Patents by Inventor Steve Williams

Steve Williams 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: 11826687
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a cone air filter for a closed intake system of an internal combustion engine. The cone air filter is comprised of a cone-shaped filter medium, retained between a base and a cap, that is fabricated to remove contaminants and particulate matter from an intake airstream. The base is comprised of a flange that couples with an air intake duct of the internal combustion engine. A shell receiver is incorporated into the base and receives a rigid exterior shell, such that the exterior shell surrounds the cone air filter and directs the intake airstream therein. A cap is disposed on an apex portion of the cone air filter and is configured to direct the intake airstream around the apex portion and into the cone-shaped filter medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Jere James Wall
  • Publication number: 20230364543
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for an air filter precleaner for an open air filter box. The air filter precleaner includes a filter medium between a base and a grating that are fastened over an opening into an interior of the air filter box. The filter medium comprises a sheet of filter material having a shape and a size suitable for being supported between the base and the grating. The base is a rigid member that supports the filter medium in a sheet configuration, such that the airstream passes through the filter medium before entering the air filter box. The grating is a rigid member comprising a screen portion surrounded by a frame that is configured to be fastened onto the air filter box. The screen portion comprises a shaped lattice that allows the airstream to pass through the filter medium before entering the air filter box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20230366368
    Abstract: A filter oil composition and a method for removing airborne molecular contaminants from air are provided. The composition includes a first portion comprising paraffinic oil by volume of the composition, a second portion comprising polyalphaolefin by volume of the composition, and a third portion comprising red dye by volume of the composition. Applying the filter oil composition to a cotton air filter material causes tackiness throughout the air filter material, thereby enhancing filtration of air passing through the filter. The composition generally is substantially non-reactive, has excellent oxidation stability, possesses good thermal stability, and retains a suitable viscosity at a normal operating temperature of an automobile engine. In an embodiment, the composition comprises 96.74% paraffinic oil by volume, 3.20% polyalphaolefin by volume, and 0.06% red dye by volume. The viscosity of the composition at 100 degrees-C ranges between substantially 7.2 and 7.6 centistokes (cSTs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Jere James Wall, Rick Daniels
  • Publication number: 20230366367
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an aircharger air intake system for filtering and conducting an airstream to an air intake of an engine. The aircharger air intake system includes an air filter comprising a filter medium configured to entrap particulates flowing within the airstream. An air box comprising one or more sidewalls and a mount wall is configured to support the air filter within an engine bay. The air box is configured to be mounted, or fastened, onto the engine. An intake tube is coupled with the air filter and configured to conduct the airstream to the air intake of the engine. The intake tube is configured to be coupled with an air temperature sensor or a mass air sensor of the engine. An adapter is configured to couple the intake tube with the air intake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11808241
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for an aircharger air intake system for filtering and conducting an airstream to an air intake of an engine. The aircharger air intake system includes an air filter comprising a filter medium configured to entrap particulates flowing within the airstream. An air box comprising one or more sidewalls and a mount wall is configured to support the air filter within an engine bay. The air box is configured to be mounted, or fastened, onto the engine. An intake tube is coupled with the air filter and configured to conduct the airstream to the air intake of the engine. The intake tube is configured to be coupled with an air temperature sensor or a mass air sensor of the engine. An adapter is configured to couple the intake tube with the air intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11773794
    Abstract: A throttle-controlled intake system is disclosed that provides a driver of a vehicle with greater control over engine functions and vehicle performance. The throttle-controlled intake system includes a control module that is coupled with an aircharger air intake. The control module processes input signals from a throttle pedal of the vehicle and sends modified throttle position signals to a throttle body of the vehicle so as to increase throttle responsiveness of the vehicle. The throttle-controlled intake system further includes a wiring harness and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness electrically couples the control module with the throttle pedal and the throttle body. The control module sends signals directly to the throttle body of the engine, bypassing an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the throttle responsiveness of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Fiello, Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20230304425
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a drone elimination muffler to attenuate drone exhibited by engine exhaust systems. The drone elimination muffler comprises a hollow canister having a length and a diameter, and a tuned port comprising a first end connected to the canister and a second end connected to the exhaust system. The canister operates in concert with the tuned port as a dampener configured to substantially attenuate exhaust drone, or resonance, at one or more frequencies of engine operation. A valve is configured to switch the drone elimination muffler between a closed state in which the exhaust system operates without acoustic influence due to the drone elimination muffler, and an open state in which the drone elimination muffler directly influences the acoustic properties of the exhaust system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Kevin McCelland
  • Publication number: 20230279794
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a high capacity oil filter configured to remove contaminants from engine oil flowing within an internal combustion engine. The oil filter comprises a hollow canister having a length and a diameter suitable for housing a large filtration medium. A base gasket forms a fluid-tight seal between the oil filter and the engine. A base plate circulates oil from the engine through the oil filter. An anti-drainback valve prevents oil from draining out of the filter and passages within the engine when the engine is not operating. A key aspect of the present disclosure is that the relatively large dimensions and the configuration of the filtration media provide a large surface area for entrapping contaminants flowing with the engine oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Jonathan Richard Fiello, Gilbert Heck
  • Patent number: 11738297
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon absorbing air filter box is provided for absorbing evaporative hydrocarbon emissions from an air intake duct of an internal combustion engine. A combined mass airflow sensor and hydrocarbon trap comprising the hydrocarbon absorbing air filter box includes a duct supporting a hydrocarbon absorbing sheet within an interior of a housing. The duct communicates an airstream from an air filter to the air intake duct during operation of the internal combustion engine. An opening in the housing receives a mass airflow sensor into the duct, such that the mass airflow sensor is disposed within the airstream. Guide vanes extending across the duct reduce air turbulence within the airstream passing by the mass airflow sensor. Ports disposed along the duct allow the evaporative hydrocarbon emissions to be drawn into the interior and arrested by the hydrocarbon absorbing sheet when the internal combustion engine is not operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20230265804
    Abstract: A system and methods for a turbo-boost control system are disclosed for providing a driver of a vehicle with greater control over vehicle performance. The turbo-boost control system instructs an electronic control unit of the vehicle to increase the manifold pressure to a higher level before releasing the pressure through a waste gate so as to provide a greater power output of the engine. The turbo-boost control system includes a control module, a wiring harness, and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness couples the control module with a turbo inlet pressure sensor, a manifold absolute pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The control module sends signals to the electronic control unit based on input readings from the turbo inlet pressure sensor and the manifold absolute pressure sensor. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the power output of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11724226
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for an air filter precleaner for an open air filter box. The air filter precleaner includes a filter medium between a base and a grating that are fastened over an opening into an interior of the air filter box. The filter medium comprises a sheet of filter material having a shape and a size suitable for being supported between the base and the grating. The base is a rigid member that supports the filter medium in a sheet configuration, such that the airstream passes through the filter medium before entering the air filter box. The grating is a rigid member comprising a screen portion surrounded by a frame that is configured to be fastened onto the air filter box. The screen portion comprises a shaped lattice that allows the airstream to pass through the filter medium before entering the air filter box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20230213008
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a heat shield with an integrated air filter assembly is disclosed. Wherein the air filter assembly comprising a filter material circumferentially extending such that the filter material surrounds at least a portion of an interior cavity of the air filter, a distal end cap affixed to a distal end of the filter material, and a wire support extending along at least a portion of an exterior surface of the filter material; and wherein the heat shield is configured to direct cooler air into an air intake conduit extending from an intake portion of an automobile engine for combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Jonathan Richard Fiello
  • Publication number: 20230211729
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a sound effect generation system for broadcasting engine sounds outside a vehicle. The sound effect generation system enables a driver to select and manipulate the sounds emitted outside the vehicle. The sound effect generation system includes a wireless sound generator module for simulating engine sounds, a speaker for broadcasting the engine sounds outside the vehicle, and an external GPS antenna for measuring a speed of the vehicle. When the vehicle is turned on and remains stationary, the sound generator module simulates an idling internal combustion engine. When the speed of the vehicle increases, revving of the internal combustion engine and transmission shifting are simulated. When the speed of the vehicle decreases, a decelerating internal combustion engine is simulated. The sound effect generation system includes settings that may be accessed by a wireless mobile device whereby the driver can manipulate the engine sounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Wayne Jackson, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11685446
    Abstract: An electric vehicle frame strut tower to body structure interface bracket is disclosed. An example electric vehicle disclosed herein includes a frame, a battery pack supported by the frame, a body coupled to the frame, a strut tower coupled to the frame to support the body and absorb road surface impacts on the electric vehicle, and a strut tower interface bracket to couple the strut tower to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Gary E. Sheaffer, II, Steve William Gallagher, Joshua Jacob Clement
  • Patent number: 11668213
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a high capacity oil filter configured to remove contaminants from engine oil flowing within an internal combustion engine. The oil filter comprises a hollow canister having a length and a diameter suitable for housing a large filtration medium. A base gasket forms a fluid-tight seal between the oil filter and the engine. A base plate circulates oil from the engine through the oil filter. An anti-drainback valve prevents oil from draining out of the filter and passages within the engine when the engine is not operating. A key aspect of the present disclosure is that the relatively large dimensions and the configuration of the filtration media provide a large surface area for entrapping contaminants flowing with the engine oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Jonathan Richard Fiello, Gilbert Heck
  • Publication number: 20230167790
    Abstract: A turbo-boost controlled intake system is disclosed that provides a driver of a vehicle with greater control over vehicle performance. The turbo-boost controlled intake system includes a control module that is coupled with an aircharger air intake. The control module instructs an electronic control unit of the vehicle to increase manifold pressure to a higher level before releasing the pressure through a waste gate so as to provide a greater power output of the engine. The turbo-boost controlled intake system further includes a wiring harness and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness couples the control module with a turbo inlet pressure sensor, a manifold absolute pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the power output of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2022
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Fiello, Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20230166583
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for an aesthetic air filter to remove airborne particulate matter from an airstream. The aesthetic air filter comprises a supportive frame and a colored filter medium retained within the supportive frame. The supportive frame orients the aesthetic air filter within a ventilation system. The filter medium removes the particulate matter from air flowing through the ventilation system. The filter medium is treated with a suitable dye, or other substance, that gives the filter medium an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The filter medium may include a color that matches other nearby engine components, such as braided sheaths on hoses and wires, as well as decorative metallic couplings, and the like. The filter medium may be endowed with any of various desirable colors. The supportive frame may include a color that is coordinated with the color of the filter medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2023
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11655740
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a drone elimination muffler to attenuate drone exhibited by engine exhaust systems. The drone elimination muffler comprises a hollow canister having a length and a diameter, and a tuned port comprising a first end connected to the canister and a second end connected to the exhaust system. The canister operates in concert with the tuned port as a dampener configured to substantially attenuate exhaust drone, or resonance, at one or more frequencies of engine operation. A valve is configured to switch the drone elimination muffler between a closed state in which the exhaust system operates without acoustic influence due to the drone elimination muffler, and an open state in which the drone elimination muffler directly influences the acoustic properties of the exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Kevin McClelland
  • Patent number: 11649776
    Abstract: A system and methods for a turbo-boost control system are disclosed for providing a driver of a vehicle with greater control over vehicle performance. The turbo-boost control system instructs an electronic control unit of the vehicle to increase the manifold pressure to a higher level before releasing the pressure through a waste gate so as to provide a greater power output of the engine. The turbo-boost control system includes a control module, a wiring harness, and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness couples the control module with a turbo inlet pressure sensor, a manifold absolute pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The control module sends signals to the electronic control unit based on input readings from the turbo inlet pressure sensor and the manifold absolute pressure sensor. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the power output of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Williams
  • Patent number: D999170
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Fiello, Steve Williams