Patents by Inventor Chuong Q. Dam

Chuong Q. Dam 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: 7942343
    Abstract: A coating for fuel injector components adapted for use with low lubricity fuels is disclosed. The invention consists of a metal carbon material coating or a metal nitride coating to the fuel pump plunger or other fuel injection system components. The invention utilizes a coating on the fuel injector plunger that minimizes scuffing or seizure associated with the plunger and barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Campion, Chuong Q. Dam, Kenneth W. Hall, William J. Rodier
  • Patent number: 7484672
    Abstract: A coating for fuel injector components adapted for use with low lubricity fuels is disclosed. The invention consists of a metal carbon material coating or a metal nitride coating to the fuel pump plunger or other fuel injection system components. The invention utilizes a coating on the fuel injector plunger that minimizes scuffing or seizure associated with the plunger and barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Campion, Chuong Q. Dam, Kenneth W. Hall, William J. Rodier
  • Publication number: 20080179430
    Abstract: A coating for fuel injector components adapted for use with low lubricity fuels is disclosed. The invention consists of a metal carbon material coating or a metal nitride coating to the fuel pump plunger or other fuel injection system components. The invention utilizes a coating on the fuel injector plunger that minimizes scuffing or seizure associated with the plunger and barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Robert M. Campion, Chuong Q. Dam, Kenneth W. Hall, William J. Rodier
  • Patent number: 7021557
    Abstract: A thin film coating for a low allow steel or tool steel components in a fuel injector (14), such as a fuel injector needle valve (86) is disclosed. A thin film coating (96) consists of a metal carbon material layer less than 2.0 microns thick applied to a low alloy steel substrate (95) or tool steel substrate (95) used in fuel injector components, such as the fuel injector needle valve (86) or a portion thereof. Optionally, a thin bond layer (98) of chromium is deposited between the steel substrate (95) and the primary metal carbon material coating (96). The thin film coating (96) minimizes abrasive and adhesive wear associated with the needle valve (86) and cooperating nozzle surfaces (62,63) of the fuel injector (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott F. Shafer, Jay E. Tomaseski, Chuong Q. Dam, Michael C. Long
  • Publication number: 20040251312
    Abstract: A coating for fuel injector components adapted for use with low lubricity fuels is disclosed. The invention consists of a metal carbon material coating or a metal nitride coating to the fuel pump plunger or other fuel injection system components. The invention utilizes a coating on the fuel injector plunger that minimizes scuffing or seizure associated with the plunger and barrel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Campion, Chuong Q. Dam, Kenneth W. Hall, William J. Rodier
  • Patent number: 6802457
    Abstract: A coating for fuel system components, including components of fuel injectors, adapted for use with low lubricity fuels is disclosed. The invention consists of a metal carbon material coating or a metal nitride coating to the fuel pump plunger or other fuel injection system components. The invention utilizes a coating on the fuel injector plunger that minimizes scuffing or seizure associated with the plunger and barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Robert M. Campion, Chuong Q. Dam, Kenneth W. Hall, William J. Rodier
  • Publication number: 20040195386
    Abstract: A thin film coating for a low allow steel or tool steel components in a fuel injector (14), such as a fuel injector needle valve (86) is disclosed. A thin film coating (96) consists of a metal carbon material layer less than 2.0 microns thick applied to a low alloy steel substrate (95) or tool steel substrate (95) used in fuel injector components, such as the fuel injector needle valve (86) or a portion thereof. Optionally, a thin bond layer (98) of chromium is deposited between the steel substrate (95) and the primary metal carbon material coating (96). The thin film coating (96) minimizes abrasive and adhesive wear associated with the needle valve (86) and cooperating nozzle surfaces (62,63) of the fuel injector (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott F. Shafer, Jay E. Tomaseski, Chuong Q. Dam, Michael C. Long
  • Patent number: 6715693
    Abstract: A thin film coating for a low alloy steel or tool steel components in a fuel injector (14), such as a fuel injector needle valve (86) is disclosed. A thin film coating (96) consists of a metal carbon material layer less than 2.0 microns thick applied to a low alloy steel substrate (95) or tool steel substrate (95) used in fuel injector components, such as the fuel injector needle valve (86) or a portion thereof. Optionally, a thin bond layer (98) of chromium is deposited between the steel substrate (95) and the primary metal carbon material coating (96). The thin film coating (96) minimizes abrasive and adhesive wear associated with the needle valve (86) and cooperating nozzle surfaces (62, 63) of the fuel injector (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Chuong Q. Dam, Michael C. Long, Scott F. Shafer, Jay E. Tomaseski
  • Patent number: 6634619
    Abstract: A pressure control valve having a cage with an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with an engine oil circuit is disclosed. The pressure control valve further has a spool in sliding engagement within the cage which blocks fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet when the spool is in the first position and places the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet when the spool is in the second position. A thin film coating is applied to an outer surface of the spool. The pressure control valve yet further has an actuator which controls movement of the spool slides from the first position to the second position. The coating reduces wear on the outer surface of the spool due to exposure of the spool to the engine oil and sliding engagement with the cage. A component of a hydraulic system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: David A. Cusac, Chuong Q. Dam, Mark G. Fulford, Paul A. Gamble, Robert E. Hawbaker, Rebecca M. Zick
  • Patent number: 6478933
    Abstract: A process for increasing the lubrication of ductile-iron lubricated contacts includes abrasive-blasting and plasma etching a ductile-iron component prior to coating. A wear resistant or low friction coating is then formed on the iron substrate and the resulting coated component has greater lubrication than a corresponding non-blasted and non-coated component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Chuong Q. Dam, Robert E. Hawbaker
  • Publication number: 20020000247
    Abstract: A pressure control valve having a cage with an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with an engine oil circuit is disclosed. The pressure control valve further has a spool in sliding engagement within the cage which blocks fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet when the spool is in the first position and places the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet when the spool is in the second position. A thin film coating is applied to an outer surface of the spool. The pressure control valve yet further has an actuator which controls movement of the spool slides from the first position to the second position. The coating reduces wear on the outer surface of the spool due to exposure of the spool to the engine oil and sliding engagement with the cage. A component of a hydraulic system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: David A. Cusac, Chuong Q. Dam, Mark G. Fulford, Paul A. Gamble, Robert E. Hawbaker, Rebecca M. Zick
  • Patent number: 6213075
    Abstract: Roller follower assemblies generally reduce frictional losses and wear associated with operating fuel injectors using a cam. Oil helps to reduce wear, but may not remove small particles. Buildup of these small particles may prevent a roller of the roller follower assembly from rotating about an axle pin. In the present invention, a hard coating is disposed between the axle pin and the roller to reduce rolling friction and buildup of small particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Oyelayo O. Ajayi, Theodore H. Becker, Jr., Chuong Q. Dam, Jian Zhang
  • Patent number: 6145941
    Abstract: A track bushing for an endless track of a track-type vehicle includes a first end, a second end and a middle portion, an outer surface and an inner surface, a first sealing surface adjacent the first end and a second end sealing surface adjacent the second end, a first inner bearing surface adjacent the first end and a second inner bearing surface adjacent the second end, and an abrasion resistant coating deposited on at least one of (a) at least one of the first end sealing surface and the second end sealing surface, and (b) at least one of the first inner bearing surface and the second inner bearing surface. The coating is selected from the group consisting of chromium nitrides, chromium carbonitrides, and mixtures thereof. The track bushing exhibits much superior abrasion, corrosion, erosion and galling resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W. Anderton, Phil J. Shankwitz, Chuong Q. Dam, Alan P. Dremann, William A. Holt
  • Patent number: 6045200
    Abstract: A track assembly for a track-type machine includes a track bushing that defines first and second end portions and first and second sealing end faces that are defined by the respective end portions. The track bushing also defines a bore that extends therethrough between the end portions thereof. A first bearing surface is defined on the bore adjacent the first end portion and a second bearing surface is defined on the bore adjacent the second end portion. An abrasion resistant coating is deposited on at least one of the first and second end surfaces and the first and second bearing surfaces. The coating is selected from the group consisting of chromium nitrides, chromium carbonitrides, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W. Anderton, Chuong Q. Dam, Alan P. Dremann, William A. Holt, Phil J. Shankwitz
  • Patent number: 5852245
    Abstract: A piezoelectric pressure sensor for detecting pressure in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes a backing plate secured within a housing. The sensor also includes a resilient prestress plate stacked on the backing plate. The resilient plate is formed of silicone elastomer. A sensor element is stacked on the resilient plate. The sensor element is composed of a piezoelectric material formed from a mixture of lead titanate and lead zirconate. A thermally insulating plate is stacked on the sensor element and a diaphragm plate is stacked on the thermally insulating plate and also secured to the housing. The diaphragm plate is exposed to combustion atmosphere and is adapted to transmit a pressure being determined onto the sensor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: J. Gregory Wesling, Kurtis C. Kelley, Chuong Q. Dam
  • Patent number: 5786098
    Abstract: A process for increasing the boundary lubrication of low alloy steel lubricated contacts includes providing a low alloy steel part having a non-oxidized steel substrate. An iron oxide film is formed on the substrate by low temperature arc vapor deposition and the resulting iron oxide coated low alloy steel part has greater boundary lubrication than the non-oxidized low alloy steel part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Walenta, Chuong Q. Dam
  • Patent number: 5738768
    Abstract: A process for reducing particle defects in an arc vapor deposition coating on a substrate comprises the steps of providing a metallic wire mesh, providing an arc source adapted to impart a positive charge on coating macroparticles produced during arc vapor deposition, positioning the wire mesh in between the arc source and the substrate, applying a negative bias voltage to the wire mesh and entrapping positively charged macroparticles on the negatively charged wire mesh during coating deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Chuong Q. Dam, Laura M. VanLanen
  • Patent number: 5700094
    Abstract: A bearing assembly comprising, an inner race, an outer race spaced apart from the inner race and a plurality of rolling elements disposed in the space between the inner race and the outer race. The rolling elements are in rolling contact with the inner and outer races. An abrasion resistant coating is deposited on at least one of the inner race and the outer race. The coating is selected from the group consisting of metallic nitrides, metallic carbonitrides, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: Chuong Q. Dam, Gregory G. Hafner, Kenneth W. Burris
  • Patent number: 5676100
    Abstract: A glow plug assembly having a shield integrally connected to a housing is disposed in and retained in a bore in a cylinder head by a clamp connected to the cylinder head. A stop surface connected to said housing is engageable with the cylinder head and establishes the location of a heating element second end in the combustion chamber. The clamp maintains the stop against the head and the orientation of the shield angled second end relative to the combustion chamber. The heating element is connected to the housing by a spacer and the housing is sealed with a filler material which blocks the transfer of fluid through the housing. The filler material maintains the housing from passing fluid between the first and second housing ends, minimizes the vibration of the electrical conductors and conducts the heat out of the glow plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Chuong Q. Dam, Kerry A. DelVecchio, Robert L. Miller, Kenneth J. Suda
  • Patent number: 5620645
    Abstract: A process for forming elements for use in high temperature environments includes the following steps. The process mixes metal and/or metal compounds with orthophosphoric acid and adds a filler to form a moldable material. The moldable material is dried at a temperature less than about 100 degrees to form a stable unitary mass and thereafter the temperature is increased to its "false melt" temperature. Pressure is then subjected on the element while maintaining the element at its false melt temperature for densifying the element to a preselected porosity and deforming the element to preselected final dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jill E. Crumpacker, Chuong Q. Dam, Virgil R. Hester, Kurtis C. Kelley