Patents by Inventor Matei ALEXANDRU
Matei ALEXANDRU 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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Publication number: 20240183291Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a cylinder deactivation controller operatively connected to and in fluid communication with intake and exhaust deactivators for at least one cylinder. The valve actuation system further comprises an engine braking controller operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the engine braking actuators for the at least one cylinder. A braking-dependent deactivator controller is disposed between and in fluid communication with the cylinder deactivation controller and the intake deactivators, and in fluid communication with the engine braking controller via a control input. The braking-dependent deactivator controller is configured, in a first state based on its control input, to permit hydraulic fluid flow in hydraulic fluid control passages for the intake deactivators when in a non-1.5-stroke engine braking mode and, in a second state, to vent the hydraulic fluid control passages for the intake deactivators when in a 1.5-stroke engine braking mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2023Publication date: June 6, 2024Inventors: G. Michael GRON, JR., Matei ALEXANDRU, John MANDELL, Paul M. BOVAT, Justin D. BALTRUCKI
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Publication number: 20240125253Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a first arm having a first arm contact surface and operatively connected to a valve actuation motion. A second arm having a second arm contact surface is operatively connected to the at least one engine valve. A discrete lost motion device is provided that is controllable between a first, motion conveying state and a second, motion absorbing state. The discrete lost motion devices comprises a plunger contact surface and a housing contact surface. The housing contact surface is configured to engage one of the first or second arm contact surfaces, and the plunger contact surface is configured to engage another of the first and the second arm contact surfaces. The first and second arm contact surfaces, the housing contact surface and the first plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first arm and the second arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Bruce A. SWANBON, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Robb JANAK, G. Michael GRON, JR., John MANDELL, Marc B. SILVA, Tyler HINES, Matei ALEXANDRU, Austen P. METSACK, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, P. Douglas AUBIN, Nathaniel P. HASSALL, John Jerl PURCELL, III, Adam C. CECIL, David M. BARNES
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Publication number: 20240125254Abstract: A discrete lost motion device for use in a valve train of an internal combustion engine comprises a housing having a housing bore extending longitudinally into the housing and a second end having a housing contact surface configured to engage a corresponding contact surface of a first valve train component. A plunger slidably is disposed in the housing bore is controllable between a first state in which the plunger rigidly extends out of the housing bore and a second state in which the plunger is permitted to reciprocate within the housing bore, the plunger further comprising an end having a plunger contact surface configured to engage a corresponding contact surface of a second valve train component. The housing contact surface and the plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first and second valve train components.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: G. Michael GRON, Jr., Bruce A. SWANBON, John MANDELL, Marc B. SILVA, Tyler HINES, Matei ALEXANDRU, Austen P. METSACK, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, P. Douglas AUBIN
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Patent number: 11542877Abstract: Systems and methods for managing excessive intake flow path pressure and counter flow are implemented to support enhanced engine braking applications, such as 2-stroke or 1.5-stroke engine braking implementations where the intake flow path may be exposed to excessive transient pressures in the combustion chamber during activation or deactivation of an engine brake. Intake throttle, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, intake manifold blow-off valve, compressor bypass valve, exhaust throttle, turbocharger geometry or turbocharger waste gate may be controlled to effectuate counter flow management separately or in combination. Excessive transient conditions may also be prevented or managed by sequential valve motion in which brake motion activation occurs first and then exhaust valve main event deactivation occurs second. Delay between brake activation and main event deactivation may be facilitated using mechanical and/or hydraulic implements as well as electronically.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2018Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Ryan Lilly, Matei Alexandru, Justin D. Baltrucki
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Patent number: 11486274Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises at least one main rocker arm operatively connected to a first engine valve, the at least one main rocker arm configured to receive at least main valve actuation motions. A second rocker arm is operatively connected to a second engine valve, the second rocker arm being configured to receive first auxiliary valve actuation motions. The second rocker arm further comprising a hydraulically-controlled first actuator that can selectively couple or decouple the second rocker arm and the second engine valve thereby permitting or preventing conveyance of the first auxiliary valve actuation motions from the second rocker arm to the second engine valve. A one-way coupling mechanism disposed between the at least one main rocker arm and the second rocker arm permits valve actuation motions to be transferred from the at least one main rocker arm to the second rocker arm, but not vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2019Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: John Mandell, Matei Alexandru
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Patent number: 11401838Abstract: A system for controlling actuation of an engine valve comprises a pivot and a torsion spring having first and second legs operatively connected to the pivot. A lever arm is adjustably affixed to and extending away from the pivot, and is further rotatable about a pivot axis of the pivot between a retracted position and an extended position and vice versa relative to a motion conveying component. Furthermore, a housing is provided having a pivot bore formed therein with the pivot rotatably disposed in the pivot bore. The housing further comprises a first and second openings intersecting with the pivot bore such that the first and second legs extend out of the first opening and the lever arm extends out of the second opening. When a first force is applied by the motion conveying component to the lever arm, such first force maintains the lever arm in the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2021Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: G. Michael Gron, Jr., Jacob Moore, Justin D. Baltrucki, Eric J. Hodgkinson, Timothy P. Neal, Bruce A. Swanbon, Robb Janak, Matei Alexandru
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Publication number: 20220178279Abstract: A system for controlling actuation of an engine valve comprises a pivot and a torsion spring having first and second legs operatively connected to the pivot. A lever arm is adjustably affixed to and extending away from the pivot, and is further rotatable about a pivot axis of the pivot between a retracted position and an extended position and vice versa relative to a motion conveying component. Furthermore, a housing is provided having a pivot bore formed therein with the pivot rotatably disposed in the pivot bore. The housing further comprises a first and second openings intersecting with the pivot bore such that the first and second legs extend out of the first opening and the lever arm extends out of the second opening. When a first force is applied by the motion conveying component to the lever arm, such first force maintains the lever arm in the extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2021Publication date: June 9, 2022Inventors: G. Michael GRON, JR., Jacob MOORE, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Eric J. HODGKINSON, Timothy P. NEAL, Bruce A. SWANBON, Robb JANAK, Matei ALEXANDRU
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Patent number: 11255226Abstract: Systems for valve actuation in internal combustion engines provide configurations for hydraulic lash adjusters and valve actuation valvetrain components that are particularly suitable for prevention of HLA jacking in dedicated cam environments including Type II valvetrain architectures. In one implementation, a lash adjuster loading component, which may comprise a stroke-limited spring biased piston associated with the main event valvetrain keeps the lash adjuster under a constant compressive force to prevent jacking.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Justin D. Baltrucki, Gabriel S. Roberts, Matei Alexandru, John Mandell
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Patent number: 11181012Abstract: A valve actuation system for actuating at least one engine valve comprises a first half-rocker arm configured to receive main valve actuation motions from a main valve actuation motion source and a second rocker arm configured to actuate the at least one engine valve. A collapsing mechanism is also provided and configured relative to the first half-rocker arm and the second rocker arm, in a first collapsing mechanism state, to convey the main valve actuation motions from the first half-rocker arm to the second rocker arm and, in a second collapsing mechanism state, to prevent conveyance of the main valve actuation motions from the first half-rocker arm to the second rocker arm. The collapsing mechanism may be disposed in the first half-rocker arm or the second rocker arm, where the rocker arm not including the collapsing mechanism is provided with a collapsing mechanism contact surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Matei Alexandru, Justin D. Baltrucki, Gabriel S. Roberts, John Mandell
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Patent number: 10753289Abstract: Systems and methods for managing excessive intake flow path pressure and counter flow are implemented to support enhanced engine braking applications, such as 2-stroke or 1.5-stroke engine braking implementations where the intake flow path may be exposed to excessive transient pressures in the combustion chamber during activation or deactivation of an engine brake. Intake throttle, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, intake manifold blow-off valve, compressor bypass valve, exhaust throttle, turbocharger geometry or turbocharger waste gate may be controlled to effectuate counter flow management separately or in combination. Excessive transient conditions may also be prevented or managed by sequential valve motion in which brake motion activation occurs first and then exhaust valve main event deactivation occurs second. Delay between brake activation and main event deactivation may be facilitated using mechanical and/or hydraulic implements as well as electronically.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Lilly, Matei Alexandru, Gabriel S. Roberts
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Publication number: 20200182097Abstract: A valve actuation system for actuating at least one engine valve comprises a first half-rocker arm configured to receive main valve actuation motions from a main valve actuation motion source and a second rocker arm configured to actuate the at least one engine valve. A collapsing mechanism is also provided and configured relative to the first half-rocker arm and the second rocker arm, in a first collapsing mechanism state, to convey the main valve actuation motions from the first half-rocker arm to the second rocker arm and, in a second collapsing mechanism state, to prevent conveyance of the main valve actuation motions from the first half-rocker arm to the second rocker arm. The collapsing mechanism may be disposed in the first half-rocker arm or the second rocker arm, where the rocker arm not including the collapsing mechanism is provided with a collapsing mechanism contact surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2019Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: Matei ALEXANDRU, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Gabriel S. ROBERTS
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Publication number: 20200182103Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises at least one main rocker arm operatively connected to a first engine valve, the at least one main rocker arm configured to receive at least main valve actuation motions. A second rocker arm is operatively connected to a second engine valve, the second rocker arm being configured to receive first auxiliary valve actuation motions. The second rocker arm further comprising a hydraulically-controlled first actuator that can selectively couple or decouple the second rocker arm and the second engine valve thereby permitting or preventing conveyance of the first auxiliary valve actuation motions from the second rocker arm to the second engine valve. A one-way coupling mechanism disposed between the at least one main rocker arm and the second rocker arm permits valve actuation motions to be transferred from the at least one main rocker arm to the second rocker arm, but not vice versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2019Publication date: June 11, 2020Inventors: John MANDELL, Matei ALEXANDRU
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Publication number: 20190264584Abstract: Systems for valve actuation in internal combustion engines provide configurations for hydraulic lash adjusters and valve actuation valvetrain components that are particularly suitable for prevention of HLA jacking in dedicated cam environments including Type II valvetrain architectures. In one implementation, a lash adjuster loading component, which may comprise a stroke-limited spring biased piston associated with the main event valvetrain keeps the lash adjuster under a constant compressive force to prevent jacking.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2019Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, Matei ALEXANDRU, John MANDELL
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Publication number: 20190040802Abstract: Systems and methods for managing excessive intake flow path pressure and counter flow are implemented to support enhanced engine braking applications, such as 2-stroke or 1.5-stroke engine braking implementations where the intake flow path may be exposed to excessive transient pressures in the combustion chamber during activation or deactivation of an engine brake. Intake throttle, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, intake manifold blow-off valve, compressor bypass valve, exhaust throttle, turbocharger geometry or turbocharger waste gate may be controlled to effectuate counter flow management separately or in combination. Excessive transient conditions may also be prevented or managed by sequential valve motion in which brake motion activation occurs first and then exhaust valve main event deactivation occurs second. Delay between brake activation and main event deactivation may be facilitated using mechanical and/or hydraulic implements as well as electronically.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: Ryan LILLY, Matei ALEXANDRU, Justin D. BALTRUCKI
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Publication number: 20190040772Abstract: Systems and methods for managing excessive intake flow path pressure and counter flow are implemented to support enhanced engine braking applications, such as 2-stroke or 1.5-stroke engine braking implementations where the intake flow path may be exposed to excessive transient pressures in the combustion chamber during activation or deactivation of an engine brake. Intake throttle, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, intake manifold blow-off valve, compressor bypass valve, exhaust throttle, turbocharger geometry or turbocharger waste gate may be controlled to effectuate counter flow management separately or in combination. Excessive transient conditions may also be prevented or managed by sequential valve motion in which brake motion activation occurs first and then exhaust valve main event deactivation occurs second. Delay between brake activation and main event deactivation may be facilitated using mechanical and/or hydraulic implements as well as electronically.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: Ryan LILLY, Matei ALEXANDRU, Gabriel S. ROBERTS
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Patent number: 10132247Abstract: A controller of an internal combustion engine receives a request for engine braking and, in response thereto, activates an exhaust braking subsystem. Additionally, after passage of a period of time, the controller further activates a compression release braking subsystem. The period of time is preferably selected to permit development of increased back pressure in an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine prior to activation of the compression release braking subsystem. Additionally, following activation of the exhaust braking subsystem, the controller may whether the exhaust braking subsystem has failed and, if so, cause the compression release braking subsystem to operate in a reduced braking power mode, for example at less than full braking power potentially down to and including no braking power.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Matei Alexandru, Ryan Lilly
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Publication number: 20170058787Abstract: A controller of an internal combustion engine receives a request for engine braking and, in response thereto, activates an exhaust braking subsystem. Additionally, after passage of a period of time, the controller further activates a compression release braking subsystem. The period of time is preferably selected to permit development of increased back pressure in an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine prior to activation of the compression release braking subsystem. Additionally, following activation of the exhaust braking subsystem, the controller may whether the exhaust braking subsystem has failed and, if so, cause the compression release braking subsystem to operate in a reduced braking power mode, for example at less than full braking power potentially down to and including no braking power.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2016Publication date: March 2, 2017Inventor: Matei ALEXANDRU