Patents by Inventor Bradley W. Harrell

Bradley W. Harrell 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: 5752487
    Abstract: A fuel injector combustion gas seal includes an engine head with an injector bore. A fuel injector having an outer surface and a nozzle outlet is positioned in the injector bore. An elastomeric ring shaped carbon dam made from a first material is mounted at a first location on the outer surface in contact with the engine head. An elastomeric O-ring made from a second material is mounted at a second location on the outer surface in contact with the head. The second location is further away from the nozzle outlet of the fuel injector than the first location. The first material is capable of withstanding temperatures up to about 400.degree. F. for a substantial period of time without undergoing significant degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley W. Harrell, Alan R. Stockner
  • Patent number: 5357912
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fuel injection parameters for fuel injection quantity, injection timing, and actuating fluid pressure of a hydraulically-actuated electronically-controlled fuel system. The apparatus utilizes signals indicative of actuating fluid pressure (P.sub.f) and/or actuating fluid viscosity (v) in order to determine such parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Travis E. Barnes, Bradley W. Harrell
  • Patent number: 5041980
    Abstract: Dynamic engine diagnostic devices are useful for detecting engine faults such as a misfiring cylinder during normal engine operation. Identification of the particular cylinder having the fault enables repairs to be made more efficiently. In the subject application, an apparatus is provided for detecting malfunctions in individual cylinders of an internal combustion engine having a rotating member driven by a plurality of cylinders. The apparatus includes a sensor for measuring the time between successive angular positions as the member rotates through at least one engine cycle and producing a plurality of period signals responsive respectively to the measured time intervals. Each engine cylinder has an equal number of the angular positions associated therewith, and the member makes one rotation per engine cycle. A deviation circuit receives the period signals and produces a deviation signal for each engine cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Maddock, Bradley W. Harrell