Patents by Inventor Randal K. Albright

Randal K. Albright 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).

  • Publication number: 20110023844
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an engine exhaust valve timing and lift system for a uniflow two-stroke locomotive diesel engine having an EGR system. This system and method reduces NOx emissions while attaining desired levels of cylinder scavenging and mixing. Specifically, the present invention engine exhaust valve system controls the timing, lift and velocity of exhaust valve opening and closing in order to attain the desired NOx emission levels and the desired levels of cylinder scavenging and mixing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: James W. Heilenbach, Raji Rexavier, Keith E. Moravec, Randal K. Albright
  • Patent number: 7370627
    Abstract: An optimized two-stroke internal combustion diesel engine, suitable for locomotive applications, has been developed to meet the EPA locomotive Tier 2 emission standards. To achieve a low emission target below the EPA Tier 2 standards for NOx (5.5 g/bhp-hr) and particulates (0.2 g/bhp-hr), several innovative changes have been made to the engine. These changes include: a new piston bowl geometry; low oil consumption piston rings; optimized surface finish cylinder liner; optimized fuel injection camlobe; modified fuel injector nozzle; new efficient aftercooler; optimized oil separator; and optimized turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Budhadeb Mahakul, Kenneth M. Sinko, Rafiqul Islam, Chih L. Liu, Frank M. Graczyk, Brent J. Valesano, Randal K. Albright
  • Patent number: 7311086
    Abstract: A diesel locomotive engine having a piston with a unique bowl geometry. The bowl is defined in part by a center portion having a partial spherical shape. A cone portion (22) is located adjacent the central portion. An annular toroidal surface (24) is connected to the cone portion (22) and is defined by a toroidal major diameter (Dtm) and a toroidal minor radius (Rtm). A crown rim (26) is connected to the annular toroidal surface (24) and to an upper flat rim face of a sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Budhadeb Mahakul, Kenneth M. Sinko, Randal K. Albright, Frank M. Graczyk
  • Patent number: 7025031
    Abstract: A diesel locomotive engine having a piston with a unique bowl geometry. The bowl is defined in part by a center portion having a partial spherical shape. A cone portion (22) is located adjacent the central portion. An annular toroidal surface (24) is connected to the cone portion (22) and is defined by a toroidal major diameter (Dtm) and a toroidal minor radius (Rtm). A crown rim (26) is connected to the annular toroidal surface (24) and to an upper flat rim face of a sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Budhadeb Mahakul, Kenneth M. Sinko, Randal K. Albright, Frank M. Graczyk
  • Patent number: 6929449
    Abstract: An improved diesel engine water pump includes three main features that aid in extending the maintenance-free life of the pump. The impeller shaft is carried by tapered roller shaft support bearings of which the impeller bearing has a floating outer race that is urged axially by a preload spring to provide a prescribed axial preload that maintains concentricity of the shaft with the axis and prolongs bearing life. An improved oil seal combines an oil slinger, a stationary deflector and a lip oil seal with a return passage to the engine to more effectively limit oil leakage from the pump. An improved water seal includes pressurized water jets fed from the pump volute that flush wear particles from the water seal surface and increase water seal life. Further details of these features are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Zagone, Werner C. Duerr, Thomas J. Kane, Randal K. Albright
  • Patent number: 6918746
    Abstract: An improved diesel engine water pump includes three main features that aid in extending the maintenance free life of the pump. The impeller shaft is carried by tapered roller shaft support bearings of which the impeller bearing has a floating outer race that is urged axially by a preload spring to provide a prescribed axial preload that maintains concentricity of the shaft with the axis and prolongs bearing life. An improved oil seal combines an oil slinger, a stationary deflector and a lip oil seal with a return passage to the engine to more effectively limit oil leakage from the pump. An improved water seal includes pressurized water jets fed from the pump volute that flush wear particles from the water seal surface and increase water seal life. Further details of these features are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Werner C. Duerr, John R. Zagone, Thomas J. Kane, Randal K. Albright
  • Patent number: 6884022
    Abstract: An improved diesel engine water pump includes three main features that aid in extending the maintenance-free life of the pump. The impeller shaft is carried by tapered roller shaft support bearings of which the impeller bearing has a floating outer race that is urged axially by a preload spring to provide a prescribed axial preload that maintains concentricity of the shaft with the axis and prolongs bearing life. An improved oil seal combines an oil slinger, a stationary deflector and a lip oil seal with a return passage to the engine to more effectively limit oil leakage from the pump. An improved water seal includes pressurized water jets fed from the pump volute that flush wear particles from the water seal surface and increase water seal life. Further details of these features are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Randal K. Albright, Thomas J. Kane, John R. Zagone, Werner C. Duerr
  • Publication number: 20040213667
    Abstract: An improved diesel engine water pump includes three main features that aid in extending the maintenance-free life of the pump. The impeller shaft is carried by tapered roller shaft support bearings of which the impeller bearing has a floating outer race that is urged axially by a preload spring to provide a prescribed axial preload that maintains concentricity of the shaft with the axis and prolongs bearing life. An improved oil seal combines an oil slinger, a stationary deflector and a lip oil seal with a return passage to the engine to more effectively limit oil leakage from the pump. An improved water seal includes pressurized water jets fed from the pump volute that flush wear particles from the water seal surface and increase water seal life. Further details of these features are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: John R. Zagone, Werner C. Duerr, Thomas J. Kane, Randal K. Albright
  • Publication number: 20040213663
    Abstract: An improved diesel engine water pump includes three main features that aid in extending the maintenance free life of the pump. The impeller shaft is carried by tapered roller shaft support bearings of which the impeller bearing has a floating outer race that is urged axially by a preload spring to provide a prescribed axial preload that maintains concentricity of the shaft with the axis and prolongs bearing life. An improved oil seal combines an oil slinger, a stationary deflector and a lip oil seal with a return passage to the engine to more effectively limit oil leakage from the pump. An improved water seal includes pressurized water jets fed from the pump volute that flush wear particles from the water seal surface and increase water seal life. Further details of these features are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Werner C. Duerr, John R. Zagone, Thomas J. Kane, Randal K. Albright
  • Publication number: 20040213662
    Abstract: An improved diesel engine water pump includes three main features that aid in extending the maintenance-free life of the pump. The impeller shaft is carried by tapered roller shaft support bearings of which the impeller bearing has a floating outer race that is urged axially by a preload spring to provide a prescribed axial preload that maintains concentricity of the shaft with the axis and prolongs bearing life. An improved oil seal combines an oil slinger, a stationary deflector and a lip oil seal with a return passage to the engine to more effectively limit oil leakage from the pump. An improved water seal includes pressurized water jets fed from the pump volute that flush wear particles from the water seal surface and increase water seal life. Further details of these features are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Randal K. Albright, Thomas J. Kane, John R. Zagone, Werner C. Duerr
  • Publication number: 20040129242
    Abstract: A diesel locomotive engine having a piston with a unique bowl geometry. The bowl is defined in part by a center portion having a partial spherical shape. A cone portion (22) is located adjacent the central portion. An annular toroidal surface (24) is connected to the cone portion (22) and is defined by a toroidal major diameter (Dtm) and a toroidal minor radius (Rtm). A rim (26) is connected to the annular toroidal surface (24) and to an upper flat rim face of a sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Budhadeb Mahakul, Kenneth M Sinko, Randal K Albright, Frank M Graczyk