Patents Examined by Noah Kamen
  • Cooling apparatus for water-cooled engine and method of controlling cooling apparatus for water-cooled engine
    Patent number: 8616160
    Abstract: A cooling apparatus for a water-cooled engine includes a radiator that cools coolant that has been circulated in the engine; a radiator fan that delivers air to the radiator; a determination portion that determines whether the engine is operated under a high load; and a setting portion. If the determination portion determines that the engine is operated under a high load, the setting portion sets an operation rate of the radiator fan at a time point at which the determination portion determines that the engine is operated under a high load, to a value higher than a normal operation rate at the same coolant temperature as a coolant temperature at the time point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tatsuaki Suzuki
  • Method and apparatus for securing a balancer shaft module
    Patent number: 8613268
    Abstract: A method for securing a balancer shaft module to an engine is provided, the method including the steps of passing a mounting feature into at least two mounting apertures of the balancer shaft module; simultaneously rotating two of the mounting features within the mounting aperture, wherein the simultaneous rotation of the two mounting features laterally moves the balancer shaft module with respect to the engine; and securing the balancer shaft module to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Metaldyne LLC
    Inventor: Steven Joseph Chevalier
  • Method for operating a charge diluted engine
    Patent number: 8613263
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a first fuel is reformed into a gaseous fuel comprising H, CO, and CH4. The engine is operated by injecting the gaseous fuel and a second fuel to a cylinder of the engine in response to an available amount of gaseous fuel, engine speed and engine load. Further, an engine actuator may be adjusted to vary cylinder charge dilution in response to the available amount of gaseous fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Michael H. Shelby
  • Valve
    Patent number: 8613267
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to valves comprising a member such as a plate or poppet, that is moveable relative to a stationary seat. The state of the member may be maintained against opposing forces with relatively little expenditure of energy. According to one embodiment, a poppet displaced from seating in the valve seat, may be held in position against opposing forces tending to close the valve, until a desired flow of gas through the valve has taken place. The poppet may then be released as desired, such that those opposing forces serve to passively close the valve. The valve may be secured in position utilizing mechanical, magnetic, electromagnetic, pneumatic, electrostatic, or hydraulic approaches. Valve embodiments may be particularly suited to controlling gas flows for compression and/or expansion in an energy storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Gordon Rado, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr.
  • Electro-hydraulic pressure control fan drive system with electrical failure mode operation
    Patent number: 8607745
    Abstract: A fan drive system is provided that is hydraulically controlled having an electrical failure mode wherein midrange operation of the fan drive system is maintained. Accordingly, in the failure mode, a fan drive system hydraulic relief valve is not closed thereby ensuring a degree of operation of the fan drive system even during periods of electrical failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore A. Malott, Jr., Joshua L. Roby
  • Motorcycle engine
    Patent number: 8607758
    Abstract: A motorcycle engine includes a cylinder block with an axis extending perpendicularly or slightly inclined forwardly. A cylinder head includes an intake port, an exhaust port disposed on a front surface of the cylinder head opposite the intake port, an engine hanger boss, a coolant temperature sensor mounting portion, and a cam chain tensioner lifter. The intake port has an outer opening having a center disposed on a level upward of a center of an outer opening of the exhaust port. The engine hanger boss is provided on either side of the cylinder head, has a centerline that crosses the intake port, and disposed upwardly of an upper end of the outer opening of the exhaust port. The cam chain tensioner lifter and the coolant temperature sensor are in an overlapping position in a side view, downwardly of the engine hanger boss and an open end of the intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nozomi Okada, Shinsuke Yasui
  • Active air vent utilizing smart material actuation
    Patent number: 8607744
    Abstract: An active air intake adapted for selectively regulating fluid flow into an engine generally includes a housing defining an opening, a covering member disposed relative to the opening and translatable between opened and closed conditions, an actuator including an active material element operable to effect movement of the member, a load limit protector configured to present a secondary output path for the element, an overheat protection mechanism for preventing unintentional activation and stress loads in the element, a biasing mechanism for returning the member to the original condition, and a latching mechanism for retaining the member in the closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Xiujie Gao, Thomas H. Froling, Richard J. Skurkis, Matthew D. Scrase, Clifford Jason Yee, Evan P. Joranlien, Mark D. Dickens, Arnold G Warner, Laurence M Lemaire
  • Internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8607743
    Abstract: A fuel reforming catalyst is installed in an internal combustion engine, the catalyst generating a combustible gas from a reforming fuel by using heat of the exhaust gas. In the reforming control, the combustible gas generated by action of the fuel reforming catalyst is refluxed into the intake system. An ECU varies a lower limit temperature of the reforming control depending on a mixture ratio of a gasoline and an ethanol in the reforming fuel. If the temperature of the fuel reforming catalyst is lower than the lower limit temperature, the ECU suspends the injection of the reforming fuel. The device can enlarge a temperature range to perform reforming control as much as possible, and perform the reforming control under suitable temperature conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideo Yahagi
  • Internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8601999
    Abstract: An engine includes an engine block comprising a cylinder, an intake and exhaust port, and two linearly opposing pistons reciprocatingly mounted relative to two opposing crankshafts. A pair of piston sleeves are reciprocatingly mounted in the cylinder around each piston and connected relative to their respective crankshafts. Each piston sleeve includes a slotted port in communication with either the intake or exhaust port. A pair of sleeve couplers are pivotably connected to their respective piston sleeves and eccentrically rotatable relative to their respective crankshafts. A pair of eccentric inserts include an outside circumferential surface concentrically offset from an inside circumferential surface aperture. Each inside circumferential surface aperture is pivotable about its respective crankshaft. Each outside circumferential surface is rotatable relative to its respective sleeve coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Straight-Dyne LLC
    Inventor: Edwin M. Fernandez
  • Split cooling method and apparatus
    Patent number: 8601986
    Abstract: A system and method for cooling an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment of the invention a cooling system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed, comprising an engine; an intercooler for receiving combustion air from a turbocharger, the intercooler comprising an air-to-liquid heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the combustion air and a liquid coolant; an intercooler radiator; at least one engine coolant radiator; an expansion tank; an oil cooler; and at least one pump, wherein the dedicated fan is controlled by a temperature switch or controller and wherein the at least one engine coolant radiator and the intercooler radiator are located on opposite sides of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Norfolk Southern
    Inventors: Donald R. Faulkner, William B. Thompson, Patrick E. Keister, Eric C. Martin, Charles W. Murray
  • Low profile valve stem seal in cylinder head
    Patent number: 8601991
    Abstract: A valve stem seal assembly in an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head including an aperture therein in communication with a cylinder bore and a recessed pocket surrounding the aperture. A valve guide is received in the aperture and a valve stem is received in the valve guide. A valve seal support includes a radially outwardly extending flange disposed against a surface of the cylinder head external to the recessed pocket and a cylindrical body that extends into the recessed pocket. A valve spring contacts the flange and a resilient seal is secured to the rigid valve seal support and in sealing engagement with the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership
    Inventors: Rory S. Pawl, Patrick L. Scheib, John A. London
  • Engine balancer device
    Patent number: 8601993
    Abstract: An engine balancer device is provided that can prevent an increase in the number of component parts and the enlargement of an engine. The balancer weight includes a primary balancer 201 rotated at the same speed as, and in a counter direction to a crankshaft 105 and a coupling balancer for suppressing moment force resulting from the reciprocative weight of the engine 17. The coupling balancer is integrally provided on a driven gear 177 for transmitting rotation of the crankshaft 105 to the primary balancer 201.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Koyanagi, Yoshinobu Ozaki
  • Water pump with integrated oil cooler
    Patent number: 8601997
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes a water pump assembly and an oil cooler mounted to the water pump assembly. The water pump assembly includes a rear housing which at least partially defines at least one water passage to fluidly connect the water pump assembly to the oil cooler. A surface is defined by the rear housing and corresponds to a sealing surface on the engine block such that the oil cooler and the water pump assembly are fluidly sealed to the engine block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gregory L. Cockerill, Paul A. Stade, David A. Gorajek, Chris Springer
  • Valve including rotating element controlling opening duration
    Patent number: 8601992
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to valves comprising a member such as a plate or poppet, that is moveable relative to a stationary seat. The state of the member may be maintained against opposing forces with relatively little expenditure of energy. According to one embodiment, a poppet displaced from seating in the valve seat, may be held in position against opposing forces tending to close the valve, until a desired flow of gas through the valve has taken place. The poppet may then be released as desired, such that those opposing forces serve to passively close the valve. The valve may be secured in position utilizing mechanical, magnetic, electromagnetic, pneumatic, electrostatic, or hydraulic approaches. Valve embodiments may be particularly suited to controlling gas flows for compression and/or expansion in an energy storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Gordon Rado, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr.
  • Hydraulic internal combustion engines
    Patent number: 8596230
    Abstract: Hydraulic internal combustion engines having at least one combustion piston not mechanically connected to a crankshaft or any other combustion piston, but instead acting on hydraulic plungers through valving that is electronically controlled to control the piston position and velocity, typically through an intake stroke, a compression stroke, a combustion or power stroke and an exhaust stroke. Electronically controlled fuel injection and electronically controlled engine valves provided great flexibility in the operating cycles that may be used, with the engine pumping hydraulic fluid to a high pressure accumulator for use in hydraulic motors or other hydraulic equipment. Embodiments using high pressure air injection to sustain combustion are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Sturman Digital Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Oded Eddie Sturman, Tibor Kiss, Steven E. Massey, David Drury
  • Thermostat and cooling device for vehicle
    Patent number: 8596228
    Abstract: If an engine undergoes high-load operations immediately after start up from its cold state, a thermostat is closed to inhibit passage of cooling water through the inside of the engine, and the cooling water stagnant in a cylinder head receives heat from a combustion chamber. Therefore, the cooling water will possibly boil. However, the thermostat is formed in such a manner that a valve body may be opened forcedly if the discharge flow rate of a water pump is greater than the flow rate in a normal use region. Therefore, in such a situation, the discharge flow rate of the water pump is increased greater than the flow rate in the normal use region to open the valve body with good response, thereby passing water into the engine quickly. This configuration prevents the cooling water stagnant in the cylinder head from boiling before the valve body is opened completely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeki Kinomura
  • Internal combustion engine and cylinder head cover
    Patent number: 8590503
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle may include a cylinder head having an open cylinder head interior on a cylinder head side. A cylinder head cover may be disposed on the cylinder head for covering the cylinder head interior at the open cylinder head side. An internal wiring may be disposed in the cylinder head interior for supplying electrical energy to electrical components. The internal wiring may have at least one electrical internal interface disposed on the cylinder head in the cylinder head interior. At least one connecting bridge may have an inner connecting interface configured in a complementary manner to the internal interface, and an outer connecting interface connected electrically therewith. The external wiring may be disposed outside the cylinder head interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Hütter, Jan Scheffel, Daniel Wirbel, Julian Cojocaru
  • Method for controlling an intake system
    Patent number: 8590504
    Abstract: A method and a system for controlling an intake system for an engine is disclosed. The method includes steps for selecting an intake mode according to the current engine speed and the current cylinder mode. The method may be used for controlling an intake system in conjunction with a multi-displacement engine having one or more cylinders that may be deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Todd R. Luken
  • Variable intake system and method
    Patent number: 8590501
    Abstract: An intake manifold assembly is disclosed that utilizes a barrel valve apparatus comprised of segments and connectors. The barrel valve apparatus and its housing component can be tapered and flexible. A protrusion such as a draft can be used to seal the performance of the barrel valve apparatus without a seal. Openings in the barrel valve apparatus can possess an integrated bellmouth shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Managed Programs LLC
    Inventors: Taehwan Kim, Seunghyun Jang
  • System including an electromagnetically energized piston motor designed to convert chemical and electrical energy to mechanical energy
    Patent number: 8590496
    Abstract: An energy conversion and free hydrogen producing system including a electromagnetically energized reciprocating piston motor, a plurality of lead acid flow through batteries, each consisting of a plurality of individual flow through lead acid cells, and a hydrogen burning internal combustion engine. With concentrated sulfuric acid as the primary fluid, the electromagnetically energized reciprocation piston motor, and the hydrogen burning internal combustion engine provide a rotational torque output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Forman, Javier C. Sanchez