Patents by Inventor Byron J. Bunker

Byron J. Bunker 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: 6779339
    Abstract: The method of treating a fuel lean exhaust containing NOX and SO2 includes splitting the exhaust into major and minor portions for flow through multiple flow paths each of which contains a particulate trap and an absorber containing a NOX oxidation catalyst and a nitrate absorbent. The major portion is passed through a flow path in the lean state at a first temperature to convert the NOX to nitrate and the SO2 to sulfate. After the first period of operation flows are switched so that one flow path receives a minor exhaust portion for a second period of time during which fuel is injected into that flow path along with diversion of a portion of exhaust from another flow path through a bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Christopher A. Laroo, Charles R. Schenk, Joseph F. McDonald, Byron J. Bunker, Brian A. Olson, Robert E. Moss, Daniel C. Stokes, Paul Anthony Way
  • Patent number: 6067946
    Abstract: A system and a method for hydraulic actuation of poppet valves. The poppet valve is opened by application of hydraulic pressure to a piston, and is closed by action of a mechanical spring. Hydraulic pressure comes from either a high pressure source of a low pressure source, the low pressure source being higher than ambient pressure. Application of hydraulic pressure is made by a pressure control device based upon signals received from an electronic controller. Hydraulic pressure is applied in a way that minimizes the power required to actuate the valve by making use of valve inertia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Byron J. Bunker, Amarjit S. Ghuman, Rod Radovanovic, John M. Janssen
  • Patent number: 6056264
    Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve assembly is provided which achieves accurate control of valve movement while maximizing valve seat life. Specifically, the solenoid actuated flow control valve assembly includes a valve plunger, a solenoid actuator including a coil and an armature, and an armature overtravel feature for permitting continued movement of the armature relative to the valve plunger from an engaged position into a disengaged position when the valve plunger reaches a closed position. The armature overtravel feature includes an overtravel biasing spring for returning the armature from the disengaged position to the engaged position prior to subsequent energization of the actuator coil. As a result, the overtravel feature minimizes the mass impacting the valve seat thereby extending valve seat life while, importantly, avoiding lost motion in the armature during the next actuation cycle thereby minimizing valve response time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Benson, Laszlo D. Tikk, David L. Buchanan, Byron J. Bunker