Patents by Inventor Albin J. Niemiec

Albin J. Niemiec 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).

  • Patent number: 7618247
    Abstract: Besides the conventional pump timing in rotary hydraulic devices, a series of constant and variable restrictions have been applied to condition the pressurized flow used to internally precompress the volume or volumes to be displaced. This multiple staged orifices feature reduces the outgassing associated with the pressurized flow passing through a single restriction, such as a metering groove. The pressurization of the outgassed fluid will cause noise and erosive wear of the pump internal containment surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Albin J. Niemiec
  • Patent number: 6896489
    Abstract: A variable displacement vane-type fluid pump is provided which permits improved regulation of the pump discharge such that the pump can meet the various requirements of lubrication for internal combustion engines at all speeds with minimized use of power. Of course, the vane pump may also be utilized in a wide range of power transmission and other fluid distribution applications. The variable displacement vane pump of the invention may utilize both hydrostatic and mechanical assistance in radially positioning its vanes to ensure efficient and quiet operation of the pump and to facilitate priming of the pump. The vane pump of the invention may also use both hydrostatic and mechanical actuators to control the position of its containment ring or eccentric ring and hence, regulate the output of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Hunter, Albin J. Niemiec
  • Patent number: 6790013
    Abstract: A variable displacement vane-type fluid pump is provided which permits improved regulation of the pump discharge such that the pump can meet the various requirements of lubrication for internal combustion engines at all speeds with minimized use of power. Of course, the vane pump may also be utilized in a wide range of power transmission and other fluid distribution applications. The vane pump of the invention may also use both hydrostatic and mechanical actuators to control the position of its containment ring or eccentric ring and hence, regulate the output of the pump. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, to prevent inlet flow restriction or cavitation, a valve may be provided to permit some of the pump outlet or discharge flow to bleed into the pump inlet to provide needed velocity energy to the fluid flow into the pump inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Hunter, Albin J. Niemiec
  • Patent number: 6572154
    Abstract: A threadless flared fitting for mechanically connecting fluid transmission lines includes a diametrically guided sealed piston to engage the flared tube connection. This piston is axially spring loaded and designed to apply a hydrostatic force on the engaged flared connection. Axial clamping preload is provided by a compressed mechanical spring and the hydrostatic pressure force on the sealed piston will reinforce the clamping force in the flared connection and prevent separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Albin J. Niemiec
  • Publication number: 20030031567
    Abstract: A variable displacement vane-type fluid pump is provided which permits improved regulation of the pump discharge such that the pump can meet the various requirements of lubrication for internal combustion engines at all speeds with minimized use of power. Of course, the vane pump may also be utilized in a wide range of power transmission and other fluid distribution applications. The vane pump of the invention may also use both hydrostatic and mechanical actuators to control the position of its containment ring or eccentric ring and hence, regulate the output of the pump. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, to prevent inlet flow restriction or cavitation, a valve may be provided to permit some of the pump outlet or discharge flow to bleed into the pump inlet to provide needed velocity energy to the fluid flow into the pump inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Douglas G. Hunter, Albin J. Niemiec
  • Publication number: 20020114708
    Abstract: A variable displacement vane-type fluid pump is provided which permits improved regulation of the pump discharge such that the pump can meet the various requirements of lubrication for internal combustion engines at all speeds with minimized use of power. Of course, the vane pump may also be utilized in a wide range of power transmission and other fluid distribution applications. The variable displacement vane pump of the invention may utilize both hydrostatic and mechanical assistance in radially positioning its vanes to ensure efficient and quiet operation of the pump and to facilitate priming of the pump. The vane pump of the invention may also use both hydrostatic and mechanical actuators to control the position of its containment ring or eccentric ring and hence, regulate the output of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Douglas G. Hunter, Albin J. Niemiec
  • Patent number: 5778671
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic control system that includes a bidirectional electric motor responsive to application of electrical power for rotation in either of two directions, and a hydraulic pump coupled to the motor and having ports for supplying hydraulic fluid in either of two flow directions as a function of direction of rotation of the electric motor. A hydraulic actuator is coupled to the pump for receiving fluid in either of two flow directions and performing work as a function thereof. An electronic controller applies electrical power to the electric motor so as to obtain a desired level of work at the actuator. The electronic controller includes one or more sensors operatively coupled to the actuator for applying electrical power to the motor as a function of motion at the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Vickers, Inc.
    Inventors: James V. Bloomquist, Albin J. Niemiec
  • Patent number: 5735553
    Abstract: A flared tube fitting for mechanically connecting fluid transmission lines includes one or more diametrically guided and sealed pistons to engage the flared tube connection. These pistons are axially spring loaded and designed to apply a hydrostatic pressure force upon the engaged tube flare connection independent of the clamping force applied by the axially preloaded threaded engagement of the flared tube fitting to the nut member in which the flared transmission line is supported. In the tube connection with a conventional flare tube fitting, the loss of the clamping force of the preloaded threaded engagement will result in the separation of the flared line from the conically shaped end of the flared type fitting. External leakage will occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Albin J. Niemiec
  • Patent number: 5354182
    Abstract: An electric-motor/hydraulic-pump assembly in which an electric motor has a motor housing and a motor drive shaft, and a hydraulic pump is mounted directly to one end of the motor housing and internally coupled to the shaft to form a unitary assembly in which vibration generated by operation of the pump is transmitted to the motor housing. Support feet are affixed to the motor housing for mounting the motor/pump assembly to underlying support structure, and sound deadening ferrules are interposed between the motor housing and the support feet to inhibit transmission of structureborne noise from the motor housing to the support structure. The motor and pump are surrounded by a sound enclosure to inhibit radiation of airborne noise into the surround atmosphere. Fluid is drawn through an inlet in the sound enclosure and through the motor housing to cool the motor, and then pumped to a fluid outlet in the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Albin J. Niemiec, George M. Russell, Ronald B. Schweiger, Otto P. Langosch
  • Patent number: 5320501
    Abstract: An electric motor driven inline hydraulic apparatus comprising a housing having end members closing said housing, an electric motor stator mounted in said housing, an electric motor rotor, a shaft on which the rotor is mounted is journalled in the housing and a pump is integrally formed on one or both of the end members. The shaft extends through an opening in the end member and is connected to the rotating group of the pump. Hydraulic fluid is supplied to the interior of the electric motor housing and flows through passages in the housing to the intake of the pump integral with the end member. The end member associated with the pump is formed with an enlarged chamber adjacent the inlet of the pump which functions to reduce the flow velocity and separate the contained air from the hydraulic fluid thereby reducing the operating sound level of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Otto P. Langosch, Albin J. Niemiec, Ronald B. Schweiger
  • Patent number: 5261796
    Abstract: An integrated in-line electric motor/hydraulic pump that includes a pump housing having a pair of end members mounted at opposed ends of the housing. An electric motor includes a rotor on a shaft journalled between the end members and a stator surrounding the rotor within the housing. A pump inlet opens into the interior of the housing. First and second vane pump cartridges are integrated into one of the end members. Each vane pump cartridge includes a rotor coupled to the shaft, and a plurality of vane carried by the rotor to engage a vane cam ring that surrounds the rotor, which defines at least one pumping cavity between the cam ring and the rotor. A vane pump inlet passage within the one end member extends between and operatively couples the housing interior to the pumping cavities of both the first and second vane pump cartridges for feeding fluid from the housing interior to both cartridges in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Albin J. Niemiec, James V. Bloomquist, William E. Sargo
  • Patent number: 5253982
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic pump load control system that includes a fluid-cooled integrated electric motor/hydraulic pump for delivering fluid under pressure to an accumulator that stabilizes pump output pressure while accommodating changes in fluid flow. A pressure sensor is coupled to the accumulator to provide an electrical signal as a function of fluid pressure at the accumulator. An electronic controller applies electrical power to the pump motor, and is responsive to the electrical signal from the pressure sensor for terminating application of electrical power to the pump motor when pressure at the accumulator reaches the desired threshold. The electronic motor controller controls both application and termination of electrical power to the motor to energize and de-energize the motor at predetermined rates responsive to pressure differential thresholds at the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Albin J. Niemiec, James V. Bloomquist
  • Patent number: 5201647
    Abstract: A hydraulic fluid pressure energy translating device of the sliding vane type comprising a cartridge including a cam ring including an internal contour, a rotor having a plurality vanes rotatable therewith and slidable relative thereto in slots in the rotor with one end of each vane engaging the internal contour. The cartridge includes a rotor and has an internal contour cooperating to define one or more pumping chambers between the periphery of the rotor and the cam contour through which the vanes pass carrying fluid from an inlet port to an outlet port. Two pressure chambers are formed for each vane and each vane has two surfaces one in each chamber, both being effective under pressure in the respective chambers to urge the vanes into engagement with the cam. The cartridge further includes support plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Albin J. Niemiec, Louis J. Cardinale
  • Patent number: 5199718
    Abstract: A rotary hydraulic machine includes a housing, a shaft carried for rotation and extending from the housing, and a shaft seal carried by the housing in sealing engagement with the shaft to prevent leakage of fluid along the shaft. The shaft seal has an annular shell adapted for mounting to the housing surrounding the shaft and radially spaced therefrom. A pair of annular resilient sealing rings are carried by the shell and extend radially inwardly therefrom into rotary sealing engagement with the shaft. A pressure relief valve includes at least one opening that extends radially through the shell between the rings, and a resilient band surrounding the shell externally of and overlying such opening. Pressure of fluid urges the band away from the shell to permit flow of fluid through the shell opening externally of the shell and band, while the band prevents entry of dirt or debris through the opening into the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventor: Albin J. Niemiec
  • Patent number: 5181837
    Abstract: An electric motor driven inline hydraulic apparatus comprising a housing having end plates closing said housing, an electric motor stator mounted in said housing, an electric motor rotor, a shaft on which the rotor is mounted is journalled in the housing and a vane type pump mounted on one of the end plates. The shaft extends through an opening in the end plate and is connected to the vane rotor of the pump. Hydraulic fluid is supplied to the interior of the electric motor housing and flows through passages in the housing to the intake of the vane pump on the end plate. In one form, the vane pump delivers fluid through an outlet in the end plate on which it is mounted. In another form, the vane pump delivers fluid through an outlet in the pump housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventor: Albin J. Niemiec
  • Patent number: 5171131
    Abstract: A rotary fluid energy translating device of the sliding vane type useful as a pump or motor comprising a pressure contained vane unit assembly adapted to be submerged in a body of liquid. The pressure contained vane unit assembly comprises a pair of support plates, a cam ring interposed between the support plates, a rotor rotatably mounted in the cam ring and having a plurality of circumferentially extending vanes adapted to engage the contour of the cam ring and a flexible plate interposed between the cam ring and each of the support plates. Each support plate includes a hub portion spaced from its respective flexible plate. The assembly is clamped together with a clamping force in excess of the hydrostatic forces within the assembly. One of the support plates has an axial opening for insertion of a drive shaft into driving connection with the rotor and the other of the support plates has an axial liquid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventor: Albin J. Niemiec
  • Patent number: 4917585
    Abstract: A rotary valve for changing the connections of the fluid inlet passages and the fluid outlet passages of a Gerotor type fluid rotary machine in which the fluid is contracted and expanded by a plurality of cavities defined by the teeth formed on a stator and a rotor in response to the orbital rotation of the rotor formed with one less external teeth than the number of the internal teeth on the stator. The rotary valve selectively communicates the fluid passages with the Gerotor cavities by means of its rotary commutator which orbits with a phase difference of 90.degree. with respect to the Gerotor rotor, and the commutator is rotatably accommodated in a spacer disposed between an end cover and a port member having a plurality of fluid passages. The clearance at each side of the commutator is permanently determined by means of the width of the spacer. The commutator comprises spaced members that move in unison with radially spaced sealing rings interposed between the two members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventors: Albin J. Niemiec, John F. Walrad
  • Patent number: 4913636
    Abstract: A fluid pressure energy translating device of the sliding vane type comprising a cam ring including an internal contour, a rotor having a plurality vanes rotatable therewith and slidable relative thereto in slots in the rotor with one end of each vane engaging the internal contour. The rotor and internal contour cooperate to define one or more pumping chambers between the periphery of the rotor and the cam contour through which the vanes pass carrying fluid from an inlet port to an outlet port. Two pressure chambers are formed for each vane and each vane has two surfaces one in each chamber, both being effective under pressure in the respective chambers to urge the vanes into engagement with the cam. Pressure sensing passages extend from the periphery of the rotor to one of the chambers to provide pressure to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventor: Albin J. Niemiec
  • Patent number: 4731999
    Abstract: A hydraulic system comprised of a pump, a first valve in the inlet to the pump, and a second valve which activates or deactivates a third valve which permits the loading and unloading of the pump discharge. A motor is provided to operate the first valve for opening or closing the pump inlet. This motor also actuates the second valve in concert with the operation of the first valve to open or close a vent port to the third valve which opens or closes the passage from the pump discharge to tank, located away from the pump inlet. This permits unloading the pump discharge during the restriction of the pump inlet and allows the loading of the pump discharge after the opening of the pump inlet. With the pump inlet restricted, the system provides a low restrictive passage for circulating the prescribed small volume of flow used to lubricate and cool the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventor: Albin J. Niemiec
  • Patent number: 4480962
    Abstract: A hydraulic system comprising a fixed displacement pump driven by a prime mover operable at variable speeds and a flow control valve operable to return a portion of the hydralic fluid from the outlet of the pump to the inlet of the pump and draw fluid from a reservoir to replenish the fluid at the inlet when the pump is operated at higher speeds. An auxiliary passage extends from the reservoir and communicates with the inlet of the pump upstream from the system flow drawn from the reservoir by the opening of the flow control valve and normally isolated during low speed operation from the bypass flow by the flow control valve thereby providing auxiliary flow to the inlet at lower speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Vickers, Incorporated
    Inventor: Albin J. Niemiec