Patents by Inventor Robert J. McMullen

Robert J. McMullen 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: 8925515
    Abstract: A power system, comprising a turbocharger, an oil sump, a supply passage, a return passage, and a turbocharger bypass passage. The supply passage is positioned fluidly between the turbocharger and the oil sump and is configured to supply oil to the turbocharger. The return passage is positioned fluidly between the turbocharger and the oil sump and is configured to return oil from the turbocharger to the oil sump. The turbocharger bypass passage is positioned fluidly between the supply passage and the return passage. The turbocharger bypass passage comprises a valve that is configured to be in a closed positioned when the turbocharger is in a normal operating mode, and in an open position when the turbocharger is in a failure mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Robert J. McMullen
  • Publication number: 20140238336
    Abstract: A power system, comprising a turbocharger, an oil sump, a supply passage, a return passage, and a turbocharger bypass passage. The supply passage is positioned fluidly between the turbocharger and the oil sump and is configured to supply oil to the turbocharger. The return passage is positioned fluidly between the turbocharger and the oil sump and is configured to return oil from the turbocharger to the oil sump. The turbocharger bypass passage is positioned fluidly between the supply passage and the return passage. The turbocharger bypass passage comprises a valve that is configured to be in a closed positioned when the turbocharger is in a normal operating mode, and in an open position when the turbocharger is in a failure mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: ROBERT J. MCMULLEN
  • Patent number: 8161744
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a block defining a plurality of combustion cylinders, an intake manifold fluidly coupled with at least one combustion cylinder, and an exhaust manifold fluidly coupled with at least one combustion cylinder. An EGR valve may be fluidly coupled between the exhaust manifold and the intake manifold. A turbocharger includes a turbine fluidly coupled with the exhaust manifold, and a compressor fluidly coupled with the intake manifold. A microphone is positioned at the compressor inlet or the compressor outlet provides an output signal. An ECU is coupled with the microphone, and controls operation of an actuatable element of a VGT, an EGR valve, and/or an injected fuel quantity, to prevent surge of the compressor, dependent upon the output signal from the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Richard E. Winsor, Robert J. McMullen
  • Publication number: 20090223218
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a block defining a plurality of combustion cylinders, an intake manifold fluidly coupled with at least one combustion cylinder, and an exhaust manifold fluidly coupled with at least one combustion cylinder. An EGR valve may be fluidly coupled between the exhaust manifold and the intake manifold. A turbocharger includes a turbine fluidly coupled with the exhaust manifold, and a compressor fluidly coupled with the intake manifold. A microphone is positioned at the compressor inlet or the compressor outlet provides an output signal. An ECU is coupled with the microphone, and controls operation of an actuatable element of a VGT, an EGR valve, and/or an injected fuel quantity, to prevent surge of the compressor, dependent upon the output signal from the microphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Richard E. Winsor, Robert J. McMullen
  • Patent number: 6311804
    Abstract: A system for electrically detecting different positions of a movable piston within a piston housing of a hydraulic system is provided. The system includes at least two electrically conductive pads mounted on the piston housing at different locations along the path of movement of the piston, an electrically conductive segment mounted on the piston housing along the path of movement of the piston adjacent the conductive pads, and an electrical coupler, such as a spring-loaded conductor, attached for movement with the piston to provide an electrical connection between each conductive pad and the conductive segment as the piston moves along within the piston housing. The system also includes an electronic control unit, which may be a microprocessor, coupled to each conductive pad and the conductive segment to detect electrical connection between each conductive pad and the conductive segment. Each electrical connection corresponds to a specific position of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph G. Baalmann, Robert J. McMullen, Roger D. Hanaway
  • Patent number: 6250897
    Abstract: A combination bearing supporting a shaft interconnecting the turbine and compressor wheels of a turbocharger incorporates a rotating journal bearing, a squeeze film damper with a registration and retention flange, and a ball bearing assembly. The ball bearing assembly has an outer race providing a thrust shoulder and a registration receiver for the damper flange. Ball roller elements are retained by the outer race and engaged between the thrust shoulder on the outer race and an opposing thrust shoulder on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn F. Thompson, Robert J. McMullen
  • Patent number: 6220829
    Abstract: A combination bearing supporting a shaft interconnecting the turbine and compressor wheels of a turbocharger incorporates a dual film floating journal bearing, a squeeze film damper and ball bearing carrier, and a ball bearing assembly. An angular contact ball bearing with an outer race mounted in the carrier rolls on an inner race mounted against a should on the shaft. The squeeze film damper and ball bearing carrier is pinned to preclude axial or rotational movement. A thrust collar is sandwiched between the ball bearing inner race and the compressor wheel to carry thrust loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Glenn F. Thompson, Robert J. McMullen
  • Patent number: 5704273
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for accommodating fluid pressure variations is provided. The system includes a housing for an actuating piston with the housing having a first end with a hydraulic fluid port and a second end. The actuating piston includes a body portion, having a face, and a rod portion. A first resilient member is confined between the actuating piston and the second end of the housing. A second resilient member is confined between the body portion and the face of the actuating piston. The face of the actuating piston is preferably a pressure accommodating piston which moves relative to the body portion of the actuating piston. Preferably, the second resilient member has a tension force greater than the tension force of the first resilient member. As the actuating piston moves against the bias of the first resilient member toward the second end of the housing in response to hydraulic fluid entering the housing through the fluid port, the movement of the actuating piston is limited by a stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Midland Brake, Inc.
    Inventors: Scot C. Reeder, Robert J. McMullen, Roger D. Hanaway
  • Patent number: D424281
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventors: Michael E. Jebber, Robert J. McMullen