Patents by Inventor K. Bruce Hodgins

K. Bruce Hodgins 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).

  • Hydraulically actuated gaseous or dual fuel injector
    Patent number: 5996558
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel hydraulically actuated fuel injector for an internal combustion engine. More particularly, the application pertains to a hydraulically actuated gaseous injector for injecting main fuel and optional pilot fuel into an internal combustion engine at different times at controlled pressure. A hydraulically actuated fuel injector for a piston displacement engine comprising: (a) an injector which is actuated by an actuator means and injects fuel into the engine at predetermined times; (b) a means for introducing hydraulic oil into said injector; (c) means for pressurizing said hydraulic oil; (d) means for opening a fuel inlet means and injecting the fuel into the engine upon the pressure of the hydraulic oil reaching a predetermined level; and (e) a means for preventing the pressure of the hydraulic oil from rising above the predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Westport Research Inc.
    Inventors: Patric Ouellette, Brad Douville, Alain Touchette, Philip G. Hill, K. Bruce Hodgins
  • Intensifier-injector for gaseous fuel for positive displacement engines
    Patent number: 5315973
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel device for compressing and injecting gaseous fuel from a variable pressure gaseous fuel supply into a fuel receiving apparatus. More particularly, this invention relates to an intensifier-injector which compresses and injects gaseous fuel from a variable pressure source into the cylinder of a positive displacement engine. An intensifier-injector for gaseous fuels in internal combustion engines comprising means which utilizes the compressed gas from the chamber of the internal combustion engine or compressed fluid or gas from an external compressor to drive an intensifier means which raises the pressure of fuel gas supplied to the internal combustion engine for rapid late-cycle injection into the cylinder of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Philip G. Hill, K. Bruce Hodgins
  • Intensifier-injector for gaseous fuel for positive displacement engines
    Patent number: 5067467
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel device for compressing and injecting gaseous fuel from a variable pressure gaseous fuel supply into a fuel receiving apparatus. More particularly, this invention relates to an intensifier-injector which compresses and injects gaseous fuel from a variable pressure source into the cylinder of a positive displacement engine. An intensifier-injector for gaseous fuels in internal combustion engines comprising means which utilizes the compressed gas from the chamber of the internal combustion engine or compressed fluid or gas from an external compressor to drive an intensifier means which raises the pressure of fuel gas supplied to the internal combustion engine for rapid late-cycle injection into the cylinder of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Philip G. Hill, Ronald J. Pierik, K. Bruce Hodgins