Patents Represented by Attorney Russel C. Wells

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  • Solenoid pre-loader
    Patent number: 5244180
    Abstract: The solenoid portion of a solenoid-operated valve is resiliently biased by a pre-loader against an internal shoulder on the valve body to maintain precision of the stator-armature working gap during the useful life of the valve. Several embodiments of pre-loader are disclosed, including a Belleville spring, a wave spring, and an elastomeric ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventors: Russell J. Wakeman, John S. Bright, Kenric J. Johnson
  • Dynamic flow calibration of a fuel injector by selective diversion of magnetic flux from the working gap
    Patent number: 5241858
    Abstract: An electromagnetically operated fuel injector has a dynamic flow calibration mechanism in which a control rod that extends between and enters holes in both the stator and the armature is selectively positioned to divert some of the magnetic flux from the axial working gap between the stator and the armature such that the diverted magnetic flux passes through the control rod directly between the stator and the armature without passing through the working gap. A non-magnetic tube is disposed between the control rod and the stator and armature holes. The portion of that tube which is within the stator hole is joined to the stator while the portion which is within the armature hole provides guidance for the armature. In a bottom-feed version of fuel injector the tube also serves to prevent fuel within the injector from wetting the control rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventors: David P. Wieczorek, Thomas A. Sumrak
  • Thin-film air flow sensor using temperature-biasing resistive element
    Patent number: 5237867
    Abstract: Two discrete self-heating elements are provided in a silicon based sensor structure. The first, "transfer" self-heating element receives constant current and elevates the temperature of the sensor structure to a desired initial temperature above ambient. The second, "sensor" self-heating element is thermally coupled to the first element and receives a current adjusted based on the difference between ambient temperature and the sensor structure temperature so as to maintain a constant temperature difference. Most of the current flowing through the sensor heating element is thus attributable to fluid flow, and this current can therefore be conveniently used to determine fluid flow parameters (e.g., mass air flow). The elements may comprise thin films which may be interlaced or stacked vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventor: Charles R. Cook, Jr.
  • Filter for solenoid operated fluid metering devices
    Patent number: 5238192
    Abstract: That portion of the body of a bottom-feed solenoid operated fuel injector which is placed in communication with pressurized liquid fuel when the injector is mounted in an injector-receiving socket of a fuel rail contains a circumferentially continuous stepped groove in a radially outer portion of which a frameless circular fine mesh filter screen is disposed to cover a radially inner portion and through-holes via which liquid fuel enters the fuel injector. In one embodiment, the margins of the screen are welded to shoulders of the groove against which they are disposed. In another, they are crimped into slots adjacent the groove. In still another, at least one shoulder has a taper so that the corresponding screen margin wedges onto the shoulder. In yet another, a retaining ring is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventor: Wanda J. McNair
  • On-board fuel vapor recovery system having improved canister purging
    Patent number: 5237980
    Abstract: An irregularity that might otherwise be present in the flow characteristic of the system is cured by damping the motion of the armature of the CPS valve in two ways. One way comprises incorporating a "step" into the confronting faces of the armature and stator at their interface across the air gap. The other way comprises guiding the armature motion by means of a brass tube with sufficiently small running clearance such that pneumatic damping occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Limited
    Inventor: William C. Gillier
  • Dry coil
    Patent number: 5238224
    Abstract: The coil of a solenoid-operated valve is fluid-isolated from fluid whose flow is controlled by the valve by providing the solenoid with an imperforate transverse end wall having a radially inner annular ferromagnetic zone forming one portion of the stator, a radially outer annular ferromagnetic zone forming another portion of the stator, and a radially intermediate annular zone of non-magnetic material separating the radially inner and radially outer ferromagnetic zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventor: John J. Horsting
  • Armature bounce damper
    Patent number: 5236173
    Abstract: An armature moves in a first and a second direction for causing a needle valve to contact and separate from a valve seat. A stop is situated to provide a motion stop in at least the first direction. Damping is provided for damping the motion of the armature by dissipating energy from a collision of the armature with the stop. The energy dissipation is accomplished by using a spring or washer to hold the needle valve against the valve seat to prevent unwanted fuel seepage to an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventor: Russell J. Wakeman
  • Diffuser air outlet register
    Patent number: 5230654
    Abstract: Each vertical vane contains two vane groups that are independently pivotable about their co-axis. A push button control mechanism selects between a jet setting in which both vane groups are parallel and a diffuse setting in which the two vane groups are non-parallel. The mechanism has a detent feature that keeps the diffuse setting until released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Limited
    Inventor: Stephen F. Bloomer
  • Method of making a hermetically sealed overmolded free-standing solenoid coil
    Patent number: 5226221
    Abstract: A solenoid coil is fabricated by precision winding a length of magnet wire to form a free-standing coil, disposing the coil on a terminal holder containing electrical terminals, connecting the wire terminations to the electrical terminals, supporting such a sub-assembly within a mold cavity, injecting flowable plastic material into the cavity to wholly envelop the coil, the terminal holder and proximal portions of the terminals, allowing the plastic to cure and thereby form an enclosure which is devoid of any seams extending from its exterior to either the coil or the terminal holder, and then removing the encapsulated assembly from the mold cavity. This produces a solenoid coil that is well-suited for use in high-pressure "wet" environments because the encapsulated assembly is strong and leak-proof and it has sealing surfaces whose surface finish and dimensions are closely controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventor: David C. Kilgore
  • Regulated flow canister purge system
    Patent number: 5226398
    Abstract: The evaporative emission control system for an internal combustion engine purges the vapor collection canister to the intake manifold through a purge regulator controlled by the engine ECU. The purge regulator comprises a diaphragm valve and an electronic vacuum regulator. The purge regulator functions to allow a purge flow rate correlated with a control signal from the engine ECU and manifold vacuum, to maintain the purge flow rate substantially constant in response to certain changes in the magnitude of manifold vacuum, and to re-adjust the purge flow rate in correlation with changes in the control signal from the engine ECU. The diaphragm valve comprises a tapered valve element that progressively reduces the flow restriction as the valve element is increasingly opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Limited
    Inventors: John E. Cook, William C. Gillier
  • Actuating mechanism for a rolling ball valve
    Patent number: 5226628
    Abstract: The valve has a sphere that is resiliently biased by a resilient lever means to close the outlet orifice leading from the frustoconical seat on which the sphere is seated. Associated with the resilient lever means is an electric-operated actuator that is effective, when energized, to release the resilient bias force which the resilient lever means exerts on the sphere. When this happens, a spring that is disposed to bear against the sphere unseats the sphere thereby opening the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventor: Paul D. Daly
  • Air assist atomizer for fuel injector
    Patent number: 5220900
    Abstract: The atomizer fits over the outlet of the fuel injector and comprises a thimble-shaped inner part that nests within a thimble-shaped outer part. Both inner and outer parts comprise holes in their end walls through which injected liquid fuel from the injector outlet passes. The inner and outer parts cooperatively define passages through which assist air is conveyed to the aforementioned holes to aid in the atomization of the injected fuel. Several embodiments of atomizers are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventor: Russell J. Wakeman
  • Dual bucket hydraulic actuator
    Patent number: 5216988
    Abstract: A direct acting hydraulic valve lifter, DAHVL, having dual bucket tappets is provided with means for damping the inner bucket tappet which is coupled to the engine valve. In doing so, the engine valve is damped on its closure reducing noise and wear of the engine valve. Damping is accomplished by means of side wall communication port for connecting the inner chambers of each bucket tappet which is closed by the reciprocal motion of the inner tappet as the cam closes the engine valve and a thin orifice disk controlling the flow of the fluid from the second or inner bucket to the first bucket tappet. Hydraulic pressure is multiplied by the respective areas of the tappet pistons so that the overall height of the DAHVL in a direct acting cam-valve system in reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventor: Morse N. Taxon
  • Active manifold
    Patent number: 5211139
    Abstract: A shaft-door unit that is operable for selecting the effective lengths of runners leading from a plenum is assembled into the manifold by lengthwise insertion through an opening in an end wall of the plenum that is subsequently closed by a closure member. The shaft-door unit may include as part of the unit, a journal sleeve for journaling the shaft or a tray which incoproates the journal sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Dennis E. Houle, Stephen E. Brackett, Lisa A. Whaley
  • Fuel rail for bottom and side fed injectors
    Patent number: 5211149
    Abstract: A fuel rail for a side- or bottom- fed injector wherein the rail contains conductors, and the injectors are connected to the conductors simultaneously with the insertion of the injectors into through-holes in the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventor: Louis G. DeGrace, Jr.
  • Fuel injector valve having a collared sphere valve element
    Patent number: 5211341
    Abstract: The collared sphere is a separate part that is assembled into the valve during the assembly process. A resilient spring disc acts through the collar on the sphere to hold the sphere in abutment with the tip end of the armature as the armature reciprocates to open and close the valve. The disc is also a separate part that is assembled into the valve during the assembly process. The outer margin of the disc is supported on a raised ledge without attachment thereto while the sphere fills slightly less than a central circular void in the disc whose diameter is less than that of the sphere. The valve seat is frustoconical, and the disc acts through the collar to maintain the sphere at least approximately concentric with the seat so that when the valve is operated closed any misalignment of the sphere to the seat is taken out by the camming action of the seat on the sphere as the valve closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventor: David P. Wieczorek
  • Means for attenuating audible noise from a solenoid-operated fuel injector
    Patent number: 5207387
    Abstract: Audible noise emission from a solenoid-operated fuel injector is reduced by providing a circumferential slot around the end of the stator at the working gap between the stator and the armature. In one form of the invention the slot is unoccupied and creates a flange that absorbs impact energy by deflection. In another form the slot is filled with dimagnetic material that exerts an opposing force that retards armature motion as the armature approaches the stator in response to solenoid energization opening the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventor: John S. Bergstrom
  • Swirl generator for an injector
    Patent number: 5207384
    Abstract: In a fuel injector, a swirl generator operates to impart a tangential or swirl component to the fuel as it is expelled from the injector. The mass of the swirl generator is minimized so as to maximize the actuating speed of the injector. The swirl generator develops a pressure drop across the generator during the time the fuel is expelled which pressure drop aids in enhancing the closure time of the injector. The swirl generator provides damping to the needle valve upon both opening and closing. The swirl generator minimizes the volume of residual fuel remaining in the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventor: John J. Horsting
  • Means for improving the opening response of a solenoid operated fuel valve
    Patent number: 5207410
    Abstract: Because of inherent delay in magnetic flux propagation in the magnetic circuit, the transient opening magnetic force on the armature does not build as rapidly as the injector driver circuit may be capable of commanding. This transient force is augmented without increasing the package size of the magnetic circuit. A fuel injector has a novel solenoid actuator magnetic circuit that has slots, convolutions, or the like dispersed in the surface of the magnetic circuit to provide increased surface area on the magnetic circuit in the direction of the lines of flux generated when the solenoid is energized along a path to the magnetic gap without increasing the overall size of the magnetic circuit. This increased surface area for the skin provides increased flux paths in the magnetic gap during the transient build-up of magnetic force across the gap, thereby improving the response of the armature upon opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventor: Russell J. Wakeman
  • Accelerating pedal for electronic throttle actuation system
    Patent number: RE34302
    Abstract: Improvements for imparting hysteresis, or dampening, to the shaft of a pedal assembly for an electronic throttle actuation system so that the feel of the pedal simulates the feel of a strictly mechanical system. Pads are resiliently urged against a disk in one embodiment, the disk being affixed to the pedal shaft. In another embodiment, metal rings are resiliently urged against friction rings on the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive L.P.
    Inventor: William J. Imoehl