Patents Represented by Attorney Walter Potoroka, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5411002
    Abstract: An engine fuel injection system is provided, wherein pumping maximum possible fuel required by the engine and by-passing excess fuel not used by the engine are eliminated, the speed of the variable speed electric fuel pump for the system being controlled so as to pump only the quantity of fuel required to operate the engine under certain sensed engine and/or ambient operating conditions, such control being provided by a fuel pressure sensor/electronic pump motor speed control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Walter Potoroka, Sr.
    Inventor: Marion L. Smitley
  • Patent number: 5284119
    Abstract: The proposed fuel injection system for gasoline engines eliminates or reduces the excessive fuel by-pass of current systems by use of an engine driven fuel pump or by modulating fuel pump speed and fuel delivery so as to be directly proportional to engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Walter Potoroka, Sr.
    Inventor: Marion L. Smitley
  • Patent number: 4984549
    Abstract: An electromagnetic valve assembly is shown having an armature and armature-actuated valve member the mass of which is substantially less than the armature and which is not fixedly connected to the armature; upon electrical energization the armature first overcomes a restraining force and then travels a major part of its stroke before actuating the valve member, at a relatively high speed, thereby causing movement of the valve member by kinetic energy of the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Coltec Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard Mesenich
  • Patent number: 4966195
    Abstract: A pressure regulating device regulates the pressure of a flowing medium and includes a stationary member. A movable armature is disposed axially from the stationary member for moving axially in relation to the stationary member. A coil is disposed about the stationary member and the armature and through which current flows for generating magnetic flux to create an attractive force to move the armature in relation to the stationary member. A housing is disposed about the coil and the stationary member and the armature for encasing the armature and the coil and the stationary member. At least one aperture is formed in the housing to allow a fluid medium to enter and exit the housing and to contact the armature. A flow valve is spaced axially from one end of the armature for moving independently of the armature to prevent parasitic forces from being transmitted by the flow valve to the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph P. McCabe
  • Patent number: 4941447
    Abstract: A metering valve, simultaneously controlling a plurality of flow paths with a single poppet movable into and out of engagement with a valve seat in a duty cycle operation has the sealing surfaces of the poppet and seat formed with an accurately flat surface finish to minimize leakage when the valve is closed. The seat surface is formed with recessed areas to reduce the area of contact with the poppet surface to reduce pull-off force while maintaining adequate contact area to dissipate the closing impact forces which are further minimized by controlling the flow of fluid from between the opposed surfaces during valve closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1990
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Werner G. Mannhardt
  • Patent number: 4932439
    Abstract: A solenoid actuated three-way valve is formed with a central passage communicating at one end with a vent passage via a first valve seat and communicating at its opposite end with a pressure supply port via a second valve seat. A control port directly communicates with the central passage at all times. An armature is slidable within the passsage to block one of the valve seats while opening the other and is resiliently biased toward one seat by a compression spring and magnetically biased toward the other seat by energization of the solenoid coil. Flux washers at opposite ends of the coil contact a ferromagnetic casing to provide an efficient flux path enabling rapid response of the armature to coil energization. One valve seat is loccated at one end of a pole piece threadably adjustable within one of the flux washers to establish a working gap in the magnetic circuit of a minimum width of the valve. A relatively large return gap is provided to minimize frictional losses within the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence McAuliffe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4913189
    Abstract: A control module for controlling the operation of multiple fluid pressure actuated devices and electrical devices, as in an automotive heating/cooling system, includes a one-piece sheet metal frame or bracket upon which a plurality of solenoid valves, circuit boards and a manifold are assembled in a compact, tightly, but easily assembled, package. The assembled package is of a generally rectangular box-shaped configuration with electrical and fluid flow connections located at one end to connect with electric and fluid connectors fixedly mounted on the vehicle to provide a simple plug-in-type installation of the module on the vehicle assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Loren H. Kline, Eddie L. Johnson, John G. Berent, James T. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 4887578
    Abstract: An onboard refueling vapor recovery system for a motor vehicle prevents fuel vapor displaced from the vehicle fuel tank during a refueling operation from being discharged into the atmosphere and stores the fuel vapor for subsequent combustion in the vehicle engine. The system operates in parallel with a known vapor recovery system employed to minimize venting of vapor from the fuel tank through the normal fuel tank vent, this known system being inadequate to cope with the massive surge of vapor expelled during refueling which presently is vented to atmosphere through the fuel tank fill pipe. The refueling vapor recovery system includes a refueling vapor storage canister which is directly connected via a substantially unrestricted flow passage to the head space of the tank when, and only when, a standard fuel dispensing nozzle is operatively located in the fill pipe inlet. The nozzle is inserted through a seal which prevents the escape of vapor from the fill pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Assignee: Colt Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Woodcock, William E. Ruhig, Jr., Loren H. Kline
  • Patent number: 4883252
    Abstract: A fuel injection fuel supply system for a combustion engine has a fuel injector valve effective for metering and injecting metered fuel to the engine induction system; an electromagnetic assembly having a magnetic open loop is used for cyclically opening and closing the injector valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard Mesenich
  • Patent number: 4873954
    Abstract: The present invention is an idle bypass system including a throttle body having a longitudinal axis with a throttle plate disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis. The throttle body includes a secondary passageway having an inlet and an outlet to allow fluid flow to bypass the throttle plate when in a closed position. A motor is secured to the throttle body and cooperates with the secondary passageway for allowing a predetermined amount of fluid flow through the outlet. A solenoid-actuated valve is secured to the throttle body and cooperates with the secondary passageway for allowing a predetermined amount of fluid flow to the intake manifold when the amount of fluid flow past the motor is not within predetermined limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Daryl O. Codling
  • Patent number: 4873955
    Abstract: The present invention is an idle fluid flow shutoff assembly including a throttle body having a longitudinal axis with a throttle plate disposed transversely to the longitudinal axis. The throttle body includes a secondary passageway having an inlet and an outlet to allow fluid flow to bypass the throttle plate when in a closed position. A motor is secured to the throttle body and cooperates with the secondary passageway for allowing a predetermined amount of fluid flow through the outlet. A pressure-actuated valve is moveable in response to the absence and presence of a predetermined pressure level and cooperates with the secondary passageway for allowing a predetermined amount of fluid flow to the intake manifold when the amount of fluid flow past the motor is not within predetermined limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence McAuliffe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4861068
    Abstract: A solenoid actuated control valve includes a valve member located in either of a first or a second position within a fluid flow passage in response to the energization or deenergization of a solenoid. In one of its positions, the valve establishes a minimum restriction to flow and in its other position establishes a maximum restriction to flow. The valve member is designed so that the fluid pressures to which it is exposed are essentially balanced in its direction of movement so that the valve may be rapidly shifted with a minimum power requirement. By controlling the solenoid energization by a pulse width modulated control signal, the flow restriction may be time averaged to any restriction intermediate the minimum and maximum restrictions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph P. McCabe
  • Patent number: 4840163
    Abstract: A fuel injection fuel supply system for a combustion engine has a fuel injector valve effective for metering and injecting all of the required fuel to the engine induction system; in one version a single valve functions to supply the required fuel in equal amounts to each of the combustion cylinders of the engine through chamber means exposed to superatmospheric air; an electromagnetic assembly having a magnetic open loop is used for cyclically opening and closing the injector valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Alsobrooks, Hansueli Bart, Richard Chauvin, Thomas A. Horn, John H. Merte, Gerhard Mesenich, Donna M. Mitts
  • Patent number: 4836246
    Abstract: A manifold for distributing a fluid to a plurality of fluid ports, and a method for manufacturing the manifold. The manifold comprises a first tubular means forming a first tube, a second tubular means forming a second tube extending axially outwardly beyond said first tubular means, support means connected to one end of said first tubular means for supporting said second tubular means in spaced relationship to said first tubular means, and housing means molded about said first and second tubular means for forming an integral manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Lemp
  • Patent number: 4809863
    Abstract: A fill neck assembly of a vehicle fuel tank fill pipe incorporates in a single housing valving arrangements employed in an on board refueling vapor recovery system which prevents fuel vapor displaced from the fuel tank during a refueling operation from being discharged into the atmosphere. A fuel passage through the housing and connected to the fill pipe incorporates a nozzle seal near its inlet which will sealingly receive a standard fuel dispensing nozzle to enable fuel to be discharged from the nozzle into the fuel passage while preventing fuel vapor from being discharged from the fuel passage into the atmosphere. Vapor displaced from the tank by the incoming fuel passes from the tank through an outer hose loosely surrounding the fill pipe into a second passage through the housing having a vapor-liquid discriminator, a float valve and a vapor valve whose outlet is connected to a vapor receiving canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc
    Inventors: William F. Woodcock, William E. Ruhig, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4810985
    Abstract: An electromagnet, for valves, comprises thin-walled axially symmetrical parts and is adapted to different uses by special air gap arrangements and armature suspensions; the electromagnet generates high magnet forces at low armature mass and is employable, in particular, for actuation of fuel injection valves for internal combustion engines and in general hydraulics; the electromagnet possesses a high mechanical stability and eddy current depletion combined with simple armature suspension and low cost of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Colt Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard Mesenich
  • Patent number: 4802902
    Abstract: A universal air cleaner cover base plate assembly for mounting standard size ring shaped air filters on closely spaced dual carburetors includes a pair of circular base plates formed with eccentrically located circular openings. The openings enable the base plate to be mounted upon the air cleaner flange of the carburetor body for rotative adjustment and their eccentric relationship to their base plates enables the center to center spacing of the filter elements to be adjusted independently of the fixed center to center spacing between two adjacent carburetors. The cover is of a generally rectangular configuration dimensioned to cover the tops of both air filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Bauerle, Barry I. Rabotnick
  • Patent number: 4798329
    Abstract: A duty-cycle type electromagnetic injector assembly has a valve and cooperating valve seat with the valve being positioned away from or against the valve seat depending upon whether an associated electrical coil is energized; a housing generally contains the valve and valve seat; a guide closely confines the valve permitting the valve to be freely moved toward and away from the valve seat while constraining movement of the valve in other directions; and a fluid pressure regulator forming a portion of the injector assembly establishes both the static rate and dynamic rate of liquid flow metered by the injector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard Mesenich
  • Patent number: 4796593
    Abstract: An onboard fuel vapor recovery system for a motor vehicle includes a pressure responsive valve mounted directly on the vehicle fuel tank to control the flow of fuel vapor from the tank to a vapor storage canister both during normal operation of the vehicle and during a vehicle refueling operation. A pressure responsive diaphragm in the tank mounted valve opens a substantially unrestricted vapor flow passage from the head space of the tank to the canister when the head space pressure slightly exceeds atmospheric pressure. A separate passage in the tank valve equalizes pressure in the tank head space upon the withdrawal of fuel. A float valve responsive to the level of fuel within the tank seals the vapor passage from the tank head space when the tank is filled with fuel and further incorporates an emergency tank pressure relief valve operable in the event of overfilling of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1989
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc.
    Inventors: William F. Woodcock, Loren H. Kline
  • Patent number: 4787418
    Abstract: A fuel injection fuel supply system for a combustion engine, having a plurality of combustion cylinders and pistons, has a single fuel injector valve effective for injecting all of the required fuel in equal amounts as to each of the combustion cylinders of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Colt Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Chute