Internal-combustion Engine Patents (Class 417/364)
  • Publication number: 20080283010
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the phase position of a cam shaft of an internal combustion engine and for supplying an assembly with a partial vacuum, said device comprising: a phase setter for adjusting the phase position of the cam shaft relative to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine; a vacuum pump for the assembly; and an attachment housing for the vacuum pump, wherein the attachment housing is mounted on the internal combustion engine and forms a housing or at least a housing cover for the phase setter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: SCHWABISCHE HUTTENWERKE AUTOMOTIVE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Jurgen Bohner, Claus Welte, Franz Maucher
  • Publication number: 20080245323
    Abstract: A pump system for supplying pressurized hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic valve actuation system for operating engine valves of an internal combustion engine comprises a conventional pump, driven by the engine, which supplies the necessary volume of pressurized hydraulic fluid when the engine is running. The system further comprises a booster pump which is driven by the starter motor of the engine and which supplies the necessary volume of hydraulic fluid during starting/cranking of the engine. The conventional pump is preferably designed and constructed for operating efficiency during engine operating conditions while the booster pump is preferably designed and constructed for operating efficiency during cranking/starting of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Williamson, Adrian C. Cioc
  • Publication number: 20080245899
    Abstract: A pressure washer is provided. The pressure washer can include a frame and a power source coupled to the frame. The power source can include an output shaft. The pressure washer can include a centrifugal clutch. The centrifugal clutch can include an input portion operably coupled to the output shaft and an output portion. The input portion of the centrifugal clutch can be operable to be selectively coupled to the output portion. The pressure washer can include a pump assembly, which can include a pump mechanism operably coupled with the output portion of the centrifugal clutch to pressurize a fluid when the input portion of the centrifugal clutch is coupled to the output portion. The pressure washer can also include an actuator in communication with at least the power source to actuate the power source to drive the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: BLACK & DECKER INC.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Parris, Daniel W. Rice, Joseph L. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7413417
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle drive arrangement oil is supplied to a drive gear mechanism and other drive elements by an oil pump which is driven only by an electric motor and is arranged in a space in which one or more torque transmission devices such as a hydrodynamic torque converter, an operable drive clutch and at least one electric motor for forming a hybrid drive are disposed and which is formed between the oil pump and electric motor, on the one hand, and the vehicle travel drive motor on the other, the oil pump is disposed around a shaft transmitting the drive torque to the transmission and is surrounded by the electric motor driving the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Andreas Klaus, Tobias Ostertag
  • Publication number: 20080161974
    Abstract: A self-contained environmental control and power system (ECAPS) unit including an HVAC system with at least one variable-speed compressor driven by a DC motor, wherein the HVAC system is adapted to condition air and output the conditioned air and a variable-speed diesel engine connected to a generator. The generator is configured to vary in speed so as to output AC power at a variable frequency. The unit includes a rectification assembly which transforms the AC power from the generator and/or external AC power to DC power, and an inverter assembly which transforms the DC power to an export AC power. The ECAPS unit directs the DC power to the DC motor to drive the variable speed compressor and varies, in a controlled manner, at least one parameter of the outputted conditioned air from the HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Gerald Allen Alston
  • Patent number: 7383796
    Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide an opposed piston, opposed cylinder (OPOC) internal combustion engine. The OPOC engine comprises two cylinders opposed at 180 degrees. A linking element connects two outer pistons so that they move in tandem. A central piston is disposed between and moves in opposition to the outer pistons. The linking element is adapted to drive secondary mechanisms in accordance with embodiments of a drive shaft, electric generator, hydraulic pump, pneumatic pump, and gear-driven mechanisms, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Propulsion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Hofbauer
  • Publication number: 20080122195
    Abstract: A service pack for a work vehicle provides service systems, which may include an electrical generator, a hydraulic pump and an air compressor. The service pack is driven by an engine separate from that of the vehicle. Integration of the support systems for the vehicle engine and service engine may be provided. The service pack allows the vehicle engine to be shut down when at a service location, with the service pack engine alone providing the necessary electrical, hydraulic and compressed air services for maintenance and other service work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Beeson, John C. Leisner, Benjamin G. Peotter
  • Publication number: 20080115770
    Abstract: A high pressure pump for a common rail fuel system avoids torque reversals in its cam shaft by applying a cyclic parasitic load. As the high pressure pump pistons transition from a pumping stroke to a retraction stroke, the cyclic parasitic loading device is loaded to avoid torque reversals in the cam shaft. The cyclic parasitic load device may include a medium pressure pump, such as for supplying medium pressure fuel to a particle trap regeneration device associated with the exhaust after treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Jack A. Merchant
  • Patent number: 7357105
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve driving device includes a valve actuator operable to drive an engine valve, a hydraulic pump that generates the oil pressure for the valve actuator, a hydraulic pump driving motor that drives the hydraulic pump, and a starter motor. At the time of engine starting, after the hydraulic pump is driven by the hydraulic pump driving motor while the crank is stopped in the first engine-starting mode, and then the crank and the hydraulic pump are driven by the starter motor in the second engine-starting mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Moriwaki, Naoki Tsuchida
  • Publication number: 20080085198
    Abstract: A fluid pump for moving a fluid from a first fluid source of the fluid in a low pressure state to a second fluid source of the fluid in a high pressure state, includes a chamber; a partitioning member displaceable in the chamber and dividing the chamber into first and second sub-chambers of varying volumes; the first sub-chamber having an opening controllably communicable with either the second fluid source or a third fluid source; the second sub-chamber having inlet and outlet openings controllably communicable with the first and second fluid sources, respectively; and a cooling element for cooling a fluid in the first sub-chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Barry Woods Johnston
  • Publication number: 20080044299
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tanker. The apparatus to load and offload a bulk fluid tanker includes a housing configured to attach to at least one of a bulk fluid tanker tractor and a bulk fluid tanker trailer. Additionally, the apparatus may include a compressor configured to supply pressurized air for loading and offloading a bulk fluid tank. The compressor may be powered by an auxiliary power generator coupled to the compressor, wherein the auxiliary power generator is independent of a primary tractor engine. The apparatus also include a control module configured to provide control of the auxiliary power generator and the compressor. In a further embodiment, compressor may also include an air reservoir tank configured to hold a predetermined volume of compressed air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: Liquid Load Logistics, LLC
    Inventor: Kent V. Cobb
  • Patent number: 7322800
    Abstract: The method provides hydraulic pressure for mechanical work from an engine lubricating system in an internal combustion engine by supplying oil to an engine lubrication gallery for lubricating the engine and to at least one variable oil demand accessory. Each of the variable oil demand accessories has an individual pressure regulator. The output of the variable displacement pump is regulated based on the sum of fluid flow required by the engine lubricating system and the engine accessories, regardless of the engine output. The demand for fluid is determined by the individual pressure regulators on each of the engine accessories. In a preferred embodiment, an accumulator stores high-pressure fluid to be used to power the hydraulic accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: David B Roth
  • Publication number: 20080008604
    Abstract: A system for transmitting control signals to internal devices of a compressor is provided. The compressor includes a housing, a hermetic power terminal and a motor for powering the compressor. The system includes a frequency converter that is disposed externally of the compressor housing. The frequency converter converts a control signal to a high-frequency signal. A frequency decoder is disposed inside the compressor housing. The frequency decoder decodes and converts the high-frequency signal to a driver signal. An AC input power source provides electrical power to the motor, and power transmission lines connect the AC input power source to the hermetic power terminal. The frequency converter is electrically coupled to the frequency decoder by two power transmission lines. The frequency decoder generates a driver signal in response to the high frequency signal for operating at least one of the internal devices of the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: BRISTOL COMPRESSORS, INC.
    Inventor: John W. Tolbert
  • Publication number: 20070258834
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for managing compressed gas as an energy storage medium for providing power to vehicle uses. Compressed air has many pneumatic uses both inside and outside of vehicles and an Air Hybrid engine a source of compressed air energy for storage. This source of compressed air energy is stored, managed, and used in many methods and devices. The gas storage system presented is distributed over multiple storage units coupled to a gas flow network for control storage and use of the compressed gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventors: Walt Froloff, Kenneth C. Miller
  • Patent number: 7281910
    Abstract: A motor driven compressor having a motor for driving a compression mechanism includes a connecting portion for connecting between an external terminal for supplying electricity to the motor and a wire end portion of a stator of the motor. The connecting portion is located above the motor and the compression mechanism. Further, the connecting portion is formed on the stator housing which accommodates the motor and the stator. The connecting portion is disposed in a hollow projection portion, which extends upward from the housing. Accordingly, the motor driven compressor which is readily manufactured, may avoid a leakage current by insulating a terminal portion of the motor from the housing of compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Sanden Corporation
    Inventor: Takehiro Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20070237651
    Abstract: An objective is to provide a reciprocating pump apparatus which can change a position where an adaptor to be fixed to a support is attached, while having a simple form. In a reciprocating pump apparatus 10 having a crankshaft 14 directly connected to an output shaft of a driving source, positions of bolts 22a to 22d for fixing a bearing case 20 for closing an open end part of a crankcase 16 to the crankcase are determined such that an adaptor 40 for fixing the reciprocating pump apparatus to a support 58 is fastened to the crankcase together with the bearing case in a positionally changeable fashion. Since the position of the adaptor is changeable, the degree of freedom in the layout of apparatus improves in this structure. Also, since bolts for fixing a manifold to the crankcase are utilized for attaching the adaptor, a simple form is attained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Applicant: Maruyama Mfg. Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Nobuo Tojo
  • Patent number: 7275917
    Abstract: A safety device (12) is disclosed for use in a hydraulic pump system (10). The device includes a generator (20) mounted between the power take off (14) and the hydraulic pump (24). Any time the hydraulic pump (24) is operated by the pto shaft (18) of the power take off (14), the generator is also powered to generate power to operate an audible alarm (28) such as a horn, siren or bell to warn the operator of pump operation. In a second embodiment, hydraulic pump system (100) uses a standard, readily available alternator (102) to generate power to operate the audible alarm (28). A selector valve (202) can be positioned between the pump (24) and lift cylinder to divert hydraulic fluid to a reservoir if the pump is inadvertently activated. The selector valve (202) can be operated manually by the driver when the vehicle is about to be put in motion by operating a control valve (212) or automatically by sensing vehicle motion, such as done by sensors in an ABS brake control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Clement Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: W. Glen Hicks
  • Patent number: 7255070
    Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide an opposed piston, opposed cylinder (OPOC) internal combustion engine. The OPOC engine comprises two cylinders opposed at 180 degrees. A linking element connects two outer pistons so that they move in tandem. A central piston is disposed between and moves in opposition to the outer pistons. The linking element is adapted to drive secondary mechanisms in accordance with embodiments of a drive shaft, electric generator, hydraulic pump, pneumatic pump, and gear-driven mechanisms, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Propulsion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Hofbauer
  • Patent number: 7226273
    Abstract: Method and compressor arrangement for generating compressed air, particularly for commercial vehicles, which is generated by way of a compressor unit (3) driven by an internal-combustion engine (1) from the ambient air according to a control unit (14), in which cases, by means of the compressor unit (3) operated by the internal-combustion engine, compressed of only a low pressure level is generated for assigned low-pressure consuming devices (7a, 7b), and in that, starting from the compressed air of the low pressure level, by means of a separate auxiliary compressor unit (8), compressed air of a high pressure level is generated for assigned high-pressure consuming devices (11a, 11b), the coordinated triggering of the two compressor units (3,8) being carried out, in a pressure-demand-controlled manner, centrally by means of the control unit (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Knorr-Brense Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Doerr, Eduard Gerum
  • Patent number: 7131824
    Abstract: A portable air compressor (10) includes a motor (24) having an output shaft (76) and a compressor (18) having an input shaft (66). The compressor (18) further includes a lower mounting surface (64) and an upper cooling surface (60). The upper cooling surface (60) lies in a common plane with the output shaft (76) of the motor (24). A drive linkage (26) operably couples the output shaft (76) of the motor (24) for concurrent rotation with the input shaft (66) of the compressor (18). A fan (80) is coupled for rotation with the output shaft (76) of the motor (24) and directs air across the upper cooling surface (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P Baron
  • Patent number: 7101156
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing the pumping duty cycle of a pump assembly associated with an oil, natural gas, or water well with a concomitant reduction in the wear associated with the pump down hole components. An engine is connected with a pump assembly through a pneumatically actuated clutch and a selected event is determined to actuate the clutch to connect the engine with the pump assembly. The selected events may be a timed cycle determined from observations or a direct determination of liquid level in the well bore so that hydrocarbon production is maintained from the well bore. A pressurized gas is supplied on the occurrence of the selected event to actuate the clutch to connect the pump assembly with the engine to remove liquid from the gas well to maintain hydrocarbon production from the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey Davis
  • Patent number: 7082751
    Abstract: A pollution control system and method for a compressor for compressing gas, according to which a combustion engine is connected to the compressor for driving the compressor, and the products of combustion from the engine are passed into the flow line connecting the source of the gas to the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Allen W. McCulloch
  • Patent number: 7077632
    Abstract: A blower (1) has a housing (10) to which a blower pipe (2) may be removably connected. An internal combustion engine located within the housing (10) drives a blower wheel. The blower wheel, in turn, generates an air flow (11) within the blower pipe. To reduce the exhaust gases and the fuel consumption during idle operation of the combustion engine, a reduction device (12, 22), located in the blower pipe downstream of the blower wheel reduces the clear cross section of flow during idle operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Osburg, Wolfgang Luithardt, Peter Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7047867
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the displacement of a fluid pump includes a swashplate supported for pivotal movement about a first axis, and an engine having first and second cylinders. A first piston is located in the first cylinder and secured to the swashplate at a first side of the first axis. A second piston is located in the second cylinder and secured to the swashplate at a second side of the first axis opposite the first side. A plate is secured to the swashplate for pivotal movement about the first axis and is supported for rotary oscillation relative to the swashplate about a second axis. A pump includes a third cylinder and a first plunger located in the third cylinder, secured to the plate for pivotal movement about the first axis and rotary oscillation about the second axis. The plunger displaces fluid from the third cylinder as the plunger reciprocates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Kalkstein, Marko Biedermann
  • Patent number: 7037088
    Abstract: A dual fluid pump assembly driven by respective shafts of a dual balancing shaft assembly for an engine of an automotive vehicle. A shaft housing rotatably supports primary and secondary balancing shafts of the dual balancing shaft assembly. The shafts are coupled by a gear train for rotating the primary and secondary balance shafts in opposite directions. Each shaft includes a distal end for supporting and driving a fluid pump. A pump housing is fixedly secured to the shaft housing for enclosing the fluid pump and retaining fluid therebetween. The pumps are disposed adjacent the shaft housing and within a seal formed by the shaft housing and pump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Tesma International Inc.
    Inventors: David Shulver, Dan Sarkanjac, Wei Tang
  • Patent number: 7011051
    Abstract: The hybrid comprises a two-cycle engine, boosted by the engine power compressor and a hydraulic pump. The pump plunger fastened to engine piston and located coaxially with the compressor piston and pump rotor, provide direct energy transmission to the compressor and pump. The plunger and compressor piston, each connected to one of two diametrically opposite axial push rods, of the rotor. The push rods synchronize and balance the pistons, which move opposite directions into underside of the engine piston space. The reducer synchronizes the separate rotors motion, activate engine and compressor camshafts and conventional accessory units. The engine can be high power started and restarted irrespective of parking time. Because of direct energy transmission the hybrid increases efficiency and specific power, while minimizing the weight, installation space and fuel consumption necessary in particular for automobile hydrostatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Grigoriy Epshteyn
  • Patent number: 7008198
    Abstract: A peristaltic piston pump driven by a dedicated pump cam disposed on a camshaft of an engine. A plurality of valve-opening cams are disposed along the camshaft. The pump cam has a plurality of lobes equal in number to the number of valve cams and each pump lobe is disposed at 180° from a valve cam lobe such that the camshaft valve torque and secondary oil pump camshaft torque partially cancel, reducing overall camshaft torque oscillation. The pump includes a lost-motion shuttle and spring to permit continuous response of the pump to the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jongmin Lee, John Krieg, Thomas H. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6986645
    Abstract: A hybrid compressor system affords maximum cooling capability by making full use of an additional motor to improve the fuel consumption efficiency of a vehicle while ensuring passenger compartment cooling when the engine is stopped. The hybrid compressor system includes a compression unit for compressing a refrigerant, a motor for driving the compression unit, and disconnection means for disconnecting the drive force of a vehicle engine. In the hybrid compressor system, when the thermal load of the refrigeration cycle system lies within a predetermined range in a higher load region, the control means connects the disconnection means to allow the vehicle engine to drive the compression unit. When the thermal load of the refrigeration cycle system lies within a lower load region of the predetermined range, the control means disconnects the disconnection means to allow the motor to drive the compression unit even while the vehicle engine is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeki Iwanami, Keiichi Uno, Yasushi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6973898
    Abstract: A free piston engine is configured with a pair of opposed engine cylinders located on opposite sides of a fluid pumping assembly. An inner piston assembly includes a pair of inner pistons, one each operatively located in a respective one of the engine cylinders, with a push rod connected between the inner pistons. The push rod extends through an inner pumping chamber in the fluid pumping assembly and forms a fluid plunger within this chamber. An outer piston assembly includes a pair of outer pistons, one each operatively located in a respective one of the engine cylinders, with at least one pull rod connected between the outer pistons. The pull rod extends through an outer pumping chamber in the fluid pumping assembly and forms a fluid plunger within this chamber. Piston stoppers are provided to prevent over-travel of the piston assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adrain Tusinean, Lixin Peng, Peter Hofbauer
  • Patent number: 6960066
    Abstract: A water pump includes a rotation member, a hollow shaft portion having an opening on one end and connected to the rotation member for unitary rotating with the rotation member, an impeller connected to the shaft portion for unitary rotating with the shaft portion, a body defining a fluid chamber in which the impeller is rotated, a bearing for rotatably supporting the shaft portion on the body, a sealing member provided between the shaft portion and the body for sealing the fluid chamber and a cover portion for substantively closing the opening of the shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yojiro Koga, Itsuro Hashiguchi, Masaki Chujo, Akihiro Katsumata, Takumi Hattori
  • Patent number: 6959545
    Abstract: A system for a hydraulically driven vehicle includes an engine having multiple, selectively operating cylinder-pump banks producing fluid flow at an outlet, a pump/motor having a variable flow rate including an inlet for driving the wheels, a hydraulic line having a line pressure and connecting the outlet and the inlet, sensors producing signal representing line pressure, pump/motor speed, pump/motor displacement, and a controller for determining a target hydraulic system parameter, determining, based at least in part on the flow rate of the pump/motor and a flow rate produced by each engine cylinder bank, a number of operating cylinder-pump banks that is required to produce the target hydraulic system parameter, and in response to determining the required number of operating cylinder-pump banks, adjusting an engine operating parameter of a cylinder-pump bank such that the required number of cylinder-pump banks operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Lippert, Don Wilbur, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6945759
    Abstract: A mounting end of an engine-driven accessory includes a longitudinally-extending neck having imperforate lateral surfaces defining a central bore. A flange having a mounting face is disposed at the end of neck. A plurality of generally radially extending drain passages are formed through the flange, which communicate with the central bore to form a fluid flow path between the bore and the exterior of the flange. A seal is provided for blocking selected ones of the drain passages while leaving the remainder of the drain passages open. The accessory may include a cover having an integral sealing rim which cooperates with a notch in a mating component to compress a portion of a resilient seal while simultaneously allowing for expansion of the remainder of the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Timothy H. Henderson
  • Patent number: 6941904
    Abstract: A free piston engine is configured with a pair of opposed engine cylinders located on opposite sides of a fluid pumping assembly. An inner piston assembly includes a pair of inner pistons, one each operatively located in a respective one of the engine cylinders, with a push rod connected between the inner pistons. An outer piston assembly includes a pair of pistons, one each operatively located, in a respective one of the engine cylinders, with at least one pull rod connected between the outer pistons. The pull rod extends through an outer pumping chamber in the fluid pumping assembly and forms a fluid plunger within this chamber. Each outer piston cooperates with an integrated scavenge pump in order to compress the charge air, thus significantly increasing the air charge density into the engine cylinders for each stroke of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ing. Peter Hofbauer, Lixin Peng, Adrain Tusinean, Kevin Fuqua
  • Patent number: 6939110
    Abstract: A system for maintaining constant pressure, such as at a mosquito fogging nozzle, by electronically controlling the speed of an engine that is coupled to a blower. A pressure sensor measures the pressure provided by the blower and provides a pressure signal to the electronic engine controller. The engine controller is of the proportional-integral (PI) type and utilizes pulse-width modulation (PWM) techniques to control an electromechanical actuator attached to the throttle of the engine to vary the engine speed. Constant pressure is maintained despite changes in the ambient temperature, humidity and barometric pressure. A safety circuit prevents engine over-speed if the pressure signal is lost. An over-speed circuit monitors and controls the engine speed at higher RPMs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Clarke Engineering Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Conner, Donald S. Foreman
  • Patent number: 6874996
    Abstract: The hybrid compressor apparatus is composed of a compressor in which fluid is compressed by varying a volumetric capacity of a compression space provided between a first compression member and a second compression member, which are movable independently of each other, according to rotation of the first compression member relative to the second compression member, a motor rotatable upon receipt of power of an external electric source, and a driven member rotatably driven by motive force transmitted from an external driving source. The first compression member is connected with the driven member and the second compressor is connected with the motor. If maximum discharge amount is required for the compressor, the motor is driven separately by a control device when the driven member drives the first compression member so that the second compression member is rotated in a direction opposite to that of the first compression member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeki Iwanami
  • Patent number: 6868925
    Abstract: An engine with an integral actuator for a vehicle having an implement needing control. The engine includes a crank shaft, and a pump in a housing and an actuator that extends from the housing. The pump is operably connected to the crank shaft to produce a flow of fluid, such as oil, from the pump to the actuator. A valve is operably connected to the pump or the actuator to selectively move the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Delta Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Harlin J. Trefz, Ted Wetzel
  • Patent number: 6863507
    Abstract: A free-piston engine directed to reduced throttling losses at minimum expenditure is provided. The free-piston engine has an engine piston, and a hydraulic piston co-operating with the engine piston. The engine piston may receive application of a force in the direction of compression via a hydraulic cylinder. A pressure in a high-pressure accumulator means or a low-pressure accumulator may be communicated to the hydraulic cylinder via a switchover valve. Between the hydraulic cylinder and the switchover valve is a valve assembly including a control piston. A connection to the high-pressure accumulator means may be controlled open with the aid of the control land of the control piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Mannesmann Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Schaeffer, Joerg Dantlgraber
  • Patent number: 6829893
    Abstract: An internal-combustion engine for generating a rotational movement is provided to drive a compressor unit which is connected on the output side, for generating compressed air from ambient air. A control unit triggers the generating of compressed air when compressed air is demanded. An auxiliary compressor unit covers peak demands for compressed air and is fluidically connected in parallel with respect to the internal-combustion-engine-driven compressor unit. The auxiliary compressor unit is driven by an electric motor. The control unit starts the operation of the auxiliary compressor unit in the event of a detected peak demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Doerr, Eduard Gerum
  • Publication number: 20040191091
    Abstract: A combination of an engine and a pump. An integral first housing section defines a portion of both the engine housing and the pump housing and has a first major surface which defines a portion of the interior engine housing surface and an oppositely disposed second surface which defines a portion of the interior pump housing surface. The first housing section has an opening and a first bearing is disposed therein. The crankshaft extends through the opening and is supported by the first bearing. A pump driving mechanism, such as a wobble plate or camming member, is coupled with the freely extending length of the crankshaft projecting beyond the first bearing. The first major surface may define an oil sump within the engine and an oil passage extending between the first and second major surfaces may communicate oil between the engine and the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin Steffes, Dennis Stenz, Neil Veldman, Kenneth J. Stenz, Giuseppe Ghelfi, Paolo Mion
  • Publication number: 20040096342
    Abstract: A blower (1) having a housing (10) to which a blower pipe (2) may be removably connected. An internal combustion engine located within the housing (10) drives a blower wheel. The blower wheel, in turn, generates an air flow (11) within the blower pipe. To reduce the exhaust gases and the fuel consumption during idle operation of the combustion engine, a reduction device (12, 22), located in the blower pipe downstream of the blower wheel, reduces the clear cross section of flow during idle operation of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Gerhard Osburg, Wolfgang Luithardt, Peter Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6726457
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compressor system for production of compressed air, consisting of a compressor driven by an internal combustion engine, connected by piping to compressed air discharge points and supplied with precompressed air by an exhaust turbocharger on the drive side connected on the exhaust side of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Harald Wenzel
  • Patent number: 6722860
    Abstract: In mounting a crankshaft direct-driven oil pump to an engine, the oil pump is mounted to a cylinder block which supports a crankshaft, as well as an integral bearing cap in which bearing cap portions are connected to each other by beam portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayuki Asano
  • Patent number: 6672414
    Abstract: An ATV includes a frame, a power unit and a hydraulic pump unit. The power unit is mounted on the frame for propulsion of the ATV. The power unit has an output shaft and a mounting structure. A hydraulic pump unit includes an assembly casing mounted to the mounting structure of the power unit. A hydraulic pump is mounted to the assembly casing. The hydraulic pump has a rotatable input shaft and a shaft extension coupled to the output shaft. The shaft extension is carried by the assembly casing so as to be coaxial with the output shaft. A coupling structure or coupler couples the shaft extension to the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Bombardier Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Laflamme
  • Patent number: 6669453
    Abstract: A pump assembly for mounting a high-pressure oil pump on an internal combustion engine where the pump in the assembly is mounted in a closed chamber and a solenoid controlled valve is mounted outside of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventors: Robert H. Breeden, Peter H. Sheppard, Mark A. Sterrett
  • Patent number: 6652247
    Abstract: A free-piston engine includes at least one dual piston assembly, each of which has a pair of axially opposed combustion cylinders and free-floating combustion pistons respectively mounted in the combustion cylinders for reciprocating linear motion responsive to successive combustions. A pumping piston extends from and is fixed to each of the combustion pistons and reciprocates within a hydraulic cylinder located between paired combustion cylinders. The paired combustion cylinders are rigidly connected by a cage for reciprocating movement in tandem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6638027
    Abstract: A hybrid compressor having a driveshaft driven by a plurality of drive sources for a vehicle air-conditioning system. More specifically, the drive sources are the vehicle engine coupled to the compressor via a belt driven clutch and an electric motor driving the compressor. A bearing clutch couples the electric motor to the driveshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Mohrmann
  • Patent number: 6638015
    Abstract: A water pump apparatus includes a body adapted to a fixed mounting surface of an engine and having a bore, a rotational shaft rotatably supported on the body via a bearing, an impeller fixed to the shaft and located in a pump chamber for supplying forcibly water from a water inlet to a water outlet, a seal member for sealing between the pump chamber and the bore of the body and a collection chamber portion provided on at least one of the body or the engine so as to communicate with the bore between the bearing and the seal member via a drain passage and for collecting water leaked via the seal member, wherein the collection chamber portion is opened toward the mounting surface of the engine and an opening of the collection chamber portion is fluid-tight closed by fixing the body to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuo Ozawa, Junya Yamamoto, Masaki Chujo, Takao Ozeki
  • Patent number: 6626646
    Abstract: An in-line gas compression system, comprising a vehicle, preferably a truck, having a drive train, with a gas compressor mounted on the vehicle and driven by the drive train of the vehicle. The gas compressor is connected through a filter to a gas inlet and has a compressed gas outlet line. When a rotary screw gas compressor is used, an oil and gas separator is provided on the compressed gas outlet line, with the oil and gas separator being connected to return oil to the rotary screw gas compressor. The in-line gas compression system is typically connected into a gas pipeline system through the compressed gas outlet line, and is connected to a source of gas, for example a well at a well site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Robert C. Rajewski
  • Publication number: 20030124003
    Abstract: A free-piston engine includes at least one dual piston assembly, each of which has a pair of axially opposed combustion cylinders and free-floating combustion pistons respectively mounted in the combustion cylinders for reciprocating linear motion responsive to successive combustions. A pumping piston extends from and is fixed to each of the combustion pistons and reciprocates within a hydraulic cylinder located between paired combustion cylinders. The paired combustion cylinders are rigidly connected by a cage for reciprocating movement in tandem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray
  • Patent number: 6582204
    Abstract: A free-piston engine includes at least one dual piston assembly, each of which has a pair of axially opposed combustion cylinders and free-floating combustion pistons respectively mounted in the combustion cylinders for reciprocating linear motion responsive to successive combustions. A pumping piston extends from and is fixed to each of the combustion pistons and reciprocates within a hydraulic cylinder located between paired combustion cylinders. The paired combustion cylinders are rigidly connected by a cage for reciprocating movement in tandem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the U.S. Enviromental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.