes a high pressure pump and a hydraulic fluid flowing through at least one passageway. A fan drive system is also attached to the engine housing and includes a hydraulic motor and a fan which can move air over the engine. The hydraulic motor includes an inlet fluidly connected to the at least one passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Bartley, James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6067962
    Abstract: An engine includes a high pressure hydraulic system having a high pressure pump and at least one hydraulically-actuated device attached to an engine housing. A low pressure engine lubricating system is attached to the engine housing and includes a circulation conduit fluidly connected to an outlet from the high pressure pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Bartley, James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson
  • Patent number: 5894830
    Abstract: An engine includes an engine housing having an oil pan with an amount of oil therein. An oil lubricating system for the engine has a low pressure pump attached to the engine housing. A hydraulic system, which uses the same oil as the lubricating system, has a high pressure pump positioned in the oil pan, attached to the engine housing, and at least partially submerged in the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson, Dean D. Messinger, Alan R. Stockner
  • Patent number: 5800130
    Abstract: A displacement control valve includes a valve element having a first operative position communicating a displacement controller of a variable displacement hydraulic pump with a tank for increasing the pump displacement and a second operative position communicating a discharge passage of the pump with the control port for decreasing pump displacement. The discharge passage communicates with a first end of the valve element to generate a force biasing the valve element toward the second position. An opposing biasing force is exerted on the valve element in opposition to the pressure generated force acting on the first end of the valve element so that a predetermined pressure level is established in the discharge passage when the forces acting on the valve element are equalized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Blass, Gregory G. Hafner