Patents Examined by Kelsey L Stanek
  • Patent number: 11174760
    Abstract: A camshaft phaser includes an input member and an output member. A valve spool is moveable along an axis between an advance position and a retard position and includes a valve spool bore. A check valve within the valve spool bore includes a check valve member which moves between a seated position and an unseated position such that the check valve member prevents fluid flow out of the valve spool bore through a passage and such that the check valve member permits flow into the valve spool bore through the passage. An insert within the valve spool bore supports the check valve closes one end of the valve spool bore and abuts an insert retainer to retain the insert within the valve spool bore. A spring urges the insert toward the insert retainer and holds the insert retainer in compression against the insert retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas H. Fischer, Prashant Bhokardole
  • Patent number: 11168592
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for variable valve actuation assembly. In one example, the variable valve actuation assembly may include a first pressure reservoir with a first pressure fluidly coupled to valve actuators and positioned below an engine valve. A second pressure reservoir with a second pressure is arranged directly below the first pressure reservoir and a hydraulic medium flows between the first and second pressure reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Donald Wicks
  • Patent number: 11168589
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes exhaust-side and intake-side variable valve timing mechanisms, an oil passage defined in the cylinder head, an exhaust-side connection passage that branches from the oil passage to conduct oil to the exhaust-side variable valve timing mechanism, and an intake-side connection passage that branches from the oil passage to conduct oil to the intake-side variable valve timing mechanism. The connection passage that conducts oil to one of the exhaust-side variable valve timing mechanism and the intake-side variable valve timing mechanism that has a greater amount of oil leakage when oil having the same pressure is supplied to the variable valve timing mechanisms to operate the variable valve timing mechanisms is located at a downstream side in the oil passage of the connection passage that conducts oil to the variable valve timing mechanism that has a smaller amount of oil leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshiki Endo
  • Patent number: 11168590
    Abstract: A sleeve for a cam phaser, wherein the sleeve is arranged between a central valve and a rotor of the cam phaser, wherein the rotor is rotatable relative to a stator of the cam phaser about a rotation axis of the rotor, wherein a vane of the rotor is arranged positionable between two bars of the stator, wherein the vane divides an intermediary space that is formed between the two bars into a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber, wherein the rotor is movable by pressures that are provided in the first pressure chamber and in the second pressure chamber, wherein the central valve is configured to provide pressure loading and pressure relief of the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: ECO Holding 1 GmbH
    Inventors: Rene Heym, Norbert Loesch, Daniel Viertler
  • Patent number: 11162396
    Abstract: A valve opening-closing timing control device includes a valve case in which an inner space is formed in a direction along a rotational axis, and a valve unit accommodated in the inner space so as to be coaxial with the rotation axis and controlling fluid to and from an advance chamber and a retard chamber. The valve unit includes a check valve on an upstream side to which fluid is supplied. The check valve includes a valve seat in which a flow passage hole through which the fluid flows is formed, and a valve body including a closing portion that can close the flow passage hole. The valve seat includes a first projection portion to surround the flow passage hole. The check valve is closed by the closing portion contacting against the first projection portion, and is opened by the closing portion being separated from the first projection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenta Sakaguchi, Takeo Asahi, Kazuo Ueda, Tomohiro Kajita, Yusei Shinpo
  • Patent number: 11143065
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical variable valve mechanism includes a variable valve mechanism body, a latching pin arranged in front of the variable valve mechanism body, and an inner body arranged inside the variable valve mechanism body. The latching pin reciprocates in a longitudinal direction of the variable valve mechanism body and the inner body to latch the variable valve mechanism body and the inner body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Myung-Sik Choi, You-Seok Back
  • Patent number: 11125125
    Abstract: A valvetrain includes a rocker arm assembly and a power transfer module that provides power to the rocker arm assembly. The power transfer module includes a mounting frame that positions a resilient contact to abut and slide over a corresponding contact on the rocker arm assembly thereby maintain an electrical connection to the rocker arm assembly during rocker arm assembly operation. In some embodiments the structure facilitates retention of the rocker arm assembly on a pivot. The contact on the rocker arm may be provided by a contact pin. The mounting frame may abut and/or go around a pivot for the rocker arm assembly. A contact frame on the rocker arm may hold conductors of the electrical circuit extending from the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Jiri Cecrle, Dale Arden Stretch, Michael J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 11125121
    Abstract: A variable camshaft timing system including a first camshaft phaser having an input that is configured to receive rotational force from a crankshaft and an output that is configured to link with a first camshaft of a concentric camshaft assembly to change the angular position of the first camshaft relative to a crankshaft; and a second camshaft phaser having an output that is configured to link with a second camshaft of the concentric camshaft assembly to change the angular position of the second camshaft relative to the crankshaft, wherein the first camshaft is concentrically positioned to the first camshaft and the first camshaft phaser is mechanically linked to the second camshaft phaser to communicate rotational force from the crankshaft to the second camshaft phaser through the first camshaft phaser and the mechanical link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: BORGWARNER, INC.
    Inventors: Chad McCloy, Xiaoyu Lu
  • Patent number: 11118486
    Abstract: A rotor is provided for a camshaft phaser. The rotor includes a plurality of vanes, a locking pin aperture, a vent passage connected to an end of the locking pin aperture, and an axial face configured to connect with a camshaft. The axial face defines a timing protrusion that is aligned with the vent passage or the locking pin aperture, and configured to be received by the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Shannon Bell
  • Patent number: 11111893
    Abstract: A tappet assembly for use in translating force between a camshaft lobe and a fuel pump assembly via reciprocal movement within a tappet cylinder having a guide slot. The tappet assembly comprises a tappet body having a shelf and defining a pair of apertures, and a follower assembly. The follower assembly has a shaft, a first bearing and a second bearing, each supported on the shaft for engaging the camshaft lobe. A beam is further supported on the shaft between the first and second bearings and has a platform for engaging the fuel pump assembly. The shaft is disposed in the pair of apertures of the tappet body and the beam is arranged in the tappet body and engaged with the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: GT TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: John E. Brune, Terence William Roberts, Jr., Tyler Austin Hamm
  • Patent number: 11111826
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve for a cam phaser, the hydraulic valve comprising: a bushing including a piston that is movable in a bore along a longitudinal direction; a supply connection for feeding a hydraulic fluid; a first operating connection and a second operation connection; and a first tank drain connection and a second tank drain connection configured to drain the hydraulic fluid, wherein a first check valve is associated with the first operating connection and a second check valve is associated with the second operating connection, and the first operating connection and the second operating connection are connectable through at least one of the first check valve and the second check valve alternatively with each other or with the supply connection or with the first tank drain connection or with the second tank drain connection by moving the piston, wherein the hydraulic valve includes five switching positions,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: ECO Holding 1 GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Bartel, Falk Mueller, Andre Seidenschwann, Patrick Ruppert
  • Patent number: 11085338
    Abstract: A system for monitoring operation of an internal combustion engine having a rocker arm assembly for actuating an engine valve is disclosed. The rocker arm assembly includes a first arm with a first end, a second arm also having a first end pivotally connected near the first end of the first arm, a latch that when latched secures the first arm relative to the second arm in a latched mode, and when unlatched allows the first arm to move relative to the second arm in an unlatched mode. The system also employing a sensor attached to one of the first and second arms that can detect when the arms are moving relative to each other, and adapted to provide a signal indicating the sensed movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventor: Brian Karl VanDeusen
  • Patent number: 11047269
    Abstract: A valve train device, in particular for an internal combustion engine, includes a support element secured to a housing, at least one axially moveable cam unit associated with a valve, and at least one switch unit for axially moving at least one part of the cam unit having at least one displacement body which is provided to be introduced for axial movement at least functionally between the support element and the cam unit. The cam unit has at least three cam paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Alexander Von Gaisberg-Helfenberg, Markus Lengfeld, Jens Meintschel, Thomas Stolk
  • Patent number: 11047268
    Abstract: An actuator arrangement for controlling a first latching arrangement of a first dual body rocker arm for controlling an intake valve of an internal combustion engine, and for controlling a second latching arrangement of a second dual body rocker arm for controlling an exhaust valve of the internal combustion engine, the first and second dual body rocker arms each including a first body, a second body, and the latching arrangement controllable to latch and unlatch the first body and the second body. The actuator arrangement includes: an actuation source; and an actuation transmission arrangement for transmitting movement of the actuation source to both the first latching arrangement and the second latching arrangement. In use, movement of the actuation source causes, via the actuation transmission arrangement, control of the first latching arrangement and of the second latching arrangement in common.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventor: Majo Cecur
  • Patent number: 11028738
    Abstract: A piston for a hydraulic unit of a cam phaser, wherein the piston is configured cylindrical and wherein the piston is received axially movable in a cam phaser opening of the cam phaser, wherein according to a positioning of the piston a plurality of connections, in particular operating connections of the cam phaser are opened and closed, wherein the piston includes an outer contour that is configured for opening or closing the connections wherein the outer contour is configured complementary to an inner contour of the cam phaser opening in order to provide opening and/or closing of the connections. The invention also relates to a cam phaser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: ECO Holding 1 GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Sing, John Snyder, Daniel Stanhope
  • Patent number: 11028736
    Abstract: A valve train assembly includes: a first group of one or more dual body rocker arms and a second group of one or more dual body rocker arms, the first group for controlling one or more valves of a first cylinder and the second group for controlling one or more valves of a second cylinder, each of the dual body rocker arms including a first body, a second body, and a latching arrangement for latching and unlatching the first body and the second body; and an actuator arrangement external to the dual body rocker arms for controlling the latching arrangement, the actuator arrangement including a shaft having a first set of one or more cams for controlling the latching arrangements of the first group of one or more dual body rocker arms and a second set of one or more cams for controlling the latching arrangements of the second group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Nicola Andrisani, Fabiano Contarin, Emanuele Raimondi, Majo Cecur, Alessio Lorenzon
  • Patent number: 10941703
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for operating an engine that includes a knock control system that may determine contributions of individual noise sources to an engine background noise level. The contributions of the individual noise sources may be the basis for establishing the presence or absence of knock in one or more engine cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rani Kiwan, Mohannad Hakeem, Christopher Paul Glugla, James Matthew Kindree, Amey Karnik
  • Patent number: 10927720
    Abstract: A phase-shifting device, a so-called cam phaser, is arranged between a crankshaft and at least one camshaft to change the at least one camshaft's rotational position in relation to the crankshaft and thus push forward or defer at least one inlet valve's and/or at least one exhaust valve's opening and closing time. The phase-shifting device is connected to an accumulator that can be charged by an oil pump. The oil pressure may be increased with the help of a pressure medium controlled cylinder before or during a phase-shifting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Scania CV AB
    Inventor: Hans Göransson
  • Patent number: 10927716
    Abstract: A dual body rocker arm for a valve train assembly of an internal combustion engine includes: an outer body having a protrusion; an inner body connected to the outer body and arranged for pivotal movement relative to the outer body about an axis between a first position and a second position; and a torsional biasing element supported by the protrusion and arranged to bias the inner body relative to the outer body towards one of the first position and the second position. The protrusion is formed integrally with the outer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventor: Majo Cecur
  • Patent number: 10927715
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a valvetrain having a pivot stand assembly that includes rocker arm assemblies and a compound pivot stand including a cap that integrates camshaft journaling and rocker arm support. The cap includes an elongate cap body structured to bolt to a base to form a camshaft journal bore, and each of a first and a second shaft bore for receiving rocker arm pivot shafts to position the rocker arms at different pivot locations. The rocker arms may be structured to actuate gas exchange valves arranged in a diamond pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Hittle