Patents Examined by Jorge Leon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10557385
    Abstract: An engine variable camshaft timing phaser (10) includes a sprocket (12) and a planetary gear assembly (14). The sprocket (12) receives rotational drive input from an engine crankshaft. The planetary gear assembly (14) includes two or more ring gears (26, 28), multiple planet gears (24), a sun gear (22), and a wrap spring (76). One of the ring gears (26, 28) receives rotational drive input from the sprocket (12) and one of the ring gears (26, 28) transmits rotational drive output to an engine camshaft. The sun gear (22) engages with the planet gears (24). The wrap spring (76) experiences expansion and contraction exertions to permit advancing and retarding engine valve opening and closing, and to prevent advancing and retarding engine valve opening and closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Thomas R. Benner, Christopher J. Pluta
  • Patent number: 10294829
    Abstract: A valve timing control device for an internal combustion engine; a driving rotation member to which a rotational force is transmitted from a crank shaft; a driven rotation member arranged to rotate as a unit with a cam shaft; and a fixing member disposed between an axial one end portion of the cam shaft and the driven rotation member, the driven rotation member including a first recessed portion formed at a position to confront the axial one end portion of the cam shaft, and the fixing member including a second recessed portion which is formed at a position to confront the axial one end portion of the cam shaft, and in which the one end portion of the cam shaft is mounted from an axial direction, and a raised portion mounted in the first recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Manako, Mikihiro Kajiura
  • Patent number: 10273834
    Abstract: A valve opening/closing timing control apparatus includes: a driving side rotator configured to rotate synchronously with a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine; a driven side rotator disposed coaxially with a rotation axis of the driving side rotator and configured to rotate integrally with a valve opening/closing camshaft; a connecting bolt disposed coaxially with the rotation axis to connect the driven side rotator to the camshaft, and having an advanced angle port and a retarded angle port formed to extend from an outer peripheral surface to an inner space thereof, the advanced angle port and the retarded angle port communicating with an advanced angle chamber and a retarded angle chamber between the driving side rotator and the driven side rotator, respectively; and a valve unit disposed in the inner space of the connecting bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomohiro Kajita, Yuji Noguchi, Takeo Asahi, Hideyuki Suganuma, Hiroyuki Hamasaki, Toru Sakakibara, Hideomi Iyanaga
  • Patent number: 10273833
    Abstract: A phaser with a rotor assembly having a pattern on an inner diameter that acts as a sealing land or divider between the advance supply port and the retard supply port. This pattern allows the advance supply ports and the retard supply ports to be on the same plane, allowing the overall axial length of the rotor to be shorter. The pattern is preferably formed onto the inner diameter of the rotor through net forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Chad McCloy
  • Patent number: 10267186
    Abstract: A camshaft adjuster (1) including a stator (2) and a rotor (4), a spring (6) tenses the rotor (4) rotationally counter to the stator (2). According to the invention, the spring is a coil spring (6), the stator (2) includes a first recess (8) of a first free end (10) of the coil spring (6) and the rotor (4) includes a second recess (12) for a second free end (14) of the coil spring (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Sebald, Stefan Hoelzel, Boris Puetz, Ali Bayrakdar
  • Patent number: 10260384
    Abstract: A valve timing regulation device includes a housing, a vane rotor, a sleeve and a spool. The housing is fit to an end of a camshaft. The sleeve has a supply port, a drain port, a first control port, a second control port and a first drain oil passage. The spool has a connection oil passage provided to a shaft center part to connect the supply port to either the first control port or the second control port according to an own axial position. The drain port is connected to a drain space through a second drain oil passage provided to span the vane rotor and the camshaft. A hydraulic oil of a retard chamber is discharged to the drain space through the second drain oil passage. It is unnecessary to provide a discharge hole to the camshaft, and a shaft length of the camshaft can be shorter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuro Mitsutani
  • Patent number: 10260381
    Abstract: A variable valve mechanism includes a rocker arm including a first input arm, a second input arm, and an output arm, and a switch device that switches an operating state to a first state by coupling only the first input arm to the output arm, and switches the operating state to a second state by coupling only the second input arm to the output arm. The switch device includes two pins that are displaceably placed in the rocker arm and contact each other at their end faces, and a displacement device that switches the operating state to the first state by displacing a contact portion between the two pins to between the output arm and the second input arm, and switches the operating state to the second state by displacing the contact portion between the two pins to between the output arm and the first input arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: OTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Sugiura, Koki Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 10260380
    Abstract: The invention relates to a locking device for a switchable valve drive component, including a first locking body and a second locking body which can be brought into engagement with one another or out of engagement in order to couple to one another or to uncouple two component parts arranged movably with respect to one another, wherein at least one of the two locking bodies has at least one curved surface. In order to increase the wear resistance of the locking device, provision is made for at least one of the two locking bodies to have a plurality of curved surfaces of which the respective curvature is described by radii of identical length having constructional center points spaced apart from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Volker Schmidt, Frank Himsel, Rainer Schwinn, Michael Kugler
  • Patent number: 10253660
    Abstract: A valve train may include a camshaft having first and second slide guides, first and second cams mounted axially adjacent in torque-proof manners on the camshaft, and a cam follower adjustable between a first position, in which the cam follower is drivingly connected with the first cam, and a second position, in which the cam follower is drivingly connected with the second cam. The valve train may also include an adjustment arrangement having adjustable mechanical first and second engagement elements for axially adjusting the cam follower between first and second positions. Each engagement element may be adjustable between basic positions, in which no contact exists with a respective one of the slide guides, and switching positions, in which the respective engagement element cooperates with the slide guide. Each engagement element may have a spring that prestresses it into the switching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Peer Niekamp, Edgar Salfeld
  • Patent number: 10247060
    Abstract: A control valve (1) for a camshaft adjustment device, and to an internal combustion engine having a camshaft adjustment device and a control valve (1) is provided. The control valve (1) includes a valve housing (3) and a pressure medium guiding insert (23) arranged coaxially in a recess of the valve housing (3). A discharge passage (27, 28) of the pressure medium guiding insert (23) transitions into a discharge duct (22) running in the axial direction, wherein the discharge connection T can be connected to the control connections A, B and wherein the discharge connection T is arranged in a region between the second end (8), which is opposite the first end (6), and the control connections A, B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: David Koehler, Jens Hoppe
  • Patent number: 10247055
    Abstract: A cam phaser has a stator, a rotor positioned in the stator and including a locking pin, a locking cover including a receiving feature for receiving the locking pin, a cover plate, and a check valve plate positioned between the stator and the locking cover and including a plurality of valve elements. The cam phaser also has a plurality of first openings in each of the stator, locking cover, and check valve plate, a plurality of second openings in the locking cover, and a third opening formed in the check valve plate. The cam phaser further includes a retention feature for aligning components of the cam phaser during assembly, the retention feature including one or more tabs on a first component and one or more indentations on a second component receiving the one or more tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Renato De Oliveira Ghiraldi, Alexandre Camilo, Peter Cantin
  • Patent number: 10247052
    Abstract: A guide assembly for a valve lifter of an engine. The valve lifter is at least partly received within a bore of a body of the engine and an end portion of the valve lifter is exposed to an outside of the body. The guide assembly includes a pin and a guide. The pin is adapted to be fixedly coupled to the end portion of the valve lifter, while the guide is adapted to be coupled to the body. The guide defines a channel. The pin is received within the channel and cooperates with the channel to facilitate a movement of the valve lifter along an axis of the bore and to restrict a rotation of the valve lifter about the axis of the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Craig P. Hittle, Eric L. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 10247061
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve brake for a hydraulic valve drive of an internal combustion engine is provided. The valve brake includes a housing with a housing wall and with a housing base, and includes a piston which moves axially in the housing and one end side of which, together with the housing wall and the housing base, delimits a hydraulic pressure chamber and the other end side of which actuates a gas exchange valve. The housing wall is perforated in the region of the pressure chamber by one or more overflow openings, the opening cross sections of which are controlled by a control edge, which delimits the end side at the pressure chamber side, of the piston. In this case, it is the intention for the axial distance (h) between the control edge of the piston, when the latter is fully retracted into the housing, and the housing base to be set by a spacer of predetermined thickness (d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Steve Beier, Arno Bachstadt, Hendrik Thomann
  • Patent number: 10247053
    Abstract: An axleless roller valve lifter for following an eccentric cam in an internal combustion engine includes a roller wheel contained and suspended within a wheel socket without the use of a center support axle. The inner contour of the wheel socket is precision machined to receive the outer diameter of the roller wheel, with a thin film of non-compressible oil providing a barrier between the roller and the well during operation. A permanent magnet within the body of the lifter assists in retaining the wheel within the well, and a check valve within the lifter body prevents oil from backflowing out of the lifter upon impact of the roller with the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventor: Joseph Schubeck
  • Patent number: 10247051
    Abstract: A camshaft module may include a module body in which at least one camshaft for controlling valves for a charge cycle of an internal combustion engine is accommodated. The camshaft may comprise a support shaft and sliding cam pieces that are accommodated on the support shaft so as to be displaceable in an axial direction of the support shaft. A support element may also be provided on which actuators for the axial displacement of the sliding cam pieces are accommodated. The support element may extend in the axial direction and therefore parallel to the support shaft. In some cases, a coefficient of thermal expansion of the support element substantially corresponds to a coefficient of thermal expansion of the support shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignees: THYSSENKRUPP PRESTA TECCENTER AG, THYSSENKRUPP AG
    Inventor: Jürgen Meusel
  • Patent number: 10247057
    Abstract: A vane-type, hydraulic cam shaft adjuster (1, 20) having a stator (2) and a rotor that is rotatably mounted in relation to the stator (2), wherein at least one locking bolt (10) is provided in order to limit the rotor in relation to the stator (2), in at least one direction of rotation, when the locking bolt is brought into contact with a slot guide (12) of an insert part (4, 21), wherein the insert part (4, 21) is secured in a component (2) that is secured to the stator, wherein the insert part has securing regions, between which securing regions and the component (2) that is secured to the stator there is frictional connection, and wherein the insert part (4, 21) is formed, in terms of material and geometrics, in such a way that a deformation (19) causes a change in length (18) of the insert part (4, 21), involving the friction connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Olaf Boese
  • Patent number: 10247063
    Abstract: A valve train may include a camshaft, a cam follower, and first and second cams mounted axially adjacent in a torque-proof manner on the camshaft. The valve train may also include an adjustment arrangement having adjustable first and second mechanical engagement elements, which may each cooperate with at least one slide guide arranged on the camshaft. The valve train may further include a control shaft or control slide forming a stop for the first and second engagement elements and adjusting the first and second engagement elements into respective switching positions. The cam follower may be drivingly connected with the first and second cams in first and second positions, respectively. The first and second engagement elements may each be adjustable between respective basic positions, in which no contact exists with the associated slide guide, and the respective switching positions, in which the respective engagement element cooperates with the associated slide guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Patrick Altherr, David Moczko, Peer Niekamp
  • Patent number: 10240493
    Abstract: A cam phaser including a rotation phaser and a hydraulic valve hydraulically loading the rotation phaser, wherein the hydraulic valve is connectable torque proof with a cam shaft so that the cam shaft is rotatable, wherein the rotation phaser includes a stator and a rotor configured coaxial with the stator, wherein the rotor is rotatable relative to the stator, wherein the hydraulic valve is configured so that it protrudes at least partially into the rotation phaser, wherein an adapter is provided for a relative axial positioning of the rotor and the stator. According to the invention the adapter is configured for loose mounting in the rotation phaser so that a fixated connection of the adapter in the rotation phaser is provided when the cam shaft is mounted at the hydraulic valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: ECO Holding 1 GmbH
    Inventors: Steve Nance, John Snyder
  • Patent number: 10233794
    Abstract: A valve arrangement for a cylinder of an internal combustion engine arrangement includes a check valve configured to be positioned at an intake side port of the cylinder for controlling gas flow into the cylinder, wherein the valve arrangement further includes an intake valve arrangement positioned upstream from the check valve, and an actuating arrangement configured to controllably position the intake valve arrangement for closing the intake side port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Arne Andersson, Bincheng Jiang, Staffan Lundgren, Håkan Sandström
  • Patent number: 10221727
    Abstract: An engine is disclosed of the V-configuration having an integrated engine and transmission. The engine has an engine ventilation system communicating between the crankcase and an upper end of the valve cover, whereby blow-by gases can be returned to the air intake system to recycle the unspent fuel. The engine also includes an easily accessible/removable cam, such that the camshaft may be removed without removing the rocker arms. The engine also includes a lubrication system for lubricating components of the engine and transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Indian Motorcycle International, LLC
    Inventors: C. Scott Walter, Cal W. Johnson, John S. Lengyel, Patrick R. Rohlman