Patents by Inventor Chuck Hoke

Chuck Hoke 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: 7367220
    Abstract: A method for pressure testing an engine to detect possible oil seal leaks. The engine is charged with a predetermined pressure while air pressure is also applied to an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve intake port to offset leakage inherent in the EGR valve. Thereafter, a pressure drop in the engine pressure is used to determine whether an oil seal leak may be present. Applying pressurized air to the EGR valve intake port compensates for EGR valve leakage and prevents the EGR valve leakage from masking possible oil seal leaks, thereby making the system more sensitive to such potential oil seal leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Heather W. Thomas, Chuck Hoke, Brent C. Rankin
  • Patent number: 7347087
    Abstract: A system and method for testing partially assembled engines for possible oil leaks. The system includes engine pressurizing devices that are automatically controlled by a controller according to a predetermined control program based upon the engine model type being tested. The pressurizing devices introduce pressurized air into the engine oil system. A leak testing unit monitors the pressurized engine for pressure drops indicative of an oil seal leak. Air pressure leaks resulting from inherently air-porous EGR valves are compensated for by an EGR compensating unit, which provides pressurized air to an intake side of the EGR valve. The flow of pressurized air through the EGR compensating unit is monitored to determine whether there is a problem with the EGR valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brent C. Rankin, Heather W. Thomas, Chuck Hoke
  • Publication number: 20070157714
    Abstract: A system and method for testing partially assembled engines for possible oil leaks. The system includes engine pressurizing devices that are automatically controlled by a controller according to a predetermined control program based upon the engine model type being tested. The pressurizing devices introduce pressurized air into the engine oil system. A leak testing unit monitors the pressurized engine for pressure drops indicative of an oil seal leak. Air pressure leaks resulting from inherently air-porous EGR valves are compensated for by an EGR compensating unit, which provides pressurized air to an intake side of the EGR valve. The flow of pressurized air through the EGR compensating unit is monitored to determine whether there is a problem with the EGR valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brent C. Rankin, Heather W. Thomas, Chuck Hoke
  • Publication number: 20070151329
    Abstract: A method for pressure testing an engine to detect possible oil seal leaks. The engine is charged with a predetermined pressure while air pressure is also applied to an EGR valve intake port to offset leakage inherent in the EGR valve. Thereafter, a pressure drop in the engine pressure is used to determine whether an oil seal leak may be present. Applying pressurized air to the EGR valve intake port compensates or EGR valve leakage and prevents the EGR valve leakage from masking possible oil seal leaks, thereby making the system more sensitive to such potential oil seal leaks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Heather Thomas, Chuck Hoke, Brent Rankin