Patents Represented by Attorney J. Joseph Muller
  • Patent number: 4318381
    Abstract: A control system (1) for bleeding air into the high speed and low speed fuel circuits (HS and LS) of a carburetor (C) mounted on an internal combustion engine (E). The carburetor has an air passage (AP) to which fuel is delivered to mix with air and form a mixture combusted in the engine. Air is directed from an air inlet (9) through a first air flow path (5) to the high speed fuel circuit and through a second air flow path (7) to the low speed fuel circuit. An isolator (57) prevents crossover of air from one air flow path to the other. A flow control (77) opens and closes the first and second air flow paths, the flow control opening and closing both air flow paths substantially simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward N. Crawford
  • Patent number: 4315174
    Abstract: A reversible d.c. motor adjusts the position to which a carburetor throttle valve closes. The throttle valve is mounted on a throttle shaft to one end of which is attached a throttle lever. The motor has an extendable and retractable member one end of which contacts the throttle lever, a rotatable shaft which rotates in one direction or the other when the motor is energized and a gear arrangement for translating rotary movement of the shaft into linear movement of the member. An improvement comprises a switch for de-energizing the motor as the member approaches either extreme of its extending or retracting movement. Deenergization of the motor stops movement of the member before the respective extreme is exceeded thereby to prevent damage to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1982
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Doerr
  • Patent number: 4314536
    Abstract: A control system improvement. A high speed air bleed path and a low speed air bleed path respectively bleed air into the high speed and low speed fuel circuits of a carburetor through either fuel circuit at any one time. A solenoid responsive to a control signal opens and closes the air bleed to control the quantity of air bled into the high speed and low speed circuits. The solenoid includes an isolator for isolating the high speed air bleed path from the low speed air bleed path to prevent cross flow of air from one air bleed path to the other. Cross flow of air between the paths adversely affects the degree of control over the delivery of fuel through the high speed and low speed fuel circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1982
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry J. Tipton
  • Patent number: 4308219
    Abstract: A carburetor improvement for inhibiting tampering with a thermostatic choke coil after carburetor manufacture. A cover (3) fits over a choke coil housing (H) to enclose a choke lever, the thermostatic coil being mounted inside the cover. The cover has a circumferential flange (5) which abuts the outer surface of the housing, the flange having a notch (9) formed therein and the cover being rotatable about the outer surface of the housing to position one end of the coil relative to the choke lever. A retainer (7) locks the cover in a fixed position once the one end of the coil is located with respect to the choke lever. The retainer has a tab (11) insertable in the notch to prevent further rotation of the cover. A screw (15) having a detachable head (17) unremovably secures the retainer to the carburetor whereby once the retainer is secured, further movement of the cover is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Kneipkamp
  • Patent number: 4307042
    Abstract: A carburetor improvement for connecting a link (R) to a movable carburetor part (L3) so the connection is tamper resistant. A swivel (3) has a longitudinal bore (5) extending substantially therethrough and a transverse bore (7) through which the link extends. A clevis (13) comprises a pin (15) insertable through an opening (O) in the movable part. The pin has a head (17) and the diameter of the pin is equal to the diameter of the longitudinal bore in the swivel for the pin to be inserted into the bore. The end of the pin inserted thereinto has a generally U-shaped opening (19) at its end, the length of the opening being greater than the diameter of the link and the width of the opening being equal thereto. The inner end of the longitudinal bore has a decreasing diameter whereby the sidewalls (21) of the U-shaped portion of the pin are pinched together and press against the body of the link to capture the link in the swivel with sufficient force to prevent adjustment of the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Berich
  • Patent number: 4305368
    Abstract: Apparatus for venting fuel vapors present in the fuel bowl of a carburetor for an internal combustion engine. A carburetor has at least one air passage through which air is drawn into the engine, a throttle valve positioned in the air passage and movable between an open and a closed position to control the flow of air therethrough, a fuel circuit by which fuel is delivered from the fuel bowl to the air passage for mixing with air passing therethrough, and means responsive to the movement of the throttle valve for controlling the quantity of fuel delivered through the fuel circuit. A fuel bowl cover has a vent through which fuel vapors discharge when the vent is open and a valve opens and closes the vent. A fuel pump supplies fuel from the fuel bowl to the air passage as the throttle valve opens and moves the valve to a vent opening position in response to the movement of the throttle valve. The pump is actuated as the throttle valve opens whereby the valve is opened and vapors in the fuel bowl are vented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Phelan, Larry J. Tipton
  • Patent number: 4305360
    Abstract: Apparatus for automatically controlling the idle speed of an internal combustion automobile engine. A sensor senses the operating speed of the engine and develops an electrical signal representative thereof. Movement of a carburetor throttle valve from an open to a substantially closed position is sensed and an electrical signal indicative thereof is generated. Closure of the throttle valve indicates the engine is operating at idle. A controller is responsive to the second electrical signal to process the electrical signal from the sensor and generate an electrical control signal. The controller processes the electrical signal from the sensor means in accordance with a predetermined format based upon a transfer function derived for the engine. An electromechanical device is responsive to the control signal for moving the throttle valve to a desired position at which engine idle speed is a preselected speed determined in accordance with the transfer function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Meyer, Richard D. Doerr, Steven R. Bollinger, Mark A. Jefferis, Chusak Tansuwan
  • Patent number: 4300205
    Abstract: Apparatus for simulating the operating characteristics of an automobile engine. The ignition system of the engine is electrically simulated and an electrical signal representative of engine revolutions per minute under various engine operation conditions is generated. A transfer function derived for the engine is implemented to control generation of the electrical signal. Engine acceleration and deceleration is simulated. An oxygen sensor normally positioned in an exhaust system of the engine is simulated with an electrical signal representative of an output signal supplied by the oxygen sensor being generated. Operation of a first electromechanical device controlled by an engine control sysem is simulated as is the operation of a second electromechanical device. The apparatus is useful for testing and calibrating a feedback and automatic idle speed control system for the automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Chusak Tansuwan
  • Patent number: 4290347
    Abstract: A crashworthy fuel pump has a body in which is formed a fuel intake cavity, a fuel discharge cavity, and a fuel pumping chamber. The body has an open end around the periphery of which is formed a lip. A flexible diaphragm is insertable into the open end of the body and the lip is bendable over the outer margin of the diaphragm to clamp the diaphragm within the body. A housing has one end formed for abutment with the open end portion of the body. The body and the housing are clamped together to form a unified assembly. The clamp is sufficiently strong to hold the assembly together when the assembly is subjected to normal forces, but breaks apart when the assembly is subjected to abnormal forces such as occur during a crash whereby the housing and the body can move apart from each other, the movement apart helping maintain the leak integrity of the diaphragm and the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter E. Basch
  • Patent number: 4290405
    Abstract: A carburetor for an internal combustion engine has a conduit through which air is drawn into the engine, a source of fuel, and means for delivering fuel from the source to the conduit for mixing with air to form an air-fuel mixture combusted in the engine. An improvement comprises a throttle valve positioned at the inlet to the conduit and movable between a closed and an open position to control the quantity of air drawn into the engine.An outlet is defined for the fuel to be delivered to the conduit, fuel discharged through the outlet being atomized by the air flowing past the outlet.The air flowing past the fuel outlet flows therepast at substantially sonic velocities thereby to improve fuel atomization and enhance mixing of the air and fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry J. Tipton
  • Patent number: 4286446
    Abstract: A machine draws stock from a source to a first work station at which a first operation is performed on the stock. The stock is then delivered to a second work station so a second operation may be performed on the stock. The machine has an electromechanical system which drives the machine and a switch energizes and deenergizes the system. The stock is engaged by a lever arm as it moves toward the first work station, the lever arm being held in a first position when engaging the stock and moving from the first position toward a second position when the end of the stock is reached. A contact bar moves the switch from its "on" to its "off" position to deactivate the electromechanical system and terminate the drawing of stock. The lever arm and the contact bar are interconnected so movement of the lever arm from its first position to its second position is transmitted to the contact bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Edgar F. Saffley
  • Patent number: 4284589
    Abstract: The vacuum motor and link assembly used to pull-off a carburetor choke valve when an engine is started is made tamper resistant to prevent someone from changing the position at which the vacuum motor causes the choke valve to open. A cover is installed on the carburetor and shrouds the vacuum motor, link, and the portion of a choke shaft to which the link is connected thereby to prevent access to these parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry H. Winkley
  • Patent number: 4284390
    Abstract: A collar sized to fit over a fuel pump tower at the outer end of the tower. The collar has an opening sized to accomodate a conduit integrally formed with the tower thus for the collar to fit about the conduit. The collar is attachable to the tower to reinforce the tower so the tower does not tear when the tower or conduit is subjected to abnormal forces during a crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter E. Basch
  • Patent number: 4284391
    Abstract: A crashworthy fuel pump improvement comprises a control valve having a valve seat pressed into the fuel discharge cavity of the fuel pump. The valve seat is of a heat treated material and a seal is formed between the seat and the wall of the cavity to prevent fuel leaks in the event of a crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond E. Williamson
  • Patent number: 4282801
    Abstract: A fuel pump improvement comprises a leak proof seal formed between the fuel pump body and pumping element. The fuel pump body and a housing are clamped together to form a unified fuel pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter E. Basch, John W. Haney
  • Patent number: 4279231
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the air-fuel ratio in an internal combustion engine to substantially maintain the ratio at a predetermined value while the engine is operating under various load conditions. The engine has a carburetor with an air passageway through which air is drawn into the engine. Fuel is supplied to the carburetor through a fuel system and mixed with air passing through the carburetor. The presence of oxygen in the combustion products, which is a function of the air-fuel ratio of the mixture, is sensed and a first electrical signal representative of the oxygen content is supplied. The first electrical signal is compared with a predetermined reference level which is a function of the predetermined value to produce a second electrical signal having first and second signal elements, a first signal element being produced when the air-fuel ratio of the mixture is greater than the predetermined level and a second signal element being produced when the ratio is less than the level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Allen W. Lindberg, Thomas R. Gantzert, Donald L. Hicks
  • Patent number: 4274144
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in developing and testing a control system for an internal combustion automobile engine. A housing is located in the automobile where it can be visually observed by an operator of the automobile. Electrical circuitry is installed in the housing. A wiring harness interconnects sensors and electromechanical devices with the circuitry. A programmable memory has a plurality of addresses which are selectably accessible, different addresses in the memory containing information relating to different aspects of the system. Information stored in a selected memory address is changeable thereby changing the operating characteristics of the system. The contents stored in a selected address are visually displayed so an operator can visually verify the information stored therein. Operation of the system while the engine is running is visually monitored to determine system performance during road tests, performance of the system thus being observable under actual driving conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul M. Meyer, Robert H. Beckwith, Richard D. Allman, Mark Jefferis
  • Patent number: 4273730
    Abstract: A carburetor improvement inhibits tampering with an idle adjustment screw after an initial adjustment of the screw is made. The screw is inserted in a cavity formed in the carburetor body and a plug is placed in the open outer end of the cavity. Further, a blocking pin is inserted transversely through the cavity between the plug and the adjustment screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventor: Thomas J. Byrnes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4272458
    Abstract: A carburetor improvement inhibits tampering with an idle adjustment screw after an initial adjustment of the screw is made. The improvement comprises a cover attachable to the carburetor which prevents access to the idle adjustment screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Harvey L. Ruth, Michael B. Phelan
  • Patent number: 4269792
    Abstract: A carburetor for an internal combustion engine has a choke valve mounted in an air induction passage. A choke lever is attached to one end of a choke shaft on which the choke valve is mounted. An improvement comprises a tamper resistant temperature responsive mechanism for controlling opening of the choke valve as the engine warms up. The mechanism includes a housing, a choke countershaft, one end of which extends into the housing, and a cover attachable to the housing and containing a thermostatic coil. A lever is attached to the one end of the counter shaft and the lever has a tang contacted by one end of the thermostatic coil. A substantially straight, nondeformable link connects the choke countershaft and choke lever. The lever within the choke housing is adjustable to position the lever so opening of the choke valve is properly controlled and the setting of the lever cannot be tampered with once the cover is attached to the choke housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: ACF Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: Jerry H. Winkley