Patents by Inventor Christopher Chadwell

Christopher Chadwell 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: 8151691
    Abstract: A hydraulic variable compression ratio (VCR) piston for use in an internal combustion engine. The piston is a two-part piston, in which a gudgeon pin carrier slides within an outer sleeve. A variable volume upper chamber is formed between the top of the gudgeon pin carrier and the end of the outer sleeve. When the upper chamber fills with oil, its volume increases, and the overall piston geometry is longer. This reduces the piston clearance in the cylinder and increases cylinder pressure. At a given maximum cylinder pressure or at a given rate of increase of cylinder pressure, oil from the upper chamber is relieved by using a rate-sensitive pressure relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Pirault, Riccardo Meldolesi, Christopher Chadwell
  • Publication number: 20100139479
    Abstract: A hydraulic variable compression ratio (VCR) piston for use in an internal combustion engine. The piston is a two-part piston, in which a gudgeon pin carrier slides within an outer sleeve. A variable volume upper chamber is formed between the top of the gudgeon pin carrier and the end of the outer sleeve. When the upper chamber fills with oil, its volume increases, and the overall piston geometry is longer. This reduces the piston clearance in the cylinder and increases cylinder pressure. At a given maximum cylinder pressure or at a given rate of increase of cylinder pressure, oil from the upper chamber is relieved by using a rate-sensitive pressure relief valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Pirault, Riccardo Meldolesi, Christopher Chadwell
  • Publication number: 20060000203
    Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature and/or space velocity of exhaust gas provides control of the maximum temperature of the exhaust gas to prevent thermal damage to the Diesel engine components and associated aftertreatment devices during regeneration of the aftertreatment devices. The method includes controlling intake and/or exhaust valve opening timing and duration, either singly or in combination with selective individual cylinder cutout, in response to sensed engine operating parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: Rudolf Stanglmaier, Ryan Roecker, Charles Roberts, Lee Dodge, Christopher Chadwell, Darius Mehta, Daniel Stewart