Patents by Inventor Adrienne M. Brasche

Adrienne M. Brasche has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230109534
    Abstract: A multipart fuel filter element includes a cartridge body having a plurality of through bores radially offset with respect to a centerline. An inlet end cap adjacent a first cartridge face includes an inlet aperture centrally aligned with the centerline and a plurality of distribution apertures aligned with and directing fuel to the plurality of through bores. An outlet end cap adjacent a second cartridge face includes an outlet aperture also aligned with the centerline and a plurality of reception aperture that are aligned with the through bores to receive fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Adrienne M. Brasche, Michael H. McLean, Kenneth C. Adams, Benjamin R. Tower
  • Patent number: 10662910
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a fuel pump is provided. The valve assembly may include an inlet valve limited to a first range of travel extending between a fully closed position and a fully opened position of the inlet valve, a valve pin coupled to the inlet valve, an armature pin selectively engaging the valve pin, and an armature coupled to the armature pin and limited to a second range of travel extending between an engaged position and a disengaged position that is less than the first range of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn B. Cox, Stephen R. Lewis, Adrienne M. Brasche, Venkata R. Tatikonda
  • Patent number: 10060421
    Abstract: A cryogenic fluid pump includes a plurality of pumping elements, each of the plurality of pumping elements having an actuator portion that is associated with and configured to selectively activate one end of a pushrod in response to a command by an electronic controller, an activation portion associated with an opposite end of the pushrod, and a pumping portion associated with the activation portion. For each of the plurality of pumping elements, the pumping portion is activated for pumping a fluid by the activation portion, which activation portion is activated by the actuator portion. The electronic controller is configured to selectively activate each of the plurality of pumping elements such that a flow of fluid from the cryogenic fluid pump results from continuous activations of the plurality of pumping elements at selected dwell times between activations of successive pumping elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Cory A. Brown, Adrienne M. Brasche, Sunil J. Bean, Shivangini S. Hazari, Sana Mahmood, Nikhil M. Arya, Joshua W. Steffen, Daniel R. Baldwin, Dana R. Coldren, Robert M. Campion, Alan R. Stockner
  • Patent number: 10041484
    Abstract: A pump is disclosed having a manifold with an inlet, a pressure outlet, and a return outlet. The pump may also have a jacket connected to an end of the manifold to create an enclosure that is in fluid communication with the inlet of the manifold, and at least one pumping mechanism extending from the manifold into the jacket. The at least one pumping mechanism may have an inlet open to the enclosure and an outlet in communication with the pressure outlet of the manifold. The pump may further have a standpipe extending from the manifold into the enclosure. The standpipe may be in communication with the return outlet of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua W. Steffen, Sunil J. Bean, Adrienne M. Brasche, Cory A. Brown, Sana Mahmood
  • Patent number: 10024311
    Abstract: A cryogenic pump for pumping liquefied natural gas (LNG) from a cryogenic tank storing LNG includes a drive assembly and a pump assembly disposed along a pump axis. The drive assembly includes a spool housing having a plurality of spool valves arranged around the pump axis, a tappet housing having a plurality of tappet bores with slidable tappets arranged around the pump axis, and spring housing including a plurality of movably disposed pushrods urged upward by a plurality of associated pushrod springs. Hydraulic fluid received by a hydraulic fluid inlet in the drive assembly is directed by the spool valves to the tappet bores to move the tappets downward against the pushrods. To collect the hydraulic fluid, the lowermost spring housing also includes a collection cavity formed therein that can return the hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventors: Cory A. Brown, Adrienne M. Brasche, Daniel R. Baldwin, Sudhindra K. Ayanji, Joshua W. Steffen
  • Publication number: 20180163677
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a fuel pump is provided. The valve assembly may include an inlet valve limited to a first range of travel extending between a fully closed position and a fully opened position of the inlet valve, a valve pin coupled to the inlet valve, an armature pin selectively engaging the valve pin, and an armature coupled to the armature pin and limited to a second range of travel extending between an engaged position and a disengaged position that is less than the first range of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn B. Cox, Stephen R. Lewis, Adrienne M. Brasche, Venkata R. Tatikonda
  • Patent number: 9995290
    Abstract: A cryogenic pump configured for pressurizing a cryogenic fluid is provided. The cryogenic pump includes a warm end portion adapted to not contact cryogenic fluid during operation of the pump and including one or more driving components. The cryogenic pump includes a cold end portion adapted to contact cryogenic fluid during operation of the pump and including a pump inlet and a pump outlet. An insulating arrangement including an insulator plate is arranged between the warm end portion and the cold end portion and defines a first air gap between the cold end portion and the insulator plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Pollard, Cory A. Brown, Alan R. Stockner, Adrienne M. Brasche
  • Patent number: 9915250
    Abstract: A drive system for a cryogenic pump is provided including a spool housing having a plurality of valves disposed therein about a pump axis and a tappet housing including a plurality of tappet bores, each tappet bore in communication with a respective one of the plurality of valves. A collection cavity collects hydraulic fluid from the tappet bores. A pump flange includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. An inlet manifold directs hydraulic fluid received through the fluid inlet to each of the plurality of valves. An outlet manifold directs hydraulic fluid from each of the valves and the collection cavity to the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Adrienne M. Brasche, Cory A. Brown, Sunil J. Bean
  • Publication number: 20170159625
    Abstract: A dual fuel injector configuration is provided that includes a plurality of seals around a fuel check needle to prevent transfer of a gaseous fuel to portions of the injector intended for handling of liquid fuel, prevent transfer of liquid fuel to portions of the injector intended for handling of gaseous fuel, or a combination thereof. At least one seal can correspond to a pressure-assisted sealing member suitable for sealing against transfer of liquid fuel. At least one additional seal can correspond to a pressure-assisted sealing member suitable for sealing against transfer of gaseous fuel. The sealing members can be separated by a backing member that provides structural support for one or both of the sealing members. The volume occupied by the backing member can also include a conduit to an external surface of the injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Adrienne M Brasche, Sunil J. Bean
  • Publication number: 20170058878
    Abstract: A drive system for a cryogenic pump is provided including a spool housing having a plurality of valves disposed therein about a pump axis and a tappet housing including a plurality of tappet bores, each tappet bore in communication with a respective one of the plurality of valves. A collection cavity collects hydraulic fluid from the tappet bores. A pump flange includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. An inlet manifold directs hydraulic fluid received through the fluid inlet to each of the plurality of valves. An outlet manifold directs hydraulic fluid from each of the valves and the collection cavity to the fluid outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Adrienne M. Brasche, Cory A. Brown, Sunil J. Bean
  • Publication number: 20170037836
    Abstract: A cryogenic pump for pumping liquefied natural gas (LNG) from a cryogenic tank storing LNG includes a drive assembly and a pump assembly disposed along a pump axis. The drive assembly includes a spool housing having a plurality of spool valves arranged around the pump axis, a tappet housing having a plurality of tappet bores with slidable tappets arranged around the pump axis, and spring housing including a plurality of movably disposed pushrods urged upward by a plurality of associated pushrod springs. Hydraulic fluid received by a hydraulic fluid inlet in the drive assembly is directed by the spool valves to the tappet bores to move the tappets downward against the pushrods. To collect the hydraulic fluid, the lowermost spring housing also includes a collection cavity formed therein that can return the hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic fluid outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Cory A. Brown, Adrienne M. Brasche, Daniel R. Baldwin, Sudhindra K. Ayanji, Joshua W. Steffen
  • Publication number: 20160377068
    Abstract: A cryogenic fluid pump includes a plurality of pumping elements, each of the plurality of pumping elements having an actuator portion that is associated with and configured to selectively activate one end of a pushrod in response to a command by an electronic controller, an activation portion associated with an opposite end of the pushrod, and a pumping portion associated with the activation portion. For each of the plurality of pumping elements, the pumping portion is activated for pumping a fluid by the activation portion, which activation portion is activated by the actuator portion. The electronic controller is configured to selectively activate each of the plurality of pumping elements such that a flow of fluid from the cryogenic fluid pump results from continuous activations of the plurality of pumping elements at selected dwell times between activations of successive pumping elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Cory A. Brown, Adrienne M. Brasche, Sunil J. Bean, Shivangini S. Hazari, Sana Mahmood, Nikhil M. Arya, Joshua W. Steffen, Daniel R. Baldwin, Dana R. Coldren, Robert M. Campion, Alan R. Stockner
  • Publication number: 20160258401
    Abstract: An actuator for a fuel injector provided. The actuator includes an armature that defines a socket. Further, the armature includes an end wall. The actuator also includes a pin that includes a first end and a second end. The first end is slidably received within the socket of the armature, and the second end is in contact with a valve element. The actuator further includes a first stop positioned within the socket between the first end and the end wall. The actuator includes a second stop disposed about a second end of the pin outside of the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Hoisan Kim, Glenn B. Cox, Adrienne M. Brasche
  • Publication number: 20160222951
    Abstract: A pump is disclosed having a manifold with an inlet, a pressure outlet, and a return outlet. The pump may also have a jacket connected to an end of the manifold to create an enclosure that is in fluid communication with the inlet of the manifold, and at least one pumping mechanism extending from the manifold into the jacket. The at least one pumping mechanism may have an inlet open to the enclosure and an outlet in communication with the pressure outlet of the manifold. The pump may further have a standpipe extending from the manifold into the enclosure. The standpipe may be in communication with the return outlet of the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua W. STEFFEN, Sunil J. BEAN, Adrienne M. BRASCHE, Cory A. BROWN, Sana MAHMOOD
  • Publication number: 20160146199
    Abstract: A cryogenic pump configured for pressurizing a cryogenic fluid is provided. The cryogenic pump includes a warm end portion adapted to not contact cryogenic fluid during operation of the pump and including one or more driving components. The cryogenic pump includes a cold end portion adapted to contact cryogenic fluid during operation of the pump and including a pump inlet and a pump outlet. An insulating arrangement including an insulator plate is arranged between the warm end portion and the cold end portion and defines a first air gap between the cold end portion and the insulator plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Pollard, Cory A. Brown, Alan R. Stockner, Adrienne M. Brasche
  • Patent number: 9228505
    Abstract: A dual fuel injector utilizes first and second control valves to open and close first and second nozzle outlet sets to inject a first fuel and a second fuel, respectively. The first and second control valves have concentric lines of action. The two fuels may differ in at least one of chemical identity, matter phase and pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mayank Mittal, Adrienne M. Brasche
  • Patent number: 9046067
    Abstract: A fuel injector has the ability to inject two fuels that differ in at least one of pressure, chemical identity and matter phase, such as liquid diesel fuel and nature gas. A first direct operated check includes a closing hydraulic surface exposed to fluid pressure in a first control chamber, and is normally biased toward a closed position by a first spring. A second direct operated check has a closing hydraulic surface exposed to fluid pressure in a second control chamber, and is biased toward a closed position with a second spring. The first spring and the second spring are located on opposite sides of a plane oriented perpendicular to a long axis of the injector body, in part to satisfy packaging constraints when the direct operated checks are arranged in a side by side parallel configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Cory A. Brown, Adrienne M. Brasche
  • Publication number: 20140091159
    Abstract: A fuel injector has the ability to inject two fuels that differ in at least one of pressure, chemical identity and matter phase, such as liquid diesel fuel and nature gas. A first direct operated check includes a closing hydraulic surface exposed to fluid pressure in a first control chamber, and is normally biased toward a closed position by a first spring. A second direct operated check has a closing hydraulic surface exposed to fluid pressure in a second control chamber, and is biased toward a closed position with a second spring. The first spring and the second spring are located on opposite sides of a plane oriented perpendicular to a long axis of the injector body, in part to satisfy packaging constraints when the direct operated checks are arranged in a side by side parallel configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Cory A. Brown, Adrienne M. Brasche
  • Publication number: 20140034019
    Abstract: A dual fuel injector utilizes first and second control valves to open and close first and second nozzle outlet sets to inject a first fuel and a second fuel, respectively. The first and second control valves have concentric lines of action. The two fuels may differ in at least one of chemical identity, matter phase and pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Mayank Mittal, Adrienne M. Brasche