Patents by Inventor Andrew W. Westergaard

Andrew W. Westergaard 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).

  • Proportional solenoid for purging fuel vapors
    Patent number: 6363920
    Abstract: An improved regulator valve 10 for controlling the purging of fuel vapors collected in a canister 12 and an evaporative emission control system into an intake system 18 of an internal combustion engine employs a solenoid valve assembly 40 with an armature 86 disposed outside of the coil 58 to operate with low friction. A spring 90 separating the armature 86 from the valve member 98 allows the spring 98 to absorb most of the magnetic and gravitational side loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Parker, John A. Ness, Andrew W. Westergaard, Roger L. Kennedy, Jr.
  • Method of energizing solenoid operated valves
    Patent number: 6364281
    Abstract: A solenoid operated valve is controlled upon increasing energization for greater flow by incrementing by a small fraction of the maximum current a target current level for the desired flow for a short duration followed by energization at the target level. Upon decreasing energization for lesser flow, the valve is energized at a target current decremented by a small fraction of the maximum current for a short duration. The result is a nearly negligible hysteresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L. DeLand, Andrew W. Westergaard, Kenneth J. Parker, Roger L. Kennedy, Jr.