Patents Assigned to Synerject, LLC
  • Patent number: 10260490
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a solenoid-actuated pump includes a first pumping chamber and a second pumping chamber, where the first pumping chamber delivers fluid from the pump to portions of a vehicle to facilitate the operation of the vehicle. The second (or “parasitic”) pumping chamber implements a forced convection cooling method, which utilizes parasitic pumping loss to produce a flow within and/or around the solenoid coil to cool the coil and/or maintain the temperature of the coil during operation. In this manner, the second pumping chamber produces a flow that reduces thermally-related increases in electrical resistance of the solenoid coil of the solenoid-actuated pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Synerject LLC
    Inventors: James Fochtman, John Walters
  • Patent number: 9997287
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a solenoid coil disposed within the housing, a pole member, and an armature configured to move from a first position to a second position when the solenoid coil is energized. A contact surface of the armature is spaced apart from a contact surface of the pole member by a first distance when the armature is in the first position, and a second distance when the armature is in the second position. The housing, the pole member and the armature collectively define a flux path characterized by a first reluctance when the armature is in the first position and a second reluctance when the armature is in the second position. The difference between the first reluctance and the second reluctance is less than about thirty percent of the value of the first reluctance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: SYNERJECT LLC
    Inventor: James P. Fochtman
  • Patent number: 9753443
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a solenoid and a solenoid controller. The solenoid is configured to move an actuator a distance between a first position and a second position when a voltage is supplied to the solenoid. The solenoid controller is implemented in at least one of a memory or a processor, and includes a feedback module and an output module. The feedback module is configured to receive a feedback signal associated with a solenoid current after the voltage is removed from the solenoid. The feedback module is further configured to determine whether the distance is less than a maximum distance between the first position and the second position (i.e., a “stroke”). The output module configured to produce an output signal when the feedback module determines that the distance is less than the maximum distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Synerject LLC
    Inventors: James Fochtman, John Walters
  • Publication number: 20150357107
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a solenoid coil disposed within the housing, a pole member, and an armature configured to move from a first position to a second position when the solenoid coil is energized. A contact surface of the armature is spaced apart from a contact surface of the pole member by a first distance when the armature is in the first position, and a second distance when the armature is in the second position. The housing, the pole member and the armature collectively define a flux path characterized by a first reluctance when the armature is in the first position and a second reluctance when the armature is in the second position. The difference between the first reluctance and the second reluctance is less than about thirty percent of the value of the first reluctance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Applicant: Synerject LLC
    Inventor: James P. FOCHTMAN
  • Patent number: 9004884
    Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly includes a housing within which at least a portion of a pump element can be disposed. The housing includes a first surface and a second surface and defines a cavity therethrough. The housing is configured to be coupled to a reservoir such that the first surface is disposed within an interior volume of the reservoir and the second surface is disposed outside the interior volume of the reservoir. The housing includes a seal portion configured to fluidically isolate the first surface from the second surface. The cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of the pump element such that movement of the pump element produces a fluid flow from an inlet opening defined by the first surface and an outlet opening defined by the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Synerject LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Leppert, Jason D. Keown
  • Publication number: 20130061939
    Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly includes a housing within which at least a portion of a pump element can be disposed. The housing includes a first surface and a second surface and defines a cavity therethrough. The housing is configured to be coupled to a reservoir such that the first surface is disposed within an interior volume of the reservoir and the second surface is disposed outside the interior volume of the reservoir. The housing includes a seal portion configured to fluidically isolate the first surface from the second surface. The cavity is configured to receive at least a portion of the pump element such that movement of the pump element produces a fluid flow from an inlet opening defined by the first surface and an outlet opening defined by the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: SYNERJECT LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. LEPPERT, Jason D. KEOWN
  • Patent number: 8360740
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing defining a first cavity containing a pump, a second cavity containing a filter and a lumen configured to provide fluid communication between the first cavity and the second cavity. The housing has a first end portion configured to be disposed within a fluid reservoir and a second end portion including a flange configured to be disposed outside of and coupled to the fluid reservoir. A surface of the first end portion defines a first opening in fluid communication with the first cavity. A surface of the second end portion defines a second opening in fluid communication with the second cavity. A cover is configured to be removably coupled to the second end portion of the housing about the second opening such that the filter can be removed from the second cavity when the flange is coupled to the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Synerject, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Leppert, Jason D. Keown
  • Patent number: 8286802
    Abstract: A fuel delivery module includes a fuel filter housing and a cover. The fuel filter housing defines a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a fuel filter. A first end portion of the fuel filter housing includes a flange configured to be disposed outside of and coupled to a fuel tank. A second end portion of the fuel filter housing is configured to be disposed within the fuel tank and includes an inlet connector configured to fluidically couple the cavity to a fuel pump. The cover is configured to be removably coupled to the first end portion of the fuel filter housing. The cover defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The first lumen is configured to fluidically couple the cavity to a fuel outlet line. The second lumen is configured to fluidically couple the cavity to a regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Synerject, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin L. Leppert
  • Publication number: 20120080367
    Abstract: A fuel delivery module includes a fuel filter housing and a cover. The fuel filter housing defines a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a fuel filter. A first end portion of the fuel filter housing includes a flange configured to be disposed outside of and coupled to a fuel tank. A second end portion of the fuel filter housing is configured to be disposed within the fuel tank and includes an inlet connector configured to fluidically couple the cavity to a fuel pump. The cover is configured to be removably coupled to the first end portion of the fuel filter housing. The cover defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The first lumen is configured to fluidically couple the cavity to a fuel outlet line. The second lumen is configured to fluidically couple the cavity to a regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: SYNERJECT, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin L. LEPPERT
  • Patent number: 8079479
    Abstract: A fuel delivery module includes a fuel filter housing and a cover. The fuel filter housing defines a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of a fuel filter. A first end portion of the fuel filter housing includes a flange configured to be disposed outside of and coupled to a fuel tank. A second end portion of the fuel filter housing is configured to be disposed within the fuel tank and includes an inlet connector configured to fluidically couple the cavity to a fuel pump. The cover is configured to be removably coupled to the first end portion of the fuel filter housing. The cover defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The first lumen is configured to fluidically couple the cavity to a fuel outlet line. The second lumen is configured to fluidically couple the cavity to a regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Synerject, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin L. Leppert
  • Patent number: 7775235
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a mounting surface configured to support a mounting portion of a pressure regulator. The first portion defines a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the pressure regulator, and an opening configured to provide fluid communication between the cavity and an area outside of the first portion. The second portion includes a mounting surface configured to support the mounting portion of the pressure regulator. The second portion defines a cavity and an opening configured to provide fluid communication between the cavity of the second portion and an area outside of the second portion. The second portion is configured to be coupled to the first portion to form a fluid-tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Synerject, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Leppert, Todd M. Answine, David E. Cvengros
  • Patent number: 7617814
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing configured to receive a portion of a fuel pump. The housing defines a first flow path, a second flow path and a third flow path. The first flow path is in fluid communication with a fuel outlet portion of the fuel pump. The second flow path is in fluid communication with the first flow path. The third flow path is in fluid communication with the second flow path. A side wall of the housing defines a venturi within the second flow path at a location downstream from an intersection of the third flow path and the second flow path. A flow control member is disposed within the second flow path at a location upstream from the intersection of the third flow path and the second flow path. The flow control member is configured to regulate the fuel flow within the second flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Synerject, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin L. Leppert
  • Patent number: 7182281
    Abstract: An air assist fuel injector having a solenoid with a metallic core, an armature, and a solenoid coil for generating a magnetic field in the metallic core to actuate the armature. A poppet is attached to the armature. A single piece metallic body forms part of the metallic core of the solenoid. The body has an impact surface upon which the poppet repeatedly impacts during operation of the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Synerject, LLC
    Inventor: Jordi J. Catasus-Servia
  • Patent number: 7159801
    Abstract: An assembly for a fuel injector includes a fluid transportation member having a first portion that defines an internal passageway configured to convey fluid through the first portion, and a second portion in fluid communication with the first portion. The second portion defines at least one conduict configured to communicate fluid from the internal passageway out of the fluid trasnsportation memeber and a structural reinforcement portion is colocated with the second portion. A housing is configured to receive at least a portion of the transpotation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Synerject, LLC
    Inventor: Jordi J. Catasus-Servia
  • Patent number: 7104477
    Abstract: Air assist fuel injectors having one or more inserts that guide movement of a poppet, and an air assist fuel injector having a solid poppet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Synerject, LLC
    Inventors: David Kilgore, William June Rogers, Scott P. Dillon, Gary Lee Maschke, James Allen Kimmel
  • Patent number: 7051961
    Abstract: An assembly for a fuel injector having a metallic armature and a metallic poppet attached to the armature at an interface location. The armature and/or the poppet includes a coating at the interface location, where the coating has a higher resistance to corrosion as compared to the base material of the poppet and/or the base material of the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Synerject, LLC
    Inventors: John R Mills, Jordi J Catasus-Servia
  • Patent number: 6764028
    Abstract: A poppet for a fuel injector having a head with one or more ducts that help reduce the formation of deposits on the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Synerject, LLC
    Inventors: John Richard Mills, Jordi J. Catasus-Servia, Daniel P. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6626161
    Abstract: An assembly for an air assist fuel injection system have a rail configured to fluidly communicate pressurized gas to a fuel pressure regulator and to an air assist fuel injector of the system. The assembly further includes a cover configured to fluidly communicate fuel to the fuel pressure regulator and to a fuel injector of the air assist fuel injection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Synerject, LLC
    Inventors: Johnny Leung, Daryl Oran Codling
  • Patent number: 6568080
    Abstract: A first air assist fuel injector configured for operation with a two stroke engine and a second air assist fuel injector configured for operation with a four stroke engine. The first air assist fuel injector and the second air assist fuel injector share one or more common items, such as a solenoid coil assembly and/or an armature, even though the air assist fuel injectors are configured for different applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Synerject, LLC
    Inventors: James Allen Kimmel, David Christopher Kilgore
  • Patent number: 6561167
    Abstract: An air assist fuel injector system having an air assist fuel injector. The air assist fuel injector includes an integral projection having a recess therein for receiving a fuel injector. The air assist fuel injector also includes a conduit for receiving pressurized gas from a channel of a head of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Synerject, LLC
    Inventor: Carsten Berndt