Patents Examined by Noah Kamen
  • Patent number: 8939129
    Abstract: A gas mixer for mixing a first gas and a second gas, including a gas housing, a Venturi tube, a flow body for the first gas arranged in the Venturi tube to form a mixing gap, an inflow tube connected to the Venturi tube, to an inflow opening to the Venturi tube for the second gas, and an actuating element for varying the inflow cross section of the inflow opening. The actuating element has a first and a second actuating part which restrict the inflow cross section. The first actuating part is a first gas housing part and the second actuating part is a second gas housing part. At least one of the gas housing parts forms part of the Venturi tube and/or of the inflow tube At least one of the gas housing parts can be moved with respect to another and has a rotor of a linear motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: MTU Friedrichshafen GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Prinz, Manolo Odermatt, Anko Ernst
  • Patent number: 8939114
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a piston (10) for an internal combustion engine, having a piston head (11) having a piston crown (17), an outer circumferential cooling channel (21), an inner cooling space (22) disposed in the region of the underside (17a) of the piston crown (17), which is closed off with a separate closure element (23) that has at least one outflow opening (25) for cooling oil. According to the invention, it is provided that the closure element (23) and the inner cooling space (22) extend all the way to below the outer circumferential cooling channel (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Keller
  • Patent number: 8939116
    Abstract: A liquid-cooled internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder with a cylinder head in which there are disposed a lower partial cooling chamber adjacent to a fire deck and an upper partial cooling chamber which is flow-connected thereto by way of at least one main overflow aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: AVL List GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Pöschl, Manfred Breitenberger
  • Patent number: 8939123
    Abstract: The invention relates to a countershaft for a single or multiple cylinder motor having at least one unbalanced weight section (21, 22; 23, 24) and at least one bearing point (16, 17) that is allocated to the at least one unbalanced weight section (21, 22; 23, 24), wherein the bearing point (16, 17) has a radial circumferential surface (18) that extends only partially over a circumference of the bearing point (16, 17) so that a centrifugal force resulting from rotation of the countershaft (11) lies within a region of the bearing point (16, 17) that is formed by the circumferential surface (18) extending partially over the circumference of the bearing point (16, 17) and having a ring (25) that surrounds the partially extended circumferential surface (18) of the bearing point (16, 17) and is connected by a force and/or form and/or material fitting connection to the bearing point (16, 17), wherein the circumferential surface (18) of the bearing point (16, 17) has a receptacle region (33) for receiving the ring (2
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Herzog Intertec GmbH
    Inventors: Ewald Herzog, Raphael Herzog, Patricia Will
  • Patent number: 8936009
    Abstract: A pressure regulator is disclosed having a body, a valve seat dividing a cavity of the body into first and second portions, and an end stop movable against a bias to selectively engage the valve seat and isolate the first and second portions. The pressure regulator may also have a first inlet port in the first portion, a first outlet port in the second portion and in fluid communication with the first portion via the valve seat, and a second inlet port in the second portion. The fuel system may also have a valve element in the second portion and movable against a spring bias based on a pressure difference between an open position and a restricted position against the end stop. The fuel system may additionally have an actuator biased to urge the valve element toward the second position and selectively actuated to move away from the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar
    Inventors: Daniel R. Puckett, Joshua W. Steffen, Frank J. Lombardi, Steven T. Grant
  • Patent number: 8936013
    Abstract: An engine includes an engine block that defines a drain-back passage and a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) passage. The drain-back passage and the PCV passage are disposed in fluid communication with each other. A cylinder head is attached to the engine block. The cylinder head defines an oil return passage. The oil return passage is disposed in fluid communication with both the drain-back passage and the PCV passage. A head gasket is disposed between the engine block and the cylinder head, and includes a shelf that extends at least partially over the PCV passage to prevent liquids draining through the oil return passage into the drain-back passage, from entering the PCV passage, while allowing gasses flowing through the oil return passage to enter the PCV passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Michael B. Fleck
  • Patent number: 8935994
    Abstract: Gasoline fuel and method of making and using it. The fuel comprises from 5 to 20 vol.-% paraffinic hydrocarbons originating from biological oils, fats, or derivatives or combinations thereof. Further, it comprises oxygenates, such as ethanol present in a concentration of about 5 to 15 vol.-%; or iso-butanol present in a concentration of 5 to 20 vol.-%, preferably about 10 to 17 vol.-%; or ETBE present in a concentration of 7 to 25 vol.-%, preferably about 15 to 22 vol.-%. The bioenergy content of the gasoline is at least 14 Energy equivalent percentage (Eeqv-%) calculated based on the heating values given in the European Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC. By means of the invention, fuels with a high bioenergy content are provided which can be used in conventional gasoline-fuelled automotive engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Neste Oil Oyj
    Inventors: Leena Rantanen-Kolehmainen, Päivi Aakko-Saksa
  • Patent number: 8936005
    Abstract: A method for operating a stationary power generating plant, comprising a gas engine with at least one pre-chamber and at least one main combustion chamber, wherein the stationary power generating plant is fed a gas stream—in particular a substantially continuous gas stream—which comprises a hardly inflammable gas, wherein the gas stream is divided in the stationary power generating plant into a main stream and a partial stream, wherein the main stream is fed to the at least one main combustion chamber and wherein the partial stream is treated to increase its inflammability and is fed to the at least one pre-chamber of the gas engine, and also a stationary power generating plant with a gas engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: GE Jenbacher GmbH & Co OG
    Inventors: Friedrich Gruber, Guenther Wall
  • Patent number: 8936000
    Abstract: A head cover having a lubrication structure, and having a box shape, the head cover includes: a side wall; a lower surface side which is opened, and which includes a lower surface circumference portion that is fixed to an upper portion of an engine; a lubrication opening which is opened in an upward direction, and which is disposed on an outer side of the head cover; and a lubrication passage extending from the side wall in an outward direction, and connecting the lubrication opening and an inside of the head cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Mahle Filter Systems Japan Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Nonaka
  • Patent number: 8936003
    Abstract: A piston for a free piston engine generator, comprising one or more elements arranged coaxially along a piston shaft wherein the length of the piston is at least five times its maximum diameter, wherein at least one of the elements is formed from a magnetically permeable composite material having isotropic electrical resistivity at least twice that of electrical steel this arrangement providing improved free piston position control, more consistent combustion and improved electrical conversion efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Libertine FPE Ltd.
    Inventor: Sam Cockerill
  • Patent number: 8935996
    Abstract: An internally cooled internal combustion piston engine and method of operating a piston engine is provided, with the combination of liquid water injection, higher compression ratios than conventional engines, and leaner air fuel mixtures than conventional engines. The effective compression ratio of the engines herein is greater than 13:1. The engines may employ gasoline or natural gas and use spark ignition, or the engines may employ a diesel-type fuel and use compression ignition. The liquid water injection provides internal cooling, reducing or eliminating the heat rejection to the radiator, reduces engine knock, and reduces NOx emissions. The method of engine operation using internal cooling with liquid water injection, high compression ratio and lean air fuel mixture allow for more complete and efficient combustion and therefore better thermal efficiency as compared to conventional engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Nostrum Energy Pte, Ltd.
    Inventor: Nirmal Mulye
  • Patent number: 8931439
    Abstract: A thermal management module includes a motor with an output shaft, and a gear train connecting the output shaft to a driven gear connected to a valve for controlling coolant flow in a coolant system. At least one grille shutter is movable between an open position allowing air through the grille shutter and a dosed position preventing air through the grille shutter. A linkage connects the at least one grille shutter to the output shaft or the gear train, so that the motor is operable to control a valve operating position of the valve and a shutter operating position of the at least one shutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Philip George
  • Patent number: 8931463
    Abstract: A conventional gasoline engine is retrofitted and calibrated to operate as a bi-fuel engine using Hydrogen as the second fuel. When operated with Hydrogen, which typically leads to a reduction of engine output power, the engine is preferably operated in a charged mode and in a lean mode with the engine throttle kept in a wide open position during charged and lean mode operation resulting in a more efficient engine with a reduction of engine output power loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Alset IP S A R.L.
    Inventors: Jose Ignacio Galindo, Klaus M. Schaffer, Daniel Leitner, Christof Hepp
  • Patent number: 8931453
    Abstract: A top deck area of a crankcase is provided. The top deck area includes an exhaust elbow extending from a side surface towards a top surface of the top deck area. The top deck area also includes a plate. The plate is configured to define a first chamber and a second chamber within the top deck area. The first chamber is configured to at least partially enclose the exhaust elbow. The second chamber is configured to provide a passage for a fluid flow such that the plate is disposed to isolate the second chamber from the exhaust elbow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventor: Abhinav R. Pamulaparthy
  • Patent number: 8925500
    Abstract: A casing structure of a water-cooled internal combustion engine includes a casing member defining an oil pump chamber and a water pump chamber. A rotor of an oil pump is inserted into the oil pump chamber and an impeller of a water pump is inserted into the water pump chamber. A cover member covers the casing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Kisaichi, Jiro Ueno, Kazuya Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8925515
    Abstract: A power system, comprising a turbocharger, an oil sump, a supply passage, a return passage, and a turbocharger bypass passage. The supply passage is positioned fluidly between the turbocharger and the oil sump and is configured to supply oil to the turbocharger. The return passage is positioned fluidly between the turbocharger and the oil sump and is configured to return oil from the turbocharger to the oil sump. The turbocharger bypass passage is positioned fluidly between the supply passage and the return passage. The turbocharger bypass passage comprises a valve that is configured to be in a closed positioned when the turbocharger is in a normal operating mode, and in an open position when the turbocharger is in a failure mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Robert J. McMullen
  • Patent number: 8925510
    Abstract: An air induction system for an engine of a vehicle, comprising of a conduit configured to convey intake air to the engine; and a fitting arranged at an inlet end of the conduit, the fitting formed from a different material than the conduit, the fitting configured to interface with a structural support element of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Randall Alan Stec, Michael R. Miller, Ha To Chung
  • Patent number: 8925513
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine oil supply system contained in a body of the engine, in which a pump casing common to first and second oil pumps having a common pump shaft rotated interlockingly with rotation of a crankshaft of the engine is provided with a main suction port common to the first and second oil pumps, and first and second relief valves are individually connected to discharge passages of the first and second oil pumps. The main suction port is partitioned into first and second suction ports. The pump casing is formed with a first suction passage extending from the first suction port to a suction side of the first oil pump, and a second suction passage extending from the second suction port to a suction side of the second oil pump. Release ports of the first and second relief valves are connected to the second suction passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masataka Tanaka, Tsuyoshi Arima, Hidetoshi Wakasa
  • Patent number: 8925497
    Abstract: A waste gas combustion method that includes providing a combustible fuel source, in which the combustible fuel source is composed of at least methane and siloxane gas. A sodium source or magnesium source is mixed with the combustible fuel source. Combustion of the siloxane gas of the combustible fuel source produces a silicon containing product. The sodium source or magnesium source reacts with the silicon containing product to provide a sodium containing glass or sodium containing silicate, or a magnesium containing silicate. By producing the sodium containing glass or sodium containing silicate, or the magnesium containing silicate, or magnesium source for precipitating particulate silica instead of hard coating, the method may reduce or eliminate the formation of silica deposits within the combustion chamber and the exhaust components of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventor: Theodore M. Besmann
  • Patent number: 8925512
    Abstract: A support structure for a water-cooled internal combustion engine supported by a body frame of a motorcycle 2 includes a cooling device that circulates cooling water through an inside and an outside of at least a cylinder head of the engine, a thermo-valve that controls the cooling water circulating in the cooling device, and a thermo-valve case that accommodates the thermo-valve and that is integrally molded with the cylinder head such that a part thereof bulges from a side surface of the cylinder head. A support portion formed on the cylinder head is fixed to the body frame and is integrally molded so as to stride between the cylinder head and the thermo-valve case, whereby the support portion is solidly formed and an area around a thermo-valve case can be reinforced by the support portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Kitada, Akihiro Iida