Patents by Inventor Bernie C. Thompson

Bernie C. Thompson 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: 11959831
    Abstract: Detecting a leak from a site in a sealed system with a source of pressurized gas which is capable of passing through the site, a composition of matter which adheres to the surfaces of the system and which is capable of showing the presence of the gas escaping from the site. The method includes: injecting gas into the system to a pressure in excess of the surrounding pressure, and covering the external surface with the composition to identify the location of the site by the interaction of the escaping gas with the composition. The composition is foam that includes a surfactant which forms a least one bubble in the presence of escaping gas and an indicator which changes color in the presence of the escaping gas. The leak is an opening down to at least the size of a hole 0.001? in diameter. A gas detector may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Automotive Test Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Steven G. Thoma, Kenneth D. Ley
  • Patent number: 11953404
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions of matter formulated to work in conjunction with CO2 gas for identifying the exact leak site location of small and large leaks in sealed systems. The leak finding compositions of matter foam, or are in the form of a foam, when applied to the one or more external surfaces of a system, that is closed and pressurized with CO2, where a leak site location is suspected. This foam then changes color from a first color to a second color over the exact leak site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Automotive Test Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson, Kenneth D. Ley, Steven G. Thoma
  • Publication number: 20240084730
    Abstract: The testing of various chemicals has yielded new chemicals and chemical mixtures for the use of removing carbon deposits from the internal combustion engine. Some of these chemicals and chemical mixtures have proven to work better across many different carbon types than other chemicals that were tested. These chemical terpenes are typically produced from plants. One standard terpene mixture is known as turpentine. The chemical turpentine and chemicals found in turpentine have been determined, through our research and testing, to be extremely effective at removing the carbon that is produced within the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2023
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Steven G. Thoma
  • Publication number: 20240060447
    Abstract: This invention relates to cleaning the induction systems, the combustion chambers and exhaust systems of internal combustion engines. And, more particularly, to chemicals and mixtures of chemicals for removing the different types of carbon deposits encountered in internal combustion engines used in “road vehicles”. Carbon deposits were taken from the induction systems of these road vehicles for the purpose of bench testing such carbon and product development. More specifically, chemicals (i.e., solvents) and chemical mixes (i.e., solutions) have been accurately tested on such harvested carbon deposits for their ability to remove the various types of carbon deposits that accumulate within road vehicle internal combustion engines. Additionally this invention also relates to apparatus for delivering chemicals and chemical mixes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Steven G. Thoma
  • Patent number: 11788463
    Abstract: This invention relates to cleaning the induction systems, the combustion chambers and exhaust systems of internal combustion engines. And, more particularly, to chemicals and mixtures of chemicals for removing the different types of carbon deposits encountered in internal combustion engines used in “road vehicles”. Carbon deposits were taken from the induction systems of these road vehicles for the purpose of bench testing such carbon and product development. More specifically, chemicals (i.e., solvents) and chemical mixes (i.e., solutions) have been accurately tested on such harvested carbon deposits for their ability to remove the various types of carbon deposits that accumulate within road vehicle internal combustion engines. Additionally this invention also relates to apparatus for delivering chemicals and chemical mixes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: ATS Chemical, LLC
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Steven G. Thoma
  • Patent number: 11767788
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of induction cleaning, more particularly to chemically cleaning the induction system of the internal combustion engine. The carbon that accumulates within the induction tract of the internal combustion engine is very difficult to remove. Chemically these carbon deposits are very close to that of asphalt or bitumen. It has been found that if the induction cleaning chemicals are delivered in timed layered intervals the removal of such induction carbon can be accomplished. The Dual Solenoid Induction Cleaner uses electronically controlled solenoids to deliver at least two different chemistries in alternating layers to the engine's induction system. These electric solenoids are connected to a single induction cleaner nozzle. The induction cleaner nozzle is slipped through the vacuum port opening into the inside of the induction system where it will spray an aerosol of the chemistry directly into the moving air column entering the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: ATS Chemical, LLC
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson
  • Patent number: 11415043
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the carbon deposit buildup in the internal combustion engine, or more specifically the removal of such carbon from the induction system, combustion chamber, and the exhaust system. The method is one in which a high volumetric flow rate of chemical/chemical mixes are used to remove a greater amount of carbon from the engine. These preferred chemical/chemical mix flow rates are 6 to 9 Gallons per hour, which is approximately 9 times the volumetric flow rate of the industry standard of 1 gallon per hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: ATS CHEMICAL, LLC
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson, Steven G. Thoma
  • Publication number: 20220135900
    Abstract: The engine lubricating system can become contaminated with carbon deposits and sludge. Sludge is where the combustion by-products that have entered the oil base saturate this oil base, thus forming a thick carbon rich substance. Sludge is not wanted within the engine. Sludge and or carbon deposits in the motor oil cause problems. Such carbon deposits form in the motor oil from heat, pressure, and namely combustion gases that have leaked pasted the piston rings. Turpentine and terpenes, hereafter referred to as “terpenes”, have shown that these chemicals can breakdown carbon which has been deposited within the engine's oil base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Steven G. Thoma
  • Publication number: 20220082049
    Abstract: The testing of various chemicals has yielded new chemicals and chemical mixtures for the use of removing carbon deposits from the internal combustion engine. Some of these chemicals and chemical mixtures have proven to work better across many different carbon types than other chemicals that were tested. These chemical terpenes are typically produced from plants. One standard terpene mixture is known as turpentine. The chemical turpentine and chemicals found in turpentine have been determined, through our research and testing, to be extremely effective at removing the carbon that is produced within the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Steven G. Thoma
  • Publication number: 20220003163
    Abstract: The testing of various chemicals has yielded new chemicals and chemical mixtures for the use of removing carbon deposits from the internal combustion engine. Some of these chemicals and chemical mixtures have proven to work better across many different carbon types than other chemicals that were tested. These chemical terpenes are typically produced from plants. One standard terpene mixture is known as turpentine. The chemical turpentine and chemicals found in turpentine have been determined, through our research and testing, to be extremely effective at removing the carbon that is produced within the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Steven G. Thoma
  • Patent number: 11193419
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the carbon deposit buildup in the internal combustion engine, or more specifically the removal of such carbon from the induction system, combustion chamber, and the exhaust system. The method is one in which a high volumetric flow rate of chemical/chemical mixes are used to remove a greater amount of carbon from the engine. These preferred chemical/chemical mix flow rates are 6 to 9 Gallons per hour, which is approximately 9 times the volumetric flow rate of the industry standard of 1 gallon per hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: ATS Chemical, LLC
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson, Steven G. Thoma
  • Publication number: 20200340397
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of induction cleaning, more particularly to chemically cleaning the induction system of the internal combustion engine. The carbon that accumulates within the induction tract of the internal combustion engine is very difficult to remove. Chemically these carbon deposits are very close to that of asphalt or bitumen. It has been found that if the induction cleaning chemicals are delivered in timed layered intervals the removal of such induction carbon can be accomplished. The Dual Solenoid Induction Cleaner uses electronically controlled solenoids to deliver at least two different chemistries in alternating layers to the engine's induction system. These electric solenoids are connected to a single induction cleaner nozzle. The induction cleaner nozzle is slipped through the vacuum port opening into the inside of the induction system where it will spray an aerosol of the chemistry directly into the moving air column entering the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson
  • Publication number: 20200271054
    Abstract: This invention relates to cleaning the induction systems, the combustion chambers and exhaust systems of internal combustion engines. And, more particularly, to chemicals and mixtures of chemicals for removing the different types of carbon deposits encountered in internal combustion engines used in “road vehicles”. Carbon deposits were taken from the induction systems of these road vehicles for the purpose of bench testing such carbon and product development. More specifically, chemicals (i.e., solvents) and chemical mixes (i.e., solutions) have been accurately tested on such harvested carbon deposits for their ability to remove the various types of carbon deposits that accumulate within road vehicle internal combustion engines. Additionally this invention also relates to apparatus for delivering chemicals and chemical mixes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Steven G. Thoma
  • Publication number: 20200191050
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the carbon deposit buildup in the internal combustion engine, or more specifically the removal of such carbon from the induction system, combustion chamber, and the exhaust system. The method is one in which a high volumetric flow rate of chemical/chemical mixes are used to remove a greater amount of carbon from the engine. These preferred chemical/chemical mix flow rates are 6 to 9 Gallons per hour, which is approximately 9 times the volumetric flow rate of the industry standard of 1 gallon per hour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson, Steven G. Thoma
  • Patent number: 10669932
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of induction cleaning, more particularly to chemically cleaning the induction system of the internal combustion engine. The carbon that accumulates within the induction tract of the internal combustion engine is very difficult to remove. Chemically these carbon deposits are very close to that of asphalt or bitumen. It has been found that if the induction cleaning chemicals are delivered in timed layered intervals the removal of such induction carbon can be accomplished. The Dual Solenoid Induction Cleaner uses electronically controlled solenoids to deliver at least two different chemistries in alternating layers to the engine's induction system. These electric solenoids are connected to a single induction cleaner nozzle. The induction cleaner nozzle is slipped through the vacuum port opening into the inside of the induction system where it will spray an aerosol of the chemistry directly into the moving air column entering the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: ATS Chemical, LLC
    Inventor: Bernie C. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10519887
    Abstract: The present invention is one in which an off board Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is used to diagnose the internal combustion engine. The MAF sensor is connected to the air induction system of the engine. The sensor is then powered from the vehicles battery. The MAF sensor is designed for lower air flow rates produced from the engine such as; crank, idle, and light load. The sensor creates an output voltage that is proportional to the volumetric air flow of each cylinder entering the engine. This MAF voltage output signal is then used to diagnose engine pumping issues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Automotive Test Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson
  • Publication number: 20190353096
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the carbon deposit buildup in the internal combustion engine, or more specifically the removal of such carbon from the induction system, combustion chamber, and the exhaust system. The method is one in which a high volumetric flow rate of chemical/chemical mixes are used to remove a greater amount of carbon from the engine. These preferred chemical/chemical mix flow rates are 6 to 9 Gallons per hour, which is approximately 9 times the volumetric flow rate of the industry standard of 1 gallon per hour.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson, Steven G. Thoma
  • Patent number: 10344735
    Abstract: An induction cleaning analyzing system includes a pressure sensor, an ignition event detector, and a control module. The pressure sensor measures airflow pressures of intake air and/or exhaust from cylinders in a common airflow pathway of a vehicle. The ignition event detector determines ignition events of the cylinders. The control module obtains pressure waveforms representative of the airflow pressures and divides the pressure waveforms into waveform segments. The control module associates different subsets of the waveform segments with different ones of the cylinders using the ignition events. The control module also identifies cyclic variations in the airflow pressures flowing in the common airflow pathway and caused by at least one of the cylinders by examining the waveform segments associated with the at least one of the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson
  • Patent number: 10222291
    Abstract: Detecting a leak from a site in a sealed system with a source of pressurized gas which is capable of passing through the site, a composition of matter which adheres to the surfaces of the system and which is capable of showing the presence of the gas escaping from the site. The method includes: injecting gas into the system to a pressure in excess of the surrounding pressure, and covering the external surface with the composition to identify the location of the site by the interaction of the escaping gas with the composition. The composition is foam that includes a surfactant which forms a least one bubble in the presence of escaping gas and an indicator which changes color in the presence of the escaping gas. The leak is an opening down to at least the size of a hole 0.001? in diameter. A gas detector may also be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Automotive Test Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Neal R. Pederson, Kenneth D. Ley, Steven G. Thoma
  • Publication number: 20180251703
    Abstract: The engine lubricating system can become contaminated with carbon deposits and sludge. Sludge is where the combustion by-products that have entered the oil base saturate this oil base, thus forming a thick carbon rich substance. Sludge is not wanted within the engine. Sludge and or carbon deposits in the motor oil cause problems. Such carbon deposits form in the motor oil from heat, pressure, and namely combustion gases that have leaked pasted the piston rings. Turpentine and terpenes, hereafter referred to as “terpenes”, have shown that these chemicals can breakdown carbon which has been deposited within the engine's oil base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Bernie C. Thompson, Steven G. Thoma